To Close 2014: A little post about happiness

Hello all, and happy almost 2015! So, I was hoping to do a little year in review post, and I’ve discovered one thing whilst looking back on the months: I didn’t do very much. And that means I didn’t take many photographs. So, I thought back on what made me happy (clearly what I captured most), and thus decided that would be my post. What brings me happiness?

My Family

First and foremost before anything is family. Even when they seem to nag or bother, it’s amazing to know there’s always a support crew behind me. They’ve helped me so much with absolutely everything (especially with my study abroad endeavors), and I have no idea what I’d do without them.

My family (minus the brother) came to visit me during parents weekend.

My not so little brother and I at his senior homecoming

My Friends

How terrible is it that I don’t have a good photo with some of the most incredible people I’ve met? It’s pretty bad. (And if you guys are reading this we have to do this ASAP) But, these are the people I go to when I’m freaking out about my last exam or the new Taylor Swift album—and they don’t judge me for it. Thanks for being there guys.

Aundrea and I at the One Direction concert in Chicago. It. Was. So. Good.

A terribly dark and weirdly lit shot at the Hoodie Allen concert downtown. Yeah. These are my friends.

Travelling

So, one might say, “How have you never been to the state of Illinois when you live in Iowa? They’re right next door!” Well, that is correct. But you see, I live on the Northwest side of Iowa (aka the part where there is nothing), so I’m a solid nine hours away from the bustling Midwest city of Chicago. But, what did I do this summer? I visited Chicago, and thus made my first trip to the windy city. It was amazing. Cities are where I feel like I belong. I appreciate my Midwest roots, but there’s something about a city that entices me. So, spending a week there was an absolute highlight of my summer.

This was so high above the city. It was amazing.

Concert-going

Errr you had to know this would be on the list, right? I think it is safe for me to say that there is nothing like a concert. You are going to a venue, no matter how big or small, in which everyone is there for that one reason: the band. There’s always a kind of adrenaline rush when they first come out on stage, and I haven’t experienced anything quite like that in my short little life so far. In the spring, I saw Hoodie Allen and Karmin, who both came to the capital of Iowa, my college city. I saw One Direction and 5 Seconds of Summer this August in Chicago WITH FLOOR SEATS. My mind was blown. Concerts do make me incredibly happy, but I do hate how expensive they can be… If you would like to loan me some $$$ for Taylor's 1989 tour, I wouldn't mind...

"She's into drummers…" Yes. Yes I am.

I am so proud of this picture. I will probably show this to my grandchildren because this is basically a once in a lifetime shot.

This is supposed to be longer, but I can't get it to work right. So, here's Harry and Niall for you. You're welcome.

A very blurry Hoodie Allen.

Amy & Nick from Karmin are adorable.

Bonnie McKee. And this is no filter.

Reading

As a magazines and English major, I must say reading is one of my favorite things to do. I will honestly read anything, and I’ve read some great books this year that I highly recommend (and some not so great books that I definitely don't recommend…). This year proved to be an amazing one for women, and one of my inspirations is Sophia Amoruso, who wrote one of my favorite books of the year. And I'm only 3/4 of the way done with it. In “#GirlBoss,” she says she doesn’t want to be considered a role model, but how couldn’t she be? She went through some difficult years, followed what she loved and made it out on top. Her tips are outlined with common sense: work hard, and it’ll pay off. That’s going to be my new motto for the new year. I also picked up “Refinery 29: Style Stalking,” “The Craft” and “It” this year, all with tips that blow my mind. All are well worth the investment. I also read some great literature both inside and outside the classroom. In my writing class, we watched “Capote,” and I sort of became obsessed with Truman Capote's story. So, I read “In Cold Blood” and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Both were so well written, and I would like to read more from him. (Side note: I love Audrey, but there aren't many similarities between the film and novella of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” which was quite disappointing)

These are a few of the things that make me most happy, and I am glad I was able to explore myself a bit more. But, like any other 19-year-old, I still don’t know what the heck I’m doing with my life. I know 2015 will be a new start for me. I’m ready to start figuring things out a bit, and what better to do that in the place I’ve always dreamed of: London. I will be spending the first four months of the new year in the city, and I am nervous/excited/thrilled to see everything the year has in store. Thank you 2014; you were pretty good. But, I have a feeling—scratch that, I KNOW—2015  will be even better.

Until next year (which is an hour and 45 minutes away for me currently),

Maggie D. xx