THEN YOU SHOULD!!
There isn't much I can say other than that. The books are incredible and the movie comes out in March. Go get a copy of it today.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Sunday, December 25, 2011
merry christmas
From my family to yours, I wish all of you a
very merry christmas and a happy new year!
Friday, December 23, 2011
for my special day
One of the perks of being an avid Pinterest user is the multiple vacation spots I can drool over as I post to my 'Future Vacations' board, hoping to one day visit the multitude of locations I have mapped out over the last few months.
One particular location I am dying to visit is the beautiful Bora Bora, specifically the Four Seasons Resort and Hotel there.
Couples can rent out individual villas on this island paradise, and have a luxury vacation home just for them. Seriously, how cool would that be? I'm thinking honeymoon.... ;)
If you want to scope out just how awesome these villas are check out the Four Seasons website for a full photo and video tour of the properties.
http://www.preview.fourseasons.com/borabora/photo_and_video/
http://pinterest.com/pin/156992736980002901/
Happy pinning!!
One particular location I am dying to visit is the beautiful Bora Bora, specifically the Four Seasons Resort and Hotel there.
Couples can rent out individual villas on this island paradise, and have a luxury vacation home just for them. Seriously, how cool would that be? I'm thinking honeymoon.... ;)
If you want to scope out just how awesome these villas are check out the Four Seasons website for a full photo and video tour of the properties.
http://www.preview.fourseasons.com/borabora/photo_and_video/
http://pinterest.com/pin/156992736980002901/
Happy pinning!!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
i'm dreaming of michael kors
My Christmas list this year was decidedly specific - I knew exactly what I wanted. The only downside to that is I also know exactly what I'm getting for Christmas, down to the very last present. But, I'm okay with that, because one of my presents is a brand spankin new Michael Kors watch.
(mine's the rose gold second from the left on the second row)
I was scrolling through Pinterest one day and stumbled upon these beauties. For the modern sorority girl, a big-faced watch in a pretty color is on par with monogrammed necklaces and Lilly Pulitzer planners. I have always been a fan of rose gold, so of course that's the one I was drawn to.
They have a great fit, they look fantastic, and if you're on a budget, there are tons of look-a-likes floating around the shopping universe (both online and in stores). My mom got one for herself from Macy's that looks very similar to the one I'm getting for Christmas.
Enjoy, and happy pinning!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
the very first Pin of the Day!
As the girlfriend of a self-proclaimed car 'fanatic,' I have learned far more than I care to admit about sports cars and super cars in the last eight months. I know more than most women, and, I would dare to argue, more than a lot of men. But I won't bore you with those details.
Like my boyfriend, I have a hobby of my own. Most of you probably know it as Pinterest. Now, I know what you're thinking...how sad is it that I spend a lot of time on Pinterest? I'll admit, I spend a great deal more time than I mean to. But for me, it's almost like a magazine. It's the new Ladies Home Journal for the modern day teenager/woman. I've learned tricks of the kitchen, new recipes, different types of new crafts, planned the decor for my future house, and of course, planned out my wedding.
However, there are so many women out there who don't know what Pinterest is or don't have time to scroll through the pages, looking for new ideas and creations. So, I thought I might do a 'Pin of the Day' of sorts. I'd keep posting my thought processes on here for whoever would choose to read them, but in addition, I'd have a post every day with my favorite pin off of Pinterest.
My very first 'Pin of the Day' is from one of my craft 'boards'. I discovered crayon art a few months ago, and attempted to replicate the green one of these beautiful pieces below. Needless to say, I was an amateur and it wasn't as pretty as I thought it'd be. But, I've been experimenting and I think I'm ready to try my hand at it again.
So - if you haven't checked out Pinterest please go do so. And keep your eyes out for the next 'Pin of the Day'!
http://pinterest.com/pin/156992736979986956/
Like my boyfriend, I have a hobby of my own. Most of you probably know it as Pinterest. Now, I know what you're thinking...how sad is it that I spend a lot of time on Pinterest? I'll admit, I spend a great deal more time than I mean to. But for me, it's almost like a magazine. It's the new Ladies Home Journal for the modern day teenager/woman. I've learned tricks of the kitchen, new recipes, different types of new crafts, planned the decor for my future house, and of course, planned out my wedding.
However, there are so many women out there who don't know what Pinterest is or don't have time to scroll through the pages, looking for new ideas and creations. So, I thought I might do a 'Pin of the Day' of sorts. I'd keep posting my thought processes on here for whoever would choose to read them, but in addition, I'd have a post every day with my favorite pin off of Pinterest.
My very first 'Pin of the Day' is from one of my craft 'boards'. I discovered crayon art a few months ago, and attempted to replicate the green one of these beautiful pieces below. Needless to say, I was an amateur and it wasn't as pretty as I thought it'd be. But, I've been experimenting and I think I'm ready to try my hand at it again.
So - if you haven't checked out Pinterest please go do so. And keep your eyes out for the next 'Pin of the Day'!
http://pinterest.com/pin/156992736979986956/
Monday, December 19, 2011
Note to Self
As I near my 20th birthday (and the inevitable change of the name of this blog), I've been reflecting on my years as a teenager. Recently I read a friend's blog which included a letter to her 13-year-old self. It's something I found fascinating to read and I thought I might try the same:
Dear 13-year-old me,
Welcome to teenagerdom. It is a magical world that is vastly unrelated to what is shown on television and in movies. At least, that's what you'll experience. Now, don't freak out - it's actually a good thing and will pay off in the long run. Keep your chin up until age 15 - tall girls have to grow out of the gangly skinny awkwardness, and I promise it will be worth it when you're walking down a high fashion runway at age 16 (and then not so when you gain ten pounds and your representation drops you - but that will work itself out as well). Don't freak out when you don't make the best grades from 13 - 15 either - when you leave the hell that is private school you'll be making a solid 4.0, all the way through 19/college. You won't be the object of every boy's affection, but that's okay. Boys are intimidated by tall women - you're looking for a man that can handle you and still be comfortable with himself. They're slim pickings, but I promise they're out there.
When you're 17 you'll be cheated on by a worm of a boy that doesn't deserve even your slightest notion of attention - be sad about it, and then move on. Don't obsess about it your junior year....it won't fix anything and you'll just end up angry. When you are 16 you'll meet a nice boy who you'll be friends with until you're 18. You'll date him for ten months, and then you'll understand that he's not right for you at all and break it off. If you could realize it sooner, you would do yourself a favor. He'll say some awfully nasty things that will break your heart, and eventually he'll rot the friendship you once had from the inside out. Sounds awful, right? But don't fret. You haven't heard the good things yet.
When you're 14 you'll win the school spelling bee, and rekindle your love for writing. And when you're 17, you'll publish your first novel. At 19, it will be available on both Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. When you're 16 you'll set the public library record for most books read in a period - in this case a summer, and you'll set it at 421. Beat that. Ages 17 - 19 you'll be the envy of your friends - your gangly awkward body will finally fill out into beautiful well placed curves that will leave your friends wishing they had your body. At 17, you'll be getting into the swing of your junior year, and you'll meet your best friend in the whole world. You won't know it of course - the two of you won't become close until right before you'll graduate. But you'll stay friends the rest of your lives. She's your future maid of honor, and you hers. At 19, you'll meet the boy of your dreams, who might actually become the man you spend the rest of your life with. But hey, please get into your twenties before that happens.
You won't be the crazy party-er in high school like it shows in the movies and on Gossip Girl. Hell, you won't have even had a sip of alcohol (aside from family parties, holidays, etc) before you get to college. But you'll establish morals that are hard to beat. You'll put a great head on your shoulders. You'll care more about your friends and the people closest to you than they could possibly imagine, and your loyalty to them will earn you major points. You'll have the opportunity to be a member of the greatest sorority ever created, and you'll shine in leadership roles there.
So, if ever there were a time to give advice, mine would be this: don't change a thing. Your teenage years will be one hell of a ride, but by the time you get to the last few months, you won't regret it. What didn't kill you made your stronger (that's your future motto by the way), and the good things can only get better.
Best wishes (and good luck handling puberty),
Your-soon-to-be-very-old older self
Dear 13-year-old me,
Welcome to teenagerdom. It is a magical world that is vastly unrelated to what is shown on television and in movies. At least, that's what you'll experience. Now, don't freak out - it's actually a good thing and will pay off in the long run. Keep your chin up until age 15 - tall girls have to grow out of the gangly skinny awkwardness, and I promise it will be worth it when you're walking down a high fashion runway at age 16 (and then not so when you gain ten pounds and your representation drops you - but that will work itself out as well). Don't freak out when you don't make the best grades from 13 - 15 either - when you leave the hell that is private school you'll be making a solid 4.0, all the way through 19/college. You won't be the object of every boy's affection, but that's okay. Boys are intimidated by tall women - you're looking for a man that can handle you and still be comfortable with himself. They're slim pickings, but I promise they're out there.
When you're 17 you'll be cheated on by a worm of a boy that doesn't deserve even your slightest notion of attention - be sad about it, and then move on. Don't obsess about it your junior year....it won't fix anything and you'll just end up angry. When you are 16 you'll meet a nice boy who you'll be friends with until you're 18. You'll date him for ten months, and then you'll understand that he's not right for you at all and break it off. If you could realize it sooner, you would do yourself a favor. He'll say some awfully nasty things that will break your heart, and eventually he'll rot the friendship you once had from the inside out. Sounds awful, right? But don't fret. You haven't heard the good things yet.
When you're 14 you'll win the school spelling bee, and rekindle your love for writing. And when you're 17, you'll publish your first novel. At 19, it will be available on both Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. When you're 16 you'll set the public library record for most books read in a period - in this case a summer, and you'll set it at 421. Beat that. Ages 17 - 19 you'll be the envy of your friends - your gangly awkward body will finally fill out into beautiful well placed curves that will leave your friends wishing they had your body. At 17, you'll be getting into the swing of your junior year, and you'll meet your best friend in the whole world. You won't know it of course - the two of you won't become close until right before you'll graduate. But you'll stay friends the rest of your lives. She's your future maid of honor, and you hers. At 19, you'll meet the boy of your dreams, who might actually become the man you spend the rest of your life with. But hey, please get into your twenties before that happens.
You won't be the crazy party-er in high school like it shows in the movies and on Gossip Girl. Hell, you won't have even had a sip of alcohol (aside from family parties, holidays, etc) before you get to college. But you'll establish morals that are hard to beat. You'll put a great head on your shoulders. You'll care more about your friends and the people closest to you than they could possibly imagine, and your loyalty to them will earn you major points. You'll have the opportunity to be a member of the greatest sorority ever created, and you'll shine in leadership roles there.
So, if ever there were a time to give advice, mine would be this: don't change a thing. Your teenage years will be one hell of a ride, but by the time you get to the last few months, you won't regret it. What didn't kill you made your stronger (that's your future motto by the way), and the good things can only get better.
Best wishes (and good luck handling puberty),
Your-soon-to-be-very-old older self
Friday, August 19, 2011
it's never really over
There are a lot of risks that pop up when you give your heart to someone completely. It's a huge gamble - you have to know that they are going to take care of it. I have found that men are fickle; you never know if they're going to take care or that most precious possession or not.
If you haven't already guessed where this is going, let me spell it out for you: breakups suck. It's one of the hardest things the heart can go through, and whatever the situation that person takes a piece of you with them every single time.
Girls that can shut down their emotions and date four guys at the same time or a bunch of guys in rapid succession are lucky. They can ward off the heartbreak that follows the words "break up". As far as I can tell they can keep their heart in one piece, not falling prey to the casualties that affect others in a similar situation.
The biggest truth about a breakup is that the piece of your heart they take with them when they leave will never forget them. It holds on to the love you have for them, the memories the two of you made, and all of the details you know about that person whether you'd like to keep them or not. That part of you stays there forever, and reminds you that it's never really over...
If you haven't already guessed where this is going, let me spell it out for you: breakups suck. It's one of the hardest things the heart can go through, and whatever the situation that person takes a piece of you with them every single time.
Girls that can shut down their emotions and date four guys at the same time or a bunch of guys in rapid succession are lucky. They can ward off the heartbreak that follows the words "break up". As far as I can tell they can keep their heart in one piece, not falling prey to the casualties that affect others in a similar situation.
The biggest truth about a breakup is that the piece of your heart they take with them when they leave will never forget them. It holds on to the love you have for them, the memories the two of you made, and all of the details you know about that person whether you'd like to keep them or not. That part of you stays there forever, and reminds you that it's never really over...
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
"there's no place like home..."
When I watched The Wizard of Oz for the first time at age 5, the one thing I was most excited about was Dorothy's ruby red slippers. My mom and I searched through every costume store in my hometown until we found them - my very own pair of sparkling ruby red heels. Thus began my obsession with the shoe industry.
I currently have 42 pairs of shoes in my closet. Many of my friends refer to my love of shoes as a disease; however, I prefer to think of it as a hobby. At size 12, my shoe selection is quite limited - therefore, when I find a pair that fits correctly, it's almost impossible for me not to buy them.
That being said, when I heard about the ongoing dispute between Yves Saint Laurent and the fabulous Christian Louboutin, I knew I had found the perfect thing to blog about.
For those of you who don't know, Christian Louboutin recently filed a lawsuit against Yves Saint Laurent for the use of red soles on their new line. Louboutin claimed that he was the first designer to use the red sole, one of the flairs that make his shoes famously unique.
YSL fired back saying "red outsoles are a commonly used ornamental design feature in footwear, dating as far back as the red shoes worn by King Louis XIV in the 1600s. As an industry leader who has devoted his entire professional life to women's footwear, Mr Louboutin either knew or should have known about some or all of the dozens of footwear models that rendered his sworn statement false."
Personally, I am a huge fan of Christian Louboutin. His work is flawless and he has the celebrity cliental to prove it (he is constantly worn on the red carpet). I mean, let's be serious:
I see Yves Saint Laurent's point about red soles being used long before Louboutin's line, but in my opinion, he's the one that made them famous. If you see a woman walking down the street with red soles on her shoes, you instantly know that she's wearing Louboutins (and get a twinge of jealousy that you don't have a pair just like it).
Hopefully the dispute between the two fashion houses can be resolved before things get any nastier. I would hate to see my image of this shoe design legend be ruined by snide comments and cruel undercuts. But we will have to wait and see. Until then, I will be browsing longingly through the Christian Louboutin website, wishing that he made my size (with my wallet thanking God that he doesn't).
Until next time ♥
I currently have 42 pairs of shoes in my closet. Many of my friends refer to my love of shoes as a disease; however, I prefer to think of it as a hobby. At size 12, my shoe selection is quite limited - therefore, when I find a pair that fits correctly, it's almost impossible for me not to buy them.
That being said, when I heard about the ongoing dispute between Yves Saint Laurent and the fabulous Christian Louboutin, I knew I had found the perfect thing to blog about.
For those of you who don't know, Christian Louboutin recently filed a lawsuit against Yves Saint Laurent for the use of red soles on their new line. Louboutin claimed that he was the first designer to use the red sole, one of the flairs that make his shoes famously unique.
YSL fired back saying "red outsoles are a commonly used ornamental design feature in footwear, dating as far back as the red shoes worn by King Louis XIV in the 1600s. As an industry leader who has devoted his entire professional life to women's footwear, Mr Louboutin either knew or should have known about some or all of the dozens of footwear models that rendered his sworn statement false."
Personally, I am a huge fan of Christian Louboutin. His work is flawless and he has the celebrity cliental to prove it (he is constantly worn on the red carpet). I mean, let's be serious:
 |
| How fabulous are these black and cream pumps? With the famed red sole they would be an instant hit at the office or on the go. |
 |
| I am addicted to platform wedges this summer (even at a staggering 6'1'' - I say own your height!) |
 |
| Forget ruby red slippers - I'd take these wonders any day of the week. |
I see Yves Saint Laurent's point about red soles being used long before Louboutin's line, but in my opinion, he's the one that made them famous. If you see a woman walking down the street with red soles on her shoes, you instantly know that she's wearing Louboutins (and get a twinge of jealousy that you don't have a pair just like it).
Hopefully the dispute between the two fashion houses can be resolved before things get any nastier. I would hate to see my image of this shoe design legend be ruined by snide comments and cruel undercuts. But we will have to wait and see. Until then, I will be browsing longingly through the Christian Louboutin website, wishing that he made my size (with my wallet thanking God that he doesn't).
Until next time ♥
Monday, May 16, 2011
One Down, Two to Go
On the heels of the fantastic royal wedding, I am now getting prepared for my slew of weddings this summer season.
In a far less public (but definitely not less fabulous) ceremony, Prince Albert of Monaco will wed Charlene Wittstock in July. But more details will come on that later!
The most important event in my world this season is my cousin's wedding, in June, to her longtime boyfriend. I am a bridesmaid in the wedding (the second-youngest), which is a new experience for me.
About a month ago I saw the trailer for the new movie Bridesmaids, and it made me realize that I knew absolutely nothing about what it meant to be a bridesmaid. After all, I am relatively new to wedding attendance or participation (second wedding I have been to, first wedding I have been in.) So with a journalistic spirit I decided to look up 'the bridesmaid.'
I found quite a few funny stories, horrible faux-pa's, to-do lists, and more, but the most concise list I could find on the topic came from (you guessed it!) eHow:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4562907_bridesmaid-top-dos-donts-bridesmaids.html
The list is the most complete that I could find, and gives the best advice of any that I looked through on Google. So, if you're like me and are a soon-to-be bridesmaid, take a look through them and see what you can do.
There is a website called Bridesmaids 101, which has much more detailed listings of bridesmaids duties, with specific instructions if you are interested. http://www.bridesmaid101.com/bridesmaid_duties.html
Or, if you're just in it for the funny stories, take a look at these:
http://lifestyle.msn.com/relationships/article.aspx?cp-documentid=24321762>1=32023
Enjoy! And look for more information on Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock to come in the future!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Wedding Fever
*drumroll please*
Ahem. Ladies and Gentlemen, the time has come.
The ROYAL WEDDING is in less than 24 hours!!!
Can you tell I have some serious wedding fever?
I was obsessed with Princess Diana (and really the whole princess lifestyle) when I was little, but I had a very idealized version of what the 'princess life' is.
I thought it was all dazzling jewels and fabulous ballgowns - that there was no work involved. But a recent article on Yahoo! listed the 10 things Kate Middleton can no longer do once she marries Wills tomorrow - and it got me thinking. Would I really want to be a true life princess?
Here are the 10 things Kate can't do once she is married tomorrow:
1) Be referred to as Kate.
2) Vote.
3) Run for political office.
4) Escape the scrutiny of the media and British public.
5) Play Monopoly.
6) Say or do anything controversial.
7) Eat shellfish.
8) Work.
9) Sign anything that is not official documentation.
10) Finish her dinner.
The whole article (and the explanations of each point) is located here - http://uk.royalwedding.yahoo.com/blogs/ten-things-kate-cant-do-once-she-marries-wills-1583.
Would you want to be royalty? Tell me your thoughts!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
"show me hateful!!" - jack mcfarland
If I had to pick one lifelong obsession, it would definitely be Will and Grace. I have many all time favorite tv shows (That 70's Show, The Big Bang Theory, Friends), but if I had to pick one it would definitely be this show.
The show, in my opinion, is absolutely timeless. I've seen all eight seasons at least fifteen times, and every time I watch it I'm surprised by how much it makes me laugh. Every character has a very specific role and every character is relatable, and shine in different episodes throughout the series. Oftentimes I wish I could go back in time and watch the show when in aired (1998 - 2006), but when it started I was only six years old.
As a journalism student working toward a career in entertainment news and writing, I have been following the four stars in their years past the show. But more than anything I would love for a Will and Grace reunion to occur, whether just in interview form (how cool would it be to be the interviewer for that???) or in the style of the actual show.
Anyways, that's just a quick tid-bit about me, for whoever you are.
The show, in my opinion, is absolutely timeless. I've seen all eight seasons at least fifteen times, and every time I watch it I'm surprised by how much it makes me laugh. Every character has a very specific role and every character is relatable, and shine in different episodes throughout the series. Oftentimes I wish I could go back in time and watch the show when in aired (1998 - 2006), but when it started I was only six years old.
As a journalism student working toward a career in entertainment news and writing, I have been following the four stars in their years past the show. But more than anything I would love for a Will and Grace reunion to occur, whether just in interview form (how cool would it be to be the interviewer for that???) or in the style of the actual show.
Anyways, that's just a quick tid-bit about me, for whoever you are.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
New Directions
GOOD AFTERNOON! (or morning, evening, for wherever you are)
I'm having a fabulous day! I hope yours is going great as well!
Anyways....
I'm going to be doing something a little different on this blog from now on. Previously I was focused mostly on relationships, boys, etc. But, it has been pointed out to me that posts like that follow a typical pattern. I want this blog to relate to you specifically, whoever you are.
SO,
What do you want to read about? What are you interested in? Is there something happening in the world today that you want more information on? Is there anything you've always wanted to know but been to scared to ask?
If you're out there, leave me a comment, follow me, send me a message, anything. Let me know what it is you want to see. If not I will just ramble on about what I find important in the world today.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
The "Friend Zone"
How in the world does one get out of the dreaded, awful place known as the "friend zone"?
Girls do it to guys, guys do it to girls, nobody likes it, so why does it even exist?
I've been in the friend zone lots of times with guys over the years. In fact, I'm currently in the friend zone with a guy into and its driving me absolutely nuts. I guess you could chalk that up to the fact that once I'm in the friend zone I am clueless on how to get out. I try to be the perfect mix between the sexy hookup, the cool sporty friend, and the sensitive girlfriend material. So what's the deal?
I consulted one of my best girlfriends on the topic and the only solution she came up with was to jump their bones. For some girls this works, but I know for a fact that I'm not one of those girls.
I have come to learn from experience that men are afraid of commitment, so your strategy has to be well-thought out. But what's the best way to go about it?
I would love to hear from some guys on this one. What types of things put girls in you friend zone? Is there any way they can get out of it? We need some advice!!
Girls do it to guys, guys do it to girls, nobody likes it, so why does it even exist?
I've been in the friend zone lots of times with guys over the years. In fact, I'm currently in the friend zone with a guy into and its driving me absolutely nuts. I guess you could chalk that up to the fact that once I'm in the friend zone I am clueless on how to get out. I try to be the perfect mix between the sexy hookup, the cool sporty friend, and the sensitive girlfriend material. So what's the deal?
I consulted one of my best girlfriends on the topic and the only solution she came up with was to jump their bones. For some girls this works, but I know for a fact that I'm not one of those girls.
I have come to learn from experience that men are afraid of commitment, so your strategy has to be well-thought out. But what's the best way to go about it?
I would love to hear from some guys on this one. What types of things put girls in you friend zone? Is there any way they can get out of it? We need some advice!!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Long Distance
Does it work?
Long distance is typically one of those automatic 'no' things that pops into one's head when thinking about a possible relationship. For the most part, long distance is hard, and it automatically turns people off.
However, I can't really talk - I was in a long distance relationship for a year. Given that mine failed, I have a more biased opinion than most.
From what I have seen and heard, most long distance relationships don't work. However, I know those that have. For example, I have a friend here at school who went on spring break and now has a long distance boyfriend in Pennsylvania. One of my good friends has been dating a girl for five years, even though he lives in the United States and she lives in the UK.
I guess my question is, does it work? And, if it does, how? What makes a long distance relationship worth it?
Some people I've talked to say a deeper connection, some say trust, others say friendship; but what is it really that makes long distance work?
Thoughts?
Long distance is typically one of those automatic 'no' things that pops into one's head when thinking about a possible relationship. For the most part, long distance is hard, and it automatically turns people off.
However, I can't really talk - I was in a long distance relationship for a year. Given that mine failed, I have a more biased opinion than most.
From what I have seen and heard, most long distance relationships don't work. However, I know those that have. For example, I have a friend here at school who went on spring break and now has a long distance boyfriend in Pennsylvania. One of my good friends has been dating a girl for five years, even though he lives in the United States and she lives in the UK.
I guess my question is, does it work? And, if it does, how? What makes a long distance relationship worth it?
Some people I've talked to say a deeper connection, some say trust, others say friendship; but what is it really that makes long distance work?
Thoughts?
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
The Windy City
So I just got home this afternoon from a weekend in Chicago, which is, in my opinion, one of the most fabulous cities on earth. The scenery is beautiful, the attractions are fun, and the shopping is magnificent - but then again that may be just me...I could stand in Tiffany&Co for hours and never get bored.
I did get a first hand taste of why they call it the Windy City, which would probably be a lot more enjoyable when the weather is warmer. 30 degrees and windy doesn't really work for a southern girl - especially on spring break.
So that's just the update for now I suppose - I'm putting some pictures below of my trip. Enjoy!
I did get a first hand taste of why they call it the Windy City, which would probably be a lot more enjoyable when the weather is warmer. 30 degrees and windy doesn't really work for a southern girl - especially on spring break.
So that's just the update for now I suppose - I'm putting some pictures below of my trip. Enjoy!
 |
| a really neat elephant sculpture near the Willis Tower |
 |
| one of my favorite pics from the trip...so many colors!! |
 |
| chicago at night <3 |
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Watching People
So, I'm sitting in my favorite coffee shop on the best college campus in the world, happily sipping hot chocolate. You might be thinking, coffee shop....saturday night.....um, lame? But I'm telling you, there is no better place to practice God's best gift to mankind - people-watching.
Now, granted, I don't mean creeping. Creeping is creepy no matter which way you turn it - like that girl in the tree in the new cell phone commercial. People-watching is different altogether. It's a test of observance; for example, who can find the most interesting person, or the tallest, etc.
For those that have people-watched in the past, you probably understand where I'm coming from on this. College campuses, malls, and the pool are other great places to people-watch. However, I think coffee shops trump them all.
You get your regular creepers and strange-o's, like the guy who just came in and ordered coffee, danced around while he decided whether or not to order a slice of pie, and then introduced himself to me before he paid. Sir, I'm a customer too. I don't need to know your name. But, given that I'm a relatively polite person I accepted the introduction and smiled.
Okay. So besides the regular creepers and strange people that come through on a nightly basis, there are quite a few hunks at coffee shops. The kind of guys that make you double-take from your laptop, and are so oblivious to their own attractiveness. The kind with smiles that will make you melt right off your chair.
Have you ever been people-watching? What's the best or strangest encounter you've ever had?
Now, granted, I don't mean creeping. Creeping is creepy no matter which way you turn it - like that girl in the tree in the new cell phone commercial. People-watching is different altogether. It's a test of observance; for example, who can find the most interesting person, or the tallest, etc.
For those that have people-watched in the past, you probably understand where I'm coming from on this. College campuses, malls, and the pool are other great places to people-watch. However, I think coffee shops trump them all.
You get your regular creepers and strange-o's, like the guy who just came in and ordered coffee, danced around while he decided whether or not to order a slice of pie, and then introduced himself to me before he paid. Sir, I'm a customer too. I don't need to know your name. But, given that I'm a relatively polite person I accepted the introduction and smiled.
Okay. So besides the regular creepers and strange people that come through on a nightly basis, there are quite a few hunks at coffee shops. The kind of guys that make you double-take from your laptop, and are so oblivious to their own attractiveness. The kind with smiles that will make you melt right off your chair.
Have you ever been people-watching? What's the best or strangest encounter you've ever had?
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Breakups
Boys. There are some good ones out there, and there are some bad. There are those that you would never trust, and those that you trust with all of your heart. And sometimes, those boys that you trust with all of your heart turn around and stab you with it.
How do I know?
I have officially joined the ranks of single women everywhere.
Ah, yes, back to the single life. So far? It sucks. The week following a horrific breakup is always the worst, and believe me I'm feeling it.
Any good breakup stories you want to share?
How do I know?
I have officially joined the ranks of single women everywhere.
Ah, yes, back to the single life. So far? It sucks. The week following a horrific breakup is always the worst, and believe me I'm feeling it.
Any good breakup stories you want to share?
Monday, February 14, 2011
Valentine's Day. The most strings-attached, expectation-inducing, gift-requiring holiday of pretty much any holiday of the year. Especially for those of us who aren't single. But is it really wrong to want those things?
I remember being single. I say that with the fondness of knowing the single life on this special day for 18 years in a row, so believe me, I know. I always wished for things on Valentine's Day, but I didn't expect to get them. I mean sure, every girl has her fantasy about the greatest boy in the planet waltzing up on Valentine's with a bouquet of roses and whisking her off on horseback into the sunset. Come on.
I found, however, that being in a relationship during Valentine's Day completely changed my expectations of how it should go. I didn't wish for flowers anymore, part of me actually expected them. I didn't just want a card, I expected there to be one in my college mailbox.
Is that wrong?
The funny thing for me was that even though I am in a relationship, it was still like being single today. Wishing for things that you know aren't coming. So, in a way, my world didn't really change. I have some pretty amazing friends though - and those are the best people to spend Valentine's with anyways.
Thoughts?
I remember being single. I say that with the fondness of knowing the single life on this special day for 18 years in a row, so believe me, I know. I always wished for things on Valentine's Day, but I didn't expect to get them. I mean sure, every girl has her fantasy about the greatest boy in the planet waltzing up on Valentine's with a bouquet of roses and whisking her off on horseback into the sunset. Come on.
I found, however, that being in a relationship during Valentine's Day completely changed my expectations of how it should go. I didn't wish for flowers anymore, part of me actually expected them. I didn't just want a card, I expected there to be one in my college mailbox.
Is that wrong?
The funny thing for me was that even though I am in a relationship, it was still like being single today. Wishing for things that you know aren't coming. So, in a way, my world didn't really change. I have some pretty amazing friends though - and those are the best people to spend Valentine's with anyways.
Thoughts?
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Flowers, rings, and other things
What is love?
Age-old question right? You ask and older people always say, "well there's no good answer to that." You walk away think yeah right and vow to discover the answer yourself, only to discover that they were actually right all along. But if there is no straight answer, how in the world do you define it? How do you know?
My first marriage was absolutely beautiful. It was the perfect fall day: a crisp breeze, bright sunshine and beautiful colors. My uniform was pressed and pleated, my flower ring was gorgeous, and my five year old future husband looking very handsome in his dress shirt. It was never made legal, of course, but we were quite the kindergarten couple.
But I wasn't in love. I sure thought I was (how could you not at 6 years old?) Then, first grade rolled around and all of a sudden, my husband didn't want to play on the playground with me anymore. He didn't want to swing, or play cards, or anything - he didn't even want to be friends. I was so upset I went home in tears. My mom comforted me, and I turned to her and said, "mom, you don't understand, once you put your love in someone you can never get it back!" I had no idea how insightful those words were at the time, and how true they would become in my life.
I didn't have any other marriages during my elementary school years, and as I progressed into middle school, and then into high school, boys started to come and go. Most were just good friends, others were actual interests. As I started to get the hang of the dating game, I realized how right I was as a little girl.
Every guy I was interested in that came and went took a little piece of me with them. I couldn't help it - it's the type of person I am. When I date, I invest in someone. I put in time and consideration (as I assume most women do). And when those guys leave, it's impossible to get that piece of me that I put into them back. So they take it, whether they mean to or not.
I used to think that when I found the person I was meant to be with I would just know. That instantly it would click and we would live happily ever after. (That's what Disney movies led me to believe.) Now, however, I'm not so sure. Is it possible that a click can happen with more than one person? Is your soulmate really one person, or is it a bunch of people? Is the long-term what really counts and not the spark?
I'm a sappy romantic. I absolutely love flowers, home-cooked meals, walking on the beach, slow-dancing - I could go on for hours. Courting and chivalrous men used to exist in the world. But I haven't met a single one yet. This is also a trend I see with many of my friends - all they want is to be courted with flowers, gifts, etc, but there's not a man yet that's done it.
There's a quote from one of my new favorite movies that almost perfectly fits this: "I want John Cusack holding a boombox outside my window. I wanna ride off on a lawnmower with Patrick Dempsey. I want Jake from Sixteen Candles waiting outside the church for me. I want Judd Nelson thrusting his fist into the air because he knows he got me. Just once I want my life to be like an 80's movie, preferably one with a really awesome musical number for no apparent reason" - Easy A.
Life is tough. Love is harder. And being a teenager going through both? That's the worst.
Age-old question right? You ask and older people always say, "well there's no good answer to that." You walk away think yeah right and vow to discover the answer yourself, only to discover that they were actually right all along. But if there is no straight answer, how in the world do you define it? How do you know?
My first marriage was absolutely beautiful. It was the perfect fall day: a crisp breeze, bright sunshine and beautiful colors. My uniform was pressed and pleated, my flower ring was gorgeous, and my five year old future husband looking very handsome in his dress shirt. It was never made legal, of course, but we were quite the kindergarten couple.
But I wasn't in love. I sure thought I was (how could you not at 6 years old?) Then, first grade rolled around and all of a sudden, my husband didn't want to play on the playground with me anymore. He didn't want to swing, or play cards, or anything - he didn't even want to be friends. I was so upset I went home in tears. My mom comforted me, and I turned to her and said, "mom, you don't understand, once you put your love in someone you can never get it back!" I had no idea how insightful those words were at the time, and how true they would become in my life.
I didn't have any other marriages during my elementary school years, and as I progressed into middle school, and then into high school, boys started to come and go. Most were just good friends, others were actual interests. As I started to get the hang of the dating game, I realized how right I was as a little girl.
Every guy I was interested in that came and went took a little piece of me with them. I couldn't help it - it's the type of person I am. When I date, I invest in someone. I put in time and consideration (as I assume most women do). And when those guys leave, it's impossible to get that piece of me that I put into them back. So they take it, whether they mean to or not.
I used to think that when I found the person I was meant to be with I would just know. That instantly it would click and we would live happily ever after. (That's what Disney movies led me to believe.) Now, however, I'm not so sure. Is it possible that a click can happen with more than one person? Is your soulmate really one person, or is it a bunch of people? Is the long-term what really counts and not the spark?
I'm a sappy romantic. I absolutely love flowers, home-cooked meals, walking on the beach, slow-dancing - I could go on for hours. Courting and chivalrous men used to exist in the world. But I haven't met a single one yet. This is also a trend I see with many of my friends - all they want is to be courted with flowers, gifts, etc, but there's not a man yet that's done it.
There's a quote from one of my new favorite movies that almost perfectly fits this: "I want John Cusack holding a boombox outside my window. I wanna ride off on a lawnmower with Patrick Dempsey. I want Jake from Sixteen Candles waiting outside the church for me. I want Judd Nelson thrusting his fist into the air because he knows he got me. Just once I want my life to be like an 80's movie, preferably one with a really awesome musical number for no apparent reason" - Easy A.
Life is tough. Love is harder. And being a teenager going through both? That's the worst.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Action
People often tell me that my life should be a movie. First thought that pops in my head? Picture the most glamorous house you’ve ever seen in your life. Now fill it with A-listers, corporate big shots, and anyone else that tops your list of important people. Then, throw a couple servants in there, and bam - you have your movie star life. Right?
Not so much. See, I’m more of the ‘under the radar’ persona. I stick out when I need to and the rest of the time I blend in. With unmanageable curls, gangly limbs, and feet so big that there are two (yes two!) legitimate stores that carry my size, I’m far from Hollywood’s version of a movie star. But my movie is most definitely real.
My movie’s been through a lot. Some chapters have closed, some have opened (some are still open,) and it’s definitely had its plot twists. My goal for this is to tell my story, and encourage you (whoever you are) to tell yours. Could be fun? Aaaand, action!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)