August was pretty much a rollercoaster for me, y’all. I started the month aboard the Carnival Sunshine where I was pretty miserable (aside from the random moments of wine-induced laughter in between), and then on the 7th, I got on a plane to come back home to Louisiana where I immediately felt at ease and a sense of belonging. They say that it’s not about where you are, it’s who you’re with, and I’ve learned this lesson many, many times in my life. I don’t know what my future looks like, but for right now, I’m so happy to be home and surrounded by so much love and support. And I’m so excited to be ended August with so many wonderful memories.
MUSIC
“LOOK WHAT YOU MADE ME DO” BY TAYLOR SWIFT
I had to start off my favorites with Taylor Swift because I’m absolutely obsessed with her. Honestly, whether you love her or hate her, you have to give her props. She’s managed to turn every negative thing ever said about her in the media into profit. You can call it petty. You can call it savage (yaaas, girl!), but honestly, it’s just good business. Even the people that don’t like her are still keeping her relevant, but I digress.
I’m ridiculously OBSESSED with “Look What You Made Me Do.” In the first 24 hours alone, I’m pretty sure it shot up to my most played song of 2017 on Spotify (I guess we’ll see in December). It’s been pretty much non-stop for me since the first listen (Shout-out to my BF for staying up late to listen to it with me. He’s the real MVP.).
Then the music video came out…
Y’all. I just…can’t form sentences apparently. I’ve watched it so many times already because it’s brilliant. I love that she’s able to poke fun at herself and the way that she’s portrayed in the media. Taylor, you savage lil thang, you.
Favorite lyrics: “The world moves on, another day, another drama, drama, but not for me, not for me. All I think about is karma. And then the world moves on, but one thing’s for sure. Maybe I got mine, but you’ll all get yours.
“HYMN” BY KESHA
Kesha is back, and I couldn’t be more pumped about it. Her album is both heartbreaking and inspiring. My favorite song is “Hymn” because it speaks to the misfits and the people who don’t know where they belong. I’ve always been a really awkward person with a hint of social anxiety when meeting new people. I’ve moved around a lot, making lots of friends along the way, but as far as having a “label,” I don’t think I ever had one, and I’m 100% okay with that.
Favorite lyrics: “I know that I’m perfect, even though I’m f*cked up.”
“LEGENDS” BY KELSEA BALLERINI
Everything out of Kelsea Ballerini’s mouth is pure gold. I’m a little extra obsessed with her because her guitarist is the husband of a girl I used to work with back in college, so I live vicariously through her fabulous snaps. I’m a sucker for a country love song, and Kelsea delivers with this one. It’s not only pretty, it’s also gives me all the feels.
Favorite lyrics: “We wrote our own story, full of blood, sweat and heartbeats. We didn’t do it for the fame or the glory. We just did it for you and me.”
TV
GAME OF THRONES
What a doozy, y’all! I had GoT watch parties while I was working on the Carnival Sunshine. There’s just something about watching the show with other people because it inevitably leads to a long discussion. The season finale was incredible. I’m so upset that I have to wait over a year for the last season. In the meantime, I’ll probably be rewatching the show from the beginning to fill the void.
THIS IS US
I started watching this show before I left to work on the Carnival Elation, and when I got back home for my vacation, they didn’t have all of the shows available online. When I was working on the Carnival Sunshine, I got my hands on the first season, and I started watching it, but I didn’t finish it until I got home. I’m absolutely obsessed with this show. I love the storylines that intertwine. I love the diversity in the cast. My heart breaks and smiles every single episode. I’m so excited for season two.
GREY’S ANATOMY
I jumped on the bandwagon for this one super late. I had this show on my hard drive while I was on the Elation, but I didn’t start watching it until I was on the Sunshine. I watched several episodes nearly everyday. Now I’m toward the end of season three. I have to admit that the Meredith/McDreamy storyline is getting kind of tired, but I’m sticking with it because I like so many of the other characters. So much savagery in the hospital. Who knew?
THE GOOD PLACE
Kristen Bell is my spirit animal, so I love and support everything she does. The Good Place is a cute little show that makes you think. I liked to put it on while I was getting ready or taking a bath.
BEAUTY
MARC JACOBS EYE-CONIC EYESHADOW PALETTE
I am definitely a plain Jane when it comes to doing my make-up. I don’t experiment with colors or go on shopping sprees to get the latest palettes or brushes. My make-up routine is so boring because I do the same thing every day, unless I want to get fancy (fancy meaning I choose to do more than just my eyes and lips like usual).
I don’t know much about make-up brands, but Marc Jacobs is pretty much a household name, and I was so excited to get my hands on one of their new Eye-Conic eyeshadow palettes. They have six different palettes, and I got the Glambition palette because, again, I’m not too wild about experimentation with make-up. This palette fits perfectly with my daily make-up routine.
MOMENTS
GETTING THE GANG BACK TOGETHER
Y’all have met TASK a time or two on Endless Bliss, but I haven’t mentioned them in awhile because it’s been nearly a year since we’ve all been together. The last time TASK was all in one zip code was for Sarah’s wedding last August.
This past weekend, we all got together again. Not only that, we forced all of our SO’s to come hang out too. We haven’t all had significant others at the same time since high school, so we went on a quadruple date to introduce Katherine’s beau to some Louisiana food at Blind Tiger and then go watch the fight at a local dive bar.
TRAVELING TO BERMUDA
Yes, the Sunshine wasn’t the greatest, but holy moly did I fall in love with Bermuda. Horseshoe Bay is the most magical beach I’ve ever visited, and I can’t wait to go back. You can relive my experience here!
ITALIAN POTLUCK
Back in the gap, my friends and I used to have huge themed potlucks at each other’s houses. Over the past year while I’ve been on the boat, many people have moved away or gotten deployed, and huge gatherings are few and far between.
The other day, we decided to get a little nostalgic and have a little potluck. The food was delicious and all, but it wasn’t my favorite part of the night. A potluck turned into a few games of Catch Phrase, Exploding Kittens and Pass the Pig. A ukulele was brought out. The lights were turned down to have a microphone-less karaoke night of sorts. My BF and I slow danced to Elvis (and he also rapped Kanye because he’s incredible. My BF, not Kanye.). It was a night for a books.
REUNITED WITH MY COLLEGE ROOMMATE
My old roomie, Anamaria, came to town for a wedding. On the night she came in, we went to dinner at Blind Tiger with Jon and Kyle. Then we went to see my friend, Panda, for her birthday (complete with an incredible galaxy cake made by her bestie, Haley). We ended the night with some glow in the dark bowling.
August was an incredible month for many reasons. I’ve been smiling a lot more this month than I was in July; that’s for sure. I’ve been enjoying being back at my old job. I’m getting to see and talk to my friends so much more. I’m really excited to see what’s to come in September.
What are some of your favorite things and moments from August?
