A Tribute to Twenty16

Twenty16, you were amazing.  As I look forward to Twenty17, I must reflect on the year I like to remember as the year of unforgettable days, nights, weeks, and months.  A year for me that as they say, is going down in history.

The year Twenty16 started with a two hour brunch at Succotash, literally, on New Years Day.  I took someone very special...I can admit that because I am happy to say this special person is my now boyfriend, to one of my favorite places to enjoy brunch and after losing track of time, we had gotten a chance to catch up on the lives we had before the months-in-the-making date happened.  The fact I could sit down and have a convo with someone who I hadn't seen in a decade was a good way to start my year!

I had just started my second semester of Nursing School and knew this semester was going to kick my booty, and it did.  I passed the Nursing class but barely passed Patho and I will admit, dropping the class crossed by mind, but lucky for me the teacher talked me into staying in the class.  I was stressed to the max and ugly cried a lot, but it was worth the chance. I never have to look at Patho again!  This whole semester I was planning my Summer...because I couldn't wait to get to May...basically because I knew it was going to be my last free summer as a student :)

I traveled and traveled and traveled.  Even with school and work, I was fortunate to adventure around the U.S. and the Caribbean.  May began with Dallas and the Summer and Fall continued with Colorado Springs, Denver, Loveland, Tulsa, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C. and the Dominican Republic. Dallas included dinner at Reunion Tower, Poutine at the bar next door, and nights at the Nylo with the rooftop pool were amazing. I met my boyfriend's family too, all very sweet and welcoming people.  A roadtrip with me, myself and I to Colorado to run my second Half Marathon; Dinner in Denver with a friend from KC, staying in the Springs with my good friend Alec for the remainder of the trip, and running in Loveland a cool 13.1 miles finishing with a faster time than the previous year proved to be yet another good get-a-way.  The next day we conquered the Manitou Incline, I wanted to die! Upon returning from Colorado, I was off with the BF to the Caribbean.  No plans but the sandy beach, ocean, beer, tequila shots and sunshine.  The resort was amazing and the DR was all that it could be.  Right down to the Coconuts and Machete's. This trip was super relaxing and we hadn't a care in the world.

August hit which meant moving and third semester of Nursing school. Not as tough as second semeter, but I still spent a lot of time studying.  I ended this semester acing Pharmacology and not doing to bad with the nursing course either!  It was a bit more relaxed but I didn't lose focus...just had a little more free time!

I moved into a loft at the River Market in KC, MO. I LOVE IT!  The views, the people, the fact I can walk almost anywhere or catch the Streetcar, brick walls, big windows and concrete floors...I couldn't have asked for a better first experience moving from suburbia to downtown city life!

In the Fall we made a road trip to Tulsa to attend the Deco Ball at the Mayo Hotel.  A weekend of fun around Tulsa, from nightlife to brunch, to the art districts and hot dog trucks and even had the pleasure of meeting some of the BF's friends.  A last minute trip to the East Coast to visit him while he was there for business turned into a Fall tour of 4 different cities and a lot of adventuring. It was a quick four days for sure!  Although I loved the entire trip, I really enjoyed the local bookstore in Philadephia we spent hours in and the night in DC with his family, who showed us some local places they enjoy hanging out at.

I attended my first Opera at The Kaufmann Center for Performing Arts, The Marriage of Figaro, and it was amazing! For my Thirty-Faux Birthday, the perfect gift from my BF followed by dinner at a local Mexican joint. Tacos, cheese dip, margaritas and a bite of his tamales was the perfect way to end the evening.

You know I love this city and this year had so many amazing opportunities around Kansas City.  From photo shoots to runway to live segments on Fox 4 with Jana Meister, it was a great way to meet new people and support my local KC peeps!

Twenty16 came to an end as I spent the Holidays with family and friends. New Year's Eve with my guy listening to Jazz music and a midnight champagne toast at one of our favorite River Market bars, Harry's. Happiness was all wrapped up!

School Semesters Passed, Check!
Adventures, Check!
Opportunities, Check!
New Friends, Check!
Time with Old Friends, Check!
Lot of Happy Hours, Check!
Time with those I love, Check!

Here's to the New Year! I have a feeling you may be better than the last!
Shona

Social Media and our Love-Hate Relationship

Occasionally I get an idea to write about something other than Fashion, Food, or Travel...today, I am discussing my take on Social Media and why we have a Love-Hate Relationship.  I remember when my friend told me about Facebook..I am pretty sure all the young pups already had it for a while and I remember telling her, "No, thanks."  But eventually, I gave into the pressure and signed up! I can't even remember the year it happened. It was followed by Twitter and Instagram...and at the time I had no clue how it could and would effect me and my life.

You are going to read things you don't like, things you may agree with, things you may want to roll your eyes at..and guess what, that's ok! I hope to read people's opinions and takes on this blog because I actually use them as a way to see different point's of view.  Negative or Positive, there is usually a message.  For me, sometimes expressing opinions, views, or feelings on issues is easier with writing...I am not famous, don't intend on being either, but maybe someone will relate or take something away from this real life post.  Here goes, real talk.

I recently read an article relating to IG and Facebook and people's obsession with the number of "likes" they get.  Say what? As I sat there reading it, I thought to myself, I can relate to this gal.  I never used to give two shits about what people thought, and in some ways I still don't, but I find myself looking at the "number".  Lame, right?  What I realized is that, "likes" mean nothing..."likes" and now Facebook has all the other emotions too, do not make you who you are.  I can't believe I actually thought that it meant something about myself to have them.  I have a lot of friends; old friends, new friends, work friends, friends who I may have met only once, but we are all connected...that's what Social Media does. It connects people.  Sometimes, it connects people in ways you would never imagine, sometimes that is a good thing. Other times, not so much...you can assume what I am referring to here.

Instagram...hello #hashtags! I love them...just ask anyone that follows me.  Now, talk about a way to connect.  I have had many new opportunities with IG and to be honest, I wouldn't trade it.  Since moving back to KC a year ago, I have been able to do some pretty amazing events around the city and I love that! I have connected with people who know people and you know what they say, "it's about who you know."  To an extent, this seems to be true.

Social Media is the now, I get that, and I have no intention of giving it up. But, that doesn't mean I don't struggle with it.  And I wonder if I am alone in this, do others have the same struggles? You know those people who "stalk" your page...I am going to be honest, I am one of them.  Not like "creeper" kinda stalking, just perusing pages, looking at pictures, reading posts, etc.  For me, I honestly like looking at people's photos...those who I don't get to see as much as I would like too.  I have many friends and family who live elsewhere and I like seeing what they do, their kiddos, their lives...because let's be real, talking on the phone is very rare these days (call me old-fashioned, I prefer to talk on the phone), and what I hear most is because it's easier to text and people don't have time to "be on the phone."  Guilty... but I am working on the phone calls. It's a choice to make time, just like making time for anything else in your life!  That's a whole different subject.

So back to the "likes" and this article that I read, it really spoke to me.  What society has created can at times be an illusion and that illusion is carried out on Social Media.  Now before you get all pissed off at that statement, not everyone creates an illusion and I am guessing most people are real and if they aren't, well, I think that is just sad.  Not going to lie, but I too feel upset at times when certain people don't "like" something that I post but then I see them "liking" something else posted by someone that they don't even know.  It's weird to me.  Why this one and not that? It is really just a simple "like"?  Could it maybe be sending a different message to someone and not always one that is intended.  I think it can offer someone to read into something that isn't.  I am saying this because I have found myself thinking this too. Literally, I want to slap myself for this...typing it out sounds ridiculous, but hey, I am being honest with you so there ya go.

My point to this post...who care's how many likes, loves, or whatever you have.  But for real, I still like getting them, we all do. That's the love-hate relationship I am talking about.  However, I am trying to not let it define me or overthink about it too much. Another guilty charge...I overthink everything and I find myself doing this more and more with Social Media. Whatever it is, Facebook, IG, Twitter and all of the other sites I have yet to attempt or even know about, remember who you are and don't let society define that.  Yes, the struggle is real.

Now, I have to go prepare my next IG photo...
Looking forward to your comments :)
Shona

New Years Day Outfit Deets!

Simple but perfect! I spent New Years Day...morning...having brunch at one of my local fav's, Succotash.  The people, the food, the fresh pressed juices, and that day the company was just what I needed to start the New Year off right.  This outfit though...ahhhh!  So I maybe picked out the hat for myself and it may have been given to me by my Dad for Christmas, but hey it works! However, the long sleeveless, hooded sweater he did all himself and it is perfect! Purchased from Audacious Boutique, this cute store never disappoints. One of my favorite looks for this season!

Hat by Kohls. Sweater by Audacious Boutique. Black T-shirt by VS Pink. Sunglasses by Ray-Ban. Skinny Jeans by Hudson @ VonMaur. Fringe booties by Steve Madden. 

Happy Shopping!

Xoxo, Shona

Happy New Year #2016

If you read my last blog post, you will relate to this one!  What got me through the year of #2015! My favorite things, people, places, life and Kansas City events!  I seriously could not have made it otherwise.  So here we go!

1. Friends, and I mean a lot of them! Each offering me something different that made me realize I can handle anything thrown my way.  Whether they were handing me a sandwich to make me eat, tucking me into bed to make sure I had sleep, offering advice, throwing one back with me, or just sitting with me in silence...the #1 life saver.

2. Family, it's a different kind of help and support. Family is there for you and it's just expected I guess.  Some were, some weren't, but those that were...their love and support didn't go unrecognized. From helping me move, to letting me live with them (thanks Mom and Phil), to letting my dog out, running errands for me, listening, just being there whenever I needed something.  Offering advice, opening ways for me to see life in a different perspective, these people were there too.

3. Vacations, just getting away is something that always helps me to cope.  I may have over did it a tad in Vegas...oops, but hey, I get a freaking pass for that one!  Colorado twice, Iowa, Lake trips and pool time...although still in KC...I imagined I was at the beach with the salt water pool, it was just what I needed.  Lots of sonic drinks during Happy Hour for sure! I am blaming Shannon for that addiction.

4. Patios, yes, it's true. Nothing better then a warm summer night, a cold beer, fire pits, and good company! I just love Coaches, Brewtop, Maloneys...and a few others! Whether it was watching the Royals...hollaaaa or just relaxing, it's one of my favorite things to do! 

5. Coffee shops or just coffee on my couch, it's one of the ways I like to start my day! It either meant long talks or just being able to stay up to study. I love a good cup of joe!

6. Vodka, yep, it's there.  Shannon and I definitely made some adjustments...we all want fewer calories, right?  Leave it to us, we know what we are doing...and already planning #summa2016 #bereadypool #summashorts

7. The ROYALS!!!!!   I am so excited for Opening Day 2016 and it all started last year with Opening Day 2015...tailgating with friends! Going to the game, watching them on the best patios in the city...there are a few that I am partial to, or just tailgating in the parking lot...I love baseball! These pics could go on for days!!!  #crowntown #countingdownthedays

8. My New Apartment, at first I was upset about having to move into a one bedroom apartment...I have a lot of stuff..I mean, clothes and shoes and apparently an addiction to kitchen glasses...but I made it my own.  Some people would love to be where I am at, so I am thankful for my place! It's all mine...well sort of!

9. Nursing School, getting accepted was one of the best things that has happened to me. New career in the works, new friends, new connections...nursing is where I was meant to be! One semester down, three to go!

10. Alone time..I have to admit, at first, I wasn't a fan. But I have learned to love just sitting in my apartment, reading a book, having that cup of coffee, catching up on some tv, working out or just doing normal household chores...all of that is ok!

So here's to #2016!  It is going to be awesome!
Xoxo,
Shona

Goodbye #2015, Hello #2016

First warning, I am about to get vulnerable in this blog post.  Second warning, it will most likely contain foul language and I am going to brutally honest, I mean is there any other way to be? You may want to sit down if you aren't already. I normally blog about fashion, food, traveling, events that I attend, or whatever suits my fancy...but I want to close this year by telling my story.  Some wouldn't call it a story, rather bad luck or maybe even just a turn of life events, but here it is.  It really makes no difference to me if you continue reading or not, but maybe someone going through the same crap I went through will see this and it will help them to cope, see things differently, or look at life from a different angle.

February 2015, my life was brought to a halt...my then husband (I'll keep his name out although some of you clearly know what it is, so lets refer to him as DH...a little nickname I came up with)..anyway, we had been married for almost 8 years, had been together for almost 10, and he decided to leave.  He wasn't happy, he thought "we" weren't happy. It was a Monday night and by Thursday he decided to tell me that he was moving out, and by that weekend, he was moved out.  Planned much?  Of course I had no idea what the hell was going on...I was at a loss.  My first thought, fix this. Ok, we are separated, we need time apart, what about counseling?  I had about one million thoughts going through my head 24 hours per day.  I decided to move in with my Mom because if he could move out of "our" home, why did I have to stay there?  By the way, he refused counseling, and I now thank the lord for that.

I moved out, thinking it will just be for a few days until I figure things out...a few days turned into 2 weeks.  I received a phone call from a friend Saturday night...5 days after the bomb exploded.
The convo, "What are you doing?"
Me, "Just at my Moms, whats up?"
Her, "Where is DH?' Me, "No clue"
Her, "Well, I don't know how to tell you this, but I just got a call from a mutual friend and he is in Emporia eating at Applebee's with two girls"
My heart sank, I couldn't breathe, I felt helpless and didn't know what to do.  So I thought, this is bull shit. I called him, he answered and sure enough, he was there.  With "friends" he said.  Funny thing is, he said they were "family friends" and what's even more fucked up, after 10 years of being with this man, I had never once heard their name from him or any of his family.  Family friends my ass, long lost neighbors (sisters) he lived next too for a few short years if even that long while living in Emporia. Enough of that.

For the next two months, my life felt like it was spiraling. I had just applied to Nursing school, knowing that IF I made it in, I would be going from full-time to part-time work, making less money for a short time to better my career and ultimately be more financially stable.  For not just me, but him and I. This was our plan.  He said he would support me, support us while I was in school. After all, when I was finished with it, I would have my BSN and work in a the amazing field of Nursing.  Did I mention, we had made some life decisions for our family...again, thankfully those didn't happen.

Fast forward to March, I was going to leave the crap of selling the house and getting an attorney up to him. After all, he wanted it. But while at my Moms I realized I had to go home, there was a house that needed taken care of, a yard to be mowed eventually, and things to do!  I moved back in, called a friend to put the house on the market and got an attorney...best decision ever.  The house had tons of lookers, the attorney was easy to deal with basically leaving it up to us to decide who got what...blah, blah, blah. He didn't want anything really, ok great...except when it was time to move, I had almost everything to get out, put somewhere, do something with.  Spring time, I couldn't hardly keep up with yard work, working one full-time job, taking classes, a part-time job.  My neighbors saved me, literally.  They helped me constantly with the yard and the dog and as much as they didn't want me to move, they were probably ready to not have two yards and my drama to deal with!

April, I was waiting to see if I got into Nursing school...small envelope means NO, large envelope means YES.  Guess what I got...the small envelope.  I burst into tears, I mean bawling, mascara running, ugly ass cry.  Seriously, more bad news, more bad luck.  I just didn't understand, I read the letter again...and I saw it, the GPA they had listed, that wasn't my GPA...who's GPA was that? And guess what, that was the sole reason I didn't get accepted.  I called them immediately to let them know. The nursing director said she would look into it. I got a call back that day, yep, they made a mistake.  But guess what, all of the acceptance letters already went out, and they can only accept so many people, so I was moved to the top of the alternate list.  Really? Really? One week later, I get a call with relieving news...you are in!  Happy tears this time. Maybe things are looking up!  And hello Royals Home Opener...something to look forward to with friends...who were always trying to get me out of my funk!

Oh ya, my divorce became final too, my attorney and I put a rush on it, send that bitch through...I am done.  And yes, I did get money from the house, for my future living expenses, and because my attorney thought I should ask for maintenance I did, and guess what, I got it.  I never, ever wanted it. I always have worked my ass off for what I had...but she made a valid point...he makes way more money than you, you are going back to school, and it was a decision you both made regarding the return to school, so you should get it.  We had two options, go to court and let the judge decide or come to an agreement, we came to an agreement.  I am sure people thought I was all about the money, so not true. I was about making sure I could live...he was going to be able to, why shouldn't I?  His story may be different, I realize there are two sides, but this is how it felt for me, what happened to me, and I know it also takes two to be in a relationship...and clearly we weren't there. After all, he is already remarried.  My comments stop here.  

May, an offer came through on the house...low ball of course.  My amazing realtor and friend told me what to do, I did it...we made some adjustments, they wanted the lawn mower and the gym mats...done! I didn't want that stupid John Deere mower anyway...good luck with that.  House sold, but here is the kicker, they wanted in within 30 days.  I hadn't even looked for an apartment because it happened so fast, it was the end of school so I was studying for finals, and I was just overwhelmed. May 13th, I took my final, got an A, and celebrated...and started to feel happy again. I also celebrated my non-a-versary....all days with friends, Mexican food, tequila, and the Royals game. I am starting to feel better...kind of.

I looked for apartments, and wanted to be in a certain area because I would need help with my dog on the days I worked, needed a shit ton of storage because I was going from a 4 bedroom home with a full basement to a one bedroom apartment and did I mention I also wanted a garage? Try finding that in a month...almost impossible, almost.  I fell in love with where I am at but they didn't have anything in the larger one bedroom until July...one month after I had to be out, so that meant storage unit and living somewhere in the meantime and then moving, again.  They decided to show me the smaller one bedroom, I walked in, moved my head side-to-side, and said no way in hell.  I could see every room from where I was standing.  Two days later I got a call from the apartment complex, someone backed out, the larger one bedroom would be ready June 12th, perfect timing. I rushed in, made a deposit and started packing.

June came around and that two week vacation I originally had planned with the ex turned into time off for me, a trip to Colorado to see a Rockies game, a trip to Iowa to see family and moving into my new place.  It was going to be busy...and did I mention it was SUMMATIME!!!!  I also made a trip back to Colorado the end of June to run my first Slacker Half Marathon, I ran two legs of it, spent time with more friends...I just love that place!

Real short clip...I started "dating" a guy in May, totally unexpected...I mean, like I figured hell would have frozen over before it happened, but we had fun while it lasted.  Not just that kind of fun either...I know what you all are thinking.  Like we could talk for hours fun, be in the car for hours driving fun, face time, text, talk on the phone, laugh and make jokes about each other fun, we just got along; had the same thoughts, ideas, and my friends liked him too...But that ended, he couldn't handle the "perfectness" of our relationship...but I just found that out literally 3 weeks ago.  Moving on.

Summertime...finally! Taking one class and soaking up the rest with friends, pool time, and although this sounds terrible...vodka.  Water, coffee, or vodka...that was the slogan we seemed to use all summer long.  Made a trip to Vegas for a 30th Birthday party...we will not go into detail on that trip, but I will say it was one of the best times I have had.  #kcgirlsdovegas and we did!  Royals games, nights out, patios, volleyball, you name it, I was doing it...trying to stay busy and figure out how to start my life over at 34.  Plus, dating at this age...its freaking weird. It's different in this century, plus let's be real, I have never really "dated" anyone.  Time to start I guess.  Labor Day weekend...I had an amazing time at Beaver Lake, going out of my comfort zone knowing only 2 people, but making the drive down there after work to have an amazing day on the water!  I can't even explain the amount of fun we all had!

August roles around and school is beginning to start. I am a nervous wreck...what if I can't do this? What if I fail? On a good note, I did receive a full scholarship for classes and books, another crying moment with tears of happiness.  Good grades and an essay made that possible...thanking the lord for that one for sure!  First semester went so fast, like crazy fast. I met awesome people, ended with a B...I am ok with that, and am ready for second semester!

The end of 2015 is here and although I keep saying this year has been shitty...trust me, there were definitely times that weren't easy, I have to say the year turned out to be better than expected.  Chalk it up to having a better attitude, getting out of my slump..whatever you want to think.  The truth, friends...friends, friends, friends...and family, lots of crying, lots of working out, lots of pool time, lots of long talks to people that are always willing to listen, lots of laughing, lots of coffee, lots of vodka...yes, it was there too, lots of new friends and rekindling old friendships too...I couldn't have done it without any of these people!  They were there for me, being brutally honest and I listened to all of it, even if I had to hear it 500 times before it was clear.

So here we go 2016, I am going to kick your ass!
Xoxo,
Shona