Giving Thanks

Life can be tough, be it emotionally draining, physically painful, or simply overwhelming. Fortunately, the transition between graduating college and beginning my graduate program has been smooth sailing. I could have cried a lot or been stricken with tons of anxiety, and the focus of my post today is on those who made those possibilities impossible. I could not be filled with more gratitude for the people and places in my life that have helped many people be optimistic and confident in the journeys they are on the brink of embarking on.

First, my professors and mentors in SLO: Thank you! These people offered so much endearing support and courage from the moment I starting applying to programs. Their ability to strengthen those they mentor is beautiful-both as I was mentored and while I watched them do the same with others. I am so fortunate to have such intelligent, caring, and wonderful cheerleaders.

*****

Second, California: This gorgeous state I've called home my whole life has taught me to open my eyes to surroundings, care about the food I put into my body, and to appreciate the calm weather. The Pacific Ocean has been my therapist, calming my soul as the crash of the waves inspired me to keep life in perspective. The agriculture, the suburbs, the small college towns, PCH in the summer time, the traffic in the cities, San Francisco's hills, LA's eclectic aura...thank you, California, for always being well rounded.

*****

Third, my incredible friends: Whether sitting with me while packing numerous times over the past few months, reading over my personal statements...a lot, or just sharing their excitement for how much fun we'll have these next few years visiting each other, I've been blessed with the most spectacular friendships. THANK YOU for helping me find my housing, making sure my belongings were packaged and shipped, sharing your lives with me and allowing me to do the same. I'm a lucky girl with friends who are a lot more like siblings, especially since we've been there for one another for most of our lives. I could never hope for better friends who have kept me sane and excited for this new adventure.

*****

Lastly, my family: My parents, brother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dog all deserve an award. I could never express my gratitude for the unconditional love and support offered by these people (and pup). Their honesty keeps me grounded, they challenge me to make the best possible decisions, and help me feel undoubtably safe with their comfort. I'm moving to the exact opposite side of the country from all of them, which is pretty scary. Luckily, their excitement, pride, and belief that this is the right thing has rubbed off on me. That, or we've all influenced each other. Either way, to my family-thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being who you are and shaping me into who I am today.

And the next blog post will be coming from one of two places...the airport, or NEW YORK CITY!

Post-hibernation

After a three month and six day hiatus, I have now finally been able to regain my place in the blogosphere. I apologize. Between May and June, I graduated from college, and immediately shipped off to a remote area to work at a summer camp. The experience was incredible, particularly because I spent two solid months advising 48 high school seniors. They, along with the other people I was surrounded by, all helped me grow as a person as I, hopefully, did the same for them.  While at camp, though, the internet connection was so splotchy that many websites, including Youtube, Pandora, and Blogger, were all banned due to lack of bandwidth. Fret no more! I'm back.

And as I return to my blog, I pack up my bags to leave on a jet plane. It's time for the big move, ladies and gents! Frank Sinatra said it best, "Start spreading the news. I'm leaving [on Tuesday]. I want to be a part of it! New York, New York! If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere."

I've missed being able to chat. Now I'm free, especially since I shipped all my belongings today. I'm hoping my belongings make it to my apartment safely, and that the Big Apple isn't harmed by Hurricane Irene. Actually, I hope the entire East Coast makes it out okay.

Starting next week, I'll be back on the normal schedule. Until then, here are some photos that have documented the past few months:

The Roast Trifecta-Poly Rep Banquet.

Senior Wine Tasting with one of my best friends. 

Last tour...ever. 

Graduation paparazzi.

My darling love since 2nd grade watched me graduate!

Welcome to Santa Rosa!

Move over Kate and Wills, Stephanie had the wedding of the year!

 

Dress like your advisor night at camp. They even got the pose right.

Home is Porter Creek.  C11T.

First trip to Fentons. Last goodbyes at Oakland Airport.

Siblings reunited at Mesa. 

Adventuring-Yeehaw!

The excitement for this weekend started early with my Thursday evening. After giving one of the best campus tours of my life to 80+ 7th graders with two amazing ambassadors (complete with a relay race on one of our big lawns), and spending quite some time on work for this summer, the big adventure of the week began. After my weekly trip to Farmer's Market, it was time to kick up my boots, and shake what my momma gave me (thanks, Mom) at the local hotspot for line dancing.

Top 5 Reasons to go Line Dancing:

1. Handsome cowboys who like swinging the ladies around on the dance floor.
2. Mecca for the latest sundresses.
3. Gaining a new appreciation for country music.
4. Great exercise. 
5. Laughing, jumping, and dancing around for over 3 hours.

This evening of line dancing was different from any other time I've gone. Just a little background, I used to go almost weekly the entire summer I spent in the area. It's usually where my best friend and I go to when we need a night to dress up and get our hearts pumping. However, due to busy schedules and an injury, it's taken awhile to get my boots back on...approximately 4 months. It was also the first time I would really be dancing since my injury, so I was slightly nervous. No need, though, because it was one of the best times I've been!  Partially because of how invigorating it was to be back, and mostly because of the massive group of friends that ended up going. Within our group of almost 20 people, we had a diverse dancing population-it was some's first time line dancing, and some were seasoned veterans for 4 years; mind you, this group in particular has some of the loudest, most positive and FUN personalities you'll ever find-so it was a nonstop great time.

Highlights of the evening included my first ever West Coast swing (a dance I was always terrified would make me feel as if I was on the teacup ride at Disneyland). Every time my partner dipped me, it was a rush! Also, seeing the newcomers having an absolute blast trying the dances, whether they understood them or not, illustrated the effect of a positive attitude. As for the moments when we took a breather, standing as close to the air conditioning vents as possible, those led to some great pictures...

The three of us referred to ourselves as the "3 Little Kittens" (from Despicable Me) while hiding our true identities to surprise the two wonderful ambassadors we mentor. :)

See the resemblance? via Gravity Happens

A portion of our group. 

If you love plaid, boots, and dresses, the outfits from the evening would make you swoon. I was so excited to try out a new dress I got for this upcoming summer, where I'll be a C.I.T. Advisor at a summer camp for 8 weeks. Every week, the camp holds a large dance party, similar to the line dancing I've described tonight. I have to give a shout out to J. Crew for making one terrific dancing dress. This outfit might make an appearance (or two) this summer.

Shelby Dress from J.Crew

Vintage red Fox Fire boots via Urban Outfitters 8 years ago.

Earrings from Forever 21 and spoon ring from Argentina (purchased at little mart in Claremont, CA).

After quite the adventure on the dance floor, our car needed to quench our thirsts after all that dancing. Naturally, we end up with sweet, sugary, non-hydrating goodness...

Cherry and Coca-Cola is my favorite combination.

And now, the adventure continues as some of my closest friends come into town from San Francisco and Denver. WOOHOO! I haven't hugged any of these wonderful people for longer than I care to admit. It will also be the first time I've seen one since she had an internship in Switzerland. And, besides getting to  see them, our ambassador group has its senior wine tasting extravaganza. I suppose the adventuring doesn't stop with line dancing this week. Have a wonderful weekend!

Quote of the Day-No Regrets

"Happiness is essentially a state of going somewhere, wholeheartedly, one-directionally, without regret or reservation." 

-William H. Sheldon

Lovely Lists-Organize!

"Don't agonize, organize."-Florynce R. Kennedy

Beautifully organized spaces. Photos via Elle Decor

This week's lovely list is inspired by change. It's in the air, drifting in and out of everyone's nostrils. Take a big whiff, because if you embrace it, the good of it will wrap around you like a bear hug. Personally, I have more changes approaching than ever before. With moving three times in three months, and two big adventures, I have a lot to get done. The best way to ensure I welcome these changes with an open mind and open heart is by putting some planning skills to good use.

My Bob's Your Uncle 8-Days-a-Week planner keeps me sane.

1. Complete my bucket list (with the help of my handy dandy planner).   
2. Separate clothing and accessories into two categories: summer camp and New York.
3. Buy rad stationary from Paper Sky to keep in touch while away for the summer.
4. Collect friends' addresses for snail mail. :)
5. Decide what books are going to New York, which may be one of the tougher decisions I will have to make.
6. Set aside a specific space for studying with all my books and notes. 
7. Get rid of clutter! There are so many unnecessary objects in the kitchen, the bathroom, my bedroom, and to tackle that now will make moving quicker. In turn, this will create more time to spend with people.
8. Start researching what Ikea and the Container Store have to keep everything organized throughout the moves.
9. Make reservations for graduation meals and summer flights. Both require planning ahead.
10. Mediate. Take a deep breathe. Organize the mind to stay grounded. 

As new things swirl around you like a whirlpool, I hope you can find some time to sort everything out and to gain steady footing. Here's to organizing for the sake of peace of mind! 

Fashion Forming-To the Max

Emma Roberts at Elizabeth and James textile launch in L.A. via style.com

The maxi dress is back in full force. Sure, the floor-sweeping length has left a lasting impression on the red carpet. But now, the flowing cascade of fabric is gracing the daily grind! Whether your legs are as lengthy as a super model's, or lead you to refer to yourself as "vertically challenged", the maxi dress adds just enough bohemian aura to keep you looking cool as a cucumber. What I love about Emma's look is how the print is subtle, but far from boring, and the belt reminds you that her waist exists beneath the perfectly fitted denim jacket. It's effortless, and ideal for any closet for day-to-night; think of hitting up your favorite museum, jetting off to grab some tea, and ending your evening with a picnic and concert in the park. Yes, perfect summer night, and definitely perfect outfit for such.

Take a walk in her shoes:

 1*

 2*

3*  

4*

5*    6*  

From top: 1* Lightweight denim jacket lovely for layering and summer nights from Talbots. 2* Fast Sweet Pea maxi dress to dress up or down from French Connection 3* Awesome Abstract print that reminds you of the 4th of July at Forever 21 4* Hinted Florals maxi by We the Free at Free People 5* and 6* belts with subtle flair from the Gap.

Giving Thanks

Recently, I received an email that imparted the words of a friend's wise father:

What kind of day are you going to have? 

As you wake, the act of reflecting upon the moments to follow establishes perspective, and ultimately act as a driving force to make fulfilling choices. With that, I responded to the question this morning with this:

I will have a great day filled with love and gratitude. 

The ups and downs of my past week had been grounded in these two emotions, which has led me much to be thankful for.

• Thank you to lattes.  I find a moment of relaxation and peace when I sip the foamy espresso, while quietly people watching in the sunshine. Having just fifteen minutes to regroup my thoughts and observe people enjoying their day reenergizes my day. Additionally, I always appreciate my prominent lipstick stain on the mug.

• Thanks to Farmer's Market for providing incredible fresh produce that's so tasty, I'll eat a just bowl of steamed veggies for lunch. Most especially, thanks to Esther for providing me with roses that continuously bloom for weeks on end. I swear, their fragrance becomes more beautiful and calming each day. 

• Thank you to the woman at the post office, who offered such a sincere compliment, it added a pep in my step. I only hope I pay it forward as often as possible.

• Thank you parents and my brother for constantly providing support and unconditional love... and for spending the time to shop online for necessary wedding gifts for a near and dear friend. 

• Thank you to puppies who provide happiness with each tail wag, sloppy kiss, and big-eyed look, and especially their owners for lettings strangers pet them.  

Epic game of "Anything Goes" Scrabble after Farmer's with new and old friends.  Moments to truly appreciate.

• Thank you to the new friends who have enriched my life in such a short amount of time. I've learned a great deal these past few weeks from long talks and fun adventures. The amount of strength, diversity, and drive that has been shared continues to be truly inspiring.

• Thank you to spring cleaning. Some people burn sage. Some create a bonfire. All I know is that I have incredible friends and family who have led me to this point of empowerment, for which I am eternally grateful.  

• Finally, thanks to peacefulness. While preparing programs for the summer, my dear friend's wedding, and organizing my week, my gaze fell upon a brick with the word "Shalom" etched into it. I've frequented this coffee shop for five whole years, and never once had seen this. Shalom, in Hebrew, has three meanings: hello, goodbye, and peace.  With that, hello new adventures, goodbye fond memories, and may this week bring peace.