Shay Baybay Turns 21

Once upon a time, I stood in my ghetto bathroom at Old Farm and took a picture with by best gal friend and roommate, Shayla Alder, before we went to an 80s dance. And once upon a time, 21 years ago from today, my friend Shay Baybay Alder was born. And I'm so glad she was. Here are 21 things you may or may not know about the pretty girl. . .

1. Shayla sheds hair like a cat. I know this because I lived with her for two years. I guess it's something that comes with having gorgeous hair.

2. Shayla has a secret dream of being a gangster.

3. She likes to eat avocado. With a spoon.

4. Shayla is a sincerely nice person. She never talks bad about people and she is always trying to help others.

5. Shayla likes to watch old movies. Like "Singing in the Rain" for instance.

6. If you do something stupid, Shayla WILL laugh at you. But it's nice because it feels like she's laughing with you instead of at you.

7. I think Shayla is the first person I ever met who doesn't have a middle name.

8. Shay introduced me to Guitar Hero.

9. Many nights were spent at her house in high school, playing round after round of Guitar Hero.

10. Shayla is a true romantic. At least I think she is.

11. Shayla won't wear skinny jeans. I tried to talk her into buying a pair once for like a solid hour after she came out of the dressing room with them on. Silly girl.

12. Shayla likes to cook and bake. And she thinks aprons are cute.

13. Shayla is the best person to tell secrets to. She is one of the least judgmental people I know and she never  tells a secret.

14. Shayla will make a wonderful mom one day. She is the greatest aunt to her siblings' kids. Every time she babysits them, I can't help but smile.

15. Shay Baybay is a baller. She played basketball in high school. She was our point guard. Can you say big deal?

16.  Shayla will tell you she has bad handwriting. But it's actually quite nice. It's slanted and curly. It makes you feel like putting on a ball gown and going to a fancy party.

17. Shayla was homecoming queen at West Side High School. I was her first attendant. Oh, high school.

18. Shayla loves weddings.

19. Shayla was a supportive bridesmaid and just plain friend at my wedding. She created our slideshow since I was too stressed to do it. She's good at that. Saving me when I take off too big of a bite to chew.

20. Shay is mysterious.

21. Shayla likes to meet new people. And I think it's safe to say, they like to meet her too.

I hope the day has been a great one, dear friend. I can't wait to party the night away with you. Happy 21!

 

Breath of Fresh Air

"I find the whole concept of being ‘sexy’ embarrassing and confusing. If I do an interview with photographs people desperately want to change me - dye my hair blonder, pluck my eyebrows, give me a fringe. Then there’s the choice of clothes. I know everyone wants a picture of me in a mini-skirt. But that’s not me. I feel uncomfortable. I’d never go out in a mini-skirt. It’s nothing to do with protecting the Hermione image. I wouldn’t do that. Personally, I don’t actually think it’s even that sexy. What’s sexy about saying, ‘I’m here with my boobs out and a short skirt, have a look at everything I’ve got?’ My idea of sexy is that less is more. The less you reveal the more people can wonder."

- Emma Watson

source

Thank you, Emma! I came across this and loved it! It makes me sad that a lot of females think they have to fit a certain image or a certain idea of what 'beautiful' or 'sexy' is. We are not objects. We are people who are intelligent, classy, and very capable. Let's present ourselves as such! 

Besides, we all know it's much more fun to unwrap presents covered in colorful paper and ribbon than to have someone just hand us a gift that doesn't have so much as a bow on it, right?

Just sayin'. 

Perfect Stormy Love Day

Brian and I have been married hooligans for exactly two months today. I know it is slightly disturbing that I'm celebrating by months, but honestly, it's me we're dealing with. I love finding any type of excuse to celebrate something. So I'll make it as short as I can and I'll keep the mushiness levels to a low.


Brian,

I love you more than chocolate, amusement park rides, fireworks, and birthdays combined!

Thanks for being patient with my cooking, letting me spoon you all night even though you're always too hot, keeping me on track whenever we go into Hobby Lobby (I could spend hours in that store if I went alone) and for eating way too many brownies every weekend with me. Oh, and thanks for helping me with my Newscast 1 class. You know, going with me to all the events I need to film, hauling my tripod around and setting it up where I demand you to set it up at, clipping mics on people I interview, and letting me even film you when needed. You are such a trooper.

And you are the best pal and best husband. And best of all, your pal and husband status belong to me!

Happy two months, and here's to a happy many more!