Easter baskets that smell like home.

When the mail came around yesterday and a decent sized box was brought to my desk, I felt overwhelmed. I'm taking a new accounting class for my job and when I first saw the box, I assumed it was filled with books and materials for this class I'll be taking (which I have absolutely no time for at the moment).

But when I flipped it over to examine it more closely, I noticed the familiar handwriting that spelled out my name and the return address: it was from home.

My mom told me she was sending me something for Easter a while back (yes, World, I am twenty-three and I still get an Easter basket).

I called home and whispered to my mother that I had gotten the box and dug in to open it. Inside, I found a couple sweet things that brought a smile to my face.

I thanked her and hung up, putting the box away and went on to work on some projects that I needed to have finished by the end of the day.

Six o'clock rolled around and I grabbed my box to head to my car. I sat in traffic for almost an hour and rushed in the door, ready for dinner, a shower and the comfort of my bed. As I was shoveling a bite of dinner in my mouth, I saw the box on the foot of my bed and decided to go through it again and put away the things I had gotten and throw the blouse into my laundry basket.

As I pulled the blouse out of the box, a scent caught my attention.

I can't explain the scent--I've never been able to explain it but it's always been there. It's like a strange mix of vanilla and cleanliness? It just smells...fresh. It's the scent that hits me every time I walk into my house in Florida.

It just hit me.

Instead of putting that blouse in my laundry basket, I found myself putting it on and crawling into bed to watch a movie and eventually falling asleep in that blouse.

I love Easter baskets; especially the ones that smell like home.

The Art of Being an Individual

Growing up, I faced the challenge every kid (or person) faces: how to make my own opinions and decisions, and when it's appropriate to express them.

It was absolutely something I struggled with on a daily basis growing up, but it's something I've learned to appreciate and understand today as an adult.

It's been brought to my attention that there are some people in my life who have pointed out either to myself or mutual friends that it's their belief that I'm incapable of making my own decisions, or that the decisions I'm making are a result of trying to impress someone.

While I thoroughly respect these thoughts and judgments on who I am as a person (because everyone's entitled to their own opinion), I'm here to defend myself.

While yes, I do tend to avoid confrontation and I don't enjoy "stirring the pot", if you will, I one hundred percent am my own person and if I need to face confrontation or express my thoughts that will most likely "stir the pot", then I will.

I'd say I'm pretty easy going and I also love trying new things. I like taking risks and I love finding new places that I enjoy--whether that be a new hiking trail, a new bar or club to go to at night, or a new restaurant I've never been to before. I'm almost ALWAYS open to new things. Unfortunately, maybe some people view that as me being a "follower" because a friend initially suggested it. Or maybe people think my willingness is a sign of being complacent in a negative light. I can assure you that if I don't want to do something or try something or go somewhere--I'm not going to do it, try it or go. (Ask my friends who have literally been trying to get me to eat seafood/sushi for my entire life.)

Thankfully, the people who I consider my true friends understand this. They know who I am, they respect who I am and they're kindhearted people. They don't judge me because of what I will or will not do, try, or experience; they accept me for who I am. Being new-ish to the West coast, there's a lot I haven't done. I'm thankful for the people in my life who allow me to experience these new sounds, cultures and activities.

So if you're one of the people who believe I'm not capable of making my own choices, decisions or that I try to impress the people in my life--I hope that what I've written explains a little better that your judgments are not accurate. But honestly? I really could not care any less what you think as you walk away from after reading this. (Side note: the people who probably need to read this never will, but the words needed to be said anyway).

People are always so quick to throw stones. Be careful throwing those stones when you live in a glass house.

xo.