When I was younger, it seemed as though I could not sit still throughout the entirety of the month of December. Christmas was so magical and everything seemed to sparkle with the joy of the season. My siblings and I would all sleep in one room on Christmas Eve and I was lucky to get 20 minutes of actual sleep during the night. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we would even have trial tests to see who could be the quietest person to sneak out of the room and tip-toe down the stairs to retrieve a present for each of us to play with until 4:30 or 5 am, depending on our parent's time allowance that year. Nothing could go wrong in December because the house was decorated better than a catalog (shout-out to Jan) and Santa was on his way. It doesn't hurt that the holiday practically revolves around cookies and hot chocolate as well.
Nearing the end of finals week this year, I continuously found myself mentally noting how depressing Christmas is now. Going home can mean boredom, nights away from friends and downtown, and parents getting on your case about one thing or the other. Going home can bring back memories and might even mean seeing people you don't particularly desire to see. Returning to your hometown can sometimes feel like you're stepping back into the past and that is not always easy or enjoyable for a lot of people. Let's also not forget the many questions about why you do not have a boyfriend to bring along to family gatherings, family members can ask the hardest questions.
People need to stop thinking like this. I am disappointed that I even thought of seeing Christmas as a depressing time of year. This mindset all changed when all of my siblings were home and my whole family gathered around in the living room, sharing stories and drinks, laughing about our misfortune and current events. It changed when I saw how grateful my mother was for helping her with decorations. It changed when my father's only birthday request was for all of us to go to a movie together. The magic of Christmas does not fade away as you grow, it simply changes forms.
Sure, after a while with your family you might need to have some alone time or a girl's night with your high school friends, but do not shut family time out completely. Over break, I have realized that coming home and laughing with my family has given me the opportunity to return to that childlike state. I have been able to return to all of the glories of living at home if only for a brief few weeks. At home, someone cooks you meals (or at least buys them for you), someone cleans for you, someone does your laundry, someone takes you to a movie or some other form of entertainment, someone notices when your head is stuck in the past and memories back home start coming out of the shadows.
So enjoy being home, young adults. It's a month of no school work, a month of clean clothes and delicious meals. Enjoy being over-loved and try to take some of that love back with you in January. Be nice to your parents because they think and worry about us more than we can fathom. Hang out with your siblings, quit watching Netflix and read a book, smile when a family member asks you an impossible question about your future. Enjoy returning to your childhood when life was a little easier and a lot less complicated. Find the magic of Christmas break because if you just have an open mind, I promise it will be right in front of you.
Life is Worth Living
Monday, December 7, 2015
"Life is worth living."
Today marks one week, seven days, 168 hours since the Earth stood still for a moment for me. It's been seven days of this churning pit in my stomach that makes me feel like I'm going to get sick any moment. Seven days of crying at inappropriate times in inappropriate places, but mostly seven days of not wanting to get out of bed in the morning. This week will easily go down as one of the hardest in my life.
I didn't really expect I would ever have a blog post inspired by a Justin Bieber song but here I sit on the floor, drinking coffee and listening to this song that has been on repeat for a few days now. In the midst of terrible heartbreak and feeling as though it is yours to handle on your own, I know I have to keep playing this song.
This week I am giving myself the challenge of thinking about all of the plans I have and then letting them go. There are many things I want to do but I also know that clearly sometimes the plan God has for you is greater than the one in your head. I'm going to travel, create, learn, and find purpose, but on God's schedule. I asked him to give me a sign and though it was a painful one, I got what I asked for. Obviously, God has a better idea for me than the one I had planned for myself and that is never easy to hear when you're sitting on the in-between.
But for now, I am trying to remember that none of the plans that are ahead of me will happen if I don't get out of bed in the morning. None of the big events coming up will be given the chance to come into my life unless I am out there in the world and trying. I cannot experience the gifts of the future until I let go of the past. Of course, all of these things are easier said than done and this knowledge doesn't take the pain away. However, I do truly believe it's always darkest before the dawn and that I have the power to really do something great in this world. I don't believe I've found my niche, my passion yet, but I never will unless I work on it. I know that great success comes with hard work and a lot of it is work in very difficult situations, but work that has to be done.
I hope that every person reading this that has a hard time getting out of bed to face the world remembers that every step you take into the pain is a step further from getting better. Every step back towards the past is just that, a step backwards and away from the future. Be aware of the pain in people around you because there are so many people out there hurting every day and most of them are hurting alone. I promise you will find the reason to make life worth living again.
Special shout-out to Jan for listening to me talk for hours and spending all of yesterday at my house helping me clean and decorate the house for Christmas. It was a way to start this week off on a completely different and hopeful note. There are people to help us find the reason to make life worth living again and that is the greatest gift.
So get out of bed, people. I know it hurts but it will be worth living.
Today marks one week, seven days, 168 hours since the Earth stood still for a moment for me. It's been seven days of this churning pit in my stomach that makes me feel like I'm going to get sick any moment. Seven days of crying at inappropriate times in inappropriate places, but mostly seven days of not wanting to get out of bed in the morning. This week will easily go down as one of the hardest in my life.
I didn't really expect I would ever have a blog post inspired by a Justin Bieber song but here I sit on the floor, drinking coffee and listening to this song that has been on repeat for a few days now. In the midst of terrible heartbreak and feeling as though it is yours to handle on your own, I know I have to keep playing this song.
This week I am giving myself the challenge of thinking about all of the plans I have and then letting them go. There are many things I want to do but I also know that clearly sometimes the plan God has for you is greater than the one in your head. I'm going to travel, create, learn, and find purpose, but on God's schedule. I asked him to give me a sign and though it was a painful one, I got what I asked for. Obviously, God has a better idea for me than the one I had planned for myself and that is never easy to hear when you're sitting on the in-between.
But for now, I am trying to remember that none of the plans that are ahead of me will happen if I don't get out of bed in the morning. None of the big events coming up will be given the chance to come into my life unless I am out there in the world and trying. I cannot experience the gifts of the future until I let go of the past. Of course, all of these things are easier said than done and this knowledge doesn't take the pain away. However, I do truly believe it's always darkest before the dawn and that I have the power to really do something great in this world. I don't believe I've found my niche, my passion yet, but I never will unless I work on it. I know that great success comes with hard work and a lot of it is work in very difficult situations, but work that has to be done.
I hope that every person reading this that has a hard time getting out of bed to face the world remembers that every step you take into the pain is a step further from getting better. Every step back towards the past is just that, a step backwards and away from the future. Be aware of the pain in people around you because there are so many people out there hurting every day and most of them are hurting alone. I promise you will find the reason to make life worth living again.
Special shout-out to Jan for listening to me talk for hours and spending all of yesterday at my house helping me clean and decorate the house for Christmas. It was a way to start this week off on a completely different and hopeful note. There are people to help us find the reason to make life worth living again and that is the greatest gift.
So get out of bed, people. I know it hurts but it will be worth living.
Thankful Sunday
Sunday, November 29, 2015
I meant to write something to post on Friday about what I'm thankful for but a few things got in the way and I just wasn't feeling very joyful but today I am ready to be thankful. A reoccurring theme in my posts and in my life, it is time to see all the cracks of light in the dark and amplify them. Today and, if I'm smart, everyday, I am thankful for:
Two parents who give me the world. Jan and Steve have always given me such a great life, but not without the work behind it. I'm thankful that they question all of my decisions because it makes me do the same, I'm thankful that they never showed too much pride in me to challenge me to always remain humble, I'm thankful that even though it might sometimes produce some ridicule, they see something different and special in me. I'm thankful for a life of Catholic school and the ability to pursue my dreams, even if Steve-o had to have a few beers in order to get through some of my dance competitions. All of my favorite memories were made possible because of the hard work and unconditional love of my parents.
My siblings who bring endless amounts of smiles with their endless amounts of frustration. Yeah, there have been times when I pinched Mikayla with literally every ounce of strength I had, or I said something to Mackenzie that never needed to be said, or I...wait every time I try to get mad at Mike he just laughs at me..anyways, we've exchanged our fair share of frustration. However, it never seems to be able to last long because my three siblings absolutely sculpted me into who I am today. I'm thankful for advice, for help with school, for endless amounts of laughs and memories.
My best friends. Moving schools has really made me appreciate the people in my life that I know are there forever. It's easy to tell who these people are because even after time being separated, the second you see each other again it feels like you never left. I'm thankful for the people I am able to send long ass texts to in order to vent or ask a million questions about their interaction with a friend of a friend. I'm thankful for sleepovers and pizza orders, for loving me even when I had the mumps (or actually hating me, gotta respect the tough love), for people that bring me chocolate because we all know it's the only way to glue a broken heart back together, for being open and understanding and for loving me even when I am not the person they know I can be.
My school and the city I am able to study and live in. Whenever people ask me why I switched schools, the first thing that comes to mind is that I wasn't sure if I would be able to become the person I wanted to be at Mizzou. There's nothing wrong with that and I absolutely adore the school, but I am so thankful that I attend the University of Iowa and live in Iowa City. There's something electric about Iowa and I have met some of the most kind, genuine, creative, and inspiring people here. Being 12-0 isn't so bad either, maybe I'm their good luck charm?
I'm thankful for my mistakes and the people that have given me second, third, or maybe hundredth chances. I'm thankful for understanding that love is about the trust that someone will try again and that life would be so boring if it were static. I'm thankful for trying to put back the pieces even better than before and having the faith that you're on the path that will lead you to the right person or in the right direction. I'm thankful for the abundance of opportunities ahead, places to see, people to meet, and changes to make. I'm thankful that I'm here and life is still moving.
Happy Thanksgiving and holidays. Time to put up a 6.5 foot tree in Big Red that will probably have broken ornaments within two nights. But that's college for ya, making the best of what we have.
Two parents who give me the world. Jan and Steve have always given me such a great life, but not without the work behind it. I'm thankful that they question all of my decisions because it makes me do the same, I'm thankful that they never showed too much pride in me to challenge me to always remain humble, I'm thankful that even though it might sometimes produce some ridicule, they see something different and special in me. I'm thankful for a life of Catholic school and the ability to pursue my dreams, even if Steve-o had to have a few beers in order to get through some of my dance competitions. All of my favorite memories were made possible because of the hard work and unconditional love of my parents.
My siblings who bring endless amounts of smiles with their endless amounts of frustration. Yeah, there have been times when I pinched Mikayla with literally every ounce of strength I had, or I said something to Mackenzie that never needed to be said, or I...wait every time I try to get mad at Mike he just laughs at me..anyways, we've exchanged our fair share of frustration. However, it never seems to be able to last long because my three siblings absolutely sculpted me into who I am today. I'm thankful for advice, for help with school, for endless amounts of laughs and memories.
My best friends. Moving schools has really made me appreciate the people in my life that I know are there forever. It's easy to tell who these people are because even after time being separated, the second you see each other again it feels like you never left. I'm thankful for the people I am able to send long ass texts to in order to vent or ask a million questions about their interaction with a friend of a friend. I'm thankful for sleepovers and pizza orders, for loving me even when I had the mumps (or actually hating me, gotta respect the tough love), for people that bring me chocolate because we all know it's the only way to glue a broken heart back together, for being open and understanding and for loving me even when I am not the person they know I can be.
My school and the city I am able to study and live in. Whenever people ask me why I switched schools, the first thing that comes to mind is that I wasn't sure if I would be able to become the person I wanted to be at Mizzou. There's nothing wrong with that and I absolutely adore the school, but I am so thankful that I attend the University of Iowa and live in Iowa City. There's something electric about Iowa and I have met some of the most kind, genuine, creative, and inspiring people here. Being 12-0 isn't so bad either, maybe I'm their good luck charm?
I'm thankful for my mistakes and the people that have given me second, third, or maybe hundredth chances. I'm thankful for understanding that love is about the trust that someone will try again and that life would be so boring if it were static. I'm thankful for trying to put back the pieces even better than before and having the faith that you're on the path that will lead you to the right person or in the right direction. I'm thankful for the abundance of opportunities ahead, places to see, people to meet, and changes to make. I'm thankful that I'm here and life is still moving.
Happy Thanksgiving and holidays. Time to put up a 6.5 foot tree in Big Red that will probably have broken ornaments within two nights. But that's college for ya, making the best of what we have.
#BREAKTYYYmmmeeeEEe
Monday, November 23, 2015
What up what up readers, it's ya girl Morg here, hitting you with some more diary entries about the #sadlyfe just kidding we kicking it!
Finishing my third full day of laying in bed, can you tell?
On Thursday, November 20th, a wonderful bundle of joy came into my life and blessed me more than I knew possible. Parotitis, also known as the mumps decided to join my life and make all of my loved ones afraid to interact with me so here I am in the dark on my computer which I'm sure looks just as creepy as it sounds. I drove home at 6:30 am thirsty for some loving from my mom like any college kid desires while under the weather, but instead was sent away. Sent away lovingly though, I will add. Basically I feel like the kid no one wants to hang out with because they have bad BO or dandruff or something so I figured instead of going on episode 22 of One Tree Hill I would write a post. Let this be a PSA though, get your dang mumps booster.
Let's talk about Friendsgiving, baby. Okay sorry gotta take a second here to be really proud of myself because I made a whole, real dang turkey all by myself. I screamed, I hyperventilated, I stuck my hand literally inside of it and felt like I pulled out a little bit of my soul with it, but I did it. I also made gravy, green beans, rolls, and stuffing, all with the help of my friends! We left the mashed potatoes to my friend Mary and the pumpkin bars to Joe, both of them killed it with family recipes! Actually, come to think of it, I am pretty sure we left the pumpkin bars in the fridge and they'll be there the rest of the break. Oh well, more when we get home! (I swear I'm kidding) If you haven't seen the picture on Facebook, here's all of us. We couldn't wait long enough to eat to actually take pictures of the food because we were so hungry. Also, there might have been wine involved to influence that decision...
Finishing my third full day of laying in bed, can you tell?
On Thursday, November 20th, a wonderful bundle of joy came into my life and blessed me more than I knew possible. Parotitis, also known as the mumps decided to join my life and make all of my loved ones afraid to interact with me so here I am in the dark on my computer which I'm sure looks just as creepy as it sounds. I drove home at 6:30 am thirsty for some loving from my mom like any college kid desires while under the weather, but instead was sent away. Sent away lovingly though, I will add. Basically I feel like the kid no one wants to hang out with because they have bad BO or dandruff or something so I figured instead of going on episode 22 of One Tree Hill I would write a post. Let this be a PSA though, get your dang mumps booster.
Let's talk about Friendsgiving, baby. Okay sorry gotta take a second here to be really proud of myself because I made a whole, real dang turkey all by myself. I screamed, I hyperventilated, I stuck my hand literally inside of it and felt like I pulled out a little bit of my soul with it, but I did it. I also made gravy, green beans, rolls, and stuffing, all with the help of my friends! We left the mashed potatoes to my friend Mary and the pumpkin bars to Joe, both of them killed it with family recipes! Actually, come to think of it, I am pretty sure we left the pumpkin bars in the fridge and they'll be there the rest of the break. Oh well, more when we get home! (I swear I'm kidding) If you haven't seen the picture on Facebook, here's all of us. We couldn't wait long enough to eat to actually take pictures of the food because we were so hungry. Also, there might have been wine involved to influence that decision...
I'm not quite in the mood yet to make my post about what I'm thankful for because, honestly, my miserable mumps are oozing all over my personality lately. Instead, here's something I've been thinking about recently:
On Friday night I volunteered at an Assisted Living Home in Iowa City. I won't pretend to be a saint and say things like I was driven and unbelievably excited for my volunteer hours and nothing life altering came from my time spent with the lovely elderly people in the home. But as it almost always does, my conversation left me with something that hasn't been able to leave my mind. Sure, after the third time of repeating my major I was a little tired, but it was when I started really listening to what a very wonderful lady kept saying that I realized just how important it was to her. She kept asserting how much she wished she would have traveled.
I feel like almost everyone has a desire to travel, but sometimes I truly believe I have the landlocked blues. Constantly stricken with wanderlust, ideas of places to see are probably my favorite things to pin and research. I've been lucky enough to go out of country twice in my life; once in Spain and once in Ireland. Talking with this lady and hearing of her strong desire to be able to see the world hit me because I know that now is my time to do that. Now, when I'm young and able to, with nothing tying me down. And isn't that a blessing?
I mean, just look at this! The most grounded I've ever felt in my life was standing there. I think traveling has generally made me a more open and curious human. I want to know why and how countries and people do things differently, I want to see the world and Americans from the perspective of a foreign country. The past two times I've traveled, I have questioned everything in my life. It's hard to explain if you've never been but you genuinely cannot come back the same if you truly absorb your time abroad.
I have so many plans for the future and most of them involve some sort of traveling. And yes, money does not grow on trees and it is a priority in decision making but I also think it has helped me prioritize what is important in my life. Traveling has taught me that there's no price tag that goes on the feeling of dipping your toes in the ocean in Barcelona or singing drinking songs in an old Irish pub while the rain pours down. It is the most hands-on and refreshing way of learning, with lessons that truly matter (not saying education doesn't matter, go to school kids). I've learned how to flamenco, how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness, and how to navigate the heart of Madrid at night. Those are the lessons I'm going to remember, those are the ones that matter to me.
Viva España and long live all the Galway Girls, I cannot wait for my next adventure.
P.S. your next adventure should be to the doctor for your mumps shot, I heard it's great. I think I'm going crazy.
Muddy Water
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
I'm not very sure how many people know this but I have a tattoo by my left ankle (don't worry both parents already know).
I sometimes get "Ohhhh. A flower..." and yes I got quite a bit of shit from the tattoo artist during the process but the point of this tattoo was not to have a pretty flower on my foot. The lotus is a flower that blooms and thrives in muddy water and that was something that was really significant to me this past year after it felt like I was just continuously knocked down by life. The lotus means new beginnings and not only starting over, but thriving in your redo. Given a chance to make something novel and better out of what others may see as not so great soil to start in.
Unfortunately, I believe some of the choices I have made as of quite recently have put me right back in some of the muddiest water I have ever been in. I'm not proud of a few things I have done and there are quite a few choices I would do differently given the chance to go back. There are people that I've hurt that are the last people that to deserve to be in anyone's line of fire and I'm not quite sure how I sank low enough to do so. Apologies seem insignificant when you can feel the effect of your mistake without even seeing or talking to someone.
So I'm starting this new trend. It's called "Get My Life Together November" in which I am going to work a few things out. As cheesy as it is, I really don't think the water could get much muddier at this point so I suppose it's time to start blooming. I'm going to stop focusing on the things that only seem to be temporary pleasures and start working on things that make me the type of person I would want to meet myself. The song Drowning Shadows came out the day I started thinking about this blog post and the lyrics really hit home with me. If you haven't heard it, I highly suggest it because Sam Smith has such a weird way of knowing exactly what I need to hear.
I was really hit hard with the inspiration for this decision to bloom by tons of things. First, in my dance class we were improvising for a long time and were told to think of a task to give ourselves while dancing. I happened to be looking down and decided I would try to go to all of the spots on the floor where the light from the windows made a shape, I worked my way over to the first one, turned towards the window, and was blinded by the light it cast. I went home that day and also found this quote that for some reason just really hit me hard:
Wow. I know that I need to love and respect myself in order for me to be able to properly do the same for someone else but I never thought about the fact that it includes the parts of me that maybe aren't so great. Just something to think about.
Well now that I ranted about how I'm horrible but I'm trying, continue on with your life! I'm sick of a life of temporary highs that just make the fall that much more shocking. It's time to seek out family and friends that care about me and pray and take time to reflect on myself and what I'm doing. Have a wonderful and wacky Wednesday (lol) and think about the lotus next time you feel as though your water is turning brown.
Importance of Mental Health Awareness
Friday, October 16, 2015
Blog readers, today I am sad.
The past week was absolutely unreal. It was homecoming and there were so many exciting things and I was really able to feel involved and like I was becoming part of Iowa. I got to dance onstage with some of my DG sisters, I got to go to a Chvrches concert on the Pentacrest, front row with my best friend, I got to tailgate for the Hawks and spend a crazy Saturday with friends both old and new. On Tuesday I got to see another great band Wild Belle, front row with some of my best friends and even got to meet the band afterwards.
On Wednesday I got to see one of my favorite artists of all time. If you don't follow me on Instagram, I started to listen to Conor Oberst when I was in sixth grade. From the moment I heard his music I knew he was not at all like any other artist I would ever come across. Conor writes music with these lyrics that are so clever and honest that I'm always left breathless. He has a way of leaving everything he has ever felt on the stage or in the studio. There's something really magical about a person that can be so open and vulnerable, especially to a crowd of strangers. I could never put in words how beautiful it is to be so exposed.
Which is why I think I have been feeling so sad and heightened. This is about to be the worst metaphor ever but it kind of feels like I've been feeling everything with a filmy layer over, trying to hold back from the reality of my sentiments in fears that it might be bad. Well, Conor came right in and wiped that filmy layer off and I've just been feeling so incredibly vulnerable ever since.
Upon arriving home, I was given the news that John Jantzen, a former schoolmate of mine a year older, had passed away. I can't sit here and pretend as though John and I were good friends, or even that we really talked, but going to such a small school makes it difficult to not have at least a surface level relationship with everyone around you. For some reason this news hit me very hard. It's so painful to know that people are hurting so bad and feel as though there is absolutely no one to help that they believe their best option is to end everything. It's so difficult to realize that people around you are in so much pain inside and don't think they can share or find solace in the society surrounding them.
I genuinely believe that this world will not be able to even begin helping prevent suicide until everyone realizes how severe of an issue mental health is. Being a fairly new cabinet of medical studies, I realize that it is difficult for people who are not used to it to get out of the state of thinking some people just need to "get over it" or "man up" or any of the other age-old "solutions" to feeling mentally unstable. If you go to the doctor when you feel a tickle in your throat, why is it not the norm to go when your mind is going haywire or you're feeling absolutely lost? The mind is a lot more complex and difficult to study than most other body parts but that does not mean it does not require the same amount of help and upkeep.
So I am sad today. I'm sad for John and I'm sad for all the other people that felt as though the only way out was the end of their life. I'm sad for all of the people who walk around everyday with a fake smile plastered on their face when on the inside they are barely holding on. I want people to understand that asking for help can be scary but there are always people willing to be there for you. I hope this world learns to take care of people hurting inside better.
RIP John. I hope you find the peace you were looking for.
The past week was absolutely unreal. It was homecoming and there were so many exciting things and I was really able to feel involved and like I was becoming part of Iowa. I got to dance onstage with some of my DG sisters, I got to go to a Chvrches concert on the Pentacrest, front row with my best friend, I got to tailgate for the Hawks and spend a crazy Saturday with friends both old and new. On Tuesday I got to see another great band Wild Belle, front row with some of my best friends and even got to meet the band afterwards.
Chvrches on the Pentacrest
Wild Belle at Gabe's
On Wednesday I got to see one of my favorite artists of all time. If you don't follow me on Instagram, I started to listen to Conor Oberst when I was in sixth grade. From the moment I heard his music I knew he was not at all like any other artist I would ever come across. Conor writes music with these lyrics that are so clever and honest that I'm always left breathless. He has a way of leaving everything he has ever felt on the stage or in the studio. There's something really magical about a person that can be so open and vulnerable, especially to a crowd of strangers. I could never put in words how beautiful it is to be so exposed.
Which is why I think I have been feeling so sad and heightened. This is about to be the worst metaphor ever but it kind of feels like I've been feeling everything with a filmy layer over, trying to hold back from the reality of my sentiments in fears that it might be bad. Well, Conor came right in and wiped that filmy layer off and I've just been feeling so incredibly vulnerable ever since.
Upon arriving home, I was given the news that John Jantzen, a former schoolmate of mine a year older, had passed away. I can't sit here and pretend as though John and I were good friends, or even that we really talked, but going to such a small school makes it difficult to not have at least a surface level relationship with everyone around you. For some reason this news hit me very hard. It's so painful to know that people are hurting so bad and feel as though there is absolutely no one to help that they believe their best option is to end everything. It's so difficult to realize that people around you are in so much pain inside and don't think they can share or find solace in the society surrounding them.
I genuinely believe that this world will not be able to even begin helping prevent suicide until everyone realizes how severe of an issue mental health is. Being a fairly new cabinet of medical studies, I realize that it is difficult for people who are not used to it to get out of the state of thinking some people just need to "get over it" or "man up" or any of the other age-old "solutions" to feeling mentally unstable. If you go to the doctor when you feel a tickle in your throat, why is it not the norm to go when your mind is going haywire or you're feeling absolutely lost? The mind is a lot more complex and difficult to study than most other body parts but that does not mean it does not require the same amount of help and upkeep.
So I am sad today. I'm sad for John and I'm sad for all the other people that felt as though the only way out was the end of their life. I'm sad for all of the people who walk around everyday with a fake smile plastered on their face when on the inside they are barely holding on. I want people to understand that asking for help can be scary but there are always people willing to be there for you. I hope this world learns to take care of people hurting inside better.
RIP John. I hope you find the peace you were looking for.
Friday, October 2, 2015
Going to paint you all a picture real quick here:
Mid-afternoon and 63 degrees on October 2nd. Sitting on the porch with small shapes of perfect light coming through the windows on the ground and walls beside you. Out the window you see a huge tree with leaves just slightly turning that yellow-green color you only see in early fall. Your sweater and ripped jeans give you just the perfect amount of warmth in the autumn breeze. Bon Iver plays on vinyl one room over as steam from your coffee dances in the light shapes and a single brown leaf falls right outside the window to your right.
How does life get better than this? How is anyone's favorite season anything other than fall? I can't get over how much better the music sounds, how much sweeter the lattes taste and how perfect the temperature feels in my favorite flannel! Alright I'm sorry, the fall obsession will cease now. But only for now:)
It's been one heck of a week and I have been absolutely unable to attend to any type of leisure activities due to a rather large midterm but guess what world?! It's over. Nothing feels better than a Friday with all of your responsibilities taken care of.
My most recently notable adventure was the arrival of two of my best gals from Mizzou in the big IC! Julia and Jamie pulled up to the Big Red House last Friday and let me tell ya, we had one heck of a time. Did we do the fight song while we were out? Maybe a few times. Did people want to punch us because of all of our inside jokes? Possibly. But wow do I miss those girls and all the fun I have when I'm with them. Sometimes it's a bit strange because I feel like I have a completely different life from who I was at Mizzou. When I am able to see my friends I am reminded of how I have changed-not necessarily in a bad or good way-but just how much is different. If anything, I'm so glad I go to Iowa because it makes being able to see them and spend time with them all the more important and fun and I am always reminded of how much they matter to me and always will. Great times with some truly wonderful people who I miss dearly.
To update you on all of the million things I am involved with, Kevin Hart is tomorrow! I'm really excited to be able to help out with this. Even if you aren't a huge Kevin Hart fan, you cannot deny how cool it is that we were able to get him to come here! I think it will be hilarious and a good time had by all. We had our first Spoon University meeting this week and I'm really excited about all the people involved! Though it's difficult to get an organization going from the ground up, it's going to be really great once it's going! P.s. if you aren't following @spoon_iowa on Instagram and liking all of the pictures you need to do that now, I will be eternally grateful (to be said in the voice of those one Toy Story green toys). I also just got an email yesterday saying that I was named Public Relations Student Society of America member of the week! Holllllaaaa! I may or may not have been named Bachelorette of the Week which my mother said was "icky" and I find just hilarious. The best part about it was how all of the people that liked the post were either: a family member, a DG, a family-friend that's a priest, or my high school friends. It's alright guys, one day someone will think I'm cool!
I'm happy. I just can't stop staring at this scene around me and truly thinking that, which is so freaking cheesy and I'm sorry but it's just great. Everyday I feel challenged and creative and different and I think that's how I've always wanted to feel. I feel like being here at Iowa is where I need to be in order to become the person I want to be. I'm learning and I'm trying and I'm failing but ultimately I can feel that I am growing. I know not everyone can understand the way I feel and that's okay. Sorry for the sentimentality but it is just a great day. Take 7 minutes out of your day today to enjoy the brisk air and the quirks that make you different and special because people don't do that often enough. Happy Friday:)
Mid-afternoon and 63 degrees on October 2nd. Sitting on the porch with small shapes of perfect light coming through the windows on the ground and walls beside you. Out the window you see a huge tree with leaves just slightly turning that yellow-green color you only see in early fall. Your sweater and ripped jeans give you just the perfect amount of warmth in the autumn breeze. Bon Iver plays on vinyl one room over as steam from your coffee dances in the light shapes and a single brown leaf falls right outside the window to your right.
How does life get better than this? How is anyone's favorite season anything other than fall? I can't get over how much better the music sounds, how much sweeter the lattes taste and how perfect the temperature feels in my favorite flannel! Alright I'm sorry, the fall obsession will cease now. But only for now:)
It's been one heck of a week and I have been absolutely unable to attend to any type of leisure activities due to a rather large midterm but guess what world?! It's over. Nothing feels better than a Friday with all of your responsibilities taken care of.
My most recently notable adventure was the arrival of two of my best gals from Mizzou in the big IC! Julia and Jamie pulled up to the Big Red House last Friday and let me tell ya, we had one heck of a time. Did we do the fight song while we were out? Maybe a few times. Did people want to punch us because of all of our inside jokes? Possibly. But wow do I miss those girls and all the fun I have when I'm with them. Sometimes it's a bit strange because I feel like I have a completely different life from who I was at Mizzou. When I am able to see my friends I am reminded of how I have changed-not necessarily in a bad or good way-but just how much is different. If anything, I'm so glad I go to Iowa because it makes being able to see them and spend time with them all the more important and fun and I am always reminded of how much they matter to me and always will. Great times with some truly wonderful people who I miss dearly.
To update you on all of the million things I am involved with, Kevin Hart is tomorrow! I'm really excited to be able to help out with this. Even if you aren't a huge Kevin Hart fan, you cannot deny how cool it is that we were able to get him to come here! I think it will be hilarious and a good time had by all. We had our first Spoon University meeting this week and I'm really excited about all the people involved! Though it's difficult to get an organization going from the ground up, it's going to be really great once it's going! P.s. if you aren't following @spoon_iowa on Instagram and liking all of the pictures you need to do that now, I will be eternally grateful (to be said in the voice of those one Toy Story green toys). I also just got an email yesterday saying that I was named Public Relations Student Society of America member of the week! Holllllaaaa! I may or may not have been named Bachelorette of the Week which my mother said was "icky" and I find just hilarious. The best part about it was how all of the people that liked the post were either: a family member, a DG, a family-friend that's a priest, or my high school friends. It's alright guys, one day someone will think I'm cool!
I'm happy. I just can't stop staring at this scene around me and truly thinking that, which is so freaking cheesy and I'm sorry but it's just great. Everyday I feel challenged and creative and different and I think that's how I've always wanted to feel. I feel like being here at Iowa is where I need to be in order to become the person I want to be. I'm learning and I'm trying and I'm failing but ultimately I can feel that I am growing. I know not everyone can understand the way I feel and that's okay. Sorry for the sentimentality but it is just a great day. Take 7 minutes out of your day today to enjoy the brisk air and the quirks that make you different and special because people don't do that often enough. Happy Friday:)
Procrastination Nation
Monday, September 21, 2015
My lovely readers! As I arrive back to my home at 10 pm tonight, I cannot help but think of all of the things I have to do, but instead I have chosen to do this. It is just a great time for "me time."
Recent happenings in my life include the following:
I am ecstatic to announce that I have been chosen to be the Social Media Manager for Spoon University. If you have never heard of Spoon, do yourself a favor and check it out, you might be sitting on your phone or computer for a few hours. It's an organization created by college kids for college kids and focuses on the greatest thing about being a human being-eating food. I knew when I visited their website that it was something I wanted to be a part of and I am so excited to get started and more involved. I'm a little overwhelmed and nervous to have such a big role but I think it is something that is worth investing lots of my time in and something I am absolutely going to love.
I also joined Inspire, which is a branch of PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) that is basically a student-run PR firm. I was put on the team that works with Iowa Watch, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news service. The people I'm working with seem like they really know their stuff and I am very intrigued by all there is for me to learn.
Okay we have to change the subject because I keep thinking about all there is to do. In case you don't follow me on Instagram (which, why wouldn't you?) here is a recent post that I am using this blog to delve into:
Okay so here we have a few things that have been keeping me sane lately. Those sandwich things. Wow. They're only 50 calories (or something like that) and they add lots of great flavor to any regular old sandwich. I love to make it with egg whites and Laughing Cow Light Garlic and Herb cheese. To the right is Oregon Chai latte mix. This is definitely my drink of choice in the fall. You haven't experienced fall drinks until you've had a hot Oregon Chai latte in a sweatshirt sitting on the front porch of 323, it is perfection. Last but not least, Snapea Crisps. Are these good for you? Probably not. Do they make you feel better because you tell yourself you're eating peas when they really taste like delicious puff corn or some crunchy salty yummy thing? Yes. I think this is my third bag of these since I have moved into the house, I can't get enough of them.
This year is already flying by, when will my life slow down? It's so important to take moments like this to mellow out and do something good for yourself. If you have similar music taste, I have a great treat for you. My dear friend, Lauren Smith, suggested I watch the movie Austin to Boston. YOU HAVE TO WATCH THIS MOVIE. If you envy the life of artists/bands traveling in Volkswagen Vans through America, singing indie tunes at night in the forest, you must take the time to see this documentary. I want this life so bad. It also brought me to some of my new favorite artists like Bear's Den, Nathaniel Rateliff, The Staves, and reminded me just how good Ben Howard is at touching my soul.
Off to bed I go, slowly drifting to "Agape" by Bear's Den while a million tasks dance in my head. Happy college life everyone!
Life is Evolving
Sunday, September 13, 2015
BLOG WORLD! I am alive! My life has been a whirlwind since my last post. Some good, some bad, but a whirlwind for sure.
I recently went through a pretty big change in my life regarding my relationship status and that has been going how one would expect it to go I suppose. There may be times when I feel like it's time for a pity party but I look around and all I have to do is check my freaking email to remind myself that life is still continuing. I have great friends and an endless amount of opportunities.
Speaking of opportunities, I recently joined about a million organizations. I joined dance club, Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), Her Campus (a national organization of women writing about life on campus), Phi Sigma Pi (an honors fraternity. Okay I'm not officially a part of this yet but I was invited to go through recruitment this upcoming week), and I was recently offered a position on the marketing team for Campus Activities Board or CAB! My first meeting with the marketing team is tomorrow and I am so excited to see all of the great parts of the organization, I am ecstatic. CAB is the organization on campus that runs pretty much all activities such as movie nights and concerts/shows like Kevin Hart! Receiving news of this definitely made my Friday.
One of my most recent adventures was my journey to Ames with my two friends, Molly and Clancy! We departed on Friday and sang the whole two hours to our friends' apartment. Morgan and Al have the coolest place with stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops. I just wanted everyone to know how impressed I was with the college life they lead. Ames is actually quite different from life here in Iowa City. The campus is absolutely GORGEOUS and the people are really cool and down to earth. Here is the timeline of events:
7 pm Friday Night-Arrive at the apartment of AllyPal and LaneyDoo.
10 pm Friday-Enter house party.
Within two minutes of arrival at said party, "Photograph" by Nickelback begins to play and this happens....
Approx. 12:30 pm-Experience my first ever Superdog. Life will never be the same, folks. It's a hot dog that has cucumber sauce, cheddar cheese, and potato chips. That's right guys, potato chips on the hot dog. It was incredible and something I will come back to, hopefully soon.
8 am Saturday morning-WAKE UP HAWK FANS! A wake up call complete with specially-made Molly Vipond love.
11 am-Off to the "Haunted Forest" to tailgate. We started at Al and Morgan's roommate's family tailgate and then went off to a student tailgate that was BUMPIN'. I'm still new to the whole tailgating thing so any place with loud music and lots of people seems "BUMPIN'" to me:)
4 pm-Back home to get ready for another night on the town.
I recently went through a pretty big change in my life regarding my relationship status and that has been going how one would expect it to go I suppose. There may be times when I feel like it's time for a pity party but I look around and all I have to do is check my freaking email to remind myself that life is still continuing. I have great friends and an endless amount of opportunities.
Speaking of opportunities, I recently joined about a million organizations. I joined dance club, Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), Her Campus (a national organization of women writing about life on campus), Phi Sigma Pi (an honors fraternity. Okay I'm not officially a part of this yet but I was invited to go through recruitment this upcoming week), and I was recently offered a position on the marketing team for Campus Activities Board or CAB! My first meeting with the marketing team is tomorrow and I am so excited to see all of the great parts of the organization, I am ecstatic. CAB is the organization on campus that runs pretty much all activities such as movie nights and concerts/shows like Kevin Hart! Receiving news of this definitely made my Friday.
One of my most recent adventures was my journey to Ames with my two friends, Molly and Clancy! We departed on Friday and sang the whole two hours to our friends' apartment. Morgan and Al have the coolest place with stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops. I just wanted everyone to know how impressed I was with the college life they lead. Ames is actually quite different from life here in Iowa City. The campus is absolutely GORGEOUS and the people are really cool and down to earth. Here is the timeline of events:
7 pm Friday Night-Arrive at the apartment of AllyPal and LaneyDoo.
10 pm Friday-Enter house party.
Within two minutes of arrival at said party, "Photograph" by Nickelback begins to play and this happens....
8 am Saturday morning-WAKE UP HAWK FANS! A wake up call complete with specially-made Molly Vipond love.
11 am-Off to the "Haunted Forest" to tailgate. We started at Al and Morgan's roommate's family tailgate and then went off to a student tailgate that was BUMPIN'. I'm still new to the whole tailgating thing so any place with loud music and lots of people seems "BUMPIN'" to me:)
4 pm-Back home to get ready for another night on the town.
Shout-out to Al and Laney for being such lovely hosts and letting us crash for the weekend! Throughout the whole weekend I just kept having moments of looking around and thinking, "these are some of the happiest moments of my life." I have such great friends who constantly make my side and cheek ache from the amount of laughter produced. I am so lucky for the times I am able to have with the greatest people in the whole world.
My other recent adventure was a lovely little lunch date with two of my favorite girls! As much as I adore these two and our sweet times together, this portion is saved for the amazing meal consumed at Atlas. Maybe it was just eating outside, or maybe it was the lack of solid meals I've had recently, but this food was incredible and I haven't stopped thinking about it all day. I ordered a falafel black bean burger with fries-HALLELUJAH. If you know me, I absolutely hate hamburgers but I love myself some falafel so I thought I would give it a try. This is one of those times where your English teacher would ask, "what do you think her decision to try something new and liking it symbolized?" That was so cheesy, I am so sorry. As great as the food was, let's not down-play the cuteness of the faces in the photo!
Well I just wanted to let my mom know I was alive via blog post. Life is giving me reasons to smile, and I'm going to continue seeking out those reasons. Have a great week and go hawks!
Back to School
Saturday, August 29, 2015
I officially survived my entire first week here at Iowa! I've got to say, I think I am falling in love.
All of my classes seem very interesting which is great, but the best part is not how interested I am in them but how interested my peers and professors seem to be about them. I have always believed that the most effective teachers are ones that are teaching because the subject actually excites and intrigues them, not because it is solely their job. My first class at Iowa was a Human Origins lecture and the professor announced that he is only a sub for the week because our real professor is uncovering fossils in Southeast Asia...what?! I thought that was only what professors in movies did!
I'm taking a modern dance class and it is amazing because I like to pretend I go to a fine arts school where an actual graded class involves stretching, across the floor, and short combos. Is a dance minor ahead in my future? Possibly because the dance school here is just lovely and the girls are wonderful and we have an actual musician. That's right, everyone! Instead of the teacher hitting play on a stereo, an actual guy picks up on the desired rhythm and plays drums for us-it is impossibly cool.
My first day of my journalism class, we watched the Anaconda music video, first thing in the morning at 9:30 am. We're covering all types of media and how we as a public are consuming this media, which will be so interesting. Yesterday was my first discussing for that class and my TA put a photo on the board and asked us to guess where it was, seeing as it was her hometown. I threw my hand in the air like the snobby know-it-all kid and practically yelled "Columbia, Missouri!" She had gone to Mizzou and was from CoMO, had a nose ring, hair just like mine, and studied the PR side of journalism. I think her and I will get along just swimmingly.
My two other classes are Interpretation of Literature and Screening Latin America which I am already just eating up because film and books are two of my favorite things in the world, of course.
So I am loving my classes here clearly, but the thing I am really loving is all the SUPER COOL HIPSTER ARTSY INTERESTING PEOPLE! They are just everywhere. It is so cheesy and kind of embarrassing to say but I keep feeling extremely inspired by everyone around me whether it's because of their hair, their conversation, or the way they dress, all of the people here are so different and they all have something really special and captivating about them. So I've put together my back to school necessities because everyday when I wake up I feel challenged to wear something uniquely me that is different from everyone else:
All of my classes seem very interesting which is great, but the best part is not how interested I am in them but how interested my peers and professors seem to be about them. I have always believed that the most effective teachers are ones that are teaching because the subject actually excites and intrigues them, not because it is solely their job. My first class at Iowa was a Human Origins lecture and the professor announced that he is only a sub for the week because our real professor is uncovering fossils in Southeast Asia...what?! I thought that was only what professors in movies did!
I'm taking a modern dance class and it is amazing because I like to pretend I go to a fine arts school where an actual graded class involves stretching, across the floor, and short combos. Is a dance minor ahead in my future? Possibly because the dance school here is just lovely and the girls are wonderful and we have an actual musician. That's right, everyone! Instead of the teacher hitting play on a stereo, an actual guy picks up on the desired rhythm and plays drums for us-it is impossibly cool.
My first day of my journalism class, we watched the Anaconda music video, first thing in the morning at 9:30 am. We're covering all types of media and how we as a public are consuming this media, which will be so interesting. Yesterday was my first discussing for that class and my TA put a photo on the board and asked us to guess where it was, seeing as it was her hometown. I threw my hand in the air like the snobby know-it-all kid and practically yelled "Columbia, Missouri!" She had gone to Mizzou and was from CoMO, had a nose ring, hair just like mine, and studied the PR side of journalism. I think her and I will get along just swimmingly.
My two other classes are Interpretation of Literature and Screening Latin America which I am already just eating up because film and books are two of my favorite things in the world, of course.
So I am loving my classes here clearly, but the thing I am really loving is all the SUPER COOL HIPSTER ARTSY INTERESTING PEOPLE! They are just everywhere. It is so cheesy and kind of embarrassing to say but I keep feeling extremely inspired by everyone around me whether it's because of their hair, their conversation, or the way they dress, all of the people here are so different and they all have something really special and captivating about them. So I've put together my back to school necessities because everyday when I wake up I feel challenged to wear something uniquely me that is different from everyone else:
Top right is a flannel which is not different from everyone else but gosh dang I just love flannels, I would wear one everyday. It's been a bit cold in the mornings so I will wear it with a tank or t-shirt under and then when it warms up in the afternoon, I'll wrap it around my waist. Nothing beats a nice flannel from Goodwill.
Bottom left is a lace bralette. I honestly think I have worn my grey bralette from Urban Outfitters every single day this week. I'm wearing it right now as well. It goes with everything, is crazy comfortable, and all the duties of wearing a bra are covered except if this one shows, it's not a big deal. In fact, I think it's cuter if it does show just a bit. These are a staple and I really need to invest in maybe a few more...don't tell my dad.
Bottom right is a buddha candle. Now my buddha candle is turquoise but this white one will have to do for the sake of display. I cannot seem to ever have enough candles. Let me take a quick second to count all the flames currently lit in my room as I lay on my bed typing...13, people. They make my room smell amazing and there is something so calming about candlelight.
I don't have any food pictures from this week because it's been a bit crazy around here. And of course by crazy, I mean that Clancy, Mary, and I sat on the couch and cuddled all of yesterday. Nothing is more fun than all three of us piled in my bed making fun of each other. I feel like Annie in the sense that I can't help singing in my head, "I think I'm gonna like it here!"
First Day of School Eve
Sunday, August 23, 2015
'Twas the night before school started and all through Big Red, not a creature was stirring, not even the rabbit in the shed. The backpacks were hung in the closet without care, in hopes that syllabus week soon would be there. The three girls were nestled all snug in one bed, while visions of the Pentacrest danced in their heads. And Mary in her kerchief and I in my robe, had just settled in to our humble abode. When out on the porch there arose such a clatter, I ran to the living room to see what was the matter. Away to the front door I flew like a flash, I tripped on the rug and fell on my ass(h). A crack on the floor of the newly grey porch, gave way to another fall adding fire to my temper like a torch. When what to my wandering eyes did appear, but a miniature girl carrying a backpack with cheer. With a case full of pencils and a face like a dolly, I knew in a moment she must be my friend, Molly. More rapid than IC traffic the exclamations came, she whistled and shouted and called each three by name. "Come Clancy, come Morgan, come Mary to me! Let's grab some Tostitos and watch some TV! Get out the face masks, the hair cream, and nail polish, we've got some blackheads we need to abolish!" As leaves that might not yet begin to change, soon there will be tailgates quickly arranged. So into the closets all the girls flew, with hands full of jerseys and black and gold bibs too. And then all of a sudden, I heard in the next room, "Cheerleader" playing loudly, loud creaks and a boom. As I opened the door and swiveled my head, there was dear Clancy, dancing on the bed. She was dancing and singing and having a jolly time, for us not to join in would be a great crime! A bundle of girls all screaming and laughing, we could barely notice the whole house cracking. Their eyes, how they twinkled, their singing voices-so scary! Their moves were like Beyoncé's, their faces so merry! Their recently washed hair was drawn up knots, they were dancing so much they were starting to sweat lots. They crashed to the floor in complete defeat, they can't be back-up dancers, they have to compete. They all had red faces and little round bellies that shook when they laughed like a bowl full of jelly. They were excited to start this brand new school year, but looked at each other with a face full of fear. With a wink of an eye and twist of a head, the whole house was instantly clean and they had nothing to dread. They spoke not a word but went straight to their hair, before the heat came and they needed some prayers. And laying their clothes out beside their bed, they brushed their teeth and looked forward to the day ahead. They yelled out "I love you!" before their doors shut, and with one last glance, Clancy fell on her butt. But I heard her exclaim, ere she was closed out of sight- "Good luck during syllabus week to all and to all a good night!"
I unfortunately used all of my creative energy on that poem above so I suppose I will leave you all with photos of my latest cuisine creations:
I unfortunately used all of my creative energy on that poem above so I suppose I will leave you all with photos of my latest cuisine creations:
Shrimp campanelle: The shrimp was baked in a paste formed from garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper. After combined with the cooked noodles, we added feta and basil. This was so delicious I want to make this every day, wow yum.
Salmon with quinoa, steamed broccoli and cauliflower, and mixed fruit. I used olive oil and seasoned salt and threw it on the George Foreman (of course, right?). It was a great and easy meal and apparently, "the healthiest meal I've ever eaten" in Corbin's words.
Also, speaking of food, I experienced my first DP Dough calzone and, wow. I almost wish I hadn't because there is no way that is any kind of good for you but it changed my perspective on the world.
I'm excited for school tomorrow! It really hasn't hit me yet that I'm actually going to school here and going to be sitting in a classroom tomorrow as a student. That's life! Goodnight to all and happy first day of school to all the Iowa students and many others:)
Year Twenty Fish Finds
Friday, August 14, 2015
This week has been absolutely JAM-PACKED and I haven't been able to post about it due to the fact that we only yesterday got cable and internet (text us, FaceTime us, Facebook message us, we are no longer cavemen!) Dealing with Mediacom was one of my first learning lessons. I even got to name our wifi (BigRed) and choose the password (..lol just kidding suckers don't steal our signal)! I will try to keep this post at only children's novel length!
I turned 20! It's kind of a sad birthday because it's the "aww honey you're almost there!" year. But I had a great day with friends and even threw the first party at the house! Okay, just kidding, sorry mom. But I did have a few people over! You know the people are your real friends when they didn't even leave your house messy.
The biggest lesson I am learning at the house, besides that you actually have to water plants everyday, is how to feed myself. Nothing screams college like wanting to make something and realizing you do not have any of the ingredients, utensils, or skills to make it whatsoever. My freezer currently contains three things: frozen salmon, frozen tilapia, and an ice-cube tray. A few days ago I decided to try my luck with tilapia on the George Foreman grill (we don't have a real grill). So I'm all excited about this delicious and healthy grown-up meal I'm about to have when I realize that we do not have lemon juice or olive oil, both things almost any recipe I saw (had to Google of course) called for. So I improvise and grab the butter and slap it on the grill. I'm feeling pretty proud of myself as I sit at the table and start eating the very thin end of the fish. Well kids, here is the main lesson to this story: you have to let frozen food thaw before you cook it.
After that embarrassing lesson I decided to put aside my pride and try again last night. I did it! Still no lemon juice or olive oil but I used butter and some seasoning salt on my thawed fish and it was delicious. I paired it with some quinoa that I made the day before because the directions made enough for an entire family and I wasn't quite that hungry.
I turned 20! It's kind of a sad birthday because it's the "aww honey you're almost there!" year. But I had a great day with friends and even threw the first party at the house! Okay, just kidding, sorry mom. But I did have a few people over! You know the people are your real friends when they didn't even leave your house messy.
The biggest lesson I am learning at the house, besides that you actually have to water plants everyday, is how to feed myself. Nothing screams college like wanting to make something and realizing you do not have any of the ingredients, utensils, or skills to make it whatsoever. My freezer currently contains three things: frozen salmon, frozen tilapia, and an ice-cube tray. A few days ago I decided to try my luck with tilapia on the George Foreman grill (we don't have a real grill). So I'm all excited about this delicious and healthy grown-up meal I'm about to have when I realize that we do not have lemon juice or olive oil, both things almost any recipe I saw (had to Google of course) called for. So I improvise and grab the butter and slap it on the grill. I'm feeling pretty proud of myself as I sit at the table and start eating the very thin end of the fish. Well kids, here is the main lesson to this story: you have to let frozen food thaw before you cook it.
After that embarrassing lesson I decided to put aside my pride and try again last night. I did it! Still no lemon juice or olive oil but I used butter and some seasoning salt on my thawed fish and it was delicious. I paired it with some quinoa that I made the day before because the directions made enough for an entire family and I wasn't quite that hungry.
There it is, my tilapia á la George Foreman.
Today is a huge day for the Noonan Family because on this very day, my sister Mackenzie receives her white coat! Dang, she is always setting the standards way too high for the rest of us. I'm so excited to see all that she is able to do with her life and how lit up and excited she gets from talking about cadavers. What a lady! But in all seriousness, Mac is a genius and has always been such a good model for me in hard work and following your heart to make sacrifices in order to do what you love. So proud of you Macadoo and can't wait until you can deliver my babies! She doesn't actually know for sure what field she wants to go into yet but that's what I'm pushing for.
Currently as I'm writing this on the porch, Clancy walks over to me and asks, "are you writing about our adventures last night?"
Confused, I ask, "what adventures?"
"You know, we watched Matilda together last night and went to bed at 10 pm?"
And that pretty much sums things up right now. Today is also an exciting day for Clancy and I because our third roommate, Mary, is finally returning from Florida and we miss her dearly! Soon it will be the three amigos all officially together for good in the Big Red House!
Last Day as an AMPER
Friday, August 7, 2015
I began this internship extremely unsure of myself and thinking that, because I was younger than usual, I would be doing a lot of the "coffee run" type duties around the office. That was not so! My first day I was given a pile of research to sift through and make notes of important facts and details and I knew that this summer would be a challenge and a time for me to gain an insurmountable amount of experience. Not to mention I was given a badge-how professional!
During my time at Amperage I was able to meet, discuss, and learn from some absolutely inspiring and knowledgeable professionals with exciting ideas. I was able to attend client meetings, see a video production shoot and editing, help to organize the company's YouTube channel, help create a visual infographic, and learn about creating and reporting an organization's social media plan. I learned how to optimize my LinkedIn page, how to create my own website, and the importance of having a blog (hence the creation of the page you are currently on).
My favorite part about my internship at Amperage was all of the accomplished people I was able to meet. I have nothing but respect and admiration for every person I worked with at Amperage-they all do such amazing work that they really care about! It was truly incredible to see how every employee brought something special to the table and were able to collaborate with everyone else's talents to give clients a truly unique and satisfying experience.
I also gained two new friends through this job! Alison and Katie have been so helpful to me, not only with the work I have done at Amperage, but with my future academic and professional career, and with my transition to the University of Iowa. They gladly answered any and all questions I had-no matter how stupid ("What does CRM stand for?") and, whether they know it or not, provided me with so many tips and tools to succeed. Alison inspired me to start this blog and create my website and Katie has continuously been an example of how to be a professional and challenge myself.
Overall, I am so happy I was able to have the experience I did with all of the AMPERS. I gained experience far beyond that of working at a marketing agency. I was able to realize what I am truly interested in and how to set myself up for success in the professional world.
Thank you AMPERS!!
Manic Monday...and Tuesday
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Whew! The past few days have been a whirlwind and I can honestly say I am not sure I have ever been more tired in my entire life. My eyeballs are acting like toddlers upset with me for not letting them close.
We moved into our new house on Monday and it really seems to be coming together really well! The stairs may creak unbelievably loudly and there may be spiders in the window, but the house really has something quite special about it. You can tell that it has history and so many people before us have made memories they will never forget there.
I absolutely love my room because it is zen and comfy and has plants all over, not to mention the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in. However, the porch is my favorite place in the house. Every morning I grab a cup of coffee or tea and just sit and people watch. It is so quiet and lovely, the best way to start my day.
Life has been a bit stressful having to commute and run all over the place! Not many people are moved in yet so it's a bit quiet there now. I think next week more people will be there and it will great to not have to leave! We will also have cable and internet next Thursday so booyah!
We moved into our new house on Monday and it really seems to be coming together really well! The stairs may creak unbelievably loudly and there may be spiders in the window, but the house really has something quite special about it. You can tell that it has history and so many people before us have made memories they will never forget there.
I absolutely love my room because it is zen and comfy and has plants all over, not to mention the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in. However, the porch is my favorite place in the house. Every morning I grab a cup of coffee or tea and just sit and people watch. It is so quiet and lovely, the best way to start my day.
Life has been a bit stressful having to commute and run all over the place! Not many people are moved in yet so it's a bit quiet there now. I think next week more people will be there and it will great to not have to leave! We will also have cable and internet next Thursday so booyah!
Latest Obsession
Sunday, August 2, 2015
I will be the first to admit that I am one of those people that try millions of "too good to be true" products because of celebrity endorsement. Most of the time I order or purchase these items knowing fully well that they will most likely not work but there is something about trying out new items that I am a sucker for. My latest purchase has been seen in the hands of celebrities such as Ashley Benson, Kylie Jenner, Vanessa Hudgens,and Lord Disick, just to name a few.
So I gave in to my curiosity, went to the FitTea website, and ordered myself a 14-day teatox. There were a few things I was pleasantly surprised by when I received my order in the mail: for one, the bag is full of individual packets of tea which makes it very easy, rather than measuring and purchasing your own tea bags to enjoy the product, the second thing was that IT TASTES SO GOOD! I consider myself a pretty avid tea drinker but mostly in the evening and mostly as a calming and soothing drink. This tea has a slightly citrus taste and would be excellent with a bit of honey, though I haven't tried it for myself. From my first sip, I didn't care if this stupid fitness tool was supposed to work, I was glad I bought it solely for how delicious it was. The last thing, there are benefits that absolutely work like the tea advertises! Though I have not weighed myself (a rant for another post on another day), I can tell that I feel so much more energized and just overall better. When my 4:30 pm workout comes around, I do not look at that treadmill with drooping eyes or jump into bed afterwards for a nap. I feel great!
So there's my little rant about FitTea. I bring up the wonderful hot beverage to introduce my breakfast choice for today (and actually many days). I love weekends because I am actually able to workout in the morning and feel accomplished rather than waiting until the end of the work day. I really try not to eat before I workout because a. working out on a full stomach makes me feel a bit tired and not quite as strong, and b. because I want to save my food as a refuel for when I am done working hard.
On the back of the FitTea bag, it advises that you drink one cup of tea everyday either in the morning or before a workout. I am just one of those people who are hungry as soon as they wake up so having a cup of tea before I workout gives me a little fuel before I workout while letting me save my meal for after. After a warm cup, I headed off to the gym where I put some miles in. I am a treadmill in the gym runner which is not something you here very often but, again, that is another rant for another post on another day. Upon returning, I made one of my favorite breakfasts that I eat probably 2-3 times every week. It's no new recipe that I can claim as my own, but if you aren't already eating this, you should!
I make an over-easy egg and while it's on the stove, I pop a piece of whole-grain bread in the toaster. While those are cooking, I grab and avocado (I prefer it to be pretty soft for this recipe). I spread the avocado on the finished toast (why I like it to be soft so it spreads almost like butter, however, chunks work as well and are just as yummy) and plop the egg right on top. Ugh it is delicious and clearly crazy easy! Avocados and eggs are probably two of my favorite foods so there will be many more recipes including them to follow. Wake up and empower and fuel your body and you will not regret it when you feel energized and awake all day! Not to mention how satisfied you will be with yummy-ass egg yolk dripping down your chin. Happy Sunday!
The Beginning
Saturday, August 1, 2015
So here I am, a college student ready to move in to this big red house a few blocks from campus with two of my best friends in the world. The move is sure to bring about many changes and challenges but I am sure it will be a year to remember and a story to tell the grandchildren about. Exhausted after a day spent cleaning and arranging, visions of what the completed house will look like seem to haunt me back at my parents' house.
I've started this blog to document what I already know will be the time of my life, in the best way that I know how. I'm sure there will be fights, dirty dishes in the sink, and hair absolutely everywhere. But I'm also sure that there will be wine and movie nights, "Back in Black" blaring on Saturday mornings, and barefoot dancing on the hardwood floor with two crazies whom I am proud to call best friends. I cannot even imagine my life being dull while I am spending my time in The Big Red House.
I've started this blog to document what I already know will be the time of my life, in the best way that I know how. I'm sure there will be fights, dirty dishes in the sink, and hair absolutely everywhere. But I'm also sure that there will be wine and movie nights, "Back in Black" blaring on Saturday mornings, and barefoot dancing on the hardwood floor with two crazies whom I am proud to call best friends. I cannot even imagine my life being dull while I am spending my time in The Big Red House.
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