A Bad Day with Beethoven
Everyone has a “horrible, first day of school” story. Except for me. Until today. My last, first day of school.
Let’s preface the real story with the fact that I practically poured coffee all over myself on my way to school. Thankfully, it wasn’t hot and it was on my coat. However, I should have taken this as a sign.
9:30 a.m. class- Honors Music Colloquium: Beethoven’s Symphonic Theory
I also should have taken it as a sign when everyone in the 10 person class knew each other… because they were all grad students… studying music history, music theory, tuba, piano, etc.
As we went around the classroom saying our name, major and what we enjoyed about Beethoven, I knew I was screwed.
Person A: I’m a graduate student in Music History and have also played the piano my entire life. Thus, I know all about Beethoven’s history as well as the way all of his symphonies are composed and could tell you about each them down to each note. Oh look, I also have all 3 of these books about his symphonies that I just bought for fun and randomly brought to class.
Me: Uh.. I’m an undergraduate Journalism student and I have always been interested in music.
It was a real shining moment for me.
It only went downhill from there as the Austrian professor lectured in a foreign language. Background: I’ve grown up in choir, can/could read music, have played the clarinet, piano and guitar, making me think I was qualified enough. The class was practically in another language. About the only words I recognized were Beethoven, Bach and symphony. But even then, I couldn’t tell you what exactly characterizes a symphony and the origins of it (which he asked.)
As he was writing notes on the board and drawing symbols that were far from anything I’ve ever seen, I was hastily taking down every word. (At this point I was positive I had to drop the class, but would rather be safe than sorry) “Now, this is review for all of you, correct? Because the entire class will be building on these concepts,” he asked in his too cute accent that made me all the more upset. I look around and not a single other person is taking notes.
I.am.dead.
Okay, 5 minutes left in the class. He will surely let us go early, because I don’t know how much more of this I can take. HA what was I thinking?
“For the last few minutes, let’s listen to Sammartini. Follow along with the score I handed you then we will analytically discuss his work- what form it is in (which I had just comprehensively taken notes on, but definitely wouldn’t be able to decipher the score with), how you can tell and what the anomalies with his other works are (who the heck was this guy anyway?!).”
I have never, ever, ever been more excited to leave a class than the moment we were released.
Editor’s note: I have officially switched out of that class into The History of the Book in Early America.
Five Things
As I’ve mentioned on here before, cupcakesandcashmere.com is one of my absolute favorite blogs ever. (And if you’ve never looked at it, you better hop on that asap) Every Friday she posts Five Things- pictures of random things throughout the week that make her happy. Well, in accordance with my blog post about making the last week before school count, I’ve decided to do a similar post, noticing all of the little things this week that just gave me a little extra smile. (Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery right?)
{Cappucino with cinnamon at Common Grounds}
{New Essie nail polish L to R: Decadent Diva, Steel-ing the Scene, We Can Do It Pink!}
{Pho, pronounced Fu, from Silk Road. One of the weirdest and most delicious things I’ve ever eaten, along with one of the best nights in recent memory}
{If you’ve EVER seen the inside of our refrigerator, you’ll understand}
{I spy with my little eye a feather extension…}
Love
{Inspired by a childhood favorite movie, Beaches}
You’ve got to give a little, take a little
And let your poor heart break a little
That’s the story of,
That’s the glory of love
You’ve got to laugh a little, cry a little
Until the clouds roll by a little
That’s the story of,
That’s the glory of love
As long as there’s the two of us
We’ve got the world and all its charms
And when the world is through with us
We’ve got each other’s arms
You’ve got to win a little, lose a little
Yes, and always have the blues a little
That’s the story of,
That’s the glory of love
I’m feeling rough, I’m feeling raw, I’m in the prime of my life
As I’ve returned from a wonderful few weeks of vacation, and school is rapidly approaching, I’m feeling blue, da ba dee da ba die. It doesn’t help that it’s freezing outside and snowy. Which when you’re sans school, isn’t nearly as exciting. All I can seem to think about is: waking up early, tests, papers, lack of time to read and watch movies, the impending thesis, plans, moving, job hunting, extreme busyness that I know will happen within a week of school. Though I’ve always been that person that loves being so busy she can’t sit still (pretty sure I know where I got that from..) I’ve surprisingly enjoyed the relaxation this break has brought, and only a tiny part of me is itching to get back into a routine.
However, I’m changing my tune. Why spend the last week of break dreading the inevitable? I’m looking too far into the future and discounting what the next semester, next month, next week or next day could bring.
I’ve been inspired by several things to say goodbye, bad mood and make every second count.
This song just came up on Pandora as I was writing this and it made me happy. Music is so good for the soul.
I see pictures of this beautiful little guy, Jack, that belongs to one of my good friends Lauren and my heart is beyond warmed. Just look at those eyes.
I’ve been happily reading The Imperfectionists, about misfit journalists, and plan to finish it before school starts.
I also plan to finish the final season of Veronica Mars. I had to give her another nod. I’ve been very inspired by her.
Then there’s this blog post from Thought Catalog that makes me laugh and reflect on How to be a 20-Something.
This blog, appropriately titled sunshine on a cloudy day, is one of my new favorites, and where I found this inspiration:
Of course not to mention the wonderful people in my life that make every day count. You are who make me wake up every day with a smile on my face, whether through a text message, a listening ear, a patient heart, an unintended compliment, a gracious laugh or the never-ending love you shower down on me. I’m inspired by all of you to make every second count and love you, and life, with everything I have.
XOXO
2010: my year in pictures
What a year 2010 has been. As I grow older (I’m almost 22!) I’m losing my memory rapidly, and I would love to use this blog as a scrapbook of sorts. So, let’s begin the year’s highlights with one of the most memorable moments of my year. My 21st birthday party.
Fake snow, lots of friends, dancing the night away, cops (X 3), and a fight in the middle of the street. Could I have had a more memorable 21st?
And the best birthday present? I got to go see my favorite singer, Taylor Swift, in concert in LA with my mom!
This summer, I was in my first wedding as one of my dearest friends from high school got married in Virginia. It was a beautiful ceremony at her parents’ house, and truly an international wedding as she married a charming man from Belarus. (And this year that same weekend she will be in my very own wedding!)
Which brings me to…. my engagement! By far, the best memory of my 2010 was Sunday, September 26. I am so very thankful for my incredible fiance and can’t wait to finally call him my husband this year! What a very special day this was that he had planned out so perfectly, first spending hours together in the park with champagne and chocolate covered strawberries, then with a surprise (and I was VERY surprised) engagement party on the patio of Noodles. It couldn’t have been more perfect.
Of course I can’t go without mentioning all of the awesome trips I’ve been on this year. Vegas, for business and pleasure. Minneapolis, for business (and we threw in some pleasure.) North and South Dakota, a unique spring break trip. Harry Potter World, more amazing than I could have even dreamed. And ending the year off right in Florida, a final trip with just my parents.
2011, you’ve already brought me a trip to New Orleans and the promise of a marriage to my best friend. I can’t wait to see what else lies ahead.
If you want to be happy, be. ~Leo Tolstoy
Happiness is:
friendship
the greeting of family when you haven’t seen them in a while
waking up to the smell of coffee
gorging on chocolate
laughter, and laughter, and laughter
a fresh, new magazine
clean sheets
a joke that rocks you to the core
spending time with your best friend
sunshine
a genuine hug
finding your passion
a child’s smile
opening a fresh page of a notebook and writing away
an unexpected text message
hearing a meaningful ‘I love you’
finishing a book
connecting with someone
recognizing the beauty of God surrounding you
realizing you still have time to sleep in
freedom
finding a song that connects with your soul
traveling with people you love
not giving a damn what people think
a breath of fresh air
giving
Life.
XOXO
Hibernate (v): spend the winter in a dormant state
Ah, Christmas break.
I’ve been done with school for more than a week now and have sufficiently gotten to experience what Christmas break is all about. It’s a time of hibernation, rejuvenation, relaxation. A time to do all those things you wanted to do during the semester, but just didn’t have time to do. And most importantly, a time to do absolutely nothing, and not feel guilty about it.
So how have I spent my first week of Christmas break?
Veronica Mars.
I’m a season and a half in on one of my new favorite shows, and I don’t feel one ounce of guilt about spending so much time in front of the ol’ tele. Why? Because I deserve it.
Yes, I’ve been lazy and worn my sweats and the couch out more than I ought, but I’ve also gotten quite a lot done as well:
Christmas shopping, coffee dates, multiple Christmas parties with different groups of people, baking, a going away party, extreme cleaning of my entire house and my car, babysitting, puppysitting, breakfast dates, reading, job hunting
And who said t.v. was such a waste of time? I’ve learned a lot from my VM marathon, including- how far an accent and a plan can get you, the importance of confidence and getting tough, how to secretly bug anyone, things aren’t always what they seem, the inconsequence of what people say about you behind your back, money doesn’t buy happiness
and finally, my new life goal of becoming a private investigator.
Life of a College Kid
There are a few things I’ve realized that I’ve gotten pretty good at lately that most people characterize college kids by. If you knew me freshman year, almost all of these things were pretty much opposite about me. Oh how college will change you.
The art of writing papers in an hour before class My procrastination skills have finally won out over my annoying perfectionism.
Surviving on little to no food This isn’t even necessarily because I’m a poor college student- just a lazy one.
Being disorganized Typically extremely organized with a color-coded closet and the perfect school notebook, I am now the person rifling through papers for that one you just can’t find and stepping through piles of clothes and boots on the floor just to get to bed.
Getting ready in under 30 minutes Ask my parents or Kyle about this one and they will tell you this definitely wasn’t always so. Most days I can even get ready in 15 because I now know how to throw on clothes that may not match (and not care), wear minimal makeup and make my hair look fine without taking a shower.
Watching any movie, or t.v. show on the Internet without buying it Though I’m not one for illegally downloading things, I have learned all of the sketch websites that will allow you to watch pretty much anything you could want.
Caffeine Enough said.
Getting minimal sleep throughout the week, then sleeping until noon on the weekends College. What more can I say.
Mingling with different types of people Growing up in “Pleasantville” didn’t exactly provide much diversity, but Fayetteville (home to Bikes, Blues and BBQ, legalize marijuana protests and a plethora of international students) is a whole new ball game.
Procrastination I’ve learned so many more ways to procrastinate than I ever though possible. ..blogging, perhaps?
Fake cleaning This definitely isn’t something to be proud of (or maybe it is?), and is something I need to work on since I will be a wife in less than a year, but I could make our apartment look “super clean” in 30 minutes by not really doing any cleaning at all.
Thanksgiving Begins With a Kick (Literally)
In an effort to record significant moments of my Thanksgiving break, I’m going to post a few short, sporadic blog posts this week.
My mom convinced me to get up and go to Body Combat at 8:15 a.m. I only conceded to this after being asked if I’d rather go to 5:30 a.m. Body Pump. Fine, 8:15 it is, and I like combat (or so I thought)- kicks, punches, similar to what I’ve done in the past with KenpoX. (Thus thinking I would be totally fine since P90X is so hardcore.)
I. wanted. to. die.
Several reasons it was not the same as KenpoX..
1. I couldn’t press pause.
2. I couldn’t keep refilling my water bottle.
3. Since the instructor was standing right in front of me, facing me, I couldn’t just partially do it when I got tired.
I was trying to use the techniques I had remembered while doing Kenpo to get me through it. Think of someone you hate and picture their face that you’re punching and kicking. But I honestly couldn’t think of anyone. I’m sure that’s a good thing, but at the time it wasn’t. So then I started thinking of the fried pickles and fried alligator with ranch I ate last night and how I needed to burn it off. That thought only lasted for so long. Of course at the very end I realized I should just be thinking about my wedding and honeymoon. That will be my new mantra: wedding. wedding. wedding. wedding.
I could also barely understand what our fearless leader (who I wanted to call Tony) was saying over the loud music. So at several points he started laughing and I didn’t know if he was laughing at something he said, or something I did, since he looked at me every time he laughed. Granted, there were only 3 people in the class.
I can’t say I’m not glad we went because it does give me a sense of self-confidence that I could beat up anyone in the alleys of El Dorado. Which might be necessary, in all honesty.
As we were walking out of the class, he asked us if we were coming back to the 11:15 for round 2. The first thought that crossed my mind was turning around and using my hook and uppercut right there. I guess I am ready for the streets.
15 Truths I Learned from 15-Year-Olds
I spent the greater part of my weekend with eight 15-year-olds. It was exhausting. It was fun. It was crazy. It made me feel like a mom. But I learned a lot. I watched their actions and listened carefully to their conversations. I reminisced about when I was 15. Tthough I often wish I was “young” again, I’m so glad have learned these lessons I didn’t know at 15.
1. It is not okay to talk about people behind their backs.
2. How you look is not the most important thing in the world.
3. If someone in authority tells you to do something, do it.
4. Always think about the other people around you and how loud you are being.
5. People’s feelings get hurt more easily than you think.
6. Some of the best times of your life will be when you stay up all night laughing about silly things.
7. Don’t be afraid to talk to older people. They will often love to talk to you and share their experiences.
8. There is no shame in singing at the top of your lungs to a song.
9. Boys are not the center of the universe.
10. The best present is not necessarily the most expensive one.
11. It does not matter who you ride with in the car for 5 minutes.
12. Do not gang up on one person, no matter how mean or annoying they are.
13. Uggs and shorts are not cool.
14. Doing homework for a 2 hours during the weekend is not that big of a deal.
15. Eat all of the junk food you can while your body doesn’t show it.
I couldn’t find any 15-year-old pictures, but here are a few blast from the past pictures of when I was 16.
Me and Kyle! Who looks the most different?
Fun mother-daughter trip to San Diego!
Even then I was a baller..
No Day But Today
“He’s still feeling like he’s 16
And you’re chasing all of the same drink
Only living on the weekend nights
The card is empty but the tab got paid
I think it’s funny how some things change
There’s got to be more to life.” – The Kill, Ben Rector
Typical Monday: Open my planner. Write down everything I have to do for the week. Groan. Wish for the week to fly by and that it was the weekend already.
I seem to categorize my life in weekends. I look forward to weekends to come. I think about weekends in the past. The days of the week seem to just kind of be there, taking up space, not really meaning anything except for work and the occasional random, fun hangout times. I look at the month ahead and don’t even think, oh hey that Wednesday could be just AWESOME, but instead plan each weekend and wait expectantly.
I don’t like living this way and I’ve decided we need to change. Maybe I’m the only one who does this, but I have a feeling I’m not. In all honesty, do we know if we will even make it to the weekend? We are wasting our life by not living day to day, but instead only living on the weekend nights. Or, like it sometimes happens, will the weekend let us down? We pass up hanging out with people during the week so we can get our “work done” and have free time on the weekends, but then there’s nothing to do on the weekends. Why should we wait for Friday night, Saturday and Sunday to hold all of the fun and relaxing times of the week? Why can’t we spread it out all week and look forward to each and every single day?
So, let’s do it together. Let’s vow to not let the week get us down. To not have a case of the Mondays. Let’s vow to live every day like it’s our last. To do something we love every day. To relax every day. To not look at the rest of the semester by the weekends we have planned. Let’s live like there’s no day but today.
Celebrity Style of the Week: Rachel McAdams
Rachel McAdams is one of my favorite stars in Hollywood and always exudes beauty and grace in everything she does. Though my initial thoughts for this portion of my blog was to include stars that had a unique sense of street style, I came across this photo and couldn’t turn away.
McAdams wore a ruched metallic Lanvin dress with black mesh pumps and Fred Leighton diamonds to the Morning Glory premiere in New York. With tousled locks and a perfectly curve-hugging dress, McAdams shows her equal affinity for the girl next door look and a sultry, but classy style.
Wish I May, Wish I Might
I’m always wishing I were someone I’m not.
-I wish I were a runner.
-I wish I had an olive complexion like my mom.
-I wish I was a hot tea drinker.
-I wish I could let my room or car be messy for a day without stressing out about it.
-I wish I was spontaneous.
-I wish I loved healthy foods so much I was disgusted by anything else.
-I wish I didn’t care about my grades.
-I wish I was a night owl, instead of a morning person.
-I wish I was a news junkie. (Don’t tell my journalism professors I’m not.)
-I wish I liked talking on the phone.
I used to think it was bad for me to think these things. I need to be happy with who I am and not fret over who I’m not, I thought. And though to an extent I do still believe that, I now have a new way of looking at it. Though some of these things I can’t change (like the color of my skin), some of them I can. Having these wishes are little aspirations for me to work up to. I wish I was a runner. Well, okay, get your booty moving and become one. I clearly remember last year when I was training for a half-marathon (that never happened) I was so proud of my body and what it was capable of. I even called myself a runner to other people and on my Facebook status (so obviously it was legit.) I wish I was spontaneous. (I won’t go into detail for this one because you’ve already heard me ramble about this.) Well, start doing random, fun things just for the heck of it! We all need something to aspire to be and if we were perfectly content with everything in our life, we would never grow as human beings and we would be boring and arrogant as all get out. I do have a list of things I wish I were, but I also have a list of things about myself that I love and am thankful for, and that’s the list that should never be forgotten.
Quelqu’un M’a Dit
I know these things are ridiculous sometimes, but I have seen this one on Facebook lately and though it looked interesting. Some of them are HILARIOUS and some are perfect. Anyway, hope you enjoy a little break from your week by reading about my life via iPod shuffle.
Are you male or female?
I Want It All- HSM3 (I’m not quite sure what this means, but it’s HSM so I’ll allow it)
What do people feel when they’re around you?
I Want to Hold Your Hand- The Beatles
Describe your current relationship.
Shiver- Motion City Soundtrack
Where would you like to be now?
The Ice is Getting Thinner- Death Cab for Cutie
How do you feel about love?
Lonely, Lonely- Taking Back Sunday
What’s your life like?
Fifteen- Taylor Swift (pretty accurate Tay)
What would you wish for if you had only one wish?
Jesus Messiah- Chris Tomlin
Say something wise.
Hide and Seek- Imogen Heap
If someone says “Is this okay?” You say,
Blindsided- Bon Iver
How would you describe yourself?
Green Eyes- Coldplay
What do you look for in a girl/guy?
Indescribable- Chris Tomlin (this answer is just too perfect for words, indescribable perhaps)
How do you feel today?
Daft Punk is Playing at My House- LCD Soundsystem
What is your life’s purpose?
My Life Would Suck Without You- Glee Cast
What is your motto?
I’m Bored, You’re Amorous- Dear and the Headlights
What do your friends think of you?
Gold Digger- Kanye West (any comments on this one friends?)
What do you think of your parents?
Saturday Night Divas- Spice Girls (guess I had to get my diva from somewhere)
What do you think about very often?
When “You’re” Around- Motion City Soundtrack (again, perfect <3)
What is 2 + 2?
I Like it Rough- Lady Gaga
What do you think of your best friend?
Where You Go I Go- Joel Auge (love this)
What do you think of the person you like?
The Feeling- Ben Rector (had to sit and listen to this song while thinking of the person I “like.”)
What is your life story?
Life on a Chain- Pete Yorn
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Enchanted- Taylor Swift (am I not enchanting already? thanks for giving me something to live for tay)
What do you think of when you see the person you like?
Boys, Boys, Boys- Lady Gaga (whoosh, good things it’s not girls, girls, girls)
What will you dance to at your wedding?
Innocent- Taylor Swift
What will they play at your funeral?
Yeah- Usher feat. Lil’ Jon and Ludacris (hmm, not sure how I feel about this)
What is your hobby/interest?
Bittersweet Symphony- The Verve
What is your biggest fear?
Better Than Revenge- Taylor Swift
What is your biggest secret?
Failure By Design- Brand New
What do you think of your friends?
Your Love is a Drug- Ke$ha
What will you post this as?
Quelqu’un M’a Dit- Carla Bruni
What is a hipster?
Hipster, via dictionary.com:
a) a person who is hip
b) a person, especially during the 1950s, characterized by a particularly strong sense of alienation from most established social activities and relationships
c) an enthusiast of modern jazz
Hipster, via urbandictionary.com:
a subculture of men and women typically in their 20’s and 30’s that value independent thinking, counter-culture, progressive politics, an appreciation of art and indie-rock, creativity, intelligence, and witty banter. Although “hipsterism” is really a state of mind, it is also often intertwined with distinct fashion sensibilities. Hipsters reject the culturally-ignorant attitudes of mainstream consumers, and are often be seen wearing vintage and thrift store inspired fashions, tight-fitting jeans, old-school sneakers, and sometimes thick rimmed glasses. Both hipster men and women sport similar androgynous hair styles that include combinations of messy shag cuts and asymmetric side-swept bangs.
Hipster, via hipsterhandbook.com:
One who possesses tastes, social attitudes, and opinions deemed cool by the cool. (Note: it is no longer recommended that one use the term “cool”; a Hipster would instead say “deck.”) The Hipster walks among the masses in daily life but is not a part of them and shuns or reduces to kitsch anything held dear by the mainstream. A Hipster ideally possesses no more than 2% body fat.
Please leave a comment with your own definition of a hipster.
Q: How many hipsters does it take to change a light bulb?
A: It’s some obscure number. You’ve probably never heard of it.
Flip it and Reverse it, New Years Resolution Style
It is amazingly and quickly approaching November 1, and I’ve decided on a new experiment. This idea was prompted by two things.
1. It has come to that point in the semester that laziness has kicked in. I don’t want to do anything school related- which is wonderful considering this is the point in the semester where all of the big projects and tests and papers begin. Thanksgiving is so close I’m drooling at the thought of turkey (or perhaps duck, so I’ve heard!) and I literally think about pumpkin flavored things every day.
2. New Years resolutions are bogus and everyone knows it.
Thus, I’ve decided to create a reverse New Years resolution list. My goal is to do all of these things by New Years. So not only will I avoid that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach each January 1 trying to come up with ways to “improve my new year” that I know I will break in a month, I will also hopefully end the year with a bang. So here goes. I’m not saying I will perfectly complete all of these things, but I sure will try my hardest.
1. Stop eating fast food unless it is absolutely 100% necessary. (Just to clarify for anyone out there, I am not a fast food addict. I simply want to start using my money more wisely and making overall healthier decisions, which leads me to number 2..)
2. Get into a regular exercise routine. (I genuinely do love to exercise when I get into the habit, but that’s just the problem.. getting into the habit. Hopefully when I visit my parents for Thanksgiving going to my mom’s 5:30 a.m. spin class will get my motivation reeling- or more likely kick my butt and remind me how hard it is.)
3. Limit my caffeinated beverages to 1 a day. (My current caffeine predicament can be summed up in a Gilmore Girls quote. Rory says Lorelai, an avid coffee drinker, is “90 percent water, 10 percent caffeine.” This is currently me. Need I say more?)
4. Read 5 non school related books. (Okay, here is where you can help. Please comment with your favorite books that I should read before New Years!)
5. Find somewhere to regularly start volunteering next semester.
6. Take the time to write a detailed letter to my future self of all the things I’m passionate about right now and want to accomplish in my life. (I want this to include everything from living overseas to performing in community theatre to baking my children cookies when they come home from school to bringing hope to people in third world countries.)
7. Finally, and most importantly, spend more time with God- in His Word, in His creation, in conversation.
I truly believe that if I pursue this resolution the most, all of the others will fall into place. He will give me the strength to roll out of bed in the mornings and go on a run with the beautiful body He has given me. He will give me the discipline to eat and drink healthfully. He will provide me with open doors and light passions within me for my future. He will remind me that though 2011 may seem like a year with a lot of unknowns, He has plans for me and they are even greater than I could ever imagine.
I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. -Jeremiah 29:11
Midweek Entertainment
1. Taylor Swift’s new cd Speak Now was released Monday and I’ve been listening to it nonstop. Watch her release performance in NYC at mtv.com. If you get a chance to listen to more of her songs, some of my favorites are “Mean”, “Enchanted” and “Long Live.”
2. About two weeks ago I was introduced to a phrase that has changed my life. “Can you teach me how to dougie?” If you don’t know what it is first watch the music video on YouTube. Want to learn how to dougie? Watch this awesome instructional video.
3. Everyone has seen and loves the Old Spice commercials. Well, there are a new slew of them that are pretty funny and pretty ridiculous. Start with this one.
4. As much as I didn’t want to include this, I decided I wouldn’t be an entertainment buff if I didn’t. Kanye West released Runaway, a 34-minute movie featuring new music. It might be worth watching (though I haven’t yet), but here it is if you’re interested.
10 Things I Love About My Life Right Now
1. Realizing that this time next year I will be married to and living with my best friend.
2. If I want to watch a movie on a Thursday afternoon, I can.
3. That I have a place on campus that is mine and full of people who can always make me smile. (and often cake)
4. Getting way too excited for my People magazine to come in the mail on Fridays.
5. Having the freedom to figure out what I really want to do with my life.
6. That I have multiple dogs I can play with daily, but not have the responsibility that comes along with them.
7. Being a part of a group of girls I can openly discuss Biblical truths and questions with every week.
8. Feeling really important because I get so many emails a day.
9. Not being stressed out about school because I’m only taking 13 hours and 2 of them are Ballet.
10. The people in it.
Celebrity Style of the Week: Rachel Bilson
I’ve decided to start a new weekly section for my blog. This week goes to one of my absolute favorite fashion icons, Rachel Bilson. I love the way she has asserted herself in the world leaving behind teen stardom in The O.C. to establish her own fashion line and completely owning independence and personal style.
Her style is often referred to as “boho” though this look is a little more chic. Her outfits are often characterized by a perfectly polished, but effortless street style, and this is no exception. She pulls together several fall essentials to create a look anyone could put together with pieces in their closet. The two-toned leopard scarf emboldens the classic jacket and works perfectly with the olive green tank.
My favorite part about her outfit is the grey ankle booties with cuffed boyfriend jeans. Pairing heels or booties with jeans for a daytime look is a fabulous way to get more use out of adorable shoes that are too often sequestered for dressier occasions. By showing off her black tights underneath her jeans, Bilson’s vintage look is still very distinguishable.
Can You Teach Me How To Dougie?
Three summers ago, God placed me in Pasadena, California for the summer without a single person I knew and doing a summer project that was relatively unknown to anyone I knew. Weeks leading up to my departure I cried and cried and cried, terrified I would hate it and not make any friends. But something put me on that plane, and it ended up being the best and most life-changing summer I have ever had. Though I will eventually blog about what I learned in California, this post is not about the what, but the who. So for now, if you’re interested in what I did, visit the IT Project website.
Fast forward three years. This weekend 11 of the 22 people from the project came together for the marriage of one of our project leaders in Conway, Arkansas. Some flew from across the country, some drove 18 hours straight, and the result was exactly like it was three summers ago- a unique connection between us that is more special than any group of people I have ever been around, especially considering we live spread out across the United States, lead different lives and have seen each other only a handful of times since that summer.
A a mere few things about us that I love are that we…
get tremendously excited to see each person, can share the deepest parts of their souls as well as laugh for hours on end, can sit and talk about life at Ihop until the wee hours even though there is a 2 hour drive home, send prayer requests via Facebook or text and know it won’t be forgotten, can reminisce about old memories and easily make new ones, gleefully welcome new spouses/fiances, give meaningful hugs, constantly discusses the next time we will get to see each other (happily, it will be at my wedding 🙂 )
Thanks to these wonderful people in my life, this weekend was the exact refresher that I needed. I got to see lovely faces I haven’t seen in a long time, and have great times with those who I see more often. I got to share in the joy of three recent weddings, the anticipation of a newborn and tell my engagement story and wedding plans to 11 eager ears.
“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints on your heart.”
-Eleanor Roosevelt
Guac, Cyber War and Snoop Dogg
Welcome to my week in pictures. They may appear random, but I promise I have a connection with all of them. I hope my life is at least somewhat mysterious to ya’ll. Enjoy.
Warning: Extreme Introspection Lies Ahead
Today I am: self-reflective.
I’m not one to sit and analyze things, specifically myself and the way I think or the way I do things and why. But for some reason, Vegas, of all places, has gotten me looking from the outside in.
I’ve always had an inferiority complex about who I was. I’ve never felt like I could be characterized by a word or phrase, yet I could point to anyone in my life and tell you who they are. Whether it’s a personality trait, a career or a hobby, everyone has something that most people define them by.
Who am I?
Am I a Disney-crazed 20-year-old?
Am I the “nice” girl? (As great as that sounds, I’ve come to truly despise that as being a defining characteristic.)
Am I the fashion-conscious?
Am I the one with all the celebrity gossip?
The journalist? The wannabe actress? The traveler? The pretty girl?
As I was thinking about all of these things that people might describe me as, I realized that I don’t want to be defined by any of those “shallow” things. If that’s who people think I am, they don’t really know me. This is when I realized two things:
1. I define people in shallow terms.
2. The only possible thing that I could be described as that truly fits what I want to be known for is faithful, loving Christian.
Though I do describe people in shallow terms such as the funny guy, the sports-aholic, really into politics, the dancer, etc. I know that is not the extent of that person’s personality, but from the outside that’s what defines them. I just want one word that people define me as externally, as ridiculous as that sounds.
As I pondered this for a few days, I was reminded that my identity truly lies in Christ. It doesn’t matter that I don’t know who I am or what I want to do, because He does. Even if I don’t have that one shallow word or phrase that everyone else does, I at least want my light to be shining so brightly for Him that people know whose I am.
Part Two
I am a planner. Every night before I go to bed I plan my next day in as much detail as I can. I make to-do-lists like they’re going out of style. I put something in my planner as soon as I hear about it. It literally makes me nervous to not know how my day/evening/weekend is going to look.
I’m marrying an improviser, and I think I’m planning my life away.
The biggest obstacle in my life lately is that I feel like I don’t have time for the people in my life. Unless I have a class with you or work with you, I pretty much have to “pencil you in.” Sadly, this is even true about the people I live with a lot of the time.
I feel like I’m becoming the person I never wanted to be. The person that puts work over people. The person that has to check her schedule 5 times to see if she has time to go see a movie.
I want to be free and spontaneous and an improvisor. I want to be able to just go on a walk, or talk on the phone to someone who needs me, or go to lunch, or just spend time with someone. I don’t want people to assume I’m busy so they don’t even ask if I want to do something. I want to be able to have a bad day and just relax and eat and cry or whatever I want to do rather than finishing everything on my to-do list.
If you know how to do this, please contact me.
This blog is dedicated to those people I love who I rarely spend time with. I hope you know how much I care about you.
Goodbye Summer, Hello Love
It seems October has brought with it more than perfect 70 degree weather, pumpkin treats and a renewed love for coffee.
The atmosphere in the air is one of love, friendship, fun, joy, adventure. Though this opinion may stem partly from my new engagement (!!!) which has brought on more emotion and giddiness than I thought possible, it appears that others are feeling the same way.
The rush of October has blown in the season of:
camping, hiking, fishing, pumpkin picking, sleeping with the windows open, excitedly discussing Halloween costumes, deepening relationships, spending too much money on the beloved, seasonal Pumpkin Spice Latte and wearing boots with any outfit possible because “it’s just time” and everyone loves boots.
Though I have yet to explore the great outdoors in the detail it deserves, my October joy has come from other avenues that I would like to share.
One being the glorious, mysterious workings of God. The first of October has already reminded me of His beauty and love and the part that I am meant to share in that.
Another joy comes from the arrival of the new movie The Social Network. At the writing of this post, I have not yet seen it, but am confident it will fulfill my theatrical longing for a good movie.
Thirdly, I have been surprisingly overjoyed by a video posted on my Facebook wall which I would like to share with you now. I’m hoping music fans, comedy fans and Justin Timberlake fans will enjoy this as much as I did.
A medley of Hip Hop Hits from Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon
m.davis xoxo 
