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Communication is a two way street. 

This is not only true in real life, but also in blogging.

It's why we make sure we're not "no-reply" bloggers. If you're a "no-reply" blogger, you might want to search how to fix it because it could be why you feel so disconnected from the blogging world. 

It's why I take the time to read all my comments and respond even when there's not really anything to say in response. I want you to know I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog and comment. (Unless you're one of those people who says "Hey, I'm a new follower. Follow back?" Sorry, I just delete those messages.)

So, I wanted to have a way to have more communication with you. I decided to begin a new "series." I use the term series loosely because it won't occur on a set day or a certain number of times. I'll just post a new one when I feel like it because that's how I roll now.

I'm calling this Skip the Small Talk. I hate small talk. I prefer deep discussion and really getting to know someone. 

How will this work? 

I'll pose a question and answer it. Then, I want you to answer it in the comment section. If it's something you want to elaborate on more, feel free to write a whole post on it and leave me the link. I only ask that you link back to me in your post. 

Ready? Let's go!

What were you like in high school? Would you go back to high school if you could?

I thought I'd start with one that isn't too hard. I've already shared some about my high school days.

I was a smart kid and goody-goody in high school. I wanted to do what I was supposed to. I didn't want to get in trouble and I wanted to do things to the best of my ability. Grades mattered to me. 

I went to a very small high school, so while our school did have popular kids and not so popular kids it wasn't as big a deal as larger schools. I feel like I got along with everyone. My main group of friends was the band people. I was in the band playing clarinet and doing colorguard. 

I was involved in most of the clubs at one time or another. One of my main extracurricular activities was Yearbook. 

I wanted people to like me and I hated drama even though I still dealt with plenty of it. I had a fairly large group of friends and made some great memories. 

While I had some great times in high school and I treasure those memories, I would not go back! I would miss my independence too much. I also wouldn't go back to that drama for anything!

1. Did anyone else "steal" guys hats as a way to flirt? This was always one of my favorite pictures.

2. Colorguard posing on the football field

3. My senior prom

4. My cousin and I after one of our school's pageants

5. Academic banquet my senior year when we got our honors sashes

Now it's your turn. I want to hear from YOU!

Dreaming is Believing

Happy Wednesday!


Today, I want to introduce you to Niki. If you want to know what it would be like to live in Europe, you should follow along with her blog. I'll let her tell you where she lives....

*   *   *

Hi everyone!

My name is Niki, and I blog over at Dreaming Is Believing.

I'm a senior in high school, I'm almost 18, I own a cute fur ball named Jake,and  I'm preparing for the big transition to university!

I took a decision a while ago, to pursue my dream of studying Psychology in my home country,

The Netherlands.

That means I will have to move from Crete, Greece, where we live right now, to a foreign country all on my own.

Confused?

You see, my mother is from Dutch origin, and my father from Greek.

Meaning me and my sister were raised having both nationalities, and speaking Greek and Dutch fluently.

So, this year I'm taking a leap of faith and diving head first into the unknown.

My blog is somewhere I can share my thoughts, hopes and dreams, including my fears and the technicalities involved in moving to another country.

I believe adventure is out there.

Stop by my blog and say hi anytime!

Niki

Baby Got Camelbak

*Note: This post is not being endorsed by anyone. It is my unsolicited opinion.*

I have seen these personalized Camelbaks floating around the internet for a while now. 

I actually considered buying one, but then I remembered my motto- "Don't buy it if you can make it yourself."

I take water with me to work every day in the various bottles and cups that I have.

I decided to get rid of most of those and buy myself two Camelbak bottles.

I'm already in love with these bottles for a couple of reasons. Reason #1-They're not easily broken. I drop my bottles and cups all the time because when I carry them to and from work my hands are so full. I've broken a few that way. I've dropped these bottles a few times and so far so good. Reason #2- The water doesn't spill. Along with dropping my cups and bottles, I also had a tendency to bend over or tip my cup and spill water all over myself. These bottles are spill proof. They're also BPA free and can be either insulated or not. I got one of each and honestly prefer the non-insulated one. 

The only down side was getting used to having to bite on the mouthpiece while drinking water. Now that I'm used to it, though, it's not a problem.

I bought mine from Dick's Sporting Goods, but I recently saw where Target also carries them.

They were boring and plain before. I used my Cricut Expressions and my Lyrical Letters Cartridge to change that.

I used the Loop Dee Loo font. I cut my name out at 2 inches. When I did my monogram, I cut the H out at 4 inches and the M and D at 2 inches.

Now I have my own personalized Camelbak bottles.