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.