In which I made a blog BFF IRL.

Want to hear the story about how Jackie from travelgirl and I fell in blog BFF IRL love? Because you can read the full report here. And for the record, I would just like to reiterate how amazingly fantastic this girl is, and how jealous you all should be that I have her as a blog BFF IRL. Because she is fancy and awesome. That is all.

p.s. Happy last day of February, friends! xo

Six Confessions

1. I will never get a tattoo over a freckle. I only have a few of them, and I happen to really like them!

2. I love getting tips at work, but it makes me really, really uncomfortable to accept them.

3. I secretly want to be a pastry maker or cake decorator.

4. I get really, really sleepy after I've put on eye makeup, or have had my eyebrows waxed.

5. I want to live at Hogwarts. I just finished re-reading the series in January, and I already want to start, again.

6. All the sudden, concerts (especially inside-concerts) make me really uncomfortable and claustrophobic.

Happy Sunday, everyone! :)

p.s. Do you like the new banner?

p.p.s. If you do your own version of "6 confessions..." please link up, here! 
I'd love to have a look at yours! xo


p.p.p.s. There are some new blog buttons to the lower right if you wanna add one to your page,
or switch from one of my old ones! 

That big, exciting decision.

So, I have been telling you guys a little bit at a time (and even dropping a few hints!) about what this big decision I am making is.

I have been working at PetsMart for about three months now, and I absolutely love my job. I wouldn't have it any other way, than to be able to work with animals for a living... it hardly even feels like work! It's honestly the first job I have genuinely liked since World Market closed. That being said, I have a few friends who are either vet techs, or in school to be a vet tech, and the idea has sounded so good to me lately.

I brought it up with Nick and my friends and family and most of them are strongly in favor of my staying in school to complete the two-year associates degree (that would only take me a year and a half because of my education degree). There are several reasons why this decision is a hard one for me:

• I have already spent five years and countless thousands of dollars on a degree. Thinking about this decision is not to say that I don't love teaching, because I really do. And the fact that I have spent so much time on this path makes me a little hesitant to change my mind so late in the game. Deciding to go back to school after I graduate in three weeks would mean two more years (ish) of school and a few (ish) thousand more dollars in loans. Is this something I am willing to take on?

• I haven't even tried teaching freal, yet. I know I have had practicums and student teaching, but these aren't much compared to what the real first year of teaching is like. And while I can honestly say I have never felt as strongly about teaching English as I do about helping animals, I also cannot truly say I have given teaching a 100% try. Doesn't five years and many, many loans deserve a real try?

• Two more years in school means two more years I put everything else on hold. I am going to be 23 soon. I am ready to move out of my parents house (which would probably still happen) and maybe, possible, someday soon start thinking about the possibility of getting married. Not only this, but I have been living the "student's schedule" for a long time, now, and before I started at PetsMart, I was all ready to have a full time job + awesome salary when I graduated. I have so many plans for actual money. None of these plans would happen for another two years. 

• Being a vet tech means making a LOT less money. I would probably make about 20k less a year being a vet tech. I keep telling myself that this is not the thing I should base my decision off of, but more money IS appealing, right?

• When I emailed the director the program, she wasn't very easy to talk to/nice about scheduling an appointment with me. I feel like this might be a sign. 

I realize that this is a huge amount of text and I love you if you have read all the way to this point. It definitely helps that I get this all out on the blog, and I appreciate any input that you guys might have for me. 

I keep thinking that the best idea would be to find a job and try teaching for a while. And if I don't find a job, go back to school. But it seems so much harder to go back to school once you stop. What would you do?

<3 xo 

S

Bloggin' Ladies: Strataflora

This week's bloggin' lady is none other than one of my favorites, Amy, from Strataflora! She was one of the first to begin following and supporting Femmena Mala Blog, and she still does! She even won my very first giveaway! :) <3 her. 

Name+Age+Site/Blog

Amy – 24 – Blog: www.strataflora.com

What is something interesting about you?

Hmm, I’m just your average gal.  I dream about leaving everything behind one day (except the boyfriend and dog of course!) and traveling the world…maybe a world cruise?  How fun would that be?!  Also, I’m a big believer in karma…being kind and good to other people is really important to me.  You get back what you put out in this world, and we could all do with a little more kindness.  :o)

Why did you begin blogging?

 Initially, I just really needed a creative outlet; I wanted a place where I could catalog ideas and inspiration.  But it has turned into so much more than I ever thought it would – I’ve met so many wonderful people who share the same interests as me.  I feel like I’ve finally found my niche…and it’s fantastic to be a part of such a friendly, supportive and close-knit community! 

How long have you been blogging?

Almost a year now!  I started last March.

What is your inspiration for writing?

Oh, so many things!  Nature, traveling, art + design (anything residing in the visual world, really), LIFE, other cultures, fashion inspires me endlessly, the unexpected…POSSIBILITY.  Dreams.  Music!  I love to blog, paint/draw/design while my boyfriend is working on music…we constantly bounce ideas off of each other.  He’s my number one collaborator! 

Where do you get your ideas?

When I’m on a run, out in nature and my mind can just wander.  First thing in the morning and right before I’m falling asleep at night – I keep a sketch book under my bed to jot down ideas so I don’t forget.  I also love to get up early in the morning when it’s still dark (and so peaceful!) and sit down with a coffee to browse the internet or flip through my favorite magazines for inspiration.  A couple of my favorite mags:  Lula, V, Nylon, Jalouse, Elle Décor.

Do you have any advice that you want to share with fellow lady bloggers?

I don’t know if I’m in a position to be giving advice, as I’m still a newbie myself, but I think it’s important to be true to yourself.  Write about what you like no matter what.  Letting your guard down and opening up can be so rewarding…it’s something I’m working on too.  And quality over quantity always!  :o)

What is one thing you are looking forward to most in your future (blog or otherwise)?

I can’t pick just one!  I’m really excited to be finished with my design degree (about a year and a half away!) and hopefully find a cool job I love.  I really look forward to taking on freelance projects as well!  On a personal note, I can’t wait to get engaged to my boyfriend of 5 years…we may add another pooch to the fam as well (currently just one plump, er…well-loved puggle).  And on the blog side of things, my first giveaway is coming up soon…I can’t wait to do it!  I have a few more DIY ideas to tackle too. :o)

Today, a good day?

I found a dollar on the sidewalk on the way to school today. I am hoping this is a good omen for the rest of the day [or maybe even the week??]. Either way, I would like Saturday's goodness to carry over to this week. Regardless of it's sopping-wet-from-rain state, and the terrible face George is making on the photo above, I am counting on it meaning something good.

Hope you are all having a great Monday! <3 S