Every Single Update You Have Ever Wanted from Me

I have been in such a blogging slump. I haven't felt like writing one thing, and believe me, a lot has happened since December! So instead of writing four different posts, I'm just going to skim over each event that has gone on in my life, in sequential order, not necessarily order of greatness. Here we go!

1. I GOT IN TO FREAKING GRAD SCHOOL! Ok, so I haven't updated in a long time about what I was applying to grad school for. Last time I mentioned it, it was Child Life. After taking a class in child life, I felt that it wasn't for me. For the better part of two and a half years, I have been moaning, groaning, and lamenting over not getting in to grad school for speech pathology. The American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) has a journal called The ASHA Leader, which I get every month. They had an issue dedicated to the troubles of low admittance to grad programs; it explained that there aren't enough Ph.D level professors in the field to teach classes, as well as a lack of clinical placements for every student. The profession is growing at a crazy rate, and there are too many undergrad students to admit to programs that don't have enough higher level people running them. In that case, mediocre grades do not cut it, and only the top whatever percent can be lucky enough to go into a field that they love.

After this realization (more like acceptance), I decided to apply to an accelerated Early Childhood Education program at Ursuline College. It's called the Masters Apprenticeship Program and it takes place over one year, starting at the end of May. I'll take core classes during the summer, and starting in the fall I'll begin observing in the classroom, and about halfway through I'll start student teaching. It's incredibly intensive, but I'm ready to get going on my life. I was absolutely elated that I got in. I had a feeling that I would, but after so much rejection from speech graduate programs, I was almost jaded. Finally, I realized that it wasn't me, but it was just the system. I hope to become a reading teacher, or a reading specialist. Each time I think about that, I get a little sad that I'm not becoming an SLP, but maybe one day I can go back to school, once there is enough staff, and once I've proved that I can obtain a masters degree. Literacy is my second passion after all, so I know I'll be happy. I will definitely write updates about my graduate program and my progress, that's for sure!

2. I went out of the country for the first time in my life! The week before Christmas, I embarked on a Central American cruise with Adam and his parents. We were on a Royal Caribbean ship, The Navigator of the Seas, and we made port in Honduras, Belize, and Mexico! I went snorkeling, climbed Mayan ruins, and rode an ATV for the first time in my life! The trip was so fun, and I can't wait to go on my next cruise in March! I have more pictures, if you'd like me to post them, let me know!

Leaving Honduras!

Altun Ha Mayan Ruins!

3. I've started going to rowing classes at Ride and Workout in Lakewood! I'm not sure how many of you watch House of Cards (if you don't, you absolutely should), but Frank, the main character, works out not only by running, but he uses a rowing machine. The cool thing about the machine he uses is that there's actually water in it! I came upon Ride and Workout after a friend kept posting about how awesome the rowing classes were. I decided to buy a January Jump Start package, and upon my arrival my first day, I was elated to find that the rowers were exactly like the one in House of Cards! I've never used a regular rower, and I don't think I ever will. The whooshing of the water with each row makes the experience that much more enjoyable. There is teamwork in the classes, as if you're all actually rowing a boat together, and the workout makes you feel incredibly powerful. Now I know why Kate Middleton does it! I'm going to keep going, paying class by class, and hopefully I can make it a routine to at least go once a week. I also signed up for a spin class this week, so we'll see how it goes!

This is the rower we use. It's got 18 gallons of water in it!

4. I bought a new car! Well, I leased a new car. Tommy (my 2003 Mazda Protege), was rusting out pretty badly on the bottom, so my car guy told me it was time to start shopping. Thanks to my grandpa's employee discount at Chevy, I got a great deal on a 2015 Chevy Cruze! It's dark blue (blue ray metallic), it doesn't shake when I drive over 60 mph, and I'm so much more confident in it! I just want to drive it around everywhere. I've driven it for almost two weeks, and I only had to put gas in it just yesterday! I decided to name him Johnny (please separate him from Manziel), because I liked having a car whose name ended in the "e" sound. I'm a happy gal!

I'll take better pictures once the snow is gone and the salt is all washed off. This one showcases Tommy and Johnny.

Based on everything that has gone on in the past couple of months, 2015 is going to be a great year for me. If you're friends with me on Facebooks, you've probably already seen all of this; sorry not sorry! I plan to keep the updates coming and welcome any suggestions for future posts! Until next time!

My Life is Not That Pinteresting

A little while ago, I finally joined the social network of crafters, dreamers, and wedding planners: Pinterest. I have to say, I'm not as addicted to it as I thought I would be, but when I get on a roll, pinning to my favorite board "My Style and Clothes I NEEEEEED," I really can't stop. Then I sit and look at it and decide that my closet needs an entire revamping. Then I get sad about how much money I don't have, and how much moolah I would need to get my style to resemble even an inkling of how I have it on a silly internet corkboard.

They say that social media makes us feel bad about ourselves; other people post perfectly laid out and filtered photos from their "idyllic" lives and that makes us feel sub par. In reality, that's all it is, layout and filter. I follow a few fashion blogs/Instagram accounts, and one of them wrote an entire post about how her home and life looks nothing like the photos she posts. Her pictures are flawless, sunny, clean and crisp. In reality, her clothes are strewn everywhere, her desk is a mess, and her hair is in a messy bun half of the time. Pinterest gives me a tiny bit of this feeling of inadequacy, even though I know I can strive for it someday, I just want it now.

Besides inadequacy, Pinterest gives me another "I" word; inspiration! Inspiration to invest in the expensive things that will never go out of style (like this coat), and to strive toward a great, versatile  wardrobe that defines me! I've got other boards, ones that I don't really use too much, but this style board has actually made my life a little bit easier, even though I'm complaining (but just a little). I'm now able to post things to the board which I normally would have emailed to myself with the subject line "Buy This." Pinterest makes it easier on my inbox, and keeps me more organized. You know what would be more organized? If I made an entire "Coats" board, as well as a "Swimsuits" board. But hey, that's just more work for me, and definitely more time spent on Pinterest than I should be spending. Especially with grad school just around the corner ;) Knowing me, I'll do it eventually!

Here are some of my favorite pins, and feel free to check out the board and tell me what you think! It's still relatively small, but I'm sure it will double in size within a week. I can see myself in every outfit on that board, and that tells me I'm going in the right direction with this whole Pinterest thing.

Favorite New Investments

It has been quite a while since I've posted. I'm surprised because I had taken some outfit pictures a while back of what was probably my favorite outfit that I've worn to work, as well as my first Kate Spade wristlet! I'll share them now instead!

In a previous post, I mentioned that I went on a Gap shopping spree thanks to my job's rewards program. This grey blazer was a part of the purchase (as well as the navy cropped pants, last worn here). As soon as I put it on, I fell in love. It's so soft, and it has a pretty light grey striped lining that looks adorable when you cuff the sleeves. Of course, I forgot a detail picture. Oh well! A couple of weeks later, I decided that I needed some more blouses, and I had a coupon for New York & Co., so I ended up buying this flowy blue tank.

Grey Blazer: Gap, Navy Cropped Pants: Gap, Flowy Blue Blouse: NY&Co

I am SO excited about my next investment (well, technically Adam's investment). He got me a Kate Spade wristlet for my birthday! I had been hinting about it, and sent him a coupon for it, and darn it, that guy came through! It's so beautiful, and perfect for every day use. It even holds my phone! I'm waiting until I finally get my big girl job to splurge on a handbag (I'm dead set on Maise). I'm glad that my eclectic Kate Spade collection is growing! I also won a 2015 planner from a blogger on Instagram! It's gorgeous, and I can't wait to use it next year!

The wristlet is more of a coral color, but you gotta use the Instagram filters!

A more timely update, if you haven't seen it on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter: I got my hair cut! My long hair had gotten way too out of hand, so I decided to chop off about 8 inches, and go with the trendy shoulder-brushing length. I was pretty nervous, and a little emotional (sadly), but I'm so glad I went through with it! I love my hair, and I love my sister for giving me this cut!

Those are my updates! Another, that I'll write about soon, is that I've applied to grad school again, this time for something different! I can't wait to divulge! Until next time!

Apathy for Exercise

My name is Katie and I have a problem: I hate working out. Ok, I don't actually hate it, but I can't get into a routine, and I loathe that I can't do that. I find myself often getting bored while working out, and wondering when I should just be done and go back home. I also have a problem with figuring out what time I like working out best, leading to the aforementioned problem of not having a routine. Help me.

Here are some factors to take into account when trying to assist me in my pursuit of health:

1. I am a breakfast eater. I eat first thing when I wake up, and if I try to do any laborious activities before eating, such as climbing stairs or running, I start to feel lightheaded. I gotta have my pops!

2. My work hours can be inconsistent. I either start at 7 am or 3 pm, hindering a consistent routine.

3. I get bored quite quickly with exercising. Apathy all over the place.

4. I'm interested in group exercise, but not necessarily the price. I've tried, and would like to continue to do, yoga and pure barre.

5. My eating habits aren't necessarily conducive to losing weight. I have a sweet tooth out the wazoo. My portion sizes for meals are appropriate, but it's like I have a bottomless pit of a stomach when it comes to sweets.

I've gained nearly 15 pounds since graduating college, thanks to not dancing 2 or more times a week as well as having a job where I sit for up to 12 hours a day. I also can't say that I'm the most active of people on my days off (damn you, Netflix!) I want to get back into shape, but I am so apathetic about the actual exercising process that I just don't know where to start.

What kind of routine do you have that you have adapted into your life?  What helps you stay on track? Will you be my workout buddy?

Trending: Burgundy Cardigan

I've had a few really cute work outfits lately, partly because I worked 6 days in a row and didn't want to be boring, and they all have one thing in common: my burgundy cardigan from JC Penney. I didn't even realize it until I was compiling my pictures! I also realized that thanks to a recent highlight touch up, my hair looks great! So without further ado, my most recent "What I wore to work" compilation, along with "fun" titles that I think describe the outfit (because I feel like it).

Mad Men Secretary

This is my favorite outfit of the bunch, and I was definitely not going to save the best for last when it came down to it! The midi-length pencil skirt is actually a part of my work uniform that I *finally* received (not with much enthusiasm, mind you). The pants didn't fit right, so for now I'm stuck with a skirt, two shirts, and a vest. Not too much in terms of versatility, so I decided to do a little bit of incorporation (probably not really allowed, oops) and I am very happy with the outcome. Unfortunately, the skirt was damaged thanks to some sequins on my work bag (not purposefully, I swear), so I might end up having to send that one back too. I can't remember what shoes I wore with this outfit, but in all honestly it might have been my go-to Sperrys, or my new loafers that I'll show off in another outfit! Don Draper, get at me.

Brown Pencil Skirt: c/o Cintas, Blue Polka Dot Button Down: Land's End

 Whimsical Season Transitions Secretary

Apparently midi skirts are also a trend in this post. I had been really wanting to get some new midi skirts that were more neutral (compared to my bright pink Anthropologie skirt). When I went to visit Adam at home in Michigan for a few days, his mom told me she wanted to take me to this boutique that she thought I would love. So for an early birthday present, she had me pick out whatever I wanted, and I settled on this adorable ditsy flower print midi skirt. The only thing that would make it more perfect is if it had pockets, but that's okay because my cardigan does! The skirt is super flowy and comfortable, and the colors are definitely able to transition into fall. I'm 100% sure that I wore my Sperrys with this one. 

Midi Skirt: Class Act Boutique, Brown Shirt: Old

Yachting Weekend with the Kennedys Secretary

I think I look like I belong on a yacht with the Kennedys, (or Kate Middleton!) don't you? Or maybe it's just because I'm currently reading a book about them. Either way, this outfit was super nautical, and I'm totally okay with that. Thanks to my work's rewards program, I was able to redeem my points for $150 in Gap gift cards; spent it all at once, no regrets! Among my spoils, I bought these cropped navy pants during my spree, as well as a pair of incredibly comfy, black smoking shoes, which I have chosen to call loafers because I do not smoke. I've got it! Smoking hot loafers! Now how do I go about getting a patent...?

Navy Cropped Pants: Gap, Striped Boatneck Shirt: Gap Outlet

Black Smoking Hot Loafers: Gap

You done good, burgundy cardigan, you done good. Speaking of my hair (earlier), I've been wrestling with the idea of cutting it shorter for the fall, a la this:

Feel free to share your thoughts an opinions in the comments! I wish I could pull off the shorter Taylor Swift/Karlie Kloss look, but my hair will not do that and I pretty much don't want to take the time to make it do so. Until next time!

Fan Requests (AKA Marshall Requests)

In my last post, I answered 5 of 101 Thought Provoking Questions. So here are some fan request questions from that same list. Enjoy!

28. What brings you down the most often? Probably the fact that I'm still living in my childhood bedroom, working a part time job that isn't my dream job and not really getting anywhere at the moment. The fact that I can never get into grad school for speech therapy (as it were) because the process is disgustingly competitive, and because I networked in all the wrong places. I can hook you up with swing dancers all over the world, but I can't hook myself up with some connections to write me letters of recommendation for grad school. Wow that was dark.

36. If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be? Not everything will come as easily to you as you think it will. You've got to figure out how to study, work hard on applications, and put in extra effort in classes. Also, don't do your hair like that in middle and high school. And don't wear all black all the time just because you're in stage crew.

46. Do the people you love most know how much you love them? I sure hope they do. I try to tell them, and show them how much I love them. It's kind of weird, because my family isn't much of a hugging, say "I love you" all the time kind of family. Even though we don't verbalize it often, I think they still know.

82. In one word, what is standing between you and your biggest goal? I'm trying to decide between "grades" and "institution." Also, "money."

99. What do you enjoy doing over and over again? With my lack of going out dancing, I've found that I truly love going to a dance after months and rediscovering how much I love it and how the music and moves still flow right through me. I may get a little rusty, but that muscle memory is still there. It happens almost every time I go dancing, since I've been taking breaks from it so often. I also enjoy going to Kelley's Island over and over again. It's not the most exciting place on Earth, but I truly love it.

Sorry that a majority of this post revolved around my inability to get into grad school for speech, but I suppose that's how it panned out. In my next post, I'll actually be addressing that exact topic! Now it's time for me to go back and forth with myself, trying to decide if I should go swing dancing tonight. Until next time, friends. 

Me too, Ryan. Me too.

Thought Provoking Questions

A website that I subscribe to sends me an email every Sunday called "Sunday Inspiration." In it are about 15-20 links for interesting articles, advice columns, and things to try. One of the links from today was called "101 Thought Provoking Questions." I opened it and immediately realized that I had found the cure to my blog writers block. I've got a few updates to give you guys, but I'll do that in another post. For now, I decided that I'm going to answer a few of these thought provoking questions (no not all 101!).

12. Have you made any recent acts of kindness? This one actually just happened yesterday. I was taking the Rapid to meet some friends downtown for the Tribe game (winners!). They were doing track work between my stop and the next, so we had to take a bus between the two. I ran into some out-of-towners who were also heading to the game, and they had no idea where to go/what to do. I basically took them under my wing and rode with them all the way downtown, then showed them how to get to the stadium. 

65. What makes life easier? Being happy, and not stressing so much about the little things. You've got to focus on the little things that make you content, instead of the little things that bring you down, and take them in. A sense of humor also helps, a lot. 

71. When was the last time you tried something new? On Thursday, I went to the gym with my sister and her boyfriend Nick. I ran on the treadmill for 2 miles, and Nick and Alyse did strength training. After my run, Alyse called me over and asked if I would bench press just the bar. I figured I haven't before, so why not? You wouldn't think a bar would weigh that much, but after that run, I was so worn out! My arms were shaky, and I was lifting so unevenly. Needless to say, I don't think I'll be benchpressing again any time soon.

81. If you could choose to have no more challenges or obstacles in life, would you? This one is hard, because it would be great if life would go exactly as I wanted it to. If I could get straight in to grad school, have enough money to pay my loans, anything. Yeah, life would be easier, but I don't think I would really learn much. I think my sense of responsibility and even my sense of empathy wouldn't be what it is. The challenges suck, but as cliche as this sounds, they really have made me who I am.

87. What could you pay more attention to in life? I think I could pay more attention to detail. I like to get my work done quickly, and I'm so sure of myself that I figure it's all right and I can turn it right in. As I've learned lately, that's not always the case. In my job, I pay a lot of attention to detail, but in my own work, I tend to slack on that part. I also think I need to pay more attention to what people tell me. I feel like I'm a good listener, but my retention isn't quite up to par. Oh, and nature. I think I've been taking nature for granted over the past 14 years. My papa used to take us hiking, fishing, and just experiencing life outside. I don't really do that anymore, and I've almost lost my appreciation for it (besides flowers of course).

These were just the few questions that I felt calling to me. If you see any on the list that you want me to answer, feel free to comment on this post with the number and the question! Now, I challenge you to answer some, or all of them, about yourself. Share your answers in the comments, and I'll be posting again soon!