life lessons: social media sobriety

I think that many of us have experienced "internet guilt" at some point in our lives. You know, that hour you wasted stalking people on facebook when you should have been working? Those tipsy tweets you sent out while carousing with friends? The past few months, I have realized that I take time away from legitimate pursuits in order to assuage my self-inflicted boredom with social media. I even started tweeting/facebooking at stop lights, for christsake! That can't be healthy behavior.



When Corban and I visited friends in California a few weeks ago, I made the conscious decision to turn off the iPhone and completely disengage from social media. It. Felt. Awesome.

(I was so in the moment that I even considered putting away the camera, but I just couldn't bring myself not to document all those fabulous moments.)

Since being back, I have only used facebook, twitter, and google plus to communicate with people directly, which has drastically reduced the amount of time I spend waiting to be entertained. This month I've started working towards a teacher certification and a masters degree; I feel that I am so much more focused on these endeavors than I ever could have been if I were popping over to twitter every five minutes.

Is it the American instant gratification mentality that causes us to become so addicted to social media? I must admit that in the past three weeks of being internet "sober," I have experienced withdraws. When I am stumped on a problem or unengaged for a moment, I immediately feel "bored" and I have to resist the urge to check out what's happening on facebook. Upon hearing that the new Rachel Zoe season is starting soon (I DIE!), I had to keep my self from tweeting about it.

Am I so afraid of having a silent moment by myself that I immediately assume that I am bored and in need of entertainment? Or, do I feel that the world will forget about me if I don't constantly remind it of my existence?

Probably a bit of both.

My goal for myself is to really focus on all the things I want to accomplish this year and not let my instant gratification sensibilities scare me away from hard work. I want to relish this time in my life, truly enjoy learning new things, and feel proud of myself for working hard to have all the things I want in life.

How about you guys? Do you feel that constant connection to social media loosens our connection to real life?

x♥o♥x♥o

a year of 25

In an attempt to be one of those "organized" students this semester, I started cleaning up my desktop (the digital one, the physical top of my desk is still a mess) and I found a list that I haphazardly typed up a few months ago of things I wanted to do before I turned 26.

I know, everyone does these. Try not to judge.

Blogger cliche aside, it does help me feel accomplished when I have set, written goals that I can cross off a list. If it works for household chores and and grocery shopping, why not for life? And, why not use this blog to hold myself accountable?

So, here is my list!

1. become a yogi

2. buy at least 1 item of clothing every month (preferably made in the US)

3. take at least two plane trips

4. quit smoking

5. send Christmas cards

6. decorate bedroom

7. go the the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens

8. make a bundt cake

9. get teacher certification

10. make plans for 2012 international vacation

11. read 12 books

12. toast the new year
13. start graduate school

I'm also going put this list on a page below my header. Watch me cross these babies off!

books + budweiser

There is truly nothing better than sitting on a porch in the scalding heat, drinking beers and champaign while discussing the intricacies of being alive with intelligent, country-hipster friends.







It is my genuine belief that champaign tastes better when sipped from a jelly jar.

dallas skies

Last weekend, driving back from dinner at Tillman's, Corban and I witnessed the most glorious Dallas sunset.





I hope that I will never grow out of being amazed at the simple beauties of life.

And, I will always maintain that my city has the prettiest skyline. ♥

silly in cali

Tired of hearing about California yet? Well, this is the last post, I promise!

With so many funny, silly people all hanging out together at once, there were many funny, silly moments. I'm a pretty introverted person, so for me to have such a great time with such a large group of people is really something. Add to that the fact that there are so many pictures to prove it, I just couldn't keep myself from sharing with everyone!

So, behold! Me and my friends at our silliest.













As you can see, there was lots of flannel and wine. A perfect combination while camping on the beach, don't you think?

Thanks for listening, my lovelies! It makes me feel so wonderful to know that there are even a few people who read my little blog and know about what is happening in my little corner of the world. Long-distance hugs to you all!! :)

california scenes

Coming from such a hot state, I was amazed at the vegetation in California. There are actual flowers blooming in August! Amazing!

Plus, the whole "large body of water" thing is pretty awesome, too. :)

california in film

Guess who loves her antiquated film camera because she never got over the 90's?

THIS GAL.

I just melt when I hear the CLICK-WHIRRRR as the film advances. :)

Anyway, this is the long-awaited vacation re-cap post (one of three)! California was fantastic. The weekend went something like this:

Mr + Mrs Johnson freak out about how amazing the Pacific Ocean is. They decide to stay forever.
Mr + Mrs Johnson sit in traffic for hours and hours. They don't care because they are in California.
Mr + Mrs Johnson meet three lovely British girls. They become best friends forever.
Mr + Mrs Johnson drink boxed wine and beer. They start a fire and sleep on the beach.

Wash, rinse, and repeat.















There were actual palm trees. PALM TREES, people! (can you tell I live in totally land-locked Dallas, TX?)

In short, we spent an amazing five days running around with and sleeping in the same two-bedroom apartment as four British girls and four American guys. We plan to return as soon as possible.

Soon to come, a couple extremely image-heavy post with all the digital photos of the trip I took with my point-and-shoot and gleaned from Facebook. I know you are super excited. ;)