My mission in life is not merely to survive, but thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion; some humor, and some style.  - Maya Angelou

happy weekend

I hope everyone has a happy weekend, whether you're staying in your city or off to an adventure somewhere! See you Monday!

Source: cocokelley.blogspot.com via Michelle on Pinterest

true tragedy

Source: thearch-info.com via Jamie on Pinterest

He could have done more. He did all that he could. However you look at it, it's hard to deny that this is a tragedy in college football, in football and all sports for that matter. Joe Paterno dedicated his life to Penn State - to the players he coached, to the students, to the faculty, to the families that lived in State College. He gave millions and millions of dollars to the university to better the school that he so desperately loved. And within a week, that has all been taken away. Paterno is alerted he is no longer coach of the Nittany Lions by a phone call. A phone call. "Yep, thanks, Joe. We appreciate everything you've done. Now you're fired." Talk about a slap in the face. The board of trustees questions his moral integrity? Yes, Joe could have done more. He should have done more. He should have alerted a higher power, followed up on it. He himself says in retrospect, he wishes he did more. But to call someone - I don't care how influential he is - who has given 46 years of his life to a job and tell him he is fired? That's lacking moral integrity, Mr. Vice President of the Board of Trustees.

And can we take a moment to step back and ask where the person is who caused all of this? And what about the victims of these horrible, horrible accusations?  Joe Paterno has become the focus of this case, but the true focus should be put back onto Sandusky and the victims. That is the true tragedy.

Here's to you, Joe Paterno. It's too bad it had to end this way. Sandusky, this is just the beginning.

start sweating

Source: marathonsweetheart.com via Rachel on Pinterest

Given my physical inactivity during college and in these post grad months, it probably would come as a shock to learn that I was a very active child and teenager. Swimming was my main sport - took over my life every fall - but I did everything growing up. Volleyball, basketball, track, gymnastics, t-ball, tennis, golf.... you name it, I did it. Okay, gymnastics doesn't really count because all we did was jump in a foam pit, so that didn't last long because I didn't understand why we weren't doing flips and handsprings. Regardless, I was on the move constantly. During swim season in high school, I was averaging 19 hours a week of grueling practice. Once I got to college... well... I lost any and all motivation. My problem is that I hate running, even though it's probably the most convenient form of exercise. This has a tiny bit to do with having flat feet, aka no arch support, aka painful runs, and a LOT to do with hating running because I'm bad at it. However, I'm bad at it because I don't do it. And I don't do it because I'm bad at it. It is a very vicious cycle.

After having lunch with Whitney today, I decided I need to start running. Even if this is only a mile three times a week (don't laugh, I'm being completely serious), I need to start somewhere.  Eventually, I'll be able to do 3 miles at one time, and then maybe 6... but I'm not going to get overzealous here. The hardest part is getting moving. Once I work out, I feel so much better about myself and life in general. I'm more motivated, I feel cleansed... all around there are good vibes going on around me. Tomorrow is the day that I am going to put on my running shoes that are still far too white for being purchased six months ago and go on a RUN.

In the words of the Little Engine That Could.... I think I can, I think I can!

growing up isn't easy to do.

Starting Saturday, it's official. I'm a grown up. Well, almost. I don't have a job (yet, and not for the lack of trying), but I am signing a lease to live in an apartment in Buckhead! It is the perfect little apartment in the perfect little location - walking distance to great bars, restaurants, and shopping. I have a massive bedroom - perfect for weekend visitors - and bathroom of my own, a walk in closet (eeek!) and a balcony.... I'm excited to say the least.

However, this apartment doesn't come without a cost. It actually comes with a pretty big one. So far, it's safe to say I've had a pretty easy life. I can spend my money pretty freely... $100 to J.Crew here, $20 to Kilroys there, $10 to Noodles and Co. because I didn't feel like cooking.... yeah, you get it. Now that I am about to have real bills to pay, it's time to cut back. 

Because I don't actually need that top from J.Crew even though I like it and it's on sale $30 from the original price. I have a closet full of clothes.

I can probably get another week or two out of my toothpaste, instead of throwing it out because I don't feel like putting the in the effort to squeeze the remaining paste to the top (Lazy, I know. I admit it.)

I don't need to buy a book from Barnes and Noble even though I have a weird desire to own a large collection of books I've read. I should get a library card instead and check out books AND movies fo free!

I don't need to get ice cream or a box of cookies at Publix. It's extra money and I'll just get fat.

I don't need a new purse, I have one. Actually, this is something going on my Christmas list.

I don't need a manicure from the nice Asian ladies. I can become ambidextrous and paint my own nails... this one should be interesting...

I don't need a pumpkin spice latte every time I pass a Starbucks. Claire introduced me to some delicious chai (is that even how you spell it?) tea when I visited her in Nashville. Except to brew it I think I need a Keurig. Christmas list!

So the point is, I buy myself stuff I don't really NEED, I just WANT.
Here I go.....!!!!!