Some days..

... I splurge for the treats.  It can make working on a holiday that much more tolerable...  It is just a little chocolate motivation.

What is your motivator?

xoxoxo

Day of Remembrance

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Memorial Day has a special meaning to me.  Many of my family members have served in US forces and have deployed in various wars.  I may not always understand or agree with the wars we wage or the tactics we use, but what I do understand is that there is honor in protecting what we as a Nation hold dear.  Remembering and revering the bravery is too important to reserve for one day, but on this day, we'll do it extra.

xoxoxo

Friday confessions

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I have the same pair of hightop, pink Converse shoes that I got for my 18th birthday from a friend.  Those will always have a place in my closet.

Your turn.

xoxoxo

Blogger issues

Hi all, I am experiencing some problems with Blogger.  I cannot log into blogger (but can log into my gmail, etc) from my own computer.  After attempting on another computer, I can log in, but cannot leave comments on others' blogs.  This is happening to some other Blogger users as well.  This has been going on for several days.  Here is the notification about the issue:

http://knownissues.blogspot.com/2011/05/were-investigating-issue-which-is.html

Hopefully the problem will be resolved soon and I'll get to comment on your lovely blogs! 

Happy Thursday.

xoxoxo

My 100; traveling scarf

This linen H&M scarf was purchased in D.C. last summer and has been a staple for me ever since.  It is expansive in width which allows me to wrap it in many ways as a scarf as well as double it is a shaw around my shoulders when needed.  I love the moody floral print and is romantic and noir.  When I travel, it is a constant companion.  I also adore the way it bursts out of the top of my trench like a flower under my chin.

It has been fun shopping my closet for this 100 challenge.  I don't need to purchase new items to appreciate what I already own.  While some of my new pieces appear on the list, it is staple accessories like this scarf that are the foundation to my list.  The challenge helps me to focus on and utilize the foundation pieces.

xoxoxo

Color combinations: blue and green inspiration

Lately, I have been head over heels for blue and green together.  There is something fun and fresh about the combination that makes me want to throw on some sunglasses and go fishing. Well, watch someone handsome go fishing while I feast on an otter pop...

xoxoxo

***I just want to extend a warm and grateful thank you to the sweet messages of encouragement I received yesterday.  I don't often bring the heavier side of my person life into the blow.  For me, this is a place of delight and joy.  However, it is inevitable that complications of the real world affect my blog content.  Your messages of kindness and hopefulness were just what I needed!

Confession on a.. Tuesday

Warning:  This post is not part of the positive rotation typically expressed in this blog.

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Even though it isn't Friday, I have to admit something.  The next year of my life may be the most stressful I've experienced and I am worried about it.  The upcoming two months, aren't terrible, but after that, my schedule is going to be extremely demanding.  With the upcoming academic year {August through May} will come more work responsibility {new hall, double the amount of staff}, continuation of grad courses, practicum, thesis, and job searching.  By this time next year, if all goes well, I will have completed my 3rd year as a hall director, finished my M.A., and accepted a new position {somewhere?}.  IF ALL GOES WELL.

The thing is, it could not go well.  Classes aren't my concern, it is the increase in workload mixed with writing a thesis and passing my defense.  With as stressed as I was this year, scrambling from task to task to class to task, I'm not confident in my ability to produce a thoughtful body of work that could resemble an acceptable thesis.  No good thesis, no degree.

But Lisa, can't you finish your thesis next summer?  No, I can't.  The program is being phased out.  I was part of the last cohort accepted.  I couldn't take classes fast enough so I am stuck with my thesis being the last possible semester...  If my committee rejects it, then it is nearly 3 years of effort on the line.

To be proactive, I am trying to start my thesis now.  Actually, that means I need to submit my thesis proposal as soon as possible {target end of June}, then start my thesis.  I also need to prep for the upcoming year of work.  If there is interest, I'll describe in another post what it is that I do as a hall director.  There are small things I can do in advance...  But when it comes down to it, I am looking at another lonely, busy year.

Okay, back to our regularly scheduled programming.

xoxoxo

8 inches

{I'm sorry for the unmade bed...}

Last week, I decided to cut a bit over 8 inches of my hair off.  The water here can be quite harsh and there was just too much damage.  I also took it as something of turning over a new leaf.  I was going for sulty, French girl.  Not sure I accomplished it, but I still have enough hair for a top knot.  You can see my old hair here, here, and here.

Do you follow your impulses with your hair?

xoxoxo

Friday confessions

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I love the show Barely Legal, especially for her cute legal outfits.

Your turn.

xoxoxo

My 100; bangle

I don't own much "fine" jewelry.  Most of my baubles come from the likes of Forever 21 or random hippie boutiques I've come across on travel.  Recently, I come across an excellent discount invitation from Coach.  While the typical Coach insignia is not my style {read:  giant C's stitched everywhere}; their quality leather and interesting jewelry has caught my eye lately.  This bangle seemed like the perfect addition to my refining wardrobe.  It can just as easily be dressed up as it can be worn casually.  I'm excited to hold onto this for years.

Have you had any surprising purchases lately?

xoxoxo

Season of opportunity

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It is officially summer.  The semester has come to a close, and all the students have moved out of my building.  With the changing of seasons comes some different work responsibilities for the summer months.  Though I'll still be working, I can't help but have this sense of excitement about the summer possibilities.  I've had a personal list of summer goals growing and after being inspired by Josie, I have decided to share them here.

Summer list:

*Get fit and focus on health:  This has been an ongoing mission... but I think I am doing well.  It is a matter of continuing good habits, and refining the rest.

*Seattle trip:  With a few friends there and endless nights in such a colorful place, how could I not take at least one trip.

*Passport:  It is my summer goal to get a passport.  I haven't had the opportunity to travel out of the country yet (aside from Canada a long, long time ago), but if one arises, I want to be ready.

*Thesis proposal:  The whole thesis process is quite long.  I'm sure I'll share odds and ends about it in the coming months.

*Summer lovin':  Flirtations are always a bit more magical in the summer, aren't they?

*New glasses:  The pair I have is about 5 years old.... I've loved them to pieces.

*Outfit posts:  I know I've slacked on them as my schedule has gotten busy, but hopefully this summer I'll get to have more fun with the blog.  We'll see...

*D.C.:  You all know my love for that city.  I can't wait!

Tell me, what is your summer game plan?

xoxoxo

*****Editor's Note:  I have an extra special thank you to Rebecca from See You in Sweden for featuring me today!  If you'd like to check out her blog and her post, follow the link here.

Market Saturday

In the summer, one of my favorite weekend activities is going to the farmer's market.  I love getting fresh veggies, fruits, and flowers.  Because it is early in the season, there wasn't much as far as veggies and fruits, but there were plenty of flowers to choose from.  I had decided to take myself on a date.  The occasion was celebrated with a sun dress, iced tea, and flowers.  I can't imagine a better way to lull away the stress of the ended semester.

Have you romanced yourself lately?

xoxoxo

Friday confessions

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One time, when I got stood up for the first ever, I went ahead and went to the movies by myself.  I put up the arms and stretched out, watching the movie in comfort and relaxation.

Your turn.

xoxoxo

Friday confessions

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Visiting D.C. last summer made me realize I would love to live there for a year.  Just one year.  It would be so exciting!  I'd be at the museums every weekend.

Your turn.

xoxoxo

My 100; canvas

While I love high heels {you know that already}, a comfortable canvas flat is a must have for my wardrobe.  These preppy, fun Marthes from Lacoste are my favorites so far.  I love the fun color that it introduces to my outfits and the casual chic touch it adds to any afternoon.  I'm considering purchasing a back up pair.

If any of you want me to link to your wardrobe essential posts, let me know!

xoxoxo

Spring lacquer

{Colors:  buy me a cameo, mademoiselle, wrapped in rubies, tart deco}

Hello lovelies!  A recent trip to the drug store led to a splurge on some spring shades of nail lacquer from essie.  I have never been that good at keeping my nails in manicure.  More often than not I have bare nails.  One buy one get one sale and a new outlook on spring/summer later, I am four essie's deep in committing myself to be polished more often.  Once finals week is over, I'll be lacquering my nails and {hopefully} keeping them in sightly order.

What are your favorite spring shades?

xoxoxo

Spring cleaning my diet; {part 2}

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Last week, I talked about spring cleaning my diet.  Due to my unique work environment, I am surrounded by temptation all of the time!  It is a good thing that the semester is ending soon and we won't be hosting programs because the gravy train free pizza, cookies, candies, and otherwise bad for me food will no longer be free.  I am more likely to indulge when something is free.  I have dubbed May the Month of Health.  Be ready for questions on how you stay healthy and fit!  I'll be rapid firing them at ya!

xoxoxo