Today's Monday Musing is going to be a little different. I've had a lot of things weighing on my heart recently, and I think it's about time that I start sharing them. I figure this is as good a place as any to start. 

Taken from my most recent Instagram: 

I'm learning that messy is okay. That sticky and complex and flawed and sometimes even confusing are good things to have in your character. That we should seek quality in our relationships, our conversations, and our endeavors. I'm learning to be okay with being limited instead of the faulty belief that I am limitless. To believe I am limitless would be a disservice to myself. Jesus didn't create us to do it all. I was created with weaknesses, natural edits, if you will. And that's okay. More and more I am learning that I need to stop being preoccupied with what I can't change. That staying on an endless hamster wheel of daydreaming of what I wish I had the capabilities for is destructive. Each day I learn more, I grow more, and isn't that the beauty of being limited? That we grow, sometimes slowly, over time. That we learn each lesson meant for us at the time we need it most. That there are constant wonders that reveal themselves to us. If we were limitless, if we could truly do it all, we would never step back in our moments of brokenness to realize the beauty of a world that was created for us.

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It feels like God is calling me to start sharing my story. I'm not sure what story, exactly, or even what bits, but when you've got this feeling... this rattling sensation in your heart... you can't just ignore it. I don't know exactly what the game plan is from here on out but it feels like a change is coming. To myself, to my relationships, to my diction, and to this blog. 

Monday Musings

Hi friends. It's been a while. 

Junior year is no joke and my adjustment is still happening a full semester deep into the school year. 

Self care and self love are no joke. Do not pass yourself off or skip yourself on your to-do list. You are as important, if not more, than everything else you need to check off. Create time for your enjoyment and for your peace of mind. 

Learn your capacity. Figure out when you are tapped out, and keep an account of what puts you over the edge. Stay on top of yourself to watch for signs of burn out. 

Get comfortable with saying "no." It is a full and complete sentence. It does not need an explanation. A few awkward moments of disappointment are well worth it to keep yourself from getting too overwhelmed. 

Do what makes your heart happy. Find something that you yearn to do and reward yourself with it. 

Find friends to do life with. We were created to live in community with one another. Life's little (and big!) wins are so much sweeter when they can be shared with others. 

Write it all out. Get it on paper, on a blog, on your phone. Dump all of your thoughts, positive or negative, someplace else. We let our minds get so overloaded with information that we hardly leave any space for us to focus on the present. 

Tell others you appreciate them. Apologize when you mess up (and you will).

I'm sorry it took me so long to get back to this corner. But I'm back. 

Monday Musings... but on Tuesday.

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1 // My Mondays have since become so insanely busy. I'm not going to lie, looking at my to-do list today and my planner that's just filled to the max with appointments and things to get done, I'm already exhausted. I frequently have to remind myself not to glorify being "busy," because being pulled in five different directions all the time is not something anyone should aspire to have. 

2 // I've (slowly) been making my way through Eat, Pray, Love and I can honestly say I am so happy to have given this book a second chance. The voice that Elizabeth Gilbert has is so raw and real, and for whatever reason I really identify with her attempts to find balance and understanding in the fast pace Western culture we live in. The book also has me wanting to go on an "eat pray love" journey of my own. 

3 // Lately I've been nothing short of wanderlust. I want to go everywhere, truthfully. I go through my camera roll on my phone and I see the pictures from the mountains over the summer and my heart yearns for another adventure. I see pictures of the southwest and of canyons and caverns to explore and I find my mind wandering there all the time. The Earth holds some true wonders and I am aching to see them all. 

4 // Rest. It's something I often deny myself. I so long for a restful weekend but so far that has been out of the picture. I am determined to work hard throughout this upcoming week so that I can have at least one restful day of little obligations. This feat sometimes seems impossible when my writing intensive classes have us reading chapters upon chapters each week, but I so desperately want to carve out some personal time to dig deep into a book and just feel at peace for a few hours. 

5 // Maybe it's the unrealistic hype that works of fiction have engrained in me, but I so want to find my own little coffee shop to hide away in on foggy, rainy, or cloudy days. A place that serves a great cup of coffee, where I can sit for hours reading or doing homework. My search is quite officially on.

6 // In recommendation of a pretty sweet nine year old, I have *finally* updated my phone to iOS10. Not really sure what to think of the update, but I'm very relieved to no longer have to hit "Remind Me Later" every day.

Monday.

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After a long week of playing catch-up with classwork, a trying weekend, and a brutal Monday of back to back exams, I have nothing nice or positive to say. Quite simply I am feeling beaten down. In times like this, my mom used to tell me "If you have nothing positive to say, say nothing at all." 

Following that, I am instead choosing to link some positive things that make me happy. Perhaps you need them as much as I do. Perhaps it may make me feel less Grinch-like. Either way, they're here. Take what you need. 

1 // My all time favorite youtube video for when I need a reminder to give myself more self-love.

2 // The song that I don't think I could ever get sick of.

3 // This Odyssey article.

4 // My friend's Disney vlogs, so that it never quite feels like she's actually across the country.

5 // The renovation of this old theatre.

6 // This mantra.

Monday Musings

1// Recruitment week is officially here! Yesterday we had our orientation, and now everything's set into motion. Getting to see all the women yesterday interested in recruitment reminds me why I do this. Their excitement for Greek life lights a flame within me that makes all the stress, long nights, and seemingly endless planning all worth it. I cannot wait to see how this week plays out! 

2// This weekend was one for the books. A boomin' planner kept me busy, but by far my favorite night was the Risky Business party. I love a good theme, and this one was funny just because the entire venue was hundreds of people all dressed the same. 

3// Upper level classes really are no joke. I wish I could tell you all how much reading I've been doing. I also wish I could go back in time and tell myself that all writing intensive courses were not my smartest idea. Either way, I'm taking the challenge and planning for the best. 

4// Living in Michigan my entire life, you would think that the unpredictable weather wouldn't surprise me anymore, but 20 years later, here we are...still baffled. All week it's been crazy high 90* weather, humid, and unbearable, but now all of a sudden it's perfect fall weather. I'm hoping to ride this out a little bit because to be honest I'm really missing the fall fashion right now. 

5// I have finally been able to get back into the swing of reading for my own enjoyment, and I'm so glad I did. Honestly, it used to be one of my favorite things to do and it feels good to crack a book open each night, even if it's only for half an hour. 

6// After a long and stressful week, I am immensely reminded why self care is so important. It's taking some time, but I'm currently trying to strike the balance of finishing my to-do lists while also taking care of myself. So far, I've been successful in my efforts, and I'm looking forward to when this is no longer such an effortful thing and rather just a habit. 

Monday Musings

this space is just so serene to me...

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1 // School has started back up and my "social" life has blown up again. I'm not sure that I would exactly call what keeps me so busy all the time so much of a social life, but more so my "drop-and-go" life. Anyone else know what I'm talking about? Because I for one am guilty of having about 4 bags packed throughout the day so that I can run to my room to drop one off, pick the other up, and then go. 

2 // I must say, I am glad to be back in the academic world. I may despise the pressures that accompany exams, but if I could be a student full time for a career and spend my life learning, I totally would. Not to mention,  I love the structure that is surrounded in my college world. 

3 // Sorority formal recruitment is coming up fast, so if I'm MIA for a little bit, can we blame it on that? Between organizing events, supporting my Rho Gammas, and encouraging women to enter into Greek life, everything has been a little nonstop lately. As it would seem, I love living in chaos. 

4 // Not really sure if this long holiday weekend has provided me with much relaxation, but it has provided me with a jumpstart to studying. Now that I'm a junior taking 300 level classes, stuff's getting serious. I have my first exams in less than 3 weeks, so my engine's already firing full steam ahead. If you need me, you can catch me in Club K studying my life away. 

5 // Before classes had started, I indulged in some Netflix binge watching. As much as I thought the first season of the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt was a flop, giving the second season a chance was a prime decision. I don't know what it is about this show, but I actually found myself looking forward to my nightly routine of winding down while watching this show. 

6 // Currently, my entire body is sore, but in the best way possible. I finally have access to the rec after two weeks of training and no summer credits to enable my swipe in. Now that I'm back, I must admit I hit it a little bit too hard, but it sure felt good to be back. I'm so happy to have finally found enjoyment in working out- enjoyment that I can feel slowly leading to a passion. 

Monday Musings

1 // I am officially so sick of driving after a weekend of running back and forth places. Thinking about driving more today actually makes my eye start to twitch a little bit. I am more than ready to be back on campus at the pulse of things.

2 // This past week I invested in a new planner. I'm a totally paper junkie, and my life isn't truly organized (though when is it ever), if I don't physically write things down. I purchased this Happy Planner, and I am so excited to start filling it up with memories and dates to come. What I like most about this is the similarity to the EC layout, but at a serious fraction of the price (with a coupon, I scored this beaut for under $10- major steal in my books). I'm impressed so far, and am looking at stickers to jazz up the weekly spreads. Once I get the hang of it, I'll work on a planner peek post! 

3 // While stalking someone on twitter (#guilty), I came across two lists I found very intriguing. One was a list of cruelty free beauty products, the other a list of brands/products that still conduct animal testing. While I wasn't necessarily shocked by how many brands I frequently put on my face do animal testing, it left a sour taste in my mouth. I was shocked, however to find how many brands DON'T test on animals. Did you know that E.L.F. is cruelty free? At their price point, it may be worth it to switch to some of their products. Seeing the list made me more conscientious of the harm my makeup inflicts, and I'm planning to move to more cruelty free products one my existing supply dwindles down. Be on a look out for a post about that as well! 

4 // I feel like each week I have a new song that I scream "this is such a bop!!!" to my friends when mentioning it in conversation. This week it's Closer by the Chainsmokers + Halsey. The beat honestly gets me the most about this song and when it comes on when I'm driving to work, I'm guilty of paying more attention to the song than the road at times. 

5 // This week is proving to be a jam packed one already. Between bae time, work, packing back up for school (lol, less than two weeks & I never even unpacked), I've also got  a trip to Canada thrown into the mix. I'm excited for the quick trip because I'm going with my homegirl Abby and our boys + some of my other favorites. Surprisingly, I've got my outfit already picked out, so maybe I'll snag some pics of it amidst the night of fun I'm surely going to have. GBless enhanced licenses and the mitten being so close to the border. 

6 // As I'm sure everyone is aware, thanks to Snapchat, Harry Potter's birthday was basically an international holiday. With the release of a new book (!!!) and the grand opening of the Cursed Child in London, there was much to celebrate. I, myself, was able to get my hands on a copy of the Cursed Child (thx daddio), and I am excited to dive back into the magical world of Harry Potter. I'm being super weird, though, and holding off on actually cracking the spine of my copy because I know once I start reading I won't stop until it's finished and I'm not sure I'm ready for the magic to be over just yet. No spoilers, please! 

Monday Musings

in case you were wondering, yes i am dreading the day where i run out of these fabulous pictures to use...

Hi friends! Comin at ya with a late Monday Musings, but it's still Monday so in my book, it still counts. Let's catch up! 

1 // Anyone else boppin to the new Manjo Lazer song that Justin's singing on? Cold Water has been my jam lately. I've played it for everyone- Matt, my mom, Hannah, my work friends. It's also stuck in my head right now. I'm 100% vibin with this song currently. 

2 // Currently dreading the day that I don't have anymore unseen photos from my shoot with Gabby. Luckily, it looks like her and I will be shooting some pics soon enough. I am giddy with excitement about potentially having some golden hour photos, and I cannot wait to see what she's got planned for me next. (It's a win-win also because she's building her portfolio & I finally feel like I'm producing quality blog posts)

3 // Despite working way more hours, I've somehow managed to jump back into reading. Who would've thought that less time would bring my love of books back into my life? Certainly not me... Currently working my way through 'The Wrong Side of Right' by Jenn Marie Thorne, in case you were wondering! Let me know if you have any book recommendations- I've got a Barnes & Nobles gift card just waiting to be spent! 

4 // Recently I've been feeling uninspired with my gym workouts lately. Instagram helps, but I can definitely tell that I've just been going out of habit more than anything. I guess I've finally acquired one good habit though. Next step? Waking up with my alarm and not hitting snooze 6 times before getting out of bed. 

5 // I didn't realize how soon I move back onto campus, but wouldn't you know it- August 13th is right around the corner. Considering I didn't ever unpack since moving back home (in April, mind you), maybe I won't have such a hard time getting my stuff all together. I'm going to need to do tons of laundry and a deep cleaning of my room, unfortunately. 

6 // With the approach of a new semester, I'm looking at planners once again. I love my Erin Condren, but I'm also one of those planner junkies who enjoys a crisp new planner every year. Stuck between a big girl filofax or looking into another Erin Condren... or maybe just a new Erin Condren cover. We shall see! 

That's all for this week!

Monday Musings

{in case you can't tell, i'm still in love with this photo set}

1 // Still currently obsessing over the pictures my friend Gabby took of me this past week. Sometimes I just sit in my room and look at them because I can't believe they're actually me. To see more of these stellar pics, check out my first post of them here! 

2 // LSoM got a little bit of a face lift this weekend, and I am so pleased with the results (peep the new header to see what I mean!) While the change isn't huge, I feel like this space is turning into more and more of my own. I love the clean-ness of the all white, but the new text up above makes me feel inspired every time I see it. 

3 // Today's my handsome man's birthday, and I think I'm a little bit more excited for it than he is. Although, I'm mostly just excited to see him... so maybe that's it? ((That's actually most definitely it))

4 // Can't. stop. buying. bralettes. Honestly don't know what took me so long to make a purchase on these sooner... 

5 // Momma J and I spent the weekend at Eastern Market, and I maaaay or may not have gone a little overboard on my succulent purchases. I bought four. Currently scouring the town for the perfect pot to plant them in, but I'm working on it. Pics to come, because honestly I've never seen more photogenic plants in my life. (That's a lie- we live in a world of hydrangeas.) 

6 // PSA about the new starbucks coconut mocha macchiato: it's heavenly and 10/10 recommend you try one ASAP because who knows how long they'll be around for! 

That's about all, friends! Have a great Monday! 

Monday Musings

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Hi friends! 

The holiday weekend totally threw me off kilter, so I apologize for a week of no content, but this Monday Musings is going to changing that! 

1 // 100% convinced that your average suburban family should not be allowed to light explosives after literally running for shelter as my neighbors lost control of their fireworks last night. Sure they're pretty and all, but you know what else is pretty? Not causing bodily harm. 

2 // Activity trackers really make you aware of how lazy you are. I thought I was at least a moderately active person (as I haughtily cranked the level up on my watch in the apple store) but let me tell you- I'm basically a sloth. I don't think I've hit my activity goal once since getting my watch. This partially makes me want to work harder, and also partially makes me feel like a potato. 

3 // Currently, I'm desperately in need of some new reading material. It feels like I've read through everything my library has to offer me, and authors just cannot crank cheesy summer teen romances out at the rate that I read them. Maybe one day I'll prefer "adult" books, but for now, I just crave sappy summer love stories. Any recommendations for A+ books are definitely welcome, my friends! 

4 // One of my goals for this month is to run a mile for each day of July. So far, I'm at 11.67 out of the 31 miles, and I'm personally impressed that I've done so well with this goal thus far. I tried to do something similar in June, but made too many excuses to skip runs, but I'm feeling more determined this month than ever. 

5 // Tacking onto the previous topic, I'm curious to know if anyone has Brooks running shoes and what their thoughts of them are. My mom is starting to think I need something that can handle impact a little bit better when I'm running trails, and has suggested Brooks to me. I've looked into them, but before spending the money I need some advice! (Also battling the whole comfort v style thing, but I know your feet are your foundation...). 

6 // I am dying to try arial yoga. Someone I know recently went, and it literally looks like the coolest thing ever. It looks like a challenge, but swinging around in some silks for an hour seems like it would be so much fun! Plus, what a unique way to sweat, am I right? 

Hope everyone has a wonderful week ahead! 

*when your images won't stay centered but you're soooOoooo not in the mood to mess around*

Monday Musings

Hi friends! 

Real quick, just wanted to brag about my own chaco / kayak pic- I feel like I've finally made it in the adventure season... anyways, here are the musings: 

Mountains // I am 110% convinced that everyone needs to get some mountain air in there lungs at least once in their life. I feel refreshed and itching to get back onto some trails after my week in the smokies. Stay tuned for some pics coming this week! 

Dreamin' // After watching an episode of House Hunters & hearing about a family who visited all 50 states before their children graduated, I decided that is something I definitely want to do. There's so much to explore in the US alone, and I think it would be awesome to say I've been to all 50 states (especially wanting to head to the southwest!). 

Bastille // Good Grief by Bastille is my new jam. I'm obsessed. This song makes me feel all types of feels, I can't even explain it. Check it out (and the rest of my summer playlist) here! 

Crispy // After spending Saturday on the water & exploring a park nearby with Auj, I can confirm that I am a little overdone. My skin has undergone shades ranging from lululemon bag red to flaming hot cheetos red. Don't even ask how much aloe I've gone through... 

Listen // I've been making more efforts to become more in tune with my body, and I've really taken to listening to my body. Between lifting weights, working more than I maybe ever have, and just attempting to be more active, it's been really important for me to keep a balance on pushing myself and pushing myself too far. Take rests when you need them, eat when you're hungry, and learn the difference of not wanting to as opposed to not being able to- it has made the world's difference for me already. 

Countdown // My best friend + soulmate Abby comes home from her European travels at the end of this week and I cannot wait. We're a package deal in most people's eyes, so the fact that I have only had the ability to facebook message her a handful of times over the month that she's been gone is extremely weird to me. I cannot wait for her to come back home! 

Fun fact // For those of you who didn't know, it's my birth week! (Yes, I'm totally one of those girls who attempts to celebrate all week long...) Since my birthday falls insanely close to the 4th of July, I try to spend a whole week on myself, whether that mean meeting up with friends, or ordering a fancy drink at Starbucks that I normally would never get. It's nice to treat myself for a week, especially considering nobody is ever around for my actual birthday anyways. Any other July babies feel my pain?

Monday Musings

dreaming...

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The week ahead // I have a good feeling about this week. I've got plans (shocking) other than work, I'm seeing my lovely friends, and I even get some bae time. I'm also planning on spending some time not only in the pool, but hopefully kayaking this week. Let's hope the weather is feeling the same vibes as I am. 

Me Before You // This movie wrecked me. And I loved it. Obviously I couldn't stand not seeing it opening weekend, it was just too hard to resist. It's stuck with me since I've seen it, and in all honesty I will probably go see it a second time in theaters. No shame there. 10/10 recommend you see it. Also 10/10 recommend you bring some tissues because I sobbed. 

Bend // Over the course of the last week and a half, I've gotten back into some free flow yoga. It's been not only beneficial to my muscles after a hard workout, but also beneficial to my headspace. My time on the mat clears my head and helps me set my intentions for the day. I'm also currently looking into finding a studio near my house so I can take a few classes while I'm home for the summer to learn some new moves to throw into my flows. 

Adventure // Adventure is awaiting me this June! I am very excited to be planning a trip down south to spend some time out in the Smokies. Everything is still in the works, but I'm very hopeful that some hikes are in my future! 

Lenny & Larry's // After following one too many fitness accounts on Instagram, I decided to seek out a Lenny and Larry's Complete Cookie. Completely unplanned from my search, I stumbled upon them in a 7/11 (of all places) and snatched one up. All I can say is wow. This thing was good. Normally protein packed snacks have an odd after taste to them and can sometimes feel gritty, but this was surprisingly delicious for a protein cookie. If you ever stumble upon one, I recommend trying the snickerdoodle kind! My favorite so far! 

Kicks // I am proud to say I finally purchased myself some new running shoes. It's made all the difference in my milage, and my shins are no longer screaming at me! Oh happy day! My new Nikes look like cotton candy and just make me so happy to look at, and I am totally obsessed. Also- I'm totally on a running shoe kick right now and cannot get enough! Someone stop me, please. 

Here's to a good week ahead! 

Monday Musings

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Hi friends! 

Before jumping into today's post, I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Memorial Day! Thank you to all who have given us the freedom we are so accustomed to and for making our lives a little safer each day. 

Werk // It feels like I've been living at work lately. Love the hours, love my co-workers, not so much lovin the heat that our little shack swells to. Also, not really sure how I feel about hearing "werk werk werk werk werk werk" in my head every time I step through the door. 

Date night // Han likes to remind me that "distance makes the heart grow fonder" when I'm majorly missing bae, but dang- the girl was right. Last week Matt and I got to go out and even though it was only for a few hours, I'm so grateful for the time. My heart still feels happy days after the fact, and I'm extremely... lucky, for lack of a better word, to have someone in my life who makes me feel special and loved. 

Mountain air // The countdown to my mountain adventure is officially on! In just a few short weeks, I'll be enjoying the fresh mountain air of the smokies. That's right- ya girl LJ is finally going to get some hiking in this summer! 

DCOM // Can we just appreciate the wonderful thing Disney Channel did over the weekend? The 100 DComs played (and now recorded to my DVR) seriously made this long weekend 100x better. Between Smart House, Zenon, and the Kim Possible movies, time off of work sure got a whole lot better. 

Productive // Productivity has been in a lull over the past week. I got thrown from my regular schedule, and I feel all discombobulated. I haven't really gotten much done, and my inbox has definitely gotten backed up. I'm hoping to get some time to catch up, because I'm feeling very behind lately... 

Chop chop // So I cut my hair again. No surprise there. It's back to the original short length I cut it to back in January and once again I am in love. Though I can't really put my finger on exactly why I've been vibin with the short do so much, it sure makes me feel sassy. #ShortHairDefinitelyDontCare

P.S. Anyone else get "zoom zoom zoom, make my heart go boom boom" stuck in their head for days after watching the Zenon movies, or is it just me? 

Monday Musings

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Training // We had our first Rho Gamma training this past weekend and it was a success in my book! It was very different being the trainer instead of the trainee, but for one of the first times I felt confident being in front if a group of people and leading a lesson. I'm not only proud of myself, but I'm also proud of my ladies for putting in the time to come to the session.

Hangin' // I am so excited to start hanging around in my new hammock. My parents surprised me with one yesterday, and I am so stoked to start using it. I think it will be the perfect addition to the summer adventures I'm starting to plan, and honestly- what's more relaxing then just swaying in a hammock?

Reba // I used to hate the Reba show. But somehow over the last couple of days I've grown to absolutely love this show. The more I watch it, the more I can't get enough. Between binge watching both the Reba show and Fixer Upper, I'm about ready to go to Texas.

The little things // I've been trying to enjoy the little things lately, and in doing so I've become so much more appreciative. I'm thankful for small moments, like spontaneous trips with my little, slurpees after a hot day volunteering in the sun, or quick 10 minute phone calls because sometimes the sound of someones voice is 10x better than a hundred texts throughout the day.

PB // Prior to actually doing something in the gym besides being on an elliptical for 45 mins and calling it quits, I never understood why people who worked out were so obsessed with peanut butter... but now? I totally get it. For some reason I can't get enough PB lately. It's great when you have a sweet tooth, and doesn't completely ruin a day of clean(ish) eating {because let's be real, sometimes you just need some french fries in your life, amiright?}.

Movies // I've been dying to go to the movies. I honestly can't remember the last night I went to a movie, got popcorn and a giant slushie, and watched something that hasn't been out of theaters for more than 2 years. I'm seriously counting down the days until June 3rd because you can bet that I will be waiting in line to see Me Before You. Probably with some tissues...

Monday Musings

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Trader Joe's // I was able to squeeze a Trader Joe's trip in this weekend and it was marvelous. I got so many delicious goodies to try over the coming week and saying that I'm excited is a severe understatement.

Coffee, please // Among my many grocery store finds was Trader Joe's coffee bean ice cream. Holy moley this is the stuff. Seriously you need to try this. It was like eating a cup of coffee, it was so good.

Summer (?) // Okay for real now- what is this weather?? It's May and there was snow on the ground yesterday... I am appalled to say the very least. How am I supposed to go on adventures if I can't even strap on the Chacos?

Zoo // Call me basic but I am dying to see the new penguin exhibit at the zoo. All of the photos I keep seeing from my friend's visits make this exhibit look exceptional. On another note, I never know how I truly feel about the zoo- sometimes seeing the animals behind their fences and such makes me sad. Anyone else have the same affliction?

Pico // Mama J and I made fresh pico de gallo this weekend and it is the bee's knees. After craving Mexican food for so long, it was nice to get some fresh pico in my life. It was also means for some great quality time with my mom!

On a serious note... // I recently came across the hashtag "maybe he doesn't hit you" on twitter, and it was extremely moving, to say the very least. I highly encourage everyone to look up this tag and educate themselves on the other types of domestic abuse out there. Physical harm is an extremely devastating issue, but I don't think psychological harm should be discredited either. Being manipulated, invalidated, and systematically isolated is also a real issue that many face, and sometimes the severity is diminished because it's not physically harming. No matter the terms, nobody deserves to feel insignificant.

Monday Musings

enjoy this fun picture of me from my first 5K on saturday! 

HP //  My ongoing efforts to re-read the Harry Potter series are now in full swing since I'm on summer break. As I type this, I'm using three of them as a stand for my phone to charge up. I seriously hope I can reach my goal before my free time is gone! 

Goals // Speaking of goals, I have a new one! After doing two 5ks this weekend (not going to lie, I only full out did 1, the second one had me hurting a little bit too much...), I want to move on to trying my hand at a 10k and eventually a half marathon. Just gotta build that endurance a lil bit, but I definitely think I can do it! 

Avocados // I've been on the hunt lately for new ways to incorporate avocados into my meals, and I'm kind of at a loss. Let me know if you have any fun ways to eat avocados besides putting them on toast, grilling them, or adding them to sandwiches! 

This // This profoundly moving video is something I believe everyone who struggles with their self-image needs to see. As someone who has never 100% loved themselves or felt comfortable in their own skin, this was an extremely touching message to hear. I'll forewarn you that tissues might be necessary, it was a bit of a tear jerker. 

Chopped // Kind of thinking about cutting some more hair off, though I'm not really certain yet. I'm going to think on it for a few more days before being impulsive, but I wouldn't mind losing another inch or two. This shorter hair is super sassy and fun in my opinion. 

Full // This past weekend was rejuvenating, for lack of a better word. My heart was full of happiness, and I felt extremely grateful- grateful that I have two legs to run with, lungs to breath with, friends to laugh with, and people to love. 

Monday Musings

2/3 of the library fam in Niagara 

Ohhh Canada... // My long awaited trip across the border was better than I could've imagined it to be. Being in Canada was fun for its obvious reasons, but the people I spent my time with honestly made the trip. I'm consider myself to be so fortunate to be surrounded by such amazing friends, and this weekend was unforgettable.

Finals week // Finals week begins in two days, and I'm on the fence about it. My classes have been going really well this semester and I've done fairly well on all the previous exams, so on one front I feel calm. But then I remember that it's finals week and I go into panic mode and start to think about all the work I have left to do (plus, moving out at the same time is horrendous).

JB // We are officially one week out from the Justin Bieber concert and  I am hella stoked about it. Han and I have been waiting for this for so long. Sure, he's a jerk- but my 8th grade self is dying just a little bit inside. Will I cry? Probably. #NoShame

Sun's out... // (Unimpressive) guns out? This weather is too good to be true. As I'm writing this, I'm in a tank top and my chacos (promise I'm wearing pants) and it's honestly the dream. I feel like Michigan's gotten hit with some strange weather lately, and to finally feel normal for the season is a relief.

ENO // Campus hasn't put up it's hammocks yet, but the die hard hammockers (is that a thing?) are out in full force this gorgeous Monday. I'm a smidge jealous that they've got their own hammocks, not going to lie, because hammock time is the best time. Seeing all of the ENOs on campus makes me so much happier that it's almost the end of the semester.

Karaoke // While I am a fanatic singer and jump at the chance to belt out nearly any song that I know all the words to (and even those that I don't), I have never in my life partaken in Karaoke. So shoutout to Han for getting up in front of an inebriated crowd of mostly 30 and 40 somethings this Friday night with me to sing some BSB with me- you're the real MVP, love.

Monday Musings

Formal // My chapter's formal was this past weekend, and it was so much fun. The decorations were beautiful, I ate a ton of potatoes, and I had a fabulous time with Matt. He's such a fun date, and I love that he'll twirl me around the floor one minute but let me hang with my sisters the next. I couldn't picture these events without, honestly.

Winding down // With us entering into the second week of April, the semester is finally winding down. This week is my last full week of class, and finals are around the corner. I cannot wait to be done and have a break from academic responsibilities for a while.

Canada // Where I live, going to Canada is a right of passage once you turn 19. This is something I never have partaken in, but that's finally being broken now. I'm so excited to finally be leaving the boarders of the U.S. for a weekend for another formal, and I cannot wait for a little getaway right before finals.

Packing // Now that the semester is wrapping up, it's time for me to begin packing up my room. I'm honestly dreading this because I've been looking around my room and let me tell you... I've accumulated so.much.stuff. How I'm going to pack it up I don't quite know yet, but we'll get there.

Weather // I hate to be that person who talks about the weather, but I need to vent for a hot second. Michigan's weather right now is jank. For the last month, we have been yo-yoing with the weather and it's so annoying. One day I can run outside in the perfect weather, but then in less than 24 hours it will start to snow. It is April 10th, people.

Clarity // I've taken a break from the blog-sphere for a while to come to some sort of clarity, and after almost two weeks off I'm feeling much better. I still don't fully know where I'm going in just about every aspect of my life, but I'm feeling much more solid in my decisions and my support system has been phenomenal. I feel incredibly lucky to have such amazing and supportive people to surround myself with.

Here's to being strong. 

Monday Musings

not gonna lie, all i've thought of today is ice cream...

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Ever After // Over this last weekend, I re-discovered one of my favorite albums from high school. I remember listening to Mariana's Trench with my friend Ashley as we drove around looking for the perfect prom dress, on the way to every concert we ever went to (regardless if it wasn't the band we were even seeing), and on our way to practices in the summer. Listening to Ever After again brought back so many good memories, and I 10/10 recommend giving it a listen.

Panhel // The more I get involved with my campus' Panhellenic Council, the more I appreciate my Panhellenic sisters. Being apart of such a strong organization has given me more friendships than I could have ever imagined prior to entering Greek life, and it's also given me a passion. This week, I'm feeling extremely grateful to be a member. 

Month's time // It dawned on me today while driving around with my friend that a month ago I was in Florida, soakin' up some sun at Walt Disney World. I feel like I just went on that trip, so it's surreal to think that it's already been a month since I was there. 

Lost // Still feeling hella lost in life, but I'm slowly coming to terms with the fact that it's normal. I'm not used to having no clue what I want, and this feeling has definitely thrown me off kilter. Instead of wallowing though, I've been trying to be proactive and use this uncertainty as motivation to start putting some pieces together. 

Time // I got to spend some quality time with my mom this weekend, and it was truly needed. There's very little that can't be fixed from a few hours hanging out with my mom, and I feel extremely lucky to have such a cool, strong, determined women to call my mom. 

Spring // I am so happy that spring is finally here. Even though it's not quite warm yet, it's on the horizon. Also, the fact that it's generally just been sunnier out has totally changed the mood across campus. Spring also brings the end of the semester, and who can really be upset about that? 

Monday Musings

want days like this so badly right now 

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Calendar // The closer we get to the end of the year, the more my planner seems to be filling up. There are so many dates and times being thrown my way that I can barely keep up. It's pretty sad that I'm already looking forward to summer at this point because I really just need a day where I don't have to answer an email, type a draft, or pencil in times to see people. 

Philanthropy // This past weekend I got to see one of my best friends in action as she worked alongside her sorority and raised over 14 thousand dollars for her chapter's philanthropies. I am completely blown away by all of her hard work, and she has inspired me to act towards something greater than myself. Thank you for being ceaselessly amazing, Han. 

Bad days // It's just a bad day, not a bad life. 

Kayak // Now that the weather has been consistently warm out, I really want to take my kayak out on the water. I'm really excited to use my park pass after classes a few times a month and just escape from campus and get away for a couple of hours with just a paddle. 

Broken // After buying $23 worth of smoothie materials, my beloved blender broke. I got barely three smoothies out of all my mix and my magic bullet just died. I'm currently blenderless and heart broken over a kitchen appliance, and I don't know what could be more sad than that. 

Dress shopping // I'm once again on the market for a formal dress. Unfortunately, nothing has quite caught my eye yet, and time keeps dwindling. Almost a month to find something, and ironically enough I'm not even stressed (yet)- although I'm sure we might get to that point at sometime.