I Wish I Was, I Wish I Was, Beside You

I just had to use one of my favorite 5SOS lyrics as my title, fitting since I finally got a physical copy of their album at Target on Friday (such excitement!). I’ve been struggling to come up with a post to write about. I read so many amazing blogs with people who live crazy lives of traveling, shopping, festival-going, or all of the above. I am from the middle of no-where where there is never anything to do. I traveled once this summer, and there is no decent shopping in sight. I work all day, and usually end up coming home solely to relax at night. What could I possibly show you all that is actually “fun” or “photo-worthy?”

That’s when I decided to take a closer look at my life. Yes, nothing extravagant seems to happen in my daily routine, but it’s the little things that bring joy, too.

Take, for example, Friday. I woke up early to go get our vehicle worked on (boring, I know), but we didn’t just travel to the nearest “city” (or bigger town, as I like to say), for that. My little sister, going to be a freshman in high school, was getting her braces off. How exciting for her! While this was just an average day for me, this was one of the best days for her. We stopped by Target, each picked up a copy of the 5SOS album (yes, we both like the same band), went to the orthodontist to take out the metal, and then went to Olive Garden to celebrate. I had some amazing pasta and chocolate mousse cake for dessert. I would like another piece now, please.

Look at her BEAUTIFUL, braces free, smile. (I'm on the left, just in case you didn't know!)

We headed back home on the 30-minute drive back to my teeny-tiny town and I had my sister take an OOTD photo in my street to end the day. Yes, I know I wear a lot of black/gray, but it’s my go-to, even for summer! As a bonus, I was wearing one of my absolute favorite Jawbreaking tees. They’re always so unique, so their shop is one of my favorites online.

Top: Jawbreaking (link to their site here)

Bottoms: Forever 21 (Cut by me--post on my DIY here)

Sandals: Forever 21 (borrowed from my sister)

While it wasn’t much, it was a special day for both her and me. Seeing her growing up makes me so happy & sad at the same time. Where did my little sister go? But, it’s nice being able to spend this time with her since I’ll end up having to move away soon, as college is flying by (getting a bit watery-eyed at this point). Small town life just isn’t for me.

Basically, I’m trying to share with you what I’ve been trying to teach myself. Yes, not everyday will be as fabulous and extravagant as others, and maybe you will only do one experience worth binge-blogging about all year, but be sure to take note of the little things too. Not only in blogging, but in life. These little memories are the ones that add up to make you just as happy as a singular major event. And hold joy dear, not only your own, but also those of the one’s you love.

I don’t want to get too emotional now, and I’m sorry if I haven’t gotten around to reading your blogs recently. I’m struggling writing blogs for myself, let alone reading others! I have two more 6-day work weeks coming up, and I’ll be sure to read yours as soon as I can before heading back to college the next week. I love reading about what’s been going on with your lives, especially if you have been doing some fun things this summer. If you are, then I’ve lived my summer vicariously through you. Speaking of summer, WHERE DID IT GO?! I’ve enjoyed getting a bit of blogging done this summer, and I am praying I will keep up with it this year as a second-year student at college. Much love and thanks for keeping up with me thus far—it’s only the beginning.

Much love,

Maggie D. xx

I’VE BEEN ACCEPTED!! *Cue Celebration*

I’m sitting here, writing this blog post at 2 in the morning, listening to Matty & George from The 1975 on the Radio 1 Breakfast Show (I’m catching up on my interviews), questioning absolutely nothing. I am quite content actually. After a week of stress, reading, and more stress and reading, I finally found out the best news I’ve heard all summer. In fact, besides my trip to Chicago, this was the only exciting thing to happen to me this summer (sad but true—there isn’t much to do back home where I’m from).

Last Sunday, I submitted my essay to finish up my study abroad application. I was basically shaking as I pressed the submit button. I wasn’t tooooo nervous, but there was obviously a bit of nerves. What if I didn’t get accepted? What if I looked at myself as a failure for the rest of my life? Ok, so I wasn’t that worried. But I was still scared.

They informed me that I would hear back in five business days, so I figured I would know by Friday. The days seem to drag on and on—I just wanted to know my fate. 5 p.m. hit on Friday, and I figured I wouldn’t know for the week. A WEEKEND OF ANXIOUSLY WAITING—I COULDN’T DO IT.

Then, at exactly 5:15 Friday evening, I got the email: Dear Maggie, I am happy to inform you that you have been selected to study on (college’s name) England program during the Spring of 2015…

I basically froze and wanted to cry and scream and fall down all at the same time. This is what I have wanted for years. I got accepted, and I am still in a bit of shock.

My sister was the only one home at the time, so I told her and texted everyone else that I love: “I GOT ACCEPTED!!”

I had to celebrate, so my sister and I hit up one of my favorite, summery local restaurants for an infamous “Bob’s dog” and fries. We stopped by the DQ for a shake afterward, and celebrated that night by watching House Hunters. Such a celebration, I know, but it really was a lovely evening. I posted a few photos from our little outing, including a little OOTD post. Simple tees, jeans and my new Vans are perfect for summer. I am so so so excited to take this next step in my life, and I cannot wait to travel to London next spring.

Since back-to-college shopping is just around the corner (really, where did summer go?) I was wondering if any Brits would share with me some winter/spring essentials. What should I invest in before traveling across the pond? Thanks for reading, and I have a five day break from work this week, so expect another post again soon!

All of my love,

Maggie D. xx