HOLIDAY BUCKET LIST
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- 05:58
- 2 Comments
Sometimes the nostalgia of holidays is incredible to think about. There are so many memories packaged into one day. All of the changes of your life can be marked by what you did that day a year ago, five years ago, or even 45 years ago. As a child, who was there holding your hand when you walked to the door? As a teenager, were you going to cheesy discos or still secretly trick-or-treating? As an adult, where are you headed on halloween night or do you sit by the door waiting for the new wave of children to come ask for sweeties?
There is so much power in holidays and sometimes those past memories can even make you feel sad or angry. Maybe you feel anxiety whenever someone mentions Christmas or New Years because old feelings from years past rise to the surface. Either way many of these holidays are milestones in your life. That's why I thought it would be fun to look back at old halloween costumes just as a little reminder of what I was doing at this time years ago!
- 07:00
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Officially back in my apartment in New York after an absolutely lovely and refreshing winter break at home with my family. It's never easy for me leaving California but I can proudly say I did not cry once the day I left. I made it a point to stay strong as I know that after a quick few months I will be returning to my hometown to figure out the next stage of my life (more on how I feel about this in another post). It seems like the break was really split into two parts which made it feel even longer - the holidays and January. Christmas was so much fun but was so exhausting as we really had two long long days of family reunions (so much food I still can't think about it).
New Years went how New Years usually goes for me... not my favorite. It was actually New Years day that I found I had way more fun than the night before. Maybe I should remember that for next year...
New Years went how New Years usually goes for me... not my favorite. It was actually New Years day that I found I had way more fun than the night before. Maybe I should remember that for next year...
January mostly consisted of spending time with close friends, relaxing, reading, catching up on movies/tv shows, and of course spending time with my sister. The last week of my trip was the most action packed of any of them. First, my mom, stepdad, sister, her boyfriend, and I all went for a ski trip to Snow Summit in Big Bear. It was so much fun I forgot how much I truly loved skiing and it renewed my eagerness to get back out there and keep practicing (I was so nervous before my first run I could barely pull myself off the ski lift!).
Finally for the last day of my trip I went for a day to Disneyland with my best friend and sister. I feel like I really spent a good part of my teen years at Disneyland and it always feels like I'm visiting a good friend. The lines were super short because, first of all, it was a random Tuesday and, secondly, the weather was especially depressing for a California day. But that meant we had a chance to ride almost every single ride!
It's hard to see another break go, especially considering that would officially be the last break of my college experience. But I am back now and really want to make the most of my time here in New York before I move on to start the next chapter of my life. I hope everyone stays warm this weekend as I hear we are getting a huge storm (the weather must've known I would be returning...yipee...) Let me know in the comments down below some of the fun trips you have been taking this winter! xoxo Sam
- 05:43
- 0 Comments
So back before Thanksgiving my roommate and I planned a holiday party for the Saturday before finals week just to kind of take a break from studies, say goodbye for the winter break, and also celebrate the best holiday ever CHRISTMAS! Before I begin I am an introvert but I am also totally okay with being in social situations, I just feel extremely exhausted after. It used to be a lot worse but as I have tried to train myself to enjoy very social settings it has definitely become easier. But throwing a party is so much different than attending one! So here are just a few tips that I find help me get through the stress and anxiety that lead up to and during the event.
Only send out invitations to people who already know where you live
This might sound odd but the reason I suggest this is if people don't need to ask for your address, or at least the apartment building you live in, chances are they are good friends. When sending out invitations to the party we were hesitant to give the address. Normally, as always happens with parties, word gets out and what was once 20 people is now 50. We have a small flat and it would've been a mess to try to get more people in than were invited.
Make sure people respect the RSVP
Obviously in college most kids don't understand the proper protocol for parties. For me RSVP is more for the hosts sanity so they can have a mental picture of who is coming, how much food/alcohol to have, etc. I had bought eggnog last night after talking up my secret recipe for weeks now. But of course I didn't know how many people were for sure coming so I didn't buy enough. I found myself asking my roommate a hundred times who of her friends were for sure coming only because I didn't want to be surprised when a bunch of people walk in the door.
Have a few close friends come a little early
Even though I had my roommate with me, we were both really nervous for the party. It was the first one we have thrown in our apartment and again with finals it was a 50/50 shot people would have the time to show up. But I had my best friend and his boyfriend over before and it really helped calm my mood. I figured even if no one showed up at least I would have a fun time with the people I was with.
People WILL show up, even if it's an hour late
I mean we all do it! Invitation says 9 and everyone waits until 10. I even expected it last night but I found myself panicking when 9:30 rolled around and only a few people had shown up. As an introvert it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking no one is going to show up. Even my roommate was joking that she was going to bed if people didn't start showing up by 10. I love the scene in 200 Cigarettes where Martha Plimpton's character is completely convinced no one is going to come to her party and then it ends up being like the craziest party ever. And honestly this is normally how it is, all at once everyone will show up and you'll be kicking yourself for freaking out in the first place.
Make sure everyone gets home
I don't mean sending anyone out who is obviously blasted off their mind but at the same time one of the best feelings is the moment that last person leaves. Last night I was exhausted by a certain point but had to keep a good face until all the guests had left. For an introvert, having to keep entertaining after the party ends is too much to handle. Unless it is a special situation, making sure no one sleeps over really helps you rest your mind and go over the details of the night in your head in peace.
As much fun as I had last night I may need to wait a while to throw another party. Prying my eyes open to get up and study today was one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do. Not only physically but mentally exhausted. I wish I would've gotten some pictures from the night but hopefully they will be posted online by some of the attendees! And now that the night is over I can focus on my finals (something I procrastinated all day because of nerves!) and get ready to go home for break Tuesday
sending some holiday spirit and lots of love always xoxo Sam
Make sure people respect the RSVP
Obviously in college most kids don't understand the proper protocol for parties. For me RSVP is more for the hosts sanity so they can have a mental picture of who is coming, how much food/alcohol to have, etc. I had bought eggnog last night after talking up my secret recipe for weeks now. But of course I didn't know how many people were for sure coming so I didn't buy enough. I found myself asking my roommate a hundred times who of her friends were for sure coming only because I didn't want to be surprised when a bunch of people walk in the door.
Have a few close friends come a little early
Even though I had my roommate with me, we were both really nervous for the party. It was the first one we have thrown in our apartment and again with finals it was a 50/50 shot people would have the time to show up. But I had my best friend and his boyfriend over before and it really helped calm my mood. I figured even if no one showed up at least I would have a fun time with the people I was with.
People WILL show up, even if it's an hour late
I mean we all do it! Invitation says 9 and everyone waits until 10. I even expected it last night but I found myself panicking when 9:30 rolled around and only a few people had shown up. As an introvert it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking no one is going to show up. Even my roommate was joking that she was going to bed if people didn't start showing up by 10. I love the scene in 200 Cigarettes where Martha Plimpton's character is completely convinced no one is going to come to her party and then it ends up being like the craziest party ever. And honestly this is normally how it is, all at once everyone will show up and you'll be kicking yourself for freaking out in the first place.
Make sure everyone gets home
I don't mean sending anyone out who is obviously blasted off their mind but at the same time one of the best feelings is the moment that last person leaves. Last night I was exhausted by a certain point but had to keep a good face until all the guests had left. For an introvert, having to keep entertaining after the party ends is too much to handle. Unless it is a special situation, making sure no one sleeps over really helps you rest your mind and go over the details of the night in your head in peace.
As much fun as I had last night I may need to wait a while to throw another party. Prying my eyes open to get up and study today was one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do. Not only physically but mentally exhausted. I wish I would've gotten some pictures from the night but hopefully they will be posted online by some of the attendees! And now that the night is over I can focus on my finals (something I procrastinated all day because of nerves!) and get ready to go home for break Tuesday
sending some holiday spirit and lots of love always xoxo Sam
- 08:08
- 2 Comments
I can't fathom how fast this month has gone by. I mean literally the month of October felt like a never ending cyclone of work and projects and all this other stuff that it just dragged on. But November, which I expected to take FOREVER because of the holidays at the end of the month, has actually flown by and I am just trying to figure out ways to play catch-up with myself.
But more than that Thanksgiving is finally just around the corner! If I haven't said before it really is one of my favorite holidays. I feel like it is a nice little stop before Christmas and brings your family together to share in wonderful conversations, make great memories, and (most importantly) eat massive amounts of food.
My family has some amazing chefs so I can always expect to eat ridiculously amazing food for hours on end. Perhaps this year I'll actually get to sit at the "adult table" (being the youngest in your family keeps you at the kiddie table eternally). But I am so excited to see all my loved ones after so long.
I wanted to just do something fun for this post so below are some game ideas you and your families can play.
*these are not my ideas but I will link you to the source below*
Thanksgiving Bingo (Flavor Wire): This version of bingo is for adults and is probably the most fun if you're the cynical type. Flavor Wire has created four humorous bingo cards and participants cover the squares as the day progresses and they observe things like running out of gravy, someone coming late, a drunk uncle, a pet stealing food, someone starting a story with "when I was your age."
"The Best" (The Idea Room): describes this game which can be played any time of year but is particularly well suited for a large gathering. You divide into teams and compete in silly contests like who can stand on one foot the longest, who has the tallest thumb and any other contests you can invent.
Pass the Nut (Improvements Catalog): Don't worry, this is not a version of passing an orange from neck to neck, but with a small nut - that sounds a bit too intimate. This is essentially a relay race where teams carry small objects like nuts and cranberries from bowl to bowl with chopsticks.
Turkey Tag (Let's Get Together): This is an outdoor game for kids and adults and is a Thanksgiving-themed version of flag tag. The gist is that each person wears three clothespins on their clothing and then everyone runs around trying to remove clothespins from everyone else.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Drinking Game: If watching the televised parade is a part of your family's annual tradition, mix it up by making it into a drinking game (and not necessarily alcoholic!). A few years ago Chicago Now published their ideas for prompts like "Drink every time a musical performer messes up the lip syncing". The bloggers at Cookies & Sangria have a similar list (although they suggest doing exercises instead of drinking!) including doing a set of jumping jacks when "the hosts refer to bad parade weather in the distant past (>25 years ago)".
Top Turkey Artist (Creative Youth Ideas): This game is a contest to see who can draw the best turkey without looking. The version described here involves putting a book on your head and using that as a drawing surface, but it seems simpler to just blindfold people.
Card Games: A good card game for a mixed-ages group is Uno, if you have a deck. Other games that are easy to learn are Crazy Eights, Hearts, I Doubt It and Spoons. If you're fuzzy on some of the rules for a card game, Bicycle Cards has a free app with rules to 75 card games that you can download.
Board Games: Board games are kind of a no-brainer. Choose based on the age groups you have or break into a kids group and an adult group. Favorites of mine for adults include Scattergories, Trivial Pursuit, Outburst and Taboo. Good ones for kids are Candy Land, Chutes & Ladders and Richard Scarry's Busytown Eye Found It!.
Parlor Games (One Kings Lane): Parlor games are games for groups to play that don't require a board or anything purchased. The most classic and well known is charades. If you don't know any, here's a list of modern twists on classic parlor games.
Conversation starters: This is less of a "game" and more of a fun way to spark conversations, especially as you're sitting around the table. Either have guests write a few of their own questions or write them yourself ahead of time and then draw them from a bowl and go around the table taking turns answering them. Questions can be anything you like, such as "Where have you always wanted to travel, but haven't yet?", "What is your least favorite food?", "What's something most people here don't know about you?"
But more than that Thanksgiving is finally just around the corner! If I haven't said before it really is one of my favorite holidays. I feel like it is a nice little stop before Christmas and brings your family together to share in wonderful conversations, make great memories, and (most importantly) eat massive amounts of food.
My family has some amazing chefs so I can always expect to eat ridiculously amazing food for hours on end. Perhaps this year I'll actually get to sit at the "adult table" (being the youngest in your family keeps you at the kiddie table eternally). But I am so excited to see all my loved ones after so long.
I wanted to just do something fun for this post so below are some game ideas you and your families can play.
*these are not my ideas but I will link you to the source below*
Some of these sound hysterical. I remember one year we all sat around and played a Harry Potter Trivia board game and it was one of the greatest memories I have from Thanksgiving. I hope you and your family have a great Thanksgiving and that, maybe, you guys can add one of these games to your traditions!
Much love always xoxo Sam
- 05:10
- 6 Comments
