Away

(Shirt: Express, Skirt: Target, Belt: Target, Shoes: Target, Purse: Old Navy, Sunglasses: Tuesday Morning, Watch: Thrifted via Flea Market, Earrings: Lucky Brand, Headband: Target)

Surprise! I'm not actually in the southwest, I'm in a botanical garden. And one of the largest and nicest ones I've ever seen. Dad and I traveled around last week, driving a ridiculous amount of miles (over 1800!!).

Ginger!

Dad, just chilling near the entrance to China Town with a giant lion. Also, some old people. Cool cat, that man.

Grown Up

Time has been passing so quickly lately. I think it's because it's the summer and I seem to be busy every single minute, but it's made me think about big topics, specifically, life. Like how short it is. And how many people don't finish what they want to accomplish. Like how I keep thinking about things I'll do when "I grow up", when, most places in the world, I would have been supporting myself and possibly a family by this time. I am a grown-up. And I still have a million things to learn, which I think is what makes me feel like I'm trapped in an intermittent stage. 

And then there are things like my siblings growing up, my parents and grandparents getting older. It's scary stuff, man. Life is awesome, and you only get so much of it. I was lucky enough to travel around the country with my dad this past week, as well as going indoor skydiving with my mother, and it just makes me hungry for more traveling and more experiences but I feel like I am running out of time. It's hard not to worry about aging when the movie stars and the singers I used to think were impossibly old are my age or younger. I think I have to grasp the concept of living. So I'm going to try to make the most of everyday. Cheesy, but something that's been stuck in my head the past few weeks. I have to grow up, but I have to enjoy it as well. I might as well make the most of it.

"Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." -Helen Keller

In Five Years Time...

(Shirt: JCREW via Outlet, Pants: Target, Belt: Target, Shoes: Urban Outfitters)

"...We'll be walking round the zoo with the sun shining bright on me and you"

The year is over. I have one more day and two scary exams standing in the way of me and... long hours at work? Haha, college is much easier.

Quotes that have gotten me through the past few weeks:

"I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night" -Galileo

"What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" -Mark 8:36

"I believe the most radical political act there is is to be an optimist.

The most radical political act there is is to believe that if i change, other people will follow suit." -Colin Beaven

Getting through life one day at a time. :) Loving most of it, but not these exams. Good Luck to everyone taking exams right now! You can do it!

"You Should Have, Like, A Fashion Blog!"

(Shirt: Gap via Outlets, Skirt: Thrifted via Goodwill, Scarf: H&M, Shoes: Rack Room Shoes, Watch: Thrifted via Flea Market)

Good news team, the skirt with the tiny waist still fits. But feeling a little tighter after the handfuls of cheese cubes I just consumed in Qual. I'm taking this as a good sign overall, maintaining homeostasis weight-wise this year. There have definitely been some ups and down, but all my clothes always fit, albeit some not as they used to, but still. 

My hair has also gotten SO long this year. I need a trim before my summer job, but I'm trying to decide how much. Am I going full-blown Locks 'o Love style and crop it up to my shoulders? Feedback, people, I need it.

My beautiful friend Mackenzie complimented my outfit on my hike across campus this morning, ending it with telling me that I should start a fashion blog. I giggled inside. Because, guess what? I already have one! Haha, have you heard about it?

ANDDD pose.

(Dress: Thrifted, Shoes: Rack Room Shoes, Bag: Thrifted)

This is my friend Jordan. He's one of my best friends and HE'S LEAVING ME because he hates my school enough :(( JORDAN I LOVE YOU DON'T LEAVE ME.

 This is Madison. She's in for the long haul. She's obsessed with my school. I love her to death.

exhibit A. I am going to got to iHop with Kate, which I am thrilled about. Best friend AND good food? Life just got 100% better.

Oh So Fugly 90s

(Shirt: Thrifted via Goodwill, Skirt: Thrifted via Goodwill, Shoes: Urban Outfitters, Belt: Gifted, from Macys)

Madison took my photos today. She was made historian for a club we're in together and she thinks this makes her Ansel Adams? Haha, but actually I really like this shot. It's my favorite one of this bunch anyways. :)

This shirt was bought by a friend for a 90s party. Key point, it was bought because it was ugly. And unwanted by the current generations.  Call me Josephine, but instead of a House of Boys, I have a House of Orphaned Clothing. The uglier, the better. 
I have decided, as of today, that I love people. I know, good thing too, you're saying, because you have to deal with them for the rest of your life. And yes, that is true. Which makes me even more excited that  I am generally excited to meet new people. I had a meeting for my job next year and I met some people and am super excited to be spending time with them. 
I also realized how freakishly friendly I can be. There is a boy who sits in my cafeteria and only eats broccoli and beans for lunch, so I sat down at his table and asked him about it. He's a clean eater. :) I thought that was super cool. Here's to meeting new and interesting people day by day.