the summer is almost over...

This summer has been a crazy, busy, and fun filled one. 

I always envision summer being a time of relaxation, a time to put into motion all of my crazy ideas that have been scurrying around in my head all school year, and that when it ends, I will be completely rejuvenated . That's never the case-however, i'm always pleasantly surprised about how awesome it actually is. 

Just to name a few things that happened this summer: 

-A great college friend came to visit for a whole week (see blogpost for that adventure here) 

-I went to the Lady Gaga ArtPop Ball...twice 

-I met up with a childhood friend in beautiful Long Beach 

-Went to the beach with friends 

-I ran a few hundred miles in preparation for a half-marathon next week (at Disneyland) 

-I visited with my Nana, aunt and uncle that I hadn't seen in years

-I went to beautiful Santa Barbara 

-I met some new friends along the way 

The list goes on. Of course I also spent most of my hours at my job, but with that I was able to do all those great things. 

This summer has been about self-reflection. 

I've realized that I'm tired of waiting for things to happen. I have made changes in my life- I've become proactive! 

I used to spend hours upon hours watching T.V., sitting on my couch, waiting for someone to contact me to "hang out" or go somewhere, but this summer I was tired of waiting...I took initiative. I gained the courage to make things happen for myself. I went to the beach, I coffee shop hopped, I started a blog, I worked on beginning a youtube channel. I painted, I created, I documented-all things that I love to do.  

I have become more open to living a positive happy life, my way. 

socal in one week

Summer, to me, is a chance for me to settle in. It gives me time to reflect the school year and prepare or the next one. Its very rare that I take a extended days off from work to go on a posh vacation, but I do like to take a day or three, here an there throughout my three months of school-less freedom, and do something fun! 

This summer started off with a visit from one of my dearest friends from Minnesota. During her visit, we spent our afternoons lounging on the beach and going wine tastings. Of course we took a Disneyland day, and a speed adventure through Hollywood. 

Mickey's Soundsational Parade 

 Deliciousness from Pinnacle Restaurant at the Faulkner Winery 

Breakfast at my favorite restaurant in California, Olive's Cafe, in Mission Beach. There's nothing better than breakfast on the beach surrounded by beautiful, kind people.  

 The original "Irises", by Van Gogh at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles

 "Tender Greens" in Santa Monica. Tuna sandwich with grilled veg. Mmmhhmm 

Jessbehappee

The best way to be happy in life, is to do what you love. Whether it be running long distances, or painting giant murals, JUST GO DO IT! I'm a currently a college students in Southern California,  trying to figure out who I really am, as a lot of college kids do.   It has always been a struggle for me to decide what I love and am passionate about because I like to do so many things. Cooking, painting, singing, taking photos, playing sports, fashion...I love it all. Who says that you must limit yourself to just one thing? Explore your options, and just go do. In this documentation of my life, I will share with you what I do to just be happy.