Once Upon a Time is my new LOST. I’m obsessed with it and every week it makes me cry. The thing that attracts me is the theme of hope and desolation. People are lost and need to find their way home. I identify with that greatly.

The comedy in Portlandia is not for everyone, but I find it HILARIOUS.  Basically, it’s a show making fun of pretentious hipsters and how ridiculous they can be.  With characters named Bryce Shivers, how could you not love it? Put a bird on it!

 
New Girl makes me laugh out loud. I did not expect this to happen.  There are debates as to whether Zooey Deschanel is setting back feminism with her quirky, childlike womanhood, but I think she’s awesome.

I know watching Downton Abbey is the “cool” thing to do nowadays, but it’s actually a really, really good show. Worth the acclaim it’s receiving.

Struggla – Matisyahu

Cosmic Love – Florence and the Machine

Wake Up – Arcade Fire

Ambition – Wale

Swim Good – Frank Ocean

Lights – Ellie Goulding

Sooner or Later – Mat Kearney

Go Do – Jonsi

Run On For A Long Time – Blind Boys of Alabama

Listen to it on Spotify – 2010 Soundtrack

Easy to dream a dream, though it’s harder to live it.

One afternoon in September, I randomly came across a home auction website and spontaneously bought a house. Fortunately, it was for a great price, but unfortunately, the house was in need of repair. Since I’ve been obsessed with HGTV for a couple years, it had been a dream of mine to re-hab a house. I was excited for the opportunity.

Now, three months later with a mortgage and in the middle of repairs, flipping a house doesn’t feel so glamorous anymore. There was storm damage and I had to fix the living room ceiling, as well as repair and refinish the hardwood floors that had water damage. Then, I realized the roof needed to be completely replaced. Some electricity work had to be done. And painting! Hours and hours of painting.

It’s been fun, but I’ll be thankful to check it off the list of dreams come true.

It’s not a horrible place, I grew up here and consider it my home, but as an adult I never really thought I’d settle here. The year has gone by pretty quickly and I’ve reflected on my experiences, I wanted to share the benefits of living in Alabama.

Family

Almost every weekend I spend time with family – whether it’s going to my little three year old cousin’s soccer game, fishing with my grandmother, or hanging out with my brother. Being so close to relatives made me realize that I didn’t have this during my years away. If I need help moving, I don’t have to shyly ask my friends – I can tell my family I need their assistance. Also, it’s cool to go to birthday parties and baby showers and participate in every day life with family. It’s important.

Football

I’ve been a life time fan of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, but now that I live in the state I can finally attend their games! It’s been so fun…Saturdays in the Fall don’t feel right unless I’m in Tuscaloosa.

Music

Birmingham has small venues for music (such as UAB Alys Stevens Center and The Alabama Theater) and they are really cozy and intimate. I’ve been able to get fantastic seats to see my favorite artists – Matisyahu (seen above), The Civil Wars, and Death Cab for Cutie.

LA Light from Colin Rich on Vimeo.

I miss Los Angeles.

…and upon returning, I feel like Costa Rica is a person you meet and really like, but have no intention of befriending.