The secret society around you that you probably don't know about.

Let me introduce you all to a secret society. This society exists all around you and you probably have no idea. This society engages in a specific activity... my husband and I did it when we were engaged, we did it on our honeymoon, we do it on practically every vacation we take.

I'm talking about geocaching. Have you heard of it?

As defined by geocaching.com, geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. I was first introduced to it by a client of mine in 2010 and have been addicted ever since. I couldn't believe that this was going on around me without my knowledge! How did I not notice it? 

Anyways, I encourage you to check out the site because they explain it better than I ever could. I just know that this game has lead me to some of the coolest areas of places that I had been to hundreds of times before but never knew existed. Does that make sense? Just check out some photos from our last trip that we did a little geocaching on (plus a few at the end from our honeymoon trip):

Couldn't help but think of the book "Where The Red Fern Grows". This wild fern was gorgeous in person.

By far my favorite hidden gem of the trip. Been to this city hundreds of times and never knew this abandoned bridge existed.

I think graffiti is such an amazing art form. And there was SO MUCH AWESOME GRAFFITI under this abandoned bridge.

Came across some super cool water droplets on a search for a geocache. Nature, you crazy.

That's no camera trick, those mushrooms were as big as my face.

And these leaves were as big as his head (nice face, husband.)

Now I have to recommend our favorite app in case you want to give it a go for yourself. We use the c.geo app for Android (since we're both iPhone-obic) and that is definitely the best one we've used. As far as iPhone users go, sorry you're on your own. I have no idea ;)

If you're thinking, "I'm in a metro area. There probably aren't any geocaches in my area." My friend you are SORELY mistaken. City areas are sometimes the best for geocaches! Trust me, you will be surprised when you find out just how many there are. Don't take my word for it, check out the Geocaching website and type in your area to see for yourself. And check out the G.I.Geos (our dorky geocaching username) while you're at it ;)

Blogging, the glorified old lady's journal.

Diaries. Journals. Chances are, you had one. If you're a blogger, the chances are probably greater since (in my opinion) blogging is basically a glorified version of journaling. That thought got me thinking about my childhood diary.

Baby Bre, playing with Barbies. Oblivious to boys.

I have kept one since I was about 7 years old up until right before I got married. That's about 16 years of blackmail gold right there. Luckily, I have kept them hidden. And also, lucky for you, I pulled one out the other day. I couldn't NOT share what I stumbled upon. So, without further ado, an actual word-for-word entry from one of my journals.

Names have been changed to protect the innocent. 

"Dear Journal,

Hey, it's me again. My first full day of being a teenager, it's great! Dance was tonight, that's why I'm writing this so late. Herbert talked to me today. He asked if I liked the kid that hugged me at the dance, but I said I didn't know because I wanted to know if Beauford liked me. I have to ask Herbert tomorrow about it. Ya know what? Shaniqua said that I should go out with Walter! He's the kid that I made Shaniqua dance with. They're going out but she said that every time he calls her, he wants to know how I'm doing. Gross, huh?! I can't wait until Sunday because that's when me, mom and my aunt are going to have a stamping party! It's getting late and my hand hurts so I'm going to bed!"

And, I kid you not, I signed off with both my first and last name.

So there you have it. A glimpse inside my boy-crazy 13 year old head. Pretty typical. And I've gotta throw this out there... I would love to know if you had a journal back in the day and what you used to write about.

Computer Aversion Disorder, it's a thing.

Ahem... I've been suffering from what you might call "Computer Aversion Disorder" otherwise known as CAD. It's quite hindering to bloggers as it causes you to experience negative side effects whenever you:

a. think about going on a computer
b. physically come within 5 feet of a computer
or c. God forbid, actually TOUCH a computer.

Symptoms of the disorder include:

-negative mental thoughts about your computer and/or Photoshop, Blogger, Wordpress, etc.
-avoiding the area of the house that the computer is located
-replacing the computer with other forms of electronic device such as a smart phone, iPad, etc.

For some gosh darn reason I have had zero desire to spend my free summer nights staring at my screen pounding out photo edits and posts. I'm sure you all can relate and/or understand. But anywho...

Trust me. Seriously, TRUST ME. You do not want to miss tomorrow's post. If you've ever been a teenage girl and owned a diary or journal, you're going to want to read it.

And please, help spread the word about CAD. The sooner people are educated about this slightly annoying disorder, the sooner we can all help discover a cure.

THE Collective Blog Hop #36

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Welcome to the NEW and IMPROVED weekly blog hop party, THE Collective.

This is a link up for bloggers who want to gain followers and meet awesome people.

Not sure if this is the blog hop for you? Listen to what other bloggers have to say...

"Just to let you know, your blog hop is the best I've participated in for gaining new friends!!! I couldn't believe the results!! Thank you!"

- Danavee, This Vintage Grove

"I'm dropping by to let you know that I love being a part of your blog hop! 

 I have been meeting really nice bloggers.  Bloggers who are actually friendly and want to connect! 

I'm putting the blog hop button on my side bar, like, permanently!  Everyone should know about it. Just thought I'd share with you. Thank you."

-Vickie, Oh Abby Day

"Hi BreAnna, just want to say that your blog is beautiful, creative, and fun. The GFC collective is one of my favorite parts of the blogging week. Love meeting new friends and fellow bloggers. We just started our blog and were amazed at how helpful the GFC collective is! Keep up the amazing work."

-Alea and Rachael, Sparkle Your Life

"This GFC Collective Hop is seriously one of the best link ups out there! Through this hop I have found so many great blogs & friends that I wouldn't have otherwise found! Thank you so much for hosting such a fun link up! Please take the time to link up & join along! You won't be sorry that you did!"

-Amy @ Keepin' Up With the Smith's

"I'm so excited I found your blog and this wonderful link up! I have met so many new people and found so many wonderful blogs this way. This is a great idea and I'm glad to be a part of it!" xo -Taylor @ Nothing But a Pigeon

Bre @ Peacoats and Plaid

and our lovely co-hosts for the week

Adriana @ Dog Hair is an Accessory

Nicolette @ I Am at Home

Melissa @ Fawn Over Baby

Paulina @ Discovering Simply Me

Interested in co-hosting? Send an email to peacoatsnplaid(at)gmail(dot)com to get on the list.