My life in the last 4 months...

My last post was in August when I stated how incredibly happy I was with where my life has brought me. So to continue with how things fell into place from that last post, I figured I would post an overload of pictures! Long story short, I met the love of my life. He has shown me what it's like to live a fairy-tale love story. I didn't know it was possible to be treated so well by a man who loves you. I wouldn't trade a single day with him for anything in this world. I am so in love with the most handsome man I've ever laid my eyes on! 

"Me"

In the past few months a have felt a slew of emotions… angry, confused, hopeful, upset, happy, excited, grateful.. You name it; I more than likely experienced it one way or another. My life has definitely been one worth living… and I wouldn’t do-over anything if I could. I look back at all the different “stages” I’ve been through… the different friend “groups” I hung around… the different attitudes I picked up along the way… and all I can say is I am one bull-headed, straight-forward, loving, human being. I have been knocked to the ground more than enough times, stabbed in the back by more than enough friends, and just completely “lost” more than I wish I had been. I’ve seen a lot of people come and go, some for the better, some for the worst… I have also experience some of the most incredible moments, met a few of the amazing friends I’ll cherish forever, and have two jobs I wouldn’t trade for the world… and all of it has brought me here, to this moment.

When I left college, (left, as in I didn’t graduate.) I went straight into Cosmetology school, my dream, my passion. One of the BEST decisions I’ve ever made. I couldn’t have picked a better school to attend. I met so many people in my 11 month journey, a few I am still friends with, and a few who taught me things along the way. During that journey I met a guy and experienced my most serious relationship yet. One that had it’s up & downs for sure, and one that I will never forget. Sadly, it wasn’t a relationship that worked out in the end, however one that has showed me a whole new outlook on life. As I went through Cosmetology school and learned that my passion had grown more than I ever thought possible, I was learning things about myself and how I viewed life and its experiences. I am an observant person, and that is an understatement. I see people deeper than the surface, and I am the worst at making quick judgment. I don’t let my guard down, and I make it VERY obvious. I’m not an easy person to get to know, trust me, I hear all about it. Far too many times I’ve been called “intimidating”, “Aftyn, you need to be a little nicer to the new people, they find you intimidating.” To me, I wasn’t being mean; I just wasn’t opening up to them. I also hear, “I didn’t know how I felt about you at first, but now that I understand you, I totally get it!” which is exactly how most people would describe me. I believe in “Quality over quantity”, I would rather have a small, really close group of friends, than a huge amount that I have to sort through. I must say that when I care, I care hard. I would do absolutely anything for the ones I care about the most. I will stick up for friends or family in times that are necessary. There are only a few close friends who have seen me in my deepest skin. I put up this barrier and keep everything to myself. Seriously, for some reason I think if no one sees me upset, than I am doing just fine. I have learned in the past few months that your friends and family have to see you at your worst. They have to be able to get to your deepest level and understand what’s going on. The past year I had built up so much anger, frustration, sadness and confusion that I lost who I was. I wasn’t happy, but I didn’t do anything about it. I lived each day thinking it was a new day and everything would change for the better. Wrong. You eventually learn that nothing is going to change unless you make it change.

I lost a relationship that showed me so many new doors in life. I learned more things about myself in 3.5 years, than I had in almost 23 years. (That I can remember ;)) I’ve learned what makes me happy and what makes me tick. I’ve learned what’s important to me, and what isn’t worth a fight. I’ve learned where I want to be in life, and that I won’t let anyone bring me down. I’ve learned that I have to be open to my closest friends and family, and understand what is going to be best for me in the long-run. I’ve learned that it’s important to see people for who they are, and try to understand people that I wouldn’t normally get along with.

So I can’t help but sit here and be so INCREDIBLY happy with where I have ended up. I couldn’t be more thankful for the people who have stood by my side through it all. I am constantly hearing how much happier I look, how much healthier I look. How my attitude is all around more positive. I am running my own business, all while working full-time with an incredible “family”.  I am turning 23 soon and can’t help but look at my successful life, and smile. I have what I need... a booming business, a loyal job, friends who love me for who I am and a family that would go to the moon and back for me.

Oh, and I have experienced unconditional love... for my furry, four-legged little boy. He is my everything, my main man, my rock. For real, no one is ever as excited as he is to see me. He is constantly following me around, wondering what I am doing, needing to be close to me or touching me when I sit down, and he steels my pillow... EVERY night! I love him to pieces and can't even imagine my life without him. 

So if I had to write a letter to my life, it would say “Dear life, you ROCK!”

{My new home}

It's been awhile since I've been on here! I really need to take more time for this little blog of mine! I'll start by spending this week dumping my life from July on y'all! ;)

July 1st: I moved into my own little home. I am only renting it, but it is the perfect size, and perfect place for me and Zou! 

I had always known about these little duplex and had said I'd live it one if I ever lived alone. Of course I never had a reason to live alone until now. :)

I was super excited, then super nervous, anxious, and then excited again. 

BEST. DECISION. EVER! I live within walking distance to just about everything. Seriously, everything. I even live 1/2 a mile from my mama! :) It has been a great new journey. :)

{coming together}

I will post more pictures as it comes together better. :)

{Next post: My baby Zou, and the Rio Salon lake trip!}

Zou's FIRST birthday!

Today was my handsome Zou baby's FIRST BIRTHDAY!!! I had to work for a couple hours this morning, so my mom was SOOO awesome enough to leave her own job and meet us at her house! I dropped him off to spend the morning playing with Grandma and her pups! He seriously runs around her house and jumps on/off her furniture like it's a freakin jungle gym!! (He DOES NOT do this at his own home.) 

When I was finished with work I met my family for some lunch and then we headed back to my moms to rescue him from the WAY TOO TINY kennel he was crammed in. We then decided to stay a little longer and let him get some more energy out! 

Normally when we leave Grandmas and head back home, he instantly crashed and takes a nice little nap on the 25 minute drive. However today, I think he knew it was his birthday and he didn't want to sleep any of the day away. He fought the nap he so badly wanted to take. 

When we got home, I helped JJ doing a little cleaning and let Zou spend some time chewing on his new rawhide he got from Grandma. Then when the house was clean, we took off to the park! Little guy got to go for a long walk (by walk I mean eagerly smell everything in/around his path.) and enjoy the beautiful weather we had today!! After we left the park and made it back home, the SLEEPY little guy finally took a nap! So mom and dad headed out to Nebraska Furniture Mart to walk around and spend some time together! :) 

Basically, Zou's birthday was the best day ever!! :) I love this little boy so much!! 

PICTURE TIME!

On our way to Grandmas this morning! 

He kicked me out of my chair so I left all the unanswered emails to him. ;)

Zoubie snuggles are by far the greatest! <3

<3

One morning I really felt the need to put a t-shirt on him.. I seriously don't even think he noticed! 

One of the instant naps on our way home from Grandmas.

He is SO curious! Whether I am brushing my teeth, doing my hair, or putting make up on.. He is up on the counter checking it out. (Or trying to steal my thing.) :)

I died when I looked over one night to see him sleeping with his tongue sticking out! lol

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Colorado | Valentines Day 2013

This year we were invited on a trip to Colorado during Valentines Day (week) with our awesome neighbors!  I had only been skiing once before and that was 6 years ago! 

We decided that yes, we were definitely on board and wanted to join! Over the next few weeks before the trip, we spent time figuring out all the little details and everything we would need for a 10 hour car ride, 5 days away from home, and a day on the slopes! Thanks to my dear Aunt Donna and Uncle Mike, we were padded from head to toe with ski gear! 

Thanks to Matt and Janelle and their great cooking skills, we had all of our meals cooked and ready before we even left Kansas City! (Crazy, I know!) That made things easy once we got there; just stuck everything in the oven, prepped a few side dishes and we were ready to eat! 

Down time at the Condo was spent playing card games (which I must add, I picked up very quick!), watched a few TV shows, talked about ourselves, and enjoyed the time getting to know everyone a little better! 

Friday afternoon we headed down to the Outlet mall and picked up a few things each of us needed. JJ and I decided that we were fools when it came to packing shoes, so we invested in a new pair each! :) 

(And believe me when I say, that was one of the best investments we made on our trip!)

After we finished up at the Outlet Mall, we headed across the mountains to Crazy Mountain Brewery! Sadly, they had an event going on the next two days, so the touring of the brewery was closed! :( We made due and just ordered a few flights to test out! 

As we were finishing up at Crazy Mountain Brewery, I looked outside and couldn't believe how BEAUTIFUL the sunset was! I grabbed my camera and ran out to get some shots! (I don't care how much of a tourist I looked like! I got some good pictures!) :)

(Same sunset, different photos!)

 That next morning was our time to SHINE! Seriously, it was time to hit the slopes. JJ decided to wanted to try out snowboarding.... let's just say it was a rough day! Poor guy was exhausted by the time we finished! 

I decided to just take the easy route and ski! I couldn't believe how quickly I picked it back up after not having skied for SIX YEARS! 

Needless to say the next day on the car ride home we were SOREEEE! It was miserable how sore I was! Even my poor little fingers hurt to move! (lol!) But it was all worth it, we had a blast! 

I can't even begin to thank Matt and Janelle enough for considering us and inviting us to join the fun! It is a vacation we all needed and a vacation we will never forget! :) THANKS! 

Here is the view from the condo....

(BEAUTIFUL, I know!) 

During breakfast one of the mornings Janelle and I had a little "camera class" :) Here is a picture from that! 

The boys bought flowers as a Valentines gift, so we borrowed them for a prop. We inconveniently put them on a stool in the middle of the living room, about 10 minutes after we took a few pictures Matt knocked them on the floor. (oops!)