Here I am in all my glory!

I wrote this profile for a class I have. Thought I'd share it with you guys! Just a creative take on myself.

Jumping into a lake in Switzerland

      I’m a feminist. I’m also a vegetarian. I’m that person that is a total tea junkie, has far too many plants to count, is somewhat spacey, and would classify Classic Rock as their Tumblr fandom. Yeah, that’s me. Hope I’m not coming on too strong! I stand a mere 5 feet tall, and have loose curly hair that I plan to grow out to my belly. Glasses are my calling card and also my favorite accessory. Born and raised in Milwaukee, I drink from a bubbler, root for the Brewers, attempt to sneak to the top of the US Bank Building every now and again, and attend Summerfest more than my wallet can handle. 

      I’ll be honest; school was not my thing for quite some time up until college. Math was worst nightmare, science following not too far behind. But there were other classes to compromise. I love the past. History has always been a passion. I adore old music and films and the desire to learn about them has yet to burn out. Then of course communication arts was equally as wonderful. I loved reading classic novels and learning about European literature in particular. Writing essays especially came natural. My biggest regret in high school was not taking AP Literature. However I did take AP Studio Art and AP US & Comparative Governments! I remember countless nights staying up for those classes. No sleep but plenty of frustration. Not to mentioned many eraser shreds, balls of tape, and colorful stains on the carpets from chalk pastels. Something my mother will forever hold against me.

Now the nights I didn’t stay up frustrated from elements of art and the Russian government, you could finds me snuggled in bed on a date with a pint of Ben and Jerry’s and Netflix, or my boyfriend. It was one of the two and still is today. I have been dating my boyfriend, Joe, for two and a half years. He is a swell guy and is over a foot taller than me, so that’s always fun. Often times when we watch a movie, I’ll always want to watch the same old movies, The Goonies, Back to the Future, or sometimes I sprinkle in a John Hughes film. I adore movies. I’m big into cult films and would like to work for the movie industry one day. Paired with my major I would like to help market films and run their official social media. I also consider writing screenplays. Those are just thoughts in my noggin. Otherwise, I would really like to write for a humanitarian group. Right now my focus is school. I have a goal for a GPA of 3.5 or above, which I know I can achieve. Also I have an online class, which I need to give aplenty of love. Online classes tend to be my weakness, as in I tend to procrastinate. Procrastination, yet another thing to work on! 

While movies and past pop cultures are a huge passion of mine, I enjoy myself a good adventure. Traveling is a beautiful opportunity I can never pass up. In high school I went on an amazing trip to Europe. I can say I’ve been to France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the smallest country in the world, Lichtenstein. Oh, I’ll throw in Canada and I have been to every Great Lake.  In a month my brother will be teaching English in South Korea. Already there is talk of my family visiting him. Also next year I plan on studying abroad, once again visiting France, maybe Switzerland? Even if it’s a trip up north or an escapade in downtown Milwaukee, I am always excited to try and visit new and random places. Although I love to travel, when it comes to driving places, I want nothing to do with it. Something really special about me is that I am a horrendous driver. I have gotten two speeding tickets, one parking ticket, have smashed a mirror, and completely destroyed my back windshield. I promise I don’t try to do these things. All I have to say is watch out for the red Montero.

      I’m a pretty diverse individual. I take something’s very seriously. I am very supportive of human rights. I have the goal to one day become a vegan, for both health and ethical reasoning. I want to help people to understand what it truly means to be a vegan and a feminist, what it means to me. I just want a happier Earth and a happier Shannon, that’s all. But whenever I have an issue or need to vent, I let it flow through writing. I use this blog as an outlet. It is new and still pretty rough. I am finding my voice as a writer and am excited to see where my voice can take me. 

Snuck a shot of my brother and his boyfriend at a pride march in Chicago, 2013. 

-Shannon

UPDATE: I got another parking ticket.

5 things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is here! We have worked our way through the year and have finally landed on the gloriously delicious and family oriented holiday. Of course as a kid, Christmas was always favorite. But as I get older I begin to appreciate November 26 a little bit more. It is pure in it's meaning, a special day set aside to gather with those close to you and give thanksgiving for what the universe has brought to you. With that said, I would love to share five things I thank the universe for everyday.

1. Family// I would say after being a father for nearly 40 years, my father has gained so much insight and knowledge about life. I can say the same for my mom. I have the most crazy, fun, movie-quoting siblings a baby sister could ask for. I don't think I've ever seen a group of people "do"themselves more than my family. Definitely made me who I am. Thank you mom and dad for all the opportunities you have given me!

2. Joe// My boyfriend, my rock. Has helped me in ways he probably does not even realize. Cheers to many more thanksgivings with you, my love!

3. Music// Especially a good 60's or 80's tune or anything vinyl. Praise! 

4. Travel Opportunities// This one is also on my parents. They have given me the awesome opportunity to go the Europe for three weeks in high school! Also I will be studying abroad sometime within this next year. Nothing that truly satisfies my soul more than adventuring to new places!

5. The Simple Things// Tea, candles, the cold part of the blanket, plants, post-it notes, working out, etc. These are the things that make my daily life special. I've slowly been learning to focus on the simple things and they help me learn what it really takes to make me happy, and the reality is, it is not much! Something I constantly need to remind myself!

On that note, what are you thankful for?
Hope everyone has a truly wonderful Thanksgiving!

-Shannon

10 facts about me

I have seen so many posts like this going around and found them fun and a great way to learn about other bloggers, so what do I do? Jump on the band wagon!

Here are 10 facts about myself:

1. I have a big pencil collection featuring around 30 big pencils from around the world. I brought back a majority of the pencils, but I also have gotten them from friends and family.

2. I live and breathe movies, especially cult and 80's films.

3. With that said, I would like to write screenplays one day and, low key, win ALL the Oscars.

4. Staying active is a huge deal to me. I recently ran a Tough Mudder with one of my best friends, I have the goal to run a marathon one day. I also weight train four days a week!


5. I have seen every Great Lake and have been to the smallest country in the world, Liechtenstein. Also Canada, France, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. I also plan to study abroad. I consider myself fortunate.

6. I am a vegetarian, I also limit dairy in hope to give it up entirely within the next month. The main goal is to be vegan.

7. I really want a big dog, like a bernese mountain dog. Smallest dog I'd go is a golden or lab. 

8. I have been dating my boyfriend for two and a half years. 

9. I've been on six mission trips.

10. Lastly, I went to a small Catholic Grade school with a graduating 8th grade class of nine. Not only did I go there, but as did my brother, my mom, her siblings and cousins, and my grandmother and her siblings. On my graduation in 2009, I wore the same dress as my mom did back when she graduated 8th grade in 1969.

With all that said have a lovely day!

Door County 2014

The last couple weeks of August are always crazy regardless of age. Rushing to fit in the last few summer adventures and activities before gathering the school supplies or packing up bags for college. For me, I was able to fit in a few adventure; from camping with my boyfriend to visiting my friends, work did not completely suck the fun out of my summer. But this past weekend my mom and I went on one final trip, one I have been looking forward to all summer, our trip to Fish Creek, Door County!

Now if you don't know where Door County is, it is the peninsula of Wisconsin that stretches into Lake Michigan. Fish Creek in particular is on the north side. It is a small quaint town that has a great amount of history, beautiful scenery, and plenty of shopping!

 

And the FOOD! 

Cheese and onion pizza loaded with Garlic from the Bayside Tavern. Delish.

If God were a food, dark chocolate PB cup from The Confectionary. I had one or two, or maybe three. No shame.

 

Don't forget to go to the White Gun Inn, a restaurant/hotel that has been standing and in service for more than 100 years! Plus it is only a block away from the lake. While waiting to be seated, I obtained myself a glorious cup of tea. If you don't know already, I am a tea junkie! One sip and I was in love. I chose "Paris" by Harney & Sons. It was the most unusual flavor I saw in the mix, so I tried it and was far from disappointed. It was sweet but not fruity, I thought I picked up a hint of lavender. Definitely keeping my eyes open for this brand. 

While the tea was amazing, the breakfast was insanely majestic. The White Gull Inn is actually famous for their breakfast. Since Door County is cherry country, especially this time of year, many of their dishes contain cherries! I got their cherry creamcheese stuffed french toast with a side of hash browns. This dish, mind you, won an award from Good Morning America. This is the second time I've had this dish. It is amazing beyond belief. This meal itself, should be put on your bucket list.

In the midst of eating, shopping, swimming, boating, etc., take in a moment to take a walk and enjoy the scenery.

 

 Shopping in Fish Creek is always fun. You can anything to quirky products to the essentials. Myself, a few of my favorite things I purchased were a green Stormer Kromer hat, a new pair of mocs, and well, I'd be a liar if I didn't put Peanut Butter Cups on this list...

But on the way home my family always stops at a shop completely devoted to cherries, and well, I think our last purchase was a perfect ending to such an amazing gateway.

Little Wolf Lake

This summer has been crazy, and not in the fun way... Working over 40 hours a week becomes absolutely draining! Even though I am starting my last week of work (yay!) I still managed to fit in a bit of a getaway this past weekend up to a lake in northeastern Wisconsin. It was the perfect break i needed to get through this last week of work. Plus not only did I get to fit some chill time in, but I got to spend some awesome time with my family before I was sent on my way back to school for the fall!

 My Uncle Wayne and Uncle Jeff are amazing couple of a cook and baker! Lemon Blueberry pancakes. Mmmm.

And what trip up north would be complete without antiquing! At least with my family. It was a cute little joint, not to mention I got a pretty groovy vintage lava lamp!

And what would a trip to an antique store be without Uncle Wayne posing in a WWI era helmet?

Then we found this little ice cream "station" along the tracks of a rail road track

 Hey There

 Turtle Sundae? Yes please!

 Got to find some time in to hoop with my new PolyPro!

 This rubber snake has made it on every family trip that includes my Uncles. By first glance, it always scares you. They are truly wicked.

Chocolate. 

So excited for my trip to door county next week! Hope your past weekend was as enjoyable as mine!

-Shannon