paris

I really want to go back to Paris.  

Ever since Kelcy and I went with Mom and Dad when we were in fifth grade (wow...ten years ago!), I've wanted to go back.  With four years of high school French, a love for gorgeous men, and even a growing love for art under my belt, I feel like it's the perfect time to put it all to use overseas.









It didn't help matters that the beginning of this season of Gossip Girl started in Paris.  Seeing Blair and Serena galavant around the city of love immediately triggered my brain into thinking how amazing it would be to spend a summer in France with my best friend (and twin sister), Kelcy.

So let's do it! :)

tailgating

Going to ASU definitely has its advantages.  Not only is their business program (W.P. Carey School of Business) gaining more and more respect, but we are part of the Pac-10.
Football games are a tradition for students, alumni, and Sun Devil fans across the state/country.  Those of us that live in Arizona have the opportunity to tailgate in the many lots before the big game!

Gibbs, Livs, Arman?, me, and Greg

Freshman year I didn't make it to any tailgating events; however, I did scream and "crowd surf" in the student section whenever we made a touchdown.  Sophomore year I didn't participate in the festivities at all.  Junior year, however, has been a good football year for me.  Although I don't have season tickets and don't plan on going to any actual games, I have participated in the age old tradition of tailgating before two of the games.  My first tailgating experience EVER got me into the College Times with one of my best friends, Olivia, along with some mutual friends :)

Olivia and I loved the first tailgate so much that we decided we couldn't miss the big game against the Oregon Ducks.  Even though I had work at 6:30 that night, I was committed to my school and started the festivities at 2.  First, Olivia and I went over to Alexi's house to meet up with the gang before heading out to the lots since they didn't open until 4.  We then made our way to the tailgate and were so pleased to find out that two of our friend groups were seriously four parking spots away from each other.  With one group having stacked speakers and our friend Billy djing, and our other friends having beer pong and a TV in the back of the truck, it was a dream switching off between the two of them.   Below are some pictures of the fun:

Livs, Logan, me, and Alexi a la casa

me and Livs with Billy djing :)

wear your passion

Two of my favorite websites are: icanread.tumbler.com and sayingimages.com.  They feature quotes and pictures that inspire me to live my life the right way.  

Here's one of them:

This is your LIFE.  Do what you love, and do it often.  

If you don't like something, change it. If you don't like your job, quit. 

 If you don't have enough time, stop watching TV.  

If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing the things you love.  

Stop over analyzing, life is simple.  All emotions are beautiful.  

When you eat, appreciate every last bite.  

Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people, 

we are united in our differences.   

Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them.  

Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself.  

Some opportunities only come once, seize them.  

Life is about the people you meet, and the things you create with them so go out and start creating.  Life is short.  

Live your dream, and wear your passion.

make it known

...people shouldn't hide something as great as love.

Let that be a lesson.

Maybe not now, maybe not soon,

but we can't let this happen again.

what is love?

I found a quote today and I feel like it answers the ultimate question: What is love?  And how will I know when it happens to me?

"Love is the most spectacular, indescribable, deep euphoric feeling for someone. It's when they're the first thing you think of the moment you wake up & the last thing you think of right before you sleep.  It's the type of feeling where you just want to hold them tight & never let go.  Their smile makes you melt, & their presence makes you happy.  You actually find yourself listening to love songs while thinking of them.  It's when you've felt attracted to others, but he never leaves your thoughts.  They truly make you happy & can give you butterflies like crazy from just one kiss.  It's when being with them makes you feel like nothing can go wrong.  When you see that their imperfections make them perfect.  It's when you realize that your favorite place to be is in their arms.  

It is friendship set on fire."

I don't personally plan on falling in love anytime soon, but if it happens, it happens.  And for all of those wondering "What is love?"...There's your answer.

beautiful world

"Be soft. 

Do not let the world make you hard. 

Do not let the pain make you hate. 

Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. 

Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree,

 you still believe it to be a beautiful place."

treasure your relationships

Tuesday something happened that I thought would never happen.

It wasn't just that my management class was cancelled without an email or an announcement to give the students a head's up.  It wasn't that I received an email the next day from the Director of Management telling the students that class on Thursday would be cancelled, as well.  It was the next email.  It was the email telling the students why class was cancelled, why we had received all of those emails.  It was the news that my professor, Barbara Keats, had passed away.  Although I had only known her for three lectures/classes, I liked her.  She loved her dogs.  She loved to volunteer and encourage others to volunteer.  She was happy, and she seemed healthy.

It turns out they think that she passed away from an aggressive infection that she had been dealing with.  The suddenness and unpredictability of her death got me thinking.  Usually, the people you know of, or hear of, passing away are either killed in some sort of accident or they are gradually getting sicker, and it's visible to themselves and to others.  In my professor's case, I had no way of knowing she was sick by looking at her.  It makes me wonder how many other people out there that I know, and will meet, are essentially dying.

From this point forward, I want to cherish every relationship that I'm apart of.  Whether it's my best friends, my family members, my friends, or even my acquaintances, every relationship is important and you never know when you won't see that person again.  Each encounter could be your last, and it's our job to make it meaningful.  The last thing I want to do is not be able to tell someone something they should have heard.  The last thing I want to do is to not have the chance to apologize.  The last thing I want to do is have regret.

RIP Barbara Keats.  You took a class that I was dreading and made me interested.