New Camera!!!

I treated myself to a new camera today, since I've been wanting one for a while and it's Black Friday. I am so excited and have literally been taking pictures of the silliest things just because I'm excited haha! Today is a good day! I woke up at 4:45 to open for Black Friday at work, and then I spent the rest of my afternoon not doing homework (though I should probably start, since I'm working for the rest of the weekend... oops) Hope all is well and that you all had a great thanksgiving! Lots of love<3
lovelovelove,
Melissa

Summer Part 2

Summer has finally come to an end. It's now time to reminisce its glory. I'll miss you Summer 2K14. See you next year!

lovelovelove,
Melissa

The Beginning of a Great Summer

This is a video I put together 2 weeks ago, but I have been way to lazy (or busy) to put it up. I hope to post another video by the end of the summer to complete the two part video of this amazing summer. Enjoy my dorkiness!

I hope you are all having a great summer, and I can't wait to post more posts of my fab summer soon!!

lovelovelove,
Melissa

Hidden Side {When She Cries}

Hi guys. I just feel like I need to vent a little, so I'm sorry. Lately things have just sucked. I don't post enough here about my personal life for you guys to truly understand what I'm going through, but let me tell you, it's been really hard. I was at such a high place at the very start of my winter break, and within the same 24 hours I had crashed down to a really low and dark place. I didn't sleep at all for almost 2 days, and my eating habits changed rapidly. Unfortunately, for most of the winter break I stayed in this dark place. I put on a happy face and tried to keep fighting through it. But in reality, I just wanted to hide away from the world. It just seemed better that way. I'd lock myself in my room for hours at a time. The odd thing is that I wouldn't be doing anything special. I'd sometimes just lay there, and other times I'd put on something on netflix as a distraction. But it sucked. I was alone. Even when I was spending time with family and friends, I just felt empty and alone inside. So many times I just wanted to break down and cry, but being me, I didn't. It just really hurts. I want to be happy again, but I'm starting to feel like maybe that light I used to have may never really come back. Anyway, I need to get back to stressing over my physics test. Sorry if I brought any of you guys down. I really am sorry.
Love you guys<3
lovelovelove,
Melissa

The last few hours of 2013

When I went in to 2013, I was super excited. It was going to be my year. I mean, it was twenty THIRTEEN. Thirteen is my favorite number for all of you who are wondering why it is such a big deal for me. I couldn't wait for this year would bring. And let me tell you, it brought me a whole lot. For this past week, I kept thinking about how shitty this year had been. I could only remember all the pain I had suffered through, and all my struggles I had to endure. But what I didn't realize is that there were actually a lot of great moments of this year. I had so much negative going through my mind that I wasn't able to see all the amazing moments I got to go through. These two little guys helped me out with that. I found a letter that I wrote to myself 10 minutes before 2013, and my 2013 memories jar. Those two little guys reminded me of all those amazing times I had. Some made me giggle way to hard {I was reading them to myself at a party, so I'm sure everyone thought I was weirdo.} There were many cute little memories like cute little things with Brian or my best friends, or the Carrie Underwood concert. My favorite memory from the jar would have to be the one when I got my acceptance letter to COSMOS. I completely didn't believe I had any chance of getting in, and once I opened that email I broke down in tears. It was one of the best moments of my life. I was so happy. I remember laying in bed that night, and not getting a drop of sleep I was so excited. See, those little things really do make this year look so much brighter.

It's time to say goodbye to 2013, and welcome 2014 with open arms. I can't wait for what 2014 has to bring. Life is a roller coaster and it isn't easy, but I got to have faith that whatever happens, I will get through it. 2014 is a new beginning, and is a chance to start over. So, let's make the best of it!
lovelovelove,
Melissa

November

Since, I just blogged about October, I believe that it is time for me to post about November.

 I went to my friend, Natalie's, Halloween cupcake decorating party that happened to be in November.

 These cutie patooties decorating their cupcakes!

 The table of girls decorating/eating their cupcakes!

 Paola went all out while decorating.

 She made a minion, which is what she dressed up as, too!

 Playing Heads Up!

 My boyfriend, Brian, and I caught up with some of my friends from COSMOS at UC Davis!

 The Physics building that we studied at for weeks! It felt so great to be back!

 This guy... :P

 Our professors took us up on the roof to watch another gorgeous sunset.

 It was even more special to get to spend it with my one and only.

 Pizza in downtown Davis!

 I got to have gelato for the first time ever..... so gooood!

 Saying our goodbyes at the train station, and of course we had to take a major selfie!

 Lately, tea has become a big thing for me. I have it almost everyday, and I just love it.

 Thanksgiving at Nana and Opa's.

 Buddy!

  I got to decorate the table this year, and it was actually really fun!

Well, now that we're pretty much caught up on the past few months hopefully I will be able to keep up on the more fun parts of my life. Love you guys!
lovelovelove,
Melissa

The Forth and Fireworks

Thursday was the Forth of July, and of course we had all our annual traditions. Our two biggest traditions are a huge block party and also going to watch the fireworks show. Our block party seems to grow more each year, but is always super fun. We even visitors from Germany! I invited some of my family, too.  I got to meet my new neighbors that just moved in, stay extremely hydrated, and eat delicious food shared by everyone. It was truly an enjoyable experience.
We went to watch the fireworks at the elementary school since the fireworks are done only a block away. We got to take my baby cousin, Anabella, to see them for the first time. I honestly think she was more fascinated with the glow sticks my mom brought more that the lights in the sky. Here are some of the many photos I took:

Anyway, I believe this may end up being my last post before I leave. The nerves are definitely growing on me as the hours pass. There is exactly 25 hours until I leave. I am so hoping that my nerves will be for nothing, and that everything will go as planned. Ok, well bye! I'll miss you! I hope I will have the opportunity to post sometime in the next 4 weeks. If not I will write then! Love you!
lovelovelove,
Melissa

End of Spring Break

Today is the last day of spring break! I'm so sad that it came and left so quickly. School is starting once again. This has been most of my week:

So, I have been reading a lot lately, and have been staying up really late doing so. I put on some awesome music, and then get side tracked with my reading.

 Liam and I went to Safeway, bought candy, and then watched 13 Going On 30. It was a blast, and very relaxing.

 My Mom and I have been hiking a lot and I have,also, been doing my own separate workout, too.

 EASTER: Ajiaco soup {favorite Colombian soup ever!}

 EASTER: Liam hunting for eggs.

 EASTER: Found one!

I spent yesterday in Monterey and I had so much fun! We got to go to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the beach, and Cannery Row. I had a blast and it was a great way to cap the week.

 We went to a candy store, and it was HUGE! It was the largest candy store I had ever been in! Heaven!!

 We went a Ghirardelli store, and got yummy ice creams. I got coffee with chocolate syrup {my new favorite!}

We went to an italian restaurant on one of the piers for lunch/dinner. It was fabulous!

We then hit the beach and I got some cool pictures!

 Liam and I started touching sea urchins, and they loved to suck our fingers.

 I finally got into the car, but I first wanted to take a picture of all the sand that was about to go in it. :)

 Happy day!

This had been my week. And it was really nice to have this short break from school. My favorite part of this week was definitely Monterey, and the hiking is close behind it. Now, school is starting again, and I have a new, fresh mind to start me off in the fourth quarter. I probably wont be posting as much until summer, but I promise to come back! Love you guys, always!
lovelovelove,
Melissa