31 Day Blog Challenge: Epilogue

Thanks for tuning in for the past month. Though at times challenging and, let's face it, stupid, I was faithful in my goal to use my blog more. I shared a lot about myself, right down to what is in my purse.

I hope to continue this pattern of writing more. I'm not making any promises, but I'm hoping to. :)

31 Days Blog Challenge: Day 31

Why do you write?

Let me count the ways... 

I write to fully express myself.

I write to release the mumble jumble in my head.

I write to utilize a safe outlet for my emotions.

I write to live out day dreams from my everyday.

I write to feel good about myself.

I write to share my thoughts.

I write to feel a connection with someone.

I write to escape.

I write to share my gift.

I write to tell a story.

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 30

When it comes to makeup, the less time it takes, the more apt I am to using it. Don't get me wrong, I take pride in looking presentable. I just think it's ridiculous the lengths people will go to do so.

So, what exactly is in my makeup bag?

• Foundation
• Concealer
• Eyeshadow - browns, greens, and purples
• Mascara
• Lip gloss
• Eye liner

Yep... that about sums it up.

Riveting, I know.

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 29

 My Favorite Vacations:

Oak  Island, North Carolina

Disney World - Orlando, Florida

Portland, Ecola, and Bend - Oregon

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 28

What are you looking forward to?

Normally when I hear this question, I respond with "I don't know. I'm just kind of going with the flow right now." People respond with a smile, but secretly they're judging you for being lazy and not having your stuff together.

I guess I'm looking forward to the right moment. The moment I figure out what I want to be when I grow up. The moment I finally let go of everything that holds me back. The moment I accept the person I am meant to be. The moment I finally sing out loud without feeling awkward. The moment I look at a photograph of myself and like what I see. The moment I say "I've had enough" and walk away. The moment I realize everyone was right - I deserve better.

Those are things I'm looking forward to.

Also, Catching Fire.

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 27

Like I mentioned in a previous post, I love Creamy Chicken Bake. Love it.

4 chicken breasts

4 slices of swiss cheese

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 stick butter

1 box chicken flavored stuffing

Place chicken in a baking pan. Top with cheese slices. Pour soup over chicken. Melt butter and mix with boxed stuffing. Pour over chicken. Bake for 35-45 minutes.

Of course,  I use more cheese and more soup. And always - ALWAYS - more stuffing. That's the best part. :)

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 26

An "Old School" Photo of Yourself.

Classic Caitlin.

1992. Totes adorbs.

1997. Can you feel the love?

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 25

The challenge for today was to list my top five favorite blogs.

I have a confession to make...

... I don't read a lot of blogs.

I mean, sure, I follow links to blogs when I'm interested in something. But when it comes to religiously reading a blog - there are only two that I follow.

• Sarah Selecky is a writer who shares her ideas with fellow writers. She has resources that are available to the public, including prompts that are challenging. I love getting emails from her... it helps spark creativity in me that I would normally push aside.
• Adam Young is the love of my life. I mean, we've been over this. He used to post the most amazing blogs. Every once in a while, he posts a gem, like he recently did about summer. The man is genius.

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 24

I always have a least one book in progress. As a kid, I read ALL THE TIME. No, really.

During my "learning-to-read" years, Green Eggs and Ham was my favorite. At one point, I could recite There's a Wocket in My Pocket. Pretttyy impressive. Pretty much anything by Dr. Seuss was awesome. Actually, if we're being honest here, I didn't have a lot of "least favorites".

I read Holes, All-American Girl, and Far North all the time. Those books are in such horrible condition from being read a thousand times.

I read The Babysitters Club and the Sweet Valley Twins series in their entirety. Best $5 I spent at a garage sale.

This challenge was just that - a challenge. I spent so much time at the library perusing books and countless hours reading them. It was going to take forever to list all of my favorite books. So, I didn't.

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 23

A lot of people think my dream job is easy, but for me, it requires a lot of discipline. I can't sit and write for hours at a time. I get distracted by the things around me or the fact that I have a thousand things running through my mind at a time.

Other than writing, which let's face it, unless you're J.K. Rowling, isn't going to be your main source of income, I have no idea what I want to do. At all. But that's okay.

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 22

The Best Part of 2013

 

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 21

I LOVE FOOD. I mean, who doesn't?

• Tacos: I am almost always in the mood for tacos. It's unhealthy.
• Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The perfect combination of sweet and salty.
• Cabbage: Weird, right?
• Pasta: Any pasta, any sauce, any combination.
• Rice: I could eat white rice all day. Seriously.
• Creamy Chicken Bake: At a thousand calories a serving, it's heaven.
• Potatoes: Boil 'em, mash 'em, stick 'em in stew. 
• Nachos: Put them together with a taco and you have "the naco!"
• Ice Cream: Always better in a cone.
• Chocolate: I'm a girl, what can I say?

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 20

Today is the day I talk to you about a difficult time in my life, how I got through it, and the advice I'd give myself or others in the future.

October 19, 2013
Hanson and Drake Bell concert at the House of Blues in Cleveland. Was I there? No. I was at home, watching Hanson on Cupcake Wars... sulking. I became a pit of despair as I kicked myself for not purchasing tickets for what I was anticipating as a fantastic concert. So, I listened to my Drake Bell and Hanson cds and got over it. My advice: don't forget about concerts you're dying to see so you can avoid the pain that I went through last night.


Obviously I'm kidding. While it was disappointing to realize I had forgotten about it, I really wasn't more upset.

Actually, my entire blog showcases my struggles and hard times. I try to share my good times, as well.

So, I won't sit down and write out my deepest, darkest struggles. You'll just have to read my blog to learn about them. :)

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 19

I'm supposed to talk to you today about things I collect. If I'm being completely honest, I don't actually collect anything in particular. I used to. I think between growing up and moving as many times as I have, you realize some things are just that - they're things. 

However, I can share a few things I used to collect:

• Disney Princesses - I can't help it. Disney movies are my favorite. I cannot grow tired of a Disney movie. And I'm a girl, so a good fairy tale never hurts. Belle is my favorite because, let's face it, the tagline to "Beauty and the Beast" was right: The most beautiful love story ever told. So I had a lot of stuff from Disney. I have a snow globe that is beautiful. The rose lights up and it plays "Beauty and the Beast."

• Teddy Bears - To be honest, I wouldn't object to receiving teddy bears now. In fact, I still have most of them. They're cute. I mean, what else is there to say.

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 18

Today I am answering the question all of you have been asking: How did you choose the name of your blog?

Well, I have to tell you, it was not easy.

I wanted it to be clever, poetic, and enough to capture your attention, but I wanted to avoid cliches, literary quotes, and song lyrics. I was torn between wanting to be vague and fully expressing who I am.

Then I realized, the point of most of my posts is that I don't know who I am yet. I am still figuring everything out.

The truth is, I haven't thought of a clever name for my blog. I'm still brainstorming.

So, until then, it will simply be called misscaitierenee.

Yeah... that's my name...

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 17

My Proudest Moment

The day I realized I am better than all of the crap that has been dealt me thus far. I'm the kind of person that requires a  daily reminder of such a fact, but I am better than all of it. I am stronger and smarter than everything that has been and will be thrown at me.

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 16

My bucket list may be full of cliches and Hallmark's hopes and dreams, but that's why it's MY bucket list, not yours.

I want to...

• be my best
• persevere when I want to give up
• be strong when I'm not
• make much of You
• laugh 'til my body aches
• cry 'til my hands shake
• love 'til my heart breaks
• never hold back
• always be there for the ones I love
• prove I can do it
• change my outlook
• change my attitude
• do something "for the first time"
• feel accomplished
• be fearless
• be proud of who I am
• be independent
• know the ones I love will always be there
• give others what I've been given
• know it's going to be okay, even if it's not alright
• know it can be done
• go white-water rafting
• drop my guard
• go to Italy and most of Europe
• show the world - for the good
• witness a miracle
• change someone's life
• keep my promises
• be kinder
• use less sarcasm
• let God soften my heart
• be confident
• do it - REGARDLESS
• be there - mentally, physically, and spiritually

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 15

I'd say this was a typical Tuesday, but it wasn't. It wasn't an exciting one, but  nevertheless...

1:14 am - Woke to the sound of my alarm so I could take a pain pill before I let the pain wake me up.

7:37 am - Woke to the sound of my second alarm, telling me I actually had to get out of bed. :(

8:55 am - Arrive at Staples for my 9-3 shift.

12 noon - Break time! And time for my antibiotic.

2:58 pm - "Can you come into work tomorrow?" *shrugs* "Sure."

3:10 pm - Arrive at post office to mail my broken phone back to AT&T, as well as two letters.

3:17 pm - Pull into bank drive-thru.

3:34 pm - Finally get to leave the bank.

3:47 pm - Home for the rest of the day.

4:00 pm - Decided to clean my room. *cue the hallelujah chorus*

5:00 pm - Shower time!

5:13 pm - Called dentist to schedule the dreaded root canal.
5:34 pm - Started this post.

As for the rest of the night, well, it's all pretty predictable.

• Eat dinner.
• Watch some Supernatural (trying to get everyone caught up!)
• Read some.
• Go to bed. (I'm so looking forward to this!)

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 14

If I won the lottery, I would...

• buy a house.
• pay off any debts.
• go to Europe.
• invest.
• save it.

Pretty exciting list, huh?

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 13

My earliest memory was actually really early. I remember going to visit my Grandma's cat at the Humane Society. We found out he'd been put down. We went down the street to Pizza Joes and used the pay phone (before the days of cell phones) and called Grandma to let her know. Apparently, I was six months old.

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 12

Today I was supposed to share the contents of my refrigerator. Who really gives a crap?!

Keeping in the spirit of top favorites, I'm going to share my favorite television shows. :)

Psych.

Friends.

Supernatural.

The Office.

I Love Lucy.

Boy Meets World.

Gilmore Girls.

New Girl.

Once Upon A Time.

The Golden Girls.

That 70s Show.

Drake and Josh.

  

 The Cosby Show.

How I Met Your Mother.

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 11

I'm supposed to list my top ten favorite songs. Ha. Hahahaha. Ha.

• Shameless - Written by Billy Joel, but only Garth Brooks can sing it right.
• Hallelujah - While most people who cover this song do a fantastic job, I think Jeff Buckley's version is the best, simply because of the guitar. It is the perfect fall driving song.
• Vienna - My favorite Billy Joel song.
• Who I Am - Aunt Vera sent me this song when I graduated high school, and it is still my go-to song for crappy days.

• So Far Away - Such a sad song that unlocks my nostalgic side.
• Just A Closer Walk - My favorite hymn.
• Vanilla Twilight - Adam Young's lyrics make me miss people I don't even know.
• Overjoyed - A cute song and an even cuter music video.
• If You're Gone - My favorite MatchboxTwenty song.

• Shattered - I posted the Psycho video a few weeks ago. I love it. I find myself singing it all the time.
• Enchanted - The perfect song for daydreaming.
• In Christ Alone - Owl City's simplicity is a calming presence for this song.
• The Call - Two words: Regina Spektor. Two more words: Prince Caspian.

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 10

I don't have porcelain skin. I don't have long, golden hair like Rapunzel. My feet are wide. My fingers are short and stubby. My hair is barely manageable most days. My eyes may not sparkle like sapphires, but they do laugh.

Ever since I was little, my dad has told me my eyes are happy. When I smile, they smile, too. My dad was really into Don Coldsmith books and he writes about Native Americans. It was during that time that he bestowed upon me the name Laughing Eyes. Of course, it wasn't an everyday occurrence to be referred to as such, but it was often the reminder that when I am truly happy, it exudes from every part of me.

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 9

I have a few really bad habits. Superficial or not, I have a hard time breaking these habits.

• Nail biting: I have tried so many times to quit biting my fingernails and I just can't seem to break it. I'm an awkward person and it's my fidgety habit.
• Sarcasm: The poisonous crap that I've used as a crutch my entire life. Sure, it can be funny, but it can also be very hurtful. I need to take it down a few pegs, find a balance.
• Controlling: Mother may know best, but Caitlin knows it better. I've always been the bossy type. And that isn't a bad thing, but it's not my business or my place.
• Guarded: Open yourself up, girl. Let people get to know you. And let yourself want to get to know them.

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 8

Today, I am going to answer the question everyone's been dying to know the answer to: What is in my purse?

Well, I hardly ever carry a bag. I should be carrying it around all the time for medical reasons, but ya know... I'm lazy.

So... when I do carry a purse, its contents include:

• EpiPen: Remember, I'm allergic to everything!
• Benadryl and Ibuprofen: Obvious reasons.
• Wallet
• Bobby pins and hair ties: You need them to be everywhere.
• Chapstick: That is, if I haven't lost it yet...

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 7

My pets are persnickety creatures. And they're doggs. If we were prima donnas, I could see where they'd get it.


Shadow: At fourteen, she is our oldest companion.

• Likes: Having her backside scratched, getting into the garbage can, snuggling on the floor, treats, and car rides.
• Dislikes: Ice, loud noises (like gunfire or fireworks), rowdy children, potential intruders (even if you live there), Frankie, and baths.

Buddy: Men are picky, and Buddy is no exception.

• Likes: Ice cubes!, attention of any kind, playing fetch, eating, and of course, treats.
• Dislikes: Pretzels, any period of time when he's apart from someone, Frankie, and baths.

A five minute list about my pets likes and dislikes. (I told you some of these posts were stupid!)

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 6

My Five Senses (as of right now):

• Sight: Cars driving passed my road as I sit on the front porch.
• Sounds: Conversations I couldn't care less about.
• Taste: A refreshing carbonated beverage that's quenching my very present thirst.
• Feeling: The semi-cool breeze from Mother Nature. (I've missed you)
• Smell: Fall. Almost fall.

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 5

When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad - I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don't feel so bad.


I really can't tell you how hard this challenge was for me. When I started, I thought I had to rank things in order of importance in my life. That proved to be rather difficult for someone who couldn't decide between Panera's broccoli cheddar soup and Fitzgerald's short stories. So, I wrote down my favorite things and put them in a bowl. I pulled out fifteen pieces of paper and created the list you're about to read. Enjoy!

1. Mascara: My single favorite makeup tool. If I don't get a chance to put on any other form, I at least coat my lashes in that glorious black goo.
2. Family: Can't live with them, definitely can't live without them.
3. Hats: I have a very stylish hat collection (assuming three hats is enough to warrant a collection): tan corduroy, purple newsboy, and knit grey are the highlight of any of my cold weather ensembles.
4. Netflix: Once upon a time, I used to have a life...
5. Church: I love my church. I'm still in the wading pool, if you will, but I look forward to every service.
6. Friends: I can honestly say the friends I have are true Proverbs 17 friends. And that is so much more than I deserve.
7. Psych: Seriously? You know that's right.
8. Laughter: A whole hearted belly laugh... *sigh* It's my favorite sounds.
9. Fluffy pillows: Thank you, Jenna Rink.
10. The ability to communicate solely through movie/tv quotes, song lyrics, and facial expressions: You know what I'm talking about.
11. Sunglasses: An air of mystery or a seriously vital part in protecting your eyes from UV rays.
12. Scrapbook: My mother made me a scrapbook chronicling my first 18 years of life. I love looking through that.
13. Matchbox Twenty: Stereotypical white girl or fan of overlooked profound lyrics and piano playing?
14. Acoustic and acapella covers: Spending way too much time online researching raw renditions of my favorite songs? Guilty.
15. Caffeine: How do you take your coffee? Seriously. Very seriously.

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 4

We all have irrational fears, so here are a few of mine.

• Birds: Ever since we had the cockatiel from hell, I have had an embarrassing fear of birds. We once had The Bird Man come to our church. HOLY CONNIPTION! I ran the sound system from a closet. Literally. And you know how there are pigeons all over New York City? They just walk up to you and expect you to be okay with that. That wasn't exactly a fun time for me.
• Success: I don't want to sound cliche here, but truth be told, I fear being happy. I'm trying, but it's true.
• Vulnerability: I really don't know what to call it, but that feeling of not caring about what people think, letting go of those inhibitions, and letting myself be happy. And more importantly, once I finally do, I need to stay that way.

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 3

If you pay any attention to me whatsoever, I am a sucker for an excellent quote. Whether profound or spit-your-water-out funny, if there's even a twinge of resonation, I'm going to love it. These are just a few of my favorite quotes.

Not knowing when the dawn will come, I open every door. -Emily Dickinson

Maybe it's other people's reactions to us that makes us who we are. -Fox Mulder

Forgive those who hurt you, belittle you, and take advantage of you; but more than this, forgive yourself for allowing them to hurt you. -Unknown

All the water in the world cannot sink a ship unless it gets inside.

I have a name. I have to take advantage of it. -Pierre Cardin

31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 2

Day two is all about yours truly. In no particular order, I will reveal twenty shallow, yet somehow important facts about myself. Some of these facts you may already know from previous posts or simply just knowing me, but maybe you'll learn something new. (FYI: This was actually a lot harder than I thought!)

1. I don't have any musical talent whatsoever. I cannot play an instrument, though I've tried several times to play the piano like a pro. I don't have an angelic voice, but that doesn't stop me from singing my heart out in the car. I've accepted this, for the most part. I would still love to learn to play "Shameless" on the piano, though.

2. I have very vivid dreams. I don't think there's a dream that I don't remember. Thank God I'm over the celebrity phase. I would dream of celebrities every night. And not happy, bffs with Sandra Bullock dreams. We're talking Mark Harmon kidnapping me, killing someone, and pinning all of the evidence on me only to return as Gibbs and put me in jail. Anyway, I have vivid dreams that sometimes, but very rarely star a celebrity.

3. I have always wanted to learn to figure skate. Always. I even know what songs I want to skate to. I'm actually not a terrible ice skater, which is shocking since I'm one of Pennsylvania's least graceful people. So yeah... Caitlin McConnell - Olympic Figure Skater. Eh, it's a pipe dream.

4. I've found that 87% of the time, the second verse of the song is the best. That's a real statistic based on 22+ years of listening to music.

5. I'm the kind of person that can be told something a million times, but won't actually grasp it until it is mentioned indirectly by someone else. It's frustrating, I know. But hey - at least I'm not that way with everything.

6. I'd like to think of myself as independent, but that does not excuse a man from being a gentleman.

7. If one is truly awesome, one is referred to as "Antonio Banderas cool".

8. I'm still a kid. I could sit and watch Disney movies all day. And color. Coloring books and Disney movies... the way to my heart.

9. James Marsden is still too gorgeous. After all this time.

10. I read. A lot. And not Twilight or Gossip Girl. Do you remember that summer reading list from 10th grade and how you said, "Ugh, who is actually going to read these?" Yeah, that's me. I can read and reread an English Lit piece until it becomes engraved in my subcranium.

11. Italy. *sigh* That's where my heart is. Wine, pasta, art, architecture, and guys named Marco. Kidding on the last one, but seriously - how awesome is Italy?

12. My family mean the world to me. I have family all over the world, and I care about each of them. Cliche alert: I would not be here if it wasn't for their love and support. They are simply the best and I would do anything for them.

13. So, the 22-year old Caitlin writing this doesn't have any interest in marriage or babies. ("...yet," as some people would say) However, I decided a long time ago that my daughter would be named Lucy. There are so many Lucys in the world of movies and literature that are strong, amazing women and I would love to have a daughter that could feel a sort of empowerment knowing she was named after these fine ladies.

14. I never win a bet.

15. Almost twelve years ago, an awkward sixth grade student moved to North Carolina and a cool teenaged girl became her friend. After ten years of not seeing each other, they still remain the greatest of friends.Thank you, Ashley. I cherish your friendship so much.

16. I love to argue. Well, mostly I love to debate, but eventually it turns into an argument and that's fun, too. I have strong opinions, I can't help it.

17. I am allergic to everything. No, seriously - everything. So don't be offended when I don't try your stuffing during the holidays or drink a mimosa at your garden party. I just don't want to die.

18. I'm working on coming out of my shell again. Circumstance led me to hide because so many trusts were broken. I realize now that it was stupid so I'm working on being more outgoing.

19. My car is a Pontiac Sunfire. She's dark blue. I call her Celeste.

20. If you ever want to know more about me, just visit my pinterest page. From stupid jokes to favorite quotes to my 300+ pins "Psych" board, I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for.

31 Day Blog Challenge

Day One: Recent photo and introduction

I have vowed (several times, actually) to spend more time on here. The problem is not having anything to say, but rather too much. I could very easily overwhelm this website with my ramblings and nonsensical gibberish. Instead, I sift through my thoughts until one becomes more than just a thought. This is going to be a small way for me to start using this blog more often: a 31 Day Blog Challenge.

I'm not going to lie, some of the topics are stupid. I promise to do my best to unlock my creative side to enlighten the probably few readers I have. (Note to my readers: I love you! And I appreciate you stopping by on a regular basis!)

So tune in everyday for the next month as I open myself up to all of you, one unoriginal prompt at a time. :)