Getting Creative

Decorated the inside of one of my pretty travel journals.

Paper Mate Flair pens are the best for doodling. 

For Fun

1. What’s been the best day of your life so far and why?
August 2011 Rockette audition with all of my best friends. Making it to the end for the first time and getting measured for costumes had me in tears (happy ones). We were all so supportive of one another and pigged out at lunch/Magnolia after. Even though I didn't book it, there is nothing better than the energy around Radio City on a Rockette audition day.

2.Think of the last time you made a decision about something. Do you think you made the right decision?
I decided to skip both the Cavs and Rockette auditions and accept the cruise offer. I think it is the right decision for me at this time. I have never been to LA. I have never seen the world. I have never been on a cruise ship. This is the perfect opportunity for me to do what I love, travel and make new friends. 8 months is long, but it will be a blast and probably fly by. Getting paid to dance will be a dream come true!

3. How important do you think education is?
I think it's essential. I'm so happy to have a degree in something that I enjoy and will help me in the future. However, I'm happier to be following my dance dreams instead right now.

4. What is your purpose in life?
One of them is to make my dreams realities and inspire others to do the same. I'm discovering many more though.

5. Where would you like to be in 10 years?
Happy. Married. Kids. Puppy. Writing a book. Working for a company that I believe in. I will have accomplished all of my dance goals.

Packing Up My Life

This is what packing for 7 months at sea looks like. Trying to fit this into two suitcases. Pretty much all dresses though (about 20!)Since I'm not going to be in the country often, I had to get 8 month supplies of everything I need. Crazy.

Bon Voyage

My Bon Voyage party was held at my favorite Mexican restaurant. It meant the world to me to have my family and friends there. I got the sweetest cruise-related cards and gifts. I can't believe I'm really leaving. It's official though. Contract signed and flight booked!

My Cake

These are my best friends. Don't know what I'd do without them.

Akron besties.

Long Distance Lovin'

I’m no stranger to long distance relationships or ones that don’t work out because of my lifestyle. I will never regret sharing my feelings. If you’re going to make it work you need a strong bond and must be willing to communicate. If things go unsaid, you could waste your life hoping or wishing for something that may never happen. I spent $500 to visit someone I really care about (and took 9 days away from my family before I left), only to find they don't care at all. I don't understand how things can be great and then someone just changes their mind without reason. I am heart broken, but will stay strong. I appreciate finding out his true colors sooner rather than later. I will never regret following my dreams. How many people can honestly say they are getting paid to do exactly what they’ve wanted to do since they were twelve? I’m guessing not many. Live life with no regrets and realize that everything really does happen for a reason. All of the pain of the moment will make you better able to appreciate the positive things to come in the future.  I am so ready for this job. It's going to allow me to ponder what I want out of life and to take a break from serious relationships. I know my worth and refuse to be an option. I deserve to be a priority.

Party Planning

Bon Voyage Party Invite

In just 3 weeks I will be heading to LA to rehearse for a 7 month gig dancing on a cruise ship around South America. Getting paid to do what I love will be a dream come true. At the same time I will miss my family and friends so much, but will make the best of this amazing opportunity and stepping stone to my ultimate goal of becoming a Radio City Rockette.