Colorblocking 'til the Sun Comes Out

I wore my grey skirt to work the other day because I'm so tired of wearing my dress pants. This winter has been much less fashion forward than I had hoped, so I didn't think anything of my outfit until I glanced myself in the mirror after work. I realized that I had colorblocked like crazy and it actually looked good. I must have subconsciously been looking out for myself and my lack of fashion at the time. My phone even matched the ensemble. I'm aching for spring-like weather, and to go shopping for a few new pick-me-ups for my wardrobe.

Magenta sweater: Aerie; Grey skirt with black border: H&M; Purple cardigan: H&M

You also may have noticed that my nails are painted oddly. They're red and blue from the Indians game the night before. I didn't have time to do them differently, so yolo. This Russian guy actually came in to ask a question and noticed them, so he asked if that's how everyone is wearing them now. I was kind of embarrassed haha.

The Tentative Future

Long time, no post, eh? That's because I've been waiting out this whole grad school thing, just so I could decide what announcements to make. As it were, I've officially been rejected from 7 schools.  The 8th school, University of Virginia, sent out acceptances a while ago (I've been perusing a grad school message board), so I'm not going to hold my breath. 

So, in lieu of crying and being depressed, which I haven't actually been, I'm just a bit bitter, I'm officially going to be moving forward with my Plan B. I will be attending The University of Akron for a post-bacc program in Child Life. It will end up taking me about two years, the length of a masters program, as well as a 480 hour internship. The field is relatively new, and kind of unknown, so here is a description the child life career from the Child Life Council website: 

"Child life specialists are trained professionals with expertise in helping children and their families overcome life’s most challenging events. Armed with a strong background in child development and family systems, child life specialists promote effective coping through play, preparation, education, and self-expression activities. They provide emotional support for families, and encourage optimum development of children facing a broad range of challenging experiences, particularly those related to healthcare and hospitalization. Because they understand that a child’s wellbeing depends on the support of the family, child life specialists provide information, support and guidance to parents, siblings, and other family members. They also play a vital role in educating caregivers, administrators, and the general public about the needs of children under stress. "

Working on an inpatient floor of a hospital for almost two years has shown me just how important these types of support systems can be. I'm excited to finally get a jump on my career path after sitting here, trying to get past the (seemingly) mean hierarchy of education ever since I graduated. I plan to take some general classes like anatomy and medical terminology this summer at Tri-C, to save some money and to just get going. I can't wait to expand my brain; I've been so bored. I'm also excited to defer my student loan payments.

I figure that I'll work for a few years, and get a feel for the field of Child Life. If I know in my gut that I really want to go back to speech-language pathology, I'll apply to grad school with all new grades, letters of recommendation, and views on life.

Since I'll still be here in Cleveland for at least the next two years, I applied to another part time job as an office assistant in the RAP Clinic at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital. If my research is correct, RAP stands for "recognition and prevention," in regards to mental illness in children. I'm in the market for a change, and this clinic sounds incredibly interesting.

Hopefully I'll be able to provide many more posts and updates in the near future. I'll let you know if Virginia blows this plan up and decides to accept me late in the game. And now, I'll leave you with this quote that a fellow Facebooker posted about a week ago. I feel like it really applies to me, and I'm happy to live by it:

One day she finally grasped that unexpected things were always going to happen in life. And with that she realized the only control she had was how she choose to handle them. So, she made the decision to survive using courage humor and grace. She was the queen of her life and the choice was hers! - See more at: http://purelykate16.tumblr.com/#sthash.JayJrCWn.dpufasdf

One day she finally grasped that unexpected things were always going to happen in life. And with that she realized the only control she had was how she choose to handle them. So, she made the decision to survive using courage humor and grace. She was the queen of her life and the choice was hers! - See more at: http://purelykate16.tumblr.com/#sthash.JayJrCWn.dpuf

A Month Later and Some Updates

Hello everyone! It's been exactly a month since I last blogged, so I figured it was time for an update. I finally bought a new computer last month! It's a Macbook Pro and I'm really happy with it, though I'm having some internet issues, so I might have to make a run to the Apple store.

Another new thing, I started running. Yes, you heard that right. I randomly decided that I wanted to start running and I actually like it a lot! I've only been inside on the treadmill, trying to make at least 2 miles. I'm very inconsistent in when I run and how long I actually run, compared to walking, but I always go at least 2 miles. I would like to start going more often, and I also need to look up good running technique. I can't wait till I can try running outside!

I think I want to get this tank, just because of its irony.

Though, I REALLY want to get this shirt, because Daryl.

Ah, grad school. So far, I've been rejected from three schools (LaSalle, WVU, and Old Dominion), and five more to go. I'm supposed to be getting a letter from Loyola Maryland sometime within the next few days, so hopefully it holds good news. The only school that I REALLY want to get in to is Gallaudet, so I'm hoping and praying that it works out. If not, I've done a lot of research into the Child Life program at Akron, and I've even applied non-degree, just in case.

I haven't had too much going on, so I'm sorry for lack of content or posts. I do have a few more blog request posts to do, so I'm going to try to get those going too. I'm on my way to DC early Monday morning to celebrate IS Monday with that crowd, and maybe see some cherry blossoms (doubt it).  I'm aching for spring! I just looked out of my window and there's some snow/freezing rain falling right now. I just want sun and skirts! DC's weather isn't supposed to be much nicer, so I'm just going to have to pretend for now.

All in all, I'm just sitting here waiting, trying to work some extra hours and impatiently waiting to hear from schools. So, you know, the usual. Thanks for the good thoughts everyone, hopefully I'll have some good news for you soon.

Blog Request Series #1: TV Shows to Watch

Holy crap. I just realized that I've been blogging without indenting any paragraphs. Is that a blogging faux pas, or is it acceptable in the internet world? Someone, let me know, this is a crisis!

Anyway, a couple of posts ago, I was having a whole other crisis: I was at a lack of things to write about, so I asked for requests. This is the first in a series of request posts, and I'm starting with "Which TV shows should I watch?"Over the past six months, I've been utilizing Netflix. I finally got my own account once I realized how hooked I was on these shows. I'm prone to comedies and some dramas, depending, so here's a list of my Netflix favorites:

Orange is the New Black: The hype is incredibly warranted. This show is groundbreaking, funny, heartbreaking, and it keeps you wanting more. It tells the story of Piper Chapman, an upper middle class white woman who gets sent to prison for a past of drug smuggling with her (then) girlfriend (Laura Prepon). The series not only follows Piper, but it tells the back stories of most of the inmates in the prison. I love a good back story, and believe me these stories delivered. I find myself rooting for these characters and getting incredibly invested in their lives. I found myself loving the characters I hated, rooting for those that I never thought I'd care much about, and lamenting the day that I watched the final episode. The cast is phenomenally diverse and so full of equally diverse personalities, and I can't wait for the next season (which I believe is to be released this April or June).

30 Rock: Last summer I read Tina Fey's autobiography Bossypants. Once I finished the book, she not only became my idol, but she got me instantly interested in seeing anything that came out of this brilliantly funny woman's mind. Enter 30 Rock. Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) is the head writer for The Girly Show (basically SNL) on NBC, when new boss Jack (Alec Baldwin) comes in and wants to revamp the entire show by adding a famous comedic actor/tabloid favorite, Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan). Initially, Liz hates Jack, but over the series they fall into a "mentor-mentee" relationship. The show chronicles Liz's hardships as a single thirty-something in NYC, juggling being a successful female writer, taking care of every mess that Jenna and Tracy might cause, and just wanting to sit at home and watch Dance Moms on her DVR while eating poptarts. 30 Rock also features many SNL alumni, as well as famous actors such as Paul Reubens, Matt Damon, and Oprah! The writing is HILARIOUS, and each of the characters has their own quirks that make them all favorites. Basically, Liz is every woman's spirit animal and I wish I could be like her in every way.  The celebrity guests never ceased to surprise me, and I'm seriously considering watching the series again because it's just that funny. Blerg!

House of Cards: Adam is a huge HOC fan, and he suggested that I watch it. I'm not normally a fan of dramas or shows that break the fourth wall, but I've had more than one person suggest it, so I decided to give it a try. I wasn't hooked on the first episode, but I decided to keep going and I was pulled right in. Maybe it's because Adam lives in DC now, but I feel really connected to the show since it takes place in a city that I've been frequenting. Frank is a South Carolina congressman, as well as the Democratic party whip (I've learned all kinds of government terms and positions thanks to this show). He's married to Claire, a beautiful, smart and successful businesswoman who wants nothing more than to support her husband in any way she can. Both are conniving, cunning, and striving to land Frank the ultimate job; leader of the free world. At first I was incredibly bothered by the amount of infidelity in this show, but I quickly learned that Frank, Claire, and many other characters will do whatever is necessary to get what they want. I'm constantly surprised at the way Frank handles situations and is able to predict how people will react. I also can't get over how much I like Claire; she's so eloquent, fashionable, and independent. Again, I found myself rooting for characters whom I never thought I would. I also found myself researching a lot more about the government than I ever thought I would. It's kind of hard for me to completely describe this series. It's just something you have to watch yourself because of all of the manipulation, murder, and whipping (take that how you will) that happens throughout. It constantly makes me wonder how much of it might actually happen in our real life government....

Freaks and Geeks:  I'm SO glad I decided to watch this show. Like many of the greats, it saw its end too early and lasted merely one season, only to grow a cult following years later. Freaks and Geeks chronicles Lindsey (mathlete turned "freak") and her brother Sam's (geek) experiences in high school with their friends, crushes, teachers, and parents. I've realized that I love anything that Judd Apatow writes, and this show does not disappoint. The situations are hilarious and real, the characters are loveable and laughable. This show may present the parts of high school that suck, but it also lays out the part of high school that was my favorite: the ability to cross clique lines, yet stay genuine. Not only does this series showcase awesome talent, but it's also the start of most of these people's careers. It's a star studded cast and hilarious writing, what more could you ask for? I can't sing enough praises for Freaks and Geeks. I just finished the last episode a few days ago, and I'm already itching to start watching it from the beginning again. Oh, and after you finish the series, google the reunion. It will give you all of the feels.

So there you have it, my favorite Netflix-able TV shows. This post taught me that I am no good whatsoever at writing reviews, so I'm going to try to practice. Let me know how you feel about these shows if you decide to watch them, and if you have any suggestions for what I should watch, get at me! 

Outfit Post: Trying a Sweater Trend

I try to keep up on fashion blogs, and lately I've been seeing this trend of layering a long sleeved shirt under a half or three-quarter sleeved sweater. I was sick of being in the winter fashion slump, so I decided to take the chance and try the trend for myself. I have to say, it turned out well! Besides the harsh lighting at work making the plaid visible underneath my thin sweater, I was really happy with the combination I chose. I got lots of compliments on the color, and I can't wait to try it again sometime! 

Coral Sweater: Forever 21, Plaid Button Down: JC Penny

In Need of Some Inspiration: Help!

It's been a while since I've blogged, and therefore I'm sorry to everyone who wants to keep up on my life (read: Marshall). I haven't written anything in a while because it's really just been the same old, same old. I did visit Adam in DC a couple of weeks ago, so that's new. Otherwise, I've been waiting to hear from grad schools, per my usual around this time of year. In the meantime, I took a step and got my own Netflix account; very adult of me. Thanks Nate for letting me mooch after all of this time.

I've kept up on some of my new year's resolutions in that I've been keeping a journal. Not every day, but whenever something happens, or if I just feel like writing. I'm also going to be going out dancing this Friday, Valentine's day, so that keeps up on my dancing resolution. I've been slacking on the working out and being active instead of being on the internet, thanks to Netflix and House of Cards, but I had a really good workout yesterday so I'm hoping to be much more motivated in the near future. Plus it's been REALLY cold the past few days. Can't go out in that (is what I'm telling myself)!

As you can see by the title of this post, I'm at a lack of inspiration for my recent blogging adventures. I'm pretty sure everyone is probably sick of reading about my lack of working out, my grad school woes, and my general repetitive life things, so I thought I'd ask a favor of you. Help me out and give me a prompt to write about: Ask me any question regarding my life that you might want to know about, or just ask me about anything. I'll gladly do a mini research blog. In fact, I'd like to, since my brain is so bored. I was also addicted to those Myspace and Facebook surveys back in the day, so if that's your style, I love it. You are the reader, and I'm going to cater to you. Tell me what YOU want to read about! If you want recommendations about TV, music, hobbies, anything, get at me! I'm even willing to give advice to anonymous (or non) questions! Or you could take it upon yourself  to recommend that I try something, and then I can write a response after trying said thing. I'm actually really motivated about this, so indulge me, if you will.

In the meantime, I'll be reading, hopefully working out, and watching Netflix. Until next time, dear readers! And remember, send your girlfriend (or boyfriend) flowers on Friday!

If I had known this Valentine had existed before now, I would have sent it to Adam. (Source: http://www.emilymcdowell.com/)

Praying for Spring in a Skater Dress

It's been relatively warm this week (comparatively to the polar vortex), so I decided that I wanted to pull out a dress for work! I bought two of this dress, one in blue and one in this coral color, from Express last spring, and I've gotten a good amount of use out of them. They were pretty cheap, and they're super comfy. I'm relatively sure that they're still making them. This style has an exposed zipper in the back that I, of course, didn't photograph.

For this outfit, I paired it with a long sleeve ditsy floral button down, some burgundy tights, and my riding boots. This dress has a seam at the waist and it almost needs a belt. I was in a lot of distress because I don't have a dark brown belt to match my boots, so I decided that no belt was better than a mismatched belt. I threw the cardigan over top to kind of hide the need for a belt, though I liked the outfit better with the shirt sleeves exposed. I'm definitely adding "waist belts that match my shoes" to my shopping list next time I go out.

Coral Skater Dress: Express

Floral Button Down: LC Lauren Conrad for Kohls

Brown Cardigan: JC Penney

Burgundy Tights: Old

Brown Riding Boots: Gift (JC Penney?)

I guess my style icon for the day is Jess from New Girl, because my outfit was so whimsical and girly. I can't wait for spring, so I can buy more dresses and skirts!