With summer coming to a close, I can't help but feel nostalgic. My heart grows sad thinking of the memories from summers before. The memories from this summer are now overshadowing those. I can feel summer slipping away, but I'm not as sad about the season itself as I thought it would be. I'm actually kind of relieved, relieved to have the heat fade and the cool autumn breeze to set in. I'm missing the long nights, the fun drives, and the times spent with friends that I won't ever get back.
This summer has held everything from trips to Florida, Napa, Mexico City, Denver, San Francisco, and Vegas. It held some great times, but it also held some struggles. I went through trying times with my family, my car blew up on the side of the road, I had to cut people out of my life, and others also walked out. God also brought some blessings also, we are in the process of moving into a new house, I was blessed with a new car for my birthday, and I also am starting Grad School in a couple weeks. That being said, I am now stressing about the requirements for school and honestly this is a whole other ball game. I know though that I can't let the fear control me. I am stronger than the things that scare me. When things get hard and I find myself quoting the scripture from Proverbs 3:24 "If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet." It brings me peace and comforts me. I know that I am going to make it through the roller coaster called life. I was looking through the polaroids of my own life from the past year. My new camera was burned up in my car so I haven't been taking pictures for a while, but I love looking at my old ones. I love the pictures and the memories that they hold. Each image is a memory, but also a doorway into a time that made me feel alive. It's a window into the sights, smells, and sounds into a time that was captured through this little piece of paper. I am thankful for the times that I have had, and I am ready to make new ones. Here I am, twenty-two years old (Never thought i'd say that) with the world at my fingertips. I'm ready to stand tall, fall flat on my butt, and get right back up from the challenges that come my way. I know that with the love of my family and the grace of God I can handle whatever comes my way.
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My heart breaks today from news of what is happening in Barcelona. I woke up to my father telling me about the news. I watched BBC News for the next hour and a half. It was so sad to see the people terrified and running for their lives. I spent almost a month over there last summer helping teach English to the community and interacting with the Muslim community. The trip changed me. From the beautiful sights and sounds I couldn't find the words to express how much this trip meant to me. I learned to be free and to stop being afraid of life outside my four walls. I went there with complete strangers that I hadn't met until a few months prior, but even through the challenges of different personalities, we made it work. We were a family overseas, away from home, and it was great. My little Barcelona family had its ups and downs but we made memories there that I can never forget. .We played games on the metro, people looked at us like we were crazy. We played the tourists and we're living it up. We ate at the best restaurants and had the best views. We hung out at Sagrada Familia and I was just in awe of it all. I found a part of myself that I didn't know existed. I found my voice, I felt like I belonged. I didn't care what others thought, I was confident, I was free. I can't forget that. The way I felt there I still try to feel now. I can still tell you what metro stops to take, how to get to my favorite cafe, and I can still order my lunch in Spanish. I left my heart in Barcelona. I was devastated when I heard that Barcelona had been attack (terrorists or not) innocent lives had been lost. People who were just enjoying their time in the streets like I did. I walked down these same streets. I went to the same places, never once was I afraid of being harmed. Now seeing all of this, sitting here, in the states not being able to do anything about it. I hate feeling helpless. The first thing I did was make sure that my friends that live out there were okay. Many of them were staying in the states visiting family and friends. I'm so thankful that no one I know was hurt. How selfish though. How terrible for me to find comfort in such a tragic incident because it didn't affect me. I think that is what makes me so mad about incidents like this. We give our condolences, we say we're praying, but because it doesn't directly affect us, after a day it's all over. What is it going to take for us to wake up? To realize that we could be next. People have lost their lives, their loved ones, and there's nothing I can do about it. Im tired of just sitting here and pretending like bringing attention to it is enough, because it isn't. Im not sure what to do from here, but I am praying, my heart is heavy, and I will continue to pray, constantly. Barcelona has my heart. #PrayforBarcelona
So our final day was spent driving back down for what should have been around seven hours, but with our many stops along the way, it took about ten. I honestly don't regret anything. We checked out of our room around eleven, packed up the car, grabbed some coffee, and headed down to Santa Cruz to find the oh so lovely Penny Ice Creamery. It took us about two hours to get there from Napa, but we made it there around 1:30pm. We found their ice cream on instagram, they have some fun different flavors, but their main thing is the fun marshmallow fluff goes great with any ice cream. If you love a soft torched marshmallow like many of us do, then you'll love this place. From their fresh ice cream, to the crunchy waffle cone, it's only a bonus to add marshmallow fluff to top it all off. It's located on 820 41st Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 If you are ever in Santa Cruz toking for a sweet spot, this would be it. After this we drove for a few hours until we found ourselves by this lovely fruit stand in the middle of Moose town or something, I forgot what it was called. They sold the sweetest grapes and strawberries, and I found some very ripe kiwi also. It was a fun find. Inside the little market they had this wall where people would leave their signatures and stuff, it was pretty neat to see. From there we started driving some more and found ourselves in Salinas County. I had no recollection of this place, but my mother said that we had been there before and she also said it was the place that the famous John Steinbeck lived and wrote about. We drove for a bit and found that his library and his burial spot were only about five minutes our drive. So inevitably we drove over there and got to admire his library, but we're saving his burial spot for next time. We drove from there for another five and a half hours to get home. By the time we made it back, it was around 10:30pm and we were so exhausted. As we pulled up into the driveway I saw this unknown car in my driveway, as I was asking who's it was my dad was holding ups key. It was yet another birthday present, I was so blessed. (details to come).
It was a great (but short) trip, filled with plans that went right, plans that would have been better, but the memories either way were some that can never be taken away. Cheers to being Twenty-Two. The next day we woke up and got ready to drive to the Cheese Factory for wine tasting paired with some fun cheese. There were four different wines and cheese's we tried. The cheese was good and helped wash down the wine. Pairing the wine with the fruit and nuts after also helped. It was overall enjoyable, but I can't say I'm too big of a fan of wine. We also were able to keep the wine glasses as souvenirs. It was nice to be able to cross off wine tasting off of our bucket lists. We walked around, got some champagne gelato and took some cute pictures. After this we headed over to Domaine Carneros Vineyards. It was so cute and the view was beautiful. After this we went to walk around downtown Napa and found the Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company. They had the best cinnamon latte From here we went to dinner then back to the hotel to relax for a bit before heading back to San Francisco to hangout and enjoy the evening at the View lounge in the Marriott Marquis. It was a great finish to our final night in town.
After our fun little adventure during warped tour, we came back home in time to eat, shower and sleep for a few hours before a mini vacay to San Francisco and Napa. My mom, myself, my friend Liz, and my friend Audri left at 5:00am on Monday and drove for 6 an a half hours to get to San Fran. When we arrived in San Fran the first thing we did was head to this adorable coffee shop called HOME sf and it was so adorable. When we walked in the worker said "Welcome Home" and I smiled so big, it was so cute. I ordered a Birthcake Latte and while conversing with the barista he asked if I was local in the area and explained why I was there. The employees wished me a happy birthday and they even wrote my name in the latte, it was so cute. I was so excited and the latte wasn't just pretty it was tasty too. From there we went to the Golden Gate Bridge and enjoyed the fresh air and the sights. We even sat on the wall that that they said not to climb. I always love coming up to the fort and getting so close to the bridge and the water. Then we drove over to the Palace of Fine Arts that was close by and stopped to take some pictures and climb the side f the palace even though it said not to. We are rebels incase you didn't catch that by now. After that we drove to Ghirardelli Square and walked around and went to this cute little crepe shop and even broke into the school from Princess Diaries. From there we drove up to Napa and found ourselves in a field of little horses and my mom stopped to talk to them and they came over thinking she had food, it was so cute. We made it to Napa around 6pm and the drive up was so nice and peaceful. It was hard not to enjoy life while being up there.
When we checked into our hotel we relaxed, took a nap, and then went out that night to have dinner and came back and slept. We did so much in such a short amount of time, we were exhausted, but it was worth it. Today's the day, I'm officially old. No more "forever 21" jokes, I have crossed over. I spent the day with my best friends and my little brother at the final stop of the 2017 Vans Warped tour. It was epic. From being tossed around in the pit during Silverstein's set, to almost passing out in the front for Neck Deep, to almost getting punched in the face, it was a day for the books. I was sad I wasn't able to be with all of my family, but I spent it with my best friends and some of my favorite bands. Last year, the day before I turned 21 I was spent at Warped Tour San Diego.my brother and his friends went with me last year, we had such a good time. I live for live music, and having my baby brother there with me was something I never thought I'd have. I love having him around, knowing he's got my back. I've never had someone to share the same taste in music with, and now I finally do. We had a blast last year and this year he was the one throwing blows and ending up on the other side of the venue after a set. It was so much fun. Next, was finally exposing my best friends to the wild adventures of warped tour. We got to enjoy the music of Andy Black and Falling In Reverse and singing til our lungs have out. They had never been to a festival and I'm glad that this was their first one. No matter what happens or where life takes us, I know these two will be with me through it all. I am in awe of the memories and the adventures we've been on the past five years, and I can't wait to see where God takes us in this new season. Life would be a lot harder if I had to do it alone, but I have not own, but two best friends in the same area of life as I am, and for that I'm grateful.
When I was younger, I was never allowed to listen to the music I do now, or even imagine about going to a concert. Now that I'm older and can make my own decisions I choose to do things I want for myself. Now spending your birthday with a bunch of punk rock bands and sixteen year old girls isn't what you would call typical for a twenty-two year old, but it's how I chose to spend mine. I want to live, be free, and not care about what others think, that started on the day I turned 22. I've been terrified of life for way to long, it's time to start living. Cheers to a new year, a new season, and new adventures. Let the games begin. I find the terrors of being twenty-two are not as bad as they seem. With tomorrow being the day I spent the day with my family having an early celebration. We were trying to figure out what to do and where we should go then someone thought of the OC Fair. We headed over around 4pm and got in around 5:30pm. We were starving so the first thing we did was order food. As it goes, everything at the Fair is most likely larger and deep fried, but so good. We walked around and enjoyed the sights. The walk through the works from local artists was my favorite. Such beautiful works and great talent from those who live in the same areas as us. It was nice to see that. While admiring the art and seeing the beauty within each image, I was distracted as I looked beyond the works and saw four people standing in front of me. I saw my mother the one who gave me life, I saw my father who works so hard to take care of me, I saw my brother who is the other man in my life, and my sister who bring the fun and excitement to the house. This is my family, I know some days we have our difficulties, but I would give my life for these guys. We have grown so much over the years and as I get older I cherish every moment I get to spend with them. From vacations, to movies, to just being in the same house, I enjoy doing everything with them. Sometimes they make me want to scream, but I thank God for them, they've helped make me who I am. After this we went walking about the fair again and decided to do the chair lift. It was nice being able to look all over the fair. While we hung I was terrified of dropping my phone, I almost did. The view was amazing, but also very scary. We walked around and I took a cute picture with my siblings. I couldn't get over how much we've all grown over the years. Seemed like yesterday we were playing with dolls and action figures and now one is going to Graduate school, one is starting college, and the last one made it through ninth grade. Life comes at you so fast and before you know it you're out on your own starting your own family. It all happens so fast. Wstayed st the fair til late, walked around, ate, and just took in the sights. Later on that night my parents decided to give me my birthday present that night seeing that they wouldn't be able to give it to me tomorrow. I got exactly what I wanted. A pair of basic vans and two tickets to warped tour.
Later on when the clock hit twelve, my best friends came and brought me gifts too. We talked about the birthdays before and the fun memories we've had over the years. How fast time flies. The first birthday we shared together was out 17th, and it's been history ever since. I am so thankful for them sticking by my side all these years. I couldn't imagine life without them. As I sit here, listening to music, writing, I'm emotional. I'm thinking (which isn't always good) about the time spent in this house. More like where I was this time last year. Ignore the mess of my room, most of it is packed up, because we're moving again! Many of you know we moved to this house last year after our landlord lost our house and the police gave us Five days to pack up our entire lives and find another place to call home. It was one of the most traumatic events in the lives of the Mejia's. It took some time, but we were able to get this house and move in within a few days. It was hard and although this house wasn't our ideal home, it worked. Since last March, many memories had been made in this home. Now as I pack up my life once again, I can't help but look back on all those memories. I look back and remember, the good, the great, and the not so good. All of it, every memory, has brought me to where I am today. There are some things I wish I could erase, some memories I wish I could relive again, but either way they are apart of me. Like my twenty-first birthday that was spent here. Now to make matters worse, my birthday was a difficult one. Last year, we spent the Saturday before my birthday having a small family party, trying to get my grandparents, aunt, and cousins together. With the dynamic of my family sometimes things don't go as planned. The day ended with the exchange of comments that led to everyone leaving before I could even blow it my candles. It was frustrating, but what can you do? That night however, ended with a flowers, a bunch of friends, a dart tournament, a game of corn hole, and great memories. It was unplanned (like the majority of my life) but was turned into a great evening. My twenty first was actually a great one. The day before we went to Warped Tour in San Diego and I climbed this arch that I always swore when I was little I would climb. I have always enjoyed doing things that not everyone would do, or expect. Climbing the arch was just one of those things. I wouldn't recommend climbing it, because there's snakes around (don't ask how I know that) but I was determined to do it. I knew when I was sixteen they on my twenty first I would climb it. The day before my birthday I did. It wasn't to prove anything to anyone other than myself. I knew that by doing this I broke down barriers that held me back for so long. I vowed to be more adventurous and free, to stop caring what others think and just enjoy life. Now looking back a year later, I would say I've conquered some (not all) of the things I've been afraid of. I am still learning to love myself and not overthink so much, but I think I've made progress. I find that as I get older my family does too, so I need to spend time with them more. I'm learning to be patient and content with where I am in life and not rush things. Most of all, I'm learning to trust God in where he's taking my life. I can't do anything without him. I always dreamed of being twenty-one, now that I'm moving from the best year of my life to the next year, it makes me sad. I know that twenty one was great, but it also held its challenges. I'm taking life day by day, learning to appreciate the little things, and leaning in to those who love me the most. I look at the pictures on my wall, the polaroids I've taken and I smile. I get to relive each and every important memory from this last year, through the frame of a little white border. I take polaroids not just to remember, but because they open a door back to that memory. These were my memories from being twenty-one, and I cherish them dearly.
Since I was little, I couldn't wait to turn twenty-one and say I'm an adult. Not looking back my only regret was not having enjoyed life more. I'm sad to let go of twenty one, but I know that twenty-two is going to be double the trouble. I'm ready for what God has in this new season. I'm ready for the next Adventure. |
AuthorReggie is a college gradute with a degree in English. She loves traveling and hopes to one day stay on the battle field for missions. Life is a book and everyday is an adventure, follow her on this journey and see the world through her eyes. Archives
November 2017
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