Goodbye Junior Year...

I'm a senior in college? How did this happen? I'm turning 21 in a month... I have to start searching for an apartment? I have to apply for graduation? I'M SO CONFUSED.

Here's the thing. This year was hard. And I'm not trying to complain like 'wahhhh my classes were hard.' I mean like woah a lot of stuff happened this year and I was so unprepared and I need a vacation. I didn't live in the same building as my closest friends, I took upper level courses that challenged me and at many times, frustrated me, and I worked an internship that ate up my time. Junior year was not the 'hey lets hang out till 4am and snuggle' kind of year like sophomore and freshman year. I'm not going to lie to you all, it took a lot of adjusting. I suddenly feel the crushing weight of becoming a real person and it's scary.

Apart from all that, I have so much to be thankful for. I got to spend my entire first semester working with an incredible woman and her dance company in Brooklyn, learning so much and meeting so many wonderful people. I also met a few new friends who have become so important to me, and I'm going to miss them terribly. I was able to *finally* pass accounting, I took some great marketing classes, saw some perfect theater (still trying to sell body parts to see Hamilton though..), and I was able to go through everything with my 5 best best friends who I plan to keep with me for the rest of my life.

What are my favorite memories you may ask?

1. Well first of all, I got to go to Florida as you all know, and visit my aunt, spend time with my friend Ryan in Disney, and soak up so much sun.
2. Waggies. I wish I could explain it.. Basically it's a roast, plus an after party where unspeakable things happen but none of it matters simply because it's waggies. And everyone wears themed costumes and it's the most perfect night of the year.
3. The fundraiser gala for my internship in November. It was so rewarding to be able to celebrate a year of beautiful performances with the AL/DD team.
4. Finding Vanberbilt Beach. Since my freshman year I have ached to find a beach on this silly island where I could sit and de-stress, enjoying the sounds of the water just like I do at home. Though the first adventure came with a $95 parking ticket, I am so thrilled Ryan, Austin, Anne and I were able to find that baby beach and dip our feet in that ice cold water right underneath the bridge!
5. Rocky Horror. This was the only time I was able to perform this year, and though the process was super short, Rocky is fun no matter what you do.
6. The annual Halloween scavenger hunt. Not only, did the Zaddy Squad WIN, but we won by a landslide. I felt like a super secret spy for the evening. A super secret spy with a rainbow tattoo on her face.

So yes, though this year brought some personal struggles, and I found myself struggling some days, I still have incredible friends, and dedicated teachers, and seriously I am so lucky to love where I'm at. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm so excited for senior year, and growing up, and making my own future.

Peace out Wagner, see ya in August!

xoxo, CourtneyBridget

March 21-27 Weekly Planner Layout

Hey Pals!
It's been too long since I posted something planner themed, so I thought I'd share my weekly layout for this coming week in my Plum Paper Planner!
I've mentioned it before, but I really just love my PPP, and can't recommend it highly enough if you're an Erin Condren fan, but aren't ready to pay the Erin Condren price! I'll link the Etsy shop at the bottom of this article!
I am not huge on a ton of stickers because sometimes my planner can get a little busy, but I love using colorful functional stickers, and adding a little flair with some washi tape!
Comment below with your favorite way to decorate your planner!!

 Not everything is filled out yet, somethings are still up in the air, and I just hate having to cross things out! Also, I save the bottom check list boxes for homework assignments that are assigned throughout the week! 

Enjoy!
Xoxo, CourtneyBridget

https://www.etsy.com/shop/PlumPaperDesigns

A Letter to my 16 Year Old Self

Dear 16 Year Old Courtney,

You are at a time in your life where everything seems so perfect. And ya know what? Even looking back at it now, almost about to turn 21, it was perfect. You have exactly what you need right now with an amazing group of friends who love you so much, experiencing things you could never have even dreamed about!
You have and still do have, an incredible family with 2 parents who are willing to do literally anything for you, no matter how insane the request. You're brother is always going to seem like a different species to you, but you know that no matter what he'll always come support you. He sits through all your shows in college, even the ones that make him uncomfortable, and whenever you're home, he's always ready for a trip to the marina. So while you're 16, don't alienate him. Don't judge him for the things he does with his friends or the way he handles things. Hes just a boy, they're weird.

Speaking of boys, you'll be happy to know that by age 20 we don't get any less weird and nervous around boys so we'll just keep waiting on that miracle together. There will be a few boys as you grow and get to college, I just want you to remember that no matter what happens you're value does not decrease based on their inability to see your worth. You will experience your first rough heartbreak your first 2 years of college and it's going to absolutely suck. You're going to want to cry all the time or punch him in the teeth, but in true Courtney fashion, you'll smile through it and continue trying to have the best college experience you can.
When you hit 18, you'll get to college, (I won't tell you which one), and you'll fall in love with it. You have an insanely wonderful group of friends who are there for you no matter what happens, and you will experience a whole new part of life. It's an incredible feeling, being on your own and succeeding doing what you love to do. College will come with some rough choices, but always follow your gut. It's never wrong.

Keep an eye out for a crazy Argentinian modern dance teacher when you get to school. She is one of the best people you'll meet in your four years. She will hand you incredible opportunities to broaden your horizons all while kicking your butt in her Barre a Terre class.

I'm sure you're reading all this college stuff and thinking, 'But what about my roommate?!' Well I'm here to tell you that Bridget (or Budge as you'll eventually call her out of pure laziness when auto-correct does you dirty one day) SUCKS. Just kidding, she will become one of the most important people in you're life. She will send you all the cute pictures of puppies, yell Merrily We Roll along at you while she's drunk, watch Aquamarine with you on every snow day, and always be up for roomie pillow-talk. She's there for you when your heart feels heavy, and you are always there to pick up the pieces when she needs you most. You'll still have Nick so don't fret, but you'll meet a few more gems in your freshman year like Jess, Ryan & Madison who are still your 'mainz' now in junior year, and looking forward, that's not changing any time soon.

So look to the future with light in your heart, the best is yet to come! You're going to vomit at a college party, and take accounting which makes you want to implode, but you'll learn to live on your own and deal with your anxiety, you'll read some amazing books, and finally go to The Met like Gossip Girl!
Also, one more thing before I leave, you have celiac disease. It sucks eggs, figured you'd want to hear it from me instead of that weird Dr. with the gross finger nails.

Sincerely yours,
CourtneyBridget