Well hello everyone! I love finding new blogs and especially new fun link-ups. Today I stumbled upon the cute Lovely Little Things blog and the Smell the Roses series. Because let's face it we all need to smell the roses every once in awhile. I am just sorry I didn't find this sooner because some of the past tasks would have been so fun.

The task for this week is...

Write yourself a letter to yourself...to read 5 years from now.

After having written a letter to myself 5 years ago...I know I couldn't pass this up. It is basically a time capsule for myself that I will be opening or reading on August 6, 2017. And it goes a little something like this...

Dear Krista,

First off, this is you, now.

You better still be this hot. Just saying.

Well, you have made it to your 30th year. I hope you crossed off at least 3/4 of your 30 before 30 list(which right now is still in progress, so I guess I hope you also finished it.) So if all is done then you will have gotten married, bought a house, done some pole dancing ;) have another tattoo that you currently do not have and you enjoy your job...just to name a few. And if you haven't, then it might be time to break out the list and ask yourself why not. You should always remember to do what you truly want because you want to. Kids or no kids, never lose your passion for trying/doing things that make you happy. Even if others are skeptical and nay sayers. 

By now you should have a little nugget or maybe multiple, God willing and I am sure you are the best mom ever. If it is any indication of how much you love Lily and spoil her these days, it only goes to show how amazing you are with your own flesh and blood. Even Brian says your crazy cat lady skills will carry over into great mom skills.

Speaking of being a momma, how's it going hot momma? Because I know you have started to get the MILF thing going. Highlights, tanning, boobs. ya know, the works. No? Not there yet? No problem. It's your past self telling you to start today. Seriously, go. Even get a workout in, eat healthier. The simple things will help in the long run. 

Your closest friends are still there for you and Brian. (Yes, I am psychic actually) They still come and go in your gigantic house with many bedrooms (and I am also a dreamer) You still rely on them to pick you up even on your craziest days. I know this because your friends now are the friends that have stayed. Stuck with you through every crazy thing in your life and will continue to be there. If you have lost a few, maybe try to reach out. Never too late for a reunion and catch ups. 

You will have been married 4 years, together 11...yikes! You better have celebrated properly! And I know you two are living so happy and still having laughs. Because there is never a dull moment in your lives together. Just remember this time 5 years ago. You were planning a wedding, just learning about living together and  getting excited for your future. Remember this feeling and time. I say take a big vacation this year. Maybe as a family, maybe just the two of you. I know you two always spend, spend on little things and it's time to splurge on a big vacation. Think tropical, relaxing. Because you both need it. I just know this even 5 years from the past :)

It's just crazy thinking 5 years into the future. If I had done this 5 years ago, my letter would show just how much you can't predict anything. You are just on this ride wherever it takes you. Excited to see!

Make sure to head over to see Jessica's blog and start smelling the roses, definitely a fun time!

Oh, it's raining alright.

Well.

Let me just tell you about my time from this past weekend until today. Let's just say it was a little bit crazy and a lot out there. 

Saturday I lost part of an eyebrow. That's right. I am now the owner of a quarter of an eyebrow thanks to a wonderful wax job. And from what I hear, eyebrows don't grow back that easily. Just wonderful. 

So I now have to part my bangs on a different side and it just feels so wrong. And not in a good way wrong. Not right at all.

But Saturday night I got to spend some time with some of my favorite people celebrating the senior. My greek family and sisters. Spent some time in a coat closet, talked wedding and life and had an all around great time. Almost made me forget I lost an eyebrow.

Sunday was a wedding day. Mine or whoevers. It's whatever ;) Felt very constructive and had a nice little afternoon treat. What's that saying? Hair of the dog that bit you? Aka. I'm old and might have been nursing a hangover. 

Monday was well a Monday. Crazy, sleepy, out of the norm. Had a serious panic moment. The one that kind of makes you evaluate where you are in life and why. (Without going into so much detail)

Well, some wine cured that right up. Cue door bell ringing. Friendly neighbor introducing himself at 8 o'clock at night. No, No. He was here to tell me there was water coming out of my garage. Score. He then proceeded to tell me how it just happened to his water heater a few months ago and now they keep everything in plastic bins (That explains all the time they spend in their garage..)

It does turn out to be my water heater. I hear a distinct hissing noise that must mean a leak for sure. After using all 5 of my leg muscles, I am able to pry the nailed door off the water heater . 

Side note: Who nails a door to a water heater?

Welp. A leak. Course of action, call the landlord. How nice I can do that. Have a problem? No worries, just call someone else.  Hopefully today someone can help me fix this mess. 

And here is all I can think, tomorrow is a new day. Not only that, a new month. And not only that, Carrie Underwood's new album!! So that must mean it will be a good month, right? Gosh, I hope so.

Time to reflect

Upon going to Rider University's graduation this past Friday, I reflected back on the past year.

A year ago I was in that cap and gown listening to the speeches telling me I could go and do anything I wanted to do. There were endless possibilities.

Today I sit here, two part-time jobs and not where I envisioned the year after I graduated college. It is both frustrating and disheartening that I have not found a full time job. But at the same time I still try to be confident and know that I will do great things one day. It's coming. It has to. I am talented and I have a passion for what I do. There is an ultimate plan for where I am going and I just have to remember that everyday. 

At the same time, I have come a long way from a year ago in my personal life. After graduation, I entered a home without my mom that was a struggle for the first few months. Many tears were shed and many days it just seemed too much. I wouldn't say I have healed, I don't think I will ever completely heal but there is some peace now. 

I have been able to let go of my anger and remind myself everyday that even though my mom isn't here today, I had her for a wonderful 22 years. Those years were the best years and she was wonderful to me and made me who I am. Some children don't even get to have their mom for that long. The relationship with my mom was one of the best. She was my best friend that I told everything and she helped me with so much and I know many daughters still don't have that relationship with their mom. Being able to remember my mom and all those great memories I am very thankful for.

My relationship with Brian has grown immensely in a year. We have managed the long distance very well. Through emails, texts and of course phone calls we are still able to connect with each other. Some days it seems tough but then the next day we are both reminded of what we have and how special it is. He has held me up and helped me through the past year and past few years. I know that our relationship will still continue to grow and our laughter will still be there. I can't wait to see what the future has for us.

A wonderful addition to my life has been Lily.  Yes I am going to talk about my cat. She's a joy and a terror sometimes but definitely keeps me company. Plus, she makes me smile with just how odd she can be sometimes.

Friendships have strengthened and weakened this past year. There are those that have withstood the distance and time. Others just didn't seem to be able to stand the new life I have to live. Every one I am thankful for and have helped me through various parts of my life. Growing up is acknowledging that sometimes everyone isn't friends and THAT IS OK. Greek life teaches us to love each other and get along with each and be all roses and peaches. Real life, people aren't friends sometimes because their lives don't mesh or their personalities. There are no rules saying everyone have to be bff with each other. You be bff with the ones that get you through the hard times and help you enjoy the good times. Not the ones you see and talk to maybe once a year. Knowing this helps you grow and let go. That is what I have done. 

A year ago I didn't see myself here. But here is where I have ended up and I am going through it day by day. It's called a journey for a reason right?

-Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.- John F. Kennedy