The other day I was tinkering around with the layout of this blog, adjusting little things that no one else would ever notice but me, and it dawned on me: I created this blog six years ago. The very first post wasn't up until October, but, I created an account and had been slowly setting things up since June, 2009. I was 23 years old, and preparing for my first semester at Oakland University that fall. In fact, my very first post was created from a silly writing exercise I gave myself on my very first day. I sat outside North Foundation Hall, not knowing anyone, feeling awkward (nothing new there), and decided to spend the half hour or so I had before my first class doing something productive. 

It is surreal to look back at posts made by 23 year old me, because 23 was a pivotal year in my life. 2009 was the year that I finally got my ass in gear school-wize. and I was putting myself through college while working full time. I had a decent commute 2-3 times per week, as well as taking on more courses each semester at OU than I ever did while attending community college. I had also just adopted Louie, and living in a small apartment meant walking him twice per day, as well as dropping him off at my parent's house while I was at work. I didn't mind though, because I have always been slightly addicted to being busy. It doesn't really come as a surprise that I decided to add blogging to my already hectic schedule, because what is life without a bit of chaos, eh?

23 year old me was really into Hitchcock movies, hanging out at dive bars, seeing local bands, drinking heaps of PBR, trying to figure out my own personal style, reading, and studying like mad at local coffee shops. Substitute 'studying' with 'projects' and not much has changed, other than me embracing my nerdy side more and more over the past few years.  I am proud of myself at that age though, I feel like even though I will always be mentally 12, I had my shit together for the most part. I stopped trying to live for someone else, I stopped trying to impress people. I stopped trying to make friends, and just let it happen when it happened. I let the world know what a giant weirdo I was, and that I was okay with that. I am thankful that I decided to start this blog, because I have this sort-of scrapbook of some of the most trying years of my life, all published on the internet for the world to see. It sounds completely terrifying, and it sometimes is, but I can't help but be proud of myself for sticking with something for so long. The best part about blogging though? All of the amazing people that I have met through it. I mean, how often can you say that you met one of your best friends through blogging?

If you have been following me on instagram lately, you may have noticed a few new recent changes. One: I now have purple hair. Two: I. LOVE. IT. Three: Party Cats. 

When my super-awesome friend Jen finally got around to getting a Snapchat account, her username was something about a party cat (based off of this comic strip). I of course was thrilled with the idea, and since Jen, Mariah, and I all accumulated wire cat-eared headbands, The Party Cats became a thing! We have since acquired three different sets of cat ears, and are working on a photo shoot, as well as a few other projects. 

I love it when we plan little Party Cat outings, because the moment I put the cat ears on, it's like I mentally shut out all of my problems and my worries for a few hours, because it's party time! Even if "party time" is just going out for coffee, or a trip to the mall, it is still a good time-out for all of the negative thoughts that plague my brain on occasion. I have even worn them to work a few times (usually on a Friday) because why just be at work, when you can be a Party Cat at work?!  Party Cats, it's a lifestyle ;)