Little Reminders: Trials Are Challenges, Not Failures!

Living Out My Vision

Everyone knows I came to college with a very specific list of goals: to get an outstanding education, make lasting relationships, develop myself professionally, and to dominate the PR/Journalism worlds. I had a plan, a vision, and realistic goals. I should have been set. But the more exposure I gain to real world and the industry, the more detailed and expansive my vision gets! Once again, I'm in the midst of a great balancing act, wondering if it's possible to do it all.

After making colored coded list after colored coded list, I think I finally have an answer to my question: YES! Yes, I can have my latte, drink it, and even have a Special K bar on the side. My entire belief system says that I can. I refuse to believe that I have all of these talents, passions, and curiosities for arbitrary reasons. Everything I am and can be has a specific purpose and place, even if I don't know what that is yet. I believe this is a fundamental truth about everyone: well all have immense potential inside of us that we must tap into. We owe this not only to ourselves, but to the world. You never know what you were meant to do, until you do it. We are too qualified to waste our time, talents, and passions.

A Day in Photos - 1/25/12

Little Reminders: All Your Dreams Come True

Living by this statement today! The dream I had last night was too good, and I know it's going to come true!

I'm A Big Kid Now

The start of my second semester has been awesome, and extremely hectic! Only two weeks in and I'm already burried under books, readings, notes, and more reading! Nevertheless, I am extremely optimistic and hopeful for the new and exciting adventures this semester is going to bring. I have never felt more like the sky is the limit than I do right now.

Homework Madness!!

In the midst of all of these warm and fuzzy feelings are a bunch of other less warm and relatively un-fuzzy feelings as well. Everyday, I realize a little more how much of an adult I am. I knew I was on my own last semester, but now it's really sinking in - I'm on my own. Anything I need to get done (even the things that were only ever a phone call to Daddy away) now rests on my shoulders. I have to file taxes, buy textbooks, and get/do whatever else I need. The concept of living for me has never been clearer. I must say, I'm handling it well. I love the feeling of calling home and hearing my dad sound at peace with the fact that I'm making it sans parental assistance. Kuddos to me!


Although this is one of the scariest experiences I've ever been through, I'm starting to crave more independence and responsibility. I can't wait to start looking at apartments - having a home that I create, establish, and maintain myself. I'm on a ferocious part time job hunt, as well as doing research on summer internships in the city (you know, I never stop). I also have some personal creative ventures I'm looking into - no need in letting passion and talent go to waste.

Everything looks like it can only go up from here. I'm excited for the next part of this grown up journey.

I Feel Really, Nice Today

It may be freezing outside, but the sun is shining and I'm having a great day!

Litter Reminders: No Rain, No Rainbow

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Good always comes after the storm.

The Things I Have

Today, I got some unexpected news. To make a long story short, a lot of the things I used to have, are now gone. I know that is the most vague description ever written, but it's all I can give right now. I still don't know how to process the loss. One one hand, material things come and go. But on the other hand, these material items hold certain sentimental value, thus making them invaluable. At least to me.

So, in the midst of lost I thought, what better to do than remember all that I have. Especially non material items.

I have friends and family who love me unconditionally and intentionally. I do not have to do anything to sustain or earn their love. They give it freely and in great abundance.

I have my faith, which enables me to overcome any and all things. It is a constant reminder than I am more than my situations and circumstances. My faith reminds me that when I wake up in the morning, the day is new. Yesterdays issues are left in yesterday, and can only come into today if I bring them along with me.

I have myself. I am a strong force. I have a destiny so great, I can not even comprehend it yet. I have all of the makings for greatness. My will to persevere, to survive, and to be all that I know (and even that I don't know) that I can be are far greater than anything that dares to hold me back.

The things I have will always be greater than the things I've lost. Live positive.

Little Reminders: All That Glitters

Things aren't always what they seem. Don't be fooled by the, often false, glam.

Because We All Know I Can Be A Tad Boushy...

If that's what you want to call it. I don't think I'm necessarily "boushy", I just have certain standards.

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This all came up after talking to my best friend about what I would expect from a guy who I would consider being more than friends with. I was listing out things that I would find unacceptable, and ended my list by saying "because we all know I can be a litte boushy at times." I thought we would laugh it off as another one of my witty moments, and then she agreed with me! That's the thing about having a best friend who keeps it real, you never know how strong the day's dose of real will be!

I just think if I'm working to become a certain type of woman, why not want to be surrounded by a certain type of person? Not saying I discriminate, I just have a preference! I like to be matched, challenged even. I admit, I have high standards. But only because I believe I could meet someone else's high standards!

That doesn't make me boushy... does it?

13 Reasons Friday the 13th is like Any Other Friday

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I've never been a superstitious person, and I refuse to believe that because a certain day of the week falls on the 13th I'm going to have bad luck and a horrible day. Come on, every day is what you make it. If you walk around with the Friday the 13th cloud over your head all day, of course you'll experience grey skies. Need some help blocking out the superstition? Keep reading!

Little Reminders: You Are A Genius

Little Reminders: Under Pressure

No diamond was ever formed under the weight of a feather.

It's The Return

This time next week, I'll be sitting in my "Powering the Future" class (pray for me). It time to go back to school.

There's no doubt that I worked hard last semester, but I wasn't satisfied with my final grades. They weren't bad, but I want and expect more from myself. Thats the thing about being your own toughest critic: you never stop pushing yourself! Blessing and a curse.

Anyway, Spring 2012 means new classes, new assignments, and a new routine. I'll of course continue my endless list making, post-it posting, and color coding, but I also plan on improving some of the faults in my study routine.

I'm committed to this 4.0 lifestyle, only because I know I have it in me!

This semester I will:

Study alone before attempting to study with others: Even though 3am study sessions with the crew often proved to be productive, they are also distracting. Getting in some solid solo studying then reviewing when the gangs all there could be the difference between a B and an A. And we all know how I feel about that difference!

Little Reminders: Keep Calm And Carry On

My personal life mantra! Know it, live it, love it! KCACO!

Who Made the "Rules" Anyway?

Ever since MJ and I broke up, I've been thinking a lot about the rules (official and unofficial) of breaking up. Don't believe there are rules? Google it! Still don't believe me? Check out here and here.

Why do we let magazine editors and wannabe therapist (best friends included) tell us how to play the love game? Why is love even a game to begin with? We stress over when to move on. We fear the moving on too soon implies lack of investment in the previous relationship. Simultaneously, we fear taking too long to move on shows desperation, depression, or being clingy.

I say, chill. 

Break ups aren't easy, neither are relationships. But adding unnecessary rules and guidelines only makes them ten billion times harder! From now on, forget to rules. Do what you need and want to do, when you need and want to do it. I will.

Little Reminders: Chanel Quote.

"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous"

Don't forget to work it today, ladies! Chanel said so!

Little Reminders: LC Says

Add this to the long list of reasons I love Lauren Conrad. LC is such an awesome role model!

The State of the Union Questionnaire

I found this on one of my favorite blogs Coco & Lowe and had to repost! They call it a 'Proust Questionnaire', but to me it seemed like exactly what I've renamed it as: A State of the Union. This is a good annual thing to do to track progress and see where you're head has been over time. 

1. What’s your idea of perfect happiness?

Being surrounded by those I love and who love me, doing what I love, operating in love.

2. What is your greatest fear?

Missing the mark, and not becoming all that I can be.

3. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

The need to always be in control.

4.  What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Selfishness

5. Which living person do you most admire?

I can't answer this, in a year I will be able to.

6. What is your greatest extravagance?

My education. Nothing in my life cost more, or is worth more.

7. What is your current state of mind?

Expectant 

8. What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Acceptance 

9. On what occasion do you lie?

When I was younger in sunday school, I remember asking if there were good lies. The teacher abruptly told me no, causing me to offer this example: If you visit someone who is chronically ill in the hospital and they ask 'how do I look', lying and telling them they look fine is an "okay" lie. So I guess in that type of situation, I'd lie.

10. What do you most dislike about your appearance?

My chipmunk cheeks!

11. Which living person do you most despise?

Negative people, who can only pull themselves up by pushing others down. Gross.

12. What are qualities you most like in a man?

Christian. honest, ambitious, educated, good listener/communicator, family oriented, confidence 

13. What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Christian. honest, ambitious, educated, good listener/communicator, family oriented, confidence 

14. Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Forreal? Really though? True.

15. What or who is the greatest love of your life?

God, followed by myself.

Guilty Pleasure: Extreme Couponing

A month or two ago, I was in the room not pretend studying with TLC as my background noise when suddenly, this show comes on. These people spend 30+ hours a week finding coupons in local papers and online. At first, they seem crazy; that is at least until they get to the checkout line. These people are literally buying thousands of dollars of groceries and walking away paying close to nothing! Sometimes, they even get money BACK after coupons! If that's not balling on a budget, then please tell me what is!

This show is too addicting! A marathon comes on and I literally sit and watch these people rack up on savings for HOURS!

As a struggling college student, I have no choice but to respect their hustles! Maybe I'll stop overlooking those riteaid circulars and see just how much more I can get for less. Hmmm.

Little Reminders: Make It Plain

All Of This For Wisdom?

Last year, I got hit from all sides: a throat infection (Pharyngitis) at the same time my wisdom teeth were coming in. Byfar, my worst 2 weeks ever. I'd get into all the (un)fabulous gory details, but even I don't want to relive them! Anyway, I thought the madness was over and I would never have to deal with the discomfort again. Until.

About a week ago, I noticed my gums had started to swell again. No, no no no no no, not I, not this, please; NO.

For some reason, my wisdom teeth on the right side of my mouth are still making there way in. Are you kidding me? A year later and you aren't done?! Apparently, it takes longer for some people's wisdom teeth to come in than others. Lucky me.

Thanks to my passionately curious nature, I had to look up the story behind these little suckers. Am I really going to gain more wisdom after suffering this agony? Yeah, probs not.

According to Dear Doctor, wisdom teeth have been called so since the 17th century. They were given their name because (normally) they make their gran debut between the ages of 17-25, when one reaches adulthood. Thus, these 3rd molars are seen to come in at a wiser stage in one's life, much wiser than the preceding teeth.

So, after my gums return to normal size and it no longer hurts to not speak, I will most likely be just as wise as before this whole ordeal began. That's dentistry for ya!

Love and Relationship Ethos: Fin, Part 2

The Gifts
If you haven't read part one, click here first!

When MJ and I spoke on the phone for the last time, I cried. All I could think about was the expiry of something I had known for so long. Sure, he and I have had break-ups before. But I don't think I can honestly say that we've broken up, until now, of course. So as a sat there trying to listen but only hearing what he was saying, I couldn't help but to get emotional.

Looking back, I don't think facing the fact that we weren't getting back together is the reason that I cried. I cried because, and don't judge me on this, I knew everything would be okay. I knew, and know, that we will find someway to fit roles in each other's lives. I guess it triggered something in me because it was clear that what I wanted not only wouldn't be, but didn't have to be for both of us to be happy.

After we hung up the phone, I pulled out the pandora bracelet he gave me for Christmas this year. There are three charms on it: a textbook, an owl, and a heart with a lock and key. When he first gave me the bracelet, the charms made perfect sense: A textbook with an owl on the back because I'm in school, an owl because I'm a Temple Owl, and a heart with lock and key because we had each other's hearts. But now, the charms combined to me, revealing new meaning that I might have never realized had we not broken up.

Little Reminders: Shine

Do not allow seemingly negative situations to extinguish your light. You create your own reality, you control your world. Shine.

Love and Relationship Ethos: Fin, Part 1

This isn't a post I foresaw writing at all, but here it is. MJ broke up with me NewYears Eve after three and a half years of dating. I wish I could say that I took it well, found the silver lining and ended things with a smile and hug; but that would be a lie. A huge lie.

My first instinct was to run, and my second was to eat. So thats exactly what I did, ran straight to my best friend's house. I knew I wasn't ready to face everyone yet, or tell anyone what had happened. I needed to go somewhere that didn't require me to talk about things I wasn't ready to discuss, or face those who I was not ready to face. So for two days I hid, and ate, and hid, and ate some more! Brownies, cookies, fries, you name it, and I'm sure I ate it. I'm actually surprised the linning of my stomach didn't burst at the combination of foods I consumed in such a short time span! Anyway, it was comforting, and a much needed escape from reality.

I knew I would have to talk to him eventually, especially since he was going back to basic military training (he left today). So I called him, looking for an explanation (or at least that's what I convinced myself I was looking for). Long story short, I got no explanation! The call ended after about a half an hour and I had more questions than before I called him. I couldn't believe that something that had been so good for so long was just ending. I hated that there was nothing I could do about it, that I had no control over the situation (control freak problems).

Happy New Year!!

My New Year's Resolution is to never make another New Year's Resolution again. I'd rather just work on being the best me possible, every day. Happy New Year, hello 2012.