The small things...

I went shopping with my dear friend, Lisa Andrews, yesterday and found some terrific deals! I hadn't been clothes shopping for myself in about a year. I spent so much time at the mall when I was younger and when I worked there that now, I get a sort of "anxiety" if I am there too long. The styles these days seem to take so much more thought in putting an outfit together. For example, I walk into Forever 21 and I seem like I can hardly breathe. If I could watch myself, I'm sure I'd laugh. I walk around aimlessly, trying to figure out an outfit. There is SO many clothes! I was definitely glad Lisa was there to help. I needed it. However, I did find some sweet sales and spent under $100!!! This will hopefully last me a while, because I cannot imagine having to spend that much time shopping again anytime soon. Sweet deals + cute clothes = happy Elena.

I don't believe in coincidences. No, not one. I think that everything does, in fact, happen for a reason. I believe people come into our lives for a purpose. I believe opportunities come at times when we may not even realize how great an impact they will have. The chaos we call life, really is just "ordered" chaos. We may not know why we lost a job, why we moved across the country, why a relationship didn't work, why not-so-fun things happen, but happen they will. It may take days, weeks, months, years, or possibly the next life for us to really understand the "why's" to everything. Even though I don't know all the "why's" to where I am at this point in my life, I know that I am where I'm supposed to be for a reason. And although our past does not define our future, it definitely shapes who we are. I feel like over the past two years I have been "groomed" for where I am now, and where I am heading. It is an exciting yet overwhelming feeling, because the past two years have not always been times of joy. I know who I am and where I am headed- and as I said, all things happen for a reason! Bring it on! :)

I've come to find out that I really enjoy intellectual conversations. Yeah- at parties you talk about the same things with the same people and that can be easy, stress-free and fun. A good, deep talk about something of worth is very refreshing to me. It gives me an opportunity to share who Elena is. Not only that but I can open my mind to what others think and feel, and connect with friends on a completely new level. I've always been a naturally shy person, and still I really am. As I've been able to step out of my comfort zone- an inch at a time- I find myself opening up more and wanting to learn about others, who they are and what makes them, well, them. Its just great!

Being honest, loyal, and trustworthy are so important to me. I have a very deep for those with these qualities. I know we aren't all perfect- and need work in areas (as for me, a LOT of areas), but I love and admire when I know I have friends who are there no matter what. I realize that as much as I want friends like that, I need to be that friend. I need to be loyal to those who are friends, be honest in all relationships and earn the trust of my peers. Like attracts like, to attract friends of these qualities I need to be a friend with these qualities.

Moki's food is delicious. I recently went there with a friend for lunch and it was oh so good. It had been a while- but I thoroughly enjoyed it! If you haven't ever gone, you NEED to go! :)

I LOVE clouds. I absolutely do. Anyone who claims to be my friend would know this about me. I used to get teased (Ok- I still do from time to time) when I stand in awe and repeatedly say "Oh my gosh! Look at the clouds! Ah they are so pretty!" This, as well as sunsets and any other piece of nature, really intrigues me! I went camping this weekend- and on the way there and back I took quite a few shots of the clouds and scenery. My friend Cub told me that he never knew someone who took as many pictures of the clouds as I do. In reply, I told him that for every 100 pictures or so taken, you have those few really good shots. The clouds always look different, and you really can't capture the beauty in a single photograph. So, I take many. Of everything. Pictures are like a second journal to me. It can tell so much about something, without words. I think I need to enroll in a photography class...

Rain, lightening and thunder are amazing. The smell. The look. The feel. The sound. The light. All of it. I wish AZ had more. Maybe I need to move for a while...

Dance and music are amazing. Dance lets me express myself and physically let go of all stress and anxiety. I can enter into my world where nothing matters but the music and the space around me to jump and twirl in. I can push myself and learn how to control my body in a way that requires constant work and dedication. The music brings out the many emotions that can be felt. It can make you feel happy, sad, sassy, curious, grateful, or even... just there.

FAMILY. I know I have mine for a reason, and I don't know what I'd do without them.

I could go on and on and on.... there are so many things in life worth mentioning, from small and simple to large and complex