there's finally a word for that feeling

Saudade (Portuguese): The feeling of longing for someone that you love and is lost. Another linguist describes it as a "vague and constant desire for something that does not and probably cannot exist."

It’s interesting that saudade accommodates in one word the haunting desire for a lost love, or for an imaginary, impossible, never-to-be-experienced love. Whether the object has been lost or will never exist, it feels the same to the seeker, and leaves her in the same place:  She has a desire with no future. Saudade doesn’t distinguish between a ghost, and a fantasy. Nor do our broken hearts, much of the time.

Christmas wrap-up

For Christmas this year, Rob and I drove to my parent's house for a few days. Even though its a much shorter drive then to Rob's family, it still took us 17 hours to get there and 15 to get back. Below are some of my favorite pictures/stories from the trip.

McKenzie: You're the silliest.
Me: No, I'm not.
McKenzie: yes you is. You is.
Sara/my mother: YOU ARE.

McKenzie also goes to preschool with a child named Cash Money.

Nana (to Rob): I gave you $25 but don't tell anyone, I only gave them $20.

Rob told me after driving back and spending 15 hours in the car together, he was going to miss me. I asked if he was sick of me and he told me never.

on the road through Tennessee

more on the road pictures

me, my mom and sister 

my dad and uncle

Girl Cousins

all packed up

Merry {Early} Christmas

As if I needed another reason to love Zooey Deschenel... I present you this awesome video.

I know. it's awesome.

25 Before I'm 26

I've been seeing things like this everywhere. Since I just turned 25, which seems like a big important birthday, I've started thinking about things I like to do this year.

1) Write an inmate. I have a bit of a bad boy problem but I'd like to send some encouragement to someone who might need it.
2) Visit 3 new states. I think Texas is first on the list because it's right next door and I've never been.
update: it wasn't a new state but we stopped in Chattanooga for a bit on the road trip and it's so nice. I just love Tennessee. 
3) Get a passport. Just in case.
4) Read a book a week. I read a lot but I'd like a more routine reading.
update: I've read plain truth  and between the lines by jodi pocoult, reread some chuck klosterman (my favorite!), and started working on an Alex Kava series
5) Actually complete a photo-a-day challenge.
6) Make a habit of going outside, enjoying the light, relearning your friends, forgetting the internet.
7) Finish a scarf a month. Again I love to crochet but it tends to be all the time or never with me.
update: I made one for my mom for December and I'm working on a couple of projects now.
8) Paint some wall art from an idea off pinterest. I have so many cute things pinned and I need to complete at least one.
9) Learn to cook at least four things really well.
10) sit on a beach.
11) Grow something. I think cactus or tomato plant.
12) Actually put up that tent I've had for ten years.
13) Develop an exercise routine I can stick with.
14) Get over the fear of riding a horses.
15) start planning the wedding.... EEEK!!!!!!
16) send at least 50 handwritten letters.
update: I sent out 10 for Christmas and a hand colored postcard for my nana
17) create the five year plan.... Even if it's just waitressing, work on having some real goals.
18) laugh a lot. (i already do this but even more!!!)
19) Visit the Before I die wall in New Orleans
20) go to church.
Done! We went on Christmas Eve. I'm also working on an online bible study on fresh starts.
21) Tip 100% 
22) Kiss under the mistletoe
Done! My Nana has a fake mistletoe she hangs up every year.
23) work on developing a style I like.
24) Finally change my address on my driver's license (I have not lived at the address on my license in about 3 years, it's time).
25) get at least one reader for the blog :)