Snappin' dem photos

My parents got a new camera awhile back, so I've been playing with it some over Christmas break. It rules. I want one so I can take cool pictures of my life. Haha. Except I probably wouldn't actually take it anywhere because it would be ginormous. So I guess I'll just stick with my iPhone. 

Me and my dog, Bunker. He's usually a sweetheart. Sometimes he's a little butthead, but I still love him to pieces. <3 p="">

My brother and I are super close now. We used to hate each other as kids, but as we grew up, we realized we have much more in common than we thought. He's practically my BFF. 

Serious picture

SELFIE. I actually like how I look in these next two photos. Sometimes I struggle with that, so I'm glad these pics turned out alright. 

And finally, my dog Bunker. He's just being cute in this picture.

Th-tha-th-th-that's all folks! 

It's totally a thing

Christmas break has been so nice this year. I haven't been rushed around to do things, and I've been able to spend time with some friends and family. 

On Christmas Eve I met up with my friend Alec, who has been my friend since 6th grade. We got to catch up over lunch at a delicious Mexican restaurant. It was super fun hearing about his adventures in Nebraska. I usually only see him a few times a year, but it's always like we haven't even been apart when we get together. 

Later that day I met up with Abi in Independence. It was cool, too. We went to Braum's and had some delicious ice cream. I chat with her all the time online, but it's always cool hanging out in person. She's so funny! 

Today CJ, Trevor, and Mary came over to my house. It was SO GOOD hanging out with those guys. I hadn't seen Trevor since last year, and it's always cool to see Ceej and Mary. We laughed and had a blast playing Mario Kart and eating pizza and such. Such a fun time. I seriously always enjoy those people. They are some of the funniest people I've ever met, especially when they're all together in a group. Haha. We were just missing Luke, and it would have been perfect. 

Luke is on some crazy bike trip down a mountain with his family today and tomorrow I guess. I'm not exactly sure of what it is, but it sounds kind of dangerous. I'm honestly pretty nervous about it. I'm also sad because I probably won't get to hear from him for a few days. WHICH SUCKS. Especially since I needed his help today on something dealing with the band. LAME SAUCE. Plus I looooove chatting with him because he is literally my best friend in the whole wide world, and cracks me up every single day. I don't want to get all mushy gushy, but I seriously love that kid. <3 about="" all="" and="" div="" i="" ll="" nbsp="" s="" say="" that.="" that="">

Anyways, I'm tired of writing so I'm gonna stop. It's only 8:30, but it feels so late. IDK WHY. Maybe I'll clean or do some exercising or idk what. I JUST DON'T KNOW. 

KBYE! 

HAHAHA.

Funniest thing I've seen all day -- from a Tumblr post.

And God said unto Abraham, "Abraham."
And Abraham replied, "What."

God said to John, "Come forth and receive eternal life." But John came fifth and won a toaster.

I actually can't even with you

Hallmark movies are the lamest. I can't even. Even the one with Neil Patrick Harris in it. Oh my gosh. WHY DO MY PARENTS LIKE THESE?! Sooooooo over-dramatic. I CAN'T.

Home for the holidays

Today I dropped +Luke DeWitt off at the airport. He's going to SOUTH AMERICA to visit his family! I'm really happy he gets to go and see them. He's going to have SO MANY ADVENTURES! I can't wait to see all of the pictures that I'm sure he'll take! I also can't help but feel a little sad because this is the first time in nearly 3 years that we've been apart for so long. But I get to spend the next three weeks cuddling with my dog and hanging out with my family.

Tonight we're watching It's A Wonderful Life. It's a tradition in the Smart household. Except this year Coop isn't here. He's off visiting a friend in Colorado, but he'll be home tomorrow! I AM SO EXCITED! We used to hate each other, but now that we're older, we're really close. I really enjoy hanging out with that kid.

Well, my dog is sleeping on his pillow beside me on the couch, and we're all watching a movie, so I shall stop typing for the night.

There really is no place like home for the holidays. <3 nbsp="" p="">

Of Course Not - The Zombie Song (Lyric Video)

Thankful The Beatles can take my sad songs and make them better.

Rant of the day

Okay. Excuse me for a minute, but I'm going to rant about something that has bothered me for awhile. It has happened to me several times, and I see it on Facebook posts quite often. When someone changes something about themselves, such as their hair color, it is not okay to to say things like "I liked it better the other way." I don't know if people just forget their manners or don't realize that it's extremely rude or what, but it is. Usually when someone changes their hair color it's because they are tired of what it was and want a fresh look. Plus they think it looks good, and usually it makes them feel good. It sucks getting back-handed compliments like that. So anyways, that's my little public service announcement for the day. If someone changes their hair color tell them it looks good. Don't tell them you miss their old hair or that you think it looked better the way it was. Seriously. It's not nice.

SNOW DAY

I had my fingers crossed for a snow day, and GUESS WHAT?! NO SCHOOL! WOOHOOO! I was supposed to have had a final in my Programming class this morning, but the snow said "NOT TODAY!" So here I am sitting at home enjoying a day off. I have yet to step foot outside, but I probably will see if the snow packs and maybe throw a few snowballs. We shall see.

The Road To 112

Dear Torey,

Here's the deal. You're not fat by any means, but you have been gaining weight. That has to stop now. For real. You have been drinking pop again (which is a total no-no), and haven't been eating super healthy (understandable seeing as you're a broke college student -- also why are you drinking pop then?). You have a career path set out before you that requires a healthier lifestyle. Plus, you need to look good on stage! So here's what we're going to do. No more pop starting now for the next three weeks. NO EXCEPTIONS. After three weeks, the occasional soda won't be a problem. Work out AT LEAST 5 times a week for the next three weeks. Stop eating so much candy/cookies/sweets.

LET'S DO THIS!

Love,
Torey

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! Today was a rather enjoyable day. Luke and I went home to my parents house, and we had Thanksgiving dinner with my grandparents. So. Much. Food. Everything was so freaking delicious. Mmm. My parents are the best cooks. MMM. I wish I could have homecooked meals EVERY NIGHT EVER. Sometimes I make delicious foods, but I don't like taking the time to make food. Haha. Anyways, got a little sidetracked there. Back to today. It ruled. I got to hang out with my dog, and he was SO STOKED to see me when I got here! I told mom not to tell him I was coming home, and when I got here, he greeted me at the door and gave me this puzzled look and then freaked out with excitement! AH. I love my pup!!! He's sleeping on the couch next to me now underneath a blanket, and it's adorable.

Tonight we officially kicked off the start of the Christmas Season with Christmas Vacation. That movie is so funny. It doesn't even matter how many times I see it, it's still hilarious. I also did some more Christmas shopping tonight. I ordered stuff for my dad, Coop, and Luke today. AND I AM SO VERY EXCITED! I love getting people presents. Hahaha. It's the best.

Anyways, I think I'm going to go to bed soon. I'm super tired for some reason. So there's that. BYE.

Today's the day. I'm going to start a new workout. I am about 130 right now, and that is unacceptable for me. I used to be 112 and in shape, and I used to have abs, and now I'm kind of pudgy. I need to get back in to shape not only to lose some weight, but also so I have more energy on stage, and don't die every time I run around stage singing/dancing/jumping. So yeah. It's gonna happen.

Update: I did it. It only took me 30 minutes, and my body is like "whyyyyyyyyyyyy?" but I pushed it until the end and finished. I'm a little proud of myself.

Make every second last

Guys. I'm finally enrolled in my final semester of college EVER. I only have three classes left, and then I'll be out of there faster than Mario runs when he's got Star Power. I can not even wait to be done. You don't even know how much of a relief that will be. People always tell me that I'm going to miss school when I'm out in the "real world". But you know what? I'm looking forward to having a steady job, and no longer worrying about homework while I'm at home. I worked a steady job for almost 3 years, and it was hectic because I was in school at the same time, but summers were my favorite still. I worked regular 8 hour days, but I could go home and chill after work or even leave town that night to be back in the morning for my next work day. I had weekends completely free, and that's what I'm most looking forward to. I've been teaching voice and piano lessons this year, and it's helping me to pay my bills plus a little bit left over each month, which is GREAT. But I'm contemplating just getting 2-3 more students to actually be able to SAVE money since I'm going to have to start paying back my school loans next December. I'm not looking forward to that at all, but it's a stupid fact of life, so I need either a "big kid" job or more students for lessons. I'll figure it out. I always do.

I've been trying to be more positive lately, and have a better outlook on life. It's hard when you hate school so much and feel like you're wasting your time, but I'm trying. I've been playing piano more lately, and that helps. +Luke DeWitt and I have been playing a TON of Mario Kart and watching a TON of Breaking Bad (seriously if you spoil it for me, I will kick you in your knee cap). Mario Kart RULES, and is quite the stress reliever. I get to take my frustration out on the competition in a healthy and positive way. Luigi is da best. And Breaking Bad is freaking intense. I'm so glad Luke is watching it with me because there's no way I could make it through that show by myself. Haha.

Monday after class Luke and I made the best chicken enchiladas ever. I had the last bit of the leftovers today, and my taste buds were so happy. MMMMMM.

Also, I guess since it's November and everyone is doing the whole "What I'm Thankful For" thing, I suppose I'll jump on the bandwagon. But I'm not only thankful for it since it's November. I'm thankful EVERY SINGLE DAY I just don't post about it online.

1. My fabulous family

They are seriously the best family a girl could ask for. My parents are so loving and odd, yet completely normal to me. I love it and I truly appreciate all they do for me. And my brother rules. He's not perfect and obviously we still argue sometimes, but you know what? He's my brother and one of my best friends in the entire world. 

2. Luke DeWitt. 

He is my absolute best friend ever, and I love him so much. Our relationship is built on friendship and love and trust, and he's so funny. Also, it's pretty sweet that we're in a band together. I mean how many couples are in the same band?! 

3. My Solace family 

They are my second family, and basically took me and Luke in this past year. I feel so blessed to have such a close group of friends here in Joplin, and I love each one of them dearly. 

4. My dog Bunker

Seriously. Look at him. He's so freaking cute. He's absolutely hilarious, and really cuddly when I go home. I LOVE MY DOG SO MUCH. And I miss him! I wish he could just live with me in Joplin! 

5. Of Course Not

I put my heart and soul into this band. I seriously love these guys and I love playing music with them so often! 

Well, I'll add more to this list later. My laptop is being dumb. PEACE OUT, HOMIES. 

+Luke DeWitt and I have recently discovered imgur. It has been our greatest discovery to date. Followed by that pizza we decided to make with spaghettios as the sauce. Just kidding. That was disgusting.

In other news, my mom said that the Easter Bunny is going to make a trip to see me in Joplin this year and give me an Easter basket. SO THAT'S PRETTY EXCITING! 

I leave you with this picture of a giraffe and a penguin that Luke drew for me.