The beginning of the end?

As I walk into stores and see displays bursting with "back-to-school" madness, I can't help but realize that this is the beginning of the end! Many of my friends and former classmates are all headed off to college within the next two or three weeks, and the thought of that has me practically reeling. As an Ohio State student, we have an extra long summer, lasting up until move-in day on September 18th, but it seems that most other colleges are on semester system, starting somewhere between August 10th and September 1st! While I'm frantically trying to schedule in some last-minute hang out time with my friends heading off into the next stage of life, it seems eons away that I'll be following in their footsteps...

Updates on my life so far:

1. I GOT TO SEE TAYLOR SWIFT!!! Up close and live!
2. I'm busy being a nanny every day, but for the next week the kids are out of town on vacation, so the only one I have to take care of is their pet fish :)
3. Sparkles make everything better
4. I officially have a designated "college spot" in our basement
5. I'm really craving some PB & J

So. Let's count backwards, just to be difficult. :P
5: I don't know. It's late and I'm hungry!
4: It's official. I cleared away a nice little square for me to store all of my college purchases until the big day comes to load them all into the car. Look forward to a post soon including my massive list of college STUFF! I'll try to remind you of everything you ever forgot :)
3:  Really, it's true. My cousin asked to paint my nails the other day, so I reluctantly watched as she picked out a shimmery pastel pink and topped it off with multi-colored glittery goodness. They now look something roughly like this:

Anyways, regardless of the 5-year old vibe I get from them, and the fact that they sort of remind me of cupcakes (?), for some reason, they just make me happy. Actually, I think sparkles just make me happy. Hence number three on the list :)
2: Pretty self-explanatory. I'm thinking it will help me decide whether or not I want to get fish for my dorm room...we'll see.
And of course, number 1: The best night EVER! I actually cried when she came onstage. Now typically, I'm one of those people who laughs at the pathetic people who cry and actually try hard to get noticed at concerts etc., but in this case, when she came out of the stage floor in a cloud of fog, the tears welled up and I just couldn't help myself. I must apologize to all those people I have ever mocked, because it was an emotional moment :). I even made a glow-in-the dark poster (which didn't work by the way) and did myself up in typical TSwift fashion...cat eyes, glitter, cowboy hat, flowy dress, and super curly hair included! Lame, I know. But I love her! Here are some pictures from the night:

On the way to the concert! Wave-ironed curly hair,  gold glitter cat eyes, and cowboy hat? Check!

Taylor being sassy during one of her songs.

Looking gorgeous as always during the encore of her concert!

These are really my seats!!! Insane is right :) Me with my iconic TS hand-heart poster that I made before the concert. Even if it didn't glow as promised, I think it still turned out pretty cool. And seats to this amazing concert? The coolest!

Lessons learned?: 

• Using sparkles more often is a must
• I will be a Taylor Swift fan for life! <3
• PB&J, while arguably the most boring and simple sandwich, is just so satisfying sometimes.
• College is coming quicker than I thought!

All in all, I'm thinking that life is going pretty darn well. I just need to prepare myself this week to start the goodbyes...not exactly something I'm anticipating eagerly! But even though I'm saddened to see everyone get ready to go, it also pumps me up because, well...I'm NEXT! :D

Until next time,

Cassie :)

Photo credits:
Nail Art image: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-5adQ7l8EJl7qFo-BtXCeRgXW-YHXWbWK6NXCnDE4KJyRCvJbHmGYBxWfuLEXfsgZUjkDnpWEkhvBNGNue_3FenpIVE6ntcFecE_dmsykwhHLFx3WV5fQmQkmnXOtHg-_kYNGSIxOxs/s1600/IMG_0715.JPG
All photos from Taylor Swift concert: Taken by me! Copyright © Cassie Stratton 2011