Can you believe Christmas is this week, heck even hours away?!
Every year, I feel like Christmas always creeps up on me. I started my ordering before Thanksgiving, but I still feel like I got everything done just in time. This Christmas season certainly was different, but it was still special. I still got to do many Christmas traditions and make memories. From listening to Christmas music, enjoying hot coco, seeing Christmas lights, and watching movies.
My goal was to do all of my shopping by supporting small businesses, in the end I only got about half of my gifts from small businesses, although, I was happy to support what I could, there was certain things on my list that I couldnāt get locally. Although, I wasnāt able to get everything from small businesses, I was glad I could get a lot of my stuff from local spots.
All my gifts wrapped for Christmas
Some of my favorite memories this past month has been the little moments, driving around to see Christmas lights, wrapping presents while watching a Christmas movie, burning a Christmas candle while decorating my spaces for Christmas. I also loved spending extra time with my family and creating memories. I love gift giving too, I love to take time and pick out things I think my friends and family will like or enjoy. Plus, there is no better feeling than seeing someone open the gift you got them.
Christmas flowers to brighten up the mood
Although, I will be working a lot over the holidays, I still will be able to see my family and celebrate with them, but it will be different. Even with different times, I think itās so important to cherish family time, since I know there may be a time where I wonāt be able to be home for the holidays.
I will be back next week, to recap 2020, but until then, I hope you enjoy the holiday week, although, this year looks different, I know it will be still be memorable and enjoyable.
Hi everyone! Happy Wednesday! Can you believe that we are almost to new year. I always like to take some time to reflect on the past year and my goals and accomplishments and do a little recap. A full 2020 recap will be coming soon, so be sure to stay tuned. But today, I wanted to break down my goals from 2020 and do a little check in to see how far I have come. To see my goals for this year. You can see themĀ here.
My main goal this year was to learn and love. Since I started a new job a year ago, I wanted to learn as much as I could this first year, from the job itself, to learning from the people I work with, to learning about myself as a reporter, and learning about establishing new routines in my life. Overall, Iām very, very happy with how this year has gone.
Granted, 2020, has been quite a challenging and unpredictable year, but I personally have learned a lot and grown a lot too. Iāve worked hard to establish good routines, both on days I work and on my weekends. Iāve learned to give myself grace, find balance, put myself first and make sure my priorities are in order. Iāve learned how to be flexible and adapt to change. Iāve learned to make time for my family and friends, but also put myself first when it comes to my health and wellness. Having a sense of balance and purpose in my life helps so much when I have busy work days.
Also, I live by my planner, every appointment, story I do, to-do list, or note goes in there and that helps me stay in control and have a sense of order too. I love my simplified planner and I canāt wait to use it again next year, there is a space to write down your bucket list for the year, I jotted some ideas down and stood by them this year.
Here is what was on my bucket list this year:
See Old Friends (although, this year was far from normal, I was glad I could still see some of my friends from high school, safe and socially distant)
Stay Close with College friends (Again, I wish I could have seen more friends but Iām super thankful for maintaining college friendships despite not being able to see each other, plus, thank goodness for facetime!!!)
Travel some place new ( I wanted to travel more places, but hello pandemic!!!, my family and I did take a road trip which was fun and we created many family memories!)
Learn a lot at work (Yes, based on everything Iāve said above, I learned a lot at work and Iām still learning too!! Thatās what I love about my job. Iām always, always learning)
Get involved with the community ( Thanks to my job, I am always learning about things going on around the community and Iām so lucky I get to really highlight my hometown with my job every day)
Make New Friends (I have made some of the best friends at my job and I learned from some incredible mentors too. Itās a wonderful feeling to be learning every day and love where you are doing it, is a wonderful feeling.)
2020, has been a year, but Iāve learned a lot from myself and I have grown a lot too. Hereās to new beginnings, goals, and bucket lists for 2021!!
Hi everyone! Happy December! Itās one of my favorite times of the year! I love the holiday season! December is a busy month to get all things Christmas in, so I decided to get a jump on things and do a Currently earlier in the month so I can fit in as much as I can. Can you believe we have been doing a year full of Currentlys?! This has been such a fun monthly update from what Iām reading and watching and whatās going on. So, letās get to this months currently.
What Iām up to: Helllllooooo Christmas time! We have our decorations up, Christmas card ordered, and I have some of my shopping done. Christmas music has been playing during my drives in the car. Plus, we got a big snowfall last week which really got me in the Christmas spirit even more.
What Iām wearing: My wardrobe has been all about layering up while being professional. I always and wearing more warmer and richer colors, all the reds, greens, blues, purples, etc.
Bringing in warmer colors in my wardrobe
What Iām reading: I just finished One Day in December, it was so fun to get in the Christmas spirit. Itās a cute romantic comedy about two people Laurie and Lack who keep meeting up over the course of 10 years. From meeting up accidently, to meeting through friends, being from being friends and then separating, dating other people, new jobs and moving. I finished it in 2 sittings. It was so fun and light-hearted and it took place in the United Kingdom gave me some Bridget Jones vibes too! I am working my way through a new book that I canāt wait to share with you.
Such a fun read
What Iām Watching: I have been watching lots of holiday movies! From the classics to new movies on Netflix, I watched both the Holidate and Midnight at the Magnolia, both were super cute and light-hearted. I also love watching the classics, like Frosty and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. I also finished watching season 4 of The Crown and it did not disappoint. It was the perfect mix of history and drama. I loved how realistic it was. Have you seen it? What was your take?
A fun holiday movies
Another cute Christmas movie
What Iām Loving: Iām doing the most of my time to get in the Christmas spirit when Iām not at work. I like to make the most of my time with family and friends and making memories whether they are little or big. Last week we went to a drive-thru light display and although it was short, it was a great way in the holiday spirit.
What Inspires Me: I really want to do my part this year when it comes to Christmas shopping and supporting small businesses too. Etsy has been my go-to this holiday season. I have been inspired by these small business and their creativity. I also love supporting local shops here and including them in my friendās Christmas gifts too.
This definitely gets me in the holiday spirit
What I accomplished: I have been helping my family do a lot of cleaning and organizing. It feels great to get rid of things and donate to others too especially this season. I also feel very accomplished with what I have gotten done so far in terms of gifts for others. Other than that, work has kept me pretty busy.
Goals Accomplished from Last Month I know it wasnāt a full month but Iām looking to keep getting in the Christmas spirit and making memories and spending time with family and friends. I also managed to still celebrate Thanksgiving despite working too.
Goals for the New Month: New year, new goals! Iām looking forward to recapping my goals from this past year in the upcoming weeks. I love to see how far I have come from year to year and I will be unveiling my 2021 goals in the new year.
Thatās just a look into life these past few weeks. Whatās new in your lives?
2020 has been quite the year and there are so many things to be thankful for.
First and foremost is my health, Iām so lucky and blessed to have good health this past year.
Iām also super blessed for my family. This past year, I have been able to move home and get lots of extra family time, living at home during the pandemic also helped a lot too. I got bonus time I missed out on in college and time that I wonāt always have when I move out on my own. Iām so lucky my family was healthy this past year.
Throwback of my family together
My pets. A few weeks back, we lost one of our dogs, Hershey Kiss. It was very sudden and sad to see one of our dogs who has been with us for years pass away, with that being said, Iām so grateful for my other two dogs and the love they bring.
My sweet Hershey Kiss
My friends. This year was definitely challenging since so many plans and activities were cancelled and I missed out on a lot of time with friends. I was able to spend time with friends socially distant and FaceTime and texted helped immensely. This past year also showed me the importance of maintaining friendships and itās all about putting in effort.
My friend Danielle and I
My friends Maddie and Ryan and I
My Job. I am very blessed to have a job that I got to work at through the pandemic. I also have grown and learned a lot during this past. Iām very grateful for co-workers that have turned into mentors and friends and even almost like family.
My first time working Election night
Iām grateful for the tough days, the ones that I feel like Iām drowning or not doing anything right, because those are the days that I learn the most about myself.
Iām grateful for the basic needs that I take for granted. Iām thankful for a home with a loving family, food on the table, a car to get to work in. All things that Iām lucky to have that others donāt have.
Iām thankful for my faith, on the good and bad days, I know God is always there for me and he will lead me on the path he has for me.
Iām grateful for all the little moments and mundane things, from drives to work, walks, laughs, movie nights, baking, family dinners, good night sleeps, going to the gym and so many other little momenta that turn out to be the big ones.
Thatās just a peak into my heart this Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for this year?
Hi all! Happy Wednesday! With summer underway, I always take the time at the start of the season to come up with a list of things I want to accomplish. In years past, I have a deadline with school starting back to get things done, but now with working, I donāt have a deadline with going back to school.
I like creating lists of things I want to do to hold myself accountable to do things and also to give myself ideas when Iām looking to change things up in my daily routines.
Read 20 Books (Iāve read 18 last summer so I want to up my books for this summer)
Finish 30 Rock (I keep starting it but never finish it)
Be outside for 3-4 days a week (whether its swimming, walking, or running)
Spend 30 minutes outside a day (Eating, reading, doing work, I want more sunshine)
Go someplace new
Catch up with college friends (lots of plans have gotten changed due to Coronavirus, so Iām hoping to start rescheduling things)
See high school friends (hoping to make more time for friends near and far)
Entertain friends at home (I love entertaining so Iām hoping to have more friends over)
Wine Tasting (my friends and I have talked about doing this for ages, hoping we can finally make it happen this summer)
Beach Day
Dinner by the water (I love living by the water and having dinner by it is so nice)
Kayaking (I love being on the water in any form)
Working out (I want to keep being consistent with it)
Pool Day
Bonfire
Day Trips
Really take time to slow down ( I took the time during Coronavirus to slow down and I want to continue to do that)
Summer restaurants (I have a few favorite seasonal places that I canāt wait to get back to)
Ice Cream shops
Take advantage of local spots and free activities
This is just a start on my to do list and who knows what the summer holdsā¦let the adventure begin!
2019, was such a good year for me. From enjoying my last full year of college, going abroad in Rome during Spring Break, you can see part 1 and part 2! making countless memories with friends, graduating college, and starting a new job. It was an incredible journey. With all the highs and great moments, there was also a lot of hard work, perseverance, and support to help me achieve all these goals.
One of the biggest things that I took away from this year was the people. In life, people come into our lives at different times and for different reasons, whether itās for our whole lives, a few years, or even a few months, people enter our lives and make an impact no matter how big or small it is. As people, we can always learn something from others and they can always learn something from us. I met so many people from friends, classmates, professors, and faculty who made an impact on me in small and big ways. I canāt wait to see where this new season of life takes me.Ā
Ā Speaking of the new season of life, not only is it a new year, but itās also a new decade. I have so much hope for this new journey in life and I canāt wait to see where it takes me. I always come up with a motto or a word of the year and this year is no different.
Going into 2020, my phrase of the year is going to beā¦LEARN and LOVE. With a new job I am planning on taking everything in and learning about this new job, new role in life, and learning about myself navigating adulthood. I also am planning on loving myself, my work, my family, my friends and my life. Too often, do I find myself getting caught up in being too busy that I forget how incredible life is. This year I plan on learning and loving and enjoying where I am in life.Ā
I hope are ready to take on a new year and all it has to offer. What are your phrases or words for the upcoming year?
My goodness, so much has happened since we last were together. Since my last post, I finished all my finals and wrapped up all my work at school, I said goodbye to all my friends, I packed up my room, graduated college, moved out of college, and moved back home. What a whirlwind.
Happy Graduation Day
I have been putting off this post because how does one put into words how much a place has meant to them and how much they have changed since going to college. I have completed changed since coming to college for the better. I am so much more happier and well-rounded and most importantly, confident in who I am.
When I moved into college in August of 2016, I was scared of what to expect for what college would hold. Through every semester, I learned in and out of the classroom, I gained more leadership roles, I tried new things, got involved, but most importantly, I learned a tremendous about myself.
I had professors in class who would become my bosses and greatest mentors. People who I was co-workers with have become some of my closest friends. Even individuals who I met on move in day have become my best friends.
My bestie since day one, Danielle
College is a weird thing because, you meet people from all over the country from all different walks of life and one singular place ties you all together. You spend every day walking the halls and seeing the same familiar faces and then, all of a sudden, itās graduation day and you all move on and go your separate ways. You may not see the people ever again but you are all still connected to that one place.
I wouldnāt be the person I am today, if it werenāt for my incredibly supportive family, loving friends, encouraging professors, and influential bosses and mentors. I have learned so much from the people who graduated before me and the people I had to leave behind. Iām so lucky and thankful for all the people who were a part of my college journey, whether it was from day one, two years ago, or even four months ago. Iām so glad I took every opportunity presented to me in college, whether it was for an honor society, job opportunity, or work study position. Every single experience has influenced me and helped shape me into the person I am today.
I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my family
I couldnāt be more blessed with a school that allowed me to grow and flourish and find myself, however, it makes it so much harder to leave behind. Saint Vincent College has truly become home to me and I know I will be back. Thank you to the school that has given me so much. I will never forget my time at Saint Vincent College and all the incredible things it has given me. Once a Bearcat, Always a bearcat.
What a semester it has been. It has been a few months of many lasts but some firsts too. Last weekend working, last Founderās day, last Halloween, last staff meeting, last time ever going to class and being a student. Itās a weird feeling knowing that I will never be a student again. Yet, itās also exciting that I will be starting a new journey after college.
My semester has consisted of hours studying and writing papers, working long hours, making new friends and taking adventures to get brunch or shopping, applying for jobs and interviewing, maintaining traditions with friends and through school, going through all the lasts and saying goodbye to college. I knew this semester would go by fast but I never thought that I would blink and it would be over. Whenever someone asked me how this semester has been going, I have said the same thing, āitās been busyā. That has been the honest truth, some weeks I had a full planner and pulling 16 hour days, other weekends were spent doing homework and work since my weeks were so busy. Although, this was my most challenging and busiest semester, I donāt regret a thing. I have loved everything that I have been involved in. Iām truly going to miss my time in college. My college series will conclude next week with a thank you to the place that has impacted me the most.
Now, letās recap what this semester has been likeā¦
In August, I moved back to school one last time. I went through a few weeks of training for work before classes began.
Last time at training before the year started
My classes schedule kept me very busy and it was by far my most challenging classes, but I learned a lot.
First day of senior year!
I spent Labor Day weekend by seeing the Jonas Brothers in concert which was so fun and a great way to start the year.
Seeing the Jonas Brothers was incredible
September was filled with working most weekends and all the homework. It kept me busy and I was very productive. I spent weekends getting brunch or trying new places with friends.
October brought homecoming, fall break home, and Halloween.
Homecoming with Danielle
It was so much fun to see friends old and new and celebrate fall. I finished my last weekend working which was a huge accomplishment.Ā
I kicked off fall break with a fall festHalloween with Danielle
November brought the end of the semester, Founderās Day, Light Up Night, and Thanksgiving break, which was much needed.
Last Founder’s DayLight Up Night with Danielle
Following Thanksgiving brought the last week of classes.
Last time being in my room
This last week was filled with last nights of working, presenting portfolios, my last staff meeting, and my last time ever being in class.Ā
My sweet staff planned the best surprise for my last meeting
Now, I am just finishing finals week. I canāt believe how fast my time in college has gone. I have started saying many goodbyes, knowing that I may never see some people who made a huge impact on me ever again. College is a weird thing because for four or (three and a half) years you spend all your time with people who become family to you whether they are friends, professors, advisors, or mentors and then you have to leave and start all over and move on. Iām so lucky to have found a place that makes saying goodbye so hard. On Saturday, I will graduate and although, I am very excited, I will miss this place more than I can describe. The biggest things that I have taken away from this semester is: itās never too late to make new friends, because they may become your closest ones, never give up, always push yourself even more and it will pay off, and God has a plan, once you surrender yourself to him thatās when things start to happen.
Wow, what a weekend. I went into the city on Friday night which was so much fun! I will have a full recap of a tradition that I have carried out the last several years next Tuesday to kick off the month of December. Also, just a little blog update, there will be no look of the day on Thursday, itās Thanksgiving and I am going to be spending the day with family and disconnecting for the day.
In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday and as part of my college series Iām going to do a bit of a reflection post for everything that I am thankful for this last semester of college. I have done this for the past few years. Hereās mine from my first year and hereās mine from last year. I always think itās important to reflect on all the blessings that I have in my life especially as I begin a new chapter soon. Letās begin:
–My incredible and supportive family.
I donāt know where I would be without my family. They are my biggest supporters. I know I can count on them for advice, laughs, love, and through the good times and bad. Some of my favorite memories are made at home with my parents, brothers, and dogs.
Love my boys
-My consistent friends who are always there when I need them
I am so lucky I have great friends both at home and at school. The biggest thing that I have learned this past semester is that itās never to late to make friends. Always be open to meeting new people because you never know if they will become one of your closest friends. Iām so thankful to have good friends that support me, take me as I am, and I can be myself with. I am also thankful to have them to push me out of my comfort zone, want to try new things with, and always just have a good conversation with. Iām so grateful for all the friends that I have made in college and for the ones who have become like family to me.
High school bestieCollege bestie
-My unwavering faith
I wouldnāt be here or be able to do half the things if it werenāt for my faith. When I am struggling, I always turn to God for his guidance. One of the biggest things I have learned this past year is that God has a plan for everything even if it doesnāt always make sense in the moment and when you finally surrender yourself to him and let him do his work, then thatās when the big things start to happen. I make time every day for my faith and it is so important that I make it a priority for me. I can truly do all things through God.
-Good Health
I couldnāt be more thankful for good health not only for me but also my family and friends. In a world with so much sickness and suffering I am happy I am healthy and I can do everything I want. I hope this next year brings more research to so many harmful illnesses.
–Good Education
This is my last year in school and learning, in fact I only have so many classes left. It is so crazy to think in a few weeks, for the first time in my life I wonāt be a student any more. I canāt believe it. Although, college can be stressful and challenging especially at this time of year, I am so lucky to be able to go to such a good school that is a perfect fit for me. I have truly come into my own at school. I have gotten involved with my academics and found wonderful mentors in my professors and faculty. Most importantly, I have learned so much out of the classroom too.
Early morning at school
–Good Job
I am so thankful that I have a good job at school. Although, it is stressful, I have learned so much not only about others but also myself. I can easily say that this has been of the best things that has happened to me in college. I have become more confident in this role and I have made some of my best friends through this job. I have learned so much and I will take everything what I learned and use it through my life. I am going to be deeply sad when I leave this job and friends behind.
Last year on staff
–My School
College has been on crazy ride. But I am so grateful for it all. I have made lifelong friends, gotten so involved, taken on leadership roles, joined Honor Societies and made countless memories. I learned so much about myself and the person I want to be. It wasnāt always easy but Iām so happy where I am today. I have a long post about my college experience coming soon so be on the look out for that.
This Blog
I am also super thankful for all of you who read my blog every week. This has been a passion project that I started during my freshmen year of college when I was looking for something different to do with my free time who would have thought I would still be writing today. I love sharing parts of my life with you and I am so thankful you are all on this journey with me. This has been such a creative outlet for me through college and I love being able to have this community with all of you.
This last semester and year has been filled with so many blessings, lessons, love, and memories. I have grown so much this year and I am so happy of the person I have become and the person I will be when I graduate in a few weeks. I hope you have a wonderful holiday week celebrating with your family. Be thankful for the time spent with family and friends, itās truly a special time to be with loved ones.
Hi everyone! Happy Tuesdayā¦itās my LAST, first week of school. These past few weeks have been so busy since I have been back to school, between training, learning, seeing friends, moving into my last college dorm and starting classes, it has been a whirlwind of activities.Ā Ā Am soaking it all up because I know these will be my lastsā¦last move in weekend, last training, last first day of school. This past Sunday, I took some time to reflect on starting my last semester of collegeā¦hereās my thoughts on itā¦
Senior year…here we GO!
“Itās Sunday, tomorrow is my last first day of schoolā¦EVER. Itās weird to think that after tomorrow, I will never have another first day of school. I remember my first day of Kindergarten, high school and college. All big days, and tomorrow is no less a big day. Ā I have always loved school and going to school. I loved laying out my clothes the night before, buying fresh supplies for the new year, taking the picture outside of our home, and coming home to a special treat from my mom while we shared about our first day. There is just something about the first day that brings me so much JOY and excitement! Ā I only have one more semester of college. Itās weird to think that by Christmas I will be done with school and being saying goodbye to a place that has been a HUGE part of my life story, a place where I grew, gained confidence, made lifelong friends, and created incredible memories. Thankfully, I still have a few months before I say goodbye and start a new chapter in my life.Ā
So, what does these next few months hold? Lots of classes, homework, reading, studying, working, applying for jobs, spending time with friends, crossing off college bucket lists, doing all the senior things, and celebrating milestones.Ā Ā This past week, I was at Mass and the priest shared about going all in and immersing yourself in your life and that really resonated with me. These next few months, I am going ALL IN, doing as much as I can, working my hardest, getting involved with my favorite organizations, meeting new friends, stepping out of my comfort zone, and living up my last time as a college student. I have no idea what comes after college, yes, I will be getting a job and working, but itās exciting to not know where I could end up or what I will be doing. When my friends come back to classes after Christmas, I will be working. Ā Many people have told me that your years in college will be the best time of your life, and I have to agree, I love the person I have become thanks to the people I met and the opportunities I have done while in college. I have met so many people who have shaped me into the person I am today, and this school will always hold a special place in my heart. I canāt wait to see what these next few months bringsā¦senior yearā¦Iām ALL IN!” Ā
