Wrap-up of the Thirty Day Challenge

Keepin' it short and sweet.

Day Twenty Six: A childhood memory

Random I know, but in the two main physical activities I did as a child, ballet and swimming, I somehow found a way to despise the attire. I HATED tights. I vividly remember myself wearing little ruffled socks, being the only girl in the studio with bare, unnormally tan legs as I pli-ed and tendu-ed. (Forgive me, I never took French.) Furthermore, swimming brought a whole nother ball game. Those super tight Speedos that cut into my shoulders and made it almost impossible to pee made me hate the sport. So there. The crazy thing is though, I spent my teenage years glued to ballet tights and now I'm a lifeguard. Funny the way it is.

Day Twenty Seven: A physical feature you love

My big smile. I'm known for it. Although I have large teeth and I can't grin with my mouth close, I love it.

Day Twenty Eight: A scar you have, and its story

Uh. Guessing this means physical scar. (I won't get into the emotional scars of stupid, arrogant ex-boyfriends who have nothing better to do than to terrorize my final two years of high school. Sorry. Just had to say it.) So...okay. I jumped off the side of the pool when I was four and had to get stiches under my chin. Great story, I know.

Day Twenty Nine: Hopes, dreams, and plans for the next 365 days.

Live a life of worth, and of legacy. Grow as an individual. Find ways to better others, as well as myself. Step up to challenge. Stay positive. Remain close to those I care about. Meet new people. Experience life.

Day Thirty: A motto or philosophy

Oh gosh. I'm not this deep philosophical person, so I'll leave you with my favorite Dave lyrics and some wonderful images, copyright the notebook doodles.

"To change the world, start with one step. However small, the first step is hardest of all."

-DMB

How Delish!

Current state: Famished, drained, dehydrated. I drove to work ::counting on fingers:: three separate times today, for various reasons. Thunder, food, bank. So now I'm craving a refreshing summer meal and some John Mayer tunes before I hit the yoga mat, and later crash, tonight.

I've never been much of a cook. My kitchen staples include and are mostly limited to: grilled cheese, waffles, banana cream pie, and putting together salads. Basically, I'm kind of a nightmare when it comes to cooking. (I tend to overcook pasta, and I can't cut with a knife to save my life.) But since I'll be off on my own in a few weeks (ah!), I best to get to learning. (Yeah I know, my grammar and writing skills aren't exactly polished at the moment.)

Here's what I'm fixin' tonight for dinner with a recipe for chicken fried rice; bon appetite!

Day Twenty Four: A recipe

Chicken Fried Rice

4-6 servings

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 cups small broccoli florets

1 cup chopped carrots

1 cup thinly sliced celery

1 cup chopped onion

1 small red bell pepper, sliced (about 1/2 cup)

1 teaspoon minced garlic

4-6 cups cooked rice

2 fully cooked boneless chicken breast halves, chopped (about 2 cups)

5 green onions, cut into 1-inch slices

1 8-ounce can sliced water chestnuts, drained

1/2 cup frozen peas

1/2 cup soy sauce

Directions:

Preheat oil in a wok or a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add broccoli, carrots, celery,onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Stir-fry 2 minutes. Add rice, chopped chicken, green onions, water chestnuts, and stir-fry 1 minute. Add peas and soy sauce and stir-fry another minute, until peas turn bright green.

Served with fresh watermelon and sweet tea. Mmm!

Now what would just make my night would be to fast forward to Saturday morning so I can hit the J. Crew sample sale in Winston-Salem, chill with my best friends, and then see Tim McGraw. Ready, set, go.

Ooo la la

Giveaways galore!

Lilly dress magnet giveaway hosted by Living Well.

Kate Spade/Lilly giveaway hosted by The Fashionista Diaries.

Mug/tumbler set giveaway hosted by Sweet Carolina Girl.

Lilly bag giveaway hosted by The Company She Keeps.

I ADORE this fabric print. I'm trying to recover my desk chair in a light blue and white print, and I'm having the worst luck finding a good pattern!

Since movies go along with my next thirty day challenge post, I'm really looking forward to seeing this film...but reading the book first is a neccessity. I must get on it before summer's over!

Day Twenty Three: A movie no one would expect you to love

Like I said before, I'm a sucker for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. But I also enjoy more serious movies, such as A Beautiful Mind and Saving Private Ryan. Oh and I loved the TV series Band of Brothers! I think I watched all those episodes back to back over just a few days.

Day Twenty Three

A way in which you want to be remembered

(However cliche this sounds, I don't care)

I desire to be remembered as a confident, loving individual who inspired others and lived a life of meaning and passion, not afraid to stand up for what she believed in. Someone quick to listen, a friend in all situations, a devoted wife, a woman of integrity. A person not only ready to speak her mind, but also willing to face challenge with beauty and grace. This kind of woman has the attributes I would like to embody, and I deeply hope to possess these qualities as the years pass.

Okay, since I have some time to kill before work, I'm just going to ramble for a bit. I've been waking up at the crack of dawn (well, sorta) these past couple days for appointments, swim lessons, etc. I haven't exactly minded though, because I LOVE mornings and somehow I've realized I have so much energy after getting a plain jane eight hours of sleep. But anywho, this morning I went to the spine doctor to check out my back and it looks like I'll be having to go through some physical therapy over the next few weeks. I've been having trouble with my posture ever since my old ballet days, and I found out I do have a minor curvature in my spine (called hyperkyphosis I believe, which makes the top of my back round over). And since my lower back is curved to a higher degree then most people, the upper part of my spine has to compensate for it. I hate people that complain, but I'm just going to get it off my chest that it really does HURT TO STAND UP STRAIGHT. So I'm just going to have to learn to deal and actually do the exercises that the PT gives me. Let's put it this way Julie, enough is enough. This is your reminder to suck it up and fix this posture issue, it's unattractive and unhealthy. No wonder back in the day the girls were forced to walk around with books on their heads!

Here's a photo of my new three pound weights I'm using to start strengthening my upper back and shoulders. Another Marshall's find!

Bachelorette side-note: I am sold on Chris. In my opinion, he is the only normal, genuine one of the bunch.

chai tea and consignment.

New downtown favorites!

• Revolver consignment clothing. Such great finds!

Revolver blog

• Ornamentea jewelry. (The gold leaf earrings I'm wearing I made myself!)

Ornamentea blog

• The Third Place iced chai tea, with soy milk. Possibly the best drink ever on a hot summer's day.

The Third Place website

The lo-down on the Thirty Day Challenge.

Honestly, I'm getting a little sick of remembering to complete it so I'm going to try my best and finish it up soon!

Day Twenty One: Something you know you do differently then most people

Gosh, I have no earthly idea. The only thing that comes to mind is that I'm most awake and alert right when I wake up (after coffee that is). Most people are groggy and sleepy after a night's rest, but me, I'm usually ready to go, go, go!

Day Twenty Two: A website

I'm a fan of The New York Times for articles and news and such.

Andddd I'm addicted to weheartit.com. I could browse through their photos all day.

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

I can't believe it's already the middle of summer! I might not be having the most fun working out in these temps, but the days sure are flying by.

Top news: My brother is back from traveling across the country, I scored a five on my AP Psych exam (which means no Psych 101 for me and three college credit hours!), and two weddings are coming up. Exciting stuff, y'all.

Other news: Update of the Thirty Day Challenge. Sorry to disappoint, but I'm not much in the writing mood lately, so I'll keep this short and sweet.

Day Nineteen: A talent of yours

Dancing I guess would have to be my top talent. I desperately need to get back into it though, I'm starting to feel like all those years of training are going to waste. Perhaps editing/journalistic things would be my next talent in line.

Day Twenty: A hobby of yours

According to dictionary.com...

HOB·BY

¹   [hob-ee]

-noun, plural. -bies

1. an activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupation

Reading, bargain shopping, a bit of designing. Those count right?

And before I forget, here's the song we made. Oh goodness me.

"Carolina Gurls" - California Gurls Cover. Enjoy.

Carolina Girls We're Unforgettable

Some vacay photos!

Quick bits of the day:

• Carolina Beach is sketchy. Wrightsville is much classier.
• I went a day without coffee today. How strange.
• Figure 8 Island tomorrow and second set of fireworks. So pumped! Happy July 4th y'all!
• My lips are chapped which I'm not too happy about.
• My henna tattoo of a starfish was a waste of money. But my gelato tonight was not.
• I can't handle gory movies. (CNN, this is directed to you.)
• Got a call out of the blue today...don't know how I feel about that. Hmm.
• We're recording our version of California Gurls right now. And crazy enough, it actually sounds professional. Thank you auto-tune and musical best friends. Oh and Travy Trav on the radio.
• On my list of things I need: A This is not my boyfriend--> t-shirt. Enough said.
• Update of orientation/fall classes: History prereq for journalism, Stat at 8 am, Aerobics, Major American Authors, and First-year seminar Romance Languages. And two recitations. Let's just say I need to do some major drop-add in August. Eek. But anywho, orientation went pretty swell, loved my roomie and got to meet some nice people. People are so freaking more friendly (eh, grammar?) in college!
• Confession: I don't want to go home on Monday. Back to the grind and back to reality.

And last but not least the thirty day challenge update...

Day Eighteen: A time when you felt passionate and alive

Specifically, my mission trips to Costa Rica and Islandmorada, Florida pop into my head. At first I wasn't too thrilled on going on either of the trips, for many of my close friends weren't coming along with me. But throughout the two experiences, I realized that making a difference and serving others was greater than my own selfish ambitions. I did feel alive, like I was somehow being a part of something undeniably fulfilling. God. is. so. good.

Summer Oasis?

Not quite.

The North Carolina heat these days can be described in one word. Sweltering. But on the other hand, it's been nice this week to work, talk with people I don't normally see, catch up on sleep, organize, come home to family dinners (with scrumptious key lime pie for dessert!), and have some time to myself. I've never had a summer like this. It's always been dance intensive here, mission trip there, volunteer work, and doing anything and everything to rack up impressive things to put on college applications. But not this summer! I cannot begin to describe how incredible it is to leave high school behind, people and all, and start afresh. Freeing--yes, that is the feeling. Some people are sad, some are bittersweet, but me? I'm free. And come to think of it, that's a summer oasis right there.

Thirty Day Challenge update.

Day Fifteen: A person you admire

[Not exactly a particular person but more of a group of people.] I admire our troops who protect their beloved nation day-in and day-out, without asking for much in return, risking their lives to save ours. In my opinion, they don't have enough of our respect.

check out past posts for Day Sixteen...

Day Seventeen: An art piece

Edgar Degas The Dance Class

1874 oil on canvas

I've collected postcards and stationary of his paintings ever since I was a little ballet girl myself. They capture the image I have of growing up in an aristocratic dance school or opera house, perhaps somewhere in Europe. Interesting fact: Degas hated the fact that he was known as the "painter of dancers."

Top Ten

Quick little bits to start out the week (since it's Monday and all).

1. Verse of the day. Proverbs 4:23...

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do."

Hmm. Not only my verse for the day, but even more so a challenge for life.

2. Photos of the day. Precious Baby Jack & Baby Peyton!

3. Quotes of the day.

Adorable Asian boy at camp: "Hey lifeguard, is the oil spill in this lake?" Oh my goodness, kids these days.

Henry David Thoreau: "My life is like a stroll on the beach...as near to the edge as I can go."

4. Book of the day. Reading Something Borrowed by Emily Griffin right now, absolutely loving it! At times I just hate myself for being such a fast reader...it would be nice to once in a while take a week or two to saturate myself with a good read without running back to Barnes & Noble or the library to grab another one. Such a hassle.

5. Mood of the day. A mixture of exhaustion and anxiousness.

6. Music of the day. Can't say I dig it quite yet, but it's growing on me. Phish - Round Room album.

7. Food of the day. Fish, fresh from Maryland. (Not meant to copy my musical taste at the moment). But mmm I had trout for dinner and actually enjoyed it, which is an accomplishment in my eyes. Side note: I WILL EAT HEALTHIER THIS SUMMER. Starting today.

8. Random fact of the day. Found out yesterday I am officially part of the Southern Indian Tribe of Kentucky. We finally got documentation and everything. So stop teasing me for my un-humanly dark white girl skin.

9. Fashion of the day. Currently? T-shirt, gross ponytail, tennis shoes, and Target work-out shorts. But hey, a girl can dream to look like this everyday, right?

10. Thirty Day Challenge of the day.

Day Twelve: A song that you want played at your wedding

Haven't given this much thought, honestly. Don't get me wrong, I've envisioned my wedding. Pink and green everywhere, peony bouquets, late afternoon, by the water, country club, quaint, nothing too glamorous or overdone. Simple yet sophisticated. Seems as though I don't need to pick music quite yet, goodness gracious I'm only eighteen years old; a husband/engagement/wedding is a little far off don't you think? Maybe so. But here's a few favorites that I can conjure up right now. There's too many lovely songs out there to choose from!

• The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra. Such a classy man, such a classy song.
• Carolina Girls - General Johnson & The Chairmen of the Board. That's a no-brainer, I'll be an actual Carolina girl!
• The First Dance - Corey Smith
• Somewhere Over The Rainbow - Jason Castro
• Something sung by my best friends would be ideal as well.

Day Thirteen: A guilty pleasure

Bargain shopping. Reality TV. Summer novels with hardly any literary value.

Day Fourteen: A vacation you would like to take

New Zealand. Oh my goodness yes. What a gorgeous country. Flying around the globe would be completely worth it just to catch a glimpse of this breathtaking landscape.

"The Old Line State"

First off, the only things to see on the six hour drive to Maryland include:

• Corn fields.
• Icky diner restaurants.
• Hardee's and Burger King.
• Tractors.
• Broken-down fruit stands.
• And a bunch of nothingness.

Until you finally reach your destination in which you come across a Wal-Mart and a Cracker Barrel. So I just slept the whole way here. The Internet service is spotty, so forgive me in advance. But on today's agenda I'm going to visit my cousins' babies, Peyton and Jack, and I'm pretty siked, they are absolutely precious! And I'll hit that consignment shop, great Vineyard Vines and Lilly finds! (Oh goodness, Poppop just put Honky Tonk Tavern on the television, hah I love him to death.)

Update of the Thirty Day Challenge.

Day Nine: A photo you took

It seems appropriate to post a picture I took while I was here in Maryland, so here's one I shot of the St. Michael's lighthouse last Thanksgiving. Such a beautiful little coastal town!

Day Ten: A photo of you taken over ten years ago

Here's two photos I used for my senior slideshow. Being a pretty unattractive pre-teen, I refuse to post any pictures from the ages of 9-14, but I guess that wouldn't matter in this case since the photos are supposed to be over ten years old.

Day Eleven: A photo (or two) of you taken recently

High school graduation. What a joyous occasion!

And here's a picture of me today reading Southern Living (all I read nowadays are home and garden magazines. Pah.)

Dear TTW & CNN,

Before I go out of town this weekend, here's my update of the Thirty Day Challenge.

Thirty Day Challenge: Day 8

A thank you letter to someone who has changed your life...

Oh dear, that's intense. But here we go!

Dear TTW & CNN,

You know who you are. These past two years have been quite a roller-coaster. But you both have been there, despite the twists and turns and ups and downs of high school. Throughout the breakdowns. Throughout the joys. Throughout the good choices. Throughout the bad. Throughout the crap we've all gotten from people who DON'T MATTER. Throughout all of it. And I can't be grateful enough.

About TTW. It's been a privilege to watch him grow up into a person who's never afraid to stand up for what, and who, he loves. His musical ability cannot be paralleled; I'm thrilled to see what's to come out of this one. He has a heart for quality time and deep conversations, and is always willing and open to listen. And when I say always, I mean always. What a unique individual. Sometimes people don't appreciate these people who are out of the ordinary and not afraid to be themselves, but they are the people that make life interesting. No matter what, he strives to make the most out of life, living like there's no tomorrow. To me especially, that's such a valuable lesson. He demonstrates the essence of enjoying every moment, taking each as they come. There are so many qualities in him that are beyond words, so I'll just end it there.

About CNN. We started off on not the best start, but then this incredible friendship began to form my junior year. Who knew? We were total opposites. Think Carrie and Charlotte from SATC. Her, the gorgeous brunette not afraid to give people a piece of her mind and me, the people-pleaser often afraid to share what's on her mind. And then, regardless of our differences, from tastes in guys to our style and personality, we became inseparable. She embodies someone I hope to be, someone who puts her heart and soul in relationships, someone thoughtful and sensitive, yet strong and determined. She is a beauty, not only on the outside, but also on the inside. I want her to know she deserves more than she realizes. A friend like her is difficult to come by, for I know that whatever life throws our way, we'll still be there for each other. What a joy it has been to share my thoughts and dreams with her, whether it's been talking over coffee or laying out in the sand. And I know that's not going to change as we go our separate ways.

Since in my mind these two are friends for life, I think this little saying about sums them up to me.

"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same."

Don't Forget to Remember Me

A random praise that's totally unrelated to this topic--the NLC pool is finally open! I now actually hold a steady summer job. Score. This is rejoicing business people.

"Sooner or later we all discover that the important moments in life are not the advertised ones, not the birthdays, the graduations, the weddings, not the great goals achieved. The real milestones are less prepossessing. They come to the door of memory unannounced, stray dogs that amble in, sniff around a bit and simply never leave. Our lives are measured by these."

-Susan B. Anthony

Thirty Day Challenge update.

Day Sixteen: A song that makes you cry

(completely out of order, please forgive me).

On my way home from Emily's house tonight, this song was playing on shuffle on my iPod. I had just been dorm shopping with Em and Anna, who are such sweethearts, and we were chatting (over cupcakes in downtown Wake Forest, yum!) about what's to come in our lives. How we'll meet our husbands, be in each other's weddings, remain close. It was so refreshing to talk about the chance to start over. A clean slate. But then we got to reflecting on all the fun times we've shared and the struggles we've faced and how we've overcome them. With our moms, our families, and each other. So through that conversation, I got to thinking about these past eighteen years of my life and how much I've been blessed and how those moments put together have shaped who I am. And then this song came on, and I well, started to cry. So my fellow bloggers, here's the lyrics and the link. Enjoy.

Don't Forget to Remember Me - Carrie Underwood

18 years had come and gone
For momma they flew by
But for me they drug on and on
We were loading up that Chevy
Both tryin' not to cry
Momma kept on talking
Putting off good-bye
Then she took my hand and said
"Baby don't forget:

Before you hit the highway
You better stop for gas
And there's a 50 in the ashtray
In case you run short on cash
Here's a map and here's a Bible
If you ever lose your way

Just one more thing before you leave
Don't forget to remember me"

This downtown apartment sure makes me miss home
and those bills there on the counter
Keep telling me I'm on my own
And just like every Sunday I called momma up last night
And even when it's not, I tell her everything's all right
Before we hung up I said
"Hey momma, don't forget:

to tell my baby sister I'll see her in the fall
And tell me-maw that I miss her
Yeah, I should give her a call
And make sure you tell Daddy that I'm still his little girl
Yeah I still feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be
Don't forget to remember me"

Tonight I find myself kneeling by the bed to pray
I haven't done this in a while
So I don't know what to say but
Lord, I feel so small sometimes in this big ol' place
Yeah, I know theres more important things, but
Don't forget to remember me

Don't forget to remember me

On My Second Cup

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zikgyJ8U3HM

It's Thursday already?

Is it just me or is this summer flying by? I thought the days were supposed to feel longer. Nope, not really. Anywho, here's a video to a piece that took my breath away last night on SYTYCD. Absolutely stunning. I have to say, ballet dancers bring something to the stage that others cannot. Marvelous. (I might be a bit biased, but I promise it's true.)

My update of the Thirty Day Challenge: Days Six-Seven

Day Six: A moment you wish you could relive

There's no doubt in my mind that I would pick the closing night of Beauty & the Beast. An enormous amount of emotions were wrapped up in that show, it was unlike any experience I've ever had onstage. I was a dancing napkin, enchantress, townsperson, hah and hag. Sounds magical, right? But honestly, it truly was. The seniors in that show inspired me not only to perform and develop as a character, but they also were incredible role models. I will never forget the chills and memories of that night.

[Mid-morning break of gym, laundry, and smoothie making. Mmm half a banana, strawberries, orange juice, raspberry sherbert, and crushed ice. Bon appetit!]

Day Seven: Five things you could not possibly live without

1. Laughter. (not necessarily a thing, but totally necessary for my sanity.)
2. My calendar/planner. I write everything down, from to-do lists to appointments, so it literally becomes a life-saver. Ask anyone.
3. Caffeine. Bad habit to be attached to, I know, but it's a no-brainer that I need my coffee in the morning to survive (see title).
4. The people I love. And photographs of them.
5. Scripture. Life is meaningless without it.

:)

"GROWING UP SOUTHERN IS A PRIVILEGE, REALLY. IT'S MORE THAN WHERE YOU WERE BORN-IT'S AN IDEA, A STATE OF MIND THAT SEEMS IMPARTED AT BIRTH. IT'S MORE THAN LOVING FRIED CHICKEN, HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL, AND COUNTRY MUSIC. IT'S BEING HOSPITABLE, BEING DEVOTED TO PORCHES AND SWEET TEA, AND EACH OTHER. WE DON'T BECOME SOUTHERN-WE'RE BORN THAT WAY."

Thirty Day Challenge: Days One-Five

Day One: A favorite song

This is difficult. My music taste is all over the place, and there have been so many songs I've come to cherish over the years. But if I had to choose just one it would probably be Let It Be by the Beatles. A classic, yes, but I think the meaning is profound. The lyrics move me every time I listen to it. I can remember that Beatles 1 cd we used to play on long car trips, and I just fell in love with this particular song. Only over the past couple years or so have I listened through the rest of their music, but this song remains the closest to my heart.

listen

Day Two: A favorite movie

Hmmm...too many to choose from once again. So I'll give you a few (wait, maybe more than a few) that I can think of off the top of my head.

Childhood: The Little Mermaid and The Parent Trap.

Romance: Sleepless in Seattle--thank you Mom! And The Notebook. And The Holiday.

Drama: Forrest Gump.

Action: Lord of the Rings (the whole trilogy) and The Patriot. Yep, thats's right.

Day Three: A favorite book

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. A powerful story of heartache, forgiveness, love, and God's grace. It's incredible. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is another favorite, the underlying symbols and themes are to die for.

Day Four: A favorite television program

Gossip Girl. As of now. Don't watch much TV, but I can't get enough of the style on that show.

Day Five: A favorite quote

"Keep your face toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you."

-Walt Whitman

My senior yearbook quote. A sweet reminder for me to keep pressing forward, staying positive, allowing my past to, well stay, the past.

Thirty Day Challenge: Blog Style.

Since I'm new to this and everything, I thought I would give this thirty day challenge a try, perhaps to give everyone a little glimpse of who I am and what I'm all about. I probably will combine a few days however, but you get the idea.

Here we go!

Day 1 — A favorite song

Day 2 — A favorite movie

Day 3 — A favorite book

Day 4 — A favorite television program

Day 5 — A favorite quote

Day 6 — A moment you wish you could relive

Day 7 — 5 things you could not possibly live without

Day 8 — A thank you letter to someone who has changed your life

Day 9 — A photo you took

Day 10 — A photo of you taken over ten years ago

Day 11 — A photo of you taken recently

Day 12 — A song that you want played at your wedding (or was played)

Day 13 — A guilty pleasure

Day 14 — A vacation you would like to take

Day 15 — A person you admire

Day 16 — A song that makes you cry

Day 17 — An art piece

Day 18 — A time when you felt passionate and alive

Day 19 — A talent of yours

Day 20 — A hobby of yours

Day 21 — Something you know you do differently than most people

Day 22 — A website

Day 23 — A way in which you want to be remembered

Day 24 — A movie no one would expect you to love

Day 25 — A recipe

Day 26 — A childhood memory

Day 27 — A physical feature you love

Day 28 — A scar you have, and its story

Day 29 — Hopes, dreams and plans for the next 365 days

Day 30 — A motto or philosophy