Happy 2016! Where did the time go? How is already 2016? This past year as been awesome, stressful, happy, great, exhausting and fast. I can't believe how fast it went. It feels like just last yesterday I was writing 2014 In Review and now its time to say good-bye to 2015. So, let's take a look back at this year.
So, without further I ado I want to share what I've done. This year I...
Happy last day of 2015! This year as been crazy and I honestly didn't pay much attention to my goals over the past year. But it was a good year and I proud of all the person I became over the last 12 months. If you are interested in where this and would like see where it all started you can see the first post here, you can also see the check-ins by clicking on the following months: March 2015 and September 2015.
Not Even Attempted
In Progress
Completed
1. Start Exercising and Eating Healthier
I did a get job for about the first three months and then it completely fell off the track
2. Cross 3 Things Off My Bucket List
I crossed nothing off my bucket list this year. I focused on school this year and didn't do anything huge, bucket list worthy. Although I have decided to add 1 thing to my bucket list, I have decided that I would like to take a tour at all 7 Ivy League schools. I was able to take a tour at Harvard this past summer, so I am 1/7 of my ways through crossing that off my list.
I started a blanket but haven't finished it yet. Although I'm thinking about working on it some over this break.
4. Read 6 Books That Aren't For School
I read 5 books this year. I would say that its pretty damn close to perfect. I'm also about a quarter of the way through the current book I'm reading so I would say that its about 95.25% of this goal could be crossed out. You can read the book reviews by clicking on the following links: Six Months Later, Gone Too Far, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, PS I Still Love You and The Third Twin.
5. Blog Twice A Week
I worked really hard on keeping up with this for the first month of the year. And then I realized that I didn't like working on schedule. I have found that when I try and force myself to get two blog posts out a week they aren't as good as they should be.
6. Create and Live By a Budget
This year I found a template I liked but wasn't good about keeping up with it.
7. Stop Procrastinating
I was awesome at not procrastinating this past semester. I got most of my work done before schedule. Most nights I didn't have to do homework after about 4:30 PM so I had my nights off and I was a lot happier that way. Although at times that meant spending hours in the library.
8. Become a Neater Person
I'm actually pretty proud to say that I have become a neater person. This semester I have found that most nights before I go to bed I'm putting things away and making sure that most things are in its place. I have found that this has made me less stressed.
I haven't worked on my novel at all. I actually started working on different writing project and I'm pretty happy about the work I've gotten done on it.
And those were my 10 goals of 2015. I only crossed one thing off my list but I made head ways on a lot of my goals. Things haven't been perfect but I'm happy about the headway I made and I can't wait to see where 2016 takes me.
I have been dragging out my Disney 2015 recap for many weeks now and it was time to officially wrap it up.
This trip was a trip of a lifetime. It was the first time I had ever made for a trip by myself and I may or may not be secretly planning my next grown up paid all by myself trip and this one most likely won't be to Disney. Shocker I know!
This trip had so many highlight. From meeting Ana and Elsa and acting like a 5 year old to getting to go to Disney World with two of my friends. And of course turning 21 in Disney World.
Part of me is really sad that this trip recap is done on my blog. I love sharing my trips with you guys. Even if sometimes it takes almost 6 months to share all the details. I hope that you guys enjoy reading them. I try to a large variety of different post, from restaurant posts to day by day recaps to more in depth post about big events/activities. Plus I love sharing my pictures and now my vlogs (You can check the Disney playlist out here).
Normally in my trip wrap ups I announce my next trip. I am going on a family vacation later in August but I won't do much coverage on the blog. Although I know I have another trip planned in about eighteen months I feel like it is too early for me to announce it so you guys are going to have wait to hear about. And for all I know I will go on another trip before hand.
And that is a wrap on Disney 2015! See ya real soon!
I feel like I have been MIA on this blog recently. I think it has to do with the fact that I can't share any of my own pictures and I don't have a lot of ideas about what to write about that doesn't have to do with my own pictures. But like I said when I told you my computer was no longer with us (you can read that here) that I will try and write about once to twice a week. But I'm still taking pictures when I do fun things as well as writing "rough draft" posts so once I get a new computer I can throw the pictures and drafts together and get you guys some posts. But until then enjoy this pictureless post (well I do still have access to the logo).
I feel so extremely lucky that I had the opportunity to Disney over spring break this pas year. But not only that but it also happened to be the week of my 21st birthday. It just happened to be really good timing. Every since I was little I always thought it would be super cool to get to be at Disney World during my twenty first birthday, well any birthday really.
On Saturday March 21 both Mandi and Hannah had hit there walls and wanting to go back to the room while I still had energy and decided to go back into the park. I had some pretty awesome moments that night. But on of my favorite moments was 3 security guards. I was walking back into the Magic Kingdom and they ask me what had brought me there night and I told them that was turning 21 at midnight. They then ask me way I wasn't going to EPCOT and I told them it was because it was closed. They then told me I could go in until they got to be the first people to wish me a happy birthday. They were just so sweet and made my night.
Because I was alone I moved at my own speed and decided to do Big Thunder Mountain back to back. My first ride of the night was at around 11:45 at night. But the time I got on the wildest ride in the wilderness again it was 12:05. Making it that I got to ride one of my favorite rides back to back.
Some thing that was uber magical for me though was the fact that I got to have my first ever drink at Disney World. As I explained in my birthday post (you can read that here) that I had never had sip of alcohol until my 21st birthday. I had a Frozen Mango margarita and it was AMAZING. Since drinking them I have continued to love margarita and it i one of my favorite drinks.
Getting to celebrate my 21st birthday at Disney world was a dream come true and I am beyond grateful to have had the opportunity. I also want to thank Hannah and Mandi for making that day special as well as Mama J for lending me her points. Thanks ladies!
I hope you guys can bare with me while I can't post pictures. I just really didn't want to leave this trip unfinished. With that being said I'm going to tell you guys about Day 7, wrap things up and share one other Disney 2015 related post that I wrote way back when I returned from Disney. Please bare with me!
Day 7th marked the final day of trip and my 21st birthday! Since we would be leaving very early the next morning we slept in a little while and then slowly make our way back to EPCOT for our second EPCOT day.
When we got there I decided that I really wanted some Starbucks so I went to Starbucks while Hannah and Mandi ran over to the France Pavillion in order to met Belle. From what they told me she was very sweet and they had a really good interaction with her. While I was walking to met them I talked to Mama J and took my time around World Showcase. I met up with them while they were heading towards China to meet Mulan.
When we got to Mulan's meet and greet location there was no line. Although Mulan was really in character both the character attendant, the photopass photographer and Mulan seemed to rush us. I'm not sure why, there wasn't a line, it just seemed like they would rather talk to each other then make magical moments for the guest.
The next stop we had to make was meeting Mandi's favorite princess, Aurora/Sleeping Beauty. This was a really really good meet and greet. While we were meeting and greeting she noticed my birthday pin. She asked if I was going to get any birthday surprises. Mandi was through the roof that she got to whisper in Aurora's ear.
At some point in the morning we went to Jasimine and Aladdin's meet and greet. This was another just amazing meet and greet. Aladdin was so funny and charming. I totally understand how Jasimine fell in love with him.
After all of our meet and greets we went on the search for churros. I kept smelling churros throughout our trip and was beyond craving them. We finally found them at the counter service restaurant at the Mexican Pavilion. I can't for the life of me remember what the name of it is. Because the churros are traditional Mexican churros. I never realized until then that I like the fake, Americanized churros that I had instead of the real authentic-ish churros.
After the churros we headed over to the Land Pavilion because Hannah and I had fast passes for Soarin'. Hannah loved the ride and all the effects it did. After the ride we went back to Old Key West. Hannah wanted to go back and take a nap. But Mandi and I went to main pool. While we were there we had lunch at Good's to Go and hung out by the main pool. We also participated in a dance contest.
I eventually went and bought my first drink which was a Frozen Mango Margarita and was absolutely delicious. I eventually went back to the room so that I could shower and lay down for about 15 minutes.
Before dinner time we headed back to EPCOT. We were having dinner at Via Napoli. Mandi and Hannah loved it. I thought it was good but I'm not going to be chomping at the bit to eat there again.
After dinner we made a stop in England so that Hannah could look in the Doctor Who store. We also made a stop at Downtown Disney for some last minute gifts and purchases. Thus ending the final night of our trip.
If you are interested in seeing the birthday vlog you can see it down below!
Since I'm not planning on doing a whole post on our travel home day I figured I would do a quick recap on here. So, we set up our alarms for about 1:45 AM and set up bell check for 2 AM because our Magical Express bus was picking us up at 2:20 AM. We got the Magical Express bus, it was us plus one other person.
When we got to the airport we had horrible service at check in but got on the plane pretty easily. We had a layover in Atlanta and I took about 2 hour nap on the airport floor. And let me tell you that was one comfortable floor, although it was FREEZING! We had a really easy 2nd half of the flight home. When we got back to my house Mama J and I drove Hannah back to her house so she could pick up her car and then the two of use went out for lunch. I also took a 2 hour nap on my couch.
When Mama J went to her weekly yoga class and I headed back to school. And went back into the swings of spring semester.
Alright guys I have 3 more Disney post coming for you probably next week.
On our 6th day we returned to the Magic Kingdom. Hannah headed out for park open because she had a fast pass for Space Mountain. Mandi and I met up with her about an hour later. Our first stop was to meet Gaston.
Mandi's daily delta phi epsilon picture
We did some debating about what our next stop would be and eventually decided that I would go ride Big Thunder Mountain (which Hannah had rode during her morning there) while Hannah and Mandi went and met Snow White I believe.
A view while I was waiting in line
A view while I was waiting in line
Another view while I was waiting in line
After the ride I met back up with Hannah and Mandi at the Emporium. Hannah was craving ice cream so we went across the street to the Main Street Ice Cream shop. While we were eating we saw pieces of the Dream Along with Mickey stage show by the castle. Our next activity was still in like 40 minutes so we decided to head over to see the Monster Inc Laugh Floor show. Mandi LOVED the show. Hannah thought it was cute.
After the show we did a lot of character meet and greets. Including Peter Pan, Princess Tiana and Merida. We also got lunch at the Tomorrowland Noodle Station. Hannah and Mandi both liked their meals I however did not like what I got.
Once we were done with lunch we headed out for our afternoon lunch we went back to the resort for a rest. I took a little cat nap while Mandi and I believe Hannah went to the pool. For dinner that night we went to The Crystal Palace for dinner. A post coming later.
We had some set plans for the evening but had about 2 hours to kill. We decided to head over to Fantasyland to see what the wait time for Peter Pan's Flight unfortunately it was just too long. Instead we went and saw the 4D show Phillar Magic show. Every time I see that show I remember just how much I love it. It has all the classic music in it and I sit there and sing along.
After the show we headed over to Bay Lake Towers which is the DVC section of the Contemporary Resort. We were going there because we were meeting my dad, for those of you who don't know my dad is currently living in Florida. We met him and his girlfriend at the Top of the World Lounge which is a bar/lounge thing that is exclusive for Bay Lake Tower guest and DVC members. If you ever get the chance to go there I would recommend it because the view of Wishes is amazing.
After watching Wishes we said good-bye to my dad and his girlfriend. Hannah and Mandi decided to head back to hotel and go to sleep. I on the other hand decided to head back into the Magic Kingdom. My first stop was Big Thunder Mountain. I rode it around 11:50 making it the last ride I rode at 20 years old. I then deciced to get back in line and ride again. My next ride started at 12:01 which also made it the first ride I rode at 21. It was pretty magical.
After that I went back to the the Mine Train Roller Coaster and got back in line. I'm not going to lie I kind of regretted though. The line was long but this time I got a better view of what the ride but I feel like I could have done other things during that time.
My final ride of the night was Space Mountain. It was a little bit of impulse and totally worth it. While I was getting on the ride they had to scan my Magic Band in order to make sure that I was staying at a Disney Resort because it was Extra Magic Hours. (editors note: Extra Magic Hours is a period of time that is only for guest staying at Disney Resorts) I'm so glad I went on this ride. I rarely make the time to go on this ride because its not a must do for me. But every time I go on I feel that its really worth it. On this particular night I was in the final row behind four college guys. They were busting each other balls while waiting in line. But I was sure they saw me behind them so I stay silent the whole ride because I didn't want the other guys to think the one right in front of me was screaming like a girl. At this point I was really tired and it made perfect sense in my head. Now looking back on it all I can think is why did care what they thought of their friend and that they probably did see me because at one point you ride right by a mirror towards the beginning.
I can't remember when I took this picture but I love this picture
In case you haven't seen it yet the vlog from this day you can watch it here!
I recently was working on my weekly to-do list and I wrote down what Disney 2015 posts I have left to write and realize I still have a lot. So, with that being said I'm going to keep cranking out a lot of Disney posts right in a row because I don't want to drag it out that far. Sorry to all the people out there that aren't here for Disney post.
On our 5th day we slept in which was really nice. We had all just about hit our walls and needed some sleep. When we did wake up we headed over to EPCOT.
Once we were inside the park we headed towards The Seas with Nemo and Friends per Mandi's request. It was about a 15 minute wait and a really short ride. Mandi really liked it. Hannah thought it was okay. We all agreed that it wasn't worth more then 20-30 minute wait.
Mandi had to get a picture with Nemo
After the ride we headed over to the Season food court at the Land Pavilion. This is always my favorite counter service place in EPCOT and I do everything I can to make sure that I get to eat there every trip down. After lunch we headed over to Spaceship Earth to hit up that ride.
Daily bow picture in the center of Disney World
After riding Space Ship Earth we went over to a small shop near Spaceship Earth. Hannah had only bought things for friends and family had the point and was looking for a souvenir for herself. While Hannah was looking Mandi decided to put on the Olaf hat and hold the baby Rupunzel doll. Which turned into these photos.
After our stop in the shop we decided to head out for our daily rest. I believe today was the day that I spent about an hour at the pool, Hannah spent about an hour and half and Mandi was there for 2 whole hours.
Mandi's Delta Phi Epsilon picture
After our rest we headed back to EPCOT. For dinner we had reservations at Coral Reef. This was probably one of the biggest hits of the trip. We all loved our food and completely devoured it. We also had an amazing waiter who was friendly, fun and so personal able. We had many great waiters during the trip but I think he was my favorite.
I thought the door handle was so cute
After dinner we headed over to Test Track. We jumped in the single rider line and waited about 30 to 40 minutes. I have to say I LOVED the original Test Track but I'm not a huge fan of renovated one. Hannah and Mandi both loved it.
That's when Mandi and I decided to call it a night. Mandi had homework she wanted to get done and I had a blog post to write and I was exhausted. Hannah stayed at EPCOT with her friend to watch Illumnation and hang out with a friend who happened to be at Disney at the same time as us.
A monorail going by while we waiting for our dinner reservation
The Jumping fountains
In all honesty I think this was the laziest day of our trip. But we needed it because we were all exhausted. If you are interested the vlog from this day is link down below.
