Looking Ahead

People tried to warn me about grad school but until you've experienced it for yourself, you really have no idea. It's a crazy, crazy world. It's so completely different from undergrad that there aren't even words. 

I had every intention of taking great photos along the waterfront this weekend and writing an awesome post. I did one of those things but turned out to not be a fan of almost any of the photos. Way too sunny and bright and ya know, sometimes an idea just doesn't pan out and its' ok!!

Also, I almost had a full blown anxiety attack the other night (so embarrassing) and it got me thinking that I need to get a better grip on my attitude, perspective and schedule. I need to become one with my planner. Aaaaaand get super into yoga.

But all of that is to say that sometimes I need to write a post about how I'm doing alright but just kind of taking it day by day, ya know? And I think the blog is going to show that a bit. I want to be real and honest on here about my experiences in this amazing rose city and about grad school. Right now I am so blessed to have my faith, my family, my friends (new and old) and a comfy and stylish place to call home.

I like blogs and people that keep it real and I'm hoping you do too. :)

(this is just so rambly and awkward so i'm going to end it now before i throw more words on here that barely make sense.)
Happy Wednesday!

Wise Words

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"This Rule points us in a clear direction. Let us treat others with the same passion and compassion with which we want to be treated. Let us seek for others the same possibilities that we seek for ourselves. Let us help others to grow, as we would like to be helped ourselves. In a word, if we want security, let us give security; if we want life, let us give life; if we want opportunities, let us provide opportunities. The yardstick we use for others will be the yardstick which time will use for us. The Golden Rule also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development."

-Pope Francis

Here's a little tidbit from Pope Francis' speech to Congress. I absolutely love what he said here. 

Go out and love on one another this weekend. :) 

Fall Dress Code

coat, sweater, plaid, skirt, dress, boots, bag, glasses, sunglasses, purse, lip

Fall is happening all around me at the moment. From non stop school to the leaves changing their colors, fall is coming soon my friends! The mornings are already crisper and the sweaters and jackets are making there way to the front of my closet. I am giddy for chunky turtlenecks like the one above, cozy plaid half tucked into jeans and I'm especially excited to really have a reason to bust out all of my favorite coats.

I inherited a coat like the one above from my grandma and have yet to get it altered. I think that may be on my list of to-do's during winter break aka the next time I have a moment to do anything other than think about speech and language development/disorders.

There's something about the fall palette that is so inviting. The browns, ambers, maroons, navys and forest greens remind me of cozy evenings and candles burning nearby. How fun would that flower bag be to take to farmers markets on the weekend to get your produce for the week? I'll admit I've totally gotten hooked on walking to my farmers market every week to stock up on veggies.

What kind of clothing are you most excited to bust out soon?

A Word of Advice

Today I had one of my professors remind me of something super important and wonderful so I thought I should share. 

Don't be so goshdarn afraid of failure! What's the worst that could happen? And actually think of that ~~horrible~~ thing and realize it wouldn't be that bad. 

Ok now deep breath. I'm reeeeeeally bad about remembering that.

Also, if you didn't know that Ryan Adams re-recorded all of Taylor Swift's 1989 in the style of The Smiths, then you are missing out. GUYS. It's gooooooooooooooood. 

HERE'S a couple of the songs!!

Living a Rooted Life

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On Sunday, the church I go to, Bridgetown, started a new series for the fall and introduced the series for 2016 as well. In his speech, he mentioned how the church will be seeking out a greater sense of creating roots and planting itself within the city of Portland. He went on to explain how this idea of "rootlessness" and lack of commitment to where we are currently placed has run rampant across the Western culture's mindset. Prior to cars or the internet, people stayed where they were and created community with what was around them. 

While I am all for traveling, moving to new places, meeting new people etc. etc., there is something to be said for staying in one place for a while and really placing roots. It goes back to my whole struggle for a "home", which I've talked about quite a bit on here. We were made to create community with one another and the easiest way to do that, is by being around those closest to you. 

As someone who left home in California at the age of 18 to move to Arizona and is now currently living in Oregon, I know a little bit about moving around. Some would say I'm pretty good at it by now. When you're young, you have the community that your parents introduce you to and through the high school you attend. But once you leave that bubble, you are thrust into unknown territory and the only way to make it, in my humble opinion, is to reach out and form your own community. 

It wasn't until I implemented the community aspect into my life in Tucson that I really began to love it there. Once I volunteered within the city, pushed myself outside my limits, found a church I really loved, I was able to feel at peace. But then I moved again. And this time, it was back to my original home that no longer held the same level of community I was used to.  

By the time I moved to Oregon (going on a little over a month now!! Woo!) I knew the first thing I needed to do was to create community. I started going to Bridgetown the first weekend I moved in (luckily my roommate had already checked it out and given it a firm two thumbs up) and instantly pushed my way into a small group. Once school started I began forming community with my cohort and now, a month in, I fully feel like Portland is my home. 

In my book, community is the key to being content. And finding a community that is walking distance or a short drive away is also key. These are the people we will be doing life with! They need to be the ones that see us at our best and worst and in the mundane day-to-day! It's really hard to do that from afar. It can still happen! But it's harder. 

All of this to say, I am a huge fan of creating roots wherever you are. I may only be in Oregon for two years of maybe ten but heck, I'm going to make these years the best ones I can and get to KNOW this city I call home. Once you take that step, the whole world opens up and happiness follows. 

So go put down those roots!!!  

Flowers & Flowers

 My friend Alicia is starting a blog (City & Simplicity!! Her first post is live!!) and so we went out and snapped some photos for her blog and I, of course, had to take some myself. We picked up these sunflowers at the farmers market on the NW side and they worked perfectly with my flowery dress.

How amazing is this castle-like place? I felt like a modern Cinderella hanging out on the steps. 

There are so many amazing places to take photos in Portland. The Alphabet District (in NW Portland) is absolutely adorable and the definition of #goals. I feel like I yell out "GOALS!" to every single apartment complex or home in the area. That's also my new favorite game. I feel like if I throw out my goals into the universe than they will eventually come true. ;)

I'm starting my third week of grad school today and I finally feeling like I'm falling into a routine. The only issue I've run into so far is how I will incorporate exercise into my Monday-Wednesday routine. Between my commute, classes back-to-back, and endless homework when I get home, there really isn't much time. If anyone has some ideas that don't involve a gym, I would be grateful!!

But for now, have a great Monday! 

Why Knot: {Link Up}

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Happy Friday!

There were several things I felt like sharing from across the web so I decided to post them all on here! I always like finding interesting articles, a fun quiz, or a new and amazing song and what fun is it if you don't share? So here we go:

1. I'm attending a documentary screening tonight for the film The Way We Talk. I'm so excited because I'm currently taking a fluency course and this film is all about how stuttering affects a persons life inside and out. I'm fully prepared to cry my eyes out. HERE'S the film's website if you want to watch the trailer! 

2.  I love me some Johnny Cash and Relevant Magazine just featured an article on all of his more spiritual songs. I fully plan on listening to all of these as I work through my to-do list today! Listen HERE. 

3. I went to a Hillsboro Hops baseball game with some of my grad school cohort on Wednesday and we had a blast! Have you ever attended a minor league game near you?

4. I loved this post The Everygirl featured on getting out of a rut. I think we can all use some of these methods when we fall into little funks. Read it HERE.

5. Did you know Ann Taylor Loft has horoscopes now?? I'm obsessed with checking mine every day because it's been pretty spot on so far. August's monthly horoscope was freakish. Check them out HERE! 

Have a great weekend!! 

I think this is the last warmer weekend in Portland (at least I hope so!!) and I can't wait for the colder weather to begin!

 

Perspective

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Lately I've felt like that person you'll see on the side of the road holding coffee, a large bag, folders, talking on the phone, trying to make it down the sidewalk and you just watch from a little ways back wondering when everything is going to fall.

On Friday I dropped one of the items, probably the first of many, and had to learn how to pick it back up and move on. (after a mini meltdown session with mom of course)

On Saturday my balance was firmly back in place. 

Yesterday, with my balance still firmly in place, I felt the nudge to slow down and reflect. 

A couple people in my cohort recently lost loved ones and it sent them entirely off balance. As it would anyone. So while I was over on one sidewalk teetering on the edge because I may have stumbled a bit, they were on the ground picking up their own pieces. And it really put things into perspective.  

Time is fleeting, as we all know. But I feel like I often forget in the daily grind of life. I get so caught up in my (now endless) to-do list and forget to send up a prayer of thanksgiving. It's when you're friends lose loved ones that make you stop and realize how small your problems are. I don't like discounting other people's problems or even my own most of the time because yes, they seem big in the moment. But that's all they are. Momentary concerns. 

With what is going on in Syria and Europe and at home, with my friends stories, I want to get better about constantly giving thanks and appreciating the small, seemingly mundane things. 

I guess this is all to say how important perspective is. Sometimes I need a reminder of that and maybe you did too?

Weekend Recap

 Ok! To start things off, HOW IS IT ONLY WEDNESDAY???

 While I'm reeling from the first few days of grad school, I thought I'd share my adventurous weekend. The Pip's donuts above were actually devoured earlier in the week but they look so adorable and I thought they would start us off on the right foot. :) Also, I'm totally craving some now.

 First things first, I met my parents in Bend on Friday and after eating a delicious breakfast, we drove up to Mount Bachelor and saw Elk Lake and Benham Falls.

 The falls were stunning! I hadn't seen that much rushing water in quite some time because of a drought filled California. It was amazing how the river was so calm just a little further up from the falls and then the falls were so intense! If you're ever in Bend, definitely check out the falls!

 Then, back in Bend, we walked around Mirror Pond and the downtown area. I love how you can walk nearly everywhere in the downtown area! Now that I'm getting so used to walking most everywhere, being able to walk around and explore a city by foot is my preferred method of transportation.

On Saturday we went hiking in the Columbia River Gorge on the Triple Falls hike. It was absolutely beautiful and the forest was incredibly lush. We ended the day at the Multnomah Whiskey Library and Tasty and Alder for dessert. :)

It's been a whirlwind few days and my schedule shows absolutely no signs of slowing down foooooooooor about the next two years. ;)

So, tell me! How's life for you??