Send Up Green Balloons For Glenn!

November 23, 2015April 8, 2016michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

***SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!!!***

Haters gonna hate hate hate…

But I could care less you skeptics.

I knew it in my heart that Glenn is still ALIVE!!!!!!

Take a look at my own personal instagram campaign if you will, as I wrote Glenn on my wrist/hand for the past 4 weeks, in hopes that he’d be back with us soon. Captioning each picture “I got you babe.” Because my heart knew he was still alive. I know, #psychofan, but I take this shit seriously, no shame. Judge me. 😉

I had to do something special to show my love for him. It served as my #goodluckcharm. I’d like to think I had a hand in the outcome 😉 haha.

As Sunday night’s Episode 7 entitled “Heads Up” of The Walking Dead finally revealed what we’ve been waiting to hear for the past 4 weeks, your girl was dancing and jumping around, screaming in her living room. Yup, I was in with the fans waiting on that dumpster, with no shame.

Today in honor of Green Balloons for Glenn (we’ll get to that,) you guessed it, I wore green to support my boys future homecoming!

Let’s break down the episode, Nicolas was in deed Glenn’s shield and protection. Well at least he was good for something in the end. Sorry Nicolas, but you know what you did. You tried to kill Glenn and mess with the well-being of the group too many times to be greatly missed. But I do think he in some way was meant to help Glenn to make up for everything. Terrible outcome, but definitely sparked a conversation.

People had their jokes about us believers.

Saying we were crazy, saying there was no way that he could survive that zombie infested alley.

And although I admit it unrealistic that he did, Glenn has always been one resourceful dude. And he’s maintained his humanity but still manages to escape the craziest of situations.

The mind games the cast and creators of the show were playing with us, gave us little solace. Like the ambiguity they were throwing out “you saw what you saw,” “Glenn will come back in some way.” Maggie revealing she is pregnant. Removing his name from the credits. (Well his name is back baby! Right in its rightful place near the pocket watch Hershel gave him.) It’s been a crazy and emotional ride.

Right where you belong.

But as usual fans like us…we knew better, we had faith and we believed.

It was an interesting journey as the episode started we see a black screen and we hear the words “Thank You” uttered by Nicolas accompanied by the gunshot and the piercing feedback from it, as we are brought back to the alley of walkers that cornered both he and Glenn. We watch as Nicolas falls onto Glenn and it is he who is being ripped apart and shielding Glenn from any actual bites. Glenn slides his way up under the dumpster and takes cover, killing the nearest zombie forming a shield. And after waiting out the herd, for what seems like a day, he emerges with only a couple bumps and bruises. I have to say I thought he was going to at least have been bitten and that he would in turn need to chop off a limb. But he was A-Okay…which makes me thrilled.

The rest of the episode we see Glenn come across Enid, as she throws him a bottle of water. He goes after her to try and ask how everyone back home in Alexandria is doing. He asks what the noise was that swayed the herd, he asks about Maggie. I swear every time he calls Maggie his wife, my heart flutters a bit. It’s kind of the sweetest thing to hear him say that.

Throughout Glenn and Enid’s storyline we see the dad in Glenn come out. As he battles with her to come back to Alexandria with him. Saying things like “my wife wouldn’t want me to leave you.” Fighting her and her nasty attitude and even pulling a gun off her after she points it directly at him, because she doesn’t want him to try and save or help her. We get it Enid you’re a teenager, but chill with the dramatics, because it’s the zombie apocalypse and ain’t nobody got time for that. Shit needs to get done. Glenn said it best, “You point a gun at my head and I’m the asshole.” Haha Glenn you are going to make one awesome dad. He later mentions that he’s helping her not for Maggie anymore, but for what I can only assume is himself and the child he is about to have and its future. He goes on to tell Enid that they are not supposed to let the world die, and that you honor the dead (the people they’ve lost) by living.

We are brought to Maggie’s journey simultaneously as she takes watch overlooking the gate, waiting, hoping for a sign. She mentions that “this is the direction he would come from, and that if he were to send a sign, she’d see it from up there.” Rick joins her and gives her hope that she’s right. Maggie even makes mention to Judith and how she looks so much like Lori, her motherly instincts are already kicking in! As the episode continues on, we see Enid and Glenn try and find their way home, as they come to a hill overlooking Alexandria and the walker count keeps going up. Glenn and Enid accumulate quite a large amount of Green Balloons that were from the initial distract the walkers plan and use them to send up as a signal to Maggie and the rest of the group that he is out there and trying to get home. Maggie sees them and goes running, telling Rick “that’s Glenn.” This moment made my heart burst. I am a sucker for the Glenn/Maggie love story from that first moment he saw her riding on her horse in season 2.

This brings me to my next order of business. Now I don’t read the comics, I’d rather not spoil the show for myself. But in some shape or form the show does follow the comics at times. And in the comics, Glenn does in fact die. And he dies by the hand of a Savior named Negan who takes a bat to his head. It’s said to be one of the comic’s craziest scenes and deaths. And it was recently reported (during the emotional wreck we had to endure….seriously strategic timing) that Negan was cast and will be played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan. So there’s still that fear that Glenn’s death can only be a season away. Which would be hellish and quite frankly down right evil, for them to dangle that hope in front of us only to rip it away. But I guess that’s how things roll in the zombie apocalypse. But I will in no way shape or form be okay with that. Let it be known, I don’t want to go through this again.

There is another fear, hanging over our heads as well. And that fear is that something could happen to Maggie, in some twisted original death tradeoff. As we see in the end of Sunday’s episode the watch tower comes crashing down, breaking their wall of protection down and allowing the walkers full access into Alexandria. No one is safe. And Maggie is seen running for her life in the promo for next week. Maggie better be okay! I can’t deal with this!!!!

The Mid-season finale is next week, and word to the wise people, do yourself a favor and WATCH IT LIVE! I’m so tired of people complaining that the internet ruins it because they say things before they watch it. 1.) Stay off the internet then. 2.)You only have yourself to blame. I’m a fan, and I need to talk about things that happen on this show!

New episodes are coming in February 2016, and the series has been renewed for a 7^th season for October 2016 as if there was any doubt.

Now onto The Talking Dead.

Steven Yeun released a special message during a commercial break during AMC’s Into the Badlands saying;

“I’ve been following everything you’ve been saying and it’s meant so much to me to see all of your support and concern for Glenn, The Walking Dead has the best fans in the world and I’m happy to be back.”

And we are happy to have you back Steven! And can I just say to anyone who was disappointed by the fact that they kept Glenn alive, what the hell is wrong with you? His story isn’t finished, and you know you love him, so suck it up and enjoy the ride!

Yeun also finally posted on social media as well.

Executive Producer Gale Ann Hurd was on The Talking Dead and discussed the insanity that went into trying to keep this storyline a secret. She told Chris Hardwick how each actor and everyone involved in the show were asked to sign non-disclosure agreements.

Steven joked about how he didn’t get out much for the last few weeks, and that he ate a lot of takeout and his apartment looks like a hoarders. He also joked that he possibly lost some friends, because he wasn’t able to talk to them about the show. Steven mentioned how overwhelming the response has been, and how he barely knew how to address it, and that he felt bad that he wasn’t able to talk to anyone about what was going on.

He also spoke about how through social media we can all communicate and that with The Walking Dead and this current storyline they realize How they “affected a lot of people at once.”

Steven compared Enid and Glenn’s interaction of her throwing him a water battle in his time of need to his Walkie moment “hey dumbass” scene with Rick from Season 1. Which I thought was so true and really beautiful now that I think about it. And it’s beautiful to see that even though Glenn is always the guy to help someone out no matter who they are, to see him so aware of the fact that he’s going to be a dad and he’s trying to instill some kind of hope back into this young girl, is showing that he’s ready to take on this journey with Maggie. Yeun mentions Glenn wants to be able to tell his son or daughter that he did everything he could possibly do to maintain his humanity in this world. Let it be known that Glenn is the only original character that still hasn’t killed a human. As Yeun said on The Talking Dead that in the past seasons Glenn was fearful of creating a life with Maggie and now that he has seen Alexandria as a potential safe haven, it is only natural for him to want that start a life with Maggie.

Baby Glaggie coming soon!

When Chris Hardwick asked about the storyline and whether or not the creators or actors would be worried that the non-death of Glenn would send the wrong message to the fans, Writer and Producer Scott Gimple said that they “wanted to tell a story of uncertainty this season, and that they wanted the audience to be (and feel) where Maggie is. I sure as hell did!

Yeun said Glenn’s fate was more about “sometimes even in this world the good guy can win.” I absolutely love that and I just hope it lasts long. This whole ordeal has me doing a lot of obsessive researching to see how the world is reacting, I’m seeing a lot of hate on the fact that he’s alive, which is kind of an oxymoron because the world erupted when we all thought they killed him off. I mean who ever really wanted him to die? Who doesn’t love Glenn! I don’t get that, I mean who gives a crap if they fooled us, that’s storytelling and we still got what we wanted, screw shock value. I’m all for Glenn being alive! There’s definitely more to come.

On The Talking Dead they instead of giving Glenn an In Memoriam… The gave him an Un-Memoriam

They crossed out Glenn’s name and wrote… (Much like taking his name down from the memorial wall, like Maggie did two episodes ago.) As Hallelujahs sing aloud.

We are so happy you are alive! ….For now. (Ugh bite your tongue TTD)

I get the emotional rollercoaster, I understand coming from a writer’s perspective they are telling a story, and I respect that. Like I said, I will say YOU GOT ME GOOD and be happy he is alive. I admit I had my fair share of my angry tweets, but as a fan it’s only natural to have that knee jerk reaction to be angry with the writers and creators. As someone who loves television and loves to write and hopes to one day write for television this idea that this show was able to stir up something so grand in people and have fans talking across the board was a tall order and they managed to do it. And I think when you get that kind of reaction from your fans, even if they hatefully disagree with your story telling at the moment, to get that passionate of a response shows you must be doing something right.

We the fans, take this show seriously and we consider the original characters family at this point. Glenn is one of the few originals left, and it was hell to be in limbo for so long about what happened to him. But in hindsight, now that the pain of the unknown is in the past, we can laugh and say it was great storytelling in its own right and I appreciate them not waiting too long to let us in on Glenn’s fate. And I am extremely happy that they chose to give us what we wanted to see rather than shock us with an impromptu death. Because that’s essentially what the show is all about. That anyone can go at any time, regardless of backstory, or family, or love.

We can only hope we don’t get destroyed by next week’s outcome (as the symbol of hope for Maggie is tarnished by the collapse of the watch tower,) or later on in the series when Negan is introduced. We can only be joyful for the extra time we will have with Glenn and Steven Yeun’s portrayal of him. And hopefully from the reaction they received this time trying to kill Glenn off they realize killing our beloved Glenn isn’t acceptable. And just to throw it out into the universe, neither is killing Maggie, Baby Glaggie/ Gleggie, Rick, Daryl, Michonne, Carol, Judith or Carl.

You can exhale until next week my fellow TWD fans. And remember send up some green balloons for Glenn! Our boy is back!

*I do not take credit for any Glenn photos or other TWD photos used.*

-<3-

The Glenn Mystery Continues With New Revelations…

November 9, 2015November 9, 2015michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

I’m giving you a warning now… if you aren’t caught up on The Walking Dead, do not read any further…if you do that’s your own fault…(Chris Hardwick-The Talking Dead Style)

STOP READING….

SPOILERS AHEAD….

Ok you only have yourself to blame. 😉

It’s been an emotional couple of weeks for us Walking Dead fans (seriously wtf with that 90 minute Morgan episode seriously worst episode placement EVER the storyline would have been better received had you not aired it right after the faux Glenn death episode!), as we wait to find out the fate of our beloved Glenn. (The hunt for Sophia circa Season 2?) It’s too simple to say he’s dead or he’s a walker, I don’t understand people who think that he is. Yea I’m that girl sitting in front of the dumpster waiting on him to come out. 😉

Even The Talking Dead avoided putting his name in their weekly “In Memorium” segment. It’s just a very un-walking dead death for this type of character. We’ve seen that kind of human buffet done plenty of times to characters we care nothing about. Rule of thumb for this show is the more beloved the character is the more horrible the death. Strange logic I know, but I’ve heard it said. And I think they’ve proven true with Hershel and Beth. I highly doubt Glenn’s death will be this typical. And they wouldn’t drag it out so long just to have him have died right then and there, because than this is all a waste of time. Search for Sophia, was case in point enough. And they spent a whole season trying to reunite Maggie and Glenn in Season 4, they need something new.

Which brings me to why I am here today writing this, There are too many clues in this Sunday’s Episode 5 “Now” (and Episode 3 “Thank You”) that makes me think he’s still alive and out there just trying to get home.

#1. No one believes he’s really dead.

Michonne later for you, girl, I thought you’d go searching! Rick has not given up. (oh yea he got out of that RV and hit the ground running, walkers in tote…OPEN THE GATE!)

Maggie goes to look for him, with the help of Aaron. (who else is starting to like that dude? *show of hands*)

#2. Some stupid Alexandrian writes a memorial wall and includes Glenn’s name to freak us out.

#3. Maggie wipes it off at the ending of the episode…

Even after her big speech about moving on despite not knowing Glenn’s fate. (I’ll explain later) SO yea GO MAGGIE, she still has faith. Aaron even says “When he makes it home, I just want to point out that Aaron or Erin is a good name for a boy or girl depending on how you spell it.” (Michelle or Michael is cool too, I’m just saying) 😉

#4. Maggie is pregnant.

This is the big KAHOONA. I’d like to say I saw that coming but, I honestly didn’t. When she said it I was like WHATTTT??? Did I just hear right? My writer instincts should have seen this, I should have known the writers would try to make this situation even more tragic than ever, but I watch this show as a fan who still has hope Glenn is alive, so it was a surprise. Maggie and Glenn have had scares in the past, so I didn’t see it coming. This speech is gut wrenching and heart breaking. You can tell she’s trying to be strong but she is losing the fight. I just think Maggie is shutting down. She has this blessing but she’s lost her father, her sister, and possibly her husband, and she has to face the idea of raising a child in this tragic world, alone. (although let’s be honest Daryl’s a good nanny… ;)) Guys I have to make jokes, it’s the only way to get me through his agony.

The picture Maggie is referring too…

Knew this was gonna come back and bite them and US in the ass. #BadOmen

So she’s pregnant and they’ve done this storyline with Rick and Lori to the point where Judith was born and Carl had to shoot Lori because she died giving birth to her. And then we got to see Rick lose his shit. I can’t imagine them doing this with Maggie and Glenn. Maggie has already shut down after losing all her family. Glenn and this baby are basically her life line at this point. I will say it yet again, Glenn has to live…and so does Maggie. (I wouldn’t put it past these writers to screw us all and kill off Maggie just when we see Glenn is alive…I would FREAK THE F-OUT!)

So here’s how I see things, I think it’ll be very repetitive if they have one of the two (Glenn or Maggie die). It’ll be too similar to the tragic story of Rick & Lori. (Although let’s be serious Lori wasn’t loved like Glenn and Maggie are.) But killing Maggie off at this point would be eerily like Lori’s death. So I think Maggie is safe, I hope so at least. She’s the last Greene standing and I think Hershel and Beth are looking out for her and Glenn, hence that ode to the pocket watch in “Thank You,” where Glenn takes the watch out that belonged to Hershel that was passed down to him.

#5. Hershel’s Pocket Watch.

There’s a reason for that. Hershel even says “when you become a father someday you’ll understand!” OMG that was a mega SIGN Maggie is pregnant dang I forgot about that! The writers plant little eggs EVERYWHERE. I swear you have to be a jet eye to notice all the hidden clues on this show! Or to remember all the things that date seasons back. However, I’d be pretty shocked if they introduce a whole pregnancy storyline again and have her actually give birth. So I’m kind of nervous about that. I think she should. Life does have to go on, and people do have to live. I mean I know it’s the zombie apocalypse but Glenn and Maggie have talked about it and Maggie was always on board, saying “I don’t want to be afraid to live.” In Season 4 Beth even tells Daryl she thought Glenn and Maggie would have a baby. I mean who doesn’t love babies, right? 😉

When Maggie reveals the truth, we get this beautiful speech from her. And we see her fight her instinct to continue to look for Glenn. We see that in any other circumstance she would have, but now that she’s carrying their baby, and she’s uncertain of his fate, she knows she needs to protect what they created together. But you can tell that it is ruining her. And quite honestly as devastated as I was when she said “No, it’s over.” and wouldn’t let Aaron go out looking, I understood it. And I also know that Glenn wouldn’t have wanted her to either. When they thought she was pregnant the last time, he made her stay behind in the prison and not go out on a run for supplies like she usually would.

#6. Glenn was determined to get home.

What is unclear to me though, is if Glenn knew she is pregnant. At first it doesn’t seem like he did. But on The Talking Dead, it revealed that Glenn tells Maggie to stay behind in Alexandria while he goes out with Michonne and the gang to help with Rick’s plan of luring the herd of zombies away from them. And yes Glenn is protective but after everything the two of them have been through, I highly doubt she would agree to stay without him if there wasn’t a reason. Also in Episode 3 of this season “Thank You” the dreaded episode where it seems like Glenn “dies,” we see him tell Michonne “I have to get home,” which I realize means so much more now that we know Maggie is pregnant. So maybe he did in fact know.

#7. Alexandrian’s love story sounds a lot like Glenn and Maggie’s.

We also see the story of an Alexandrian and how he met his wife Betsy during the apocalypse and how he wanted to just make it home to tell her how much she changed him for the better. Of course he is bitten and still tries to fight and help the group as he wished to just make it home, even though he knows his fate. He writes a letter and tries to give it to Michonne, she neglects to take it, telling him he’ll get home. He ends up being consumed by the horde of walkers adjacent to the dumpster of terror that Glenn and Nicolas accompany. His letter goes unsent. The writers planted this eerily similar love story to make us question if Glenn will suffer the same fate of not making it home to his wife.

#8. The writers are trying to screw with us by removing Steven Yeun’s name from the credits since he “died”. In the credits when they pocket watch appears it’s usually accompanied by Steven Yeun, signifying Glenn’s character, but ever since that episode they have removed his name. Now I’d like to just point out that when Lori died her name remained in the credits, when Beth died her name remained in the credits. So I have a very sneaking suspicious that the writers are doing everything they can to mess with us, so that we think Glenn is dead.

How it usually looks…

walking-dead-what-s-really-going-on-with-glenn-693966[1]

How it’s looked the past two weeks.

#9. Steven Yeun has been seen on set.

Um duh? Flashbacks my ass. He’s alive, the cast has been far too quiet on social media.

I still call bullshit. And I can’t wait til they reveal what really happened. With only 3 episodes left of 2015, and until the mid-season finale, I hear the reveal is right around the corner, Thank God! Here’s hoping we get a SATISFYING answer this Sunday, because we are losing our minds over here! And I am sure Maggie is too. Don’t worry girl, we got you, and Hershel is working his magic up in heaven, I’m sure of it. I think the writers need to understand some character deaths are just off-limits.

Baby Glaggie COMING SOON! (or is it Gleggie?)

*I do not take any credit for any images, gifs, or videos used.*

-<3-

My Glenn/The Walking Dead Theory

October 29, 2015October 29, 2015michelleleighwrites 4 Comments

So as you can probably tell from my last post, I’m having a difficult times believing that Glenn has died on The Walking Dead. And with all the theories and speculations and that cryptic message show runner Scott Gimple released to The Talking Dead’s Chris Hardwick, I’m just so uncertain that what we saw on screen was all there was to the story. I think there’s more. So here’s my theory.

Yes the more I watch the scene, the more I think Nicolas’ body fell on him sideways and is shielding Glenn from becoming walker bait. And the blood and guts you see are indeed Nicolas’ intestines and such…

I saw a meme out there that made me laugh it said something like “Psst, hey chill out he’s alive, your intestines aren’t in your chest.” Haha. Has a point, no?

And Glenn’s reaction is just from fear and sadness. Even though Nicolas was someone who Glenn -let’s be honest- someone he hated. Glenn is still Glenn and he feels everything. He feels every loss of human life. In fact it’s been recently discovered that Glenn is one of the few characters on The Walking Dead that has never killed a human being. That fact totally skated by me, considering I totally see Glenn as a badass. He does what needs to be done, and he knows the danger behind this world and he knows when he has to be cautious of someone. But he has a heart of gold when you really think about it.

It’s possible he was able to wiggle his way free and hide under the dumpster for cover. It is literally his only option for safety considering the walkers are coming from all angles.

But how the hell can he get out of this crazy herd of walkers unscathed?

Chances are he won’t.

Meaning that he probably got bitten on some kind of expendable part of his body. I’m thinking a hand, arm, leg, or foot. Something that he could chop off and still go on living. Although I think leg and foot would be way worse and the leg would be way too Hershel. But this part of my theory leads to a connection to what Gimple said that we may see “parts of Glenn.” Body parts left behind, for someone to find and think he’s gone. Which is ok. We can handle that. We’ve seen it done before and characters still lasted for quite a while. RIP Hershel. RIP Merle. But Glenn will show up in some epic reveal! Hell yeah.

Then Michonne noticing something is up, because let’s be honest home-girl has some wicked instincts and she follows them. She will go looking for him, and find him as they both circle back and save Rick’s trapped ass.

Hey Dumbass? 😉

Let’s be real that would be kind of dope. Glenn saving Rick from the RV of doom (with one arm like a boss), much like he saved him back in Season 1 from the tank fiasco.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Daryl magically shows up too, cause well he shines in these moments.

I just think that Glenn has tried to be like Rick and get to the point where he can leave someone behind, or shoot someone point blank because they cause a threat. But he managed to take it back and keep his moral compass intact. Damn Damn Damn. As Chris Hardwick always says, you never want to be the moral compass of this show, because then you end up dead. I don’t believe that’s the case with Glenn. Glenn isn’t naïve about this world. He has a keen conscience and hell of a right hook.

Case in point.

I think it would be really lame of the show to end Glenn’s story here. I think they have so much story left to tell. Glenn’s arch has been about him becoming a leader, a man, a husband, a caretaker. The arch could do a complete 180 if they allow Glenn to live. Think about how much death Glenn has been witness to, think about the images he has to suffer and relive over and over again. Losing Dale the way they did, Noah getting ripped from his grasp and torn apart right in front of him knowing there was nothing he could do to help him, and now Nicolas who literally shot himself I front of Glenn and then Glenn has to have his body be ripped apart on top of him, mirroring his possible faith.

I think it would be amazing to see Glenn make that transition toward who Rick has become. Some may say he’s crazy or cold. But he’s lived this life, he knows the risks, he knows the stakes. I think Glenn knows them to but he approaches things differently, which makes him him, and which makes him different from the other leaders in the show. I think it’d be interesting to watch him attempt to deal with all of this. I think it would make for some amazing character development. And would also make for some really deep, raw scenes between him and Maggie. Considering Maggie has suffered so much loss herself.

He can’t die. He just can’t. It doesn’t make sense for the show. So Scott Gimple, I ask you is the shock value of a possible Glenn death really worth risking the possibility for an amazing story arch for Steven Yeun’s character? No. That’s what I thought. I think you’re messing with us here and if you indeed are, and Glenn is alive (and you KEEP him alive, none of this he survives only to be killed later on this season) then I will tip my hat off to you and say YOU GOT ME. And that was one hell of an epic fake out.

Sunday’s episode is 90 minutes long, fingers crossed that I can come back with some answers more to my liking. Because Glenn dying on The Walking Dead is no laughing matter and I think I speak on behalf of the fandom when I say it is unacceptable. And to those saying if Glenn lives the show will lose credit, I say the have more to lose killing off a character everyone loves. Nobody is going to say “Oh my god this show is so stupid why didn’t they just kill Glenn.” We all love you Glenn, we want you around for a long long time.

Until next time.

-<3-

*I do not take credit for any memes, images or gifs used.*

THE WALKING DEAD WENT TOO FAR!

October 26, 2015October 26, 2015michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

OK So I don’t know what to think, or how to feel. I do know that I cried, that I jumped up and stood on my couch, then curled into a ball and hid in my sweater. I also know that I am in complete denial. This show, the people, are part of my Sunday night family and it is more than just a show. 6 years we as fans have been on this journey and you get attached to characters, you get attached to their stories and the relationships they make with each other. And in the word of the show, even though you know people have to die to keep the story going, you convince yourself that there are certain characters that are just off limits. A do not kill list if you will.

There’s a lot of skepticism revolving the death of a very beloved Walking Dead character. If you don’t wish to spoiler it for yourself…STOP READING NOW! I repeat SPOILER ALERTS AHEAD, stop reading now!

Ok you’ve been warned.

About 45 minutes into Sunday night’s The Walking Dead- Glenn Rhee’s fate seemed to be made clear as walkers surrounded both him and well hated Alexandrian, Nicolas. Nicolas choosing to end his life brings Glenn down with him into the pile of walkers and we see them get ripped alive by walkers. Yes NICHOLAS the same bastard who got Noah killed, and shot Glenn trying to kill him. The same Nicolas who we knew from day one, couldn’t be trusted. But Glenn being Glenn, always gives second chances, and tries to believe the best in people, and the best in himself. So when Nicolas asked to come along on a diversion plan to help Glenn lure the walkers away from the group, Glenn let him come and try to redeem himself. This is what now, chance 505, and Nicolas screws Glenn yet again. This time maybe for the last time.

The view in front of me was a sea of denial. As I anticipated something really bad was bound to happen with Nicolas is around. But seeing Glenn get ripped apart was some kind of bad dream. I still can’t believe it and I choose to not believe it. After everything he survived, the well, the collapsed tunnel, merle and the attack of the governor, terminus, etc. I refuse to believe that THIS is how his story ends. That his death is merely a cautionary tale. BULL SHIT. I call BULL SHIT.

And last but not least, I refuse to believe that Maggie is going to lose the only member left of her family, her husband. Their love story has been one of my favorite parts of the show, watching them stumble around each other like two geeky teens in puppy love, to man and wife. Seeing the little moments between these two scripted or not, are beautiful and rare in this zombie apocalypse world. It is the sweetest gem on this show. If you know me, you know my obsession with love stories, so that right there in itself automatically makes this a loss for me as a Glenn fan and as a Glenn and Maggie fan.

After the walkers “consume the ~~both~~ of them”, you get an obscure view of Glenn screaming and it looks like his guts are being ripped out of him. But then they cut and you never see what truly happens to him, making you think that he’s just dead. (Not to mention that there were 15 minutes of the damn episode left.) Later on Michonne notices Glenn isn’t meeting up with them like he said he would, and he isn’t answering Rick on his walkie talkie either.

However, as I watched The Talking Dead, some theories are starting to cook. Some people seem to think that when Nicolas shot himself and fell into the crowd of walkers pulling Glenn down with him, Nicolas fell on top of him and that is who was being ripped apart. And that Glenn’s screaming expression is just his reaction to that. Some also seem to think that Glenn got free and hid under the dumpster.

Scott Gimple released a statement that Chris Hardwick read aloud on The Talking Dead that basically alluded to a very cryptic possibility that Glenn could still be alive, could be in pieces, could be in flashbacks, or could be a walker. But that Glenn’s story will be resolved. If you ask me that doesn’t help me very much. It doesn’t help my heart. Although the writers and producers have never released statements about a character’s death quite like this, so this ambiguity could just be a cinematic epic lead on …*fingers crossed.*

The cast isn’t commenting on Glenn’s death. Steven Yeun, who plays Glenn hasn’t said a word. And usually they do when it comes to their character’s death. Something smells fishy.

Glenn has been on the show from the first season. He is one of the few originals left that has lasted this long. And he and Maggie are the only true love story on this show. He is one of my favorite characters. His arch has been one of true leadership, honesty, bravery, and love for his group. The family he has created for himself in this wicked world is one he will do anything for. Always following his gut and instincts to trust him to find his way and lead others to safety. Always looking out for the next person, always willing to do the heavy lifting and dangerous work to protect his people and others. Glenn is good, to a fault, as he always tries to give people the benefit of the doubt. He is kind, but at the same time has lived in this world long enough to know how to survive.

It kills me to think that in these last few episodes he and Maggie haven’t even spent any real time together, and they didn’t even get to say goodbye. If this is truly Glenn’s fate, then I’m sorry Walking Dead but this time you really got it wrong. I can deal with you killing Hershel (he had one leg and it was bound to happen but it was such a cruel, harsh death for a sweet sweet man), and Beth (there was a bunch of foreshadowing but seriously after all that time waiting to find where she was, and you still killed her)….although they were the hardest two deaths to take in, I could deal, but Glenn…this I cannot deal with. You need to FIX THIS. Please don’t let this be true, please don’t let this be true. Until next week….it’s a 90 minute episode, so they better make this up to us. And Glenn better be alive.

What do you guys think? You be the judge….Watch the painful scene HERE

Read an interview with Scott Gimple HERE

Signed,

A very anxious Walking Dead Fan

In honor of Glenn…

Here are some of my favorite Glenn moments.

Asking Hershel for permission to marry Maggie

Proposing to Maggie

Remembering his Anniversary

(keeping Romance alive even in the apocalypse, is he a 10 or WHAT?)

Taking a picture of Maggie while she sleeps

Telling Maggie he hid because he knew he never wanted her to hurt

Getting out of Merle’s trap

His determined search for Maggie/Reuniting with Maggie

Saving Maggie from a walker

Wearing Armor because he’s brilliant

Water well bait

Knocking Aiden out with one punch

Loyalty to the group

(the list goes on and on.)

*I do not take credit for the images or gifs used.*

-<3-

13 Times Haley James (Scott) Handled Things Like A BOSS.

October 1, 2015September 27, 2015michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

So I randomly got into watching some One Tree Hill episodes a few nights ago, and I was reminded of just how much I love Haley James Scott. She was always my favorite character. I always felt like aside from the fact that she ended up married by 16 and pregnant by 18, I thought she was the most “real” or most accurate version of a typical teenager/girl next door. I saw things in her, that I saw in myself. And as a writer and a tv lover, I realize that’s gold when you are trying to hook an audience. When people relate to your characters, you truly have something special.

Haley James Scott, known for being the goody two shoes of the group. The kind, and sweet and innocent girl that always had a thing for people who needed fixing. She was the girl who spent her free time working shifts at the café to earn spending money, tutoring kids, and studying and being brilliant. But by season 2 she was a full fledged singer, and we saw new side of Haley. #Rockstarr

However, let’s be honest underneath that sweet nice girl act, was a sassy girl just dying to get out. Mess with her, or someone she cares about and you will feel her wrath. And in those moments above all else, I LOVED HER!

Because Haley James Scott was more than just Nathan Scott’s wife, or Tree Hill High’s teacher, more than Haley James singer and tour travel goer. Haley James Scott was a young woman who spoke her mind when she felt something was wrong. A girl who never faulted on her beliefs, and always without a doubt followed her heart. Because Haley James Scott was a BADASS! And here’s why…

13 Times Haley James (Scott) Handled Things Like A BOSS.

When Haley finds Nanny Carrie and Nathan all nake-fied and stepping out of the shower.

2. When Haley bitches out Peyton for kissing Lucas when he’s with Lindsay.

3. When Haley bitches out Lucas for proposing to Lindsay when she saw him kiss Peyton. @1:24

#ILovedLindsay #PeytonAlwaysIrritatedMe #WhyDidntHaleyAndLucasEverGetItOn

4. When Haley throws a drink in Rachel’s face and slaps her at she and Nathan’s house party.

^ Skills: “Yo ma I think it’s time for you to leave.” haha

5. When Haley shoves the mother of the kid who’s been bullying Jamie.

6. When Haley pukes in Dan’s lap after spending the day playing hooky and drinking with Nathan, . #DrunkHaley #SoUnHaleyLike But hysterical.

7. When Haley and Nathan fight over her not being on birth control pills.

-He was such an a$$ here, like as if it’s only her responsibility. And he never SHUT UP about basketball and HIS dream, but whatever that is an angry rant for a different time.

8. When Haley and Nathan fight about Nanny Carrie and Haley asks for a divorce.

9. When Haley slaps a bitch…named Renee.

10. When Haley and Nathan talk about Nathan’s Sex Tape he made with Brooke. #pregnancyhormones LMAO.

11. When Haley initiates “slutty wedding sex,” with Nathan.

12. When Haley and Nathan fight during a Tree Hill storm and the power goes out.

13. When Haley tells off Principal Rimkus.

So yes, I know that there are many more sassy Haley James Scott moments out there, but we’d be here forever. These are the ones that came to mind first. Tell me which ones I missed!

And also can we just take a moment and fangirl a.k.a freak the heck out over these One Tree Hill conventions that have been going on all over lately. The cast’s instagram game is EVERYTHING. They need to leave Paris for a while and come visit NEW YORK. Joy I’m still waiting to do brunch, oh and we can invite Sophia Bush along too! 😉 #FangirlLife

-<3-

Fall 2015 Bucket List

September 24, 2015September 22, 2015michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Fall is here. It is here, it is HERE! Yesterday marked the first day of fall or Autumn as my calendar so eloquently states. I love fall so much so here are just a few things I’m hoping to accomplish this year during this lovely time of oranges and browns, Halloween candy, and pumpkin spice everythang in yo face every 5 seconds. So I thought I’d share my list with you, and this way it’s in print and it’ll give me incentive to really strive to complete it. 😉

My Fall 2015 Bucket List (in no particular order)

Go Apple Picking– this is something I haven’t done in YEARS. And it’s something that seasonally is over pretty quickly. So I am going to make an extra effort this year to see if we can get this done.

2. Bake pies– I usually do this around Thanksgiving time. But it may be fun to bake a pumpkin pie for Halloween! I’ve actually never made a pumpkin pie before, so I’m excited to give it a try. I love pie, because it just reminds me of country life and fall breezes and just all around cozy-ness.

3. Drink them pumpkin dranks– sorry but I think at this point it’s just obligatory.

4. Go to a haunted house– this can probably tie into a few things later on in the list, which is going to a pumpkin patch outing or a fright fest outing. Pumpkin Patches sometimes have a bunch of attractions included. But I’m kind of a chicken when it comes to these things. I don’t know if I’ll have the guts to do this. We shall see.

5. Have a scary/Halloween movie marathon– Ok so I do love scary movies, they stay in the screen and don’t bother me so that I can handle. This year it has occurred to me, that I need to watch Hocus Pocus, because I don’t think I’ve ever sat through that whole movie, and yes you can yell at me. But what can I say I’m more of a Halloweentown fan!

6. Plan a kickass Halloween costume– currently I’m hoping to be Pocahontas. Every year I come up with a million ideas and then I settle on something totally random and simple. And every year Pocahontas is a contender. She is my favorite Disney princess and I would love to play her for a night. So this year, I think I’m gonna try my best to pull that off. My runner up is a biker chick, because I can totally reuse my Daryl Dixon vest from last year. We shall see.

7. Make fun plans for Halloween– someone please THROW A PARTY! I am so sick of feeling like if I don’t have fun crazy plans my Halloween is less cool. Damn you social media. 😉 Truth be told I’m a total grandma. I hate going out late and braving the crazy city on a night like Halloween. The city is nuts on that night. I prefer to attend house parties. It’s just so much simpler. You don’t have to worry about traveling in the cold, so you can dress up as whatever you want and not worry that it’s going to get covered by a jacket. You don’t have to worry about paying for overpriced drinks or searching for a un-crowded place to eat at 2am because you’re starving. I just like to go have fun, have a drink or two, enjoy some good food, and good company. Take some fun pics and then come home at a decent time, change into my pjs and watch some Halloween movies with some left over Halloween candy. That to me, is a epic Halloween. Is that too much to ask? And I know what you are going to say…if you want a Halloween party, throw one yourself. To be honest I would love to, but I’ve done it, and it is a lot of work, and it actually costs more money than you think. So I’m gonna give myself a pass this year and hold out hope that someone else will consider throwing one.

8. Go pumpkin picking– this is a big deal in my family, we usually get a big group together and pick a fun patch to go to. There’s a bunch of kids and they all have a great time. Also Apple Cider donuts are involved and that is just good living in the making.

9. Decorate/Carve pumpkins– usually I carve my pumpkins but last year I decorated mine and made her a spunky old lady named Juanita Cromwell. (yes in relation to The Halloweentown Cromwells) The year before that I carved mine and made her a badass chick named Rhonda. This year I’m not quite sure what I will want to do. When I carve them, they don’t last too long, and barely make it to Halloween, but when I don’t carve them they nearly outlasted my Christmas decorations. So maybe I’ll be an over achiever and do one of each. 😉

10. Corn Maze*

11. Hayride*

(10 & 11) -these things usually go hand in hand with pumpkin picking, so we’ll see if we can knock these off the list too.

12. Fright Fest– I’m not sure this will actually happen because it cost money and it’s pretty far. I went one year and I was pretty scared, they sense it and don’t leave you alone. I remember getting aggravated by the actors, because one guy was all dressed up and scary and he had a shovel, and he was shoveling at people’s feet. So when he kept doing it to me, I got so pissed and was like “um are you trying to trip me?” That in turn lessened my fear. Haha.

13. Experiment with Fun Fall Fashion [See: my last post]

14. Shoot a Horror short and release it in time for Halloween– The script is written and hopefully *fingers crossed* I can pull this off. Because I think it’d be really fun!

15. Consume a good amount of Halloween Candy– Candy Corn is a must.

16. Have a bonfire and make s’mores– This is a little difficult to do in the city, but I’ll see if we can swing it. If not, I did visit some family in the country and we got to have a fire pit and make s’mores and roast some hotdogs. That seriously gives me life. #THEOC

17. Fall crafts with my goddaughter– I’m thinking maybe some leaf art, or some Apple stamps. You know when you cut an apple in half, paint it on the inside and then stamp it onto a piece of paper. I think those will be fun, and she loves to paint! So I think she’ll enjoy those.

18. Decorate my house for Fall/Halloween/Thanksgiving– having the house decorated for the season is something that just sprinkles some joy around. And I love decorating, and getting into the spirit of things. It’s a reminder to stop and enjoy the time of year.

19. Hot Apple Cider– I usually just buy a bottle of this at whichever pumpkin patch we end up going to. I buy it cold, which tastes good. But when I’m home at night, I’ll pop a cup of it in the microwave and it is even better hot!

20. Oktoberfest– I always hear about this, but I’ve never attended. Pretty sure it’s all about drinking beer and such, so it may not be my thing. But I would like to look into it.

21. Applefest– I’ve gone every year for the past 3 years I think. It’s seriously a great time. It’s basically like this big town fair upstate and I have family up there so we go and look through town at all the venders. And then we spend time with family. It’s seriously one of my favorite things about fall. My staple purchases usually include; my favorite wine, some apple butter and jams, some unique piece of jewelry, a freshly made Belgium waffle, a fresh flower crown that I wear throughout the town, and maybe some other bits and bops I come across. I’m hoping I can continue the tradition and make it there this year.

22. Make chicken and waffles– I recently went to visit some family and I remember my Aunt telling me about how she makes chicken and waffles for dinner sometimes. And I freaked out, because those are two of my favorite things. It never occurred to me to make them together. My brother bought me a waffle maker for my birthday in March, and I still haven’t used it. So I think it’s about time I bust that baby out.

23. Attend a super bowl party– I’m not a football fan, nor am I even a sports fan. I mean I can sit and follow a baseball game, but that’s about it. Football I am lost on. But I think super bowl parties are mainly about food, and sharing good company. So I am hoping to attend one this year. Also I do love to watch the half time show. I’m hearing it may be Bruno Mars this year again, or I’m hearing rumors that it may be Taylor Swift. And OMG yes. T-swift is my girl.

24. Fall TV show premieres– #THEWALKINGDEAD #TGIT TV is my favorite past time, and I can not wait for all my favorite shows to come back! [I’ll post my fall tv schedule soon, so you can see what I watch.]

25. Roast Pumpkin Seeds– I have never done this, but I hear that they taste really good, so I thought I’d give it a try.

26. Host some kind of fun low-key fall event for me and my friends– I love throwing parties, I love playing hostess. It’s a lot of work, but it’s nice to create a theme and have people over to share and enjoy good food, good conversation and good memories. As I get older I realize how hectic life can get, and how it gets harder and harder to keep up with people. So when I plan things with friends, it’s nice to catch up and spend time with them in a fun environment. I’m thinking of doing something maybe like a “pumpkin party” where everyone brings something pumpkin flavored and we watch a fun Halloween movie or something.

So there you have it my Fall 2015 Bucket List. Wish me luck!

P.S. What are you planning to do this fall…did I miss any fall activities?

*I do not take credit for the images used.*

*******************************************************************

QUICK BLOG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!

I haven’t forgotten…(for anyone reading this series…)

New Chapters of Love Conflicted

COMING SOON!

Start the series from the beginning HERE!

OR catch up on the last chapter (Part 10) HERE!

Thanks for reading!

-<3-

13 Unanswered Questions; Fangirl Life

September 10, 2015September 10, 2015michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

So as the cleaning out and reorganizing my bedroom is slowly coming to a close, I have to share with you my adorkable findings.

Here is a list of questions I found that the teenage version of me would ask none other than Justin Timberlake, if I got the chance. These questions are very talk show interview esque (because duh, #fangirl).

Judging by these questions I’d probably date this back to anywhere over 9 years ago, so I was still a teen (so cut me some slack! I know these questions/comments are lame, haha.)

*Cue the nostalgia….

Questions for Justin

What nationality are you? I’ve read many different things. I know Timberlake is an Irish name? So?…

The man likes to drink, so I mean come on… Irish is a given, right? #ImIrishToo #ButNotMuchOfADrinker #SoTheresThat #Stereotypes 😉

*2015 Update: This question has always haunted me. I still don’t know the answer for sure.

2. Do you regret being a member of *NSYNC? Because you seem so almost aggravated when you get asked about the band. I mean speaking personally I grew up listening to *NSYNC, Britney, Christina. I was a 90’s kid and that would just break my heart if you regretted it. Because you guys as a group were a huge part of my childhood.

*2015 Update: HAHAHAHAHA (no but seriously sometimes this question still applies.)

3. How do you manage to stay so humble in this business, and with everything you’ve already accomplished? I mean you’re still young and you’ve already done so much; music, acting, a clothing line, restaurant, golf course, a fragrance. I mean many wonder if there’s anything you can’t do?

*2015 Update: Clearly I’m in awe of him, and maybe there’s some unintentional flirtation going on here. haha.

4. Do you no longer have a desire to make any new music of your own? I mean I know you’ve been working with a number of artists since your last album, but just for you personally, have you given any thought to touring again? Or is that just not a possibility anytime soon? I mean just lift my spirits, you will eventually be making a third record right?

*2015 Update: The pain that was those 7 Justin Timberlake music-less years. But if teenage Michelle only knew the whirlwind that was to come. 3 attended concerts and 2 albums later, I’m a solid believer he’s never going anywhere.

5. I know you meet a lot of people and a lot of fans, but is there any that you actually remember and truly value meeting? Or are they all just one big blur of fans?

*2015 Update: *Hint hint *cough cough, will you remember ME?

6. I know you’re very close with Ellen. How did you two meet, and what made you two become so close?

*2015 Update: Gosh, I’m so nosy….although hey I’d still like to know. Although it seems his new bestie is Jimmy Fallon 😉 #ISupportThat

*FYI JT AND Ellen were on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon last night.

And spoiler alert…it as EPIC!

7. I know you did a lot of work on SNL. What would you say was your most memorable memory from set?

*2015 Update: Dick in a box? No? Maybe? Yes.

8. How did it feel to win an Emmy? Was it more of an honor than a VMA or a Grammy?

*2015 Update: Seems like I’m trying to set him up here, haha.

9. Do you still keep in touch with the guys of *NSYNC?

*2015 Update: They do and I’ve seen the instagrammable pics and that makes my heart smile. 🙂

10. I read somewhere that you have 2 younger brothers is that true?

*2015 Update: (They are his half brothers.) *Hint hint, um can you hook a girl up? 😉

11. How did you learn of Michael Jackson’s passing? How did you feel? And did you reach out to the family at all? Or attend any memorials?

*2015 Update: Legend leading legend.

Oh and then there’s this too.

12. All relationships aside, how would you describe your perfect wife?

Mrs. Timberake. The last stage of grief is acceptance my friends. 😉

*2015 Update: *Hint hint *cough cough…let’s get married. #SorryJess #ForgiveMe

13. Do you want kids in the future?

*2015 Update: (that’s a big fat YES) BABY SILAS….OMG YOU ARE THE CUTEST!

But

Before I go…

Come on now, you didn’t think I’d leave you without a creepy photo shopped photo, did ya? Did I creep you out? Good. 😉

Love from a JT fangirl.

-<3-

The letter that went unsent

September 7, 2015September 7, 2015michelleleighwrites 2 Comments

As promised more embarrassing acts of my teenage self.

Long story short, this is me trying to pull a “My Super Sweet 16” circa MTV style and get a celebrity appearance at my 16th birthday party. (um FYI this is from 8 years ago and now I feel ancient.)

In this letter, I really crack myself up, who did I think I was….haha.

This is back when fanmail was a thing, before the days of twitter.

Dear Bethany Joy Lenz-Galeotti,

(now currently back to Lenz)

First of all let me start off by saying hi, I’m Michelle DeSantos and I love One Tree Hill. In fact it’s my all-time favorite show. I love your character Haley, in fact my friends and I call each other oth names and I’m Haley because I’m so similar to her. I mean I can’t sing quite so amazingly as you and I’m not a married 16 year old but we have a lot of the same qualities. Anyway I love the whole Haley and Nathan relationship, it’s so sweet and you guys are so good together. I love James he’s an amazing actor and I think he’s really grown from season 1 as did you. However as far as all the women on the show you are my favorite, I just admire you so much. You are truly my idol. You are beautiful, smart, and amazingly talented. The main reason I’m writing however is because, my sixteenth birthday is coming up in March, the 26^th actually. I was just wondering if you could possibly come and perform a song or two. I understand if you can’t, I mean I know I’m asking a lot and I know that you’re a busy woman but it’s just that it killed me to miss the oth tour and if you came it would be the ultimate icing on, my cake. It would be an honor to have you share in my birthday experience with me. Also if any of your oth co-stars can attend that would be so COOL! Pass it on, especially James I LOVE HIM!!!!

Thank you for your time,

God bless,

Love,

Michelle DeSantos ❤

P.S. the actual invitation with all the details is attached.

(haha I was so fancy!) I really laid the compliments on thick, huh? #flatterywillgetyoueverywhere 😉

*2015 Update: I still adore this woman! She still inspires me, and cracks me up!

*Joy’s Blog:

http://wishyouwereherelife.com/

************************************************

What was my Sweet 16 really like?…AWESOME!

My entrance with my brother.

I had the DJ play the oth theme song “I Don’t Wanna Be”- By Gavin Degraw on a loop throughout my candle lightings. Here I’m lighting a candle dedicated to my oldest friends and my dais girls.

I’m pretty sure I never sent this letter and my present self thanks my past self for that. #embarrasing16yearold #sorrybethanyjoy #ILied #sorrynotsorry #ImAFanGirlForLife

Hey Bethany maybe we can meet up one day, and do brunch? Isn’t that what all the cool kids are doing nowadays? haha 😉

What would that look like… #crappyedits

#besties 😉

I mean let’s not forget this DID happen, and I DID freak out!

-<3-

High-school & College Advice.

September 3, 2015September 3, 2015michelleleighwrites 2 Comments

So I was talking to my younger cousin a few weeks ago at a family party. She’s about to enter high school and I wanted to share some thoughts with her. Considering I’ve been where she is, looking back now there are things I know for sure that I would have done differently. And I wanted to share some of the lessons I learned along the way with her, because I know that I wish I had someone to tell me these things when I was just starting high school or transitioning to college.

I told her the best advice I could give her was to take high school seriously. Take your interests seriously. And to follow them. Some people chalk their interests off to being just a hobby, something to past the time. Well guess what time is precious and obviously if you’re using it to do something you enjoy, it means something to you. And that’s the best way to spend it. Your interests may point you in the direction of your future career. Try everything, and explore what you’re good at. This way when you get to college you’ll have a much clearer picture of where you want to go, and who you want to be.

I think there’s this misconception about high school and college. That high school is just there to get you the grades to pave your way to college. A time to still be immature and go with the flow. Your future is years and years away. But guess what? It creeps up on you pretty quick. And before you know it you’re a freshmen in college trying to navigate semi adulthood. Wondering why the hell you feel so ill prepared for all of this.

At the same time, people think college is the time to find yourself, and find what you want to do with your life. You don’t have to declare your major until your second semester anyway. But guess what? In college, ~~shit~~ gets real. And if you prep yourself in high school, your aim will be much more precise in college. College can definitely be a time to find yourself, but all’s I’m saying is don’t limit yourself to your comfort zone. It’s nice to have a schedule and to find your groove, but trying the things that scare you, and going after the things you want are much more rewarding. Don’t hesitate, be the person you want to be. Be the best version of yourself. Go for it! Try out for your school talent show. Create a new club. Enter a contest. Meet new people. Make new friends.

I’m not saying to give up your high school years, be a kid, have fun. But do the work. You’ll never regret it in the end. Because it will pay off.

I’ve always been a school kid. It’s always been my thing. Even if I wasn’t particularly good at a subject, I’d try. I’d get tutoring, I’d ask to do extra credit. I worked my ass off. And I’m proud to say that in college, I wrote papers like a boss. And somehow I managed to find my groove in every class. (Even philosophy) My ~~shit~~ was together on an academic level. But I found out too late that I was in the wrong place for what I really wanted my career to be.

I went into college having an idea of what I wanted, and came out with a more precise view. Some people would say that now is the perfect time for grad school. It’s always been on my radar, it’s something I’d like to do in the future. Go to school specifically to study the art of screenwriting, writing for television and film. But I can’t fathom taking on more loans at this point. It’s just not feasible. The only thing is now I feel like I still have so much more to learn. In my case college was only my first step. And I’m sure that’s true for many. But I’m someone who wants to have a plan and now that plan is all out of whack. I wish I would have done all that soul-searching in high school, then I would have been way ahead of the game, once I got to college.

End result is, we can’t go back in time. All we can do is move forward. And make the best of the now. Going to college and finding what I want to do and getting to explore a few ways to tell stories through video and writing was a vital piece of my life’s puzzle. I don’t regret that. But now I have to take it and put it to good use. Everything in life is a stepping stone. This was just my first one. Time to find my next one. Good vibes and good things to come.

So I leave you with this. Study your craft. Do research. Ask questions. Try. Fail. Try again. Plan ahead. Bond with fellow peers with similar interests, pick their brains. You’re gonna need them around later to give you feedback on your work. Choose the right school for you. I can’t stress that enough. But most importantly find something you love to do. And if you find your interests vary, do it all. Because you can. That’s what double majors are for. Breathe. Take breaks. Learn the beauty of a mental health day. Understand it’s a lot of work, but you can do this, and you will get through this. And Graduation day will feel all that much sweeter. Find what you love, and go for it. Too many people in this world, have jobs they hate. And if you ask me, that’s a shame. No one should hate going to work in the morning. It’s a terrible way to live. Because pardon the outdated term but, You Only Live Once.

Best of Luck this year young-ins!

You got this!

Rock what ya got!

-<3-

How To Be Productive

August 31, 2015August 31, 2015michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

I have been feeling kind of stuck lately. And so when that happens I usually end up on YouTube. And I’ve noticed a trend coming on. Many people have been posting videos on how to be more productive and how to have less stressful mornings. Now I am not a morning person per say. I have become more of a night owl; I like to stay up late and then it’s hard for me to wake up early. So this is a bad habit that I’d like to shake, because I want to make my days count. I want to be more active and get more done. Time is precious and I don’t want to waste it anymore.

Tips I’ve gathered

Change your sleeping schedule, so you can get up earlier, and get an earlier start.

*I’ve started to do this, and I’ve noticed it just puts me in a better frame of mind when I know I have more time in a day to do the things that I have to do. The later you wake up the less motivation you will have.

Exercise; get outside.

*I’m not much of a nature girl, but I’ve tried a few in door exercise options to see how I like them. I tried a guest pass at a gym recently, went to a few kick box classes (that seriously kicked my ass, so not my thing), and I try to get in a Yoga routine every now and then. I have a yoga dvd that has an AM & PM routine and I have a yoga mat at home and I try to do it at my convenience. That takes the pressure off of it.

Listen to upbeat music while you exercise.

*I usually just listen to the yoga music, the video provides, because anything else conflicts with the routine. But I will say that there is an album that I have been really having a spiritual connection to recently. I guess that’s the only way I can describe it. Joy Williams, thank you for being the badass woman you are. You are an inspiration. My favorites include; Woman (Oh Mama), Not Good Enough, What a Good Woman Does, & Welcome Home.

Drink lots of water throughout the day, hydration is important.

Plan out your day (use a notebook and get them to do lists down)

*This has been really helping me focus. My mind sometimes gets bigger than me, and I feel like a spastic monkey. Yes a monkey. So this has been helping me keep my thoughts in check.

Clean up your room/make your bed

*Ever since I re-painted my room and got my own space, I have been a little OCD about keeping things in place. It’s a good feeling though to feel like I know where everything is and it’s the way I want it to be. A simple thing like making your bed, can make you feel like you’ve got your life together.

Read

*Ok so I’m not too much of a reader, but I will say that I love me some entertainment news. I catch up on all the gossip via Facebook. Thanks Ryan Seacrest for being so reliable. However, I’ve also been trying to check in on my local newspaper to see what’s going on in my hometown. I really don’t love watching the news. I think it’s just so depressing and it contributes to my anxiety. But I don’t want to be naïve, I want to be informed. So I’ve been trying to check in on things.

Write

*You know this is my bread and butter. Start a journal. Spill out your feelings. Emotionally throw up onto the pages. It’s okay. It’s going to make you feel good to get it out. And if you’re feeling extra spunky; start a blog!

Take breaks

*The same way your body needs time to recuperate from things, so does your brain. It needs to rest. It needs to re-charge. So take breaks when you feel you need them, don’t feel bad for needing a minute. It’s normal. You can’t be on the go 24/7.

Find inspiration

*Listen to music, Watch TV, Movies or YouTube videos, Spend time with friends and family.

Prep lunch/snacks, clothing, purse the night before your big days.

*This will help your mornings be less crazy.

And speaking of less crazy mornings…these two videos really spoke to me. Thanks girls! ❤

****Book recommendation:****

And lastly, I’ve seen a lot of people talk about this book.

the life-changing magic of tidying up

the Japanese art of decluttering and organizing

By Marie Kondo.

*I’ve been renovating my room and have been overwhelmed with the amount of stuff I have and nowhere to put it. So this book is looking like a must read for me.

What are your productive morning/day tips?

-<3-

Michelle Leigh Writes

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