Postal Service

March 31st, 2011
Photo #166
I received the loveliest surprise in my mailbox the other day. A beautiful card in a decorated envelop. All hand written and personalized. My amazing and dear friend T is like my very own inspiration guru. I get tons of funny and insightful quotes and saying throughout my weeks ever so randomly. They really bring up my day and spirits and getting things in the classic mail system just makes it that much better. It's amazing what 44 cents can do.

Xx
-E

Slightly Inappropriate

March 30th, 2011
Photo #165
Oh I just had to. Everyone needs a little mid week pick me up. And this text I received this afternoon was just that. Thank goodness for the feature on the iPhone that allows for screen shots so that I could document this wonderful textual exchange. I legitimately laughed out loud when I got this one. Now get your minds out of the gutter and enjoy the joke.

Xx
-E

Plans In The Works

March 29th, 2011
Photo #164
I've mentioned before that Tuesdays are just a sucky day in the week. And today was a quality example to uphold that statement. I honestly can't even write about because one, I've been way too emo and depressing in this blog lately, and two I don't want to keep thinking about it all or generating bad energy. It's time to let it go and be free. Plus, plans for this weekend has picked up my spirits immensely. Me and beautiful girlfriends are running away and taking a girls getaway weekend to Virginia. I'm really looking forward to getting the hell out of dodge for a change of scenery that will sure bring about some much needed fun and rejuvenation. This fun photo was from back in December at our Senior Winter Formal but I thought it to be fitting because my little fabulous dance partner in the picture with me is the orchestrator of our weekend away and is just a nonstop ball to be with and I love her. This, I'm sure, is only an indication of what the next few days will be filled with. Just add three more of my amazing friends plus the tans we are still holding on to from spring break and you've got yourself the perfect recipe to bring any girl out of her slump and into a dance your dress off, laugh you heart out kind of weekend.


Xx
-E

Escape

March 28th, 2011
Photo #163
Another week begins and another month is fast approaching. I'm still tired and still out of it. Lately I haven't had much to say each post and I apologize. Right now all I've got is this photo and the desire to escape back to the beach in the warmth of the sunshine with the blue sky behind me.

Xx
-E

Elegant Beauty

March 27th, 2011
Photo #162
Elephants are my absolute favorite, right next to dogs especially mine. I just adore these magnificent creatures. Everything about them is exquisite and beautiful. Especially when they are traditionally dressed up for cultural celebrations. This photo is currently the background on my iPhone and I just love it. I think I've said this before but one day I will ride one of these elegant beauties. Plus they bring good luck.

Xx
-E

Heartfelt

March 26th, 2011
Photo #161
Just a few minutes ago, before getting ready for the night out, my roommate showed us this amazing YouTube video. You have to check out the story of Christian the Lion. This is just an incredible story that I actually cried. Clearly these emotions haven't fully left my body because the littlest things bring tears to my eyes. But this video is just so wonderful. We know I'm a serious animal lover and this story shows how powerful the relationship that one can have with animal. These two friends rescued a lion cub from horrible conditions and raised him until he was too big to keep. They spent every moment with him and truly became the little lions family. Once they could no longer take care of him due to his size and needs, they made the choice to release him back into the wild with the potential that their relationship and bond would be lost forever. But after one year of Christian living in Africa on his own, they went back to find him. The reunion was just too heartfelt for words. The lion remembered his original caregivers and was filled with genuine to joy to see them. The power that humas and animals have on each other is never truly recognized by the masses and is something we should take for granted. Please check out the video, it will at least bring a little smile to your face.



Xx.
-E

Preparation

March 25th, 2011
Photo #160
After a week that I thought would never end, Friday night has finally arrived. I can't tell you how bad I need this. I've just been so down and out it's rather pathetic. It was a slow start for me. Finding something to wear that would set me up for feeling good all night long took a bit longer than expected. But I pulled out a favorite piece from freshman year and I'm feeling real ready to rock it. Plus I got myself a soy latte to rid myself of way too many yawns. As you can see by today's photo the getting ready process has a few key components to get the job done right. Tonight I'm with my amazing girlfriends and I'm ready to just do me. Finally.

Xx
-E

Missing The South

March 24th, 2011
Photo #159
I miss these four beautiful women more than ever. Especially tonight. I got to catch up with one blonde beauty earlier tonight and I just got this immense feeling and need to be back down south. Even despite being away from living together for almost two years they are still some of the most significant people in my life. I was going through some old photos and found this one and needed to post. I miss them way too terribly and I would give tons to be back on 7th and Church.

Xx
-E

Transition

March 23rd, 2011
Photo #158
I have this strange feeling that has been creeping up on me lately. A feeling like I don't have two feet firmly on the ground. But more specifically with who I am as myself. I know it sounds strange, and a bit depressingly reflective, but I just feel as if I'm sort of floating along with no intended purpose. Now I'm all about going with the flow, but going with that flow and not having somewhat of a handle on things and grasp on the direction in which I am going is extremely difficult for me. Which is what I am lacking currently. I have no idea where it is I stand or who it is I want to be. I'm sure this is a typical predicament for a 22 year old who is about to graduate college, but someone with a personality like my own, its frightening. Today's photo goes along with whole situation I have found myself in. This photo was taken over Fall Break of freshman year. It was the first time I had been home since moving to college. Going off to college and leaving home was a whole transition in itself. I had no idea what I was going to do with my life, just that I was going to be in a school for communications. I had entered a world where I virtually knew no one. It was same sensation as now. I had no real control over things and I was just floating along. I wasn't sure who it was I wanted to be but I knew it was supposed to come to me over the next four years in school. And over that past three I really felt that I had found a place of stability and contentment. I was confident in my choices and felt real happiness with those who I chose to love and surround myself with. But somewhere along the line of the past year I have gotten myself back to that initial feeling that began freshman year. Due to my own choices mind you, I find myself in a place of the unknown. Where is it that I am going? Who is coming with me and who will I meet? What do I want to do? And most importantly, who do I want to be? Talk about some loaded questions. These are ones that literally define a person. I have surely realized that this isn't easy. I've made some serious mistakes that have changed the course of everything from the time of today's photo and until now where I am sitting alone in my bed contemplating life as I know it.



Xx
-E

Classic Literature

March 22nd, 2011
Photo #157
Reality set back in today with the return to classes post spring break. It's pretty sad but I may have really checked myself out of the whole schoolwork thing at this point. It could have just been the 6:30am wakeup call and the tiredness that followed me all day, but I was just not motivated what so ever. Although I did get a good amount of things done today it took all the effort inside me to do it. I do have to say though, we started a new book for the English class that I am in way over my head for and I'm actually a bit into it. It might because it's the first one I somewhat understand while reading, but we won't think just like that yet. It's a classic piece of work that is apparently necessary for all those into the English scene. But, just the way my life pans out, the first chapter is all about a wildly passionate love with a Russian that dismally ends because the Russian won't return the love felt. Art imitates life yet again.

Xx
-E

Wild Fire

March 21st, 2011
Photo #156
I have a new obsession. We all know my love of watching tv all the time so this is no different. ABC Family is one of my all time favorite guilty pleasures and they have come through yet again. Wildfire is one of their original series that came out a few years back. Thankfully Netflix has the series online and I discovered it. Needless to say, I came about some free time today, after getting my school work done don't worry, and have been on a serious Wildfire marathon today. I'm a on roll and officially addicted.

Xx
-E

Buddha Belly

March 20th, 2011
Photo #155
Everything today is all still a little blah. The best way to describe my state is drained. Although everything I've been going through seems to have found itself a settled solution and understanding for the time being, it's still a little sad and has taken a lot of emotion out of me. I was in search for a little inspiration and came across this quote by Buddha. I've always been a firm believer in the ways of the jolly happy Asian man and I frequently rub his belly for good luck when I can. I thought this quote was appropriate for today and how I've been feeling lately. I'm about to start my last eight weeks of college. So much to deal with, decide on, and figure out. But the most important thing I can do is live for the moment right now and for today. What lies behind me and before me are just a matter of life while the one thing that needs my focus is what is happening right now and to cherish those moments. Everything else falls into place one way or another and how it should.

Xx
-E

Empire State

March 19th, 2011
Photo #154
Well maybe New York City can make something better? The picture looks rather promising.

Xx
-E

Swing Life Away

March 18th, 2011
Photo # 153
The first real day with feelings of spring came today. It was so beautiful outside. Clear blue skies and a light breeze. Today was a new day and fresh start from yesterday and I was so glad to have such great weather to help the healing process along. I've made it very clear that I have some of the most wonderful people in my life that l have the honor of calling my friends. They are there with no questions asked to pick me up when I'm down and show me a way to get back on my feet with no judgements but still honestly. This afternoon I got to spend some time with two incredible women who are a few years older than me that I have built very strong relationships with over the last few years. They are both so full of joy and wisdom that is just a little bit beyond my years that they never steer me wrong. We got back to our childhood roots and went to the park to swing on the swings. I can't tell you how fun and liberating it was. And even more fun continued when I went for drinks and dessert with my two best friends from forever for some catching up. We laughed and enjoyed. Something I really need right now. I couldn't have done it, and everything else for that matter, without the support I am more than fortunate to have.

Xx
-E

How To Make You Happy

March 17th, 2011
Photo #152
I apologize in advance for a less than upbeat post today. I should be, or at least I thought I'd be, celebrating this Irish holiday upon my arrival home with a long awaited reunion. But that never happened. It has definitely been an intensely emotional night that ended in heartbreak. Something I don't tend to handle very well as I am the person to puts it all out on the line with my whole heart and emotions. And when all those aren't received and taken in to become something really beautiful I have the tendency to break down completely. Happiness is something that doesn't go well with heartbreak and that's part of the reason for today's photo. I honestly had nothing to contribute to the blog today. I literally almost just posted a picture of the darkness but I figured I'd spare the super emo details. But this photo I got in an email a few days ago and thought maybe it could suffice for today. Maybe finding real happiness is just accepting the fact that it doesn't all come to us how and when we want it. I have discovered happiness is the strangest places at the most random times. The most beautiful things are the ones you realize later on came from a spontaneous act of the stars aligning or something like that. I've said it before, I'm a hopeless romantic. I like to believe it can all be full of passion and love and be worth the fight and the tears in the end. But realistically, which is such a hard pill for me to swallow, I can't force happiness into things or another person. My wild imagination that drums up exciting times spent together and endless bliss can't really happen when I'm the only one vying for it. So maybe I've gotten a little too wrapped up in trying desperately for happiness. Or maybe it was there along and we just never recognized it or wanted to give it a proper chance. Or maybe I just haven't had this great strange dream yet where happiness seems to live. But clearly there is a journey to find it, except I don't know if I'll be able to sleep well enough and fall into dreams tonight.

Xx
-E

The Best Break

March 16th, 2011
Photo #151
This evening is our last night in Florida and the end to our amazing spring break trip. We ventured with the parents down to St. Petersburg for drinks and dinner. This area is so great. Funky little downtown area with lots of cool places to eat and shop. Plus it's right on the water. Pretty fabulous. These past five days have been nothing but wonderful. Everyone has been so generous and nice with every aspect of allowing us to come vacation with them. We didn't need a resort with nonstop drinking to enjoy ourselves and have a great time. Our last night couldn't be more perfect. Oysters and wine tasting on a New Orleans style porch overlooking downtown. Classy relaxed and nothing but enjoyable. Life is good and has provided yet another reason to recognize and appreciate all that I have around me.

Xx
-E

Coastal Sunset

March 15th, 2011
Photo #150
I'm sitting on the beach and this is my view. Enough said for today.

Xx
-E

Senior Spring Break

March 14th, 2011
Photo #149
Today was jam packed with adventure. We took a little trip to Longboat Key and spent the day cruising the Gulf on jet skis and soaking in some more rays. After the entire day out and about we found ourselves at a small local restaurant right on the water with the freshest catch of the day. I forgot how amazing fresh off the boat fish is. Especially from this area. Oh it was so good. Then after a few tasty cocktails we found ourselves at an outdoor dance party. Sounds like the place to be on the ocean during spring break right? Well it was except that every person in attendance was more than likely to have grandchildren our age. Talk about a party. Best part, we met Kenny. He noticed us snapping a few pictures and insisted on being in a one. How on earth can you say no to that face? I'd like to think we made his day. Hugs and kisses Kenny!

Xx
-E

Happy Hour

March 13th, 2011
Photo #148
Oh my goodness today has been glorious. I went on a run down the beach early this morning then I spent the entire day with the girls lounging in the sun and working on that tan. Then happy hour began. It was so wonderful. Beach side live music with great drinks and even better food. Plus it was a total girls day. And I got myself this great floppy hat that dominates the photo. This is exactly what I need to get my spirits back to where they should be. This vacation is off to a wonderful start and many days are ahead of us. Life's a beach baby.

Xx
-E

Summer Memory

March 12th, 2011
Photo #147
Spring break has officially begun and after what seems like forever of traveling we made it to Florida about ten minutes ago. We had originally set up a shuttle service to take us to the hotel but it was over an hour behind schedule that we just cancelled it and took a cab. There was no way we were going to sit outside the airport for an hour. We are too anxious to get to the hotel! As far as today's photo goes, I got a little bored on the plane towards the end and started going through old emails and photos from months ago. I thought this little personal one was appropriate considering come tomorrow I will be basking in the sun all day. This photo was snapped in the heat of the summer while lying in my backyard. It seems like everything then was somewhat calm. Now everything is all array. I don't quite know where I stand on a few rather important aspects of my life right now. But one thing I do know, I'll be standing in the sand firmly planted near the ocean in a few moments. Along with hopes of regaining the slight calm and sun-soaked skin that this picture holds.

Xx
-E

Rump Shaking

March 11th, 2011
Photo #146
Happy Friday! I'm home and enjoying life. Things have been a little rough leading up to spring break and what not so it feels really good to be with my hometown crew that, as you can see, has fun in any setting. They always bring on a good time and laughing is something that never ceases. In this photo they were trying to learn how to booty pop like Beyonce. Talk about a diva moment. But it was hilarious. I'm so glad to be here. I've been feeling really down and this, plus the fact that I'm going to the beach tomorrow, is just what I needed to pick my spirits back up. Maybe I'll shake my booty at some point this evening.

Xx
-E

Peek A Boo

March 10th, 2011
Photo #145
Jade makes the blog yet again. I think she may hold the record for the most photos on here. Which I am totally ok with because she is just the absolute best. This morning I finished my last midterm ever as a college student and booked it home as fast as possible. It is officially spring break and boy does it feel good. Except for the fact that the weather was atrocious all day long today. As soon as I got home I quickly unpacked a few things and reorganized some stuff for my upcoming beach trip, then hopped right into bed to get all cozy with my baby girl. Her newest thing is curling up right at the bottom on the blankets right up against my legs and feet. We were watching a movie this afternoon and every time I moved a bit or there was an interesting noise, Jade turned her head around like I was the one disturbing her. Such a tough life this one leads. But oh the face! I can just never be mad at her and she can snuggle with me any time.
Xx
-E

Booster Seat

March 9th, 2011
Photo #144
We all know Wednesday means live from the studio every week for E16. So of course this evening was no different. All of us were a bit off this evening I have to say. I think midterms and spring break starting tomorrow was really throwing our game off. But we still knocked it out and kept it classy per usual. I figured I would give a little behind the scenes footage for today's photo. You know what they say about tv magic..you can never really be too sure about what is really going on off camera. As you can see my favorite little gorgeously natural redhead who reports on fashion needs a bit of step to be framed just right. We do what we gotta do to get the right shot because we go live and we don't have the option to just fix it in post. No matter though because we still look fabulous every episode!

Xx
-E

Pageantry

March 8th, 2011
Photo #143
Last night was the fantastic senior class display of Mr. and Mrs. Ithaca. What a hilarious evening. The ten finalists who participated in the event were so fearless and creative. Pure honest entertainment. Some liquid courage might have been a factor but none the less I tip my hat to them all for getting up on stage in front of tons of people in evening wear, beach wear, and doing some immensely embarrassing display of a talent, hence todays photo. For a Monday night I don't think we could have asked for a better distraction from midterms. Congrats to the winners!

Xx
-E

Morning Commute

March 7th, 2011
Photo #142
So leave it to Ithaca to dump 20 inches of snow on us without warning. Yup 20 inches. And we of course still had to make the morning commute. I couldn't even get into my driveway last night so I opted to park on the street and as you can see by today's photo I was literally plowed in. Holy hell it was a whole other forty-five minutes to dig that beast out. Then finding parking again later this evening was a total shit show. I am so over this weather it's not even funny. I mean seriously it's March. Stop with the snow thank you. All that I can think about is I will be in Florida, on the beach, on Saturday. Let's go.

Xx
-E

Famous?

March 6th, 2011
Photo #141
Today's photo reached my iPhone by means of Twitter. I am an avid Tweeter and I love everything about it. How could you not love random and interesting thoughts, facts, videos, posts, and of course photos?? It's definitely my guilty pleasure/obsession in the social networking world. So when I received the @mention with this photo attached I knew it was blog worthy. The live entertainment show we do each week re-airs on Sunday nights and a loyal fan was watching and wanted to spread the love of just how fabulous we are. We may not be famous around the globe, but for our little crew of E16ers we like to think we are pretty legit for the college tv scale. Peace love and entertainment!

Xx
-E

Penny Saver

March 5th, 2011

Photo #140

Ok ok I'm twenty minutes late so Saturday's photo has technically been posted on Sunday. But don't fret because this photo was taken this afternoon I just didn't get around to posting it until the few minutes after midnight that signify tomorrow. I have been doing work literally nonstop today. Two papers. Finishing a novel. Editing in the studio. Oy vey. Before heading to a little needed Wegmans salad break this afternoon I made a little pit stop to add some much accumulated change to my piggy bank. Yes I have a piggy bank and yes it is personalized. I received it as a gift for my 21st birthday and it is by the far the most wonderfully creative gift I have ever gotten. The giver of Tink, as it is so properly named for the sound my coins make and a nickname that holds more weight than this little piggy could ever hold, went far beyond the typical birthday display with this one. But it is just such an amazing gesture that I am still more than grateful for. I have been saving my pennies and even a few bills since the day I got this personalized pink piece of perfection. Pause and check out that alliteration right quick. Seriously though it's almost been a year that I began feeding Tink shiny treats. I'm not sure if and when it will ever be appropriate to open it up and see how much the amount is inside. We shall see. But until then, all my spare and sometimes forgotten about change gets a cozy new home inside Tink. 

Xx

-E

Silly Boys

March 4th, 2011
Photo #139
This photo is a little hard to decipher but it is our boy neighbors having a fire on our shared driveway underneath a wooden porch. Real smart neighbors. These kinds of shenanigans are a regular occurrence for South Aurora. We have tried many a times to knock some sense into them but I'm afraid it's a lost cause.

Xx
-E

Exhausted

March 3rd, 2011
Photo #138
I can't express how tired I am. My silly college decision of participating in Wacky Wednesday did not make for the most energized Thursday. Although I did push through to all my classes and work. Plus I even got started on a paper that will be the source of all my time this weekend. But right now I just can wait to sleep. I was fresh out of any photo from the day since I was pretty much a zombie the whole time, so I found this nice illustration. I think it bodes well for my current situation. I am so sleepy that the snooze button on everything dealing with life and responsibility will happily be pressed. Good night moon.

Xx
-E

Wacky Wednesday

March 2nd, 2011
Photo #137
Ok don't judge. Yes it's mid week but it's a birthday celebration. Not to mention a member of the Los Angeles crew so we just go with the flow. It is so cold outside that bundling up is an understatement. But in honor of Dr. Seuss we are getting a touch wacky on this Wednesday.

Xx
-E

Hop On The Good Foot

March 1st, 2011
Photo #136
Happy March all my lovely readers and followers. Wowie where has this time scurried off to?? I feel like October was last week. Not to mention the semester itself has just been cruising on by. Isn't time supposed to slow down at important times in your life? My last semester of college is half way over and I think all I did was blink. Waaah! For it being the first of the month and trying to keep up with the rapid movement of time, I had a very resourceful and excellent start to it all this morning. I am a total creature of habit. My daily routines are always a necessity, yes I have OCD. Today was a fresh start but still some of the same. I accomplished a lot before getting to class by 10:30. Studying. Rent paying. Vitamin taking. Just to name a few. My desk was consumed with it all so I just felt the need to freeze it in a photo. A look into the morning routine of yours truly. The best part, I aced the exam and felt pretty energized to get through a long day. I'm hoping this month of March keeps the positivity and good energy coming.

Xx
-E