A Lot of Reasons to Smile

Thanksgiving is only a few short days away and the anticipation is killing me. I just want to pack up my stuff, pack up my tiny infant George, and head home. However I can't do these things because: a. I still have class next week, unfortunately and b. George isn't "allowed" to come home with me because everyone in my family is "allergic" yeah, yeah. Poor baby George.

Seeing as how I don't have time to blog when I am home (my time with mommy consists of eating, shopping, eating some more, and shopping some more), I figured this work-free Saturday would be the perfect opportunity to verbalize what I am thankful for this year. And blogging really gets the creative juices flowing, which I will need for the rest of the day while I work on my thesis... Envious of my Saturday now aren't you?

First and foremost, I am thankful for my wonderfully supportive, caring family. Having such a close relationship with my Mom is something I value very highly. I know I have said this before, but without her guidance and support there is honestly no telling where I would be today. The other members of my family have also helped me become the person I am today. Blessed is such a cliche word, but it's the only one that comes to mind when I think of family. I can't wait to spend some qt with them and eat some of my grandpa's delicious Thanksgiving feast. Here we all are on his 70th birthday last year. Like Elton John down there on the end in the green jacket?

Secondly, I am thankful for such great friends in my life. Modern technology has made it so easy to keep in touch with one another. Whether it's blogging, skyping, group texting (thanks to my inventive friend Louise), or the old-fashioned way of calling, we are all able to keep in touch with one another. Given our hectic lifestyles and sometimes differing time zones, it is so special when we are able to forget all of our cares and just be ourselves. I love you gals! And I love your rockstar bangs Ash, and wish that you would bring them back.

I am also thankful for the opportunities that have been afforded to me throughout my life. One of my classes has really opened my eyes to the opportunities (or lack thereof) available to human beings everywhere. Do you ever think of your life in other terms? Like what your life would be like if you had been born in a different country or into a different, more oppressive culture? Sometimes it is easy to forget how lucky we are. And although I may not be part of the "1%", I am rich in all the ways that truly matter.

So smile, life is what you make it. What are you thankful for these days?

Bring Some Color Into Your Life

Recently, it has been brought to my attention that I am obsessed with prints. To be more specific, I am totally, completely, utterly obsessed with tribal prints. I swear, I must be an Indian at heart, but aren't we all (this was their land before we came here people)!

After a quick glance in my closet, I realized that I have gotten in the habit of purchasing clothes that are far from plain. Don't get me wrong, I still have the staple "plain" pieces that should make up anyone's wardrobe; I just am not necessarily drawn to these options when they are hanging up in the store.

My current home here in Boone also has led me to start liking things I would have never thought twice about beforehand. Honestly, I am glad for this fact. I know my friends may say I have a weird sense of fashion as of late (ahem, Ashleigh Cates), but I like being a little different. And thanks to Pinterest I have been able to drool over some new pieces that will come into my possession in the near future. All I have to say is, thank goodness for this website.

From shoes, to tops, to skirts, to jewels, there is no way you can go wrong with tribal prints. They even have moccasins lined in tribal print -- double whammy for this girl who absolutely loves her moccasins. Tribal prints from head to toe. God Bless America, how can anyone not like these things! Mom, Christmas is quickly approaching. I hope you're taking notes ;)

Keep Calm and Carry On

Coming back from vacation always leaves me feeling sort of blaaah. I know most of my working friends will say, "But Jamie, your whole life is a vacation, you are still in school!" But this only has some semi-truth to it. School is hard, especially when you procrastinate. But like the saying goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it", I have learned to stick with methods that work. And if procrastination gets me a 3.8 GPA in grad school, I'll take it.

After my eventful trip to NYC this past weekend, coming home was surreal. The extended weekend flew by way too fast, and now it's time to get back into the swing of things. Back to school, back to work, back to research. Oh, the little joys in life!

This is where my most recent realization comes into play: I have got to take a break from school. Although dreams of one day getting my PhD are not completely being thrown away, they may be placed on the back burner for a little bit. I am at a stage in my life where I am ready to face the real world and start a career, or at least try a few jobs out.

Being in a city like New York makes me crave a fast-paced lifestyle. While I know I could never permanently live in a city that big (I'm a Southern girl at heart), I know that at this point in my life there is a perfect opportunity to explore a few options. After some careful thought, NYC may be a little too big for this mama's girl. So I guess for now, I will have to suffice with a visit or two (or three, or four....) a year.

Seeing as how NYC may be out of the question, I have been toying with a few other cities to reside in. On the top of my list is DC. Not too far from home, a metropolitan area, many job opportunities, this city seems to have it all. And I know the perfect place for me to live. I'll give you a few hints: it's big and it's white.

Considering some recent job opportunities, I've also contemplated moving to Knoxville, Raleigh, or even Atlanta. I guess when you live in a town like Boone anything seems more fast-paced. Now comes the application process; just another activity to keep me from school work. Speaking of activities keeping me from school work, today I stumbled upon this...

I just have to keep reminding myself to keep my eye on the prize and in no time I will be finished with school, probably wishing I was right back in the position I am currently in. But don't we always want what we don't have?

Working for the Weekends

Well, after a few days of 'me' time, I'm back. Phew, you can all rest easy now. Only kidding.... After a very eventful weekend, it is nice to be back to my second home in Boone. This weekend flew by, but isn't that always the case when you're having a good time?

Greenville never disappoints, and this weekend was no exception. After going out on the town, running into some old high school friends, attending a blowout game, and catching up on some much needed quality time with old friends, I am excited to get back to my routine. Wow, I sound old. But seriously, sleep tonight is much anticipated.

Southern Miss absolutely killed ECU on Saturday, but it was nice to be in the company of good people in a town where my Mom attended college. It was so weird to think about me being in the same spots she had been just a few very short years ago. I would love to plan another trip down there with her sometime, to let her relive her college days and share a piece of her history with me. How fun and so very special.

Maybe not as much fun as the guy who decided streaking would be a good idea on Saturday... And yes, there was a streaker. And yes, we were sitting in the third row. And yes, any pictures I managed to capture are too obscene for a PG rated blog. Let's just say that was my first real-life encounter, and hopefully my last.

After a weekend like this past one, anyone would need to catch up on their sleep. Needless to say, this upcoming weekend is sure to include no sleep at all. It happens to be Brooklyn's annual electronic music festival this weekend in New York. Electronic music? Me? No way. Only kidding once again... This girl will be in heaven.

In preparation I will be listening to this song on repeat. And if you don't like it you're crazy.

So here it is, not even Monday, and I'm already working for the next weekend. Friday simply cannot come soon enough. Time for me to rest up!

A GOOD Case of the Mondays

I woke up today feeling a little less stressed than I have been in the past few days. Instead of procrastinating, like I have been so accustomed to my entire life, I decided to get a head start on my midterm that is due tonight. Now instead of waking up feeling anxious and stressed, I can actually have a good Monday, crazy right?

It is always better to start the week out on a positive note rather than having a "case of the Monday's"... so here is what I am loving today:

1. I love waking up to a cold apartment. No, seriously, I love it. I dread turning on the heat -- I hate hot air blowing on me for some reason -- however, I had to turn the heat on (finally) Saturday when we got snow flurries here. Our apartment is set to a cool 64 degrees, the perfect temperature.

2. I love having a completed workload for the week. I started my work early, and have finally finished (after a long and somewhat delirious night at the library) my 18 page midterm. That's right, 18 pages for an exam. And surprisingly it went smoother than I could have ever imagined.

3. I love reading blogs that aren't full of pictures and fashion. Don't get me wrong, I love looking at these blogs for inspiration, but I like hearing about what my friends are doing. When you get older, you separate from your friends. You move to different cities, work in different industries, and lead different lives than you used to. That is where modern technology comes in handy. It helps me keep up with friends close and far away. In this way, I can vicariously live through girlfriends and feel as if I am right there with them, even if our new lives don't allow that right now.

4. I love being independent. I know I have said this before, but now the word seems to have some new meaning as of late. After recently being able to let go of some of the bottled up emotions I have had stored for quite some time, I am able to look at my life in a completely different perspective. Sometimes you spend your life wanting something so badly, only to realize you were wrong (or misguided) on what it was you actually wanted. Everything comes in due time and rather than focusing my wants on something new, I am enjoying just being me.

5. Finally, I am loving the fact that I have my flight to NYC booked. Thanks to the quick service of Bank of America, I received my new debit card in the mail on Saturday. Who knew I could go an entire week without needing one?! After booking my flight today, I am set and ready to visit the Big Apple again in less than two weeks. It doesn't hurt that it there is a huge electronic music festival that weekend either. Trouble is surely to follow.... Only kidding mom.

Happy Halloween! And Happy Monday! Start your week out on the right foot.

Do It Yourself

Recently, my obsession with Pinterest has gotten a little out of hand. I will catch myself pinning instead of getting reading done, or browsing the website for a new outfit idea. And now thanks to my roommate, I have enabled mobile Pinterest, so the pinning never stops. Just when I thought nothing could top Facebook....

I honestly could not live in a time without modern technology. Just the thought of surviving without a cell phone or a computer makes me feel ill. Therefore, I am utterly thankful for websites such as these that afford me with a little break from much dreaded "real life".

With that being said, I have been in a very crafty mood lately. I want to make something. I want to do something that makes me happy. I want to craft people! Whether it be making something in the kitchen, a piece of jewelry, or something to help me organize my life, tomorrow has been set aside as a "me" day.

Given some recent events that have taken place in my life, I have been thinking a lot. Thinking drives me crazy. I need to stop driving my own self crazy. What better way to take my mind off of things than to spend a day making things?

The fact that tomorrow is also the last nice day we will have in Boone for a few months doesn't hurt either. Who knows... maybe I will take my crafting outdoors! I really am not looking forward to the 40 degree weather coming our way. How do you look cute in 30 mph winds?! With a website like Pinterest, I'm sure there is an answer to this question.

Here are a few ideas that have really drawn my interest. Starting out small, I hope to make all of these things sooner than later.

Given my interest in "hippie bracelets" as my friends would like to call them, these DIY wrap bracelets would be the perfect addition to my collection. And instead of dropping big bucks to build a collection this big, I can make them for a fraction of the cost. And add a personal touch.

My jewelry obsession doesn't stop with bracelets, I have recently begun to purchase chunky necklaces. Thus far, I have been storing them in a jewelry organizer which can tangle them and bend them out shape. This easy DIY project consists of things I already have at home: A towel bar and shower hooks. How easy is that? Put this little number in my closet and complete organization will surely ensue.

This idea is one of my favorites. Instead of searching through your cosmetic bag, take an old frame, paint it whatever color your little heart desires, get a magnetic backing and some magnets and you are set to go. I am a very visual person, so being able to see everything right in front of my face is essential. Whoever came up with this idea, many thanks.

This idea is sew cute! Clever, eh? Take all those bobby pins that I use on a regular basis and add some flare. I love the vintage feel here. This DIY project may be asking a little too much out of my unexperienced self, but the idea is still tempting for the over-achiever in me.

Lastly, this little diddy is perfect for the monogramming inner freak in me. As I have stated before, I am completely obsessed with monograms. This DIY project is so easy. Take a backless frame and some stick-on decals and you have a masterpiece. With the right material and good monogramming skills, you could take this idea in many different directions.

Who knows? I may even get really adventurous and try my hand in the kitchen. But I think I already know how well that would turn out. I'm no Suzy Homemaker, so God bless the poor soul that has to eat anything I make. Pictures of my DIY project coming soon. Let's just keep our fingers crossed I don't injure myself in the time being trying to create a masterpiece.

Bye Bye Birdie

After a very long, eventful weekend, it is back to reality. Fortunately for me, my school week is over. Having only two classes a week does come in handy (grad school does have its perks after all). And now that I have had time to process last weekend's festivities, I think it's time for me to get out of this town for a little while... One of many little vacations if you will.

First on the departure list is a quick trip to Athens for Halloween weekend. Going to see a good show with some good friends is exactly what I need right now... Forget schoolwork and a midterm I have on Monday, right? You are only young once...

Next weekend it's time for a road trip to visit some old college friends and enjoy a weekend of fun, laughter, brews, and football (that sounded manly). I am a little hesitant traveling to Greenville again, we don't really have a great history -- hopefully that will change upon my arrival next weekend.

And the trip I'm most looking forward to is only a few short weekends away.. NYC. After visiting this past summer, I literally could not get enough. Being there for only four days definitely was not enough, and I need my fix. On the agenda for the NYC trip is to just let loose with my main girl, maybe see a few shows, hit the town, and fix that little problem on Wall Street.

I'm really hoping these adventures will help me clear my head, not think about school for a while, and just remind me that there is more out there than this teeny tiny town. I'm starting to go crazy here with all of these teeny tiny boppers. Bye bye birdie, this girlie's gotta fly.