Today’s my spotlight day (my last one basically became my second start page) for Kristy’s Grow Your Blog Hop! Not too much has changed in terms of the kind of content I share, but if you’re new here, get to know Fairyburger in this post! (If you’re not new(?), you’ll probably still find out something new! :o )
I kindaĀ have a billion interests, so I like to refer to my blogĀ genre as “healthy living lifestyle.”
“Fairyburger” is a super random nickname that my brother came up with many years ago. People often separate the two words, but my official blog name is the two of em’ smashed together!
I’m a medical student with a somewhat unfortunate(?) habit of wanting to do everything, but since I usually don’t drop my old hobbies because I still like em’, the list just keeps growing. Aside from my love for health advocacy and preventative health, I adore animals/volunteering in animal rescue, and spent several months of my med school life living at a cat shelter.
Food
Before my second year of college, my idea of cooking was Pastaroni and Tuna Helper. (I know, I know.)Ā After my roommate and I moved out of the dorms, we decided to change up our lifestyle and learn to cook + also eat healthier. I love food, and may or may not plan my life around my meals whenever possible, so my blog was originally a dumping ground for the recipes I tried making!
I co-host a themed healthified recipe linkup (Foodie Friday!) and also participate in The Recipe ReDux challenges! :]
Breakfast Steak Tacos, anyone? :D?!
In the past year or so, I’ve also started collecting cookbooks for inspiration, so you’ll find a good number of cookbook reviews too!
Fitness
I feel like this one needs subdivisions (say hello to myĀ fitness journey)…
I started and finished my gymnastics career in high school, and for the first half of college, my only forms of physical activity were walking/biking all over campus (fun fact: I didn’t get my license until the fallĀ after I graduated from college), a summer of horseback riding, and hula/Tahitian dancing.
Then everything blew up from there! I learned to lift weights because my significant other at the time was studying to become a personal trainer, and who was I to deny him a test subject!? I fell in love with powerlifting, ran my first/only half marathon and broke up with running shortly thereafter (I am likely primarily composed of type II muscle fibers–endurance is not my thing, but if you need power, hello hello!).
One of my favorite places in the world is Twirly Girls Pole FitnessĀ (aka another second home).Ā I actually performed for the very first time a couple weekends ago!Ā I had to make up a lot on the spot (I did a cross between pole and Tahitian), since I hadn’t had a chance to be on a pole for…a really long while. It went well though–gotta love enthusiastic and supportive crowds! :] We managed to raise $1790 at the fundraiser, and it was a ton of fun!
If you’d like to help support my friend Robert (he’ll be biking 545 miles again in June in memory of a friend who passed away in 2010), go visit his personal page!
While I was doing my clinical rotations in Kentucky, I started going to Phil Clark’s Martial Arts Academy! Phil is all sorts of awesome, and this is also where I met Relson Gracie, grandmaster of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu!
He called me earlier last week to see if I still wanted to go visitĀ Hawai’i. I am keeping all my limbs crossed that I’ll be able to go! *-*Ā I also got to meet his grandson Rhalan in November, and found out that he’s teaching classes in the bay area, so I’ve been going there whenever possible! :]
Music
One of my undergraduate degrees was in Music Performance! I played the piano, taught lessons and was an accompanist for the music department. I wanted to take voice lessons too, but it never worked out with my crazy schedule. :[
But…in med school, I sang with the Greenbrier Valley Chorale and got to perform at Carnegie, and also started a band with my friends! Our band name? The Vagal Tones. I was the keyboardist/backup vocalist…and also percussionist for one song because my friend wanted to play guitar on that one.
I kinda haveĀ a thing for people who can play string instruments (especially guitar and violin), perhaps because I’ve always been extremely un-gifted in that realm…but I recently started teaching myself to play the ukulele!
School/Life
Despite what it may seem from all of the above…my top priority right now is actually medical school. (Remember how I mentioned Relson Gracie? He actually gaveĀ me an effing amazing job offer and I told him IĀ hadĀ to turn it down to finish med school. ;_; Not gonna lie, my heart broke a little.)
But! I am super excited for all the things I want to accomplish this year because…I’m a couple months from graduating 21st grade!!! I’m also a month away from finding out where the hecks I’m going to be spending the next 3 years of my life (aka residency)!
This was back in the day at our white coat ceremony!
I’m super type A in the sense that I like to plan out everything, andĀ I think it’s really helped meĀ thoughĀ in terms of learning to prioritize/figuring out how to find a balance in the organized chaos that I call my life! So on that note, if you want a comprehensive breakdown of where the hecks everything on this blog is, go here!
I spent the last yearĀ living out of a carry-on and backpack + moving to a different city/state every 2-4 weeks–although it was exhausting, it was also really fun! I got to travel a lot and to see a lot of people I hadn’t seen in years.
I like to think of life as an adventure, so spend it pursuing the things that you love, spending time with the people that matter, and making a positive difference in others’ lives! :]!
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You are a bundle of talent in one little package! I don’t know how you get it all done! I think you will make a great family physician- good luck as you finish up this last little bit. You have to smile when you think how far you have come- congrats!
Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…Me, running and Valentine tradition
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Aww, thanks so much, Mary Beth! I’ve been exhausted lately because of the crazy hours in neurosurgery, but it’s looking like it’ll lighten up a bit in the near future, so there’s that to look forward to! <3
You have a lot on your plate (not just tacos haha) but if you find a way to make it all happen and sleep (HA), then you go girl!
Emilie recently posted…How To Wake Up Early (and enjoy it!)
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hahaha, it keeps life interesting! :P Sleep hasn’t been happening as much lately, but hopefully I’ll be able to catch up on that soon!
I am exhausted just reading all this! I don’t know how you have time for all you do. I love that you have all these interests!
I can’t wait to see where you match!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Big Sur Marathon Training–Week 2
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I don’t always have time for all of them, but I try to stuff em’ in wherever I can! :]!
Girl, when do you sleep? Maybe you can function without it (?) ;-) You have an amazing level of energy and focus to be able to do so many versatile activities…and it looks like you are excelling at everything ;-)
Author
I’m working so hard on learning how to function without needing sleep! *-*
Amazing all the things you have accomplished and all the things you plan to conquer! Life is short and you are living it as we all should!
I am a Vet Tech so I love that you love animals :)
Crystal Renaud recently posted…Make It A Way Of Life, Not A Diet
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That’s one of my philosophies in life–gotta make it count! :D
Yay for a fellow animal lover! <3!
I didn’t know that you did gymnastics!! How cool is that?
rachel @ Athletic Avocado recently posted…Paleo Carrot Cake Monkey Bread Muffins
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I was terrible at it, so it’s probably almost like I never did it, but it was a lot of fun and I loved it! :P
I still can’t believe how much you’ve been on the move on the past 2 years. You are a champion!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Top Running Lessons from 2016 US Olympic Marathon Trials
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Thanks, Susie! <3 I'm looking forward to getting to stay in one place for more than a month at a time!!
I love that you are still able to make time for all of your interests/hobbies while still finishing med school! That’s extremely impressive! Good luck to you in your last few months! What would be your top picks for residency location?
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Thanks! I like keeping them in my life as much as possible because it helps to balance out the rest! :] I’m still mulling over residency programs, haha, but it’s a fairly even split between the east and west coasts right now! x_x
You’re a rockstar, friend! Love this page. You should add it to a third about me page :-)
And it sounds like Hawaii might really happen???!!! :-)
Julie @ Running in a Skirt recently posted…Honeydew Kiwi Smoothie
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Thanks, Julie! I might as well, huh? :P
Here’s to hoping! He said he was headed to Brazil for a couple months, but will call me again in April to finalize–I’ll hopefully know where I’m going by then so I’ll know more of when I’ll be free to actually go! *-* Fingers crossed! :]
wow! you are a rockstar! all that moving, how do you do it? also the pole fitness classes look like tons of fun!
Author
haha, the moving around was really hectic, but I threw in travels and visiting of friends, so it made it a fun adventure! The pole classes are definitely a ton of fun! :D!
Fun post learning more about you! I too am interested in a zillion different things that keep me busy, but not med school to conquer at the same time-just my kids :-)
Author
hehehe, I’m glad I’m not the only one! I feel like kids would take just as much time as (or actually more than) med school! At least we’ll never be bored? :P
I enjoyed reading more about you! How neat that you are learning to play the ukulele. It is a fun instrument and has such a pretty, melodious sound.
Trish recently posted…Did You Know Tuesday – Almond Joy
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Agreed! :D I still only know one song at the moment, but hopefully will learn a couple more soon!
Wow, you are a super busy girl! You’re very inspiring! I love that you enjoy trying so many different things – I’m the same way! My hobbies and interest tend to vary tremendously, and I am always trying new things! It’s really rewarding.
Good luck in all your endeavors!
xx Lauren
Lauren recently posted…Grammys 2016 Best & Worst Dressed
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Thanks so much, Lauren! I love trying new things as well, and yay for having a lot of different hobbies and interests–keeps life interesting! :]
Good luck to you in all of yours too! <3
So much going on! I think Tahitian dancing would be so much fun, but I have no rhythm.
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It’s a lot of fun! I was a music major, so rhythm unfortunately had to be a thing, but I think Tahitian was a lot easier to follow in terms of rhythm than hula was! :O
You sure do have a lot of hobbies and interests! I’ve really enjoyed following you and getting to know you the past few years. I really want to try the pole dancing although I will not look as graceful as you do
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Spaghetti Squash Bake
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haha, it keeps life interesting! :] I’ve really enjoyed following you as well! <3 The blogging community inspires me to keep on truckin'!
I'm definitely not all that graceful most of the time! (Case in point--I twisted my ankle this morning and fell down the stairs, hahaha. :[ )
I’m coming over from the blog hop :) It’s amazing how much you’ve got going on! Very impressive. That’s so cool that you had a performance a couple weeks ago. Those pole tricks look amazing and hard! I used to volunteer at an animal shelter until I discovered that I was allergic to cats :( My allergies seem more under control now and was thinking about volunteering again at their adoption events which take place outside the shelter building.
Chaitali recently posted…Rock and Roll DC Half Marathon training – week 10
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Hello, and welcome! :D I think part of what keeps all those hobbies going is that it helps to balance my life out and keep it interesting so that not everything I ever do is all about school! :P
Aww, I’m sorry about your allergies–that really sucks! :[ But adoption events outside sound like a good way to kindasorta get around it!
Wow. I can’t believe you are in med school and have time to do all you do!
I have no rhythm so dancing is out for me. I am uncoordinated too.
I love stringed instruments. I played the violin when I was young.
My passion is running esp half marathons.
Maybe you will get back into when you are older and have more free time.
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haha, I try to stuff it in wherever I can! I’m unbelievably clumsy, so it doesn’t go so well with the dancing, but every now and then, I can fake being graceful, hehehe.
That’s awesome! I took violin lessons for a little while but absolutely sucked at it. I liked piano a lot more so I stuck with that. :P
I keep saying I might give it a try again, but I love strength training, sprints, and things that require power vs. endurance so much more, hehe. We shall see!
Ummmmm, is there anything you don’t do?! Seriously. I’m totally in awe. I can barely manage to get myself to/from work and keep my house clean.
Ange @ Cowgirl Runs recently posted…Workout Recap – Week 6
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There are still a ton of things I’d love to try! (Stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, and hiking in Hawai’i! :D!)
My apartment when I had one fell to rubble/controlled chaos sometimes when I got super swamped!
Wow! That’s all kind of overwhelming! I bet you never get bored!
FYI, your FB page is blocked to receiving new “likes.”
Melissa @eatforfuel2 recently posted…Spin 101: What to Expect at Your First Class
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hehe, basically nope! :P
Oh no! :[ I’ve never had that happen before. :/ I have no idea how to fix that, but will start googling! Thanks for letting me know!
I love meeting people with such varied interests! My husband gives me crap for being interested in so many different things, but I think it keeps life interesting. Best wishes for your residency!
Wendy @ Wholistic Woman recently posted…Stretching to #AddJoy
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I’m with you there–it definitely keeps life interesting! <3 + thanks so much--I really hope the match goes well for me and my friends! *-*
Holy cow lady – you weren’t kidding when you said you like to do everything! I saw your pole dancing post on IG this morning and was/am so impressed! It’s something I’ve always wanted to try but don’t have the confidence to do it! You are truly inspiring. I’m not sure how you juggle it all but you do it beautifully!
Author
hahaha, I like too many things! Is there a studio near you? I fell in love with mine partly because of the super awesome people there–everyone was so friendly + welcoming, and there was zero judginess whatsoever (my pole family was my very first fitfam)! <3 Many thanks! I sometimes wish I could pause time so I could catch up on everything! *-*
Hi, I’m visiting from the hop. I’m not sure you ever sit down! But, I love it. Life is about trying new things and having fun. I think you’ve got that nailed down. I took piano lessons all of my young life and thought about pursuing a career in music. Alas, other things got in the way. It’s rare that I even play these days. The ukulele is awesome! Nice to meet you.
Author
I agree! :D There’s so much to do in life, I figure I might as well try to do as much as I can! :]
I can definitely relate on piano! I really miss playing, or even having some spare moments to practice! :[
Whoa, how do you find the time to do all of that?
Author
I definitely don’t get to do all of these all the time, but I try to stuff it in wherever and whenever I can! :]
Some days I just don’t know how you manage to fit it all in! I’m much like you in the sense that I like to do as much as possible, and then I get disappointed when I can’t cross off everything on my to do list at the end of the day. I’d much rather be kept super busy though than sit around and be bored out of my mind.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…ZOOMA Annapolis Half Marathon Training Log ā Week 2
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I get a little disappointed too when I can’t cross everything off my to do list, but I try to remind myself that I purposely throw in way more than I can actually accomplish in a day, so even if I don’t finish it all, it’s not such a bad thing! I like being kept busy too–I hate idle moments! :P
Wow. You are one busy lady with so many talents! I would love to try the pole dancing, as I’ve been a ballet/Modern dancer all my life. So fun learning all your hobbies.
Author
Ahh, I bet you’d be amazing at it! I wish I hadn’t been such a sheep when I was little–I grew up around all dudes so I was decidedly against anything they deemed to be “girly” and dance was definitely in that category. sighhh! But it’s okay–better late than never!!
A multi-talented doctor you will be. Entertaining patients who are losing their patience…
Author
haha, I’ve found all the hobbies makes it so I usually can find something to talk about with my patients! :D
You are incredible Farrah! So talented and creative, I love reading about all of the fun hobbies you do, they’re so inspiring! Your blog is amazing :D I really want to try pole fitness! <3
Harriet Emily recently posted…cheesy garlic mashed potatoes
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Thanks so much, Harriet! :D I hope you get to try it out sometime soon–it’s so fun! :]
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- you continuously amaze me with how much you are able to accomplish! I think I’d go insane if I were as busy as you!
It’s so cool that you got to perform for the pole fitness! I would be scared I’d mess up lol. I’m also not very good at improve when it comes to performances- it’s the one thing in life I need to practice like a bazillion times in order to get it right.
Love your blog!! <3
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Thanks so much, Montana! :D I think all my activities help to keep me from going insane, hahaha. :]
I’m actually all sorts of terrified to do anything public (performances, public speaking, etc.), so sometimes I wonder how the hecks I made it out alive as a music performance major, har har…but since this was for a good cause, I figured I would just suck it up and try. I’m glad it went well! I am usually all sorts of horrible at improv too–I tried to plan out some of it in my head beforehand, but didn’t get to see if it’d work til the day of. :P
The jack of all trades! There is nothing Farrah can’t do ;) xoxo
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Freedom Feature: Brianna Wolin “A Different Survival Guide”
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hahaha, aww, thank you! I wish! There are definitely a ton of things that I can’t do (for instance, organic chemistry is one of em’, haw haw haw… ;_; ).
It’s so exciting you’re so close to graduating med school – what an accomplishment! Especially impressive since you have so many other interests, too. I always imagine med students are so busy studying they don’t have a lot of time to do other things!
You and I are like kindred eaters – I totes laughed when I saw the bit on your About Me page about being known to consume large quantities of food. That’s pretty much me after every long run and race! :)
Author
At longgg last!! :P I can’t wait! I was living in a hostel over the weekend late last year between rotations/interviews and made a friend there who said I was nothing like his imagined stereotype of med students. (I’m gonna take it as a compliment!)
Yay! Kindred eaters indeed! I don’t know if I could get along with people who didn’t like food–it’s hard to relate to em’! :P
Wow, can I say that again??? Wow! There is so much going on and way too much for a single post! I am so impress your are so dang organized. You are also incredibly talented! Farrah, I know your focus is right where it should be with your school. I know you’ll be great in your field and I’m so glad to have gotten to dig a little deeper inside what Fairyburger is all about! Look forward to more connections.
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Me too! <3 Thanks for stopping by! I think my super super type A nature helps with all the organization and planning, hehehe. I really hope I'll be awesome at what I do in the future! Looking forward to following your adventures too! :]
Pole dancing classes is one of those things I’ve always wanted to try but haven’t because I’m terrified I’d fall off the pole and break my face. haha.
I also collect cookbooks but I never use them! ahha I get all my recipes off pinterest.
Author
hehehe, there are mats and stuff to prevent the breaking of faces, and at the right studios, they won’t let you progress to the ones where you might fall on your face until you’re ready (and won’t)! :P
I’m all over Pinterest for recipes too! :P
I did not know you were so talented, well wait yes I did. I just had no idea everything you have been into, doesn’t surprise me though your like the queen of multi talent skills:) loved learning more about you!
Hula dancing, this will sound funny but I always wanted to be good at that.
Piano, Ukulele, OMG seriously awesome!
I think finishing med school instead of taking the other job is so the right choice! You amaze me, love this post so much I just love learning more about you!
These types of posts are getting to be my favorite types of get to know you posts. Thanks for joining us in the Blog hop, it also amazes me you have time to participate with all this. But glad you do!!
runawaybridalplanner recently posted…My Least Favorite Time Of The Year
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haha, I like way too many things! :P
True true! I know it’s the right choice, but that’ll be such a cool alternate-universe path for my parallel universe self to explore, hehehe.
The spotlight posts are a lot of fun! :D Thanks so much for hosting these! I’m super glad to get to participate in em’ too!
Um, there is absolutely nothing wrong with Tuna helper…. in moderation! LOL :)
Author
hahaha, this is true! I’m just really glad that I know how to make other things now too! :P
This was great!!! I love reading ‘back stories’ like this! You, my friend, have had a very full life so far! And very eclectic tastes, but that’s what makes life fun!
Heather@hungryforbalance recently posted…Microwave Blueberry N’oatmeal
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haha, thank you so much, and very much agreed! It keeps life interesting! :]
you are so amazing Farrah! Seriously, so impressive. All your interests are great and make you, you. I love it. You look like such a badass pole dancer! So jealous! Thanks for sharing this :D
tianna recently posted…Movies that Defined My Teen Years + What They Taught Me About Life
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Thanks so much, Tianna! <3 The fundraiser was so much fun--I love super supportive and fun crowds! :D!
You know what I really enjoy about reading your blog? It’s that you clearly take life and run with it! You are such an adventurous and giving spirit. I love it! Your life is truly an adventure and I’m glad to have been a small part of it. :)
Kaylin@EnticingHealthyEating recently posted…Dearest Whiskers: Homemade Cat Toys and Goodies + Giveaway
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I like to keep life interesting! :D! I’m super glad that you are a part of my life adventures too! I still wanna come visit Austin someday! <3
Woo, it’s like a recap episode!
Author
I try, I try! :P
YOU and this blog are amazing and inspiring! Thanks for sharing those twirly girl photos! Wow! !I am impressed!!!
Author
Aww, thanks so much, Diana! :] It was a lot of fun!
Just from this post, I can tell that you have a lot of spunk and energy! All of those hobbies and knowledge. Your brain is impressive. Congratulations on your upcoming graduation from 21st grade! :)
Author
hehehe, thanks so much, Lara! <3!
Oh my goodness – you have even more on your plate than I realized!!! And yet you still find time to share it all with us! I just love your blog and am so thrilled you’re participating in the hop too!!!
Rachel @ RachelMcMichael.com recently posted…What’s a Blog Hop?!
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hehe, I try to stuff it all in wherever and whenever I can! :D! I love Kristy’s blog hops–they’re always so much fun! :]
Awesome! I learned some new things about you!! Love that we are in FF together and I can not wait to see where you will be doing your residency! I am sure you are ready to get settled in a wee bit to 1 location!
<3
Esther recently posted…Change in plansā¦
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I’m super glad that we’re in FF together too! :D It’s been awesome following your adventures over the years! :]
I’m definitely really excited about that! *-* It’ll be so nice not to have to keep moving all over the place!
I love your diverse list of interests and talents! That is so cool that you can pole dance like that, as well as do Tahitian dancing! I definitely learned a lot about you from this post. See you around on the blog hop!
Author
Thanks so much, Kristen! :] The Tahitian definitely helped with the my pole-ing, since aside from that, I have zero dance background/ability, hehehe. So glad you’re doing the blog hop too! :D
Wow you do a lot gir! I hope you keep doing what your doing and live a happy life! That’s the most important thing remember always to leave some time just for yoursel and relax!
Author
Agreed! :D My hobbies are my way of de-stressing, so I like to keep em’ in my life whenever possible! :]
I am in awe. You have accomplished so much, and have so many hobbies!! I miss playing the piano, so so much! I hope that when we move into our own house this summer, we can get one :P
Author
Thanks, Jess! :] I really miss playing the piano too! :[ I’m hoping wherever the hecks I end up, there’ll be a piano to play as well (same with hopeful future house–I hope you get one too! <3)!
You have so many varied and unique interests! I bet you are one of these women who can do it all and can do it well.
Author
Oh, that’d be the dream! I sometimes wish I could manipulate time so I could just stop it every now and then to catch up on life + be able to practice so I really could be good at everything! *-*!
YOU’VE DONE SO MUCH! Also, pole dancing?! Love.
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…Yoga 101: Learning the Basics
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I like em’ all so I can’t bring myself to drop any of em’, hahaha. :D