The Wonder Years

So I decided to change the name of my 30 Days of Blogging to my 30 Topics of blogging. Seeing as I am very bad at posting everyday. This last week has been crazy, and I cant even tell you why! Just one of those weeks your mind just goes in circles.

Today I get to share some pictures of me over 10 years ago. The only ones I have on my computer are ones that I was around 4 years old.. Sorry, no awkward 12 year old pictures! Maybe someday Ill have the courage to do that!

I mean how cool were we? My mom and dad used to take us to this zoo where the animals ran free. Llamas would stick there heads in your car and everything. Its one of my earliest memories.

Oh this picture makes me laugh. We made a pretty good team.

Hope everyone is having a good Thursday! And guess what! Tomorrow is Friday! Cant wait to spend the weekend in Oxford :)

Victoria

Yeah........about that.

My 30 days of blogging goes on....A photo I took.

These picture ones are hard to choose from, but this time I finally only chose one. Love these boys. I miss our crazy adventures in highschool. Im pretty sure that this was in college though.

They embarrassed me with this one. I think a family of 4 was walking around watching us. I can just hear them now, yelling and carrying on. This picture defines them though. So glad I have these memories to look back on with this group.

Until the next time,
Victoria

That Sweet Boy

My 30 days of Blogging continues... Picture that makes me sad. This is definitely not my favorite subject!

It was 2 in the morning and I got a call. I had been at my brothers basketball game that night. I was sitting in the parents section with Mom, and I looked down at the student section and saw that goofy boy being himself. I thought to myself, I need to go down there and give him a hug, because I hadnt seen him in a while. I never did though. That call was the worst call Ive ever gotten. " Colby..he was in a wreck......"

Let me explain Colby Mason to you.  This blue eyed boy was one of those kids everyone just loves. He was funny, handsome, best athelete, and made everyone his bestfriend. When I was the trainer at during highschool, this boy stole my heart. Him and probably everyone else knew he was my favorite. I never felt like he was 3 years younger than me. Some of the funniest stories I know are about him. He was everyone's favorite. He just had a way about him that I adored. I loved seeing him waiting in that training room for me every afternoon, saying "Vigger!!!"

Everytime I think about him, I have the saddest and happiest feelings in the world. That small amount of time he was on this earth, he just made it better. It still doesnt seem real, but you just have to go on. Not forget, but go on and have that "Colby Mason way" about you.

Lets all just remember to cherish the days, the people, the small things, and the big moments in our lives. A good conversation, an inside joke, a walk outside, your favorite song, or just a good friend to sit with. And always, always....if something tells you to give someone a hug, do it. Dont let that moment pass, because you may not get the chance to show some love to that person ever again.

Fly High Colby, July 22, 1991 -February 1, 2009
Vigger

Joys of Life

Pictures that make my heart happy

My picture on my header, yes. I love this picture so much, it brings me back to that fun dance we did for Lindsey on her wedding! I cant imagine what she was thinking at this point.

My senior christmas dance. This describes the boys so much, just goofy. Us girls look so awkward but the boys knew exactly what they were doing. This makes me smile everytime!

Oh I miss country on beale. We had so much fun that summer. Im sure we were singing or something embarrassing haha!

This picture makes me laugh everytime. Daniel, Katie, and I decided to take a dip...in our clothes. Katies face is my favorite....ever.

So so long ago. This is one of my best friends, Kelsey. And this picture is the definition of our relationship. So much has changed in our lives, but we can always pick up where we left off. Can you believe she will be married in March?! Ahhh!

Well these were only a few of the pictures that make me happy. I will be putting on more of my favorites after my 30 days of Blogging is complete. Hope you enjoyed some of these goofy pictures!

Victoria

And the results are in...

Yes 20 of my favorite things! I took some time today at work to write them, because I was excited about this post for some reason. It put me in a good mood too. I should start writing down my favorite things everyday!

No specific order....

1) Lucy -(Goose, Suzie, Suzer, Sekisui, Goosie, Luce) She knows every one of her names too! She makes me smile daily, starting at 7:15 every morning when she comes in my room and hops in my bed for a few more minutes of sleep (thats when everyone else in my house leaves). Im scared to get another dog just because they might not compare to her!

2) Bible Study Group- Oh this group of girls just brightens my Mondays. God really did have a plan when he brought us together. We get a girls night every week! I dont want to think about it almost being half way over!

3) Pictionary- Ok I cant tell you many things Im very good at, but I have been called the Lebron James of pictionary. It all started in 11th grade history. Two words: bonus stickers. I love love love this game. I carry it in my car at all times just in case someone wants to play with me. Pathetic, I know. Dont judge me!

4) Magnificent Mile Chopped Salad from Windy City Grille- Yall this is the greatest. Chicken, cranberries, bacon, eggs, and vinagerette dressing. Its the only thing I get there and I dont feel guilty afterwards! Try it next time!

5) My books- I have always been a reader but here lately I can not get enough. Ive been going through a book a week since May it seems like (could be me being moved back to my mothers house). I get lost and I dont want them to end. It helps me go to sleep, it makes me think, I barley watch tv. I guess it has a lot of benefits then. Right now on my bedstand is Nicholas Sparks new novel Safe Haven. Awesome so far. I just have to remind myself the lovey dovey ooewy gooey isnt always realistic tho. Heck its no worse than these love movies everyone watches anyways.

6) Dr Pepper- If I was ranking this list, it would have been number 1 or 2. I crave it no matter what. Ive limited myself to 1 a week the past 4 months. Sometimes I break that but Ive been mostly good. I dont know what it is. Can, bottle, over ice, I dont care. I love it!

7) Necklace from my mother- She gave me this necklace when I moved to school in Jackson. Its a sterling silver circle with my initials engraved in the front and the word "here" in the back. She told me no matter what or where I was, she would always be right here for me. And it just so happens to fall right over my heart.

8) My backyard- Im so glad Ronnie has good taste. We have a flat screen out there with patio furniture right there to watch it. Want to eat dinner while watching tv outside? No problem. We also have a high table and chairs with an umbrella. Want to watch tv while lounging in the pool? No problem. Our pool is so close to the house that you can float and watch The Office anytime of day ;).

9) A clean room before bedtime- I need my room almost spotless to sleep. Touch of OCD it looks like. I dont like my sheets all tangled up, and I like a clean floor. Not too bad of a habit I guess.

10) Fall- Crisp mornings, dew on the ground, the smell. It doesnt last long enough. I guess we wouldnt appreciate it as much if it was all year around. Its such a romantic season, dont you think?

11) Football- This goes along with fall. I loved waking up in highschool knowing I got to put that cheerleading uniform on and cheer on those cuties. You couldnt have a bad day in a cheerleading uniform I swear. Now a days, I get the same feeling, but just in a cute dress in the grove. I dont know what it is about football, but I love the feeling.

12)Trenton playing basketball-  Oh I looked forward to this more than I did football. Thats saying a lot. I was his biggest fan. I loved being on the bench with the team and getting to write down all his 3s, assists, and even fouls. He made me so proud. I cant believe how much I miss those days already. I knew I would miss it, so I cherished every moment in highschool.

13) The Molly Ringwalds- I know Ive already talked about it, but if you watched the video, you understand. I wont go on too long, but anyone who wants to experience this band in person, please let me know!

14) My job- If you had my first 2 jobs in hairdressing, you would understand why I love Headlines so so much. Drama free( crossing my fingers), stress free, good people to work with, good people sitting in my chair. I love doing hair. Plain and simple!

15) Cowgirl boots- I just got my third pair of nice boots and I am in love! Ill upload a picture later. I think boots are the cutest thing you can wear. Im in no way a country girl, but I love me some cute boots!

16) Peyton Manning- Love the colts, love peyton. Him being the greatest quarterback ever is only part of the reason I adore this man. Watch his SNL clips. Too too funny. He definitely got the personality (sorry Eli!). Hes just one of those guys that you want to be their friend.

17) Simone from American Idol- I know, i know. Hes the devil. But he is so funny doing it. His faces that he makes just crack me up. And I am sorry but he knows exactly what he is talking about. He called it about Carrie winning that year. Im very sad he is leaving.

18) Ralph Lauren Romance- I started wearing it when I was 15, and it is still my favorite. I spray it on my bed, in my car, in my room. Cant get enough of it. I try to wear other perfumes, because I feel like I should get out there and meet new ones :). Ill always come back to my trusty ole Romance.

19) Highschool memories- Ill be the first to admit it. I miss highschool. I had the best class. Other grades hated us because we were so sarcastic, but it worked for us. I love our memories we have. Our reunions will be so much fun, I cant wait! I have a feeling we will all just pick up where we left off. Mostly because 80 percent of us still hang out and I dont see that ending too soon.

20) Past 3 years- I have made some of the greatest friends I could ask for since Ive been out of highschool. What a relief. Sometimes I worried about missing out on the real college experience, but hey, Im surviving just find. I still have my old ones, but my new ones have just brought new laughs and adventures for me to remember forever.

Hope I wasnt too lengthy, I know I was! Try to think of your favorite things everyday and see how good your mood will be! And Im not checking this one for misspelled words or gramatical errors, so bare with me!

Victoria

Day 5 of my 30 Days of blogging is a tough one. This quote is my senior quote from highschool. It touched my heart 3 and a half years ago just as it does today. No pity party here I promise, but Ive had some "adventures" in my life and this quote just hits home. I think everyone can agree that everything that we have been put through has made us into the people we are today. The smallest of things can teach us the most sometimes.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.

Helen Keller

Also want to say Happy happy birthday to a very sweet friend, Nicole Vinson!

Victoria

I'd Choose YOU

And if I could honor one child who has an exciting and wonderful future...and if I could teach him each day that he is God's special gift, especially on those days when he doesn't get picked...Guess which one I'd choose every time?

I'd choose YOU!

Yes a childrens book, but arent those the ones that pull the tears out of you? This one does it to my mom, even now! I remember this book over all the others my mother read to me. I never knew why she would cry everytime at the end, but I am beginning to understand. Ill probably understand more once I have a baby of my own. Please look at this book, it has the most BEAUTIFUL pictures youve ever seen. Such a great message for the young and old. If I dont know anything else for sure, I know I will be reading this to my child one day.

I havent been on my computer in a couple days, so I havent kept my list up very well. Its been very busy the past couple of days. I was in a 5k today with Kayla and Erica. We had so much fun!! And I didnt pass out! I always love seeing Kaylas family, and her sister and brother in law were in town. We had her parents, my mom, and Ericas mom there to cheer us all on. I think we had the most fans :). Ill post pics later when I get my lazy butt to do it! Cant wait to spend the rest of the days with some friends watching football. Love my Saturdays in the fall!

Lets go REBS!
Victoria Joy

Fact. Bears eat beets. Bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica.

The Office. Its one of those shows I know way way too much about. I love dry, sarcastic humor. This is my show. Oh yeah.... I have all the seasons, the day to day calender of quotes, and the dvd trivia game. The 6th season came out, and I was so excited to find there was a couple episodes I missed.

So most people do not like the office, but PLEASE give it a chance. I wont give up on you if you dont like it yet. Get to know the characters and you will love it for the rest of your life. It was a sad day a few months ago when we found out Michael Scott, Steve Carrell, will not be on the show after this next season (September 23 on NBC). But at least I will have 7 seasons on dvd. Ive broken down a number of people to watch it and they have turned into some of the biggest office fans you will meet. Its a great show. Especially if you like some good ole awkwardness.

Please give it a try!

Hope everyone had a Happy Wednesday! Tomorrow is my day off so Wednesday nights are my fav! Besides Tuesday nights when The Office comes on 3 HOURS in a row on tbs :)

Prison Mike episode only 2:30 minutes! you can do it!

Tomorrow I get to pick up one of my favorite kiddos from school and keep him at my house for a while. Bo bo just turned 9, and he is starting to believe he is too cool for me. I remind him all the time that 2 years ago he was calling me "Tic", and he was leaving me love notes on my car filled with drawings and school pictures of him. Love Bo and his whole family. Im not too cool for him when all his little friends arent around! Haha just like a man!

Tic ;)

Say a little prayer for you!

Michael : Dance? You can’t dance. When did you learn how to dance?
Julianne: I’ve got moves you’ve never seen.
　
Oh I wish I could use that line in real life. My Best Friends wedding!! That poor vhs of mine. I could sing all the songs and probably quote the whole movie. Julia Roberts is…a…maa..zzzing! If a celebrity (besides John Mayer) could be my friend, it would most definitely be her. What a talented human being. In our bible study last night, we talked about what qualities a woman has that is made her loved by women and men. She has them all.
But enough with Julia. The movie just makes me happy, sad, jealous, excited. She is the bad guy in the movie and we still are on her side! My favorite part in the movie is of course the slow dancing scene on the ferry. My favorite song in the movie is You Don’t Know Me by Jann Arden. And George, wonderful George. “Love to! Love the bag, love the shoes, love everything. Love to!” You have to love him. I cant tell you how many times I have watched it and will watch it. Wonderful movie, and most will agree. Women at least.
Here is another fun fact that has to do with the movie. I was in one of my best friends weddings, and I got my fellow bridesmaids together and made them do  "the dance" .Oh come on girls, you know. Wishing and hoping. That is right. We did what I called an unrehearsed choreographed dance. We are still waiting on the video to come back from the photographer. Should be quite embarrassing, but it had to be done!
Now I will have to watch my favorite movie this week. Thanks 30 day blog!

Victoria Joy

Let Go of Your Heart

Anyone who knows me would believe my favorite song would be by John Mayer. Every one of his songs are “my favorite” just because absolutely love John. But for some reason this song tugs at me just a little harder. Babylon by David Gray. Its one of the hardest songs to understand and to be honest I don’t fully understand it. It can mean so many things. Ive gone as far as to research it. I think one day Ill figure it out and realize why I love it so much. Some people believe it is about an argument and he uses “Babylon” because Babylon was the capital of Babylonia which finally fell apart (the relationship falling apart). Ive heard that he uses “Babylon” because it sounds like “babble on” and that’s whats going on in the areguements this couple is having. Who knows what David is saying. All I care about is the chorus, “If you want it, come and get it, for crying out loud. The love that I was giving you was never in doubt, (my favorite: ) Let go of your heart, let go of your head, feel it now.




I can just feel the struggle in this song. Just let it go and live and be. Don’t worry about the small stuff that does not matter. I think that’s what is wrong with all these relationships. I think I like these types of songs more just because they seem more real to me. Maybe one day, I can listen to happier songs about love and connect with them( keeping my fingers crossed!)



By the way, Slow Dancing in a Burning Room was running neck and neck with this song. Maybe if you asked me next week, it would beat Babylon. That’s what I love about songs. You hear them different every time you listen.
 
Guess that was my rant for the day. Listen to those two songs!
 
Victoria Joy

Send me away with the words of a love song

I am definitely being a copy cat already on my blog. Nicole, I stole from you but I figure you wont mind :)! I think this will be a great way to break myself into the world of blogging and get me more comfortable with it. I'm a little nervous about a couple of the topics I must say. Mostly because I might start thinking too much, a huge downfall of mine. I think I will ponder over this list and start tomorrow.  Hope everyone's day was peaceful and relaxing!

Song on my Pandora today, Ive been listening to The Band Perry since Kayla played it last Saturday.

If I die young bury me in satin

Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song.

Love their sound!


Day 1-your favorite song
Day 2-your favorite movie

Day 3-your favorite television program

Day 4- your favorite book

Day 5-your favorite quote

Day 6- 20 of my favorite things

Day 7-a photo that makes you happy

Day 8-a photo that makes you angry/sad

Day 9-a photo you took

Day 10-a photo taken over 10 years ago of you

Day 11-a photo of you recently

Day 12-something you are OCD about

Day 13-a fictional book

Day 14-a non-fictional book

Day 15-your dream house

Day 16-a song that makes you cry (or nearly)

Day 17-an art piece (drawing,sculpture, painting, etc)

Day 18-my wedding/future wedding/past wedding

Day 19-a talent of yours

Day 20-a hobby of yours

Day 21-a recipe

Day 22-a website

Day 23-a youtube video

Day 24-where I live

Day 25-your day, in great detail

Day 26-your week in great detail
Day 27-my worst habit

Day 28-whats in my handbag/purse

Day 29-hopes, dreams and plans for the next 365 days

Day 30-a dream for the future

Until tomorrow,

Victoria Joy

Did I ever tell you how lucky you are?

I know its cliche, but I guess there is no choice. My first blog shall be me introducing myself. How exciting, I know. My name is Victoria and here is how lucky I am.

Anyone who knows me at all knew this was coming. My lucy is snoring beside me as I type. She is my 5 year old boston terrier. Her comprehension of life is if you come over to the Hopper/Head household, you are there only to play with her. She is the love of our household. Shhh, but even Ronnie, my stepfather, is wrapped around her little paw (probably more than anyone). She dances, she plays, she does tricks, and she is the best little napper you could ever ask for!

The grove, my brother and my mother: My favorite combination!

My big little brother. We are 2 years apart, and he could not find a sister prouder than me. He is in the Air Force ROTC at Ole Miss. This year I finally got the pleasure of seeing him out of that field holding our country's flag. "Look! Hes the tall one!" Thats what Im sure everyone within earshot could here me shout. What a special moment for me! He is an awesome guy and I love seeing how his life is working out. Im beginning to see him watch out for me more and more. It warms my heart.

My mom, my bestfriend. Couldnt live without her. There isnt any other way of explaining it. I can see me turning into her the older I get. I pretend to not like it, but secretly.....I am ok with it. I love our relationship, our laughs, and her crazy way of thinking.

The Greatest 80s Tribute Band

Ok you might think I am crazy, but seriously. The most fun youll ever have. Or at least top 5. This band is outrageous. I was made for the 80s. The hair, the music, the dancing. Its me. Im the girl who pulls out all the crazy dance moves at their concerts. At the most recent concert, I was asked to be in 4 dance offs to say the least. I love EVERYTHING about it. Visit their site, watch a video or two. You could be like me and order one of their t shirts ;)!

Kayla, don't kill me yet! This is one of my favorites. I have been doing hair for a year and a half and I love love love it! This glorious picture is from Northwest Cosmetology in 08. That classroom, the definition of long days of drama. But it is also the place I made one of the best friends I will EVER have! I wasnt expecting it at all! I do have to admit that I am very relieved to be past that first 6 to 8 months of doing hair. It will do a number on your nerves. Im surprised I didnt lose a good percentage of my hair during those trying times! I made it and I plan to make it for a much much longer time!

So now that you are probably snoozing from the boredom, I will leave a quote. Hence the title:

When you think things are bad,

 when you feel sour and blue,

 when you start to get mad…

 You should do what I do!

 Just tell yourself, Duckie, you’re really quite lucky!

 Some people are much more…

Oh, ever so much more…

Oh, muchly much-much more unlucky than you!"

My good friend Dr. Seuss

And thats all I have for this time,

Victoria Joy