I've Got the Music in Me

Today's #Blogtober14 post is about the one thing I can't live without. This one was easy as I have one thing integral to my life and happiness - I'd go crazy without music. I'm the kind of person who constantly needs to hear it in the background. I always have Pandora or Spotify running on my phone and it's that not available, I make my own music. Most of the time I don't realize I'm singing or humming until someone points it out. It used to drive my siblings crazy when we'd sit down to do our homework together at the dining room table. 

My parents say I started singing when I was 3 and I haven't stopped since. I was in multiple choirs for 15 years and I've been a church cantor for the last 9. Music has always been a huge part of my life. It's helped me make friends, build my sense of confidence, and process emotions. 

cantoring for my cousin's wedding

One of my favorite quotes is "music is what feelings sound like." I'm convinced that there are songs for every situation. Music enhances every aspect of life. We walk down the aisle to music at weddings and graduations, dance to music at parties and work out with our favorite playlist. What would horror movies be without scary music or rodeos without someone singing about a truck? Hell, even elevators have music. 

People who know me, know I need my music. Music is my life. Music is me.

Make sure you link up with Helene and Taylor!

Monica Means 'Advisor'

Happy Friday, bliggity bloggers!

Today’s Yesterday’s #Blogtember post is about the best advice I’ve ever received. Considering the fact that my name literally means "advisor," it's weird that I receive advise more that I give it. People have been giving me advice my whole life. “Do this, say that, don’t wear white after Labor Day, kick’em where it hurts, you can’t just ask people why they’re white.” Out of all the advice I’ve ever received, a few tidbits have stuck around. Here I am, relaying them to you. (Maybe I do have the right name after all.)

Don’t take sh*t from anyone.

My parents taught me from a young age that I am free to be myself. No one but God can judge me and I should never let what a person says define me. I was taught to stand up for myself and to stand up for those who can’t. I don’t know if they ever explicitly used these words to get the message across, but that was the first phrase that popped into my head.

If you can’t do something right, don’t do it at all.

Obviously, this doesn’t mean you can’t make mistakes. It means that if you’re gonna do a half-assed job, don’t even bother. Because of this advice, I will always try my best at everything I do except cleaning my room. I know that if I make a mistake, I will fix it and do better the next time around.

Pray about it.

No matter what the situation, I know I can always rely on God for help. Whether He answers my prayers with yes, no, or not yet, I know he’s always listening. Prayer is the best way to sort out my thoughts and to find the answers I’m looking for.

The best you can do is doing your best.

Whenever I feel bummed about a test result or a final grade in a class, my mom or dad always asks, “Did you try your hardest?” When I can confidently answer with a “yes,” I know there’s no way to change the situation and that I shouldn’t keep worrying about something that I have no control over.

These pieces of advice will forever be mantras repeating in my head to use whenever I need them most (like now, while I’m searching for grad schools).

XO – Monny

P.S. – Linking up with Princess Whitney

#Backthatazzup with my favorite band since I couldn't be at their concert in AC tonight.

Gratitude: week 4

Every time I look through my pics for Insta-gratitude, I realize that I post really weird/random shiz. Anyway, here is everything I'm grateful for this week as shown through Instagram photos.

One: Irish heritage and the chorus of angel voices that is Celtic Woman. And tea....lots of tea.

Two: Almost edible pasta dinner that cost less than $2 dollars. Desperate college cooking for the win!

Three: 4gLTE internet on my phone for when the home Virgin Mobile internet shits the bed(which is often).

Four: Happy I still have my toes even though the Pillsbury dough boy has it out for me.

Five: Booboo bunny for the next time the Pillsbury crescent rolls jump out of the fridge

Six: Buffalo bites and hard cider

Seven: No students were injured.

Eight: Ice cream with a fork is still better than no ice cream.

Nine: 80 oz. of my one true love Ranch!!!

Linking up with Steph for Insta-Gratitude. You can follow my Instagram posts here.

XO - Monny

Wedding Singer

A couple months ago, my friend Tim asked me to sing at his coworker's wedding. I've only sung at a handful of weddings in the last few years so I was at a loss for what to wear. I knew I didn't want to clash with whatever colors the bride had picked out for her bridesmaids. I also had to wear something that was more formal than what I normally wear to sing at church, while still being modest.

I racked my brain for something to wear all last week, but couldn't really think of anything. When Saturday morning rolled around, I went out shopping with a last resort outfit picked out at home. After about an hour of shopping,  I found the little black dress! 

It was a wrap type dress so I didn't have to worry about it being to low-cut and it fell right below the knees. Perfect! 

I paired it with my black peep-toe pumps that have a cork heel, a simple pearl necklace, neutral eyeshadow and a sand/tan leather bag to hold my music and water bottles.

The ensemble was simple, yet pretty and professional. I can't wait to wear it again! 

XO- Monnny