The Summer of 2012, A Review

It's that time again... here's the 2012 Summer Review.

Best thing that happened: Stuart and I are together in the same city in the same house!

Worst: Beach trip

Best single day: Spending the day with Stuart going to the animal shelter, walking through downtown Waynesville, and eating at Bocelli's

Worst: Pick a day from the beach trip

New friend: Brandy, one of my staff writers, and Pauline!

Song of the summer: "Spotlight (Oh Nostalgia)" by Patrick Stump, the entire Trespassing album by Adam Lambert

Artist of the summer: Adam Lambert

Best day trip: Taking Kate and Seth to the WNC Nature Center; seeing the 4th of July fireworks at Lake Junaluska

Wish I had: gone tubing

Movie of the summer, DVD: Safe House, Machine Gun Preacher, Reel Steel, John Carter

Movie of the summer, theaters: Snow White and the Huntsman

Most proud of: Handling The Western Carolinian newspaper, mastering the Frisbee golf game in Wii Sports Resort

Could have lived without: upsets at the newspaper

Couldn't have lived without: Stuart's understanding

Loved: Walking through downtown Sylva and Waynesville with Stuart on several occasions, Nutmeg hysterically chomping on a cherry, playing tag with Sparta, getting away from that crazy landlord and moving to downtown Sylva 

Wished: Slowed down and enjoyed the little things, I could have gotten my security deposit from that crazy landlord in Cullowhee

Dreamed: about the zombie apocalypse

Surprised by: How well my relationship is with my grandmother now, needing to wear long pants in the middle of June and August

Appreciated: My family's support (those that did actually support me), Pauline's generosity and care

Hated: Family drama, not having cruise control in my Honda, the oppressive heat, not enough moments enjoying summer

Stressed over: Family drama, making the newspaper perfect, the newspaper's annual budget

Smiled at: Stuart bringing me Bojangles and flowers, Cherry Berry Chillers, Pauline's amazing ability to make me feel like the most loved person in the world, my aunt and grandmother's constant support, two silly beagles

Biggest change: Alcohol free, threw out my pineapple loveseat

To be continued: Finish my degree at Western Carolina University, continue to make The Western Carolinian an award-winning newspaper, cherish the little things in life, call my grandmother every Thursday

The Must List, August 13

This week's list is refreshing, yummy, and musical!

1. Smart Water
Why have I never drunk Smart Water before? It's awesome! It tastes great, and the fun little lip makes me want to drink more. Stuart, you are a genius for buying these. I never want to stop drinking!

2. The Bang Bang Club DVD
Wow, what an awe-inspiring, powerful film! I couldn't stop watching. This is a true testament to photography journalism and the demanding factor of this job, especially overseas. Taylor Kitsch stole my heart away in this dramatic, moving film. 

3. The Western Carolinian newspaper's Seminar Week
You heard me right!! What a way to start the school year! Last night, we had a party at my house with Wii games and some greasy, delicious Bojangles chicken. Today, we had a seminar about AP Style where nearly all of us failed the AP Style quiz. Later, we're learning about Media Law then participating in team building exercises with Base Camp Cullowhee. Early tomorrow morning, it's hiking time before the Photography seminar!! You can't ask for a better last week of summer.

4. Bocelli's
This is a restaurant in Waynesville, NC, and already, Stuart and I are planning our future trips!! It was DELICIOUS and SO CUTE! An Italian eatery, it was the perfect mix of a place for a business meeting or a place to cuddle with your man near to the ivy-covered gates that frame the front of the restaurant. I have been searching that perfect little Italian place since coming to the mountains, and I have finally found one. Garlic knots, mouth-melting. Stuffed shells, delightful! Lemonade, we're buying a gallon next time!

5. "Promise the Stars" by We the Kings
Just another track from We the Kings that I'm in love with! I can't get enough of them. I'm sorry I missed them in the Warped Tour. The music video is pretty great, too.

6. AOL Radio
Pandora gave me attitude. Yahoo! Music Radio freaked out. Now, I'm a listener of the free radio provided by AOL. They play the great tunes that I want to hear, and they have few commercial breaks. If you're into rating, it's easy with a large heart icon or a negative icon. It doesn't get much easier than that.