Oh my dear blog...

Hello. How are you? How have you been?

Oh, I'm so glad to hear how well you've been. How have I been? Well...

I've been rather busy and quite confused. Confused on what exactly to do next to be frank.

Also, I officially have no computer. At all. Both dead. Yay. So as of now, I'm typing on my little brother's computer, which I will only be able to use whilst he's not home because the second he is after school, on here he goes to play his beloved League of Legends. Ah-- to be young and to only have school to worry about so that you can play video games in your spare time. I miss those days. I truly do.

 I finished my show of Fiddler on the Roof and although I wasn't the most thrilled with certain things during the rehearsal process, I must say that the actual production was perfect. I conquered quite a fear with being on a ladder and rolled around on stage while on top of said ladder. Most people thought I was afraid of heights...oh no. I'm afraid of ladders. They're untrustworthy inanimate objects, I tell you. Anyway, I had such fun playing a role I never thought I'd play and most all of the cast and crew was a delight.

Now that this show has closed, I crave more. I took one day yesterday to just do nothing. I watched Netflix all day which was marvelous. But today, I woke up and just decided to start looking for auditions. More auditions. I need to be in a show. This huge gap between one performance and the next is just not good enough anymore. And I don't want to keep twiddling my thumbs and making excuses. Even if I'm not right for the part or if it's a bit of a commute, my love and passion for performing is worth it. Right? Of course right! (My Fiddler folk will get that one.)

Thanksgiving is upon us and I am SO bloody excited. I need to get together my recipe list, buy my bird, and brine next week. Also my best friend in the whole wide world, and to be honest best friend doesn't even cover what she is, is coming home. Now it's a surprise to her grandmother, but I doubt she'll be reading this. As hard as it is for me at least to be so far away from her, it's crazy that in our entire lives (literally) of being best friends, we talk more now than we ever did. Daily. If half the day goes by and we haven't heard from each other, it's weird as all hell. So needless to say I'm ecstatic that she'll be here soon. We shall drink and be merry!!

I'm off to go get ready for the day. I'm hoping I can write more later but for now, I'm just glad I was able to get a bit in now. Sending love and happy thoughts to you, dear reader.

NaNoWriMo

Well this is embarrassing, reader.

Three years ago, I created an account on nanowrimo.com in order to challenge myself and do something I've always wanted to do: write a book.

NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month, where you are challenged to write 50,000 words in the entire month of November. For three years, I have told myself that I would complete this task and yet...still, my account says "No Novel."

Why procrastinate on something that I love? Not to mention, who knows?! I could write a novel and it could maybe be published one day. Or not. But at least I could say I wrote a 50,000 word novel in ONE MONTH. That's insane.

But this year is different. This year, I am SO making this happen. I don't care how busy, tired, or preoccupied I am. This will happen. And I want you guys to keep me accountable in whatever way possible!
Comment on my entries
Write to me on Facebook or Twitter
ANYWHERE
I need your help to stay on task.

And reader, I encourage YOU to also take the challenge. Go to the Nanowrimo site, create a free account, and just started writing starting November 1st. Until then, we have 10 days to prepare what kind of novel we will be writing! Isn't this exciting?!

Click here to add me as a buddy!!

Here's a video of one of my favorite YouTubers who told me about Nanowrimo so many years ago!! Give it a shot!! See you there!!

Let me know if you're participating :)

OMGOODNESS I'M SO SORRY

No excuses. NONE. Whatsoever. Just been crazy busy, which is good.

However, I have started vlogging again which is way easier for days like the past week where I don't have the particular energy or enough to say to write a blog post. And I have 2 to show you today! Does that count? K good!! Enjoy.

And make sure yo subscribe too. :)

Second one should be up soon!! :)

Holy jeez

So Ed Sheeran's new music video just came out today.

"Kayla, why are you talking about a stupid music video?"

Gimme a chance here. There's a point.

First of all, it's not stupid. I already was in love with the song. And I've loved Ed Sheeran since he first came out. Partly because I think he's a fantastic songwriter/singer, partly because I have a thing for gingers and Brits.

Now, this video is choreographed by Nappy Tabs, or Napoleon and Tabitha. If you're not in the dance world, it is a very well known married couple choreographing duo that are FAMOUS for their beautiful hiphop merged with contemporary work. Mostly hip hop though, they're absolutely fantastic. One of my favorites.

So I watched this video, not knowing at all what to expect. And just...WOW.

I was legit in tears by the end of it. I couldn't handle it. Why I was crying? I don't know...

Could've been the choreography was just spectacular

Or that the song and dance combination melted my heart

Or that ED SHEERAN WAS DANCING FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER

Or that the love that they were portraying was something I hope to one day experience

I don't know. More than likely a combination of all of the above.

So I urge you to go watch it if you haven't. Please...go. NOW.

Here, I'll make it easy for you.

Ed Sheeran - Thinking Out Loud

While finding the link I watched it again...and cried. Shut up.

Happy Birthday

No, not to me. It's the birthday of Magic Kingdom and Epcot over at Walt Disney World. Gosh, how did you not know that?

In honor of their birthdays of being over 40 years old, I'm going to share my favorite memories (and foods) from both parks. Mostly food, lezbehonest.

By the way, while composing this blog, I'm listening to Magical Mouse Radio hosted by my dear and awesome friend Mike Rahlman, or @BeOurGuestMike on Twitter. I highly recommend you listen to the radio station and follow him on Twitter. While you're at it subscribe to the Be Our Guest Podcast.
I swear this isn't a sponsored blog. <3

MAGIC KINGDOM

So the absolute best memory I have in the Magic Kingdom is duh, when I went to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and got made over into a princess. This was of course before their absolute absurd and uncalled for age restriction to 12. Seriously? Because girls and women over the age of 12 can't or don't want to be princesses. Whatever. I digress.

Seriously best day ever. The pictures below say it all.

My at the time boyfriend was with me for this but because he's an effing idiot, I put Andrew Garfield instead. I mean...just look at him! <3

There was also that awesome time I took the sword out of the stone.

Like a BAUS

Now favorite food at Magic Kingdom is pretty easy. I love MK food but it's fairly basic. Epcot will definitely be more at length. Anyway, here we go.

First and foremost, I ALWAYS need to have a Mickey Premium Bar. Always. Ask anyone who has ever been to the parks with me ever. Particularly ask Erin, or @EODaniels. She'll tell you. It's simplicity can't be beat and come on, it's in the shape of Mickey for God's sake. 

(I would also like to take a quick commercial break to tell you about my friend AJ's amazing blog DisneyFoodBlog.com. But don't go on there if you're hungry. That's never a good idea.)

Next up is a build my own burger at Peco's Bill in Frontierland. You can buy a hamburger or cheeseburger and they've got the best condiment bar of all time! It includes delicious "plastic cheese." Sauteed onions, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, jalepenos, different sauces. Just...omg I'm starving. 

LOOK AT IT!!!!!

And then my friends...there's this. 

It is a Nutella Waffle Sandwich, available at Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square.

The waffles are hot and freshly made so just...oh my goodness. So good.

So that's Magic Kingdom. Now PREPARE YOURSELVES because Epcot is a bigger beast since it includes World Showcase and the most wonderful event of the entire year and world: the Food and Wine Festival. I'm telling you, if you've never been you MUST. Is it a lot of money? Yes. Is it worth it? Abso-fu**ing-lutely. 

Before the food...right...my favorite memory. I mean...there have been many great memories. Especially with my old roommate, Chris. We had SUCH a blast together any park we went to. And then there's also all of the amazing times I spent with my best friend Mayling and our group of friends Christy, Sarah, Mustafa amongst others that would tag along. However, Mayling, Christy and I combined made Las Tres Caballeras. A legendary group of 3 awesome women from Miami who love Disney and caused some chaos whenever drinking in Epcot. 

I also did part of my first ever 5k in Epcot. The Tangled 5k and it was SUCH a blast because I ran it with my friends and dressed up as the best princess ever, Rapunzel. 

Ok...now to the good stuff. FOOD.

Now most of this stuff is only available during the Food and Wine Festival but rest assured that going around World Showcase at Epcot is good to visit ALL YEAR ROUND for good food and alcoholic beverages. Especially the latter. 

MOVING ON

Let's get my favorites out of the way first. 

First is the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup

Second is the Filet Mignon with Mushroom Risotto.

Now, both of them are they are normally served at Le Cellier, the incredibly-difficult-to-get-into-cause-it's-so-small-but-worth-it restaurant in Canada at World Showcase. However, there are smaller portions you can get at the F&WFestival. And you won't get the perks of the pretzel bread with the soup or the risotto with the steak. They are SO unbelievably delicious, I cannot stress it enough. You MUST try these at some point in your life. 

This is the Mongolian Beef with a Chinese Steamed Bun

It's served at the China booth at F&WF. So good!! It's a little spicy with delicious tender beef and the crisp vegetables cool it down. It's just the perfect balance! delicious

Lasagna in Italy

I don't usually particularly like lasagna but this one is THAT good. So...get it.

Omgoodness, these are the Shrimp Tacos in Mexico. So delicious!! They changed the toppings a bit but the creamy and spicy sauce on top is to die for and the shrimp is perfectly cooked. 

Oh and there's always delicious tequila shots in Mexico. Duh. 

This item is inside the French Bakery (although it's under a way more French name) and it's the lemon tart. I usually don't like fruity type desserts but THIS IS THE BOMB. The slightly toasted merengue on top is the perfect touch and the tart is delicious and the perfect blend of sour and sweet. 

The Grand Marnier slush. Need I say more? 

Last but not least is my homeland (not really) Ireland. 

This is the Fisherman's stew with a plethora of seafood delight with mashed potatoes (because Ireland.)

And all year long, anytime I'm in Epcot, I HAVE to go to the Rose and Crown and have one of these 

Or 2. Let's be real.

My mother and I after having too much food at F&W. Basically, we're the happiest ever. 

In all seriousness, both parks have impacted my life in so many positive ways and I have too many memories that can fit in just one blog. I'll just have to share some more memories in future blog posts. 

If you want me to continue with favorite memories and foods in Disney parks, leave me a comment below and I'll make sure to get that going.  

Until then, Happy Birthday to Magic Kingdom and Epcot

and Happy October to everyone! 

Change is good

I have been SO tired this week.

But it's a very good tired. This week was very good for me. Very good things happening and I'm beginning to feel a bit more at ease and happy.

I know for lots of people, it sounds stupid to hear me doubt my "talents." But I do. Constantly. All the time. 24/7.

My friends and I go to a local bar for karaoke night sometimes on Saturdays. I sang a song, it was fun and catchy. I usually sing Paramore or top 40 type stuff. It's always a lot of fun, especially since I kind of use it as a platform of performing since I don't get a chance to nearly as often as I'd like to.

Then, for some unknown reason, I decided to sing a song I've loved since I was little that I've never ever sung in front of anyone. Because I don't think it's my voice type, or that my voice isn't good enough, or that I shouldn't be singing it because...reasons.

I picked to sing "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston.

I know right? What the eff was I thinking? I have no idea. And no, I was not intoxicated. I had one beer but it did not affect me whatsoever.

I was SO SO SO incredibly nervous. Second guessing myself, wondering if I should go change the song, every once in a while in the hour long wait till my name was called to go warm my voice up a bit more. Then my name was called.

I was shaking. Was I really going to sing this song? I mean, people that do karaoke here just do it for fun. Not much serious singing ever. But I grabbed the mic, took a breath, closed my eyes and just did it.

Usually when I sing karaoke at this specific bar, I look over to the table where my friends reside-- partially because I self doubt so much that I'm looking at them for reassurance that I'm doing ok, that I'm not making a fool of myself. After singing the first song earlier, a complete and total stranger came up to me and expressed how she thought I had a great voice but how she read my body language and saw my constant looking towards my friends. She told me I didn't need them, I just needed to sing with my heart and to let go. (Don't you DARE start singing that damn song in your head. Damn it...it has already hasn't it? Ok, stop! Moving on.)

Going back to the song beginning...I kept my eyes closed for pretty much 90% of the song. And honestly, whenever I perform, I basically just tune out everything else. Because for me, any stage is my home. I don't need anyone else but me and the music, whether that's for singing or dancing. Supposedly, something that never happens happened. Supposedly, the whole bar went silent. Which I sincerely doubt. But that's what I'm told.

Regardless of how I sounded, which I know if anyone recorded it (I hope to God no one did), I would find a bajillion things wrong with it. However, I'm proud of myself for at least going out there and doing it anyway. I couldn't breathe properly for about 10 minutes after the song cause I was totally shaking and my anxiety was a bit high. But I still felt good about just singing a song that has been in my heart for ages. Do I sound like Whitney Houston? Hell no. I never will. She's ridiculously amazing. Me? I'm just Kayla. But I know I sang with all my heart.

Not once did I look to my friends when I performed that song. But afterwards, I felt them rooting for me, as they always do. I'm very lucky to have them support me, crazy ass me.

Anyway, with that and a few other things, circumstances are slowly starting to change and I may actually start to feel happy these days. Which has been a foreign feeling for...about a year almost now since I got screwed over by someone I idiotically trusted. But that doesn't matter. Life moves forward and the people who are worth being there will be there.

I need to sing more. I've started recording stuff with my mic on my pc again but have been too scared to post any of them. I critique the crap out of them and convince myself people's ears will bleed if I were to post it on the internet. But I'll try to record and maybe post something soon.

Anyway, I hope you had a fantastic weekend and that tomorrow is better than today.

Photo Collage CHALLENGE!

ʘ   Four tv shows you enjoy that were made in the last five years

ʑ    Nine men with faces that you like the look of

ɣ     Nine women with faces that you like the look of

ʬ     Four tv shows you enjoyed that were made more than five years ago

ʡ     Five style inspiration photos

Φ   Six of the most recent films you have watched

ψ   Eight favourite cities or towns you have visited

Ω   Three pictures of your favourite kind of weather

Δ    Four selfies

ς     Four places you would like to visit

Ϫ    Six tv shows you enjoyed as a child

Ϡ    Four people from history that you find interesting

҂    Nine favourite things to eat

҉      Nine favourite things to drink

†    Three things you’re excited for