Welcome.

Introduction

I am starting this blog in an attempt to spread positivity through my personal experiences and the lives of optimists I befriend along the way. (Ever since I really changed my life the past couple years I have tried to surround myself with as many optimists as possible.) I have blogged for 10 years. My past blogs, laced with vulgarities and risque topics, have focused more on humor, but I am trying a new style of writing. I'm sure some of my wit will shine through but ultimately the focus is solely on FUN and being POSITIVE. This blog will include healthy vegan recipes, book and music reviews, suggestions for fun, positive news, interviews with people I find to be inspirational and how to overcome personal obstacles such as self-doubt, substance abuse, debt, laziness, etc.—all of which I have overcome in the past few years.

*My other posts won't have as many photos of myself but I thought they were good for introductory purposes. Also, all photos will be taken by either me or my friends. No stolen images here. :-)

extended bio...

What makes me different?

Well, we are all people, so I'm really not that different from others. I am definitely my own person though. And I try not to judge people too much. I've always been a chameleon. I've never been part of one social group. In school I was the gal who was friends with a couple jocks, some punks, some academic overachievers, some burn-outs, etc. I just love people and I have friends who are all very different. I love to defy social norms and I am a big fan of shock value. Most random strangers I run into ask me if I work at a tattoo shop because of all the tattoos I have but are a bit shocked when I tell them I work in an office. Interestingly enough, some are further shocked upon realizing I am intelligent and educated. Some people are surprised someone with tattoos and black hair who loves concerts and bars doesn't drink anymore and has a domestic side. Basically it's because I believe in being ME. I can wear a dress one day, then cowboy boots, heels, a collared shirt or ripped t-shirts on other days. I can work in a restaurant as a waitress or work in an office. Be outgoing or more reserved. Take a line dancing class or play bass guitar. I just do whatever I want and I believe that is the key to staying happy. So many people just do things to appease others or to attempt to fulfill societal norms or fit into a label. I try not to, though I admit I am occasionally guilty of it.

Why should you read what I write?

I've been called "unique" and "funny" my entire life. I am an open-minded individual who has an endless love for learning and experiencing pretty much anything I can be exposed to. I have always questioned social norms and recognized that Western society thrives on corporations and sheep. Therefore, I ended up submerging myself into the punk subculture at age 15 and I learned a lot about who I was and how wonderful it is to be able to be inquisitive and see things from my own perspective rather than see everything the way society says I should see it.

Eleven years later, I am proud to say I have absolutely zero regrets in life and I believe everything happens for a reason. I am constantly evolving and I admit my mistakes as opposed to those who constantly complain and blame everyone else for their problems. Am I better than those people? No. As a matter of fact, though I've overcome many of my issues, I, just like everyone else, still have my days in which I start to feel a bit negative. In addition to my goal of helping others through this blog, I am also using it for myself, to keep me positive and motivated.

I have my BA in Psychology, with minors in Criminal Justice and Sociology. I do not think this makes me better than someone without a college degree nor do I think it makes me less qualified to write than someone with an MA or a PhD—I actually think college is a money-making scheme that brainwashes the social masses into believing a degree equals success but that in spite of this college can be good for those who love to learn and don't have false expectations, but I'll get into that in a blog post at some point—however, I am simply putting it out there to express my interest in such topics and my dedication to learning about them. I'm a full-time proofreader at an ad agency and freelance proofreader/editor and writer. I also operate a small vegan bakery both online and locally. My passions include music, bass, guitar, flute, writing, editing, reading, vegan baking and cooking, animals, learning, jogging, stretching, natural health, road trips, travel, dance, people, art, crafting, drawing, painting, sociology, psychology, philosophy, self-awareness, living in the moment, adventures, randomness, tattoos, watching movies, etc.