miss independent

(via)

Something you should know about me: I'm an independent to a fault.

I don't know if it's because I'm one of four kids and the middle child, so I was raised to be independent, of if I was just been destined to be this way, or what... but I am probably the most independent person I know.

Don't get me wrong... I love friends and I love my family and I love being around them. But when it comes to having to depend on someone for anything, it makes me feel really uncomfortable. I don't want to be taken care of, I don't want to feel like I ever need anything from anyone. Which, let's face it, is super ridiculous. I'll at least need someone to kill spiders for me for the rest of my life ;)

The worst part is, I really, really wish I wasn't so independent. I want to be able to rely on people, I want to be able to wish I had someone around to take care of me, I want to be able to let people in to take care of me. Most of the time, I just feel like it's easier to be by yourself then let people in. But sometimes, I envision being able to be more dependent. I know that's silly, but the grass is always greener, right?

The chances for me to become more dependent on people now are slim. I'm 23 years old. It's an engrained part of me by now. I can work on opening myself up to new people and I'm trying to get better at that. But I don't think I'll ever be able to fully open up to new people very easily. Or fully accept that there are other people than my mom and dad who can take care of me.

Basically, I just want to know.... are you independent or dependent and do you ever wish you were opposite? I know there are people who are really dependent and wish they weren't, but how do you work to make yourself change? Or vice versa?

Sibling love

I decided this past weekend that if I ever have a child, I will without a doubt have two. I have a few friends who have one little one--and swear, that is it. I get it. Children are expensive. They are a handful. Balancing work, a little one and a relationship I'm sure is one of life's biggest challenges. However, to all you parents with one toddler in tow, giving them a sibling is the greatest gift you can give. Here is why...

This past week my dad had open heart surgery. I made the 11-hour trek home, and my sister flew in from Denver. We arrived to face my parent's five crazy dogs, a frail and ill mother {she had just broken her hip and shoulder a few weeks prior and has a slew of other health issues}, and a worried but brave dad.

As we learned about how he'd be put on bypass, that he could wake up during surgery, and that the procedure all-in-all was a risky one, the reality of the situation settled in. As we waited during the almost 5-hour surgery, we kept each other occupied. She lent me her headphones, we texted each other across the waiting room about the weird people sitting near us, and both giggled at my mom snoring on the couch.

When we got the good news, we shared a smile and a giant sigh. She was also sure to make fun of me for mistaking a toilet for a stool in his room in ICU and taking a seat on it when I felt faint after seeing my dad for the first time. {Thanks, Sis!}

Back in Arkansas, and my sister back in Denver, we've shared daily texts and phone calls about our dad. As he's back in the hospital today due to another possible health issue, both filled with worry, and a bit of anger due to other family issues, we bitch up a storm, and then convince each other it'll be okay.

She has been my partner in crime since she was old enough to walk. As an adult, she's becoming my partner in life. She understands me in a way no one else can and I couldn't face life with as much confidence as I do without her.

To anyone with a sibling, cherish them. When the reality of your parents health or other issues begins to set it, you will need them. And you will be so grateful that you can face it together.

go, see, do: salzburg

Second stop on our trip was Salzburg! After a full day of train travel, we were greeted in Salzburg by the first sunny day we had in Europe. {It was foggy and overcast our whole time in Prague.} Unfortunately, it did not stick around. Salzburg ended up being pretty foggy during our time there. But would wouldn't let that ruin our trip. The city was all decked out for Christmas which we loved and it certainly got us in the holiday spirit. Out of all three, Salzburg wasn't out favorite stop. We still enjoyed the city, but I probably won't go back. Only because we've pretty much seen/done everything it has to offer and there wouldn't be much to go back for.

{mom, sister and i}

go:
Again, we were there during the chilly fall. But given my options, I would say go during that time! The Christmas decor and holiday spirit really enveloped the city, which I seriously loved. The Christmas market was in full swing which was a treat. I'm sure it's beautiful in the spring/summer, but I really loved being there this time of year.

see:

The aforementioned Christmas market. With stalls and stalls of ornaments, great food and hot drinks it is impossible to pass up this festive stop. It's so quintessentially "Europe."


Festung Hohensalzburg is a medieval castle that sits atop the city. One of the largest of its kind in Europe, there is a lot to see. Including a museum featuring old rooms and history information and a fun little marionette museum. Apparently the views of the city from up there are great, but since it was so foggy the day we went up, you literally could not see a thing.


What was once a home for Mozart and his family, has now been turned into a museum. What could have been another boring museum, was actually fairly interesting with demo stations and things like that.

do:


Goldgasse is a must. Picture a cute little street lined with darling shops. The time of year was perfect because it was lit up and decorated to the nines for the holidays.


Augustiner Brau is a classic beer hall and a fun way to spend an evening. Walk in, pick up your beer mug, rinse it off, choose your type of beer and you're good to go! The brewery also has stalls of food at your disposal and lively patrons who make the atmosphere just right. Basically what I'm saying is that I never wanted to leave! ;)


Then, if you're like us... you can leave the beer hall and head straight for the ice rink. Which is exactly what we did. With our libations to warm us up, we went for a few laps on the city's public ice rink. With American tunes blasting from the speakers to dance to, we had quite the time.

As you can see, Salzburg was a lot of fun! I'm so glad we went. Next stop: Munich! I'll be back next week with those details. Y'all have a good weekend!

poll of the week: what's your holiday shopping plan of attack?

In our poll from two weeks ago we asked for your opinions on long distance relationships. Here's what you said....


I was surprised by how many cynics voted ;). I'm of the school of thought that they can work. Long distance relationships take a lot of work and both parties have to be willing to really put in the work. We got some great comments on the post that I wanted to share:

Sarah said....
"my ex and I dated for three and a 1/2 years before we had to became long distance because of work reasons. we managed to last another 1 1/2 long distance before ending it..at the time we thought a year or so long distance wouldnt be so bad with frequent visits and the end result being we'd be together in the same place...but with the loss of the every day time together, the few days together every other month or so and phone calls just weren't enough."

kBr said...
"My current boyfriend and I have been together for a year now and we have been long distance the whole time...we live about two and a half hours apart and met through friends last August....So far our only problem has been missing each other, which isn't fun but its not as bad as what some long distance couples deal with like jealousy, schedules that don't allow them to communicate much, etc.... So far its worth it though and our relationship is great!"

Leah said...
"My boyfriend and I are long distance during the summer- two so far, once I studied abroad once when we had jobs in different cities. I think it depends a lot on the people and the effort they put into the relationship! There's no doubt they are tougher than being in the same place but they can definitely work!"

Obviously each relationship is different, but I thought it was interesting to hear three examples of how they've worked and how they didn't. Thanks for sharing girls!

In this week's poll, we want to hear about when you buy your Christmas gifts. Are you like me and leave it till the last second? Or have you already checked everyone off your list? Do tell...