Currently.

Time moves fast and as I get older, I am learning this concept more and more. I try to keep track of each day and then as soon as I know it, it's eight months later and I have neglected this blog, still have unpacked boxes, and avoided some necessary and very important tasks. I can't simply give you a play by play of what my life has consisted of these past eight months, but I can sure give you a glance at what is currently going through this cluttered mind of mine. Currently I am: 

Enjoying: The fact that daylight is lingering a little longer each day. I get done with my day around 5:30 and come home to a dog with all of this energy pent up inside. I am lucky enough to have a nature preserve right down the street from my current apartment, and have been utilizing this time after work to not only let Roxie get some time to release her energy but I also get to have a solid 40 minutes of quiet and mind clearing time. These are some of the best moments.

Anticipating: The arrival of spring is so close but feels so far away. This winter has definitely been one of the roughest and longest winters that I have endured during my time here in Kalamazoo. I have also been a victim to more car troubles during these past few months than I have ever experienced with my car. Flat tires, dead battery, and a mirror knocked off. I am ready for warmer weather and more time being spent outside.

Watching: This isn't something that I am currently watching at the moment, but I recently finished the entire series of 'Breaking Bad'. It took a couple months, but I'm so glad that I spent all a good portion of my free time watching this show. I am so glad that I did.

Listening: Records upon records. One in particular has been a recent purchase of mine from one of my favorite record stores in Grand Rapids. The Head and the Heart has become a recent and quick favorite band of mine. I am seeing them perform live in April and could not be more excited. I guess you could say that is another thing that I am anticipating within these next couple months.

Drinking: Grapefruit Moon IPA from Harmony Brewing in Grand Rapids, MI. This beer has my heart and I was able to bring a growler of it back with me a couple weekends ago. I could drink this beer all day, everyday. Drinking it makes me anxious for warmer weather with a glass of this in my hand.

Reading: The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman. Without giving too much away about the story, let me just say that this book is creepy but so beautiful. Check it out.

I am going to leave you with a song that seriously could brighten anyones day, and if it doesn't then there is clearly something wrong with you. It's an oldie but so so good. Catch ya later :)

The Summer of Concerts.

This summer may have only just started but it has been off to a great start. For the past three weeks I have had the pleasure of going to a concert (or two) each week. All of these concerts were ones that I was extremely giddy about upon finding that they were even playing near me. I'm also lucky to have a boyfriend who is down to go to all of these concerts with me (even though he doesn't share my extreme excitement about them!) Can I also add that every single one of these shows was sold out?! Heck yeah.

The line-up goes like this:

1. June 10th: The Postal Service 

2. June 17th: Lord Huron

3. June 18th: Lord Huron (Round 2)

4. June 24th: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes

This is probably the last time that The Postal Service will tour together and it's been a middle school dream of mine to see them live. I will always be blown away by Ben Gibbard and his ability to put on an amazing show, no matter who he is performing with.

I wouldn't have heard about Lord Huron without my sister suggesting them to me on Spotify, but they have grown to be my absolute favorite band as of lately. You also may be asking yourself why I saw them two days in a row. Good question! Let's just leave it to the fact that I am an extremely dedicated fan. The show was also in Grand Rapids, so my sister and I were lucky enough to feast upon some Yesterdog after the show.

No offense to the show in Grand Rapids, but the show that LH put on in Lansing blew me away (and was way better) and just solidified the fact that this band is truly amazing. It also helped that I was right in front of the stage and tall people weren't ruining the experience for my short self. And I got to meet Ben, the lead singer. I mean, come on. If that smile on my face doesn't convince you that this show kind of changed my life, then I don't know what to tell you!

                                             

                                               

 Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes played a sold out show that is basically right down the street from my house. It is kind of amazing living so close to a concert venue. They make you feel so happy during the whole concert, despite being hot and sweaty, getting beer spilled on you, and having to be obnoxiously close to everyone around you. After the show, Alex even played a mini-concert in the alley. Can you say AMAZING! This band can do whatever they want and get away with it, I swear.

Now I'm on a concert hiatus, at least for a couple weeks until my next one in July. There is truly nothing better than a concert, full of live music from a few of your favorite bands during the summer time.

Quiet.

I apologize for it being so quiet over here. I have been caught up in trying to enjoy the last bit of my summer, working a new job, and moving out of my apartment.

Last weekend I had a few friends from Saginaw come and visit and we participated in the Color Run in Grand Rapids on Sunday morning. It was so much fun to get some time to spend with these ladies and participating in the happiest 5k on the planet. After the 5k, we headed over to Grand Haven to clean off in Lake Michigan. Quite possibly the perfect ending to a happy weekend.

                      

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This summer is flying by. I wrap up my last couple summer classes tomorrow and then I get to kind of enjoy my last couple weeks of summer. I started a new job at one of my favorite local restaurants, Martini's. It has been keeping me busy as did moving out of my apartment that has been home for the past couple years. I look forward to moving into my new apartment next week though. Things are going to be changing pretty soon here, and I am greatly looking forward to the challenges ahead.