23, 4:56 AM, December 11th

At 4:56 AM, on December 11, 1992, I came into this world, causing my first (of many) scenes. 

I guess you could say that I have literally been impatient my whole life. I was born a month premature, probably because I was just bored. My uncle Doug was set to turn 31 the day that I was born, and I often joke about being the best birthday present anyone has ever received. Reflecting back now, I may have been wrong.

Today, I turn 23 and my uncle turns 21 for the umpteenth time. Today, I not only celebrate my birthday, but I celebrate the end of my first semester of my senior year of college. Today, while I celebrate my success, I mourn that neither of my parents are here to celebrate with me. Which is why I have to put this blog post into the world. Let me tell you about the best birthday present I have ever received. 

My uncle Doug is no stranger to my mistakes, but he loves me anyway. Even though he will be the first to tell you about his Tinkerbell tattoo, or all of the shenanigans he got into in his "younger" days, he is one of the most wise people I have ever had the pleasure of being related to. While he will tell you he isn't the authority on wisdom, I have to beg to differ. He is a man who helped me grow up (in my rebellious teen years) by telling me "I won't blow sunshine up your ass. I have to tell you how it is." My uncle has always cared passionately, loved hard; and has always been fiercely loyal to the truth. 

I am sure it's hard to believe that its been 23 years since that 3 AM phone call. I am sure that you're not used to receiving phone calls from a young woman, asking you to talk her down from the ledge because she just bought plane tickets on her own for the first time. You didn't sign up to step in, but you did, and you did it gladly. When I need you, you're a phone call away, and even though I have never lived in Lee's Summit, I feel at home there. Your role was supposed to be my really-cool uncle, but you have taken on another role that is, dare I say, parental? I haven't done anything so grand in my life as to be lucky enough to be related to you. You and Debbie have brought me in like one of your own, and I am so blessed to have the relationship I do with you. I can only hope it gets better. I miss you everyday that I am not there, and I love you so much. Thank you for being the best birthday present I have ever received, you mean the world to me, all I can do is say thank you,

and share my favorite photo of us:

Happy Birthday Uncle Doug,

There is no one I would rather share one with.

Bloomingdale's and the Date-Rape Ad

It is a rare thing that keeps advertisers and marketing representatives alike; awake, wandering the halls of their quaint, urban, apartments at night: the fear encased in the release of new print or digital advertisements and exactly how the public will perceive it. Even with as much as advertisers can see into the mind of consumers everywhere (thanks to systems like Nielsen and Simmons), there is still a chance that the consumer won't appreciate a message the way you meant it to be. 

On that same coin, I can't place blame on consumers for seeing this message the way they did, and quite frankly, as an advertising fanatic student, I can't see how it made it out of the creative department in the first place. The print copy states "Spike your best friend's eggnog, when they're not looking." Kind of harmless, right? NO. And, if the copy itself weren't bad enough, the image features a man looking staring at a smiling woman, who just happens to be looking away, laughing. Now with tensions in the female community directly related to date-rape and similar traumas, one would assume we shouldn't joke about those kinds of things, thus normalizing rape - as is fairly typical of today's society. It's not just an issue with the desensitization of rape in our society, it's with the ultimate objectification of women that occurs every. single. day. 

(You can read the Ad Week article that features Bloomingdale's apology as well as a link to the image, here.)

Society as a whole has an issue with women, and even as a Strategic Communication (Advertising and Public Relations) major, I see it all the time in advertisements: from this BMW ad, to this Tom Ford ad, there is no shortage of creepy advertisements out there that have everything to do with making objects out of people. This is causing a much larger problem in society, and arguably contributing to not only violence towards women, but violence as a whole towards everyone. While I know there are several campaigns out there that have overly-sexualized men as a response, it is far more common for women to be portrayed as an object and no more. So when do we say no more? 

Recently, CollegeHumor released a video about sexual assault and violence, (here; seriously watch it, it's amazing) and it's purpose was comparing sexual assault to a bear. Joining ranks with other videos such as Consent (but with tea), it is using a humorous platform to stand up and speak out against date-rape, but the underlying issue still stands. Our society thinks of women as objects, inherently. Who knows if it started with cave-men, or if it lingered hard during the picturesque 1950's, but one thing is for certain, something needs to change. I am not an object. Women are not objects. Men aren't objects. People aren't objects. Objects are objects, and enough is enough. While I can't afford to shop at Bloomingdale's anyway, it's a testament to humanity that this ad got approved in the first place. Jokes are funny, violence isn't. Stand up for what you believe in, and one day we will all matter. 

Nous Sommes Tous Des Gens

Je ne m'en fous, a french phrase meaning I don't care. (Some translations include some more vulgar translations, but for this post, let's consider it I don't care.)

Je ne m'en fous si vous êtes américain. I don't care if you are American.
Je ne m'en fous si vous êtes jeune ou vieux. I don't care if you are young or old. Je ne m'en fous si vous êtes à propos de votre religion. I don't care about your religion.

What I do care about are people, and in Paris, yesterday, the world lost over 150 people. Normal, everyday people, out at a cafe, or enjoying a concert. 150 people have been hurt in this war. This war about conflicting view-points. This war that has killed not only hundreds of people in Paris, but thousands around the world. By no means am I trying to lessen the blow of the impact the Parisian Terror Attacks will have on global history, but I want people to know that there are several instances that do not get televised. Hundreds of people are killed everyday in Syria and Iraq, and this is so frequent that I AM SYRIA (a not-for-profit education resource) has an updated daily death toll calculator here. ISIS is terrorizing the entire world, and while the États Unis et Russie (United States and Russia) have made attempts at air strikes, it may be too late. One of the Parisian attackers was a French national, identified by fingerprints (source). I can't say for certain how many attacks there will be, or even if we will ever see and end, but I do know one thing, we will always stand together. Those of us who choose to band together, and not stand apart. Those of us who hold hands, instead of holding grudges. What these terrorists did was an attempt to tear us all apart, but we have the opportunity as Americans, Parisians, and people to bond together, to love each other through the hate. 


The day after 9/11, the headline of the French newspaper Le Monde read, "Nous sommes tous américains". Meaning, we are all American. Today, after the attacks in Paris, Le Soir (a different newspaper) reads, "Nous sommes tous des Parisiens". And today, after all has been said and done, I believe it to be Nous sommes tous des gens. We are all people.

My sincere apology for any misspellings or mistranslated phrases, I am an Elementary French II student, and not a native speaker.

I'm not the model citizen; #OSUStrong #BronchoStrong

Today, I sat in the CHK Central Oklahoma Boathouse in downtown OKC, and listened while a man named Mike Beard spoke about the United Nations new Sustainable Goals. These goals include limiting poverty, cleaning up slums, and generally improving the world and peace keeping efforts on a global scale. 

Shortly before I left this morning to attend this luncheon, I recognized the all too familiar sound of a flat tire. Luckily, I was still at my apartment complex and I was able to call my roommates boyfriend to come help me change the tire. We got it fixed and I left for the United Nations Association- Greater OKC luncheon, to celebrate United Nations day, and the 70th anniversary of this wonderful global organization. 

As I pulled into the boathouse district, I reflected on some of the events that are occurring around the world, and how the UN Sustainable Goals will influence the violent behaviors we are seeing demonstrated on the global stage right now. The bombing in Syria, and the Immigration Crisis in not only Europe but Central America, even things out of human control such as Hurricane Patricia. I reflected on the world that I want to change, I reflected on how I could. Then I heard the news: 

A friend of mine seated next to me at this lunch, leaned over and asked me if I had seen what was happening in Stillwater. I had not, so I immediately went to my number 1 local news source, Facebook. Sure enough, some of the people I am friends with had shared news articles, and witness accounts of what had gone on just 2 hours before our lunch had begun. A woman, just 2 years older than myself, had run her car (drunkenly) into the homecoming parade in Stillwater. Oklahoma State University students, as well as young children were killed or seriously injured because of this woman. Among those who were killed, a University of Central Oklahoma MBA student. 

If I know anything, it's that Oklahoma bands together in the face of adversity. Cowboys, Sooners, and yes, even Bronchos come together today to spread prayer and hope across the campus of OSU. It's time for this to end. Drunk driving is dangerous, and with programs like Uber and Lyft, there is no reason for it. It was 10:30 in the morning, and for some, it was their first homecoming. For others, it was a grim reminder that life is so short. This time, I won't look the other way. Don't drive if you are drunk. DO NOT DRIVE IF YOU ARE DRUNK. Sleep in your car, crash on someone's couch. Please, do not get behind the wheel if you can't drive. If you know me personally, ask me for my cell number. I will come get you, no matter what time it is, judgement free, wherever you are. 

Someone took 4 lives today. She injured 27 others. She ruined the lives of families everywhere, because she chose to do it. For the good of the world, on a global scale, please, do not drink and drive. 

To the Mom With Cheerios on Her Back

I was with you, leaving your apartment. You had a one year old on your hip, and an almost 3 year old screaming and running around your legs. There was crumples of bread on the table, and Cheerios in your couch cushions. You were watching How to Train Your Dragon 2, for the 4th time in 12 hours. You had apologized no less than 15 times for all of that, I gladly accepted. You were getting ready to leave, and had magically managed to sling your purse on your shoulder while holding an infant in your arms and finishing a sentence. I saw this as magical and then I heard a noise. It was the sound of Cheerios falling against the wood floor; you had Cheerios stuck to your back. 

You had sat on the couch and fed your child her bottle, and your 3 year old had asked for a snack. I took him to the kitchen and negotiated Cheerios and Cheez-its like I had been doing it all my life. You looked at me and asked if you could go to the bathroom, and I realized then that you probably hadn't been in that room by yourself in almost 3 years.

Your 3 year old had gotten very excited and spilled his whole bowl of Cheerios down the back side of the sofa, and these little O shaped badges of courage had clung to your back. I quickly collected them in the palm of my hand and we laughed together. You are a beautiful mother. 

You think your youthful glow was lost long ago, and you let your insecurities get the best of you. You constantly put your parenthood down, but let me tell you what I see: In the previous weeks of spending time with you, I have watched you get thrown up on, but I have also watched you care for your children's safety. Sometimes we have to tell them it's not okay to stand on a window ledge or to touch the (boiling hot) French Press coffee maker. I have seen exactly how beautiful you are, inside and out, as you cared for me after I lost my father. I have seen your terrified looks of embarrassment as your 3 year old does his best impression of a pterodactyl. All the while me telling you that it's all okay and I'm not bothered by it. You are a wonderful person, both inside and out, don't ever forget that. 

You, the Cheerio decorated den-mother of parenthood. You, the role model I have always looked up to. You, my most favorite family member. You are a true blessing to those around you, you're just as beautiful as you always have been, and 31 may be a number, but you make it look effortless. 

I love you to the stars and back. 

Hatred in the Heartland

So, I normally prefer to remain (relatively) poised on social media, but today something happened that embarrassed me for the state of my country. I am "friends" on Facebook with one of my Mother's old co-workers, and she is your typical hardcore right wing conservative. She thinks we help the needy too much, and thinks all Muslims are terrorists. A real gem. 

Anyway, I am happily scrolling through my feed when I happen upon a listing; pages long of why Muslims are a terrorist group. Generalizing a whole people because of the actions of a few people who have taken the idea and twisted it. I immediately felt heat in my face radiating to my torso and I was ready to comment her a new asshole, when I stopped. I had typed out a scathing comment about being a racist and being degrading, and I stopped. I blocked this woman and reported her post for being "offensive to a group, race, or minority" (I think that's how Facebook phrases it.) 

This got me to thinking about the problem with races and religions in America. Why is it SO hard for certain American's to let go of their pre (and often ill) conceived notions about race and religious affiliations. I hate to say this, but it doesn't just stop at Muslims. Black men and women; men and women from the Middle East; men and women who practice in the Church of Latter Day Saints. There is stigma attached to every single one of those groups of people. And it's all horse shit. 

Racism (along with sexism and prejudice) is NOT nature for human beings. There is scientific research out there to prove that. It's taught. Racism is learned. Sexism is learned. Prejudice is learned. You are the greatest reflection of what you want the world to be like. Yes, I have made racist statements before. I admit it. Do I regret those choices I made? Yes. Am I deeply sorry? Yes. It doesn't make it okay, at all, and I agree. Please know that I know more now than I used to, and while not knowing isn't an excuse, I hope education (educating myself and others) will fix the issue. 

Please believe me when I say that these views aren't shared by all people. I know that Muslim does not equal terrorist. Please people, change your way of seeing others. If you believe in God and the Bible, than please, consider the words "love thy neighbor as thyself." If you are calling your neighbor a terrorist or insinuating that your neighbor is a terrorist, you are only part of the problem. Be proactive, instead of complaining, change yourself instead. 

-screenshots of original Facebook post, warning post contains strong stupidity-

-EDITORS NOTE: a lot of these "facts" aren't even real, please take this for what it is worth and consider.-

The Oklahoma "Confederacy"

Oklahoma has been a perpetual national embarrassment as of late. Between the embarrassment of being openly hateful towards homosexuals, and the actions of our governor Mary Fallin, we have made national news quite a bit lately. I will say not much of this comes as a surprise to a veteran Okie like me, I have after all lived here my whole life. Honestly, I love being an Oklahoman. However, this hate, this rage fueled expression of disgusting proportions, is not My Oklahoma.  

My Oklahoma, the place where we wave to strangers at a 4 way stop; My Oklahoma, where when tragedy strikes, we band together to make a difference in the lives of people who lost something; My Oklahoma, where there are open skies and (mostly) open hearted people; My Oklahoma, the place where my friend's family's adopted me when I lost mine, and where someone is fairly likely to give you directions using the phrases: "y'all", "up the road a-ways", and maybe even "over yonder". My Oklahoma is a place where people from all walks of life gather to attend a local food truck rally, and where we can all get behind one basketball team, be it high school, college, or professional. My Oklahoma loves high school football. My Oklahoma is shaped like a pan, and generally only extends hatred towards the Texas Longhorns. 

I realize that when President Barack Obama visited our "Great State", what he was shown was disgusting (not to mention, stupid. Oklahoma wasn't even part of the Confederacy). Especially with what has been going on with racism across America, to display the Confederate battle flag to our President, (who also happens to be a person of color) is just distasteful. It was wrong, and I do not agree with it. On behalf of all the people in Oklahoma who do NOT represent that Oklahoma, I am sorry. I am sorry that the interaction you saw represented this state in a way that I don't agree with. I am sorry that they represented us in a way that is so offensive to so many. I am sorry that you were subjected to the hideous behavior that these few people committed. Most of all, I am sorry that I have to go out into the world a proud Okie, and that I could forever carry the label that so few portrayed the actions of. 

The Confederate battle flag represented a separate entity than the United States of America. The Confederacy represented hatred, and the oppression of the "inferior colored people" (—William T. Thompson (April 23, 1863), Daily Morning News) The men who decided that this was the issue they wanted to fight for, we're not what I see today when I look at my life in Oklahoma. Yes, our governor is a dipshit. Yes, there ARE racists here (systemically, they are everywhere). Yes, there are people here who Bible thump their way through any and all situations. There are also people here who love unconditionally. There are people here who represent the true spirit of America, the land of the free and the home of the brave. There are genuine people here, not everyone is a backwards redneck who doesn't understand that it does not mean what he thinks it means. 

This is a small Okie blogger reaching out to say, we aren't all the same, and it will take time for some of them to understand, but we will all get there. We have to fight this fight together, because that's the only way we win. 

-I know Martin Luther King wasn't around for the Civil War, I just really like his thoughts on hate-

Ashley, the beautiful.

As we all are aware, July 4th consists of Americans being more American for a 24 hour period than they are the other 364 days of the (non-leap) year. At 11:59 PM on July 3rd, we can all agree that America as a whole could definitely improve a bit. However, once that clock rolls around to 12:00 AM July 4th, the bald eagle inside all of us is unleashed and we start to bleed red, white, and blue. The same effect is quickly achieved at 12:00 AM July 5th, where we move on from the torrent of star spangled debauchery, back into our homes and into our beds to await the next glistening holiday weekend. 

Today, I woke up, much like any other Saturday, ready to go back to sleep. So, I called my friend to tell her that I would not be attending our weekly ritual of heading out to our local farmers market, and would instead be enjoying a few more hours with the inside of my eyelids. About an hour into this, I woke up from a nightmare about school, and got out of bed to get dressed and head to the grocery store. 

As I approached the store, the parking lot was over-run with soccer moms, and dads who probably forgot that their wives great aunt Charlene is a vegan, who needs a food substitute. I decided that Crest was a little too full for me, so I moved on to the slightly over priced, but definitely more convenient, Sprouts, up the street. As I walked up to the store, they had a small display of multi colored neon cacti. I'm serious when I say that these were living neon cacti. I bought a pink one. I bought my groceries and headed back to my apartment. Shortly after, my friend and I were hungry, so we celebrated America Day by investing in some Vietnamese Pho. What a trip! 

We drove to the other side of town to go to her moms to meet up with her family to go to the carnival being held at the biggest park in Bethany. We rode 2 rides and walked through the maze house. One called Cliff Hanger (a sort of hang-gliding ride) and the other a generic Ferris Wheel. We had a blast. I played a farirway game in the hopes to win a goldfish, and I ended up winning a turtle and a goldfish! The turtle, now named Crush, will be taking residence at my best friend's house. The goldfish on the other hand, a soon to be new resident at my house, named Nixon, will be moving in tomorrow after I can get to Petsmart to get him a new bowl and some food. 

All and all, I had a wonderful evening that I wouldn't trade for anything. 

Life is a Beautiful Adventure

So, here we are. 6/25/2015. I am less than a year from graduating from college. I am very excited and very nervous. It's almost time to move up in the world, to have a job that I love. It feels strange that I'm so close to the point of culmination. I have been working at this for so long, it feels like I won't know what to do when it's gone. 

College graduate. A phrase I never could have imagined would be next to my name. And while I am not quite there yet, being who I am, I have already begun considering my choices for where I could end up. My minds unavoidable wondering has caught me daydreaming of places like New York City, or Chicago. Being of sound mind, and above average breast size (thanks Easy-A) I can't help but to question my sanity. I have never used public transportation. In the "small" (lol) city of Oklahoma City, public transportation is to be avoided like the plague unless you have no other choice. 

I grew up in a city of roughly 610 Thousand people, while Manhattan alone has 1.64 Million, not counting the other Burroughs. That's more than double. Chicago has 2.72 Million, that's more than QUADRUPLE. Needless to say, that's a lot more than I am used to. What's a girl from the Southern Midwest to do? 

I will tell you. She is to put her head high and submit some applications. If there is one thing my Southern Midwest (Okies really don't know how to label themselves geographically) lifestyle has taught me, it's that you always work your ass off for what you want. So what if the first trip I take to New York is the day I move there, or maybe even the time I go to be interviewed? I am bound and determined to see the world from more than the Tornado Alley. 

I have spent my entire young life Googling places like NYC, Chicago, London, and Tokyo. Because I haven't had the opportunity to go. I can't even imagine being able to wake up there. What if I move away and get the smell of the city on me? What if they hate the way I say y'all? What about the accent, will I lose it? Can I even get cornbread in NYC?! (Okay, but that's not a real concern I have.)

I have such an opportunity ahead of me, and I look forward to getting where I am going. Let me at 'em, & I will hit 'em with that Okie charm. 

Pitch Perfect 2 as a Social Movement

Yesterday I was one of many sitting in a crowded theater, floors sticky and chairs just uncomfortable enough to keep you awake. I was attending the 6:30 PM showing of Pitch Perfect 2 with my friends Valerie and Wendi.

So, there we are sitting about halfway back when the weirdest commercial I have ever seen comes on, It was for Chobani yogurt, and I couldn't be more surprised. Past the very odd commercial blending dirt, cows, and yogurt, we sat through previews of movies that we didn't particularly want to see, to finally get to the gold. The opening scene included Barack and Michelle Obama, as well as a mishap at the historic Kennedy Center. As well as including some very interesting social references. At a point in our nation's history where race relations have spiked to the forefront again, there is a lot of referencing towards minorities not only in race, but also in the fact that they are women. Take for instance the character Cynthia Rose, at a certain point in PP2 when a reference to a minority is made she looks at the person who makes the reference and says "I'm black, gay, and a woman." At this point, at least in my theater (I live in Oklahoma so it is a proud moment) people started to clap. It says a lot to me because this means we are becoming more aware as a whole that these issues exist.

There is also an Asian and a (I believe) Guatemalan woman represented in the cast. There is a man in the cast that is strongly disliked by most who have seen the films, John the announcer has throughout both plots been a severe sexist and in PP2 even makes the statement that "this is what happens when you allow women in college." It thrills me that in my theater this was met with groans and anger from the majority of the audience.

I know that in modern times it is easy to forget but very recently women weren't allowed to be educated at the collegiate level. It also means a lot to me that you could tell that people were uncomfortable with some of the racial slurs and anti-women comments that were made. Uncomfortable is the first step towards action. As a modern feminist, I have to wonder how it took so long for a movie to come to the forefront that demonstrates such strong female ideals, but it really isn't. Clueless, Legally Blonde, Miss Congeniality, and Easy A. There is also a long list of movies that have much deeper sub-messages than most people realize: see The Breakfast Club, Mean Girls, Hairspray, and 13 Going on 30. Demonstrate high ideals, and eventually we will all be equal. Work for it, we will earn it. Together.

Intern Search 2015

So, here we all are. April 2015 and I am looking for an internship. I have applied at a handful of places both in Oklahoma City (my native land) and Texas (the closest large market). Pending all of these applications, I can't help but wonder if I will end up somewhere that I want to. Every place I have applied at has its own strength, and much like the employees, those individual strengths make up the genetics for a fantastic work environment. 

Whether it is a full service agency or not, all of these companies bring something to the table that I admire. While this is certainly true, I can only hope that they will see that I could contribute something to their table. 

Things about me that you won't find on my resume:

• My incredible sense of humor. 

• My set of moral obligations. 

• My sense of leadership and ownership. 

• My sense of self. 

• My contributions to group work. 

• My generally happy demeanor. 

• My community side.

Here's hoping that I seal the deal with one of the companies I have applied to, I know I would be thrilled to work with any one of them. 

People in Glass Houses Sink Ships

I have been having a bit of a rough patch in my life lately, dealing with the day to day of school and work and general things. As each day passes I seem to tense myself up more and more over trivial matters. So, today I wrote down a list of everything I am stressing out about. Then in another column, I wrote what I can do about these stresses. It seemed surprisingly simple that the solution of "I need more money" was to get another job. And while getting another job isn't exactly going to be easy, it gave me a sense of peace to be able to have something to kind of just say "chill out". 

I have always been pretty high strung, as a product of my mom who dealt with a lot in her short life as a single parent, I believe I learned some of my anxious habits from her. I also believe I picked up some of her less attractive personality traits. She was an incredible woman, but she had insecurities like we all do. I learned to worry about money from her. I learned how to worry about bills, and debt collectors too. I also learned how to love someone unconditionally, no matter how they break your heart. I learned how to make the best comfort foods, and little tips and tricks about making people laugh, and tweaking your personality. I blame her for my insufferable sense of humor. So where does the vicious cycle of traits end? I have seen it before, my cousin is critical of herself because her mom is critical of herself. I am emotionally almost codependent on people whose opinions I value. I shouldn't need permission to live my own life or make my own choices. 

It's a harsh world when you really think about it, and because I lost my mom so early in the stage where you need to learn coping the most, I'm not sure I ever really learned how to properly. It's a work I progress, and a change that cannot happen overnight, but I am hopeful for a bright future for myself. I bring a lot to the table and I will no longer allow myself to sit on the edge of the room when there is a meeting at the table. Being present is everything. Being a gift is something different. 

A Dime

"Next time you get dumped, hand this to him and tell him to go buy himself a cheap piece of ass and to keep the change." -Bettie 

An older woman, with a sense of self the likes of which I had never seen, asked me Monday morning at my day job what was wrong because I looked pretty down. After explaining that it was because I had been dumped the day before, she said "oh whatever honey, you don't need him anyway." With her loud voice and her unmistakeable attitude, I actually started to feel a little bit better. 

Bettie is a member here at my day job. She had no obligation to try to make me feel better. Most people don't even respond to our "good morning" greetings. But the fact that she did speaks volumes to me. She spread a little love where she didn't have to. Sure, I celebrated the break up with Starbucks and a glass of wine, but I really felt the love here. Bettie genuinely cared that I had something to hold onto with this. Good people are still around. Good people are still being good people. 

Are you a good person? Are you doing everything you can to be a good person to your fellow being? Think about it. 

Do Good & Do Well. 

Sundance Film Festival and Me

Today, a movie that I helped make (with an extremely talented professor of mine) was released to the public for viewing. This is a huge moment for me and everyone involved. 

It is so incredible to know that my name was on something that premiered at Sundance Film Festival, even if I couldn't be there. I am so blessed to live this life. I am so thrilled that this has fallen in my lap, and I am running out of words to be honest. I need to thank some people:

To Morgan, thanks for telling me to join FVC, we wouldn't be here without you. To my dad, thanks for having no faith in me, I needed that to draw from. To my friends, thank you for always staying around. It's so incredible how many great people I am surrounded by. I am so blessed. 

Do you want to watch it?? 

http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2015/02/03/watch-isabelles-garden-exclusive-premiere-sundance-honored-short-film-158988

Hey, there, it's been a while

So, when I checked how long it had been since I blogged about what is happening in my busy life, I realized just how much I missed telling no one about my life. So here it goes:

I have made the conscious decision to cut almost all ties with my father and do what ever I have to do to succeed without him. I'm dating someone who is pretty great, I'm about to start a new workout plan, and I'm actually having a really good time in school and such. It's a good life, at least that's what I'm told. 

Communications 211

It's been exactly one month since my feet have stepped on this hideously colored carpet. One professor. 24 students. The beige walls, and a tacky brown accent wall look back at me as I search for an empty seat. The projector hums overhead as I take a seat, third row back, end of the row. Professor Martin stands in front, with a McCafe cup, and her New Balance sneakers. She tells us of the joys of Media Mix Analysis, and the (cringe) math involved. 

Words can't possibly explain the feeling I have towards this room in my favorite building on campus: Mass Communication. Room 211 (and 215) have provided so many opportunities to me that I never thought I would experience. The opportunity to work in the best groups for group work, the opportunity to learn from my favorite professor, the opportunity for me to explore my talents, outside of what I already knew. I have built a resume, a business (from the ground up), I have built a brand, and found out a little about my personal brand too. 

Room 211 isn't just about the major, but the people I share/have shared the room with. Sandy Martin, professor. Chelsea Ratterman, best friend & confidante. Breanna Young, general bad ass. James Turnbow, bearded wonder. Matt Janey, chocolate wonder. This semester will bring plenty of new faces to 211 with me, and I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Resolution Season

As the new year comes to us, it's time to reflect on 2014, and all I will do and become in 2015. 

2014:

I saw the beginning of the year ring in with some friends. We played UNO and Scattergories and had a fun sleepover where I read a bed time story to my best friends as we all laid down to fall asleep. The Spring semester unveiled a 4.0 GPA and a new desire to succeed in my educational endeavors. Summer took a toll as I took 10 hours in a short span of time, but still managed some decent grades. Fall semester seems to have become the best so far, as I worked full time and did full time school. All the while gaining an office in my sorority, as well as the best person in the world as my best friend. I finished out Fall with a new sense of being, happy to have succeeded academically. 2014 brought me some amazing networking, it brought me more into the OKC and Dallas Ad communities, and it opened doors for me that I hope never close! 

2015:

2015 will see me applying to internships in OKC and Dallas, as well as working to better myself as a whole. It will see me starting my senior year of college and taking steps towards my career of choice. I look forward to what this year has in store for me. 

Resolution Revolution:

1) I resolve to train for a half marathon, to be ran by the end of 2015.

2) I resolve to be more positive and reflective of positive things, not only towards others, but towards myself as well.

3) I resolve to sleep earlier, and to wake up earlier. 

4) I resolve to eat better, ingest good for me, live good for me. 

5) I resolve to start lifting weights and to create a healthier lifestyle in my house. 

I wish you luck while you make your resolutions, and I hope you have the best New Year. Happy 2015, y'all. 

(Photo Cred: Pinterest)