Three More Moons

After today the Earth will only have to rotate 3 more times before I'm on an airplane. So far I'm feeling very positive about things. Normally, I'd be having vomitty butterflies in my tums and be having a panic attack but not this time. I just keep reminding myself just how much fun we're going to have and how many amazing things I'm going to get to see.

Here's a bit of good news too! I emailed our host in Copenhagen to get some directions to his apartment since Google Maps was not very help at all. Not only did he give AMAZING directions, he told us that he and his family will be in Portugal during our visit so we get the entire apartment to ourselves! I had only booked for the loft of his apartment which had 2 beds and an office (plenty of room for 2 people). We only paid $66 USD a night for the loft so I figured we could just eat out while we were there since we wouldn't have access to a kitchen but I'm very happy to see that now we will! We'll probably be eating our lunch out so we can people watch or sit in the park but I'd like to eat breakfast and dinner in the room. I'm just so impressed by how hospitable all of our hosts have been from Airbnb. I think I might use Airbnb for all of my foreign travels from now on :)

I did some more research on Copenhagen today and there's tons of free stuff to do and that makes me very happy. Just north of the city they have the world's oldest amusement park, Bakken. It's 431 years old and has 34 roller coasters, a ferris wheel and some free fall rides. Also, it's connected to a park that has free range DEER! And that's not even the best part, it's completely FREE! So we'll have to make a stop there and also to Tivoli, which is another amusement park that Copenhagen is famous for. After going to a bunch of art museums and whatnot it'll be nice to go to a theme park and just have FUN.

Tomorrow morning we're going to have our last Skype meeting to get us hyped up for the trip (well, more hyped). It's so weird to think that in 3 more days (well, 4 if you count the 7 hour difference between here and Europe) I'll be meeting face to face with my favorite human being. It's just kind of surreal. I had always hoped that we would meet someday and now it's actually happening! I cannot wait! We're going to have such a great time. I was telling Melissa in my last letter that if we find that we travel well together that this can be the first of many trips we can take together. It would be so awesome to get to see each other every few years and put another stamp in our passports. I'm thinking that my next BIG trip might be to Japan in 2016. I've wanted to go there my whole life. I think I can save up enough money in the next 2 years. I'm really good at saving my money ;)

Anywho, this will be my last post before I leave so I will write again when I return. Wish me luck and thanks for joining me in this adventure!

Love,
Courtney

Lil' Goth Baby

Two Weeks

As of today, we have hit our two week mark. In exactly  a fortnight (Glob, I love that word) I will be making my first journey across the Atlantic Ocean. It's so dreamy! I think that this trip is going to change my life forever. Not everyone gets to experience a trip like this in their lifetime (my parents have never been anywhere out of North America) and I feel very fortunate. Being from a culture that's only a few centuries old, I'm very excited to get to see places that are so rich with history. It's going to be amazing walking down streets that have been walked upon by people for hundreds of years. It's very romantic to think about.

However, while I'm very excited about all of the amazing things I'm going to get to see and experience I'm also trying very hard to keep my anxiety in check. Sometimes there's a fine line between anxiety and excitement and it can be hard to differentiate the two. But I must give myself props for handling all of this so well. The fact that I'm even going on a trip of this magnitude is HUGE progress for me. Ten years ago (even 5 years ago) I wouldn't have been able to go on this trip. My anxiety disorder kept me on a tight leash and I had so many limitations. In fact, ten years ago I was pretty much housebound, believe it or not. I had so many phobias that my life became pretty isolated and small. I couldn't work and I could barely handle going to school. But with the support and love of many people in my life I began to face all of the things I was afraid of. It's weird thinking about the person I was back then since the person I am today is so different. For many years I had an eating with people phobia and for 5 years I didn't eat out with anyone. I ate all my meals at home because my anxiety was so intense at the time that I was nauseous practically around the clock. Since I felt queasy so often I worried constantly that I was going to throw up (and Glob forbid, throw up in front of PEOPLE). And now I love eating out with friends. It's one of my favorite things to do. But back then I cared so much about what others thought about me that I let it consume me. I would avoid any situations that could result in potential embarrassment. Living this kind of life led to very low self esteem and as you can imagine, very few friends. My future seemed so bleak in those days and I had pretty much renounced any hope of getting over my anxiety. Pretty bummer times, yo.

But as you know, things did get better! During this past decade I learned a lot about Anxiety Disorder and educated myself on it thoroughly. One of the most valuable things I learned about this disorder was that MILLIONS OF PEOPLE have it. It wasn't just me. I wasn't just "crazy" like I believed I was for many years. I was just a negative thinker, a worrier, and very sensitive. Just knowing that I wasn't alone was super beneficial to me. However, once I learned that most of my problems came from how I speak to myself internally, I realized I had the power to heal myself. I heard a quote somewhere in my research, "I am the lock but I am also the key". It's taken years but I've realized how to spot negative thinking patterns and how to stop them and replace them with a positive thought. Through this whole process I've become a very positive person and it's funny how now everyone comes to me when they're feeling down and need cheering up. But the most important thing I learned about phobias is that you HAVE to face them. If you don't you give them power and that power can quickly take over your life (and peace of mind). It's very scary but you have to force yourself to do the things that frighten you. It's best to take things slowly and do baby steps but by doing the things that you're afraid of you'll realize that you're not going to die and it's not the end of the world. You have to give yourself praise for any steps in the right direction. We all need to learn how to be our own best friend and love ourselves unconditionally.

When I was about 25 years old I made a decision (one of the best decisions I've ever made) and it was to stop being who I thought other people wanted me to be and to just be myself; to 100% embrace who I am and love that person completely. I've always been different and kind of "weird" and for most of my life I suppressed those parts of myself and was very unhappy as a result. But once I started being myself and not caring if people liked me or not, something funny happened. People liked me! Everyone at university wanted to be my friend; I was my professor's favorite student. I finally set the real me free and I have no regrets.

I still have my bad days though, I'm only human. I've accomplished so much with my battle against anxiety disorder but I'll never be "cured" or anything. I just learned how to deal with anxious feeling when they arise. But I've never travelled for this long without my family or in another country so some amount of anxiety is bound to happen. I'm going to try not to think about that though. I'm trying reallllly hard just to focus on all of the fun we're going to have. I know this trip won't be perfect and there will be bumps on the road but we're going to leave with so many memories. I simply cannot wait!

Wish my luck! And thank you for reading this little blog and sharing these experiences with me.

Xoxo,
Courtney

25 Days and Counting

The count down timer to Europe is now at 25 days and I'm kind of FREAKING OUT! How did the time go by so fast? Now that we're getting so close to departure I'm feeling like I'm forgetting to do something. But what? I guess I do have to go to my bank and tell them what countries I'm visiting and what dates I'll be there. I finally picked out all of my clothes so that's done. I dunno, maybe I'm just have a Home Alone moment where I think I've forgotten to do something.

Oh, one thing I've decided to do is have a get together with my friends when I return. Originally, I was just going to do this trip and then be done with my birthday but my friends want to do something with me to celebrate since they won't be with me on my actual birthday. I think I'd like to go dancing. The last time I went dancing was kind of a let down. We went to that Art Gala thing at Crescent Ballroom and it turned out to be about 75% older people (like I'm talking seniors). Also, nobody was really dancing so we felt weird being the only ones dancing. Eventually all of the drunk people got on the dance floor but they still had all of the lights on and it just was...weird. So I think we'll go to The Duce next time. I'm still a bit too young to be dancing with the old folks. Plus I'd like to see the babes on (near?) my birthday (or any day).

Btw, Monday was a really great day. My bestie, Ashley called me up out of the blue and told me she wasn't doing anything that day. Coincidently, I didn't have any plans either so I asked her to COME ON DOWN! First we got lunch at my new favorite restaurant, The Tea Lite Café and it was crazy delicious. Then we went to Target and I picked out all of my travel toiletries I'd need. Apparently, toiletries can add up really really fast because I walked out of Target with $70 less than when I walked in. But I did buy a new hairdryer and they're not exactly cheap. Anyway, later that afternoon we hiked up North Mountain. I've been a couple times now and it seems to get easier every time. I was worried that Ashley was going to die since she hadn't exercised in a long time but luckily, we both made it to the top in once piece. I always feel like a million bucks after I climb to the top of a mountain (and the positive feelings last a few days too). After our hike we went to Trader Joe's to get dessert as a reward for our effort but wound up getting pizza at Whole Foods instead (a solid choice). We ended the day with crafting and "Curb Your Enthusiasm". Twas a very fine day :)

Pretty soon it's going to be a hundred billion degrees outside so I'd like to do as much outdoorsy activities as I can while the weather is nice. I'd like to tube the Salt River again this summer so that's something we can still do when it's hot as ballz.

Btw, I colored my hair today just so it'd be a little darker for my vacation and YOU CAN'T TELL I DID ANYTHING!!!! It's maybe one shade darker, if that. I might as well have flushed my $7 bucks down the toilet :/

Okies, I better get ready to go home. I'm can't wait to go home and finish "A Storm of Swords"!! I haven't been able to put it down for 2 days!!

Good night, my little flowers! :3

Queen of Pugs

Last night I went on a journey to the legendary Forever21 at Arrowhead Towne Center Mall on a quest to find the perfect dress to wear to Versailles Palace and I'm happy to say that I was successful in this quest. However, it was no easy task. Let me tell ya, that particular Forever21 is GIGANTIC! It's the size of a department store (and two stories) so it was quite the challenge. After an hour and a half and 6 dresses later I finally decided on a lovely white and pink floral number with a lace back. It's so cute I can hardly stand it! When I got home I went through my closet and picked out some strong pieces that will be versatile (since I'm only bringing a carry on suitcase) so I think I'm ready to go. All I have left to do now is WAIT. We're down to only 5 weeks now. It's so close I can almost taste it.

In other news, I'm really excited about tomorrow night. I'm going to an art gala downtown and it's formal attire only. There will be an art slideshow, food, dancing, the works. And it's FREE!

As a local artist I'm very excited to be going since this event is a celebration of the contribution of art to our urban environment. I'm mostly excited though to get fancied up. They asked us to wear lots of color so I thought I'd have to buy something new since I didn't really have any colorful fancy dresses in my wardrobe but then I remembered that I had stashed all of my formal wear into another closet. I found this amazing gem, a royal blue dress that I bought 2 years ago (at Buffalo Exchange for $10.00) that I'd totally forgotten about. It's a satin-y material with a square neckline and a big bow in the back. Mmmm...it's sooo good. I can't wait to wear it! ANNNNDDD I bought some ballet flats the other day that coincidently match it perfectly. Too bad it's going to rain tomorrow though, I hate having to lug a sweater around all night. Oh, wellz. Hopefully, there will be some cuties in attendance in fancy clothes too. Tbh, I haven't seen a cutie in ages. It really is a bummer. They must be out there somewhere but I don't know where they gather. It's a mystery to me. However, I'm expecting to see loads while in Europe so I'll report back on that next month (if I ever come back that is).

Oh, one more thing! I'm having my first art giveaway!!! You can enter through Facebook, Tumblr or Instagram. This is the hoop I'll be giving away.

 



Here's some links if you'd like to enter:

www.facebook.com/iggystarpup
www.iggystarpup.tumblr.com
Instagram: Iggystarpup

All you have to do is share, reblog, or repost this giveaway to be entered into the drawing. Right now the contest ends on March 10th but I might extend it to March 17th just for fun. I'll be shipping anywhere so international friends are welcomed to enter.

I've been a pretty busy worker bee lately as well. Here's my newest hoops:

Lady Rainicorn and Jake
$40.00

Ouran High School Host Club Usa-chan Hoop
$33.00

Parisian Pug
$34.00

Heisenberg Blue Sky Hoop
SOLD

Sherlock High Functioning Sociopath Hoop
*this is for me*

John Watson "Not His Boyfriend" Hoop
*also for me*



Iggy Hearts You

Since my last post all of our lodgings have been booked for Europe! So we'll be staying at a youth hostel in London (it looks like Hogwarts inside!!) but in Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen and Paris we'll be staying in apartments we found on Airbnb. Let me just say that Airbnb is FRIKKIN' AMAZING!!! We found the most gorgeous apartments that are also super affordable. It's going to be great to have our own place (and our own bathroom). All of the apartments look like Ikea showrooms too! Looking at them as made me grow to hate my own room now. It just looks horrible and disgusting compared to these beautiful European flats. I'm totally going to have to redecorate when I get back. Anyway, I think the apartment we're staying at in Paris was only $130 a night (split between 2 people) and it's 2 minutes away from the Eiffel Tower! On the night of my birthday we're going to get some chocolate croissants and champagne and walk over to the Eiffel Tower at midnight. It's just out of this world to think I'll be spending my 30th birthday in Paris! I truly feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

Also since my last post I've arranged our Harry Potter London Tour at Warner Bros. Studios. I'm SO STOKED for that! It's going to be INSANE to have my picture taken in front of Number 4, Privet Drive. It'll be a dream come true.

me with Tinkerbell hair

Oh, more good news! Well, it's good news for me...but I've been the same weight since I was 14 years old. No matter how hard I tried I could not gain any weight and people would tease me a lot and say nasty things like, "Don't you ever eat?" and "You must weigh like 2 pounds." Over the years I've become a little self conscious of my petite frame and would get super jelly when I'd see other girls whose jeans actually fit them. Well, last year I suffered a knee injury that really forced me to change my lifestyle. I'm way too young to be blowing my knee out by just walking so I started an exercise program. It didn't take very long for me to start feeling the benefits of regular exercise so I stuck with it. Exercise is like MAGIC, man. Not only do you get a ton of self confidence by watching your body become stronger (and more bangin') but its done wonders for my mental health. I'm naturally prone to melancholy (depression runs on my mother's side of the family) and exercise has really elevated my mood and given me a more positive outlook on life (as well as increased my appetite).

So today I was trying on a dress I bought about 6 months ago when I noticed it was really tight around the bust (which never happens) so I thought I'd take a trip to the scale and I weighed 115 lbs!! That has been my goal weight for AGES and it seemed like it was never going to happen. The most I've ever weighed was 111 lbs but I normally fluctuate between 105-110 lbs, which is pretty underweight for my height. So this is very happy news! For the first time in my life I can look at my buns in the mirror be like, "Haaaayy, guuurrrrl!" AND my bras fit me too! It is possible that since I'm approaching thirty that my metabolism has slowed down but whatevz. I'm very happy with the way my body looks these days. Hooray for positive body images!

Have a Happy Valentines Day, my lovelies!


Mama Iggy

You've bewitched me body and soul

Ms. Starpup

So. Since my last post we've made more progress in preparing for our trip. Last weekend we booked all of our flights for flying from country to country in Europe and I am pleased to say, we scored some smokin' deals. For 6 flights it came out to $359 a piece. Crazy! It would cost that much for one flight in the US. Sheesh.

The only things left to do are figuring out/booking our lodgings, buying our Harry Potter London Tour tickets (can't risk us getting there and them being sold out), and making final outfit decisions. I had this goal to wear a cat themed outfit for every day of our trip but that hasn't worked out for me so far. I thought that finding a cat print dress, skirt, sweater and leggings (I wouldn't wear all at once, of course) would be easy peasey but in reality it's turning out to be quite difficult. Grrrr...I guess I'll just have to make due with what I already have. I already did a trial run to see how much clothes I could fit into my carry-on suitcase and everything fit even with some spontaneous outfit additions so that's a relief. I wanted to bring a mini backpack as my purse and ordered one off Jansport but it came in the mail today and was friggin' ENORMOUS so now I have to return it. Returning things is such a pain in the butt :(

Only 2 months to go. I can't get over how close it is!

Other than freaking out about my trip (in a good way) I've been super busy crafting. Here's some photos of my recent work:

Jiji (this one I made for me :3)

Lumpy Space Princess Hoop $34.00

Pink Squid Hoop (a gift for a friend)

Pusheen Hoop $33.00



Squirtle Hoop, $35.00

Bubbline Hoop Set $78.00



All of the hoops with prices attached can be found in my Etsy store www.iggystarpup.etsy.com

I'd like to have a giveaway sometime next month so I'll have to make a special hoop for that. You'll be able to enter from Tumblr, Instagram or Facebook. I'll post more about that when I actually have a hoop to give away, haha!

Another thing that's been going on lately is that I've fallen madly in love with "Pride and Prejudice". I finally got around to reading the novel 2 weeks ago and since then I've watched the Joe Wright film adaption about 4 times (once with the director's commentary--I love listening to commentaries), watched the mini series with Colin Firth (100% babe) twice and tonight I'm going to be watching the Sir Laurence Olivier version. I'm just soooo in love with Mr. Darcy. I can add him to the list of fictional characters I'm madly in love with. Doesn't look good for real men at this point. Not. Good. At. All.

It's Poetry in Motion

Le Me

 Thanks to modern technology something magical happened yesterday. Two friends who live an ocean away from each other got to have a face to face conversation via Skype. To be honest, I was pretty nervous worrying that she might hate my voice or think I was weird or something. I've met a few online friends in person and it's always exciting to hear their voice after only imagining what it sounds like. Usually, people tell me that my voice is a lot higher and girly than they imagined it would be (I'm not sure why people would assume that I have a scary deep voice).

It was so cool to get to see her wee face (I had only heard her voice once in a video she made me over a year ago) and hear her adorable accent again. I love loved seeing her laugh and just being super cute. It made me really happy too how well we got along. It think it'll be a  great time. We're both very enthusiastic and excitable girls so I think there will be a good energy on the trip.

My favorite thing she said was when I asked her what kind of stuff she wanted to do on the trip and she said, "Oh, I don't know, take pictures of you when you're sleeping." (SO GOOD)

The Lovely Melissa

We organized this meeting to discuss plans for our upcoming Europe trip since I'm going to be meeting Melissa in Glasgow. I had had some free time so I did some research on cheap and/or free things to do in each city we're visiting (free might be my favorite word in the English language). In case I haven't already mentioned it, here's an updated list of the cities we plan on visiting during our Euro Adventure:

*Glasgow
*London
*Amsterdam
*Copenhagen
*Berlin
*Paris
*Versailles

I was surprised by how many things we can do for free in Europe but I guess some of the best things in life are free, right? I'm just super stoked to simply wander around and explore these cities and soak up all of the history and culture. There are a few museums I'd like to visit but we found out that many of them don't charge any admission fee (party. bonus.) What's probably going to cost the most will be transportation and lodging but we're going to try to get transportation cards whenever we can and stay at youth hostels and maybe a few b&bs. I'd like to take a train at least once but for longer distances we'll probably be flying since flying is getting cheaper and will save us some time (maybe).

Oh, man! I am just so excited for this! It's going to be such an adventure and we're going to make so many memories. I CANNOT wait to take a billion selfies with Melissa. Can you even imagine it? A buddy pick of Melissa and I in front of Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower? It's MADNESS! Only 11 more weeks to go! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!