Lifestyles

Plain and simple, we all live our own lifestyles. Most of us choose where we want to live, with whom and for how long. But there are times and events that constitute a change of pace.

Within the past month, I graduated college and moved back in with my parents. If someone would have asked me four years ago if I'd ever move back in with my folks, I would have said no. But with an economy that's been turned upside down and is just starting turn turn around (hopefully), I don't have many options.

This weekend, I watched my best friend's animals while her and her fiance were hiking the Grand Canyon. It was a dream come true! I stayed at their condo, swam in the pool and walked the puppy around the nice gated community. I tried to pet their diva kitty Tink, but my allergies got the best of me.

While staying there I did a lot of thinking. While I'm living with my parents who go to bed at 9 p.m., unless they're waiting up for me at the end of the night, she's tucked into the privacy of her home with her fiance. Can you sense my jealousy?

Here's the thing. After living on my own for four years, it's a bit difficult to have someone dictate my daily routine. I no longer get to choose the coffee I brew in the morning (I guess I could buy my own and ask others not to use it, but that could be awkward...) or the meals I eat in the evening. We eat as a family, which is great, but it's not what I'm used to.

So here's my dilema. Do I allow myself to "settle" for the generosity of my parents so that I can pay back my student loans quicker, or do I try to make ends meet and live a more desirable lifestyle?

It looks like I have a lot of thinking and researching to do...

Source: vanessachristenson.com via Shannon on Pinterest

What makes your lifestyle unique? How do you make decisions so that you're happier on a daily basis?

HAPPY MONDAY, XO!

Friday Night Lights

During my spring semester of junior year, I lived with a dear friend of mine named Megan. That semester she became obsessed with the TV series Friday Night Lights. Every time I'd walk into our room I could find her on Netflix, curled up with a blanket watching the show. Episodes would come and go, as she became more and more obsessed with "FNL!"

I was always too busy running from meeting to meeting, so I never got to start watching the show. But I can tell you that I've spent the past two days immersed in the first season - just as, if not more obsessed as Meg. I've been plenty productive, checking my emails, writing thank you notes and working from home, but I really can't get my mind off FNL.

Cheers to my new guilty pleasure of the summer!

Source: tumblr.com via Shannon on Pinterest

[I love this saying they chant before each game...]

HAPPY THURSDAY, XO!

Mindful Monday: Me Time

Finally I have some time to sit down and blog again. This past weekend, my parents threw me a graduation party to celebrate the accomplishment of finishing college. We spent all of last week prepping and planning each detail of the evening. It was so much fun and I am blessed to have such supportive friends and family, most of whom could attend. 

Since it'd been four years since my last graduation party, I'd forgotten that I wouldn't have much time to sit and visit with people. Instead, I felt like I was running around like a crazy person [in heels]! 

Sincerely Sara Cate can vouch for me, I was making the rounds to say hello thank you for coming, and barely got to take a few bites of food - Thank you Sara for making me a plate! 

Here is a photo of Dashing [Sara's husband], myself and Sara from the party! I love them dearly and am so fortunate that they were able to make the two-hour drive to attend. 

But I don't want to use this post to talk about my grad party - it deserves its own space. The idea of sitting down to write about it works perfectly with my theme for "Mindful Monday." 

This week I want to make sure to take time to do the little things that make me happy. Since I'm living with my parents who are early risers, I haven't gotten much "me time," which would normally consist of drinking coffee and reading/writing blogs in the morning for about an hour. Without offending them, I need to find a part of the day when I can be selfish and do these things. Blogging, journaling and reading really help tap into my creativity and passions - I'm not willing to give that up anytime soon! 

I hope each of you can continue to find the time to do what makes your heart happy! 

HAPPY MONDAY, XO! 

   

Streaming Live... John Mayer!

When someone asks me who my favorite singer is, I quickly answer, with enthusiasm, "JOHN MAYER!" So it's only natural for me to share the link to stream his new CD on iTunes. Right now I'm only through the third song so I can't offer many criticisms or comments, but you will notice that this album is different than his other ones. As my brothers are saying, "More cowboy," than anything he has ever done before.

I guess I can give ONE opinion...I think he looks better with short hair!

John Mayer then...

Source: Uploaded by user via Shannon on Pinterest

John Mayer now...

Source: am.newuvision.us via Shannon on Pinterest

Regardless, I know I'll be listening to it all day while organizing and moving things back into my room at my parents' house!

HAPPY TUESDAY, XO!

I am a College Graduate!

This weekend I graduated from the University of Arizona, which means I am officially a UA alumnae. It was so nice to have my parents and brothers in Tucson for the weekend to celebrate.

Wildcat for life! 

Love my brothers. 

Family!

As I reflect on the past few days, I can honestly say that the UA was the perfect school for me. I was away from my family, but close enough to drive home if I needed to. There were plenty of ways to get involved in campus life, and without those opportunities I wouldn't have met some of my greatest friends.

Some of my best friends in front of our HOME away from home. 

Grace Flynn Photography. 

One of my best friends. We met at freshman orientation and got to graduate sitting next to each other!

Grace Flynn Photography. 

WE DID IT! Thank goodness Mike and I both graduated this weekend! Love you!

Also, I just want to say how amazing it was to attend the commencement ceremony, with my peers from ALL colleges within the university. It was so cool to see everyone's pride for their degree, and then the collective school spirit... How many times did we chant "U of A" throughout the ceremony?!


I must thank my family, friends and every person I've met in the past four years. For, "I am a part of all that I have met," said Alfred Lord Tennyson, and I couldn't agree more. 


So what's next?!....


I just moved in my with my roommates in Scottsdale, I guess you could call them my parents, and they are throwing me a graduation party on Saturday. After that I'll be house sitting for my best friend, continuing my work with the College of Medicine the following week and starting graduate school at ASU in August. I also hope to fit a few vacations in there too! 

HAPPY MONDAY, XO! 

This is Real Life.

It's finally hitting me that I graduate college TOMORROW. There have been a few moments that have made it more real than others: saying goodbye to the younger girls at Chi Omega (with tears), having my last conference with my independent study professor and decorating the top of my cap.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to have attended such a phenomenal university. Four years ago I became a Wildcat, and I know I'll be a "Wildcat for Life," even while attending our rival college for graduate school. The people I've met and the experiences I've had at the UA have shaped me and made me who I am today.

I can't wait to wear this tomorrow with my fellow graduates!

HAPPY THURSDAY, XO!

Enjoying Verses Overindulging - Help!

As you may know, I graduate in less than a week. It's a very fun and exciting time of year, except the excuse, "celebrate because it's your time doing _______," has added some inches to my waistline. Most people wouldn't notice, because I like to think I'm good at dressing to suit my shape, but it's really getting to me.

This morning I have senior photos with some of my sorority sisters, and all I can think about is... "Why did I drink that beer, eat ice cream and have carbs so late at night?" The answer: Because it was one of the last times to sit on your butt and be lazy by the time, with some of the most important people in your life who will be leaving the state soon. But, it is beyond frustrating that I can't even focus on finding a cute outfit to wear and am dwelling in self pity.

Also, although I've been trying to be positive about my knee injury, the inability to do cardio isn't helping this mental battle over my image.

Source: Uploaded by user via Belinda on Pinterest

^This is how I feel! ^

I normally have great self control, but for some reason I can't figure out a balance between diligently logging healthy foods using My Fitness Pal and enjoying "not so healthy" food at all of my favorite places in Tucson. Not to mention, for the past four years I've missed out on some GREAT restaurants. Of course, it's only natural for my friends to drag me to each of them to make sure my  "last tastes" of Tucson are complete.

So what do I do?

I really don't want to miss out on these last moments with phenomenal people, but I have gained weight. This is not an exaggeration... Since Spring Break I've packed on about 6 pounds, which is a lot for someone that's 5-foot-3. Maybe posting this for the world to see my struggles with weight management will help me regain self control.

But wait... What's on the agenda after senior pictures? Brunch at this famous breakfast place called Bobo's that serves specialty pancakes bigger than the plates. I've never been there [a major Tucson fail] and I made these plans a week ago. I can't break them and yet all I can think about is that I hate the way I feel and look.

Hopefully I'll add some exercise to my day after the pancakes... Wish me luck!

HAPPY SATURDAY, XO!