If you don't know, now you know.

By nature, personal blogs are narcissistic endeavors, don't you think? As per #Blogtober's orders, here are some facts about me:

1// I lived in Ohio my entire life until I moved to Indianapolis two years ago. I still miss Cincinnati and my charming, little hometown.

2// In the last two years, I've been a sports clerk at the IndyStar, a communications intern at USA Football, a beat writer intern for the Cincinnati Cyclones, a freelance writer for the NCAA, and an after-school program worker. I'm currently working for the Indiana Business Research Center, an affiliate of Indiana University's Kelley School of Business.

3// Over the years, my family has had five dogs, two cats, five turtles, four hamsters, a gerbil, a bearded lizard, a rabbit, a ferret (such a vile creature), two snakes, an albino frog, several hermit crabs, and a Vietnamese potbelly pig named Porkchop. I never realized how ridiculous this was until just now.

4// I despise bananas. Even the smell of them makes me gag.

5// I've seen Dave Matthews Band 20 times in concert and have no plans to stop anytime soon.

6// Football is my favorite sport. But after falling in love with hockey at Miami University, it has become a very close second.

7// I have more nicknames than anyone I've ever met - Bibbs (and Bibbles), Brittskabibbles, Britter, Charles, Tooth, Blettany (and Blet), Brazz, BJ, Johnson, Gibralts, Honey Bear, Karate Princess, B-Rad, and more. In fact, people rarely call me Brittany.

8// I know I shouldn't, but I drink at least two sodas every single day. If I don't, I get a caffeine-withdrawal headache.

9// I was a Spanish and political science double major in college and minored in Latin American Studies. As a result, I can read and write proficiently in Spanish and carry on an awkward conversation. Speaking was always my weak point.

10// Thanks to my parents, I've traveled to England, France, Italy, Canada, Costa Rica, Belize, the Virgin Islands, Panama, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Peru.

11// I took piano lessons for several years as a kid and still regret quitting. To this day, playing the piano is one of my favorite ways to unwind, but I don't have one in Indy.

12// I have no piercings (not even my ears) and no tattoos. I'm pretty sure it will stay that way.

13// I didn't wear jeans until 2011. In other words, I went through all of high school and college without wearing a single pair of jeans. I totally regret that now.

14// I was home-schooled in first grade and loved every second of it. My mom was the greatest teacher I ever had and I got to hang out with my little sister and brother all day.

15// I love Old Navy $1 flip-flops and own a pair in almost every color. If I'm not wearing those, I'm probably wearing my Chucks.

When pumpkin carving became a chore...

Last night, we finally got around to carving our pumpkins and I just have to ask: When did carving pumpkins become such a stressful, frustrating task? I think the answer might be when I started carving something other than a simple jack-o-lantern face with triangle eyes and a couple crooked teeth. I know I'm a perfectionist, but the excessive amount of anxiety and frustration that has built up the last two years is just ridiculous.

Last year's masterpieces. Rick Grimes and Orioles baseball.

At any rate, we carved away, huffing and puffing between downs of the Redskins-Cowboys game. I still really enjoy scooping the guts out of the pumpkin, but the actual carving part? It's for the birds. Between the two of us, we somehow managed to destroy three carving knives...and by destroy, I mean totally break in half. After I finished my Bengal pumpkin, I helped Wheat with his Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, but when the third knife broke, we threw in the towel. That is why the marshmallow man doesn't have hands, a torso, or legs. Sorry we're not sorry.

I'm not proud of the eyes on that tiger.

Next year, I think I might revert back to my tried-and-true jack-o-lantern face, in hopes of avoiding an actual Halloween massacre.
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We're slowly nearing the end of #Blogtober and I must admit - it will be a relief. It's tough to prepare a post you don't hate every single day. I'll probably hate today's post, but only because it brings back horrible memories.

Unfortunately, I have a multitude of humiliating moments to choose from for this prompt. In fact, my absolute most embarrassing memory is so mortifying that it will stay safely tucked away in the recesses of my mind, in hopes that one day, it will vanish completely. Instead, I'll share another gem with you, the time I took a tumble at Niagara Falls.

When I was about 14, my family took a nice vacation to Niagara Falls. It was our first time in the area, so we did all the typical tourist things, but spent most of our time admiring the falls. The first day was really cold, like the kind of cold you imagine when you think of Upper New York and Canada. Being the ultra-prepared travelers we are, we had all packed ridiculously huge snowsuits for the occasion. So, we stuffed ourselves into the puffy parkas and pants and waddled our way toward the falls.

The first challenge? An icy staircase leading down to the viewing area. The second challenge? I really had to pee, but didn't want to peel myself out of the seemingly endless layers of clothes I was wearing. By now, you know where this is heading. I took a couple steps down, slipped on the ice, and bounced on my well-padded butt all the way to the bottom of the staircase.

My supportive family laughed hysterically, causing me to laugh, and as I sat at the bottom of the stairs, I peed my pants. I couldn't help it. My initial reaction was to pretend nothing happened, but when I noticed the snow around me turn yellow, I had to confess. The best part? My family refused to trek back to the hotel in the snow, so I walked around for several hours with soaking wet pee pants that gradually began to freeze due to the low temperature.

It's really nothing short of a miracle that I eventually found a boyfriend.

When can I move to Nashville?

You know those weekends where you cram so much into 72 hours that by the time Monday rolls around, you feel like you need another couple days to recover? Thanks to a wonderful whirlwind trip to Nashville, that happened this weekend and I'm still recovering from the food coma and lack of sleep.

Since Friday night was wasted on the drive to Tennessee, we hit the ground running on Saturday morning. First, we ventured over to Wheat's old place of employment, Grand Old Golf and GoKarts, so he could catch up with the owner, who is also a close family friend. After a quick lunch at the Opry Mills mall, we went to Chuck's Sno Cones to take advantage of the end-of-season, half-price sno cones. These things weren't so much sno cones as they were gargantuan dessert towers. Wheat ordered the Titan, a mixture of blueberry and cherry with vanilla ice cream layered throughout and I chose the Bride and Groom, wedding cake and red velvet with vanilla ice cream. Unreal.

Next, we decided to check out the famous Opryland Hotel since we were already in the area. Piece of advice: Self-parking at the hotel costs $21, which is way too expensive for this cheapskate. Instead, park across the street at The Inn at Opryland and walk over. It's a little bit of a walk, but there are sidewalks and precious Christmas decorations (already?!) on the pristine white picket fences.

The hotel is absolutely gorgeous, of course. We spent a couple hours, admiring the beautiful lobbies and getting lost among the plants, waterfalls, restaurants, shops, and pumpkins. Actually, the hotel appeared to be having an identity crisis, stuck midway between fall and Christmas decor. True to form, Wheat tracked down an arcade inside the building and he beat me in Fast and Furious racing while I dominated in Guitar Hero.

After the hotel, we stumbled across Willie Nelson's general store, which included a hilarious Willie Nelson fortune teller, and Cooter's Place, a store and museum filled with all things Dukes of Hazzard. They even had replica cars, so I took pictures of Cooter's Tow Truck and the General Lee.

Next, we ventured downtown for some more exploring. We stopped at the Farmer's Market and wandered through row after row of fall produce. The market also has an amazing botanical garden filled with flowers and other garden trinkets for sale. I indulged in not-so-brief fantasies about moving to the area and filling my yard with treasures from the market.

Connected to the Farmer's Market is the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. I instantly fell in love with the amazing view of the Capitol building from the amphitheater. Pair that with the beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows of the changing leaves, the fountains, and a huge state map of Tennessee and I was in tourist/photographer heaven.

Fortunately, we had wonderful plans to pry me away from the park: tickets for the Penguins and Predators game at Bridgestone Arena! Much to my surprise, it was James Neal bobblehead night and I might have unleashed a primal scream when I received mine. Oops. We arrived early enough to watch warm-ups, so I staked out a spot on the glass and took a million pictures of my favorite guys. Pascal Dupuis banged against the glass and shot the puck directly at us to show his appreciation for the support.

The game was everything a Pens fan could want - a 3-0 victory, a shutout for Fleury, and goals from Sid, Geno, and Dupuis. With his third-period tally, Dupuis registered his 400th career point and it was awesome to be there for it. I also woofed down some delicious barbeque nachos, so I was in hockey paradise.

After the game, Wheat and I braved the crowds on Broadway, stopping at a crowded sports bar to watch the Tennessee/Alabama and Ohio State/Penn State games.

On Sunday, we filled our morning the best way I know how in Nashville with breakfast at the Pancake Pantry. Despite the warm temperatures, I chose to relish in all things fall and ordered the amazing sweet potato pancakes with cinnamon cream syrup. Wheat went with his favorite, the Georgia Peach. Guys, I know you're sick of it, but I really can't tell you enough how delicious these things are.

After breakfast, we took a driving tour of the city, stopping in Centennial Park and driving along Music Row. We stopped to check out RCA Studio B, where Elvis and many other famous artists recorded hit singles, including Dolly Parton's "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You." We also saw the studio where Nashvillian Meghan Trainor recorded "All About that Bass."

In an effort to stretch our legs before the drive home, we walked around Belmont University's amazing campus. The Belmont Mansion, complete with its gazebos, fountains, and lions, was breathtaking and I could not get over the amazing flowers all over the place. There were students everywhere, lying in the grass, hanging out with friends, and studying. Can you imagine going to school here?

Of course, we closed the trip with a quick stop at Las Paletas for popsicles. Duh. I tried the pineapple berry and Wheat sampled blueberry chocolate chip.

I refuse to speak about the ridiculous traffic and construction we encountered on the way home, but we found time to watch The Walking Dead before bed. Is anyone else really loving this season?!
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Today's #Blogtober prompt? Things You're Superstitious About.

Honestly, I don't think I'm very superstitious. I rely on reason and don't really think quirky personal habits will affect the outcome of things. I do, however, tend to wear a team shirt when my favorite teams are playing. For good luck, you know...

I do have one bizarre superstition that I follow very closely. Whenever I board a plane, I kiss my fist and tap it on the wall of the aircraft while walking down the aisle. I'm not really sure when I started this, but I've done it as long as I can remember. I have a newly-developed fear of flying, so it helps reassure me that we'll land safely. So weird.

Do you have any superstitions?

A Letter to My Younger Self

Dear Younger Brittany,

There are so many things I'd love to tell you, pieces of advice to help you through the next few years, but all of them can be summed up pretty succinctly in three words: Hang in there.

I know what you're going through. I know because I lived through it myself. You should know, though, that you're doing the best you can. You should be proud of yourself. You should know that it's going to be okay.

I'm not going to pretend that I have all the answers just because I'm older than you. There are still so many things I'm trying to navigate, hard decisions I'm trying to make, and truth be told, I don't feel any wiser than you feel right now. But, hindsight is a luxury you don't have, so here are some things to keep in mind for the next few years:

- Have fun. I know you're super preoccupied with schoolwork (and that's a really great thing), but relax sometimes. Go out with your friends more. Don't be so hard on yourself when you get something less than an A+. You'll be amazed how little that one calculus class matters in the long run.

- Push yourself. Do something out of your comfort zone. The things you'll regret the most when you're my age are things you chose not to do out of fear. Find another piano teacher. Try out for that singing group in college. Skip class once or twice. Talk to that guy. Work out in front of those people at the rec. You'll be a better version of yourself for it.

- The perfect guy is coming. In the meantime, your heart is going to be broken...a lot. You're going to cry so many tears. You're going to keep your best friend up all night, worrying that you'll be alone forever. You will think you found Mr. Right a couple times, but you'll be wrong. It's easier said than done, but try not to worry too much about it. You'll meet him soon and he's better than you could have ever imagined.

He's hot, right?! Way to go, self!

- Maintain your relationships. The thing that makes me most sad looking back on my life is the amount of good friends that have drifted away. It's amazing how much work it takes to maintain a friendship, especially at a distance, but it's worth it. So, call, text, or send a message when you're thinking about someone. On the other hand, however, it's important to realize that some people fade from your life for a reason. They were important pieces of the puzzle and undoubtedly enriched your life in some way, but it's okay to let them go. You're better for having known them.

- You're beautiful. You're smart. You're funny. Most importantly, you're kind. You are truly worth the love you receive. I know you spend a lot of time doubting these things, but they're true. I still have plenty of moments of self-doubt, but don't lose sight of who you are. You'll never be skinny, you'll never get attention from guys, and you'll never figure out how to curl your hair, but you will eventually come to realize your worth. I promise.

- Life isn't going to work out how you thought it would. Despite what everyone tells you, you can't actually achieve whatever you want. Sometimes you put in all the work necessary and it just doesn't work out...and that's okay. Some things are simply out of your control. Work hard and pursue your passions, but don't get discouraged when things aren't picture-perfect. You'll find ways to be happy, regardless.

So, like I said, hang in there. At the risk of sounding like a Pinterest quote board (oh, you don't know what Pinterest is yet? You're in for a real treat), your life isn't easy, but it's definitely worth it.

All my love,

Brittany

P.S. That blog you're thinking about starting? Do it.

I totally look like Idris Elba.

I've spent at least a week considering this #Blogtober prompt and I still can't decide Who'd Play Me in a Movie.

I don't really think any celebrities look like me or capture my complete essence. I desperately want to say Lena Dunham or Tina Fey, but that almost feels like an insult to two of my favorite actresses. So, I turned to some of my favorite people for answers. Here's who they think would play me in a movie:

Jenn - Zooey Deschanel

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I wish. It's gotta be the bangs, singing, and weird personality, right? Either way, I'm a huge New Girl fan, so I'm pleased with this answer.

Mommles - Tina Fey

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Would you look at that? My mom pulled through with a swoon-worthy answer.

Jamie - Ginnifer Goodwin

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My sister stressed that she must have long hair and bangs for the movie, but again, I'm flattered.

Wheat - Idris Elba

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I totally see the resemblance. Wheat knows me so well.

Muggles Unite!

This might be cheating, but I've already pronounced my immeasurable love for the Harry Potter series so many times on this blog. So, instead of spilling my guts again, I'm going to share a post I wrote on the release day of the final Harry Potter movie.

I never thought today would come.

Unfortunately, I'm not referring to a Bengals' Superbowl victory. I am, in fact, referring to the midnight release of the final installment of the Harry Potter series.

How do I even begin to explain what Harry Potter has meant to me over the years? When I look back, I realize that the series has been an incredibly important part of my formative years. I've read all seven books (most multiple times) and seen all of the movies (most at midnight). I've made Harry-Potter-themed t-shirts with friends and brought wands to a movie. I've waited for hours at bookstores for the release of new books. I've stayed up all night long, unable to put the new books down and insistent on finishing them for fear of someone spoiling the ending. I've eaten Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, made fake pumpkin juice, and bought a Sirius Black t-shirt. I've tattooed fake lightning bolts on my forehead and attended local Harry Potter festivals. I've visited Platform 9 3/4 in London and fantasized about a trip to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The books have made me laugh. They've made me cry. They've made me angry, nervous, and excited. I've grown to love the characters. I realized long ago that I am Hermione Granger. I love Ron Weasley and his twin brothers. If I lived in the wizarding world, my celebrity athlete crush would definitely be Victor Krum. Oliver Wood is as passionate about playing his sport as I am about watching mine. I wanted to kill Dolores Umbridge and Bellatrix Lestrange. I made fun of Harry's emo stage (circa Order of the Phoenix), didn't like Cho Chang, and rooted not-so-secretly for Ginny. I always knew Snape was innocent, cried when Dumbledore died, sobbed when Dobby died, and I can't even talk about what's going to happen tonight. I watched Darren Criss's A Very Potter Musical and literally screamed when Ron and Hermione kissed. The books have taken me to incredible places that could never exist, but that I wished desperately did. The movies have done a wonderful job of doing the books justice and I feel like I've grown up alongside Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson. I've even developed crushes on some of the actors (HELLO Malfoy and Neville Longbottom).

However, when I look back, it's not the festivals, the movies, the food, the shirts, or even the books that make Harry Potter so special to me. It's the reliability of it all. Harry Potter has been one of the most constant things throughout my childhood. While everything was changing around me, I always had Harry Potter to rely on, as my fall-back, as a constant. No matter what happened, when everything in my life was changing, I always had Harry Potter. Through friends moving away, high school graduation, falling in and out of love, going to college, falling away from old friends and making new ones, Harry Potter has always been there.

Even though nothing in my life seemed certain, even though everything seemed to be changing, Harry Potter kept me company, provided me with comfort, and allowed me to have some stability in my life. I always had something to look forward to - a new book, a new movie - and something to discuss with both loved ones and strangers.

Tonight, however, is my last taste of something new. There will never be another book. There will never be another movie. This is officially the end of the most important series of my generation...and, in a way, it symbolizes the end of my childhood. I've graduated from college. I, too, have moved onto the next chapter of my life. It's time to create a new story - my own story.

Although it's tough to say goodbye, I know it's finally time. This chapter of my life may be over, but it certainly isn't the end. I have much, much more to write.

It's comforting to know that whenever I need some comfort, whenever I need to feel at home, I can always crack open Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and start the adventure all over again.

So, to JK Rowling, thank you so much for the story, thank you for the comfort, and thank you most of all for the memories. From one Muggle to another, I will never forget it.

Original post written on July 14, 2011.

But, guess what! Warner Bros. recently announced that three more movies based in the Harry Potter universe are on their way! They will be loosely based on Rowling's book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and its fictional author, Newt Scamander. I might already be plotting my outfit for the midnight release in 2016...

What is a beauty product?

Today's #Blogtober prompt is another hilarious one for me: One Beauty Product You Can't Live Without.

I'm about as natural as it gets. I don't wear makeup, I don't do my hair. The most effort you'll ever get from me is straightening my hair for a wedding. In fact, I don't even dry my hair, so January is filled with many mornings of stick-straight, frozen hair. The closest thing to a beauty product that I use is lip gloss.

But boy, do I love lip gloss. My favorite is Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush. A year ago, I went absolutely crazy and bought six tubes when it went on sale. It gives the prettiest shimmer to your lips and it's not too sticky.

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I'm not sure this counts as a beauty product, but I also love Burt's Bees lip balm. Especially this time of year, when it's cold outside and I'm sick and I'm breathing solely through my mouth like a zombie. It's a must.

Also, I think I'll just leave this here for posterity's sake.



What beauty product do you rely on most?

Happy Thoughts Thursday

It's that time again.

+ Nashville. Wheat and I are making another quick trip to Nashville this weekend, a brief escape before the Pacers' regular season starts. We also have tickets to see the Penguins take on the Predators at Bridgestone Arena! Last year's trip was incredible, so I'm excited to get away with my love before chaos descends upon him. Oh yeah, and pancakes.

+ The Wire PaleyFest panel. A good chunk of the cast and the show's creator and executive producer reunited recently for a panel on the show and what it has meant to them in the years since. Really interesting stories and definitely worth the time if you're a fan.

+ Hot chocolate marshmallows. Why are they hard and small unlike roasting mallows? Why do they melt perfectly into the hot chocolate? Why do they evade my mouth when I take a sip, forcing me to fish them out with my fingers? The answers aren't important. They are perfect.

+ Just Because flowers. Wheat bought me the most gorgeous bouquet of orange/red/pink roses last week. Why, you ask? For absolutely no reason at all. He melts my heart.

+ "Trumpets" by Jason Derulo. I don't care what you say - this song is so catchy.



What's making you happy this week?

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We're getting close to the end of #Blogtober! Today's prompt? Favorite Instagram Editing Apps/Editing Tools for Your Blog

This one is easy. I absolutely love PicMonkey for editing photos and creating headers for my blog. It's so easy to use, has plenty of options, and is totally free! You can use it to add text to photos, easily crop pictures, or even create Christmas cards. Check it out!

My Pet Peeves

I'm sad to say this is an extensive list.

- The sound of chewing. It makes me cringe. I'm also super aware of my own chewing noises, so I'll wait to chew until the TV is loud enough to mask it.

- Ending sentences with prepositions. I really hate, "Where are you at?" or "Where are you going to?" I just can't deal with it.

- People who don't use their turn signal. Come on.

- People who talk through movies at the movie theater. At home is fine, but at the movie theater? I paid $9 to see this movie, so I really want to enjoy it.

- Use of offensive terms to mean "lame." 

- The 'What's Up?' head bob. Just say hi or wave. I feel like I'm not worth your effort if you just nod your head at me as a greeting.

- Networkers who schmooze and get places simply on their ability to kiss up.

- Drivers that park sideways. Your car isn't that cool. If you're really that concerned about someone hitting it, park farther away.

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- When people aren't honest about not wanting to do something. Don't say maybe if you know you won't go. I'd much prefer someone tell me the truth than wait and be disappointed when they back out at the last second.

- DVRs that cut off the last minute of a show. Um, unacceptable.

- People that don't throw away empty containers in the fridge. I thought we had milk, so I poured a bowl of cereal already. Great.

- When the dish-drying side of the sink gets wet or dirty with used dishes. Okay, maybe I'm a psycho.

- Pieces of hair in the shower, on the kitchen floor, in the car, etc. This is a major problem for me because I have quite a bit of hair and I shed like a Saint Bernard.

- Trying to open a new CD or DVD. Seriously? It's nearly impossible.

- People who stand at concerts when everyone around them is sitting. I'm all about standing up and dancing when the time is right, but when the musician is doing a ballad from the new CD and everyone around you takes a seat? Pretty please follow suit.

- When someone assumes I went to the University of Miami in Florida. Thug U.

- Waiters who offer me root beer when they say they don't carry Dr. Pepper. It's nowhere near the same drink, guys.

- Litterers.

- People who don't clean the toilet seat if they make a mess. Oh, so it's my job to clean it?

- Crumbs on the couch or in the bed.

- When someone doesn't squeeze toothpaste from the bottom of the tube.

- People who don't put their shopping cart back in the proper place. When that rogue cart inevitably rams into my car, I'm going to lose my mind.

- People that cry when they're drunk...and you know they wouldn't cry about it if they were sober.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Hey, Batter Batter!

Over drinks a couple weeks ago, my friends learned that I haven't seen several classic baseball movies. I saw Field of Dreams for the first time last year, but I haven't seen The Rookie, The Natural, Bull Durham, or Major League. So, being good friends, they decided that a baseball movie night was in order. I jumped at the opportunity to host a theme party and the date was set for Sunday night (after the Bengals travesty).

I might have gone a little overboard with the planning. I wanted to have a hot dog and nacho bar, so we boiled the hot dogs and set out the toppings (sour cream, onions, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, queso, guacamole, refried beans, ketchup, mustard, Skyline chili, and barbeque sauce). I bought some Cracker Jacks, peanuts, and Big League chew to give our apartment the ballpark feel.

I made a banner sign that said 'Concessions,' filled Wheat's old baseball glove with peanuts, and printed out a cute sign for decoration. Wheat helped with the decorations by hanging some of his old Orioles and personal memorabilia around the apartment. I really can't handle his cute little league baseball card from 1996. I also bought the guys small packs of baseball cards and they had fun proposing trades that weren't accepted.

My favorite part of the night, however, was busting out my french vanilla baseball cupcakes.

We decided to watch Major League and if I'm being totally honest, the movie was just alright. The company, though? They're pretty awesome.

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This #Blogtober prompt deserves a post of its own, but I'll do my best to be succinct. My Dream Vacation is almost impossible to narrow down, but I'll go with one I've been fantasizing about recently. You might think I'm cheating, but my dream vacation is a blitz through western Europe with Wheat. I'd really love to see Greece, but I think that'd be a trip on its own.

I may or may not have already planned out a loose itinerary.

Okay, I have. Here it is:

- We'd start in Amsterdam, enjoying all that the city has to offer. We'd tour the Anne Frank house, rent bikes to cruise along the canals, check out the Van Gogh Museum, take a cruise on a canal boat, and walk along the Red Light District.

Amsterdam via

- Next, we'd make our way to Germany. We'd stop in Berlin to learn about the Wall and see Checkpoint Charlie. We'd admire the gorgeous feudal castles, take a cruise on the Rhine River, and walk through the tiny villages in the Rhine Valley. We'd stop in Munich for some history, some beer (I would force myself to drink it here), and a trip to the Dachau concentration camp. We'd get pictures of Neuschwanstein Castle (the inspiration for the famous Disney castle) before heading to Venice.

- We would spend a decent amount of time in Italy, of course. Venice would be filled with getting lost along the canals, admiring St. Mark's Basilica, and taking a gondola ride. Next, we'd travel to Florence, where we'd admire David in the Accademia, eat gelato, peruse the markets, and tour the Uffizi Gallery. We would do so much in Rome and the Vatican. Wheat would give me lessons while visiting the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Vatican Museum.

- We'd spend a day in Cinque Terre to lay on the beach and take a proper vacation. But then we'd head straight to Switzerland to see the gorgeous Swiss Alps. We'd spend a day hiking through the mountains before traveling to France.

- We would explore Paris, admire the works of art in the Louvre, tour the Notre Dame Cathedral, share crepes, walk along the Champs-Elysees, and of course, kiss at the top of the Eiffel Tower. After a couple days, we would board the Chunnel to London for our final stop.

Paris via

- London would be filled with even more history - trips to the London Bridge, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace. We'd see a Broadway show, take in the view from the London Eye, and take a cruise on the River Thames.

I'm not opposed to staying in hostels along the way, but money isn't an object in this fantasy vacation. That's the beauty of daydreaming.