Storage Success!

The big reveal!  And my organizing is complete.  I sold two of my college textbooks and had enough cash to buy this adorable piece of furniture for our spare room.  Each black fabric box has its own category (one holds medicine, another toiletry extras, etc.).  I love it!  And now everything has its own space.  I also think this would make great toy storage in a playroom someday.

Mom in Portland

My mom was in Portland for graduation and it was so much fun to have her here.  She is a very good traveler and so fun to be around.  We did a good job of balancing going out and relaxing.  I have to say that I didn't realize just how great it was until the emptiness set in as I walked through the airport terminal after dropping her off. :(  Thank you for coming to Portland Mom!  Can't wait to see you in September!

Isn't she just so stylish?

Storage Solutions

Now that school's out and the job hunt is underway, I have decided to get my apartment in order.  We have a spare room which is a very, very dangerous thing.  If I don't know where to put something, I just put it in the spare room.  But that's all about to change.

2 weeks ago, I had had enough of not having any bathroom storage so I bought this shelf that goes over the toilet.  It's so nice not to have to yell for each other (or worse!) when the toilet paper runs out or we forgot to replace our towel.

About a week ago, I went into Target for the first time in years and now I am embarrassed about how many hours I have spent in there since.  They have thought of everything!!  And I am tired of paying through the nose at the stores by my house.  I got this memo board there and I am waiting for some prints of our nieces and nephews to arrive from shutterfly.  I felt inspired to create a little command center since I don't need the office anymore.

It's nice to take back the dining space.  Tomorrow I'll stop at the farmer's market and get some fresh flowers for the table.

Finally...I tackled the spare room, and it was a struggle!  I had to separate everything out into categories and think about what thing's needed to be accessible, and what could be tucked away.





I successfully got the spare room closet and the hall closet in order, but I soon realized that I would have to make a purchase to finish my project, and that I will have to wait for tomorrow. So sad.  But stay tuned, and tomorrow I'll post the finished project.

Sneak peek for tomorrow!  The last area in the apartment that is not working is our bedroom closet.  Tonight and tomorrow, I am going to try to whip it into shape.

It's almost here!

I can't believe it but today I had my Final Piano Recital and last night I sat through my last undergraduate class!  It's over people.  On Tuesday, I have 3 final exams (all on the same day!!...scary right?) and then I am done!  I have to admit, I have already allowed myself that big sigh of relief because my psyche just can't handle being freaked out about finals.  I am studying this weekend but I refuse to overdo it.  I've earned it right?  Can't wait for my mom to get here so we can play for five days!

Corrections

After the last post, my mom talked to my grandma and there are some revisions to be made.  I am actually 63% English, 31% Danish, 3% Scottish and 3% Welsh.  My mom is 37.5% Danish, 50% English, 6.25% Scottish and 6.25% Welsh.

Apparently one of the couples in my 64 names came from Scotland and settled in Canada.  

Who Do I Think I Am?

I have been watching Who Do You Think You Are lately and it has reignited my interest in my own family history.  I am fortunate that my family has already filled in most of the names on my family tree, almost to the point that it's overwhelming to look at!  Just for fun, (and after all I'm a math major), I went back 5 generations and looked at the 64 great-great-great-great grandparents of mine.  Can you believe we have most of those names?!!  These individuals were born between the years 1769 and 1826.  24 of them were born in the Eastern USA, 3 were born in Eastern Canada, 15 were born in England, 2 were born in Wales? (maybe), and 20 were born in Denmark.  If we say that those born in Canada and England were of English descent (and they most likely were), then I am 66% English, 31% Danish and 3% Welsh.  In other words...everyone back-off about my pale skin-tone.  As my mom says..I come by it honestly!

These 64 people are actually very near to my heart since my church and family stressed their significance as I grew up.  I feel that if you go back any further, you get lost and the names get so far back and so numerous that they lose their differentiation.  Someday I would like to gather stories/pictures about these 64 individuals + their progeny that is connected to me and my siblings.  So many movers and shakers in that bunch!  Here's another statistic:  Out of the 64 and their 62 children that eventually converged into me, 10 moved across the country either to move out West for religion or opportunity, and 23 emigrated to the US from other countries.  I feel connected to them in a way because I understand the pull to move to a new place.

Also just for fun, my mom is 37.5% Danish, 56.25% English and 6.25% Welsh.  My Dad is exactly 25% Danish and 75% English (his maternal grandmother is Danish).  My mom has Danish ancestors on both her father's and mother's sides.

Mood-Lifter

It is so gross out today and will probably be rainy through the week so I stopped by the farmer's market and picked up some flowers!  I got an enormous bouquet and then shared the love throughout the apartment. :)  Hopefully the sun will make an appearance this weekend.

            

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

A little post about my Mom...

She's fabulous.  My mom has seven children and five grandchildren and loves each one of us so much.  Even if you live as many miles away as I do, her love reaches out to make sure you know it's always there and always growing. 

A few memories...I remember my Mom being pregnant (sorry for this one Mom, it's just one of my most vivid), standing at the kitchen sink doing the dishes.  She wore a white and teal (maybe polka-dot print?) outfit and she was so beautiful.  My mom was always the radiant life force that managed to keep our home clean and us active and happy.

I remember she got me into a Barbie-tryout program.  Every month or so I would get a new Barbie to play with and then I would send it back for a new one, sort of like Barbie Netflix, and the last one I got to keep.  That one was always my very favorite Barbie.  I know my Mom couldn't afford to get me all those dolls but she is so creative and finds ways to make things happen.  

My mom is so encouraging.  I wanted to learn so badly from a young age and she made sure my mind could grow.  She encouraged my piano playing, paid for me to take violin lessons and made sure I had books to read and opportunities to learn.  She even asked my kindergarten teacher to give me homework when I was home sick with chicken pox because she knew I would be happiest when doing homework.  I still remember my Dad bringing that homework packet back from school and me running straight to my room to start in on it.

There are many, many more memories that I have about my Mom, and even our phone conversations now are things I hold on to as I go about my week.  I know my nieces and nephews are so lucky to grow up with her as such a presence in their lives.  I love you Mom!  Happy Mother's Day!

Getting Organized...

It's not very interesting but my renewal weekend started off with some organizing.  I bought these two helpers to get my closet and vanity in shape.

Other renewal projects:

 I started using the plates that were a wedding present.  We were holding off until our next apartment, but we really need to feel a little more luxurious right now.  I love them so much.  They are the same plates my Mom used to have.

I also finally hung the painting that Daniel's parents gave us for Christmas (another thing that we were just letting sit in our spare room until a move).  I feel so relieved and a little more settled to get over the 'someday' feeling.

Renewal

I am a big believer in renewal.

The past month has been a time of reflection for me as I get ready to face the unknowable.  My anxiety over a looming upheaval of our lives (with career changes and graduation and a possible move on the ever-changing horizon), has thrown my apartment in disarray.  Daniel and I are finding out that my stress expresses itself outwardly into our living space.  It is a disaster.

I have finished my last midterm (woohoo!) and this weekend is going to be the beginning of piecing my present moment back together.  I am removing myself from those thoughts of the future and focusing in on apartment 9 as though I have no intentions of ever leaving.

This place is going to be renewed and I am going to reintroduce myself.  The places we live are not simply where we crash, but rather the places where our souls live.  My soul obviously connects deeply with my residence so if I have any hope of going about these transitions in a calm and connected way, I have got to re-engage with this apartment.

I am also taking this weekend to redirect my wardrobe.  It is a favorite hobby of mine...to give my appearance a little love and find some renewal that way.  The weather has started to warm and I am also feeling that my 14-year-old looking summer digs are not cutting it for a new graduate. :-)

I hope everyone will enjoy the sunshine this weekend and take a little time to renew!

Spring Fashion

With Spring approaching (or in the rest of the country's case with Spring already here), adding some brightness into your wardrobe is a must.  Here are some ways I have found to stretch my wardrobe with a small budget by adding a few versatile pieces.

Must #1: A white cardigan to brighten up all of your winter-toned tanks and tees.

Must #2: A bright spring dress.  Let's be honest!  We're all so sick of throwing on those winter jeans.

Must #3:  Bright-colored tanks.  If you can't put away those black wraps and cardigans without losing half your wardrobe, spice them up with some bright colors underneath, or pair these with your winter skinnies for an easy evening look.

Must #4:  Skinny Jeans in a colorful wash.  Spring is the perfect time to play with colors so go bold!

Must #5:  Loafers.  Let your feet recuperate after boot season.  They deserve it!

Kitchen Gadgets

I got a new can opener that cuts from the side but one thing called for another because then nothing drained well out of the can.  So I found this tuna press and I use it almost daily for all sorts of things.  You can put it on top of a bowl and squeeze citrus into it to avoid any seeds.  Best $3 I've spent in a long time.  The bright green is my adorable new timer.  I think I can no longer say my apartment is "accidentally" retro because I have become a part of the problem.

Beacause I didn't have time to blog..

I planned on doing a Valentine's day post to brag about my awesome sweetie but got all wrapped up in everything else, so this is a little late.  I got this robe for my sister and then couldn't stop talking about it so Daniel got it for me for Valentine's.  I went right out to Anthropologie to get this adorable hook so it has it's own place in the bathroom.  I love this robe!  I'll wear it even if it's only for ten seconds to walk from bathroom to bedroom.

I got Daniel this tie.  Doesn't it say HOTEL GENERAL MANAGER?  I think so.

Becoming a Brand

I have been thinking a lot about how I am about to be shoved out of academia-land and into that Fire Swamp called the job hunt (hold the R.O.U.S's please) and I'm not going to lie...it terrifies me.  But somewhere underneath the noise in my mind, I had an idea.  Now hear me out, this is going to sound like your worst nightmare corporate robot idea (plus--it's in no way original), but I am convinced that there is a correlation between success and building a successful personal brand.

Here's how my brain-child was conceived.  Project Runway Allstars has been one of the worst shows I have ever seen on television which is ironic because the original Project Runway is one of my all time favorites.  But here's where Allstars goes wrong.  3 words: Fake Heidi Klum.  I don't even know her full name, Angela something, and I don't care.  I could have forgiven her for not being Heidi if she had just one quality that sold her as a personal brand.  She is by far the most dry television host I have ever seen.  She fails to sell herself, whereas Heidi makes you believe that Project Runway is the best show ever.

In Allstars defense, Isaac Mizrahi, Georgina Chapman and Joanna Coles are awesome as judges and mentors.  All three of them are very successful at selling their own personal brand.

Lastly, there is one designer on the show that I don't think is going anywhere and that's because he fails again and again to show any personality or integrity.  He doesn't seem to know who he is...(I may have to eat my words if he wins tomorrow, but then I'll just be watching to see if he can make anything out of his win.  I highly doubt it.)

Okay, enough about the Runway.  I have gotten a lot out of observing this twist on my favorite show and it has taught me a valuable lesson.  For the next month, I am not going to look at another job posting.  I am going to create my brand.  I want to interview well and part of that is successfully communicating my personal brand to potential employers.

An Update on Our Life

Today is a big deal.  The grocery store behind our apartment that has been under construction for 10 months is having their grand opening.  It is fabulous, and big, and I am so happy that I finally get to stop fighting for a parking spot at the grocery store a mile away.  I heard the construction noise all the way up until 10pm last night, but now it's finally over.

This week is finals week and I am in my usual avoidance stage.  It is so daunting to try to remember everything you read or heard in the last 10 weeks.  I'm giving myself another hour before I dive into my books.

We have started up our crazy travel weekends again, but it is such a blessing to get to be with our family.  Last weekend was spent getting our hopes up that Daniel's brother's team would take the National title for college basketball.  They came in second in a devastating loss by only 3 points, but we had the time of our lives in Virginia.  (Plus, it was 80 degrees there!)  Next weekend we'll go to Hanford to spend time with family.

These are my nieces in their sweet flower dresses and the wedding shoes I bought yesterday.  Don't the girls look so precious!?  Next week I take my dress in for alterations and soon we'll start shopping for groomsman ties and Daniel's suit.

Happy Spring!  It's not here in Portland yet but I know it's coming!  Last year I remember a lot of rainy days during spring quarter but we'll make it through.  

Stay tuned!

I so want to blog more but this term has turned out to be even busier than I thought.  We have found ourselves stuck in a whirlwind of to dos, and each week Sundays can't come soon enough!  But stay tuned...I haven't disappeared completely.

What My World Looks Like

Winter Music

Nothing gets me through a tough time like some good new music.  Right now I am listening to Ingrid Michaelson's new album Human Again, and The Band Perry.  The toughest winter of my life coincided with Death Cab for Cuties album "Plans".  Even though life was harsh then, that album is like a warm fuzzy blanket, even when I listen to it now.

So find yourself some beautiful music that speaks to you.  Winter's almost over!

I Heart Weekends

I had a long week this week where my view mostly looked like this (on campus at the library).

But I am so blessed to have a boyfriend who surprises me with bubble bath and a dinner date!

Thank goodness for weekends.

Nanny Perks

I got this in the mail from the boys I nanny.  It was the sweetest thing ever!

Snow in Ptown

Ten minutes ago it was snowing and now I look out and can't tell anything happened!  But it was fun to see a glimpse of snow.

It's finally Sunday!  My new time management skills are being put to use and have left me with and extreme appreciation for the weekend.  I have been averaging five hours a day of study and I have time at the end of the day to spend with my favorite person in the world, so if you're stressed, check out that video!  It helped me so much.

Readers, I want to tell you about Zumba.  I love it so much.  I have tried kick-boxing, yoga, and pilates, but Zumba is my fav.  It's like I'm in dance class again, but without the stress of a performance (although I would love to take a performance dance class again sometime in the future), but with all the fun energy and exercise.  I still love the solitude of running around the track once a week, but zumba definitely makes me happy.

Also, I have been suffering the effects of poor dental work, and I can't wait to go to a new dentist on Friday.  Drinking water has been the worst as it passes along my teeth, so it has been a battle to stay hydrated.

"For there was never yet philosopher that could endure the toothache patiently" - Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing

January Changes

Hello Readers!  I have had a rough start to this quarter/year and today was the first day that went smoothly.  Between switching classes and a seemingly constant evolving schedule I have just been keeping my head above water.  I (finally!) got the wedding plans to a place where I can do the bare minimum until July.  I'm a little depressed that I am too busy to sit around and daydream, but what's a girl to do?

School is doing such a fine job at eating away my time that I have had to ration myself to only two blogging sessions per week.  I know...it's so sad!  But hopefully that will make my posts a little fuller.  I am going to try to take more pictures!

The only reason today finally went smoothly is because of Randy Pausch.  In the midst of my stress yesterday and the ominous procrastination I could see lurking in my near future, I typed in "time management" into google, and this video popped up.  I realized while watching it that I truly undervalue my own time sometimes and I wanted to change that.  Not all of his advice is relevant, but I am now using google calendar to block out every hour of the day, and my to do list just got a little boost.  Today was very successful and it's only 6pm and I have studied for a full five hours and went to two classes.  I am looking forward to my new early bedtime and I hope tomorrow I will keep at it!

This video is super long.  So if you want to watch it, I would reccommend you have time + a pen and paper to take notes.

Best of 2011

I am stealing this idea from a friend's blog...but I really wanted to reflect on the extra-awesome moments of 2011.

1. January: Officially becomeing a nerdy math major.  I have never questioned this choice from that moment.  It has been the most exciting and challenging academic year of my life!  I have way too many textbooks and calculators but lately I have been craving reviewing calculus concepts in my spare time.  Weird, I know, but it will pay off.

2. Summer: Buying a piano from craigslist and November: getting to play at my best friend's wedding!  That was truly awesome and I forgot how much good stress it is preparing and the adrenalin rush when suddenly that many people are listening.  It was such an honor.  Congratulations Jess and Steve!

3. August: Daniel proposing and the ensuing wedding plans.  It really is the most magical time of my life so far.  My aunt would tell us that when you meet the right person it really feels like a fairy tale.  Let's just say I am so happy I moved to Portland.  (Sorry for the mushiness...but it's true.)

4. Family Time: In 2011, we spent most of our time off together with family and made some great memories.  We took four trips to Salt Lake City to throw my sister a wedding shower, see her get married (Congrats Whit and Ben!), our parent's getting to meet each other, and the wedding of my best friend.  We also got to spend Labor Day in Hanford.  These are some of my favorite moments...

5. December: Learning the importance of friends.  Daniel and I had the opportunity to spend Christmas with some new found friends this year and it made all the difference for us.  Very rarely do we get to relate with people our own age and in a similar life-stage as us and when we do it really lifts our spirits and is a reminder that it's ok to act our age.  We also got to go to California to see his friend's wedding which was so beautiful and fun to get to meet his college friends. 

There is so much to look forward to in 2012!  Graduation, wedding, my mom visiting Portland, a new job.  It's going to be awesome.  I hope everyone is looking forward to a great year!

Happy New Year's Eve

Happy New Year's Eve everyone!  Are you making any resolutions?  I don't usually but this year I am feeling the need to push myself at the end of my college experience.  So I guess mine would be more like goals for the next six months.

• I am taking Nike literally because I have to "Just Do It".  There is no more planning, just making it through each school and nanny day.
• I resolve to fulfill each task on my planner, even though some of those tasks require extra time at the library or wearing exercise clothes to school so I can't justify missing pilates.
• I resolve to end the 'poor me' monologues (which play too often in my mind) and to focus on what's good about my life right now.
• I resolve to take both actuary preliminary exams before my graduation date, so that I can walk right from the graduation stage into a new situation.
• I resolve to wake up, and to get dressed and ready on purpose.
• And, (this one's the hardest one!), I resolve to accept the rain.

Enjoy your New Year's Eve!

Trying to be Seasonal

As per my obsession with de-cluttering (very New Year's-ish right?), I had a hankering to box and bag up my summer clothes and store them until the weather lightens up.  By doing so, all my winter clothes are visible and choosing an outfit has become less of a drudgery.  Seeing only the winter options cleared up why I've been getting so annoyed with my closet.  I was missing a few key pieces (i.e. skinny jeans!), but I've got a black pair and a denim pair now so don't panic.  The situation is rectified.

I can now see my winter style better which consists of boot-cut jeans, cords, skinny jeans, an assortment of long-sleeve tees and camisoles, a few sweaters and wraps, rain boots, walking tennis shoes, flats, a few jackets and scarves, and one very cute blazer.  I really don't stray too much further than this especially since every day from here on out will be a strategic battle against the rain.  December was amazing and so dry but I think the rain is finally upon us.

Here is a view from my walk up Hawthorne today.

Adventures in Minimalism Part II

To be honest, I don't love my bedroom, but updating it is naturally the last thing on our shopping list.  Someday, in another place, we'll actually have a bed above the ground!  Pardon the "airing of my dirty laundry" and welcome to today's project!  There is no other possible way of arranging the furniture in this room (trust me, I have spent way to much time thinking about it), but I am on a de-cluttering kick.

BEFORE

AFTER

The last two posts are turning out to be my favorite because the differences are so slight, you could make a game of trying to find them.