The Trip

In lieu of pictures of Twin, since she is still partly anon, you can have the very first picture I took, on our walk to the grocery store.

So, I admit, I totally wanted to do a post while I was with Twin and be all, "We are TOGETHER!" But that failed. I was entirely too busy being with Twin.

I had so much fun with her, guys. She's pretty much just as amazing in real life, which makes her WAY AWESOME.

We rewatched all three Lord of The Ring movies, extended versions, and we agree that neither of us like Frodo, not even one bit. Sam's the real hero. <3<3<3
We went on lovely walks, and drank delicious tea, and even wrote a bit. We painted our nails (mine are colorful! :D) and listened to music we both loved. We made chocolate truffles, and attempted chocolate sauce twice with varying success. We read the same book at the same time. (That was an accident, but interesting.)

After the first awkward moment where her siblings all stared at me, I got along with her family famously. Her little sister, Molly, even declared that she loved me, and wanted to be my best friend. I have the picture she drew and "home steeple" to prove it.

Don't I look mysterious?

One of my favorite moments––which is an inaccurate statement, because the whole trip was my favorite moment––was right at the beginning. When I arrived at the airport, I called Maggie and told her I was there, then I pulled on a lovely hat and my "fake glasses"(reading glasses from the dollar store with the lenses popped out) before heading to the baggage claim. As soon as I saw her and her mom, sitting, I forced myself to keep my eyes off them, and I slowly walked behind the pillar closest to them. It was all I could do to not squeal and launch myself at her. Or collapse on the floor, because my legs go cooked-noodle when I'm nervous, and I was so so so so nervous. Once behind the pillar, I took a moment to not have a meltdown, drew a deep, not-as-calming-as-I-could-hope breath, and walked around behind their seats. I was sure they would see me and Maggie would instantly know it was me.
At least, until I grabbed her shoulders and made her jump.
I am quite proud of myself for successfully sneaking up on her.
Her? Not so much. She was a little ticked.

Another favorite moment was when I went to the bookstore with Maggie, her mom, and her sister. This may not seem so big to you guys, but I've never gone to the bookstore with like-minded readers. It was thrilling. I bought a beautiful copy of Beth Revis's A Million Suns. It's quite lovely. *admires*

So many other things happened. I had balance difficulties once or twice. (In my defense, sliding across hardwood floors in socks is the funnest thing EVER.) We went spelunking. (spelunking = my new love in life <3) I actually finished a pair of fingerless mitts for myself (those in the above photo) and I'm very pleased with them. They fit and they're wonderful and they make me happy. *^_^*

The best of the best, though, was undoubtedly talking to Maggie face to face. Just...being in the same room as her. Knowing beyond doubt she's not a figment of my imagination or––as several family members have suggested––a creepy old man.

But now I'm back in Texas, and aside from being forgotten at the airport, I'm safe and sound. I've just begun the unpacking process, which is the real sign that my trip is over. *tear*

The trip was a blessing. Maggie is wonderful, and her family is unbelievably kind. I admit I was so sad I had to leave that I shed tears while waiting for my plane.

Now back to school and work and daily life. I'm glad to be back home, but I definitely can't wait 'til I get to see Maggie Twin again.

Rock On! (a.k.a Childhood Dreams)

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a rockstar when I grew up.

Okay, I actually wanted to be a lot of things. A dancer, a mommy, an actress, a writer. But there was a specific season of my life where I was dead serious about it: I wanted to be a rock star! I wanted to play a pink electric guitar (that changed a little later to electric blue, after I saw one in a music store) and I wanted to sing and-- well, rock out! It appealed to me somehow.

Now, "all grown up" as I am, I still love rock music. I play the guitar. (Er, well, I have a guitar!) If I had the time one day I'd still very much love to learn to play (and own) a blue electric guitar! But I don't still want to be an all out rockstar.

I think it's part of being a kid; having dreams and aspirations. We've all had them. Some of them came in seasons, and faded as we matured and changed. (Actress? No thanks!) Some of them stayed steadfast, and are still in place today as goals. (Writer? Dancer? Mommy? Count me in!) And some of them faded into the background, yet still exist, living on in our hearts until one day we pick them up again. Or, at least, I hope we pick them up again.

My question to you today -- I'm dying to know! -- what were your childhood dreams? What did you want to be when you grew up? What are your dreams today compared to then? And which dreams have you fulfilled and which are yet to be fulfilled?

Hope you're all having an awesome Thursday!

I am. Today was my last chem class until after fall break. Wooohooo!

Best Part of Today: The gentle rain. (Or the amazing cookie from my chem teacher... She's the best!)
Currently Craving: Hot chocolate!!!
Music Pick: "Lullaby" by OneRepublic
I'm Reading: "David Copperfield" by Charles Dickens 

WIP: Fire [on hold!] (11,261 words) + Planning/plotting/developing To Save Them (a.k.a NaNo Novel)