christmas cheer.

There’s no denying my love for this holiday season. And I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t love Christmas day, or the day after when my mom’s side of the family all celebrates together. Those days are spent with my very favorite people doing some of my very favorite things—eating, playing board games, taking naps, giving presents, laughing, etc. I am beyond excited to return home in a few days and kick-off all of the festivities, yet this year I have found that I really enjoy all of the hustle and bustle leading up to the holidays. Decorating the tree, buying a red-cup Starbucks Peppermint mocha before hitting the mall, wrapping presents, spending time with friends, and so much more. Here are a few snapshots of my holiday fun…

Happy Holidays!

xoxo—K

searching for silver linings.

Some things these past few weeks have been weighing heavily on my heart. I am grateful to be blessed with the opportunity to do work that is very rewarding at times. Yet, like most rewards, they don’t come easily. There are hardships, too. And while I try my best to remain positive and view that fictional glass half-full, sometimes I can’t help but letting the gray gloom roll in every now and then.

I have a friend whose loved one is battling cancer. Another who is dealing with crime in her neighborhood. I’ve personally dealt with violence in my community recently. There was another shooting at Virginia Tech yesterday. Two people were found dead in a restaurant parking lot of my hometown this week. My sister is tutoring an adorable 5-year-old boy who is fighting off a nasty, childhood cancer. I hear new sad stories of my underprivileged youth that I work with far too often.

All of these things do make me more grateful for all of the many blessings I have in my life—for my health, devoted family, steadfast group of friends, car, apartment, food to fuel my body, money in my bank account (no matter how little), big warm bed, and SO, SO much more.  More than anything though, these things just make me sad. The kind of sadness that makes your heart sink and your eyes well with tears. The kind that stops you in your busy tracks just long enough to offer up a small prayer of hope for all of the stories, the people, the faces that have caused this sadness in the first place.

It’s then, in that moment of prayer, that I too ask for the strength to help these people. To do what I can to make a small change, a minute difference. I try to be a sounding board to my close friends who are struggling. I send them cards. I tell my sister I’m proud of her. I search for a level that I can connect with my students on. I give them my trust, and my respect. I show up each week so that they gain some consistency and reliability in their lives.

This doesn’t always feel like enough. The gloom is steady like the ocean tide, washing in and over me, and then rolling out slowly, with the promise of returning again soon.  I’ve accepted this is as a fact of life. But I have decided on endeavoring all that I can to improve the tide, to not let the gray waves crash hard into our shores, but rather roll in slowly, expectedly. Also, I want to do all that I can to create more days of sunshine between the dark days. And to bottle up some of the sunshine while it’s here and sprinkle it around the people I love, to lighten and lift their hearts just when they need it the most.

Here’s to discovering life's concealed silver linings.

xoxo—K

Update via iPhone photos..

It's been too long since my last post, so I decided to stroll through these past few weeks through photos in my iPhone.


Thanksgiving morning Turkey Trot 5k run with my whole family, including my lovely sister who was in from Virginia.

Ended Thanksgiving with a family round of Buzz Word, while my brother's dog Andy snoozed on Grandma's lap.

Friends came to visit after Thanksgiving and provided lots of laughs as usual.

My roommate and I decorated our first official appartment Christmas tree. I was unsure of the fuschia/ice blue/silver color scheme at first, but now I am loving it!

Roommate found an online Chipotle recipe, so last Sunday when I was craving it, we hit the grocery store and made our own!

Absolutely delicious outcome.

Purchased this fab headband from a college friend who is selling them this holiday season to raise money to send Christmas presents to a girl she sponsors in Africa. Love headbands, love good causes--win win!

xoxo--K

diverse palette.

I am finding it strange, the variety of things or people that I am thankful for. But I guess that shows a little diversity in my life and heart, and I’ll take that as a good sign. I hope. So continuing this week..

Monday, November 14: I am thankful for Gossip Girl. This show is my ultimate guilty pleasure, and brings me more joy than I should openly admit currently. But, what can I say, it’s a nice to escape my lackluster life for an hour each week, and peak into the world of the Upper East Side’s most fabulous elite. And did I almost forget to mention the hunks? Oh, the ridiculously good looking studs that grace the screen of this show make it worth watching week after week, regardless of the often over-dramatic, juvenile story lines.

Tuesday, November 15: I was elated and so thankful today to receive an e-mail from a student telling me that her class was cancelled for the week so she had some free afternoons she’d like to utilize at my tutoring and mentoring program. Most college kids would utilize these afternoons curled up in bed in their sweat pants napping, but not this girl. I like to think this is a good indication of her enjoyment and dedication to my program, and for that I am beyond thankful.

Wednesday, November 16: I am thankful for the joy of cooking placed upon my roommate and I. Truly, I have enjoyed trying new recipes and indulging in delicious homemade treats with her each week. Wednesday’s dinner was this delicious pan of homemade chicken fried recipe..

Thursday, November 17: I am thankful for a boss who I cannot only look up to as a professional, but who I also consider a friend. What a joy it is to share an office and time with her each week.

xoxo-K

weekend wrap-up.

I have been out of town for a few days at an AmeriCorps conference, so I apologize, yet again for my complete negligence. It’s almost been a week since my last post, and I’ve had a lot of things to be thankful for over the past few days. So, let’s get right down to it…

Wednesday, November 9: I am thankful for this little bit of Indian Summer that appeared in Western Pennsylvania this month. Fall is beautiful, especially with a sunshine backdrop. Check out this fab photo I snapped on campus…

Thursday, November 10: I am thankful for the group of 14 other Pennsylvania Campus Compact AmeriCorps VISTA’s that I met up with on Thursday at a conference retreat. These selfless people are always there via text messages or our F-book group to inspire the rest of us to surge on, or to simply lend a listening ear whenever a glitch occurs in one of our programs. It was great to spend some time with these like-minded individuals, and to share many laughs with them too.

Friday, November 11: I am thankful for my sister, Kelly. Though, I’ve always hated to admit it, I have always looked up and aspired to be just like her. She’s been a fabulous role model, and I’ve always been proud to be her little sissy. Her sarcasm and whit often cuts you like a knife, but it is also one of the reasons we all love her. Can’t imagine where I would be without her.

Saturday, November 12: A little less heartfelt, but important to me nonetheless, I am thankful for my first Starbucks red cup of the season. Loved receiving my caramel latte in this cup on Saturday, and with each sip, I felt as though I was drinking in a little more Christmas cheer.

Sunday, November 13: My family and I celebrated my Great-Grandma’s 100^th birthday on Sunday. She actually turns the BIG 1-0-0 on Friday, but we celebrated with a party at her assisted-living home a bit early. Therefore, I am thankful for my Great Grandma Dabbs and her daughter, my Grandma Livingston. I can only hope and pray that I receive some of their wonderful genes. My Great Grandma has been blessed with a long life, and a sharp, comedic personality. And my Grandma Livingston is healthy, kind, and the rock of the Livingston family. Love them both. Here is a photo snapped at the party of my Grandma and I..

xoxo—K

photo-filled weekend.

I enjoyed a weekend filled with bliss with some of my very favorite people, and for that I am extremely thankful. And, I am still floating a long even as the week progresses, thanks to such a great weekend. Nothing better than that. So without further ado, my thankful list..

Saturday, November 5: I am thankful for my positively fabulous friends. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, there is nothing more wonderful or special than an old friend. And on Saturday, I was so thankful to have spent my entire Friday night, and even early morning hours of Saturday with old friends doing one of my favorite things—eating. And eat we did, as you can see here..

The whole night I just kept thinking how true it was that, “In the end, you always go back to the people who were there in the beginning.” Love my friends.

Sunday, November 6: I am thankful for the two tickets my grandfather gave me to attend the Steelers vs. Ravens game. Though it was an upsetting ending, I am thankful for the opportunity to see it live, experience the contagious Steeler Nation energy, and for my time spent with my absolute oldest friend.

Monday, November 7: How could I not be thankful for this sunshine? Thank you daylight savings for at least brightening up my traffic-filled Monday morning commute.

Tuesday, November 7: I am thankful that a student volunteer of mine blogged about how much she enjoyed her experience in my program. I am so proud of all of the students who are committing themselves to my tutoring program, but my heart especially swells whenever I hear how much they are enjoying it. 

xoxo-K

infinite.

Happy Friday!

I feel as though this week flew, mainly because I have been pretty busy which I love. I’ve been feeling very nostalgic as of late, which is why I thought I’d share this “blast from the past” today.

November 4: I am thankful for this experience…

This photo was taken in Venice, Italy in October of 2009, just a little over two years ago. We were vacationing in Italy for the week of our fall break while studying abroad in London. These people were my family for those three and a half months abroad.  My experience would not have been half as amazing without them by my side. This night in particular is one I will never forget, and most outsiders will never understand. It was ours. And this photo only reminds me of one thing, a quote from Perks of Being a Wallflower...

“..and in that moment, I swear we were infinite.” —Stephen Chbosky

xoxo-K

giving thanks.

“It is good to be just plain happy. It’s a little better to know that you are happy; but to understand that you’re happy, and to know why and how and still be happy—to be happy in the being and the knowing—well, that is beyond happiness, that is bliss.” –Henry Miller

That Miller quote really stopped me in my tracks today. It is basically the whole basis and reasoning as to why I started this little blog spot of mine. I’ve always been a generally happy person. God has blessed me with such fabulous people and life experiences to really have no excuse to be anything but happy. But this idea of bliss, well that’s what has really had me thinking these last few months. To be honest, it has become one of my favorite words. And the idea of working each day to achieve it has been a task I am willing to fight to achieve. This quote, well, it sums it up just perfectly in my opinion. Because, while we may all have a reason or two to be happy (I hope), I think that recognizing and being conscious of how, where, why, and who that happiness comes from, that is the goodness that can send you right into a blissful state.

Ok, just thought I’d share. To be honest, I couldn’t resist sharing. But anyways, since it is November, shocking I know, I thought I’d change things up a little bit on here. While I am not a big fan of Halloween, hello, I stayed home and baked all weekend, I am a big fan of Thanksgiving. Not simply because mashed potatoes and stuffing are two of my top 5 favorite foods, but also because I adore the idea of giving thanks for all of the various things we are grateful for. My darling older sister kept a “Thankful Journal” for numerous years, where each day she wrote down one thing she was grateful for that day. I admired her for it then, and even now, this idea of a blog also somewhat stemmed from her years of thankful journaling. And while I jokingly tell most people that though I love my sister, I’ve spent most of my life hopscotching around her footsteps rather than following in them, this time, just for this month, I’d like to walk in them for a while. Worth trying once, right?

So anyways, in the spirit of Kelly and Thanksgiving, I would like to just write out one thing each day that I am thankful for in the month of November. As always, I will need to recap a bit, seeing as it is already November 3!...

Tuesday, November 1: I was so thankful that a new student volunteer of mine actually asked me to stay LONGER than our tutoring time. She was so dedicated to helping a high school student with his work that she just could not leave until he had succeeded. This gesture totally warmed my heart.

Wednesday, November 2: Not quite as inspirational, but I am thankful for my DVR. Seriously, I don’t know what my evenings would look like if I didn’t have that wonderful invention to fill my time.

Thursday, November 3: So extremely grateful for my family and friends. My parents could not be more supportive people, and one of my best friends sent a very sweet e-mail my way. They are all so fabulous and I am thankful for each of them every single day.

xoxo--K

a quick recap.

Oh my goodness has it been awhile. I really should change the name of this blog, because I am clearly having a hard time updating it daily. With my new iPhone app obsession though, I recently downloaded Evernote, and I think I should begin creating daily to-dos on there, along with my weekly post-it note to-dos. When does one begin spending too much time creating to-dos rather than completing to-dos? I feel like it’s a fine line I am about to cross, but as usual I digress. Anyways, my absence from this “Daily Dose” does not mean that my life has been lacking any bliss.

Last weekend, I enjoyed one of the best weekends I’ve had in a while, at my cousin Jeremy’s wedding. There are 12 grandchildren on my mom’s side of the family ranging from 26 to 7 yrs. old, and Jeremy is the second oldest, but first to tie the knot. Growing up, it was always strange to me to hear friends talk about how they were dreading spending time with their “annoying cousins” during the holidays or at a family function. For me, I have always looked forward to, and usually counted down the days to when I get to see my cousins next. The group of us has always been close, so I loved spending a weekend with them all at Jeremy’s wedding. Not to mention the fact that weddings, in general, are always filled with contagious forms of bliss. Here’s a pic of my whole immediate fam, along with one of the siblings and I..

On Sunday, after partaking in a large family brunch, I said my goodbyes to my favorite people and to Pittsburgh. I flew to Philadelphia that afternoon for a work conference downtown. The conference was called the Youth Service Institute and was put on by Youth Serve America (YSA). This is my second work conference in Philadelphia within a few months, and I have to say, I am feeling the brotherly love. I’ve enjoyed my time in the city, and even enjoyed these conferences. It is nice to be in a room filled with like-minded individuals all working toward a similar goal, yet in different outlets and states. Humbling and inspiring all at the same time. An added bliss while in Philadelphia? My good friend Christina recently moved this summer to Princeton, NJ, conveniently located only about 45 minutes from the city. Therefore, she swooped me up from the hotel last Tuesday night and we enjoyed a delicious Italian dinner a few blocks away. As I paid the parking kiosk $6 for a 3 hour stay outside of the restaurant, we both said to each other, “Oh, that is plenty long enough.” We should have known, though, that we would be chatting long enough to flirt with that 3 hour ending time. Two and a half hours later, we returned to the car, and I returned to my hotel happy and refreshed. It is so comforting catching up and talking to someone who has known you for so many years, and completely understands you for who you are.

Other than that, this weekend I enjoyed a day off on Friday! Which, I used to do some work e-mailing and to scrub my entire apartment. I really don’t know who I have become as of late, but somehow, someway, I am slowly turning into a domestic goddess of some sort. It frightens me, yet pleases me all at the same time. To continue this domestic-ness, I also found bliss in cooking new recipes this weekend, including this delicious one featured below...Mini apple pies!

Take care.

xoxo-K

indulge.

As I mentioned in my last post, I unfortunately have begun to feel the strain of age on my body and mind. When I return home from work each evening, I immediately change into pajamas. This proves that I never, unless it is a quick run to the grocery store, go anywhere or do anything after work.  At age 22, it is pathetic, I know. But, I have always told everyone that sleep is my number one priority in life. It trumps most things. So yes, I may appear lazy, but my relationship with my REM cycle is solid, and I am all about maintaining healthy relationships. However, there are just a few simple things that I enjoy doing between work and sleep: 1. Eating dinner and 2. Watching T.V. After my fabulous but tiring homecoming weekend, followed by a late night concert on Monday, my body was aching, literally begging for the couch on Tuesday. So that is just what I did. I found my nook in the couch, curled up with my favorite blanket, indulged in a seriously delicious Skinny Cow Caramel Truffle treat and enjoyed a blissful evening with my lover, the T.V.

On Wednesday, though I did basically the same thing after work, I was able to force myself to the grocery store to pick up a few items for dinner. My roommate and I have enjoyed cooking dinner in our new apartment, and with a recent obsession with Pinterest, we have begun discovering some mouth-watering recipes. So, last night we decided to be adventurous and try two of them. Let me tell you—you should seriously begin calling us Wolfgang Puck and Emeril because this meal was heavenly. And as a foodie, I was entirely stuffed to the brim with bliss over our two creations. Here they are, though I wish you could taste them…

                                                 Mini zucchini pizzas

                                             Pesto Mozzarella bread

xoxo--K

sweet silver lining.

            This weekend wore me out. My night owl tendencies are slowly slipping away from me as I descend further and further into the dark pit of adulthood. I used to (maybe still do) make fun of my mom’s 9-10p.m. bedtime, but nowadays I find myself creeping toward that pillow earlier and earlier. So doing the whole college thing again where you don’t go to bed before 2a.m. was a little rough on my old bones this weekend. Because of that exhaustion, I was not exactly happy that I planned to go to a concert with friends on a Monday night in the city. I was yearning for my pj’s and bed directly following work, but of course decided to suck it up and join them as planned instead.

            We all were going to see Kate Voegele and Parachute in concert. I am a bigger Kate fan than Parachute for sure, but left there with a Parachute t-shirt, because they definitely started winning me over last night. My friends and I have been Kate fans through college because we all shared the guilty pleasure of watching One Tree Hill together. And I am talking A LOT of One Tree Hill together. Kate stars on the CW show as Mia, a musician, where she plays her real life music in countless episodes. She is adorable, and extremely talented. Her show did not disappoint what so ever. And neither did Parachute’s.

            Highlight of the night? After picking up some Kate Voegele/Parchute swag we were given snazzy wristbands that permitted us to meet Kate after the show! She was super sweet, adorable, and down to earth. Best of all—we even were able to snap a photo with her. Though, it turned out super fuzzy because of lighting/silly iPhone effects. Regardless, it was a blissful evening with Kate, and as always, with my fab friends. 8p.m. bed time tonight though FOR SURE.

Enjoy some pics below…

xoxo--K

nostalgia.

              So, it happened. I cried. Sometimes one of my best friends and I like talk about how we are going through a Cameron Diaz phase. And this doesn’t mean that we are curled up in bed only watching “Something About Marry”, or “My Best Friend’s Wedding” and gawking over the fabulous Cam. Rather, this means that we are feeling a bit like Cameron’s character in “The Holiday.” Meaning, we feel that desire deep down that we need a good, solid cry, but for whatever reason we just can’t do it. The tears just won’t show their face. So last week I was telling my one friend that I felt a bit like Cameron with a need to cry, but the inability to make it happen. On Friday though, I was right, those tears decided to come out and play the second I got off the highway exit on my way to homecoming weekend. I’ve never been as surprised by the immediacy of tears as I was in that very moment. But my oh my did it feel good to let it all go. Whatever “it” even was.

            Honestly, I think I was just entirely overwhelmed at the thought of spending the weekend at my old stomping grounds. However, it was all fabulous. Unfortunately, my time together at my second home with my second family went way too fast. But, time usually has a way of doing that. The whole weekend was entirely blissful though, and one I am extremely thankful for. See, isn't this a happy picture?---

xoxo--k

i'm coming home.

(Disclaimer: This was supposed to be Friday's post, but I saved it as a draft instead of posting, so here it is now...)

I’m becoming a bit of an i-Phone addict. I switched over from my Blackberry to an iPhone last spring, and it has been a love affair ever since. Though I liked my B-berry (as I called it), I was never one of those “Crackberry” people, constantly holding it between my two hands while my fingers worked ferociously to respond to every text message, answer every e-mail. My iPhone however, well, that little guy is attached to my hips. And, I hate to say it, but I am becoming slightly addicted. My newest iPhone obsession is searching for cool new apps to dress it up with. My latest favorite is Hipstamatic, a super fabulous photo app that allows you to change up your lens, and photo effects. And my new favorite muse for this Hipstamatic app is my workplace. There is just something so beautiful about a college campus in the fall. And, Hipstamatic’s sweet editing features only make it appear more breathtaking. Check out these shots I snapped yesterday..

Totally beautiful, right? So, yesterday I found a little bliss tucked away in each corner of this beautiful Washington & Jefferson College campus. Yes, I may have looked like a crazy person trying to juggle my lunch box, coffee travel mug, purse, keys, and tote bag, while snapping pics on my way to my car. And yes, students on campus may have thought I was a bit creepy and trying to take their photo, but I don’t mind. These pictures are gorgeous and remind me why I love autumn, and just how lucky I am to work in such a beautiful setting.

So speaking of beautiful college campuses, this weekend is homecoming at my alma mater (feels old to call it that), Westminster College. Frankly, I could not be happier about this. Four years ago, in one of the most irrational, anxiety-ridden moments of my life, I became a Westminster Titan. At the time, I was a complete and utter mess over it. I was bitter, I saw the glass empty, not even half-empty, I’m talking completely bone-dry-not-a-drop-of-goodness-left empty. I second guessed my decision entirely. Until one day, something snapped. I do not recall when it happened, or really why it happened. But for some reason, I was happy again. My heart opened up, and Westminster completely filled it. Heck, it overflowed it. The professors, the friends, the activities, the clubs, the dorm rooms, the bells, the trees, the squirrels, the smell, the kindness. If Westminster is one thing—it’s kind. How is a campus kind, you ask? I still haven’t quite figured it out, but it is something I am certain of. I guess you just have to experience it yourself to understand.  

Today, I get to return to my second home. I get to laugh with my second family again. I get to embrace the kindness all over again. And for that, I am filled over the top with bliss today. I haven’t been to Westminster since May 21, my graduation day. Honestly, I think that I might burst into tears at the sight of the exit off of the highway as I drive up there today after work. I know that on Sunday I will leave there with a large pain of nostalgia, but my heart will also be full. Full from my favorite people, favorite things, and one of my favorite places. 

Overall, I am feeling pretty blessed today to be spending my work day on this gorgeous campus, and to be spending the weekend at the one that stole my heart first.  

retail therapy.

From the time I was a little girl, my mother raised me to be a shopper. I cannot even explain to you the amount of times my mom, sister and I have set out on a shopping day and returned home with a car filled with bags. My poor, poor father. My poor, poor father’s wallet is more like it. Now, I don’t know if it’s the comfort of knowing that this is a talent given to me by my mother, or just the simple act of being selfish and purchasing things for myself, but I find quite a good amount of comfort in shopping. As I’ve gotten older, I have begun to enjoy and savor shopping all alone. Particularly, shopping at Target alone.

There’s just something about Target that makes me want to walk around endlessly inside of it for hours. It’s therapeutic for me--the act of walking through each section, perusing each shelf, knowing each end-cap discount aisle, running my fingers over each shirt on the 50% off rack. Some go to therapy once a week to help them mentally feel better—I go to Target. To each their own, right?

So yesterday after work I drove straight to Target. My heart kind of let out a little sigh of relief when I pulled into the parking lot. It needed it. I needed it. And my closet, well, it definitely needed those 2 tops and a sweater that I purchased there. The trip was a success, and I definitely left there with a smile on my face.

xoxo--K

you spin me right round.

Again, I apologize for the neglect. With a bout of Vertigo caused by an inner ear infection, my life has been spinning, literally room and all, for the past few days.  I know that is no excuse, and I promise to at least make the effort to keep this daily dose more of a daily thing. Like most things in my life, it is all a work in progress and all I can really do is try. So without any further rambling apologies, let’s recap, shall we?

Friday was well, Friday, and to be honest it was the end of what seems like a very long tunnel that was last week. After work, however, the promise of a wonderful weekend began. There was pep in my step, and money in my bank account to spend. So, on my way home from work I stopped at one of my favorite places to peruse—The Drug Store. Rite Aid, Walgreens, you know it—I’m there. I don’t know what it is about a drug store, but I could spend an hour or two in there just rummaging the shelves, and spending way too much money. So I left there with a few new necessities: Sally Hansen Petal Pusher nail polish, new Revlon peach-colored lipstick, and a new pack of clear hair elastics. I think the attractive pull to drug stores for me is that typically, with each purchase, I am buying something to enhance myself. Not to change myself completely, or try to hide anything (minus concealer), but to enhance. To enhance my God given features. And what is so funny about that is the fact that using tools to enhance my outsides, tend to make my insides feel so much prettier. And on Friday, that was how I found bliss in the confines of that store, enhancing my inner and outer beauty.

On Saturday, I was blissfully happy with a few good friends, a trip to the Tanger outlets, and to a small mum/pumpkin patch. It was a truly gorgeous October day, and we had a truly glorious autumn-activity-filled day. Including, but not limited to, laughs, leaves, pumpkins, mums, mumkins, apple cider+rum drinks, crock pot roast and veggies, and much much more.  Check it out here:

                                                                           Mumkin!

On Sunday, I celebrated my brother Cory’s 24^th birthday with some family. His b-day is actually today (Have a good one, Cor Cor!), but my aunt from D.C. was in for a visit so she and my Grandma, along with Cory, Nicole, and myself all met up at my parent’s house for some delicious food and of course birthday cake. Sometimes I wish I could use a cookie cutter and create the same days over and over again. And this was certainly one of them. I think all Sundays should be spent this way, with good food, good family, good fun, and a totally blissed out time.

Monday, was, well, slightly manic. With a long day of work and a completely disoriented Kate (thanks, Vertigo), my day was a bit of a mess on Monday. However, I did manage to find my way to the school I am helping out in, and had the privilege of working with an eleventh grade boy with his algebra homework. I haven’t taken algebra in (GASP!) 5 years, but I tried my best to help. Best of all, he tried his best too! On his way out, this somewhat of an “authority experimenter” boy told his teacher that he needed to pay attention in class more because he enjoyed how (GASP!) smart he felt. The kid felt smart. I helped the kid feel smart. He WANTED to pay attention next class. He WANTED to keep feeling smart. He WANTED to learn. WANTED to try. I couldn’t have been happier (unless of course, maybe, if the room hadn’t been spinning). But my bliss that day did not come from my own satisfaction, but rather from the look of gratitude that his teacher gave me. She offered, “You don’t know what you just did for him.” But all I kept thinking on my walk out of the school and for the rest of the day was, “He doesn’t know what he just did for me.”

Tuesday involved a trip to Med Express for my Vertigo diagnosis and some meds to help eliminate it all. From there, I took a sick day from work and spent the rest of the day sleeping away in my super comfy bed, pictured here:

Though, it was not the best of circumstances, my day spent in bed was just what the doctor ordered, and it was decently blissful, too.

Until next time. xoxo—K.



feeling blessed.

It’s been a busy week for me, but for some reason I feel like time has been moving slowly. But I am beginning to realize that though it is common to wish for the work week to move quickly so that the weekend comes faster, these passing weeks leave me feeling like my life is stuck in fast forward. As a person who is terrified of change, I find a lot of comfort in routines. My roommate just witnessed my “teeth brushing routine” for the first time the other night and was dumbfounded. It’s weird, I’m weird, but I just can’t help finding so much solace in knowing the steps of each of my days. In that sense, I am my father’s daughter, and he is also the one who taught me this Dixie-cup-dipping-teeth-brushing routine.  Thanks, padre.

On Wednesday, however, I added a new step to my morning routine, and I have to say, it has been awfully blissful. Usually, I set my morning alarm for 7:15a.m. in hopes of pulling myself out of bed no later than 7:30. Ok, more like 7:35 but really, who’s counting? I’ve never in my life been a morning person, so even the reasonable 7:15 start time can be rough for my body and me. But, this Wednesday, I changed it up, opting for a 6:57 and 7:01a.m. alarm set. (Did I mention that I can’t set my alarm on even numbers, unless it ends in 4? Lord, help me find a man who can accept my many quirks.) Anyways, this earlier start has been blissful, but only for one reason--Cory Matthews.  Yes, it’s true, I set my alarm every morning to wake up by 7a.m. to turn on the T.V. and lie in bed for an entire half hour watching one rerun episode of Boy Meets World. Judge away, friends. But let me tell you, this is positively blissful. No better way to start the day than with Mr. Feeny’s wise words, Shawn Hunter’s luscious locks, and the innocent love between Topanga Lawrence and Cory Matthews. Thank you, ABC Family. You’ve officially permitted a total night owl to discover bliss so early in the morning each day.

On Thursday, my ultimate bliss came in a few different forms. In various smiles, in new introductions, in heavy hearts, in the innocence found only in a child’s eyes. On Thursday, I worked with youth again. It’s interesting, my life path thus far. When most people think of a career in Public Relations they usually think of press conferences, creative advertising agencies, and those people holding clipboards or papers behind celebrities on the red carpet. And while all of this is true, the umbrella of possibilities in a field like Public Relations is in fact much larger than one’s first assumptions. Along with my passion for words, journalism, media and public relations, I’ve always held a large, special place in my heart for children. I was fortunate enough last summer to find an internship that both fulfilled my public relations and youth passions, and also, filled my heart. I helped to design and run a 9 week environmental summer camp for at-risk youth in Pittsburgh. Honestly, it was unexpected, chaotic, and exhausting, but completely and utterly one of the most meaningful blessings in my life. In my eyes, there are no better teachers, no people more humbling, more adaptable, more accepting, than youth. So yesterday, I was elated to help my boss at an afterschool program for children in grades K-8. It was such a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Surrounded by free spirits, fresh minds, and contagious energies. There’s nothing like having a child bring you back down to life, and remind you to count your blessings daily. So on Thursday, I was thankful for those 50-some germy, snot-nosed, intelligent, entertaining, sweet, innocent children that I was fortunate enough to meet. And, I of course was grateful for Purrell. This was serendipitous, my time spent with these children, and it certainly wasn’t supposed to be part of my daily routine. Sometimes though, I think God knows when we need pushed right out of that routine to be reminded of just how lucky we are.

xoxo--K

worth 1,000 words.

       I've decided these last few days to show you what's had me happy via pictures. Because, well, sometimes words fail me, or because sometimes you just need a visual to truly understand things. So, without further ado, here is Monday's bliss...

My Ugg mocassins.



       I've had these guys for almost two years now, and each time I get to pull them out for the next fall/winter seasons, I am blissfully happy. In fact, my feet are absolutely smitten usually. Yes, obviously a girl with a serious shoe addiction is going to be happy over any pair. But to me, these mocs mean the beginning of scarf season, hot cocoa, snowflakes, boots, knitted hats, cinnamon candles, mittens, golden leaves, holidays, pumpkin lattes, etc. I could go on and on, but these fabulous mocassins definitely top my list as one of my favorite things about this great time of year.

   And Tuesday's daily dose...

My delicious dinner.

       So, I can't take all of the credit. In fact, I can barely take any credit at all, because my roommate cooked most of this. But, it's no secret that food can make me an entirely nauseatingly happy person. This food was delicious. Every single bite. And every single bite of my second helping, too. But what really had me smiling was the nutritional content of this salmon fillet, wild grain rice, and freshly steamed veggies. Whenever food tastes as good as this dinner did, and you know it's good for your body, what's not to love?

xoxo--K

swept away.

Ok, not going to lie, I kind of had a feeling that this “daily dose” would become more of an “every few days” type of dose. And for that, I apologize. I will try to make the time, put forth a good effort, and somehow, some way, even if it is just a few words, I will blog my bliss daily. But, just know that even when I do go a few days without blogging it, I am still thinking about it. Still recognizing it. Because, well, this is only week two, and I already feel inspired enough. Conscious enough to recognize my daily doses of happiness.

            For instance, this weekend, I enjoyed a positively blissful weekend away. I like to think that I knew it the whole time. That I recognized the pool of happiness I floated in this weekend. Unfortunately, I just didn’t have the time to let you all know about it. I think that’s a good thing, though. I was having such a good time that I just couldn’t bear to hit pause and type of a few paragraphs about that happiness. Because, why stop the chaos? The unbelievably hilarious, relaxing, entertaining, chaos that was my weekend.

            Instead, let’s recap. After work on Thursday, I hopped into my Prius, plugged my iPhone into my new bff, the AUX cord, and headed home. When I say home, I mean Mom & Dad home. You know, the one I’ve lived in for my 22 years of life. The one that half of my mail is still sent to. The one where the couches are comfier, the air a bit warmer, with the scent that lingers on your clothes even after you’re gone. Yeah, that one. So after spending a little while with my two seriously fabulously parents and precious little pup, I did one of my favorite things to do while at home. I caught up with an old friend.

For me, there’s an unbelievable sense of comfort felt from hanging out with an old friend from home. These are the people who knew me when I had braces. They’ve seen all of the bad highlights, weird platform clogs, and blue eye shadow, yet they’re still my friend. I am blessed to have a good handful of these old friends. And I often find myself cherishing those friendships the most, because they’re where my memories lie. So Thursday, I met a friend at Eat ‘n Park where I indulged in a delicious Pumpkin Latte, and our laughter filled the dining room. We then went across the street to the local movie theatre and were the only two people in the theatre to see Sarah Jessica Parkers new flick, I Don’t Know How She Does It. And the whole night was wonderful. We laughed, ate too much popcorn, shared a cherry Icee, and reveled in the wonderful talent of our girl, SJP. So Thursday’s bliss? Check, check, & check.

Friday morning I woke in my very own bed at home and decided to keep my Monday promise of running. So I ran around the same block that I used to chase my brother on my bike when we were kids. I then had an appointment set up at a local spa/salon for a 1 hour massage and a 1 hour facial. (Thank you, Groupon!) Seriously, I’ve never been more relaxed. There’s no need for words to explain the bliss. Friday afternoon, I piled in the car with my two parents and set off for a weekend in Annapolis, MD.

We arrived at the hotel and soon after, one of my very favorite people in the world, my little cousin Lindsay joined us. She is currently in her second year at the United States Air Force Academy, and had flown out for the big Navy vs. Air Force game on Saturday, which is exactly why we were visiting. Later on in the evening, we were joined by my sister Kelly, cousin Alex, and Aunt Donna. We spent the night piled into one hotel room, just joking and laughing until our eyes grew tired and we feared noise complaints from the other hotel guests.

Saturday, I spent with my entire family at the football game. I can always find bliss at a big football game. What’s not to love about being outside, eating a hotdog, sipping a hot chocolate, and screaming your head off as though all of the players and referees not only hear what you’re saying, but also take it to heart?  Plus, HELLO people watching! Love it all. Totally blissful, and a totally happy Kate.

Sunday, I unfortunately had to say my goodbyes, but fortunately was able to sleep the entire three hour car ride home. After shopping around town with my mom, it was time to head back to my apartment and prepare my life and mind for the upcoming week. But, not before a quick pit stop at a quaint little restaurant to meet my brother and his fiancé for dinner. I mean, we couldn’t wait too long without seeing the ring in person, right? It was even prettier than the picture, and I was so happy to see them glowing when talking about their big wedding plans. Plus, I was officially asked to be in the wedding, so that was enough to send me over the top in bliss from this entire weekend.

So it’s Monday again, the beginning of a fresh new week. I’ll post later about what’s got me smiling today. Maybe just the weekend aftermath?

connected.

          After two different trips to the Verizon store asking about “that thing, that cord thing that I could plug into my car, you know the one that lets me play music,”  and having no success at discovering what this “thing” was actually called, or at seeing this cord, let alone purchasing said “thing,” I resorted to asking my iPhone-savvy friend. She very quickly explained to me that it was called an Auxiliary cord, and immediately sirens in my head went off, “Ahh yes, that’s what A-U-X stands for on my stereo system. With a roll of her eyes at my sheer iPhone ignorance, she quickly deterred me away from a third Verizon trip, telling me to pick one up at Wal-Mart instead for half of the price. So, last week, that’s just what I did.

            If we are being honest here, the main reason I wanted this AUX cord was to gain the ability to blast my Justin Bieber and Adele Pandora app radio stations in my car. Eclectic taste in music, I know. But anyways, today I decided to forego my usual radio morning show listening and plugged my phone right in. On the way to work I opted to listen to the Adele station, enjoying her one-of-a-kind tone and inspiring, relatable lyrics. Her whit is as sharp as a knife and the sincerity in her songs is incredibly inspiring. And, HELLO, she is British. Of course I love her. The station also includes some of my other fav artists, including Sara Bareilles and Ron Pope. So, here I was, sitting in that same bit of traffic that caused me want to name the unhappy things in my life, but yesterday, well, things were a bit different. I was smiling. I was singing. Obviously, I was embarrassing myself in front of other fellow traffic commuters. But, I didn’t mind. In fact, I felt a bit sorry for them. They were probably listening to radio commercials while my AUX cord was permitting me to jam to the soulful sounds of Adele and the like.

            As I pulled into work, I was completely bummed. Instead of wanting to get out of the car, stretch my legs, and get my day started, all I wanted to do was remain in the confines of my little red Prius and use my fabulous new AUX cord to listen to some of my favorite songs. Because, that twenty-five minute commute was blissful. I’ve always enjoyed car rides by myself. To me, there’s no better time to clear your head and rest your mind. Some people say they do their best thinking in the shower, or before they go to bed at night, but I’ve always done my best thinking in the car. Open road, good music, no one to answer to, no other tasks to complete. Heck, I’ll sometimes even partake in an entire conversation with myself while driving. You want to talk about getting stares from fellow commuters?

            But yesterday, I was filled with joy during my commutes to and from work. On the way home, I chose to jam to the Justin Bieber station. And I was just as happy, just as blissed out as I was in the morning. It helped me to realize that gosh, even these little commutes, this little $9 auxiliary cord can make all the difference. They can add to my happiness. I never expected to find so much joy in just good music and a simple car ride. But, as The Biebs says, Never Say Never.