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.

Story Of My Life

How cute are these makeup/toiletry bags! Yep, one in light blue is automatically added to my wishlist. And the good thing is they're lined in plastic so spills are no big deal.

And here's a photo of my new pillow for the dorm...

Begin out of the blue Saturday night vent...

Oh Saturdays. I am so lazy after being out in the sun all day. (I'm not even going to get into how I was out of breath after swimming like what, five laps?!) But really, I need to get off my butt, stop watching Harry Potter marathons and actually DO SOMETHING. Yeah I get out, but honestly I've become such. a. homebody lately. Take tonight for instance, I'd rather curl up with my t-shirt blanket, paint my toenails, and continue well, being a couch potato. I'm not a party girl, never have been. But it's freaking Saturday night. I keep telling myself "oh well in college I'll have plenty of time to get all dolled up and meet people blahblahblah." It's like ever since my last tattered relationship I've had no motivation to go out and maybe see what else is out there, or give someone a chance. Cause I have such sky-high expectations (which is in my case, a bad thing). So I end up sitting here in grungy old soffee shorts with chlorine-smelling hair while watching The Prisoner of Azkaban for the billionth time. And that is not cool. Yeah whatever Julie, excuses excuses.

End embarrassing Saturday night vent.

Now I'm off to re-read Picking Cotton...

lame.

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

Wedding attire: Royal blue bow dress from Belk (and yes I was reprimanded for it being close to Duke blue), monogram sterling silver earrings, green stone necklace (Europe gift from TTW), platinum Jack Rogers, Betsy Johnson silver clutch (from junior year prom), & Vineyard Vines coral cardigan.

Okay let me just go ahead and put this out there: I am ob-freaking-sessed with weddings. I'm starting to think wedding planning might be in my future if nothing else works out. No photography for me though, too much pressure. But to plan everything else, ah how amazing would that be! In my opinion, the essence of weddings is the look on the groom's face as his bride walks down the aisle. It's the tender faces of the grandmothers. It's the serenity and seriousness of the vows. It's the laughter and joy of loved ones. It's the intimate elegance of the daddy-daughter dance. It's the moment of cutting of the intricately frosted cake, hand-in-hand. Do I need to say more? Tonight was a spectacular evening, filled with a tranquil church setting, beach music tunes, shag dancing, teal satin dresses, and scrumptious hors d'oeuvres. Hah and my dad even got in the ADPI picture at the reception (he was the ADPI busboy back in the day).

Anywho, here's a few things on my agenda this weekend...

• Hunt for John Mayer tickets.
• Hit up Ornamentea.
• Work work work.
• Shop for more dorm necessities before the August rush.
• Maybe actually bake something for my coworkers from scratch, instead of running to the Fresh Market...

(Oh by the way, TGIF!)

Confession of the day: I have an uncanny addiction to this song. It's so nice to listen to on a late summer's night, with thunder rolling in the background. And it reminds me not to take my life for granted!

Songs Featured On Grey's Anatomy: Another Door Closes [artist: Jont]

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.

Red, White, & Blue Confessions

Confession #1: I have the absolute worst sweet tooth. These look so yummy!

Confession #2: I wish I had a special someone to watch the fireworks with...they're so romantic!

Confession #3: Too bad I didn't pack my red D&B rope purse. I NEVER wear the color red, but I might have made an exception to be patriotic today!

I'm going to reblog Summer Wind's quote for the day...

"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism." -Erma Bombeck

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.

I'm a Tar Heel born, I'm a Tar Heel bred. And when I die, I'm a Tar Heel dead.

So it's rah rah Carolina-lina.
Rah rah Carolina-lina.
Rah rah Carolina-lina--rah rah rah!

So I haven't blogged in quite a while, I know, but the past few days of orientation have been the most overwhelming, stressful, yet most incredibly exciting days I've experienced in while. I'll share details later (when I'm not completely pooped). And it's an absolute must at the moment to finish my Yopo while reading the DTH. Kay thanks.

p.s. Did you know the word sweet is the most popular word spoken in college slang?

"Celebrate we will, cause life is short but sweet for certain."

DMB is in less than a month! ::jump for joy:: Gosh, I can't hardly wait.

In other news, I have work today. Again. But the thing is, I'm starting to really love my job. I was able to chat with my good friend NSC yesterday (who works at a summer camp as well) and we agreed that having the chance to be in those kids lives, whether for a short period like me or for two months like her, is quite a blessing. Rather than feeling run-down and cranky at the end of my work hours, I feel, in a way, uplifted. Everyone seems to have such a positive attitude when they interact with each other; I can't exactly put my finger on it, but I believe God is teaching me something through this. This past year I struggled with being genuinely content with what God throws my way. Often I would feel sorry for myself, in turn having a horrid attitude, with things that were happening to me and how people were treating me. But that is NOT the way we should respond. God works everything for good for those who love Him. In fact it is actually my privilege to be a light to others, encouraging them and building them up in Christ. So I guess that is what God has been putting on my heart lately, even showing me this truth through my coworkers' lives.

Oh! Here's two new additions to my UNC wardrobe. (Had to edit the first picture to black and white due to my lack of morning beauty)

Carolina hat-$4.99 Marshall's

(with favorite Lilly mug in hand)

Adorable UNC necklace for game days!-grad gift from CNN