this is the year to...

As you all remember, I was having an incredibly rough week last week. I came home after a long day to a very, very surprising package. It was completely unexpected but made my day/week. Aren't those the best kind of gifts? The unexpected ones? Oh, it's the little things that count!

What did I find upon opening the package? This incredibly beautiful bangle.

It's the Kate Spade "this is the year to..." gold bangle. On the outside the words "be a firecracker, take a road trip, dance till dawn, wear red, master the bow tie, embrace color" are engraved. I guess Mama Is knew I was having a rough week because those were the exact words I needed to see. It was a great reminder that you decide how your day goes and how you feel. This one bad week is a blip in the grand scheme of things.

I've been wearing the bangle for a couple days now and can't help but smile whenever I look down at my wrist.

So, "this is the year to..." What are your dreams? Hopes?

Tuesday Tunes | Tyrone Wells

You here with me tonight | Kicking it on top of the world

And I think that we should stay here | I could pretend that I don't care if you say goodbye

Tyrone Wells' album, This Love, was released at the end of last year and yet I love it more and more with each listen. The day the album was released, John even texted me asking if I got the album because it was AMAZING. First off, duh John. Do you even know me? Secondly, if John says it's amazing, that says a lot. Glad I was able to help him appreciate good music.

It's an incredibly beautifully written and produced album. It's a happy CD that walks you through the stages of a relationship. There isn't a breakup involved but there are still sad lyrics at times. Love and relationships are not always perfect. Even in strong relationships, there are ups and downs and Tyrone Wells captures that with this album. The last song is so sweet. It's a song dedicated to his newborn daughter at the time, Aria. When I first heard it, I felt awkward. It was as if I was intruding on a private moment. But, I think he just wanted to profess his love to his first child and to give listeners a peek into the love he has for her. 

A few of my favorite tracks: A Beautiful Place to Be; This Love; Make it Through; Already Falling; You and Me on Top of the World; God Would you Help Us

Here's a little sample of the album with "A Beautiful Place to Be." 

He's coming to NoVa this spring for the Spring Tour for This Love and I can only hope that I'll be able to go! Darn you classes! 

The Family Keeps on Growing

One of my favorite things about Alpha Kappa Psi is my family: STRONG FAM. All of us belong in this family and mesh. What have I noticed? We're all social, love laughing and most importantly...sassy. Lots and lots of sass. This past Thursday, we welcomed new babies into the family! Never have I ever felt older than that evening.

Some of the few lovely Strong Fam ladies. Can we get any cuter?

Welcome to the family new babies!

Part of my line minus David. Loving the statement necklaces!

OOTN: Blazer (Express) | Lace Peplum Top (Target) | Necklace (Francesca's) | Crossbody (Target) | Skinny Jeans (PacSun) | Boots (Mama Kong's Closet)

Love that Strong Fam is seeing great additions! This family just keeps on growing.



Oh the Places We'll See

via

With a big-girl job in the real world, that means I am no longer a student with month-long breaks. It's time for paid vacation and figuring out how to properly manage the days given. A lot more stressful than you'd think. There's a lot of math and planning that goes into it because I definitely want to spread them out so as to avoid burn-out at work! 

After the stressful week that I've had, I can't help but dream about spring, summer, and early fall. I'm so excited to jet around and see friends that are all over the world (more like country)! And, let's be real. I want to be in shorts,  sandals, colorful tops, and sporting sunnies. 

Where are some of my jet-setting destinations on the list before the end of the year?

*NYC (probably 2-3 visits!)

*LA (cue "California, California, HERE WE COMEEE")

*Idaho 

*Boston (4th of July!)

*Charlotte

*Newport, RI

*Bahamas
*China (the likelihood of this becomes slimmer and slimmer by the day)

Seems like a mighty good list to me. I absolutely cannot contain my excitement! 

Lent Progress: Struggling

When I first decided to give up Starbucks/coffee/caffeine for Lent, I honestly did not think I would last a week. It was going to take a lot of self-control and strength from God. Am I surprised that I'm sitting here without a single sip? Oh yes! I spent last Sunday at Starbucks studying the entire day and that was a huge temptation that I was able to suppress. Did I stare with envy at those who were enjoying their fancy schmanzy drinks? Yup...maybe for a little too long at times. I do apologize for making anyone feel uncomfortable! But, I took a step back and remembered the true meaning and purpose behind Lent. At that point, it didn't matter if I was the only one sitting at Starbucks not enjoying a drink!

One thing I didn't take into account when I made my decision for Lent was my ridiculous life right now. As a full-time employee and full-time student, I forgot that things are a bit...hectic at this moment. Scratch that, things are quite miserable at times; particularly in the morning hours. I completely forgot that midterms is smack-dab right in the middle of Lent. Yes, hello midterms. We are NOT friends...nor will we ever be. 

This week has been...terrible. For five days, I had that "lack of caffeine" migraine which I happily pushed through. But, then came group projects, papers, reading, and studying that needed to get done. Just between Monday - Thursday, I've probably averaged about 3-4 hours of sleep a night. I clocked in about an hour of sleep Tuesday night? Yeah, you try doing that without any caffeine. I'm mentally, physically, and even emotionally drained. When is my next break?? 

But in the midst of all the complaining and exhaustion, I searched and searched for joy. Let me tell you. It took a lot of prayer and quieting the heart. But, I'm incredibly grateful for everything in my life at this moment and the opportunities that have been presented. No regrets for a single second! 

Here's to week 2 of caffeine-free Lent.

Chinese New Year through K.Kong's Eyes

It's been a week since Chinese New Year. Oh man, what a hoot that was! I legitimately had a social calendar for the weekend in order to welcome in the Year of the Snake. In a way, Chinese New Year isn't just about welcoming in the new year, it's a time spent celebrating with family and friends. What are my thoughts from Chinese New Year?

1. There is tons and tons of food.

The picture below is the spread at my grandparents' this year. There was more than enough food! And the picture above? That's only round 1! Crazy, huh? Nothing like Grandma and Grandpa You's homecooking. Yum-o! I definitely felt like a bowling ball afterwards. I could've rolled outta there!

2. We have crazy superstitions.

There are plenty of superstitions in the Chinese culture. One of them being a good fortune egg. It's common practice to eat an egg for good luck no matter if it is a new year or if you're about to embark on a journey (aka get on a plane or a train).

3. Lots of family time.

While I LOVE spending time with my family, Chinese New Year is also the time to get the much appreciated "When are you getting married?" question. Not only do I now get that question, I get the "Where are my grandkids?" question quite often. Seriously now, family? The best thing, according to the Lunar Calendar, I am now 23 years old. Excuse me, what? To my family, 23 years old = you should be married by now. Cool. I'll let you know.

Mama Kong and I at one of the celebrations.

Alright, Year of the Snake. For your sake, my sake, and my family's sake, I hope this year is filled with good fortune...and somewhat of an exciting love life? (But seriously, I'm tired of getting those questions 10 times a day....and that's on a good day.)

End of the Week Thoughts

Thoughts:

*i'm in love with babies and would nothing more than to have children right about now

*why do i feel so down lately?

*maybe my parents are right, i should get married ASAP

*what on earth am i doing with my life?

*i think i'm slowly inching towards being an introvert ever since i started college

*i miss my best friends

*i'm absolutely terrified of the future

I've been in such a weird funk of a mood (as I'd like to put it) lately. My mind is moving at about a thousand miles per hour in about a million different directions. At the same time though, something isn't clicking. 

Lent Season is Upon Us

Lent kind of snuck up on me this year. Things have been so hectic that I didn't realize that we are halfway through February and it's time to start thinking about Easter. I've been praying a lot over Lent this week and what I will be fasting this season. 

What did I decide on? It's kind of a two-parter. I'm giving up Starbucks, or really any coffee. Yes, that includes coffee from Ward, Eagle's Nest, Dav, and any other place I frequent to get my caffeine fix. Simultaneously, I will be adding something to my daily routine for Lent: slowing down a bit and blocking out time for my devotionals and journaling. 

The Starbucks and coffee thing is a pretty big thing for me and I'm already riding the struggle-bus on this one this morning (as it is Day 1). A huge part of my morning is heading into Starbucks before work, chatting it up with my barista, and grabbing a tall hazelnut coffee with room (if I'm in the splurging mood, I may go for a tall skinny hazelnut latte or a ice tall chai). There's nothing better than that first sip of coffee in the morning, when I all I want to do is crawl back into bed and sleep for a few more minutes. **side note: it's sad that my barista knows when I'm coming in in the morning, knows my drink, and is sometimes my best friend**

And the coffee doesn't stop there. I'm most definitely obligated to grab another cup once I get on campus before heading into the dreaded 5:30 - 8PM block every night. (I guess I shouldn't complain as I'm lucky to have dropped my 8:10 - 10:40PM block. Could you imagine the caffeine consumption at that point). **side note/random observation: Does anyone else think that the coffee at Ward is extra-caffeinted? I feel like I'm bouncing off the walls after a couple of sips.** 

As you can see, I have an insane dependence on Starbucks and coffee in general. It's kind of taken away from the time that I can be spending praying, reading the Word, or journaling. Instead of depending on the Lord, I'm depending on caffeine for strength. That time I'm spending in line at Starbucks or relaying life updates to my barista, can really be spent praying for my friends, reading a verse, or journaling a thought.

SO, I shall be letting go of my dependence on Starbucks and coffee for the next 40 days and spending more time with devotionals and journaling! Who knows, I may even give up Starbucks and coffee forever after this? **Kind of a hard thing to believe now as I sit here with a "lack of caffeine" induced migraine.**

I'm really excited to see what the Lord will show me through this Lent season and how He will be moving my heart in different ways. What will you be doing this Lent season?

Tuesday Tunes | Rihanna & Mikky Ekko

This post is coming ridiculously late tonight. But, I figured that since I'm sitting in class insanely bored, I might as well catch up on blogging.

Anyone watch the Grammy's the other night? There were SO many highlights from this year's awards show. Did y'all feel a different vibe this year? It wasn't some trashy or cheesy show. There was class, great music, and a true celebration of the music industry.

My top rated moment of the night is HANDS DOWN Justin Timberlake's performance but I will save that fan-girl reaction for tomorrow. My second favorite performance of the night was from Rihanna and Mikky Ekko. I've been HOOKED to their collaboration, "Stay" for awhile now and that has been amplified 100 times since Sunday's performance.

First off, can we just pause and give a shout out to Nashville? HUGE successes coming out of that great city. How awesome was it seeing Mikky Ekko on national TV? I was beyond ecstatic for this guy. He deserves it! Such a great talent.

I typically associate Rihanna with catchy Top 40 radio pop songs. But "Stay" is different. It's probably my favorite song of hers. It's slower, great lyrics, and in my mind this song highlights her talent.

Give it a listen! What are your thoughts?



Monthly Goals | February 2013

2013 is already flying by. How are we already in the month of February? As we start this new month, I've decided that I need to be kept more accountable with my monthly goals. It's so easy for me to come up with a list of goals and forget about them. Most times than not, that's precisely what happens. SO, starting this month, I will be having an accountability partner. Who you may ask? My wonderful Alpha Kappa Psi Big: Kendall!

 

Kendall and I at formal this past December.

 

Both Kendall and I started posting our monthly goals on our blogs about a year ago. *check out Kendall's blog. I'm quite in love with it!* Like I said, I prefer goals over resolutions. They are far more specific and keep me focused throughout the month. Kendall and I have swapped our lists of goals and will be keeping one another accountable throughout the month. My favorite thing that she does? For every goal that I don't meet during the month, $10 will be donated to charity. What a fabulous idea Kendall!

 

February Goals

1.Stay on top of homework: With a full-time job and full course load there is no time for procrastination! Weekends are for homework...not for play.

2. Blog more! I'm aiming for at least 3 posts a week (I'm on a roll this week!).

3. Get off my butt and workout: With such a busy schedule, it's tough to find time to relax and very easy to get stressed/grumpy. Let's recall to Elle Woods: "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy."

4. Write handwritten letters: Slowly chugging away at my 365 Snail Mail goal. Want a letter from me? Let me know your address!

5. Stick to my budget!: Now that I'm on salary, I'm on my own with all of my expenses. Time to cut back on the unnecessary meals out, Starbucks, and shopping. Sad day.

 

Let's see how I do this month!



Tuesday Tunes | Beyonce

When I leave this world | I'll leave no regrets

I was here | I lived, I loved

Anyone else still on a high after Beyoncé's Superbowl performance? It's been 2 days now, but I'm still thinking about her ridiculously amazing Halftime Show. There were mixed reviews from the general public but here are my thoughts.

I thought it was AMAZING and I had to contain my excitement. *I've been looking forward to this Halftime Show since it was announced.* Many of the general public claim that it was completely overrated and the vocals weren't there. Hey now, she is an ENTERTAINER. If you wanted her to put on the Grade A+ vocals that we all know she has, then it wouldn't showcase her incredible dancing. She sacrificed a little bit of her vocals to provide ENERGY + ENTERTAINMENT. If you wanted vocals, did you hear the snippets of Love on Top and Halo? My favorite part of the show was seeing Queen B do her thing. How fabulous does she look? She gave birth a year ago! Oh, and the Destiny's Child reunion. Loved it but was kinda happy to see that Beyonce kicked Kelly and Michelle off-stage during Single Ladies. Let B do B.

It's been two days since that Pepsi Halftime Show and Beyoncé's album 4 has been on my iPod rotation. I've attached a lot of my study abroad experience in Beijing along with this album. Throughout my semester abroad, this album was always playing at least once a day. My favorites off this album include: Love on Top, Countdown, 1+1. BUT my favorite one of all: I Was Here. Some GREAT lyrics in this one!

Here are the Grade A+ vocals!
Placed my thoughts into a beautiful song. Thanks Beyonce!

R&R in Boston

This is one overdue post! Better late than never, right?

Right before the start of the semester, I took a mini two-day vacation to visit my best friend Whitney in Boston. **side note: can we please just pause and take a moment to freak out over the fact that it's my FINAL undergraduate semester??** While I loved exploring Boston, my favorite part during the two days was spending some quality time with Whitney.

Whitney and I have known each other since my second week of college and has quickly become one of my closest friends. It's crazy to think that we've only known each other for three years because it feels like a lifetime. We have both gone through so much together!

What did we do during my visit?

1. Be a Student
Both Whit and Josh are in seminary so I got a little feel of what it was like Friday morning when I sat in on a Missions class with them. It was absolutely fascinating. I wish I were paying more attention and not answering emails! Oops...

2. Be Tourists

As you can see, it was a wee bit cold when we went out and a wee bit cloudy/gloomy.

3. Eat our Hearts Out

I joked with Whitney that I would need to bring stretchy pants for the trip because as you all know, I live through food! We made a trip out to this AMAZING pastry shop in Little Italy called Mike's Pastries. The most delicious cannolis EVER. We got the cookies and cream one as well as the peanut butter chip. OH MAN. Whit and I were in Dessert Heaven!

As Washington, DC natives, we just HAD to make a trip out to Newbury Street and visit Georgetown Cupcake. People probably gave us weird looks as we were total tourists and took pics in front of the store. I actually LOVED the Newbury location. It was a very open space compared to our usual Georgetown and Bethesda locations. PLUS, at 3 in the afternoon, they also had the free flavor of the day available: Lemon Coconut! MmMm DELICIOUS.

4. Cardmaking/Painting Nails
Aren't these staples to a girl's sleepover!? Nothing like card making and painting your nails with the best polish: ESSIE.

5. Get hooked to West Wing

As many of you may know, over break I got myself HOOKED to the show West Wing (thanks to Kate, Kendall, and Peter!). I have legitimately become emotionally attached to Mr. President, Sam, Josh, Leo, Tobi, CJ, and Charlie. Don't laugh but I cried during the Season 1 finale and the Season 3 finale. I don't mean a few tears, I mean...waterworks. As I type right now, I am currently in the middle of Season 4. *SPOILER: SAM SEABORN YOU BETTER NOT BE LEAVING* I can't get enough of this show! WELL. During my visit to Boston, I successfully got both Whit and Josh hooked too. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

I would like to say that my mini-vacation to Boston was an absolute success. By Sunday, I didn't want to leave! Whit and I have decided that we need to see each other more often. This whole every 6 months thing isn't working out very well!