Happy New Years!

Have a GREAT New Years Weekend!!

Home for the Holidays

Back in Minnesota for the Holiday season. It was a really odd drive home yesterday, I was excited to get back to Minnesota--but I was also sad to be leaving Kansas. It has taken a couple months, but I am starting to really enjoy living in Kansas.
When I first moved to Kansas I compared EVERYTHING to Minnesota. Seriously everything, Examples:
"In Minneosta people drive more courteously."
"In Minnesota we go to the lake for fun, Kansas could really use some lakes."
"It doesn't get this hot in Minnesota, the summers are much more comfortable in Minnesota."

When I was driving home yesterday I stopped in Owatonna (which is a great 'Minnesota Accent' name). When I got out of my car my thoughts were:
My car is SO much cleaner than everyone's because I live in Kansas and we have not yet had snow...HA!
Minnesota's roads in the winter are SO gross
It wouldn't be dark yet if I was in Kansas

I think this is a great sign...but as BF told me I can love both states, and I do. I love, LOVE Minnesota--but I am also starting to really enjoy Kansas. It even looks different to me now. When I first moved to Kansas, everything looked scary. I thought everything looked run down and not as nice as Minnesota. Not true. I now think Kansas looks great, and is a really pretty state with amazing sunsets.

The one thing Kansas is missing (besides the lakes) is obviously my friends and family. It is hard to be away, but I am falling in love with BF more and more everyday, I think it is worth it. Sometimes I miss my family and friends so much, but most of the time I enjoy the little life we have together in Kansas.

Being away from family and friends also makes being home for the holidays much more special! I think it's going to be a busy month, but I am so excited to be surrounded by my friends and family--I can't wait.

Cheers to what looks to be a promising Holiday season home in Minnesota!

Byeeee Buddy

Favorite.

Happy Holidays!

I cannot believe it is almost Christmas! It really doesn't feel like it, although, that may be due to the lack of any Christmas decorations in my apartment. I love, love, Christmas decorations--but I am way too lazy to make them--especially when I will be going to MN on Monday to begin my winter break! Hopefully, next year I will get a bit more festive here in KS!

I also blame the lack of snow; I'm totally okay with no snow--but, I consider snow to be an essential part of the holiday season. (It's supposed to snow tonight...so I'm totally jinxing myself)

I have been watching Christmas movies, and am currently listening to Christmas tunes, trying to get into the spirit!

Tomorrow, I will be done with my first semester (woo-hoo). This has been the most anticlimactic  finals experience of my life... I only have one test, and three papers. I finished all the papers early, and will take my test tomorrow. No stress...just calm, so weird for me. I think the four years I spent absolutely freaking out about finals in undergrad...taught me to  calm the 'F' down. Seriously, getting all worked up and full of crazy eyes, didn't make me do any better (It just made those around me think I was nuts). Regardless, it feels good to be done:)

I really think I will get into the holiday season when I am back in Minnesnowta. So many things to look forward to, my nostalgia is taking over (seriously, move away and see how nostalgic you become...it's so odd).

I hope to do the following:
1. Kincaids Happy Hour--with a stroll in Rice Park
2. Outdoor iceskating
3. Macy's 8th Floor
4. Hollidazzle
5.Sledding / skiing

We will see if I can complete this list... I can turn anti-Hollidazzle pretty quickly depending on the weather...

Rice Park

Year in Photos

Check this out:

Most Powerful Photos of 2011

What a year we had...pretty powerful stuff!

Reading=Comfort

Do you ever find yourself reading, and you get to a quote/paragraph/character descritption, that just reminds you of YOU?!

Maybe it just makes you think, or makes you happy?


Of course this happens to you...I think that's why we read! Sometimes we read to escape, but a lot of times I think we read to find ourselves, to associate with a character and what they are going through.

Anyways, this just happened to me while reading, One Day, by David Nicholls. I am only about 12 pages in, and just got SO excited about a short passage. I had to read, re-read, share it with the bf, and highlight it in pink.

And, now I am going to share it with you! I'll let you know how the book is once I'm finished

Shake It Out

Can you tell I spend my time listening to music and doing homework??

I am done with my graceless heart

So tonight I'm gonna cut it out and then restart

Doesn't it just make you want to dance? 

Shake out all the negative, and bring on the positive :)

On a Serious Note...

This video is pretty powerful. 

I think it needs to be shared.

It's scary, I wish my '16' year old self realized the damage I was doing.

I wish I realized being tan isn't going to bring you happiness or confidence

It might make you feel better about yourself for a couple of days...at the most

Happiness comes when you are truly comfortable in your own (pale) skin

 

Obsessive...

I am obsessed with the Head & the Heart. 

I seriously enjoy every song on their album

I promise to change things up a bit next post...I hope.

New Fav

I LOVE this band...and love this song :)

Truth

I am so obsessed with this tumblr....

Because 90% of them are true...

Check it out!!

Things We All Do

Source 

Seriously, cannot stop reading these and laughing out loud....

Great way to put off writing my paper...

I Would Still Run

Source 

I Believe

Love this. Love Audrey.

Source

Back to Normal?

This weekend life was back to ‘normal’. After 6 consecutive weekends filled with family and friends, I was ready for a quiet weekend in Kansas. The weekend was quiet, but also pretty wonderful as I continued to explore this new state (and Missouri too!). I am starting to find ‘favorites’, that I cannot wait to share with visitors!

Friday night we (BF and I) had dinner at a new favorite Esquina. This is becoming my new go-to for decently priced upscale Mexican cuisine. The menu is interesting; the atmosphere is cool and casual—my kind of place. After dinner, we watched the World Series (Go Cardinals!)

Saturday I felt very Kansas (or Missouri?). I experienced my first cattle show. YUP. A cattle show. It was very interesting. I am a LOVER of cows, and this was definitely cow overload.  Just imagine a dog show…but cows. Interesting.  After the cattle show, we went to the Red Barn Farm in Weston, Missouri. This place was absolutely beautiful, even if their pumpkin patches were very pathetic...

On the way to the Red Barn Farm, we sampled some 360 Vodka made at a distillery in Weston. It was FABULOUS. Seriously. We had to bring home the ‘Double Chocolate’ vodka, this stuff is dangerous…you can just sip on it!

Sunday nights are so weird, right? I seriously cannot relax. All I can do is think about the week. I keep thinking about all the work I should do, and how I should start it right now, then I remind myself it probably won’t be my best work starting it so late…

The ‘homesickness’ kicks in on Sundays too; I think this is because everything is quieting down. After a full workweek, and weekend fun, it’s just…quiet. With it so quiet, I just think and think…about the people, places, and experiences I miss.

I need a good book.

On the bright side, the BF is coming over tomorrow and I am attempting my Mom’s Chili and apple crisp recipes. VERY EXCITED for our little Halloween celebration :)

Speaking of Halloween…I have learned when you live alone it is NOT a great idea to buy Halloween Candy. Darn those festive orange kit-kats…

Home

I think one of the best and worst things about going home--is being surrounded with people who you love and who love you in return. It makes Kansas seem so quiet. Feeling a bit homesick, after such a wonderful weekend in Minnesota....

Source

 

 

 

More blogging to come...I SWEAR! But now to bed! :)

Miss you Minnesota Lovers

Back in Minnesota!

It's NBD...

After a wonderful weekend home in Minnesota, where I was able to see my amazing family, friends, and celebrate the marriage of a very good friend...MY Monday blew. Seriously, if I could make something go wrong, I did. It seemed that everything I touched at work, I ruined. It seemed that I could not do anything right! I ended last night extremely stressed out. Seriously I could not even sleep. I lay awake just thinking about all the mistakes I made at work, and the possible solutions for fixing them.

Today I went into work feeling a little apprehensive. How much more damage could I do? Before I started today's work I reviewed what I did yesterday (nervous the whole time). IT WASN'T SO BAD! Seriously! I did everything I was supposed to do, there is room for improvement but isn't there always? Besides a technology mistake on my part, really nothing went wrong (and technology mistakes are inevitable people...)

So I guess the moral of this story...cut yourself some slack! Coming from a self-proclaimed perfectionist, it's easy to be super hard on yourself, it's easy to get caught up in what's going wrong, and miss what is going right. But don't, if you feel like you are doing everything wrong, I bet you are not. Take a step back, re-assess, and look at what you are doing right. As a teacher, we have always been told to try and catch our students who cause trouble 'being good'. Don't forget to catch yourself being good, because I bet you're doing pretty great--much better than you give yourself credit for.

Source

How Did You Procrastinate Today?

Procrastinating like whoa lately. Clearly not procrastinating by blogging.

I have been procrastinating by:
1.Running lots (possible a bit too much) my body might hate me...
2.New hobby...BAKING! Not really sure where this hobby came from, but in the last 4 days I have managed to make scones, blueberry muffin bread (an invention of mine, after realizing I do not own a muffin tin), and AMAZING oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. So basically, I have a freezer stock full of baked goods...yep.

Also my procrastination has allowed me to finally Watch Bridesmaids. LOVED IT.

Bridesmaids was not only enjoyable, but also had some great tunes, re-introduced me to a 90's fav of mine, Fiona Apple. Enjoy

Happy Fall Ya'll!

First day of the BEST season! Happy Fall Ya'll!

Source

 

Do people say 'Happy Fall Y'all' everywhere? Am I just not remembering this? It's posted in our office, and the weatherman keeps saying it! Maybe I just don't remember it from MN?

 

 Speaking of MN and Fall, here is my FAVORITE Fall tree at my family's home:

What are you doing to celebrate Fall? I think I just might have to treat myself to my fall favorite, pumpkin spice latte from Startbucks...NOTHING better as far as coffee goes. Seriously. I kind of wish that it was here all year, but I get that it would take away from the specialness of the treat :)

Source

 

I'll be starting off Fall by TRYING to get as much school work done as possible. My family, and JUNO come to visit tomorrow. I am SO excited to see them. The weather is supposed to be sunny and in the 70's, next week back into the 80's! I love warm weather, but my flannels and riding boots are calling me...I keep telling myself all in good time. It seems every spring I can't wait to free my toes in some flip flops, and every fall I can't wait to cozy up in some boots. Cheers to Fall :) Happy Weekend!

FAVORITE FALL DOG!!

Wonderful Words

source 

Love

Proud

I am getting back into school mode after my trip home to Minnesota. It was tough to get caught up this weekend, my mind was somewhere else. To get through my school work I did what any student would, I procrastinated. Now, I really enjoy living on my own, but I do not enjoy procrastinating on my own. Procrastinating was so much more fun when I had 6 roommates around ready to help me put off my studies. I can only run so much, and watch so much trashy reality TV on my own. So I googled. I was googling quotes and I came across this one:

Although, I finally do not feel like I am in a 'tight place', I know I will be again. I have so many friends who are doing difficult things right now, and I am so proud of them. Whether it be working, going to school, working & going to school, or really just trying to figure out their place in this world I am proud of them. I have so many friends who know what they want to do with their lives, and are doing their best to make it happen. That's awesome. Being in your 20's is scary. It often seems like everything goes wrong, like you cannot get a grasp on your life. That is okay. I would be much more worried if you are 24-25 and perfectly content with your life, than if you are 24-25 and have no idea what you are doing. It's okay. Enjoy this time. Things will fall into place...and then the next obstacle will come. That's life.

Friday Inspiration

After everything that has happened in the last couple of days, this really hits home. I have amazing friends in my life, thank you!

Source

Again, after everything that has happened this past week...I'm reminded how short life is. Do what you love, do what makes you happy, make it count. 

source

Keep Focused

 

source

Missing Matt

Yesterday, we lost a wonderful friend. After a long, tough battle with cancer my friend Matt passed away. Grieving is never easy, and I am struggling in Kansas, as I long to be with my friends back in Minnesota during this hard time.

I cannot seem to get anything productive done. I feel physically ill, and my head feels like mush. All I can seem to do is think about all the wonderful times I had with Matt, and how much I am going to miss him. He really was a wonderful person. Always a great friend, always full of an awesome dry sense of humor.

I keep picturing him eating raw red onions.

I keep hearing him telling Chole to "shut up."

I keep thinking of us all in Ryan's black Blazer, belting out, "Everybody Matt Now."

I miss you, we all miss you, you completed our friends. It won't be the same without you.

Love you Matt.

For some reason I have this song on repeat, don't know why it's helping, but it's a good one.

Where are My Sperrys When I Need Them?

I have really not meant to be so M.I.A. lately! All these new life changes have been both wonderful and exhausting. (please excuse my awful grammar and errors that will likely be in my next few posts...I'm tired people...deal)

Guess what goes along with moving to a new state, and going to a new university? A new culture!! And because I have to use my brain almost all day at work, and in school...I'm going to enlighten you on my favorite aspect of culture here in Kansas, clothing.

So, admittedly I ditched out on grad school orientation, and my Masters orientation (oops!). BUT, did I miss something about a dress code? I mean seriously, I'm walking around campus and EVERYONE is dressed the same. Okay maybe not everyone, but I swear if you went into a classroom at any random time, and polled the students who were wearing some form of Sperrys, I can almost guarantee it would be 2/3 of the class. This school has a serious prep look going on. From what I have observed the guys are wearing chino shorts (preferably in a somewhat pastel color),  a belt (hello, tucked in shirts), a polo shirt/a collared long-sleeve shirt, and a pair of Sperrys. And they travel in a pack, all wearing this same outfit. Seriously. I'll be walking to work and it's like a gang of 25 polo-pastel-chino-wearing-guys are coming my way. Intimidating? No. Intriguing? Yes.

For the girls, the outfit does not hardly varies. They too are sporting chino shorts, a v-neck shirt, skinny brown belt, and Sperrys.  It's crazy, I mean I like this look--I just can't believe how many people I see a day wearing a version of this outfit.

When I was telling the bf about this Sperry phenomenon,  I asked if he thought we all dressed the same at Gustavus? His reply was, "ya...we all wore sweatpants". He's not wrong there. Bless our hearts, we were a scrubby looking crew. At Gustavus, I felt dressed up when I sported a pair of jeans and a cardigan to class. But, if you really think about it, we all had Northface jackets and UGGS. I have SO many pictures of us girls all lined up sporting a Northface and UGGS--maybe that's us northerner's version of Sperrys and chinos?

On a final note...I think I am growing up. I LOVE Sperrys (they are seriously, so cute), but I don't think I'll get a pair. Actually, after seeing EVERYONE wearing them, I don't really want a pair. I can guarantee you that four years ago, after seeing the whole campus wearing Sperrys, I would have already bought them online and  impatiently awaiting their arrival. It's likely I would have even made sure to purchase multiple colors. As much as I think they are adorable shoes, I just don't need them right now...ahem....grown up.

Source

I promise my next blog will have more substantial information. maybe. Also, don't judge if you see me in MN in a month or two sporting Sperrys. I'm not perfect.

Also, ironic that 'boat shoes' are THE thing in Kansas? You decide.

Roam If You Must...

Back in Lawrence after a WONDERFUL weekend in Minnie. I am so blessed to have such amazing friends and family!

After the weekend in Minnesota, I cannot stop listening to, "Say Shhhh."

(Not only does this song celebrate Minnesota, there is also a Lawrence shout out)!

Love it!

Life in Lawrence

Hello!

Greetings from Kansas. I have meant to blog more, but living in a new city, having a new job, and having new classes, has taken it's toll. I am really enjoying living in Kansas. I have been able to meet some really great people, my classes seem challenging, and work is pretty awesome! I really can't complain. I have been so busy, I haven't even had time to be homesick! Although, I have become quite the 'proud Minnesotan'. It's crazy how many times I hear, "well in Minnesota we...", come out of my mouth. I seem to constantly be talking about, our niceness, our courteous driving, our weather, our humbleness, our lakes, how we pay teachers and paras better, and the list goes on and on. Seriously, if you ever move away I bet you will realize just how awesome the Mighty MN is!

On another note...

KU is a gorgeous campus. I remember visiting it when I was a high school senior, and thinking it was really pretty, but really big. I still think it is really big! I am happy to be at a big university, and happy I get to experience what it is like going to a big university. BUT, I am also really happy I chose Gustavus for undergrad. I get tired of hearing about how going to Gustavus is like going to high school again, we get it, we are a small school. I know a small school is not for everyone, but the sense of community and belonging you get at a smaller school really is something special. I think I would have been just lost at a big university for undergrad! I do, however think it is perfect for grad school. I am excited that I get to experience both! It's fun looking at KU's GIGANTIC football stadium, it's fun to people watch, and it's fun to be a part of a school that means so much to it's state!

 Source

Juno, We're Not in Minnesota Anymore...

I DID IT! I finally made the move to Kansas. It went well, better than I expected despite the fact I was not able to sleep at all Friday night. All Friday night I stayed awake, staring at my empty Minnesota room, just thinking--oh my god I'm moving to Kansas.  Needless to say, when Spencer woke me up at 6:30 AM Saturday morning, I was a little nervous about the move. Driving 8 hours on maybe 2 hours of sleep is not my idea of fun.

After a necessary, large and greasy breakfast at Junior's, we finished loading up the moving truck and were off! While I was watching the moving truck in front of me...I kept thinking, OH MY GOSH, I am moving to Kansas, can I really do this?!

We made great time, despite two bathroom stops, a stop at an Iowa winery, and lunch at Chili's. (yum...definitely helped satisfy my newest obsession of chicken strips and honey mustard...I know refined and classy)

Originally, we were planing on moving in Sunday morning. Spencer suggested we try to get it all done Saturday night. I'm really happy we did, and I am also amazed that we did. We basically just set up the bed, and unloaded all the boxes.  I watched in awe as Spencer moved all this furniture with literally no help (unless you count me...which is pretty much no help). The place was super cluttered, but as I unpacked my dishes I began to get super excited. After two years of living back at home with the parents, I finally have a place of my own! It might be small, but it's MINE. It was a really great feeling, my doubts about moving melted away as I set up my kitchen, and instead feelings of excitement took over.

After unpacking, I realized I forgot pillows. So we had to make a late night trip to the only store open...Wal-Mart (where we were able to see not only WT at it's finest but some Amish too)! We purchased the pillows, and all the other little things I forgot, that could be found at Wal-Mart. We then went home and had our first classy dinner at the new place, frozen pizza and wine. As I sat down on the floor with my frozen pizza, and Iowa wine (picked up on the drive) I decided, I really couldn't be happier.

We spent Sunday, unpacking everything and hanging pictures. It was a very relaxed and enjoyable day. We ended the weekend with a celebratory dinner at my favorite Overland Park restaurant The Blue Moose.

Today, I am back in Minnesota (after an extremely turbulent flight...thanks weather), and am leaving for Colorado Wednesday, and then finally back to Kansas Sunday.

LET THE JOURNEY BEGIN!!

Come On Eileen

On a little music kick...

BUT 

I LOVE

1. This Song

2. Sara Bareilles-seriously girl crushin'

I'll Just Read a Book Instead

Couldn't agree any more.

Right on.

Class

CrazyTumblr

Love them, pure class.

Fun Way to Waste Time!

Today I stumbled upon this website, it's incredibly fun. The website lists the top 1000 Awesome things.
They are spot on, the things that make the list will either make you laugh, or say to yourself, "That's so true!"

1000 Awesome

Highly encourage you to check it out, if you're into wasting time on the internet, I know I am!  :)

Follow

Follow your passion. Stay true to yourself. Never follow someone Else's path unless you're in the woods and you're lost and you see a path. By all means, you should follow that.

Ellen DeGeneres

Summer Time Favorites

No complaints from me regarding this heat wave! I Love, LOVE warm weather. My only complaint is that packing for the move is taking up a lot of my free time, so I have little time outside.

I simply cannot complain about this hot, Hot, HOT weather! Remember, five months ago, when it seemed like we would NEVER have summer!? Well it's here now, and we need to embrace it! Before we know it we will be back to tromping around in snow, wearing Uggs, scraves, hats...YUCK. I'll take a sundress over that, thanks.

I enjoyed the heat today by indulging in these summertime favorites:

 There is NO comparison to Edy's Fruit Bars. Coconut, Strawberry and Lime=Favorites

source

A GOOD BOOK! Nothing better! Currently reading- The People of the Book

 Source

POOL!! 

Okay, so my pool time was not long, nor was it insanely relaxing. But it was full of crazy kids and hot mamas. Seriously, I've never been so intimidated by so many hot moms! 

 source

Finally, what better way to celebrate a Midwest heat wave, than by drinking the BEST Midwest Summer beer?

Summer Shandy anyone? 

source

Hope you are enjoying the heat wave, and some of your own summertime favorites!  :)

A Little Kindness, Goes a Long Way

 Source

This week has been rough. It's been one of those weeks when it seems like I just can't do anything right (EXCEPT for Sara Bareilles...hello front row). I was so happy it was Friday, my week of mistakes was finally coming to an end. I walked out of work, ready to go home and have a successful and productive day when....my car would NOT start. Enter panic mode. I seriously lost it. It wasn't even that big of a deal...but you know, everything had been going wrong all week...I was at my wits end. A couple of hours later and with the help of AAA, I was on my way (with the warning it was going to happen again, unless I brought it into the shop ASAP).

My 'down in the dumps' mood persisted, as I headed out to Hastings to get my fingerprints taken. I walked into the Dakota County Courthouse, still in foul mood although--a little mesmerized by all that was going on. Finally, I found the 'Book and Release' room and met a seriously cheerful officer who would take my prints (maybe she was just happy that I was not a criminal, just needing some prints for another teaching license). Anyways, her kindness and cheerfulness rubbed off on me. It was so nice to talk to someone who was in such a good mood, asking me questions about my move with a smile on her face. I left the Courthouse in a great mood. Because of this officer. How weird is that??? And I kid you not, when I left it FINALLY had stopped raining and the sun came out!

SO they point of my seemingly pointless story....

Is that a little kindness goes a long way. It's important to remember to be kind to those who we interact with, even if you don't have to be or do not want to be. You never know what kind of day they are having, or how your kindness will impact their day. I'm sure this officer had no idea I had been crying all morning, and that her kindness would make me feel better, but it did and I am thankful for it.

Cheers to the end of an awful week-the start of a great weekend-and a wonderful week to come :)

Better Daze

 

CrazyTumblr

Creative Inspiration

 Ok...So I feel a bit weird admitting this inspiration...

So, I've stumbled upon some great quotes from Sylvia Plath. I realize, she may not be absolute 'role model' material, but she was insanely creative and completley interesting. I've enjoyed her writing, and I enjoy these quotations--I think they are worth sharing!

Source

"Remember, remember, this is now, and now, and now. Live it, feel it, cling to it. I want to become acutely aware of all I've taken for granted".

"And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt." 

"I can never read all the books I want; I can never be all the people I want and live all the lives I want. I can never train myself in all the skills I want. And why do I want? I want to live and feel all the shades, tones and variations of mental and physical experience possible in life. And I am horribly limited."  

Girl Crush

Last night I was able to see Sara Bareilles for the second time this year ( I am lucky). This time, I saw her at the MN Zoo, an absolutely amazing venue for concerts. The concerts are so intimate, this one especially, as we were able to stand in the FRONT ROW. Literally, like 10 ft away from her. SO cool. I am totally girl-crushing.

The End of an Era

The final Harry Potter movie comes out this weekend. It is really over. I am SO not ashamed of my OBSESSION with Harry Potter. The Harry Potter books were always there for me (I am a proud book-nerd..get over it). I remember picking up my first Harry Potter book when I was 11, thinking it would probably be childish and not of interest to my sophisticated sixth grade mind. I was wrong. The book captivated me, I felt safe reading about this awkward pre-teen who is new to the world of magic. I cheered for Harry's triumph, all the while understanding the feelings associated with change, and trying to find your place in the world.  These books mean a lot to me, they have become a very weird security blanket.


Seriously, I could go on and on about my love of HP books (just ask any of my close friend),  so I will stop....

On a lighter note--in honor of HP7 Part II coming to theaters...here are some of my fav HP inspirations.

 Readables

 Readables

Readables

Woke up in London yesterday, found myself in the city near Piccadilly…

I love this song. It makes me HAPPY when I hear it. I think I have recently become a little more obsessed because of the opening line, "Woke up in London yesterday, found myself in the city near Piccadilly." Having, just arrived home from London and hearing the word "Picadilly" everyday on the tube (This is the Picadilly line service to Cockfosters), The song makes me think of how wonderful my trip was, and how this really is the "good life."


THIS IS THE GOOD LIFE. I think I am finally coming to terms with my situation. For a while (A TOO LONG while) I whined about how this just isn't how I pictured my post grad life. I whined about how I pictured myself successful and independent, I complained how I did not see myself going back to school or moving to be closer to a boy (that's even hard for me to admit here...oh the inner conflict of believing you are a 'strong woman' and falling in love).

Anyways...today I finally realized this whining I've been doing isn't completley true. Sure, I pictured myself a bit more independent...but I really didn't picture much of anything. I mean, how can you? You can't predict the future, and trying to is a waste of time and energy. The only thing I really knew for sure, is that I couldn't picture myself sitting in an office, and I still can't. More power to all you who can (I am slightly jealous, the businesswoman persona is SO glamorous to me), I just can't I need to be moving and I need to be working with tweens / teens, and I've always known that. I also always hoped, that my post grad life would be filled with fun, friends and travel, so far this has been true. The responsible side of me hates this--the responsible side wishes I had a steady job and salary. BUT the rest of me loves it, these are the things that are important to me. Sure, I feel a bit of a void when I think about how I am not yet a full-time teacher, but that void will be filled. All I can do is continue to work hard, stay focused on my goal, and enjoy the GOOD LIFE-because that's what this is.

Movin' On

the girl in the moon

So, I am moving in a month. A MONTH. This is a stress I have never really experienced before. Honestly I am stressed a lot… anyone who has experienced me studying for a test, knows I can let stress get the better of me. This is a new stress. When taking a test I was stressed, but I think I secretly enjoyed the stress. I would work myself into frenzy, studying like a maniac, all the time knowing it was unlikely I would get anything lower than an A-.

This move is so different; there is no certainty in the back of my mind. I am taking a risk. I am continuing to pursue a dream, but can only hope hard work will finally lead me to achieving my goal. I cannot know for sure. This is scary.

Unfortunately, I think this stress is starting to take over my life. I do not feel like myself, I feel wired all the time as my mind is constantly racing. Luckily, I have great friends and running. I do not think I could make it through this transition without the two.

I keep repeating to myself some great advice I was given when studying in Australia/ New Zealand…

Always focus on what is in YOUR CONTROL. You may not be able to control the situation you are in, but YOU can control your reaction and how you deal with the situation.

So true.

Cheers to focusing on what is in YOUR control.

Wanderlust

pinterest

Source

Back from my recent trip to London and I want more. I absolutely love traveling. I cannot get enough of it. It is as if once I start traveling I have an unsettling desire to do more.

"We Cling to our tried and true, and you know we're creatures of comfort, and we find our patterns and stick to what we know best--but there's a big wide beautiful world out there and for those who want it, it's out there" - Matt Costa (The Road)

I want it.

Hello

Loving this happy-go lucky song right now.

Had a great time dancing to it a couple of weekends ago, and it's still in my head!

The video is kind of weird....but the song makes me happy :)

Be Happy You Are HEALTHY

Be happy you are healthy

Do not take your health for granted

If you are healthy, your life is good. 

If your life seems a mess, remember how incredibly lucky you are for your health,

And feel blessed.

Things We Forget

Londontown

LEAVE FOR LONDON IN 10 DAYS!!!!

Wide Open Spaces

A Loyal Friend

Love my Juno :)

A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. A water log stick will do just fine. A dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give him your heart and he'll give you his. How many people can you say that about? How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary? 

-John Grogan

The Righteous Path

Loving this song! And, they will be performing at Basilica :) SCORE!

Never Assume

So, this morning I decided to work out at the gym. I have not been to the gym in ages (I've been busy enjoying running outside, way more entertaining than the gym). Anyways, my gym workout allowed me to watch Ellen. It was a re-run, but I still found some inspiration.

Whether you can't stand her, love her, or don't know who she is--Ellen's guest Bethenny Frankel gave some fabulous advice, that really hit home for me.

I believe I am very blessed. I have a wonderful family, amazing friends and an incredibly supportive boyfriend. They only part of my life that I feel discouraged, upset, and even sometimes embarrassed about is my professional life.

I am absolutely determined to be a teacher, unfortunately the job market has stalled this dream of mine.

Anyways, enough of my rambling. It's at the end of the video, so if you aren't interested in online dating advice, or love advice skip ahead.

Bethenny gives great advice in saying, "Don't ever assume anyone is better than you."

I think in my post undergrad life I have lost some confidence and as a result, I have started to assume just that.

It's time to stop.

Remember your strengths
Stay focused on your goals
Never ASSUME someone is better than YOU
Never ASSUME someone is smarter than YOU
Never ASSUME someone's life is more glamourous than yours
Remember who YOU are. Remember what YOU believe is important in life.
Remember that everyone's journey is different.
NEVER, EVER let anyone make you forget who you are and what you are capable of doing.



Ok...wow. Maybe I am a little TOO inspired by this 10 second clip of advice :)

Embrace Change, Enjoy the Journey

Proper Topper

Heat Wave

It is HOT out today. Every time it is super hot out in the summer, this song starts playing in my head. Classic.

You've Got the Love

LOVING this song.

Happy Summer!!

I have been on a bit of a blogging hiatus! Sorry! Summer is in full swing, and it is BUSY! I feel like it's flying by...and it's been summer for about a week...


This may be my last Minnesota summer for a while ( that is SO hard for me to say!)

I really want to make it a great one, and enjoy all things Minnesota. So far I have been 'Up North' ( possibly my favorite part of summer and a Minnesota summer staple).

Today, I ran the Minneapolis 1/2 marathon ( you really get to experience the beauty of a city when you are running around it for 2 hours).


So here's to a Minnesota summer, that I hope will be full of both friends and places I cherish :)

Favorite part of the race had to be running across the Stone Arch Bridge, and feeling the mist from St.Anthony Falls!

Up North Minnesota--Favorite

Next MN activity...Twins Game this weekend!!