Pay It Forward

I was recently invited on facebook to 'Pay it Forward' on Wednesday, December 1st. This entails doing at least one random act of kindness or good deed for someone in hopes that they will share the kindness and spread some joy to someone else. A random act of kindness really does go a long way, and this is the perfect time of year to do so. It really is amazing what one small gesture can do. I am proudly joining the 301,868 participants paying it forward tomorrow. It doesn't really matter what day you do this, but I just think it's very important to pay it forward. After all, you may be a recipient of this kindhearted act one day when you need it most.

Thanksgiving

It was just as great as I anticipated! Here's a few pictures from the fun-filled weekend.

Thanksgiving dinner. Yum!



Dad and his favorite daughters (and me sporting my new hair color... what do you think?!)



My sister is hosting a tacky holiday sweater party this upcoming weekend, so we were trying on some of the sweaters.



Hope everyone's Thanksgiving was just as good as ours! Love, love, LOVE the holidays!!

Black Friday

I know you get the best deals and all that, but I just don't think it's worth it! I think I've went shopping on Black Friday maybe twice in my life, and it was such a horrible experience that I refuse to go again. It is just insanity! As a middle-schooler, we made a fun trip out of staying the night in the Walmart parking lot (in a car, but moved to the front of the store as a line was forming at 3 am). That experience with my cousins and aunt was a fun one, but the shopping itself I wasn't a fan of. As a young girl, I got pushed, shoved, hit by shopping carts and nearly trampled. People just go crazy over sales! I cannot stand the ridiculously large crowd and the long lines. But good luck to those brave enough to endure this chaotic shopping day. While you're doing this,



I'll be relaxing with my family, eating leftovers and drinking some wine :)

Pure bliss

I simply cannot express how excited I am to not only being spending Thanksgiving with my family, but have nearly an entire week off of school and work - yes with absolutely nothing to worry about! It's like I'm living in a dream, I forgot what this whole free time thing feels like :)

I am so excited about this upcoming week's festivities! As a new tradition that started last year while I was gone, my sister is hosting Thanksgiving here in Sac. My parents will travel down on Wednesday, staying at my place until Sunday. I'm so happy to host them! And we have a fabulous few days planned out.

Wednesday - Happy hour with the parents :) followed by pie night at my house. Two of my most favorite things in one day, drinks and pie... it will obviously be a great time!

Thursday - Thanksgiving! The whole family will go to my sister's house for the day, where we'll enjoy her fabulous dinner.

Friday - Relax/Family bonding sesh/Game day. We'll probably head to my sister's place again to hang out all day with no distinct plans.

Saturday - Wine tasting with the fam!

Now if all that doesn't sound like a great time, I don't know what does! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Thankful

Since Thanksgiving is right around the corner (which btw, I am SO excited for!), I thought I'd mention those things in my life that I am most thankful for.


FAMILY - I absolutely love my family, and couldn't have asked for a better one! I have more of an appreciation for them after being so far from and not seeing them for an entire year. I am so thankful that I am able to spend the holidays with them this year. Even though last year was fabulous as I spent Thanksgiving in an Irish pub (okay not that great) and Christmas swimming in the ocean and on the beach of the Canary Islands in Spain (yes, that great!), nothing can beat spending quality time with those you love during this time of year. I wouldn't trade this Thankgiving or Christmas for anything!


FRIENDS - I have the best friends! I have a variety of great friends that are all so different; I have old friends, new friends, friends that live close, friends that live on different continents, friends that I see on a daily basis, friends that I see once a year, friends with personalities just like mine, and friends that differ from me tremendously. Even though all my friends are different and unique in their own special way, they are all amazing and I'm so lucky to have them. The older I get the better I am able to distinguish the acquaintainces from the friends and the good friends from the great friends. And I wouldn't trade them for anything.


MY EDUCATION - There is a high possibility that I am thankful for my education because I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I am, nonetheless, thankful for it. In my five years of college (ahem... yes, super senior over here!) I have gained an unmeasurable about of knowledge in not only that which I study, but in life as well. Not only am I better prepared for the workforce and life in general, but I have grown to enjoy and appreciate learning. It was just the other day that I sat in class thinking about how I was going to miss my favorite classes and how much I learn from them every day.


OPPORTUNITIES - "A window of opportunity won't open itself."

I have had so many opportunities and as I am nearing graduation, I am so thankful for all of the opportunities ahead of me. Right now my biggest challenge is finding out what type of career I want to pursue and where. Even though this is a huge decision ahead of me, I am truly lucky to be facing this positive stressor. I honestly believe I will find the job that is perfect for me. I have confidence that within the next few years I will be successful and happy with whatever I choose to do. I do believe that all my hard work and dedication over the years has led me to these opportunities, but I've also been fortunate enough to have a good support system along the way. (Let's hope I maintain this optimism throughout this recession and discouraging application process)

Warning for Sac State Women

Five women have been sexually assaulted on the Sacramento State campus this semester. The police have only identified one suspect and have little knowledge in the remaining four cases. Most of these assaults have occurred in parking structures throughout the school. Be alert and aware of your surroundings, and make sure that there are always others around.

:(

Today is a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day :(



Let's hope for a better one tomorrow!