Snapshots and Snowglobes

This made me laugh.

2012-02-10T07:41:00.000-06:00

And sometimes, a little bit of laughter is all it takes.

P.S. But really now, where's the fun in normal?

A change of scenery.

2012-02-07T21:31:00.000-06:00

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Snapshots and Snowglobes. The same ol' blog but with a new name, design, and feel. All thanks to my beautiful and talented friend, Kameron, who took the time to create my header solely based on the title that I chose. (More on that later.) Do I even need to mention that this girl is AWESOME?

Nope, I think it's pretty obvious. Thanks again, Kam!

One week down.

2012-02-06T22:37:00.000-06:00

After last week's lengthy rant on the dangers of sugar and why I've decided to quit, several friends and family members suggested that I keep track of my progress (and setbacks) on my blog, sort of as a way to hold myself accountable. I like this idea, not only because it will be beneficial to record the ups and downs of my sugarless journey, but because I believe that everything's easier to accomplish with a support system. With all of the positive feedback that I've gotten already, I feel like I have an encouraging group of people behind me on this, and that might be all that I need to stay true to my resolution.

It's been one week since I made the powerful decision to wean myself off of sugar, and although it hasn't been easy, it also hasn't been as difficult as I anticipated it would be... yet. I'm sure this will change within the coming weeks, but I feel like the little victories (and mistakes) I made this week will really help guide me in the right direction for the testing days to come.

So, Week One:

The first few days were a cinch. Kristen and I made a trip to HEB on Tuesday (or was it Wednesday?) and stocked up on a month's worth of fresh fruit and veggies. I vowed to cook dinner more often -- three or four nights a week -- and eat out less. I made time to exercise for 45 minutes every other day. By the time Friday rolled around, I was feeling good. Healthy, energetic, thin.

And then I went home to Mom and Dad's place in Houston. Now folks, you have to understand... My parents are very healthy people -- constantly active conscious eaters -- but whenever I go home, we like to have a good time. Naturally. This time around, pizza was involved. And red wine. There may have even been some buttered popcorn thrown in there. But you know what? The pizza was topped with veggies and made with whole wheat crust, the wine helped with our daily antioxidants intake, and going to the movies just isn't nearly as fun without having something to nom on (Buncha Crunch was not an option, for obvious reasons). Plus, Dad and I actually ran through the rain and cold to get to the gym on Saturday morning. That's commitment right there. So all things considered, I feel like I did pretty well, regardless of my little weekend indulgences.

The real setback came later, on Sunday evening after I got back to Austin. I think it's pivotal to mention that there's just something about this wretched day of the week that depresses me to no end. You know what I'm talking about: that pre-week stress-inducing Sunday night slump. And I hate to be stereotypical, but what do girls do when they're feeling less than joyful? We eat. Okay, I really shouldn't generalize, because it's not every single one of us. But I eat. Usually the bad stuff, too, like Girl Scout Cookies (which we do currently have in our freezer) or chocolate covered raisins... Anything sugary that I can snack on while grudgingly sifting through my abandoned pile of homework. Well, this time around, I replaced cookies and candy with my favorite Fiber One cereal. Sounds healthy, right? I'd like to think so, but if I'm being honest, this particular kind -- appropriately named Caramel Delight -- is not so great. I'm talking ten-grams-of-sugar-per-cup not so great. And as I was mindlessly nearing my third or fourth cup (never eat directly from a box), I suddenly realized that this was NOT OKAY. That's 30-40 grams of sugar, people! Consumed in less than an hour! I mean, what's the point of giving up the good stuff if you're simply replacing it with sugar that is just a bit more...fibrous?

I do remember saying that I was going to cut down on all kinds of added sugar, even if it means changing my breakfast cereals. So I have no excuse. Although the cereal brands that I eat are considered more healthful than the rest -- think Kashi & Fiber One -- there is just as many grams of the white stuff in most of these as there is in Cocoa Puffs. Yeah, the stuff I ate when I was ten and my metabolism rivaled a speed demon. Alas, a new rule of thumb for eating breakfast cereal: aim for those with less than *seven grams of sugar per serving (and always stop AFTER ONE SERVING, not after half the box has disappeared).

Here are a few tasty "adult" cereals that fall under this low-sugar category:

1. Shredded Wheat Original
2. Fiber One Honey Squares
3. Kashi GoLean
4. Cheerios Original
5. Ezekiel Sprouted Whole Grain Cereal

Also a brilliant idea? Combine half a serving of a low/no-sugar cereal with half a serving of lightly sweetened cereal to get the perfect balance. Speaking as someone who eats the grainy stuff every single morning, mixing it up keeps things fresh and exciting. But anywho.

Now that this little cereal hiccup is water under the bridge, I'm onto Week Two! Wish me good luck.

*I was thinking of cutting it down to no more than five grams, but that wouldn't leave very much room for any of the cereals I love. And life's just too short for that. Seven will have to suffice, at least for this week.

[Cereal box collage by Chris Toumanian.]

Flutter.

2012-02-04T21:04:00.000-06:00

February is (and has always been) my *third favorite month. I'm sure you can guess why...

It's chick-flick season! I don't know about you, but I could watch my favorites over and over again. Ladies -- and gentlemen, if you're bold enough -- are there any love stories that you can't get enough of? And just out of curiosity, which ones do you hate?

*After October and December. [Movie still from Somewhere In Time, via ToutLeCine.]

Sweet tooth blues.

2012-01-31T14:44:00.003-06:00

Alright, that's it. I'm quitting sugar, indefinitely.

Phew. That was hard to type. I can only imagine how hard it will be to do. If you know me at all, you know that I have similar tendencies of a sugar addict. In fact, I'd say that I'm dangerously close to being one. Nilla wafers, chocolate covered raisins, peanut butter cookies, cake batter ice cream... I love the stuff. And I would gladly give up any meal of the day to indulge in all of the above. Most of the time, however, I manage to resist the alluring temptations of sugary treats, but on the rare (or not so rare) occasions that I simply can't, the concept of moderation goes right out the window the moment I sink my teeth into my first Oreo. Let's face it, people. As much as I try, moderation just doesn't seem to work for me. If you're one of those people who can nibble on a Snickers Mini and be completely satisfied, or stop after a couple bites of chocolate cake, I truly commend your wicked self-control. But you see, I'm no nibbler. When I allow myself dessert, it takes all of my strength not to devour every sugary thing in sight. I guess you could say I'm an "all or nothing" kind of girl, and on days when my sweet cravings get the best of me, this particular mindset becomes my worst enemy.

I tried wiping sweets from my diet once before, when I was a junior in high school. I was so caught up in the physical results that I took things a bit too far. By obsessively counting calories and cutting all of my portions in half, I began losing weight that I never needed to lose. The thing is, I didn't understand the (huge) difference between being skinny and being healthy, and this common misconception pointed me down a dark road of major consequences that I sometimes feel like I'm still facing. Since then, however, I've realized that overall wellness has nothing to do with having the tiniest waist or reaching a certain weight on the scale. It's about nourishing the body and giving it what it needs, all the while making an effort to be active and stay hydrated. Which is why filling up on wholesome, energy-fueling foods instead of processed junk is an essential step in the right direction.

Now, I'm not going to lie. I've heard time and time again that moderation is key. But after three years of desperately trying (and failing) to incorporate life's most difficult concept into my eating habits, I'm more than ready to throw in the towel. Some might think that I'm crazy for attempting a no-sugar regime in today's sugar-swamped world, but I truly believe that my health depends on it, and I'm willing to give it a shot for multiple reasons. Besides the most obvious -- that consuming too much sugar is basically asking to become victim of high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease -- the white powdery stuff also rots the teeth, weakens the immune system, causes bouts of depression, and triggers acne flare-ups. Not to mention its seemingly harmless yet strangely addicting effects that can leave a girl drained of energy and full of guilt after a Saturday night date with Ben & Jerry. Seriously, you guys. This stuff wreaks havoc on our emotions AND our waistlines. No bueno.

So there you have it, about 10 straightforward reasons why I'm quitting. Put simply, I'm ready to become the healthiest me I've ever been, even if that means omitting my favorite go-to comfort foods. But you might be wondering what I mean exactly when I say that I'm "quitting sugar"? Because let's be honest -- sugar is in EVERYTHING, and it would be absolutely impossible to stay away from it completely. Which is why I'm giving myself a little leeway in distinguishing the good sugars from the bad sugars. Hear me out. Not all sweeteners are created equal. In fact, some natural sweeteners (like honey, agave nectar, maple syrup, etc.) are good sources of antioxidants and other nutrients that aid in digestion and overall health. When eaten in moderation (there's that pesky word again), they are much better alternatives to the processed, nutrition-less sugar that we all know and love. Personally, I like to add no more than a spoonful of honey or agave nectar to plain yogurt, unsweetened oatmeal, or hot tea whenever I need a boost of flavor. Fresh fruit also contains natural sugars -- about 16 grams in a medium-sized apple, for example -- but these sugars are a small price to pay for their plentiful amount of nutrients.

With that said, I'm going to try to limit my consumption of added sugars -- the ones hidden under fancy names like evaporated cane juice, high-fructose corn syrup, maltodextrin, etc. -- found in breakfast cereals, granola bars, flavored yogurt, fruit juice, bread, and salad dressings. Of course, I'll be completely cutting out the beloved dessert foods that are made with refined sugar and/or white flour like cake, candy, cookies, and ice cream. Last but not least, I'm saying goodbye to all artificial sweeteners -- most of which are even more dangerous than sugar -- with the exception of Stevia, a naturally sweet and calorie-free herb derived from the South American Stevia plant. (I don't know about you, but black coffee just ain't my cup of tea.)

If you're a dessert lover like me, you may be thinking that life is too short to deprive ourselves of certain food groups. (As if sugar is a food group.) But I take comfort in knowing that smarter health-conscious people than me have come up with delicious and nutritious desserts that help the body instead of harm it. Just take a look at these scrumdiddlyumptious cookies, creamy frozen yogurt, or moist fudge cake recipes -- all of which are sure to come in handy when I'm in the mood to bake. Plus, I'm not ashamed to admit that I'll be keeping a secret stash of extra dark chocolate in the pantry for emergencies.

The bottom line? Deprivation is not what's happening here. On the contrary, I'd like to think of this challenge, difficult as it might prove to be, as an opportunity to treat my body to a variety of healthy foods (think nuts, seeds, fruit, veggies, whole grains, etc.) instead of slowly poisoning it with sugar. Unlike what I've tried in the past, this is not meant to be some intensive diet that leaves my stomach growling every night, but rather a lifestyle change that will result in a happier and healthier me. I'm certain that my body will thank me for it in the long run. Who knows? Maybe after a few months or even a year of watching my sugar intake, I'll be better equipped to indulge in sweets moderately. But for right now, I think it's safe to say that I'm doing myself a favor.

***I'm fully aware that not everyone is going to understand why I'm taking part in this seemingly unlikely feat. Many of my friends and family will think I'm silly for trying and will encourage me to give up sooner or later. Some will expect me to fail miserably in no time. And I'm not 100% convinced that I won't fail miserably. I am human, after all. But I think what matters is that I'm trying. Not necessarily to change the way that I look, but to alter the way that I feel -- physically and mentally -- all the while striving to prevent a rocky future of heart problems and high blood pressure that runs in the family. I guess you could say that I'm writing this blog post as a sort of plea to those closest to me. Even if you don't understand my decision, please try to support it. Because when it comes to my success, that's going to make all of the difference in the world.

Additional articles and blogs to read: My Years Without Sugar, Quitting Sugar, Stop Being Sweet, The Sugar Conspiracy, & Sarah Wilson's I Quit Sugar Program.

Now watching:

2012-01-27T22:31:00.000-06:00

Nothing like a little bit of fairytale drama to put me in a good mood. What TV shows are you following these days?

[Photos via Herald-Dispatch.com, ...Ology, Television Blog, Fans, LiveJournal, Once Podcast, & El cajon desastre.]

On a rainy winter afternoon,

2012-01-24T13:53:00.000-06:00

I contemplate the mystery of what it means to be a woman, to have a woman's heart beating ardently within my chest. Time and time again, I find myself wondering why it is that we can't help but love so purely and feel so deeply.

God must have known what He was doing when he formed the feminine heart. Nothing is as intricately designed or beautifully woven. He painted every unique pattern with precision and care, imprinted the holiest desires in every hidden alcove, and sadly anticipated every scar that would form as a result of the world's brokenness. He foresaw every breath we would take, tear we would cry, and prayer we would utter. All for the sake of our misunderstood hearts.

And He consoled us with a promise. That by giving our hearts to Him, to guard and protect from harm, we could experience the love we've always longed for and were made to partake in. What else could we possibly want? No person on Earth can fill us with complete happiness or embrace us more perfectly than the Creator Himself. It is He who truly understands and appreciates all of the inner workings of our expertly crafted hearts, and it is He who wishes to heal our scars. If only we let Him.

[Photo by esparist.]

Into the wordless.

2012-01-23T23:38:00.001-06:00

[SUW January retreat in the hills of Wimberley, Texas.]

Bucket List: #69.

2012-01-18T14:15:00.001-06:00

In the fall, I was asked to write a few Real Wedding stories for the January/February 2012 issue of Weddings in Houston Magazine, and I am excited to say that the issue is now available on newsstands!

I'm a published writer, y'all!

If you'd like, you can read one of my stories here.

P.S. Getting married or just obsessed with weddings (like me)? Check out the Weddings in Houston website. I could browse through their fun articles all day long!

Since Tuesday.

2012-01-12T19:05:00.001-06:00

I am back in Austin, all by my lonesome, getting more stuff done than I ever thought possible. And to think, it's only just beginning!

Tomorrow through Monday, I'll be on an SUW retreat. And then school begins on Tuesday.
Goodbye, Winter Break. Hello, Spring Semester:

1.) Intermediate French

2.) American Novel after 1920

3.) News Media Writing and Editing

4.) Media Law and Ethics

Plus possibly a PR internship or part-time job at BookPeople. We'll see what comes.

[Photo via We Heart It.]

Resolutions for 2012:

2012-01-12T10:48:00.002-06:00

Be industrious, fearless, and faithful.
And just for good measure:

With a name that literally means 'diligent,' I really have no excuse.

[Image via Walking On A Dream.]

The feeling of home.

2012-01-07T23:27:00.000-06:00

I will miss these days. Evenings spent by my mother's side on the big brown couch. Pajamas, blankets, mystery movies. Ice cream and dark chocolate. Early mornings on my father's lap. A warm coffee mug in my hands. Channel 13 news in the background while our conversations of faith and politics take precedence. The three of us. With all of our endless planning, arguing, and laughing.

Things will change, of course, like the color of the couch. And the flavor of ice cream. The issues we discuss, the city we find ourselves in, and even the company we keep. But one thing is certain. That feeling that I have now, the one that can only be described as unadulterated comfort, will always come back to me. Where there is family, there is home.

[Photo by Bhamgal.]

Rewind: 2011.

2012-01-02T13:03:00.004-06:00

Memorable moments throughout my year:

I gleefully welcomed 2011 with a few of my closest friends in downtown Houston. Spaghetti Warehouse, a ferris wheel ride, cold weather, and several rounds of champagne were more than enough to lift our spirits (and our glasses) in honor of 2010's blessings and the promise of a new beginning.

I only ended up staying true to about half of my New Year's resolutions, but I'd like to think it was the more important half. (No, I'm not a marathon runner now. And my naps are as frequent as ever. But there's always another year to work on those things.) Before heading back to Austin for the spring semester, Matthew took Marissa and me on a joy ride up in the sky that I'll never forget.

January was also the month of silly self-discoveries, long evenings with Shakespeare, the start of Project365, and my own spiritual revival.

In February, I gathered my courage and took up ballet again after five years. I experienced my first snow day in Austin and claimed my new favorite restaurant (as a result of its sinfully delicious chocolate cake).

I greatly anticipated the sweetest holiday and devoted a whole weekend to celebrating the true meaning of love. I might have even found the most beautiful view in the city, although I can't exactly call it my secret spot.

With March came sleepless nights and stressful days spent preparing for yucky midterms. All was well, however, when I packed up my bags and traveled to Sommerville, Texas for the 91st Aggie Awakening retreat that I staffed with my brother and his amazing friends. The couple of weeks surrounding AA#91 were some of the most exhausting of my spring semester, yet some of the most extraordinary as well.

Then came a glorious (but rather short) Spring Break that consisted of a family trip to Fredericksburg, complete with window shopping, rock climbing, and nightly barbecues. A week later, Jason ventured over to my side of Texas and got a taste of what he'd been missing out on for so many years.

April was a tad more laid back, thank goodness. I kicked off the month by celebrating Taylor's 19th birthday (a week late, due to the March madness) at a charming Italian restaurant downtown, and in the same week, went on a colorful exploration of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center with Meg.

The latter days of this rainy month were marked by a weekend reunion with my best girlfriends, a much-needed trip to Rayne for Easter, the final days of my failed Project365, and live footage of the loveliest wedding of the century.

In May, emotions were stirred by an American "victory" of sorts. During the homestretch of my first year of college, Smallville was to blame for my terrible procrastination and my surviving sanity. As a proud sister, I watched Jason walk across the stage and receive his college diploma.

I moved back to Houston for the summer, and the feeling of ecstasy sank in when I gathered together with my loves for our first trio night of the season.

Needless to say, beginning my 3-month internship for Weddings in Houston Magazine was everything I hoped it would be -- an absolute dream come true.

June inspired feelings of childhood freedom and grownup independence all at the same time. While the busy weekdays flew by, each weekend seemed to slow down for the enjoyment and relaxation of casual summertime festivities.

However, the second summer month was by far the most extraordinary. July encouraged togetherness among my family when our worst fears became a reality. My beloved cousin joined the Lord in Paradise on the morning of July 2nd, but not before leaving a lasting impression on all of our hearts. One of the many great lessons Amanda taught us was to always "be nice" to each other, especially in difficult times. Her passing was peaceful, a subtle drift into eternal sleep, as her closest loved ones huddled around and held her little hands. Since then, she has sent several reminders that she watches over us from above.

Joy found its way back into my heart in the form of two magical weddings, a trip to Colorado, the final Harry Potter midnight premier, and a relaxing evening out with the girls. I even managed to wrap up the thirty-week challenge that I began in October of the previous year.

After the final weeks of summertime solitude and carefree living had ended, August paved the way for my second year of college in Austin. This time, Kristen and I were fortunate enough to move into the apartment we'd been dreaming about, complete with a nice kitchen (for midnight baking sessions) and a bathroom that doesn't trigger symptoms of claustrophobia.

It wasn't long before we settled in with our lovely roommate and made a tradition of weekly adventures in the city.

On the first Saturday of September, I paid a 12-hour visit to my soul siblings in College Station...and, due to a little hiccup in our plans, ended up driving back home at 2:00 in the morning. (Never again.)

Lance spent a weekend in Austin for ACL and kindly allowed me to tag along with him and his Nashvillian friends to the festival, where my love for Sara Bareilles was rekindled. During this month, I also tasted the world's best donut, photographed Kristen at the fanciest hotel on 6th street, and planned a picnic at Barton Springs.

Leave it to me to celebrate the arrival of glorious October with a stroll around Austin's oldest graveyard. Unfortunately, I didn't run into any ghosts, but you can bet that I'm not giving up that fast. There's always next October for more ghost hunting.

My 20th birthday came and went, despite my long-time superstitions. And thanks to the Disney channel, Halloween proved once again to be my favorite night of the year.

November will be remembered for its jam-packed schedule, accompanying case of mild/short-lived heartache, a trip to a childhood-familiar Christmas tree farm, and my family's out-of-the-ordinary Colorado Thanksgiving.

Last but certainly not least, December brought some of the happiest moments of 2011. A unique spin on the Nativity play, post-finals karaoke night, several surprise engagements, a super sweet reunion, and matching snowmen pajamas were all apart of my wonderful holiday season.

Whew! If you managed to get through all of that, I'm impressed. It's been quite a year, full of triumphs, tears, blessings and obstacles. Part of me hopes that nothing changes -- there's my nostalgic side shining through -- but a bigger part of me can't wait to embrace everything that the new year has in store.

Happy 2012, everyone!

Mindless browsing.

2011-12-29T20:20:00.001-06:00

This month's eye candy, courtesy of Pinterest:

[1. Lace Cake, 2. Photo of Leaves by ewitsoe, 3. Emma Watson on Modesty, 4. Watercolor by Amuletz, 5. Mint Green Kitchen.]

Because it's not over yet.

2011-12-28T11:41:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

From my corny family to yours.

The darkest day of the year is here.

2011-12-22T12:17:00.000-06:00

...Technically speaking.

Hello, Winter Solstice! My family and I are heading out to Rayne this afternoon to reunite once again with all of our relatives for the holidays. I think that a nice long car ride is the perfect way to bring in the new season, especially when Christmas music is involved. And although it's a warm 56 degrees in Rayne, I plan on cuddling up with a blanket and some hot cocoa tonight.

[Photo by Ingrid0804.]

Be merry.

2011-12-20T22:04:00.000-06:00

There's nothing like a holiday reunion/slumber party to celebrate the Christmas season. Only four more days to go!

The way we see women.

2011-12-15T12:47:00.000-06:00

I came across an interesting article while skimming through Meg's blog this morning, and I instantly knew I needed to repost it. If you've got a few minutes, keep reading.

A MESSAGE TO WOMEN FROM A MAN: YOU ARE NOT "CRAZY"

By Yahsar Ali

"You're so sensitive. You're so emotional. You're defensive. You're overreacting. Calm down. Relax. Stop freaking out! You're crazy! I was just joking, don't you have a sense of humor? You're so dramatic. Just get over it already!

Sound familiar?

If you're a woman, it probably does.

Do you ever hear any of these comments from your spouse, partner, boss, friends, colleagues, or relatives after you have expressed frustration, sadness, or anger about something they have done or said?

When someone says these things to you, it's not an example of inconsiderate behavior. When your spouse shows up half an hour late to dinner without calling -- that's inconsiderate behavior. A remark intended to shut you down like, "Calm down, you're overreacting," after you just addressed someone else's bad behavior, is emotional manipulation, pure and simple.

And this is the sort of emotional manipulation that feeds an epidemic in our country, an epidemic that defines women as crazy, irrational, overly sensitive, unhinged. This epidemic helps fuel the idea that women need only the slightest provocation to unleash their (crazy) emotions. It's patently false and unfair.

I think it's time to separate inconsiderate behavior from emotional manipulation, and we need to use a word not found in our normal vocabulary.

I want to introduce a helpful term to identify these reactions: gaslighting.

Gaslighting is a term often used by mental health professionals (I am not one) to describe manipulative behavior used to confuse people into thinking their reactions are so far off base that they're crazy.

The term comes from the 1944 MGM film, Gaslight, starring Ingrid Bergman. Bergman's husband in the film, played by Charles Boyer, wants to get his hands on her jewelry. He realizes he can accomplish this by having her certified as insane and hauled off to a mental institution. To pull of this task, he intentionally sets the gaslights in their home to flicker off and on, and every time Bergman's character reacts to it, he tells her she's just seeing things. In this setting, a gaslighter is someone who presents false information to alter the victim's perception of him or herself.

Today, when the term is referenced, it's usually because the perpetrator says things like, "You're so stupid," or "No one will ever want you," to the victim. This is an intentional, pre-meditated form of gaslighting, much like the actions of Charles Boyer's character in Gaslight, where he strategically plots to confuse Ingrid Bergman's character into believing herself unhinged.

The form of gaslighting I'm addressing is not always pre-mediated or intentional, which makes it worse, because it means all of us, especially women, have dealt with it at one time or another.

Those who engage in gaslighting create a reaction -- whether it's anger, frustration, sadness -- in the person they are dealing with. Then, when that person reacts, the gaslighter makes them feel uncomfortable and insecure by behaving as if their feelings aren't rational or normal.

My friend Anna (all names changed to protect privacy) is married to a man who feels it necessary to make random and unprompted comments about her weight. Whenever she gets upset or frustrated with his insensitive comments, he responds in the same, defeating way, "You're so sensitive. I'm just joking."

My friend Abbie works for a man who finds a way, almost daily, to unnecessarily shoot down her performance and her work product. Comments like, "Can't you do something right?" or "Why did I hire you?" are regular occurrences for her. Her boss has no problem firing people (he does it regularly), so you wouldn't know from these comments that Abbie has worked for him for six years. But every time she stands up for herself and says, "It doesn't help me when you say these things," she gets the same reaction: "Relax; you're overreacting."

Abbie thinks her boss is just being a jerk in these moments, but the truth is, he is making those comments to manipulate her into thinking her reactions are out of whack. And it's exactly that kind manipulation that has left her feeling guilty about being sensitive, and as a result, she has not left her job.

But gaslighting can be as simple as someone smiling and saying something like, "You're so sensitive," to somebody else. Such a comment may seem innocuous enough, but in that moment, the speaker is making a judgment about how someone else should feel.

While dealing with gaslighting isn't a universal truth for women, we all certainly know plenty of women who encounter it at work, home, or in personal relationships.

And the act of gaslighting does not simply affect women who are not quite sure of themselves. Even vocal, confident, assertive women are vulnerable to gaslighting.

Why?

Because women bare the brunt of our neurosis. It is much easier for us to place our emotional burdens on the shoulders of our wives, our female friends, our girlfriends, our female employees, our female colleagues, than for us to impose them on the shoulders of men.

It's a whole lot easier to emotionally manipulate someone who has been conditioned by our society to accept it. We continue to burden women because they don't refuse our burdens as easily. It's the ultimate cowardice.

Whether gaslighting is conscious or not, it produces the same result: It renders some women emotionally mute.

These women aren't able to clearly express to their spouses that what is said or done to them is hurtful. They can't tell their boss that his behavior is disrespectful and prevents them from doing their best work. They can't tell their parents that, when they are being critical, they are doing more harm than good.

When these women receive any sort of push back to their reactions, they often brush it off by saying, "Forget it, it's okay."

That "forget it" isn't just about dismissing a thought, it is about self-dismissal. It's heartbreaking.

No wonder some women are unconsciously passive aggressive when expressing anger, sadness, or frustration. For years, they have been subjected to so much gaslighting that they can no longer express themselves in a way that feels authentic to them.

They say, "I'm sorry," before giving their opinion. In an email or text message, they place a smiley face next to a serious question or concern, thereby reducing the impact of having to express their true feelings.

You know how it looks: "You're late :)"

These are the same women who stay in relationships they don't belong in, who don't follow their dreams, who withdraw from the kind of life they want to live..."

[Read the entire article here. Movie still from Bridget Jones's Diary, via Scene Stealers.]

Christmastime is here.

2011-12-13T14:50:00.001-06:00

And finals are history. Thank goodness.

I feel a bit like I'm walking on clouds now that I'm home for the winter break and back to blogging! I did promise you guys a different design by the time I returned, but with everything going on in school, Kameron (my designer friend) and I have yet to finalize it. (Also, thinking up a new name for my blog has been an ongoing process this year. Nothing seems to fit just right... But hopefully, it'll come to me within the next few days!)

Anyway, to celebrate my newfound holiday freedom, I'm going to share with the blogosphere all of my Christmas favorites. (Just following Kayla's lead!) It feels so good to waste time again, y'all.

Tradition: Since I was born, my family and I have spent every Christmas in Rayne, Louisiana. It's the place where all of my grandparents, uncles, aunts, and most of my cousins live, and where my parents grew up. My brothers and I were born near Rayne as well, so the small town definitely holds a special place in our hearts. We usually stay at my grandparents' house every time we go, because they have two extra rooms -- one for my parents and one for us kids. My favorite holiday tradition is on Christmas Eve, after all of our relatives have said their goodbyes for the night and gone home to their own houses. At some time before midnight, my brothers and I put on our pajamas and crawl into one big cozy bed -- me in the middle, Lance on my left and Jason on my right. We're always too hyped up on sugary sweets and holiday excitement to actually fall asleep, so the hour before is usually spent talking, tickling (on their part -- no one's more ticklish than I am), and what my parents like to call "cutting up". Year after year, without fail, my mom will poke her head in the door and tell us to go to bed before we wake up our grandparents. And year after year, we ignore her. It's a beautiful thing.

Hymn: "Oh Holy Night" by Josh Groban.

Reindeer: Dancer. Duh.

Movie: How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Jim Carrey gets me every time.

Naughty or Nice: I think I'm on Santa's nice list this year. Fingers crossed.

Multi-color lights or clear: Call me tacky, but I've always loved the multi-colored lights. Nothing quite fills my heart with joy to see a rainbow-lit house or christmas tree.

Smell: Crisp winter air. Cinnamon candles. Freshly baked cookies. A burning fire. Peppermint soap. Southern Pecan coffee... What can I say? I love it all.

Seasonal Treat: Egg nog. And Lula's cupcakes.

Christmas Picture: Oh, gosh. I've accumulated so many over the years that it's kind of hard to keep track. But the one that stands out just a little more than the others was taken Christmas Eve of 2008, when my grandmother and I realized before Mass that we were wearing the same outfit. I must have good taste if I take after such a stylish woman.

Best gift: My Nikon D5000 from Santa. It sort of changed my life.

Worst gift: I've never really gotten a bad gift. Is there really even such a thing? A gift is a gift. Appreciate everything you're given, people.

Special Memory: When I was six or seven years old, Lance and Jason dressed me up as Santa Clause and paraded me around the house with a bag of random goodies on my back. Dad recorded me stumbling through the living room while pillows fell out from under my red oversized shirt. We watch this video (and others) as a family every few years, and we still find ourselves doubling over in fits of laughter each time.

Sight: A sparkling Christmas tree in the window, like the one we had back in Tomball -- the sight of it got me through so many stressful December nights in high school. And if I lived up north, nothing would be as beautiful to me as all of the snow.

Dislikes: December 25th, mid-afternoon -- after the gifts are opened, Christmas lunch is consumed, and goodbyes are said amongst the relatives. The moment things start winding down, I can't help but wish it was December 15th again. On the drive home from Louisiana, I would give anything to repeat the whole holiday season over again. Wouldn't you?

[Lights photo via Wallpaper4me.com. Movie still via Fabulous Hollywood Memories.]

On hiatus.

2011-12-01T12:05:00.001-06:00

Due to an extremely long to-do list, I have decided to take a brief break from blogging. Considering my lack of new posts, you might have seen it coming, but this is me making it official. Why? Well, let's just say that my entire world revolves -- or should revolve -- around school right now. 'Tis the season of finals, my friends.

As much as I would rather post pretty pictures and write about trivial things, studying needs to be my main focus. And this blog tends to be a major distraction -- a distraction that I love, nonetheless -- but it's time to get down to business. You know how it is.

However, in case you're wondering, I will be back in a couple of weeks... Hopefully with a new title and design that my talented graphic designer friend is currently helping me with. Yay.

Until then!

[Photo via Pinterest.]

Give thanks.

2011-11-24T11:19:00.001-06:00

This week, I'm especially thankful for:

- airplane windows

- vibrant fall colors & snow-blanketed mountains

- touch football with my big brother

- pumpkin pie & cold milk

- fireplaces with remote controls
- God's guiding hand in every decision my parents make
- a warm home to come back to

[Photos taken during our Colorado Thanksgiving in Denver & Leadville.]

Just five more days...

2011-11-18T16:07:00.001-06:00

until I reunite with my favorite Denverite(!):

And, alright. (Eek, what's with the rhyming?) I'll admit that it's only been one month since I last saw him. But when it comes to my family -- especially my big brothers -- one month is simply too much time apart. So naturally, I get a little excited when our holiday reunions are right around the corner. Understatement of the century, I know. But how could I not?

With us, it's always a party.

[Photos taken last Christmas.]

A quick break.

2011-11-14T12:35:00.001-06:00

I think November takes the cake for being the busiest month of the year thus far. Birthday parties, church retreats, theatre productions, essays and projects, little high school reunions... And we're only half way through! I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving more than I probably ever have before. Not only will I be spending the holidays in Denver with Jason and my parents (finally some cold weather!), but this might also be the first Thanksgiving that I don't have any major school assignments to work on. And that never happens. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

So, yeah. November is crazy. In a positive way, of course. But rather than bore you with a play-by-play of my life this month, I'll gladly share some of my latest Pinterest findings instead. Because let's face it, that's a whole lot more fun (for the both of us).

[1. Aoisos Winter Coat, 2. Ryan Gosling & Jake Gyllenhaal, 3. I Love Stripes by Daphne Van Den Heuvel, 4. Photo of the Historic Water Tower Park in Chicago by John O'Sullivan, 5. DIY Storybook Paper Roses, 6. Sweet Potato Crumble.]

Reminisce.

2011-11-10T00:50:00.000-06:00

New York memories, for nostalgia's sake.

[Photos from the Tomball STAGE trip of June 2009.]

Stupid girl.

2011-11-03T15:45:00.000-05:00

I'm the girl who cries at the drop of a hat. The girl who wakes up too early and needs coffee to survive. Who likes to share every inner revelation but struggles to put her own thoughts into words.

I'm the girl who dreams up silly scenarios that never come true. The girl who hates talking on the phone but is constantly waiting for it to ring. Who wants to save the world but resorts to writing journal entries instead.

I'm the girl who revels in solitude but is unable to forget about that certain someone -- the one person in a sea of people -- that caught her eye. The girl who is well acquainted with guilt and always seems to have an apology on the tip of her tongue.
Who is nostalgic to a fault and never without hope.

I'm that girl. You know, the one who can't help but wear her heart on her sleeve even when she tries to be guarded.
Who desperately wishes to surrender but has a terrible fear of falling.

I can be weak, impatient, starry-eyed, and worrisome all at the same time. This was me last week and is me again today and will most likely be me tomorrow, too. But maybe this state I'm in is not so cursed after all; perhaps I'm just on the cusp of something beautiful and extraordinary. Because even amidst all of the chaos, little by little, I find myself learning to let go.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T23:59:00.000-05:00

I spent the evening on the couch eating gummy bears and watching this Disney Channel Original Movie. Classic.

[Photo via Imgfave.]

Keep calm and carry a wand.

2011-10-30T23:59:00.002-05:00

[I ended up going home for my birthday this year. A relaxing night with the parents was just what I needed.]

[Pumpkin Spice Cake, courtesy of my talented mother.]

[Here's to hoping my wish comes true!]

[Back in Austin on Saturday and ready to party. Enter Daphne Blake, Minnie Mouse, & a smiley Wednesday Addams.]

[Lucas and Kirby dressed up as Keith Stone and Fred Jones.]

[I don't think my friends could get any cuter.]

Such fun, such fun. Now, on to some last minute homework.

Twenty.

2011-10-28T08:19:00.000-05:00

Well, it looks like I made it.

And I'm convinced it's because a certain someone is watching over me.

[Photo by Chloe Price.]

Bobby pins & ballet shoes.

2011-10-22T22:15:00.000-05:00

Today, I'm especially thankful for:

- early morning phone conversations with *my three favorite women

- daily planners & ballpoint pens

- the power of dance to express what words cannot

- cake batter frozen yogurt topped with every kind of candy

- lovely little thoughts & things that make my heart flutter

*None other than my mom, grandma, & godmother. (AKA, the people I can always count on.)

[Photo via Wormholes For Sale.]

Bucket List: #50.

2011-10-19T08:13:00.000-05:00

Spend a day (or night) in a graveyard.

[Oakwood Cemetery, Austin's oldest (and most haunted) graveyard.]

After my class let out on Friday afternoon, I grabbed a soy cappuccino from Starbucks and headed to the east side of Austin with a few blankets, Water For Elephants (the abandoned novel that I've finally picked back up), and my digital camera in tow. The weather was wonderful: just cool enough for a stroll around the sunlit cemetery, yet warm enough to appreciate a light breeze. With the whole weekend ahead of me and not much to worry about, I was overjoyed to spend a few tranquil hours reading my book, snapping photos, and talking to God sans distraction. It was one of the most peaceful places I've ever visited -- in fact, the only sounds to be heard came from the singing birds and the crunching of leaves beneath my feet as I ventured throughout the green and brown maze. Surprisingly, I seemed to be the only (living) person there. And even though I didn't spot any ghosts (or did I?), the whole experience was perfect for a beautiful day in mid-October.

Would you ever roam around a graveyard just for fun? (Or am I alone in my fascination?)

***Kristen and I tried to go after dark on Wednesday, but the gates were locked. Apparently, visitors are only allowed from 2:00 to 6:00pm. But I was able to get a few spooky pictures from the entrance.

My weekend consisted of:

2011-10-18T12:00:00.001-05:00

a downtown search for artsy Austin cows, a caramel apple crepe & black coffee, my hundredth little exploration of a certain haunted hotel, the first monthly SUW brunch in the beautiful hill country, Saturday evening dinner at Whole Foods, & late-night girl talk in my favorite bookstore.

What did you do this weekend?

Tuning in.

2011-10-16T09:05:00.000-05:00

[Via A Diary of Little Things & Curiosities.]

The follow up.

2011-10-12T18:49:00.001-05:00

If you guessed Wednesday Addams, you were correct!

Gotta love her.

[Image via Matt Taylor Knows Best!.]

Guessing game.

2011-10-11T23:27:00.000-05:00

Success! My Halloween costume is all finished and ready to go for a party that I'm attending on the 29th. Not gonna lie, I'm pretty impressed with myself for preparing so early in the month -- the older I get, the lazier I am when it comes to Halloween costuming.

I know what you're thinking. I must not be a true Halloween fan if I don't just love all of the mind-numbing shopping, expensive accessories, and endless hours spent piecing together fabric to produce something original that will be worn for one night only. Right? But I do enjoy all of that! Well, sort of... In, you know, small doses that are few and far between. Seriously though, as much fun as it is to become someone else for a day, the whole process of creating a character is kind of my least favorite part about the spine-tingling holiday. Especially since I don't really have a creative bone in my body. Rather, it's all of the simple stuff -- the black and orange decorations, the scary movies, the ghost stories, and the haunted houses -- that I tend to revel in come October. Heck, I could spend the 31st at home in my pajamas eating Candy Corn and watching Ghost Adventures on the Travel Channel and still be completely overjoyed. All Hallows' Eve is about appreciating the small things, people.)

But I digress. The particular look I'm going for was rather simple to create, and with the help of my mother (who is an expert at bargain shopping) I was able to find most of it at Goodwill. Score! Instead of immediately giving away my secret, however, I'm curious to see if anyone can guess which spooky character I'm going to be dressing up as. My five clues should make it pretty obvious. But bonus points if you can guess after the first or second!

This character...

1.) can be seen in an old black-and-white television series and a few movie remakes (of which I'm more familiar).

2.) has a pale complexion, long dark braids, and a grim expression glued to her face.
3.) owns a headless Marie Antoinette doll and adores her pet black widow spider, Homer.
4.) was named after a line from this poem.
5.) comes from a family so kooky that they have their own theme song. Duh-duh-duh-dum. Snap, snap.

You've got it now, I'm sure. Either way, the answer will be revealed tomorrow!

[Photo by Sadie Days Photography, via Tweedle Dee Designs.]

Salem.

2011-10-08T22:56:00.000-05:00

After arriving in Houston last night and catching up with my parents over a glass of wine, I finally convinced them both to sit down and watch Hocus Pocus with me. (It's October, after all.) As cheesy as this movie is, I'm pretty sure it's one of my all-time favorites. I just love the film's horrific '90s fashions, hilarious Halloween humor, and beautiful autumn-esque shots. With a plot that revolves around three resurrected witches, it only makes sense that it would take place in Salem, Massachusetts, the so-called Halloween capital of the world (or one of them, anyway). Which got me to thinking -- why on Earth haven't I been there? I seriously don't think I'd feel more at home than in a place where they celebrate my favorite holiday practically all year round. Talk about Halloween Heaven! Not to mention, Salem actually has four seasons instead of two. As much as I talk about loving autumn, I don't think I've ever even witnessed a real one. (Thank you, Texas.)

Yep, I'm sold. Salem is next on my list of cities to visit in the United States! What about you? Would you ever be interested in exploring this bewitching city?

[Photos via Wikipedia, Wallpapers 5, & Jeff's Photo Collection.]

A seven-letter word for happiness.

2011-10-05T23:33:00.004-05:00

October, my favorite of the twelve months. Have I mentioned that I adore this time of year? Magic is manifested in its crisp autumn leaves, sweet pumpkin scents, and ghostly legends of old. There's something about this month that is truly special. Even when life seems to be traveling faster than the speed of light, October has the power to create a momentary stillness within all of the chaos.

Cold metal benches on afternoon strolls. Black cats and jack-o'-lantern packed porches. The whispering of wind through the trees. Childhood memories and silent reveries. A warm mug of coffee at dawn. Eerie graveyards and a red Harvest Moon.

These thirty-one glorious days are dedicated to remembering the brave women who each fought a hard battle, and encouraging those who continue to fight. It is the perfect time to buy tart apple cider by the gallon, celebrate the people who inspire us, and pray for hope where none can be found. Attend football games in oversize sweaters, light a bonfire and roast marshmallows until your tummy's content. 'Tis the season for dreamers to make themselves fly and lovers to let themselves fall. October is the promise of certain familiar feelings that comfort a lonely heart, the foreshadowing of stressful weeks followed by many well-deserved breaks, and a testament to the compelling inner workings of our imaginations. It is so many adjectives, a whirlwind of contrast: strange and beautiful, mysterious and lighthearted, dark and colorful. Orange, red, yellow, brown.

October is all of these things and more. But most of all, October simply feels like home.

[Photos by KurtQ & rrmonroe.]

Hello, October.

2011-10-02T22:38:00.002-05:00

It's about time you got here.

[Illustration by All Things Simple.]

Meet Jude Harrison.

2011-09-29T22:51:00.000-05:00

Why is it that every time I feel a bit of stress coming on, I retreat into a lame television show? Being an English major, you would think that all I need to clear my head is a good novel and a comfortable couch. But even though I love what I'm studying, it's actually because of my English major that I sometimes feel as if reading becomes too much of a chore. (Gasp.) Honestly, at the end of a long day, I really just enjoy tuning into an angsty teenage soap opera instead.

This month's on-screen addiction? Instant Star, an old favorite of mine. So for tonight, I'll skip the novel...
But I'm gonna need that comfortable couch.

[Image via EntertainmentWallpaper.]

Saturday at Barton Springs.

2011-09-25T20:23:00.002-05:00

Have I mentioned that I sort of love living in Austin?

[All photos taken with Fujifilm Instax 7S, courtesy of my friend Sally.]

An impromptu concoction.

2011-09-23T18:45:00.000-05:00

After an extremely long twelve hours (9:30am-9:30pm), I came home yesterday to a whole list of assignments that I had yet to complete for class today. Not only was I tired, but I was also starving! (A four o'clock dinner was not a smart idea). So naturally, I put my books down and sauntered over to the fridge, hoping that I would be able to find something healthy and delicious to satisfy my late-night appetite. Peanut butter, fruit, yogurt... The same ol' stuff. Kind of boring, yes?

Enter Mr. Blender. As you can probably infer from my previous statement, I ended up combining a bunch of those boring-by-themselves-foods and creating (what I believe to be) the ultimate smoothie.

The recipe, roughly:

*6 oz. nonfat plain greek yogurt

1 tsp. agave nectar

**1/2 cup milk

1 cup ice cubes

1 packet hot cocoa mix

1 tbsp. creamy peanut butter

1 packet Truvia

***1 cup frozen berries

1/2 frozen banana

1 cup chilled coffee (for those of you who need an energy boost)

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice/ground cinnamon

*Fage yogurt is my personal favorite.

**I used unsweetened almond milk, but any kind of milk will do.
***I'm not a huge fan of crunchy seeds in my smoothies, so I opt for strawberries and blueberries.

Berries, coffee, and peanut butter? Sounds a little weird, I know. (I'll admit that I had my doubts about this uncommon combination, but I just went with it because...well, hunger can make a girl crazy.) Luckily, it tasted much better than expected. If I'm being honest, it might've even been the best homemade smoothie I've ever had. Try it and let me know what you think! Who knows? Maybe it really is no good and I actually am crazy. ('Tis quite possible.)

The recipe makes 2-3 servings (depending on how hungry you are), so you can freeze half of it or share with your roommate. Genius. Now, if only I can think of a clever name for my signature smoothie...

[*Photo by The Knead For Speed.]

*I'm kind of ashamed for using someone else's photo for this post, but I'm not kidding when I say that I was probably going to die if I didn't get some sort of sustenance in me at that point. (Okay, I'm kidding a little.) So I just decided to skip the photo session and inhale my smoothie instead. Don't judge.

Priceless.

2011-09-19T15:50:00.000-05:00

I swear, this will be my folks in twenty years:

...Who am I kidding? That's pretty much how Marty and Karen act now. It's kind of hilarious.

***Update: Just to be clear, I saw this video for the first time via a blog post by Miss Meg Fee. These adorable grandparents are in no way related to me. (Although, that would definitely not be a bad thing.)

The highlights:

2011-09-19T01:18:00.000-05:00

a visit from the big brother & his hilarious friends, long walks in rainy/cool(er) weather, delicious Mexican food for every meal, a black-and-white striped dress, the world's best snow cones, live music & large crowds, Judy Garland in A Star is Born, 24 ounces of Diet Dr. Pepper, the top floor of a haunted hotel, sparkling city lights, a photography project in the works, pretty mermaid balloons, inappropriate jokes, & a whole lot of laughter. Honestly, I couldn't have imagined a better weekend.

Tell me, what were the best parts of yours?

Freckles.

2011-09-13T19:31:00.000-05:00

Aren't these portraits beautiful? I'm loving the contrast.

[Photos by Chloé McLennan.]

Talk about a sugar rush.

2011-09-11T18:14:00.000-05:00

The only two words that come to mind when thinking of how to describe this week's Austin adventure? Sinfully delicious. Yep, that'll do. After lunch on Saturday, Kristen and I took Kameron to a popular donut stand called Gourdough's on South Lamar. (...Okay, as much as I would like to take credit for this one, it was actually Kameron who told us about Gourdough's and suggested that we pay a visit. She's sort of brilliant, that girl.)

Each donut was a little less than five dollars, and we waited about ten minutes before our orders were ready, but it didn't take more than a few bites for us to realize that these things were well worth the wait.

[Yes, there's an actual donut underneath all of that chocolate.]

Miss Shortcake, Naughty & Nice, Razzle Dazzle... These were just a few of the delectable combinations that we had to choose from -- this place definitely offers something for everyone! After a few moments of careful consideration, I was able to narrow it down to two that sounded the most appetizing to me: PB&J and Heavenly Hash. From the photo above, I'm sure you can guess which one I decided to go with. And holy schnikes, was it heavenly. Even if you're not a big donut fan, Gourdough's qualifies as one of those Austin-y things/places that everyone needs to experience at least once (or, you know, once a month).

Risk it.

2011-09-09T02:36:00.003-05:00

When it comes to life and love, sometimes you simply have to gather your courage and go out on a limb. Forget about self-doubt and dismiss any pointless fears. Humble yourself. Take a deep breath and make the first move. Be spontaneous. Say something nice, even if it may seem a bit forward. As long as you're being honest, the rest is of little importance. What's the worst that can happen? So you might suffer a mere moment or two of embarrassment... Big deal! Chances are, you'll get over it.

I think that the more appropriate question is, what's the best that could happen...? Well, the possibilities are endless. So go ahead, here's the sign you've been waiting for. Don't be afraid to leap.

[Photo by Yury Trofimov.]

Today's scheduled programming:

2011-09-05T12:00:00.000-05:00

Titanic has been playing repeatedly on E! for the past two days. Kind of inconvenient, considering the large amount of homework I have to do before tomorrow. But I can't say that I mind.

[Image via CINE-ISPIRAZIONE.]

Soul siblings.

2011-09-04T14:18:00.000-05:00

While Kristen was adventuring in Denver this weekend, I headed to College Station on Saturday to visit these two amazing kids. The only two things on the agenda? Eating and talking. Which, of course, was fine by us -- there was a lot of catching up to be done, after all. So naturally, we floated from Cheddar's Casual Cafe for lunch to Sweet Eugene's House of Java for coffee and then to BJ's Brewery for dinner, all the while reminiscing about the old days and sharing the stories of our current lives. To end the evening, Matthew dragged us kicking and screaming to the first Midnight Yell of the season, which was quite an (awful) experience. Okay, I might be exaggerating just a tad. Marissa and I actually had a lot of fun witnessing Mateo in his natural element and pretending to sing along to the anti-UT war hymn. (I think they're a little bit obsessed with my school.) Who knew that a Baylor Bear, an A&M Aggie, and a Texas Longhorn could be great amigos?

Even though we can all agree that one measly day flies by way too fast for such a reunion, any time that we get to spend together is irreplaceable as far as happiness goes. If you didn't already know, they're kind of the loves of my life.

Typical.

2011-09-02T20:28:00.000-05:00

Today, I:

took my first French exam,

cleaned the apartment/did laundry,

& went to the gym.

Now, I am:

eating a thrown together dinner of brown rice & broccoli,
feeding my Pinterest addiction,
& writing this lame post.

Tonight, I will:
put on comfy pajamas,

watch a movie (Love Actually, perhaps?),

& sleep like a baby.

It's been a long, hard week. I'm glad it's over.

[Film still from Love Actually, via Writing For The Rising.]

Grant me patience.

2011-09-02T00:56:00.000-05:00

"I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the wild does: do not stir up or awaken love until it is ready."

-- Song of Songs 3:5

[Photo by leslie m k.]

Night of the Bats.

2011-08-30T17:08:00.005-05:00

For our *3rd Austin adventure, Kristen and I rounded up a couple of our favorite guys on Saturday night and stole off to the Congress Avenue Bridge, where the 7th annual Austin Bat Fest was being held.

Unfortunately, we weren't able to make it there until 9:15ish, about an hour and a half after the two million(!) bats had flown out from underneath the bridge for everyone to see. Regardless, the environment itself was all sorts of entertaining, with live music (Alpha Rev is my new band crush), plenty of delicious carnival food, and at least a hundred vendors up and down the bridge selling jewelry, clothes, henna tattoos (I somehow managed to resist), and a variety of random accessories.

After perusing a bit, we took our funnel cake and sweet tea and meandered over to the side of the bridge to take pictures, talk, and listen to the last band play.

Even with so many people around, the exciting evening seemed to turn peaceful as we stared out onto the lake, looking for any pretty boat lights or late-night canoe-ers. Luckily, we were able to spot a few straggler bats circling around beneath the bridge, which led to a quick conversation about where the creepy legend of Vampire Bats actually originated from...

Yeah, we weren't too sure.

Nevertheless, the Night of the Bats was pretty great. (Except for the 100 degree weather... Even after the sun had gone down. But this is Texas, after all. I'm not complaining.) Live near Austin? Make sure to check it out next year!

*If you've been paying attention, you probably noticed that I never mentioned our 2nd Austin adventure. This is because -- and I'm very ashamed to admit this -- I accidentally forgot my camera at the apartment last Saturday (when this shindig occurred). But! We absolutely had an adventure (probably the most interesting one thus far), and it included a 21st birthday, a few harmless rounds of beer pong (don't worry, Dad -- I opted to be the DD), and a midnight run to the nearest Whataburger. But that's all I'll say about that!

[Illustration via Roadway Productions.]

Kindred spirits.

2011-08-27T01:27:00.001-05:00

I find that each time I see my mother, it becomes a little bit clearer to me just how lovely she is. As time goes by, my appreciation for all that she stands for grows stronger and stronger... Every moment that I spend with her is another reason why I hope to one day resemble her from the inside out. And the older I get, the better I recognize all of the sweet (and sometimes not so sweet) similarities that our two souls share.

It's a beautiful thing.

[Painting by Andrea Burden.]

C'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron.

2011-08-25T11:55:00.004-05:00

Hello, 6-hour French class.

(Six hours a week, I mean. But still.)

Needless to say, I'm going to be studying quite a bit this semester. And probably next semester as well... But I guess that's alright, if I actually learn a thing or two this time. Practice makes perfect, oui?

[Photo via Stumbling In Heels.]

It's a bit like magic.

2011-08-22T11:42:00.009-05:00

As much as I enjoy ice cold lemonade on a warm day, 4th of July fireworks, and poolside picnics with friends, summer has never been my season. Although the summer months are something that I look forward to (especially when I am knee-deep in class projects and final exams), they are also the time of year that I grow tired of the quickest. To me, June and July have always stood for freedom and fun; with them comes a much needed break from the monotony of everyday routine -- a brief period full of sweet family reunions, sunny beach vacations, and late nights of endless laughter. From a distance, summer can seem like Heaven. And by golly, most of the time it is.

But once August rolls around every year, without fail, I become incredibly antsy... Antsy for the ungodly heat to relinquish and make way for a cool autumn breeze, for the green leaves to turn orange and the morning air to blanket the ground with dew. I anticipate the day that I can step outside in a sweater and jeans instead of a sundress; I smile at the thought of curling up with a mug of hot cocoa after a long day of school. This year, I look forward to decorating the apartment in fall colors and hosting dinner parties with butternut squash soup as the main dish. And of course, I can hardly wait to begin counting down the days until All Hallows' Eve, Thanksgiving, and finally Christmas.

As much as I adore the simple sweetness of summertime, my heart was made for those glorious autumn breezes.

[Photo by NixieMichelle.]

The place.

2011-08-20T18:56:00.000-05:00

Girly and bright, just the way I like it.

Austin adventures.

2011-08-18T10:41:00.005-05:00

I'm just going to go ahead and admit that my first year of living in Austin was rather tame, to say the least. I played it safe and remained (for the most part) in my comfortable little bubble. While I could've been discovering the hidden treasures of this city, I kept to a pretty unexciting routine of attending class during the week and occasionally meeting up with friends on the weekends. I rarely drove my car anywhere, except to the dance studio for a ballet session or HEB for my monthly grocery shopping spree; every so often, I hopped a ride with Megan or Shelby to see a movie at the mall. Guadalupe, South Congress, and 6th Street were the extent of my travels, and the ever-so-popular Kerbey Lane Cafe was my most frequented spot. Not once did I take a day trip to Barton Springs or dance the night away at Midnight Rodeo. My Friday nights out consisted of grabbing coffee in San Marcos and listening to live music at The Coffee Pot... Week after week after week. Don't get me wrong -- freshman year was a lot of fun... And as I was still adjusting to the college life at that point, I think I might have been somewhat justified in my safe-playing.

But now that we're in Austin for our second year, Kristen and I have decided to branch out a little bit more. Try some new things, if you will. In fact, we've come up with a plan to go on at least one adventure together per week. It could be anything -- exploring a festival, trying out a local restaurant, visiting a park, crashing a frat party (uh, not likely) -- as long as it's not the same old stuff that we've grown used to. Each adventure will be documented and posted to my blog so that we can hold ourselves accountable.

I guess the point of this is to really get to know the city that we're so lucky to live in. I want to take full advantage of all that Austin has to offer, and I feel like this could be a good way to do it. Let's just say, I'm determined to be a true Austin local by the time next summer rolls around.

This week's undertaking? An afternoon spent at BookPeople, Austin's most popular independent bookstore, and its neighboring Anthropologie. Okay, not exactly what I would call adventurous, but give us a break -- it's only our first outing. We'll get better at this.

***Photos of our fabulous apartment will be posted as soon as everything is settled. It's really coming together!

Complete sentences are overrated.

2011-08-13T22:24:00.013-05:00

My last evening in Houston. Austin bound before sunrise. A French vanilla cappuccino from Buc-ee's. Spacious apartment living. Unpacking and organizing with the help of my family. Lunch at Kerbey Lane Cafe. Back to Ikea for the missing pieces. More arranging and decorating. Bittersweet goodbyes. Applying for a job at BookPeople. A highly anticipated reunion with Megan and Anthony. Shopping at Whole Foods for first-home-cooked-meal ingredients. The O.C. marathon, perhaps? Female bonding with the roomies. Preparing for my second year of college. An appointment with the Communications advisor. Ten days until classes start. Freedom.

[Photo by birzer.]

A birthday bash.

2011-08-10T00:00:00.003-05:00

Happy 19th, Kami!

I hope it is as amazing as you are lovely.

This is breaking my heart.

2011-08-09T20:19:00.002-05:00

The city of my dreams has turned into a war zone overnight.

What is our world coming to? Honestly, there are no words to describe how I'm feeling right now.

I'm hopeless.

2011-08-07T14:09:00.010-05:00

I apologize for all of the music videos lately -- I'm usually not a fan of posting them on my blog, but sometimes, I simply cannot help myself. This will be the last one for a while, though. Promise!

Kristen had me watch "Just a Kiss" by Lady Antebellum last night, and I thought it was so beautiful that I almost cried. Yes, I am a little pathetic, but it's also just that good. Now that I've seen it a few hundred times, I feel the need to share such a heartwarming video with whoever is willing to waste a few minutes of their day. (Time well wasted, I'd say.) Who knows? It might just bring out the pathetic in you, too.

Best music video ever.
(Sorry, T-Swift.)

*P.S. I became really emotional when I realized that half of it takes place in London. Ridiculous, I tell you.

Wonderful escape.

2011-08-05T22:03:00.025-05:00

After work today, I treated myself to dinner at a French restaurant in River Oaks. I sat at a little table for two, right next to a big window so the evening sun could rest on my shoulders. While I waited for my meal, I read a chapter of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre: "I will keep the law given by God; sanctioned by man. I will hold to the principles received by me when I was sane, and not mad – as I am now. Laws and principles are not for the times when there is no temptation: they are for such moments as this, when body and soul rise in mutiny against their rigour; stringent are they; inviolate they shall be. If at my individual convenience I might break them, what would be their worth?" This passage stood out among the rest; therein lies a truth that is simple in theory, yet easily ignored or forgotten. What a blessed reminder. Within the next few minutes, my food was brought out to me and the novel was set aside. I ate slowly, enjoying every bite of my avocado and cheese sandwich, while I contemplated admiringly the remarkable passion, wisdom, and integrity of Jane's character. If anyone deserves a happy ending, I concluded, it's Miss Jane -- a true beauty.

There was no conversation going on around me, no communication of any sort. Nothing required my attention: not any person or electronic device, not infatuation or worry. Time stood still: the past was irrelevant, the future was nonexistent. In that moment, it was just me and a story and a quaint cafe.

Before walking across the street to Barnes & Noble, I scanned the marquee of the River Oaks Theater and decided in a split second that it might be fun to see a movie. Why not? There was a showing of Midnight in Paris at 7:15pm. Perfect. I had forty-five minutes to kill. So I made my way to the bookstore, curled up in one of their big comfy chairs, and dove once again into the riveting world of Jane Eyre. Let me just say, forty-five minutes seems like ten when you're under the spell of a good book.

On my way out, I smiled at the same employee that teased Marissa, Kristen, and me a few months ago for confiscating all of the wedding magazines from the shelf. I don't think he recognized me, but he smiled back. A kind, genuine smile.

The theater was less crowded than I expected it to be on a Friday night. I bought a box of Raisinettes and picked a center seat, right in between a quiet young couple sharing popcorn and an older couple who filled the theater with their awkward laughter. The film began by lighting up the screen with snapshots of Paris while beautiful music played in the background. Instantly, I was smitten. And even though most of the clever jokes went right over my head, I loved every ninety-four minutes of it. (Paris, here I come.) Needless to say, I walked out of there feeling quite happy: never before had I gone to the movies by myself, but my first time to do so was a success.

Driving home, I turned the radio up loud and sang every word to Shinedown's Second Chance. Although I don't terribly love that song, the experience was blissful. All of it -- the dinner, the comfy chair, the movie about Paris, the whole evening -- was absolutely wonderful. Who's to say a Friday night spent alone is a bad thing? Au contraire, mes amis.

[Image via Reverse Shot.]

Holding on.

2011-08-02T20:08:00.012-05:00

I'm falling apart

I'm barely breathing

With a broken heart

That's still beating.

In the pain

There is healing

In your name

I find meaning.

The broken locks were a warning

You got inside my head

I tried my best to be guarded

I'm an open book instead.

And I still see your reflection
Inside of my eyes
That are looking for purpose
They're still looking for life

So I'm holding on
I'm still holding
I'm still holding
I'm barely holding on to you.

Whoa.

2011-08-02T12:38:00.006-05:00

It's already been two whole years of Wishful Thinking?

[Taken in Galveston on my 1st blogiversary, exactly one year ago.]

This is madness.

Oh, you know.

2011-07-31T22:49:00.021-05:00

I spotted this little alphabet survey on Alivia's blog today, and I figured I'd welcome the waste of time (since I'm desperately trying to avoid writing my grammar essay that's due in two days.) So, for the sake of procrastination...

Ambition: to live fully & freely, no matter what life throws at me.
Bad Habit(s): talking too much, procrastinating, dwelling on certain things, & eating when I'm bored.
City: London, one day.
Drink: coffee.
Education: junior in college, studying English & Photojournalism.
Food: bread, peanut butter, cereal -- the simple stuff.
Guilty Pleasure(s): Facebook, dramatic television shows, naps, & ghost stories.
Hometown: Tomball, Texas.
Ice Cream: I'm on a frozen yogurt kick. (Cake batter, please.)
Jonesing for: a mint green vespa.
Kryptonite: sweets (of any kind).
Look-a-like: Emma Watson, according to some.
Movie: A Walk to Remember.
Nickname(s): Emmy & Em.
Obsession(s): photography, baby names, ghost stories, & wedding dresses.
Perfume: Twirl by Kate Spade.
Quirk: I tend to talk to myself in a British accent when I'm alone.
Regret(s): quitting dance in 10th grade, worrying too much about how others perceive me, & taking some of the best parts of my childhood for granted.
Starbucks: tall soy chai (with 1 pump sugar-free vanilla).
Thrift Find of the Year: a green & cream colored summer tank for $3.
University: University of Texas at Austin.
Vacation: Gulf Shores, 2009.
Wine: white.
X: marks the spot.
Years: almost 20!
Zen: perusing bookstores, taking baths, & driving with the radio turned up.

[Photo via Apartment 34. Original source, anyone?]

Clear eyes, full hearts.

2011-07-25T20:20:00.004-05:00

"Give all of us gathered here tonight the strength to remember that life is so very fragile. We are all vulnerable, and we will all, at some point in our lives... fall. We will all fall. We must carry this in our hearts... that what we have is special. That it can be taken from us, and when it is taken from us, we will be tested. We will be tested to our very souls. We will now all be tested. It is these times, it is this pain, that allows us to look inside ourselves."
-- Kyle Chandler (as Coach Eric Taylor)

[Collage found here.]

Summer evenings...

2011-07-24T16:42:00.003-05:00

with the besties (+ amazing food) are never dull.

And talking until 6:00 in the morning? Yeah, it never gets old.

I'm going to live forever.

2011-07-23T23:36:00.000-05:00

“People who drink substantial amounts of coffee daily tend to live longer than people who do not.”

-- Your Brain on Food (by Gary L. Wenk)

[Image found here. Quote via Courtney.]

Rosa Clara.

2011-07-21T22:41:00.015-05:00

Working for a bridal magazine, I get to browse through a lot of pretty wedding photography on a daily basis. Churches, cakes, reception halls, flowers -- I call it major eye candy. But, I have to say, my favorite photos are the ones with the brides all dressed up in their wedding gowns. Whether long or short, silk or chiffon, embellished or simple, each breathtakingly beautiful design has the power to make a girl (like myself) swoon with delight.

Although I've seen quite a number of lovely dresses, I can't say that any of them have amazed me as much as Rosa Clara's gorgeous designs do. I'm talking about a gasp-in-girly-giddiness kind of reaction that escapes me whenever I lay my eyes on her unique creations. Can you blame me? I mean, really. They are in no way short of perfect. Personally, I think it's the bundles of lace that she uses! (I'm sort of in love with the stuff.) My first two choices, called Electra and Reus, are shown above. If you are in the mood for a little bit more online "window shopping," Miss Rosa's entire collection can be found here. But consider yourself forewarned -- once you start perusing, it's incredibly difficult to stop...

No shame.

2011-07-20T11:07:00.005-05:00

Here's why I love my family:

[Taken at Meghan & Eric's wedding.]

Wingardium Leviosa.

2011-07-19T21:57:00.011-05:00

[Me & Kami as Hermione & Luna, Halloween 2008; Harry Potter Midnight Premiere, July 2011.]

Unlike most people my age, I didn't grow up reading Harry Potter. In fact, it wasn't until recently (2007, to be exact) that I became a fan of J.K. Rowling's popular fantasy series. I picked up the first book when I was in 3rd grade because my brother loved it... I knew that in order for my brother to like a book, it had to be pretty darn good. However, after diving into the first few chapters, I was convinced that it was nothing special. There was a boy who lived in a closet and a large number of mail-carrier owls and a giant named Hagrid... Where was all of this going? As ashamed as I am to admit this, I thought it was rather boring at the time. Fantastic tales of an evil-fighting wizard must not have been my cup of tea, I guess. So without a second thought, I put it back on Jason's shelf and moved on to another novel. (Probably something lame like The Bailey School Kids.)

Then, when I was 10 years old, the magical world of Hogwarts came to life through motion picture. And let me tell you, it was love at first sight. The magic spells (I bet you can guess my favorite) and the fearless frizzy-haired witch, the flying brooms and the beautiful English accents... Oh man, was I hooked! So much so that I may or may not have begged my mother to purchase The Sorcerer's Stone on VHS immediately after it came out. Actually, up until the summer before my sophomore year, the films alone suited me just fine. (Shocking, I know.) Those ABC Family Harry Potter marathons kept me satisfied for the most part, even when nearly all of my friends would not stop talking about how the books were much better than the movies. It was actually during the midnight premiere of The Order of the Phoenix -- while my boyfriend (at the time) was trying to explain what the heck was going on -- that I realized how desperately I needed to read those stupid 700-page novels. Because, boy oh boy, was I missing out.

So that's what I did. Tenth grade was devoted to reading the adventures of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger. (No, unlike you and everyone else, I did not finish all seven books in a week. Or two weeks. Or even a few months. I'm a slow reader, remember?) But thank goodness I finally did, because they sort of changed my life for the better. Think I'm exaggerating? Well, maybe I am just a tad. But seriously, the stories are as good as gold (even if Hermione and Harry don't end up together). And although I wasn't quick enough to make any of the Barnes & Noble midnight book release parties, I was able to fully understand and enjoy the final three HP movies at their midnight premieres (including last Friday's, which was BLOODY BRILLIANT, by the way).

Needless to say, I'm going to miss it all now that it's over -- dressing up in Hogwarts robes, having endless conversations about our favorite characters (Hermione and Lupin for me), and waiting in excited anticipation as the first few notes of John Williams' theme song begin to play. Those will always remain, without a doubt, some of the most memorable moments of my childhood.

[Image via Pappbecher.]

Week 30.

2011-07-15T12:34:00.018-05:00

In the past 30 weeks (more like 40), what realizations have I made?
More specifically, what have I learned about myself?

I prefer chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream over white cake and chocolate ice cream. I'm a slower reader than I thought. Summer is my least favorite season. My wedding will probably be teeny tiny, and that's perfectly fine with me. Charlotte Bronte's literature might just be more suited to my taste than that of Jane Austen. Losing someone I love was just as painful as I always imagined it would be, but surprisingly much more beautiful. I wear t-shirts and sweatpants way too often. Moderation is one of life's hardest lessons. Never again will I order the regular roasted coffee from Starbucks. Pearls are prettier than diamonds. Lifehouse seems to know the inner workings of my soul. I tend to ask too many questions at the wrong time and not enough when it is encouraged. The sacrament of Reconciliation is truly liberating. I used to watch what I ate for vanity reasons; now, it's all about my health. As far as controversial punctuation goes, the Oxford Comma makes perfect sense. The man that I'm wishing for will most likely never get to know me, but I'm not ready to let that silly dream go just yet. Tangled is better than The Princess and the Frog. Most of the time, love equals sacrifice. My desire to live in England is becoming stronger every day. I hate running with a passion. I find that I like movies and television shows about sports, but I can't seem to get into sports themselves. Cream Soda is happiness in a bottle. The most old-fashioned names are my favorites. I'd be very lucky to work full-time for a bridal magazine after college. While not the easiest, honesty really is the best policy when it comes to feelings and opinions. I have a lot of growing up to do. I'm actually not very good with words; in fact, writing is somewhat of a chore for me. Photography, however, will always be the art that I love.

But enough about me. Tell me something new/random about you.

[Photo by Georgianna Lane.]

Filling up my Netflix queue.

2011-07-12T23:46:00.003-05:00

Friday Night Lights, Season 1.

[Photo via Gaslight Edition.]

Snapshots from Colorado.

2011-07-11T20:22:00.006-05:00

1. Flying from Houston to Denver with my favorite guys.

2. Bright red roses, 4th of July cookies, a checkered table cloth, and jumbo cupcakes.

3. Kate Margaret, my bright-eyed ~~baby~~ cousin who knows exactly how to make everyone smile.

4. A cloudy night in Estes Park.

5. Fireworks that lit up the dark sky on Independence Day.

6. The picture-perfect Mr. & Mrs. Eric Hessler.

6. An appletini toast to our beloved Amanda, who is surely watching over us.

7. My dad is a mountain man at heart.

8. The snack of the week. I'm kind of addicted.

Where I'm going.

2011-07-03T06:33:00.006-05:00

[Estes Park, Colorado.]

[The Chapel on the Rock, where my beautiful cousin and her fiance will tie the knot this Tuesday.]

Be back in one week!

[Photos by Jamie Palmesano & Ken Forman.]

Week 29.

2011-07-01T22:09:00.029-05:00

Something that's weighing on my heart.

Or in this case, someone.

[July 2009.]

[June 2011.]

Amanda Claire, you are the strongest person I know. Please remember how much your family and friends love you when you're partying it up in paradise... Something tells me that you're going to be super popular among all of the angels and saints up there. Save me a spot at the banquet table, okay? I miss you already, but I know we'll see each other again soon. Until that day comes, I'll be thinking of you always.

You're not alone, together we stand
I'll be by your side, you know I'll take your hand.

So chic.

2011-06-25T23:05:00.010-05:00

I really wish that I could pull off the pretty pixie cut. Carey Mulligan wears it so well, it's almost as if this look was created for her. What do you think, ladies? Would you ever be brave enough to go this short?

[Photos via connect.in.com & totalbeauty.]

Weekend bliss.

2011-06-25T08:06:00.003-05:00

Today, I'm especially thankful for:
- strong coffee

- old friends that never fail to make me laugh

- the song "My Girl" by The Temptations

- long(ish) car rides with a pillow and a book

- Wheat Thins & Hershey's Kisses

- glorious Saturdays

[Photo by Cox & Cox.]

Week 28.

2011-06-23T09:08:00.001-05:00

A promise to myself.

I won't settle. I know what I want in this life, and never again will I allow myself to accept anything less.

[Image via Favim.]

My new food staple.

2011-06-21T20:33:00.007-05:00

Since I've been home, I've started experimenting with a few different recipes (chocolate chip banana bread, anyone?) in preparation for apartment living next year. Tonight, I decided to be bold and try something that I'd never eaten before but had heard many good things about: quinoa (pronounced keen-wah). Apparently, this stuff is the cream of the crop -- not only is it satisfyingly tasty, but it is also a much healthier alternative to rice. High in protein and magnesium, this whole grain is the perfect food for fighting off migraine headaches and keeping your heart in good shape. Plus, cooking quinoa is as easy as boiling water. Add some mixed veggies, Romano cheese, a little bit of garlic seasoning, and voilà! You've got yourself a perfectly delicious (and nutritious) meal.

Okay, so maybe the finished product doesn't look that appetizing. But this is me we're talking about here. None of my culinary creations ever turn out pretty. Still, I encourage you to try quinoa. You'll never go back!

[Actual recipe found here.]

In one word.

2011-06-15T18:41:00.001-05:00

Thirty days until it's all over. And so the countdown begins.

Week 27.

2011-06-14T23:32:00.005-05:00

A tribute to my oldest friend.

Childhood sweethearts. Next-door neighbors. Lifelong best friends.
Here's to all of the after-school outdoor adventures, thunderstorm/hurricane/tornado parties, Garth Brooks sing-alongs, and fun family trips that we shared growing up. I have no doubt that the next twenty years will be just as amazing with you by my side. Love you, Matteo!

The way of grace.

2011-06-13T01:38:00.005-05:00

"There are two ways through life: the way of nature and the way of grace. You have to choose which one you'll follow. Grace doesn't try to please itself. Accepts being slighted, forgotten, disliked. Accepts insults and injuries. Nature only wants to please itself. Get others to please it too. Likes to lord it over them. To have its own way. It finds reasons to be unhappy when all the world is shining around it. And love is smiling through all things. The nuns taught us that no one who loves the way of grace ever comes to a bad end."

-- The Tree of Life

[Image via Liv.]

Elizabethtown.

2011-06-09T00:59:00.002-05:00

"I want you to get into the deep beautiful melancholy of everything that’s happened."

[Movie still via All Movie Photo.]

An evening for the books.

2011-06-07T20:11:00.011-05:00

Taking a load off after my busy day with the Disney Channel and a Jell-O Snack Pack...

I'm such a kid.

[Photo 1 & 2]

Week 26.

2011-06-06T22:33:00.008-05:00

A brief play-by-play of my weekend.

(Because let's face it, my posts have been kind of lazy as of late.)

1. Dinner on Friday night with the parents at Barnaby's Cafe. (I ordered the guacamole cheeseburger with sweet potato fries and just about died from happiness when I took my first bite. Talk about YUMMY.)
2. The grand opening of Melina Cristina ~ Bridal Couture in River Oaks, where I snapped a few photos of the gorgeous gowns and interviewed the lovely designer herself. Melina is as kindhearted as her custom-made wedding dresses are stunning!
3. Saturday night out on the town with my besties -- a bite to eat at Hard Rock Cafe, a TUTS performance of the new musical Rock of Ages, and a midnight joyride around the city that resulted from our getting lost on the way to The Chocolate Bar. (We might have started panicking just a little when we somehow ended up in a very shady neighborhood in North Houston. I'm still kicking myself for not taking a picture of this crazy experience.) Unfortunately, we never made it to the beloved candy store... But that didn't stop us from eating half a carton of Oreo cookies when we got home.
4. Sunday evening meal: chicken salad on croissant bread, tomato basil soup, and pasta salad from the delicious La Madeleine, one of my longtime favorite restaurants. (Half of this post is about food. Should that tell me something...?)
5. Relaxing at Barnes & Noble with the girls while flipping through an endless array of wedding magazines. This inevitably led to...
6. An impromptu marriage proposal by Yours Truly. Well, folks, it looks like I'm engaged. (We're never too old to be silly.)

I hope that your weekend was also fabulous!

Vintage.

2011-06-02T11:15:00.006-05:00

This summer, I'm going to don a '50s style swimsuit.

[Photo by Nina Leen for LIFE Magazine, July 1952.]

Pretty Dianna.

2011-05-26T19:14:00.001-05:00

Love the new 'do, girlfriend.

Though I'm sure that you could pull off anything.

[Photo by Tyler Shields.]

Week 25.

2011-05-25T21:25:00.001-05:00

A quote that I love.

"I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles."

-- Audrey Hepburn

[Photo by jackn888.]

Perhaps I've found my calling.

2011-05-24T22:56:00.003-05:00

I have yet to post anything on here about my exciting job for the summer (please forgive my hesitation), but now that my first and second days are already out of the way, I can rest assured that no amount of outspoken enthusiasm will jinx it. Or at least, I hope not.

Ahem. So here goes.

I am thrilled to announce my new internship with...

Weddings in Houston Magazine!

Seriously, can I get any more girly? Probably not, but I'm alright with that. My tasks (among other things) include writing, reading, and thinking about pretty flowers, towering cakes, and elegant dresses. All I can say is, I think I'm in Heaven.

[Front cover image via djonesphoto.]

Nothing's changed.

2011-05-18T19:11:00.005-05:00

After being away from each other for so long, we simply could not help ourselves...

That's just how we roll.

Week 24.

2011-05-13T22:38:00.016-05:00

A list of books that I'm dying to read.

If you've taken a few peeks at my "Library" tab throughout 2011, you'd know that I haven't updated what "I'm currently reading" in a really long while. Since January, to be exact. And the reason for my abandonment of this aforementioned area in my blog is that, after all of this time, I still have yet to finish Sarah Palin's new book that I was given for Christmas. It's been 4 months, people. FOUR. (I'm more than just a little ashamed to admit this.) But, seriously, have you tried reading a novel for fun as an English major in college? It's hard. And only possible for folks who read 24/7. (I, for one, wish that I did.) To be perfectly honest though, I couldn't even find the motivation to get through all of my assigned readings this past semester. And every time I picked up Palin's book with my hopes set on some light reading, I would immediately begin to feel guilty about the Shakespeare play or Government chapter that continued to sit on my bookshelf untouched.

College can be sort of annoying, in that way... But alas, the 2010-2011 academic year is finito (as of Wednesday night at 8:05pm), and the first thing I couldn't wait to do when I got settled in Houston this week was to once again begin reading wonderfully romantic/suspenseful/witty fiction novels to my heart's content (after gliding through the last few chapters of America By Heart, obviously.) Now here I am, miles away from the University of Texas, with absolutely no assignments to worry about and all of the time in the world to read whatever strikes my fancy. I almost feel like a pre-teen again! (Just another reason why summer is all sorts of amazing.)

And the best news is that there is a Books-A-Million right down the street from the apartment. (Score!) So, whenever I can get my hands on them, my top picks for the next few months are:

Have you read any of these novels? If so, what did you think of them? And, if you have any other books in mind, I'm always taking recommendations!

[Images 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Jump for joy.

2011-05-13T21:09:00.003-05:00

My first year of college has come to an end...

And sweet summer days have taken its place.

[Photo via Sweetpea+Fawn.]

Ready, set, cram!

2011-05-09T22:25:00.013-05:00

This is what I look like after a nine-hour study fest: somewhat tired, a bit annoyed, but mostly just anxious for a change in scenery, and sporting the oh-so-comfortable t-shirt-and-sweatpants/unkempt hair/makeup-free look. Now that's what I call living the life. (Joking.) Actually, I am really proud to say that I've been studying quite diligently all day; in fact, I only allowed myself three breaks -- one for dinner, another for dance class, and the last one for laundry. (Clean clothes are important, too.) Do you want to know what the worst part about this cram session is? It's all for Physical Anthropology. Yep, that's right. Science. My least favorite subject. But I've gotta say, all of this evolution stuff is pretty interesting. Did you know that our ancestors were once all little shrew-like creatures? (That still makes me giggle.)

In other news, Mom and Jason are heading up to Austin tomorrow to help me pack up all of my stuff so that they can haul it back to Houston. While they're here, I'm going to take them to lunch, probably at Kerbey Lane Cafe, and then out for some delicious snow cones on The Drag. (Ever heard of Sno Beach? Talk about YUM!) We so excited.

I'm still having a hard time believing that I'll be leaving this place on Thursday. It seriously feels like I just moved in! Time sure does fly by, especially when you're working hard. And, honestly, it's kind of nice to know that when I come back in the fall, I won't be new or unexperienced at this whole college thing. We're movin' up, ya'll! But let's not get ahead of ourselves here... I have to make it past this week first. However, I'm very much looking forward to tomorrow's reunion with a couple of my favorite people. It'll be a nice break from schoolwork until my last exam on Wednesday night. Only two more days to go until my summer officially begins!

Dear Mom,

2011-05-08T13:56:00.006-05:00

Words cannot describe how much you mean to me. For the last 19 years, you have taken on the role as my patient mentor and most trusted confidant, and I would hate to imagine where I'd be without your incredible influence in my life. Thank you, Mom, for the amazing love and support that you constantly provide for our family. You are the most beautiful woman that I have ever been blessed to know, and I can only hope to one day resemble you in your selflessness.

Sincerely,

Emily

P.S. Can't wait to see you on Tuesday! (Get ready to indulge in the best snow cone of your life.)