Just In Case You Didn't Know...

I love and appreciate my wonderful friends for everything they do.

This has been the best weekend for shopping, girl talk, outfit approval via picture mail, dancing, laughing, watching TV at a "homework party", and wearing SKIRTS AND SUNGLASSES!

If only I'd remember to take my camera out of my purse every once in awhile...

Embracing Silly and Ridiculous

As a practice assignment for feature writing, my journalism teacher paired me up with another student to interview and write a piece about a moment or event that she remembered vividly. In return, I also had to share a detailed story of my own for her to write about.

While we searched for a quiet spot to sit and chat, we talked about the kind of story we wanted to tell. I knew I didn't want to tell anything sad or traumatic like our teacher had suggested, I was leaning more towards a funny anecdote with some kind of special significance.

There was one particular story that I couldn't get out of my head. I tried to push it out, not sure if it was a subject I was really ready to touch on or think about--but the more I thought about it, the happier it made me and the more I wanted to share a laugh with my classmate.

I told her the story of my first "outing" with Eddie.

It was the very beginning of our senior year and we weren't really dating yet, just sort of flirting every now and then in Rod's class. I was seventeen and had just started driving myself to school, parking in the student lot, generally rolling up like a badass everyday...but despite how cool I thought I was, I was still generally straight-laced and uptight. There were stricter rules about leaving school that year, and the security guard at the gate would only students with special permission leave. For some reason, I never had any trouble getting out even though I didn't have any legitimate business going off-campus. Usually I would just head out and bring back lunch from someplace nearby. I was so wild.

That day, Eddie and I decided we wanted McDonald's for lunch. I offered to go pick up something for both of us, but I secretly wished we could go together. We knew the security guard wouldn't let us both out, but Eddie followed me out to the parking lot anyway.

"Don't worry, I have an idea," he said.

When we got to my car, he told me to pop the trunk open. I was confused. There was nothing in my trunk...

"I'll get in and hide, and once you pass the gate you can pull into the neighborhood across the street and let me out," he explained.

Wuuuut? I had never heard anything so ridiculously stupid, or so ridiculously exciting. Giddy over how cute and funny he was, I nervously helped him into the trunk of my car and slammed it closed. It wasn't until I started the engine and pulled out of my parking space that I started to panic. What if he couldn't breathe? It was a million degrees out and the sun was beating down on me through the windows. What if he was claustrophobic? What if he passed out from the heat? The 30 seconds it took me to drive to the gate were the longest of my life.

Then, disaster. Instead of opening the gate and waving me on as he usually did, the security guard stopped me--to chat! I gripped the steering wheel so hard my knuckles turned white, and I could feel my nervous giggle welling up inside me. I mumbled something barely comprehensible and waved, hoping the security guard would back away from my car. Finally after what seemed like ages, he stepped back and motioned for me to drive on. I sped across the street into a nearby subdivision and leaped out of the car.

Then I ran back to the driver side door to pop the trunk open.

Eddie pushed the lid open and his face was red from heat and laughter. He asked what had taken so long as he climbed out and walked over to the passenger side. I could barely even respond, I was so relieved. We laughed the entire way to McDonald's (and most of the way back). I looked at Eddie and just liked him so much. He was fun and ridiculous and just what I needed.

Memories like this make me feel so much better. Whatever is going on now, whatever happens next, I was genuinely happy for two and a half years. Eddie helped bring me out of my shell (sometimes kicking and screaming) and helped me break some of my most stubborn habits. Sure, sneaking someone around in the trunk of a car was a stupid, childish thing to do, but the point is that I was relaxed enough to let go and just have fun. Not an easy feat for me at the time. The time we spent together was full of fun, silly things like this (though not necessarily so dangerous) and honestly, sometimes you need a little silly in your life. I certainly do.

I miss that influence of ridiculousness in my life, but I know that I'm better for having once had it. I like to think I'm at the point where I can embrace being silly and ridiculous all by myself.

Counting Down the Days...

This wonderful Kate Spade sun hat pretty much sums up what I want my Spring Break to be like.

Sprawled out in the sun, tanning (fingers crossed, this usually doesn't happen), with a giant limonada from Tropical Island.

Driving around with my brother singing along to Taylor Swift with a stop at a Walgreens for a couple of cans of Arizona Green Tea.

Wearing shorts and flip flops and giant sunglasses in the backyard while my dad barbecues.

Driving over to my favorite bakery, walking down the street to surprise my friends working at the library, and then running across to Happy Dayz for some ice cream.

Meeting my grandparents for lunch at Junction or Taco Fiesta and running in to everyone and their mother, and probably their grandmother too.

I cannot wait to be home!

Making a Move

I've just moved my previous posts from my wordpress blog over to this one. This just seems to be an easier site to navigate and I think this layout is prettier. I started this blog my senior year in high school but never kept up with it. It's strange to see how much has changed since then and yet my writing style is pretty much the same. I'm really looking forward to giving this blog new life and keeping my resolution from September to write more.

The Little Things

(and some big things) that are currently making me happy.

1. The sight of sunshine in Providence.

2. Beebens! Hearing their giggles, squeaky shoes, and general noisiness in the background when I talk to my mom on the phone.

3. Wonderful, caring, loving friends.

4. Brother being a Gates Millennium Finalist!

5. My new electric toothbrush. (Yes, I know I am a child.)

I have so much to be happy about and so much to be thankful for. As long as I remember that, the good will always manage to outweigh the bad.

Ash Wednesday Reflections

For Lent this year I've decided not to give anything up, but to add things to my life to help me grow in my faith and become closer to God. I hope that these things will help me focus more on my spiritual health during the next forty days and make me a stronger and better Catholic.

I will...

pray the rosary weekly.

remember to place my whole-hearted trust in God and his plan for me.

receive communion every week (which means going to Mass and to confession).

make my faith a focus of my life, rather than merely an aspect of it.

Oh, To Be British and Quippy

I went through a phase in middle school (that continued into high school, and possibly still exists today...) where I was obsessed with reading the Georgia Nicholson series by Louise Rennison.

It all started with

...which was recommended to me by a boy of all people! And from then on I couldn't get enough of the sassy humor and endless ridiculous scrapes of Georgia and her friends.

Now that I'm an adult and whatnot (or at least, I try to be) I've upgraded to reading Bridget Jones' Diary by Helen Fielding. I love, love, LOVED the movie (which I saw for the first time this weekend) and so far the book is every bit as enjoyable. It's charming and funny...even though it does feed my slight fear of being single well into my thirties...and it's a nice fluffy before-bedtime read.

I've already made my recommendation to Kelly, who promptly downloaded an e-book version for herself--you should too!

Dad Knows Best

This weekend my mom called and told me my dad had deposited money in my bank account for me. Heck. Yes. That's awesome enough news on it's own. Then she went on to say that he'd given specific instructions for me to use some of it to go out and buy cupcakes with my friends at "The Frog and Rabbit".

It was such a sweet move, and so typical of my dad. Right down to the fact that he paid enough attention to know that my friends and I have a favorite cupcake place, but he's still enough of a man to not know that it's really called The Duck and Bunny. He knew I was having a stressful week, and he knew exactly what would lift my spirits.

I'm not really the "daddy's girl" type, but I definitely appreciate how lucky I am to have such a great father. He's funny and sweet and he works incredibly hard, plus he's got ninja skills.

Thanks for being awesome, Dad. I love you!

Get Those Thoughts Out

I'm in a mood. I haven't kept a journal seriously since middle school, but my pretty pink cupcake notebook has been a lifesaver lately. It's a good way to get all the things that worry and trouble me off my mind and onto paper so that I can sleep.

I don't date my entries, I don't want to look back and dwell on specific days or events. Once I get these thoughts and feelings out, I try to let them go and move on. Most of my entries actually take the form of letters, it's easy to write when I feel I'm directly addressing someone.

It's a handy little process, and I'd like to thank my best friend for suggesting it. I'm glad she has such good insight into my particular kind of crazy.

Drink Up!

My favorite drinks are difficult to describe. They're fruity, but not quite juice. Sometimes carbonated, but not quite soda. They're basically glorified water. (The glory being in the added sugar and flavoring.) They're tasty and satisfying, yet something about them fools me into thinking they're moderately healthy. Plus, the packaging is just lovely.

MASH is a "water drink" with "natural fruit essence". It's delicious. Especially the mango/blood orange flavor. And it reminds me of that playground game from elementary school where you'd learn who you'd marry, where you'd live, what car you'd drive...etc. It makes me want to play on the monkey bars. Except I never played on the monkey bars.

Izze is a sparkling fruit juice/soda concoction that's just delightful. I used to pack up these pretty bottles for my lunch in high school. I was so cool.

Spindrift is another juice/soda beverage. Sipping these reminds me of sitting out on the green in warm weather, and they make me yearn for spring.

I was OBSESSED with this addictive flavored sugar water last year. Between my roommate and I, the recycling bin in our room filled up every couple of days or so. I've since kicked my habit, but I still indulge in the citrus-y yellow "energy" flavor from time to time.

Even though these are my go-to choices for drinks with meals, I stick to plain water throughout the day. My mom would be proud.

So That's What a Muscle Looks Like...

I've never been a fan of working out. I'm not athletic, I look ridiculous when I run, my limbs are noodle-y...it all just adds up to a crazy mess.

In the past, I've also resented the idea that I even need to work out. When my mom asked how I'd feel about getting exercise clothes/gear for my birthday, I told her I'd be mildly offended.

Recently I've managed to put those things aside. In the past month I've added an exercise routine to my daily schedule and it's been wonderful. It's been a great way to relieve stress (...and pent-up aggression...). I've also found it helps me sleep better at night. The best part is, I already feel healthier. I even think my posture looks a little better. And honestly, it's a pleasant surprise that I can spend half an hour on the elliptical without passing out, or lift (5lb) weights without spraining something. All of a sudden I feel strong and it's an amazing feeling.

Right now I'm really enjoying Jillian Michaels' toning yoga moves, followed by half an hour on the elliptical at the gym. I'm really interested in kickboxing though. (There's that pent-up aggression talking.)

I'm not necessarily interested in losing weight, but I think being healthy, strong and toned is important. So I can kick butt. I also hope being a little leaner and having better posture will make me look taller, and at 5'2'' I'm always down for looking taller.

Oh, and for the record, I'd still be mildly offended to receive exercise clothes as birthday gift. Unless they're pink...

Sunshine, Here I Come!

I found out today that I'm going to make it home for Spring Break after all!

Joy!

I can't wait to enjoy the warmth (from both the beating sun and my wonderful family) and I'm already excited about packing up my pretty duffel bag with--gasp!--shorts and tank tops!

Since I'll be blowing all my money on the ridiculously expensive tickets, I probably won't be going out and buying cute new clothes for the week, but here are some things I already own that will absolutely make it into my bag.

My pink Keds were my favorite purchase last spring, and I can't wait to break them out again! They're cute and comfy, and they go with everything! Well...not really...I just make them go with everything.

My twill "Perfect Mini" from Old Navy is a great staple for easy, classic outfits.

I absolutely love my chambray button-down. So comfy, and so pretty with skinny jeans and flats. It's a great choice for the airport, but sleeves and pants will probably be out of the question once I actually get home.

Because I refuse to get wrinkles from squinting in the sun. And besides, why let them gather dust?

I just realized I've worn all these things together before...on several occasions. It would seem I have a favorite outfit...

Girls Make Ribs (While Wearing Dresses)

Ribs may be the messiest food on the planet, but I'd risk my cutest shirt for a half-rack any day.

I was hanging out with Tayler the other day when she said, "I bought some ribs at the grocery store. Do you know how to make them?" Umm...I know my dad makes them on the grill and I like to order them at Chili's. Oh, and one time I saw my mom make them in the oven.

Despite not having a clue what we were doing ("Mom, is it okay if we've only had them in the oven for a couple of hours? We're really hungry. We won't die, right?") we managed to make ourselves a yummy dinner of Ben & Jerry's Oatmeal Cookie Chunk, salt & vinegar chips, potatoes, green beans, and oven-baked ribs. In that order.

We seared the ribs in a pan with some olive oil before placing them in an aluminum baking pan with onions, garlic, barbecue sauce, and honey.

We sustained ourselves on chips and ice cream during the excruciatingly long baking time (2 hours)

Lemon and crushed red pepper make for the most delicious green beans imaginable.

Russet potatoes with olive oil, basil, and thyme, baked for half an hour. Delish.

Yes, an entire roll of paper towels was necessary.

The carnage. The aftermath.

I wish I could include some sort of recipe, but honestly our efforts were driven mostly by a combination of random ingenuity and advice from our mothers: "I don't know Andrea, Google it."

You gotta have friends...

It's a shame it's taken me so long to really reflect on the true meaning of friend.

A friend is someone who shares your laughs and your troubles, your giddiest happiness and your toughest pain. Time and distance mean nothing among friends. You can pick up a phone, call them up, and no matter how long it's been since your last conversation, they're happy to hear from you and have lots to say. The people who truly care for you will never begrudge you a second of their time. Friends love each other and it's a special, beautiful kind of love that will never disappear on you overnight.

I've had the most amazing revelations lately, finding wonderful friends in people I'd been taking for granted. I can't thank them enough for showing me how much they care about me, support me, and believe in me. I'm so blessed to be surrounded by people who truly love me and wish me well.

It's time I focus on being a better friend to all these amazing people, and let them know I think I'm lucky to have them in my life.

Predictable Providence Weater (that's a joke)

I've got whiplash from your mood swings, Providence!

You're hot, then you're cold...freezing cold!

The past couple of weeks have been pretty unsteady weather-wise (and other-wise too, who am I kidding?) but lucky for me and my lack of appropriate footwear it's been dry. I'm too wise to let myself rely on the fickle clouds above though, and since my traffic-cone-orange rain boots died on me earlier this semester, I need to get some new ones before the rain gets me.

These Target boots are a great inexpensive option, but I worry about them lasting. I kind of don't want to buy rain boots again in the next couple of years.


Hunter boots are everywhere on campus and I looove the cute fleece socks you can buy to go with them, but I can't get over that price for a rubber boot! Are they remarkably better quality than the average rain boot?



These bright yellow boots would be a perfect antidote to dark rainy days, but my now-deceased boots were from Land's End so I'm a little hesitant about these.


A girl can dream, right? These are by far the cutest rain boots I have ever seen. And they have a heel! I could be tall, cute, and jump in puddles! Win!

Dreams and Goals Board

Setting goals for yourself is an integral part of life. They keep you motivated and focused and give you a sense of self--what you want says a lot about who you are. At 20, I have so much to look forward to and the things I've done so far are only a small fraction of the things I still hope to do. Unfortunately my hectic schedule can sometimes bog me down and make me lose sight of "big picture" things and I catch myself wondering what all my hard work is leading me to.

That's where a Dreams and Goals board comes in. It's a visual reminder of who I am, what I want, where I'm going, and why. My mother made me my first Dreams and Goals board and hung it up over the family computer while I was working on my college applications. She put up pictures of my dream schools, copies of my test scores or report cards, a calendar with important due dates, and lots and lots of inspiring quotes. It had a great effect on me at the time, and even impressed my younger brother so much that he made his own.

I've felt a little out of touch with myself lately, so I think it's time to introduce the D/G board to my dorm room.

Here are a few things I'll be including:

1. A calendar to keep track of important dates and log every day that I go to the gym!

2. The application for the internship I have in mind for next summer at the Austin-American Statesman newspaper.

3. Motivation for something I'm currently saving up for, like a flight home!

4. Little reminders of home.

5. Plenty of uplifting words.