Chi Omega Convention

Please excuse me while I'm MIA the next few days, as I will be volunteering at the Chi Omega National Convention in Phoenix. I even get to wear a certain animal suit to greet all those who attend - trust me, I'll post a picture as soon as I'm able to. Can you guess what animal I'll be dressed as?

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Generosity

When I think of the word generosity, I tend to associate it money or hospitality. While these are two areas in which one can be very generous, there are so many other ways in which an individual can "give more."

Recently I've been striving to get in tune with what it means to be truly happy. I'm not talking about the joy that comes from a new pair of shoes or declious meal, but the vivid and contagious source of felicity. If only I would have started this blog last summer while reading The Happiness Project. But all "should-haves and could-haves" aside, I'd like to focus my energy towards being generously positive. In turn, I think this will bring my heart and those around me greater happiness. 

In high school I was seen as Miss Optimistic. I was always willing to lend an ear and give sound and encouraging advice to anyone who came my way. After enduring many stresses of the collegiate lifestyle, I can look back and say I've lost part of my positive edge. I'm quick to complain [as hard as it is to admit] and talk about the lows of my day, whereas I used to boast about the highs. 

WHERE HAS THE OPTIMIST GONE? 

I know the real me is lodged somewhere between trying to get a second part-time job and adjusting to the financial stresses of post-undergraduate life. But trials aside, I'm confident that I can bring out the happy-go-lucky attitude that many have associated with me for so long. 

As much as I'd love to be monetarily generous to my friends and family right now, I know that this is the time for me to get my finances in order. And although one day I will be able to fulfill this desire, I hope I can ALWAYS remain generous in the area of happiness, joy and positivity.  

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My hope is that each of us will wake up every morning understanding how blessed and privileged we are to live each day. 

What Makes Me Tick

I typed and erased about ten times the reason behind why I'm writing this post. But truthfully, I believe that sometimes others don't have to understand your purpose in order to appreciate the outcome. In simple words, I want to restore and rekindle my life's passions that allow me to thrive...

1. Meeting new people 

2. Great music [like John Mayer's recent album]

3. Watching others use their talents - I can't help but be inspired!

4. Reading a good book, both fiction and non-fiction 

5. Singing 

6. Running while the sun rises [I've been advised to take a few more months off]

7. Acting in a leadership role 

8. Being an aggressive follower in a purposeful group 

9. Following detailed instructions 

10. YouTube videos of all kinds 

11. Putting pen to paper and journaling my heart out

12. A good, meaningful purchase 

13. Crying - It's the heart's way of allowing you to lose weight 

14. Snuggling with my man on the couch 

15. Having my hair played with 

16. Freshly painted nails 

17. Skyping with my Argentine host sister in Spanish 

18. Engaging church services 

19. Quotes

20. Penguins 

So this list is random, I know. I've been struggling lately to put my thoughts into words. Maybe it's the absence of assigned writing assignments, I'm not really sure, but it's the truth. Lately, I've been able to relate to John Mayer's songs "The Age of Worry" and "Walt Grace's Submarine Test, January 1967." If you haven't really listed and digested the words in the songs, I encourage you to do so! 

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[Pin]spiration: Strength

I needed this today... maybe you do too?!

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Ready, Set, GOAL!

We all have goals of different shapes and sizes. For years, I've talked about wanting to feel comfortable in a bikini. When I say years, I mean since middle school when my body went through those changes we won't talk about. I've always carried a little more weight in my tummy than I'd like others to know, so I dress appropriately for my shape, always working around those few extra inches.

A few weeks ago, Mike's family invited me to join them for part of their vacation in San Diego. I was thrilled, until I remembered that would mean a lot of time in a bikini - his family loves to sit on the beach for hours!

Despite my anxiety over the swimsuit dilemma, I decided to book my ticket! I now have under three weeks to kick my butt into gear.

Of course I went to my brothers for advice - I like to call them lean-body fitness professionals. Both of them suggested I start doing two-a-day work outs, including jump rope and lower abdominal work. Also, they told me I should change my attitude about food from..."YUM!!" to "I guess I'll eat that."

So today marks the beginning of my journey towards feeling confident in a bandeau bathing suit - I can't have tan lines in my strapless bridesmaids dress at the end of the summer. I'll find some way to keep you posted about my workout and food regimen and may even be selfish enough to ask for encouragement.

While I know I can't expect speedy results, I plan to remain realistic and work towards feeling better instead of looking for physical change. I'm in need of a body image confidence boost!

Here goes nothing... let's hope this cute sign becomes my reality!

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You've Got To Fight...

For your right, to have a fair trial! Before you jump to any conclusions, let me explain that today I'll be making the two-hour drive to Tucson to fight a traffic violation I was issued a few weeks before graduation. With the Beastie Boys' song aside, I felt that the ticket that was issued unjustly, so I'm going to attempt to explain that to the judge. I mean really, conflicting signage in a construction zone at 10 p.m. would confuse just about anyone. Another police officer affirmed my opinion too... so hopefully I'll "win."

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I won't get into the details now, but I will have to write a follow-up post to let you know how it plays out. All I can ask for is prayer - I tend to have terrible anxiety and lose sleep over the smallest things.

But truly, I hope this experience proves to be beneficial. I've never had to defend my actions in front of a judge. I don't have anything to hide so it should prove to be a good exercise. Hopefully my wishful thinking will save me $200....

Have a great Monday, XO!

Make It A Stay-cation - Guest Post

I know my posts have been very inconsistent lately, but life has been full with job location changes, internship applications and apartment searching with my brothers [for them, not me- if you've followed my journey since moving back in with my parents]. But, today I've written a guest post for my friend Sara over at Sincerely Sara Cate. Check out what I wrote about turning animal/house sitting into a mini "stay-cation!" I promise helping someone out and a change of scenery will prove to be tons of fun!

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If you aren't following Sara yet, make sure to do so! She's a dear friend and incredible mentor, with an amazing story of her own. 

HAPPY THURSDAY, XO!