Aaaand That's a Wrap, Folks!

Well, I did it! I made it through my first semester of college along with some of my very best friends. I am so unbelievably pleased with my decision to attend Loyola University Chicago. I have met some of the most amazing people in my life after only a few months. The amount of love that I feel here on a daily basis is so encouraging and I am so thankful for the friends I have made in this amazing city. I came to Loyola not knowing a single soul and came out of my first semester with some of the closest friends I have ever made.

I am immensely proud of myself for making it this far and being so successful. I have learned that I have to go out of my comfort zone in order meet the best people out there for me. Being able to finish with a GPA higher than my original goal was probably the biggest feeling of accomplishment I have experienced in an extremely long time!

I want to give a big thank you to my parents for supporting me and pushing me along this entire semester to do the best I can academically and to be the best person possible.

I am also so thankful for my Aunt Lynn and Uncle Chuck; without either of them, my college experience would not be possible.

Thank you to all of my friends who have stuck by me through the meltdowns, stress-caused freak outs, and the occasional "bitch fit". You've made this experience so unbelievable and I am so happy that I can call you my best friends!!

I have laughed harder and cried harder than I ever have in my entire life this semester and I would never change a single moment even if I could. Hoping the rest of you have a wonderful holiday season. I'll see you next year! 

XO 

Wednesday Wisdom

One more week of classes and it's time for some turkey!! While taking a break from my studies, I wanted to share my weekly Wednesday Wisdom with you all. I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your week! Use those day dreams of Thanksgiving Dinner to get you through the rest of these frigid days at school or work.

Quote of the Week:

I came across this excerpt from one of Maya Angelou's famous quotes this past weekend and have not been able to stop thinking about it! To me, it makes so much sense and holds some great advice. As humans, we tend to let our struggles overwhelm us and in turn, we take our anger or frustration out on those around us. I know I for one have a hard time just taking a deep breath and stopping myself from copping an attitude towards my friends and family when I am in a bad mood. However, this quote helps to remind me that I mustn't become a frustration for other people simply because I myself am frustrated. So from now on, I am committing to attempt to acknowledge why I am frustrated and to remind myself that I should not exert those feelings onto those that do not deserve it.

2. Cathy Caputo's Favorite Quote:

"These two short lines from Gregory Alan Isakov’s song “San Francisco” have always stood out to me. When I listen to these lyrics I remember to live in the moment. It is so easy, yet so silly, to let schoolwork and other stresses control my thoughts and emotions when these things are really so much less important than they seem. This quote reminds me that life is not constricted by time. Rather, life is composed of beautiful moments that should be appreciated regardless of what the clock displays." (Cathy Caputo)

3. Dominic Belcaster's Favorite Quote:

"Sposarmi con la notte." (Marry the night.)

"This quote means more to me than anyone can expect, hence why I ended up getting a tattoo with the quote. It’s about taking all the pain, negativity, and darkness of your life and falling in love with it. Marrying the past and using it for the future. It’s also a title of a song that has pushed me through some of the most difficult times I’ve ever been faced with."

(Dominic Belcaster)

I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your week! Keep on working hard and pushing through the next week. The harder you work now, the more you will appreciate the break! XO

Thankful Thursday

We're in the "home stretch"!!! T-mins 3 hours until Friday! I hope this Thursday is treating you all well. For me, I like to relax for at least one hour every Thursday and take in all that has happened this week; I let go of the negativity and breathe in all the positive things that have happened this week. I attempt to ignore the stressors of the past week (although that is easier said than done) and remind myself of everything I have in my life.

1. New Friends

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate my old friends from back home so so much as well; however, I am especially thankful for the ones I have recently made in college. I knew the first month or two would be hard, but I definitely underestimated how difficult it would be to adapt to all of the changes occurring. There have been numerous times that my new friends have had to calm me down when I had a freak out over getting behind on my homework or stressing about making other friends. While we all have been going through individual difficulties in our new lives, we have all been there for each other each step of the way. I mostly appreciate the fact that each of my new friends is so unbelievably encouraging and understanding. Each of us has been through difficult experiences and I believe because of that, we understand each other on a deeper level. I am so thankful to have met such amazing people in such a short period of time. I look forward to spending the next four years with some of the best people I have ever met!

2. Pittsburgh

I sure don't say it enough, but I am extremely thankful for having grown up in Pittsburgh. As much as I complain about the place, it has a special place in my heart. Even though I couldn't wait to get away and finally live in a big city, I underestimated how much I would miss Pittsburgh. I'm so thankful I was able to grow up in a city filled with such nice and caring people. It was the perfect sized city to raise a family. Although I love the CTA in Chicago and public transportation during rush hours, I sure do miss being able to drive places and quickly at that. I think I miss the people more than the city itself, but Pittsburgh truly made a positive impact on my life and played a large role in helping me to become the woman I am today. A big thank you to the 412 for giving me a childhood worth remembering.

3. Psychology

Although I am biased on the subject because I am a Psychology major, I really do appreciate all the work and progress that has been made in the field over the years. Not only do I find the subject itself interesting, but I also find it quite extraordinary. What other field of study can you dig so deep into the human mind, body, and soul? I so love that I can study in depth why humans are the way they are and why they act the way they do. Can you imagine a world in which having a psychological disorder meant you were a witch or possessed by the devil? Oh wait - that did happen! Thanks to Psychology we are now able to diagnose and treat many different types of disorders and illnesses. Although it is still a young science, Psychology is truly making its way to the top. I am unbelievably grateful for the progress made involving mental illnesses and disorders. Having fought mental illness myself, I am thankful that Psychology has been able to create ways of coping and types of treatment for those affected by these diseases. Without the help of therapy, I would not be where I am today or the woman I am so proud of today. Psychology has changed my life in more ways than one and I am forever thankful.

PS - So sorry I have been behind in my posts! I'll be sure to update you all with what I do over the weekend! I hope you enjoy yourself the next few days! Don't forget to take some time to contemplate the good in your life and to exhale all of the bad!

XO

Wednesday Wisdom

I hope this post finds you well! It's almost the weekend... and Halloween! I'm anxiously anticipating all of the costumes I will see this weekend! In the meantime, to take a break from my studying, here's a few quotes from my friends and me! Happy Wednesday Wisdom!

Quote of the Week: 

"We either make ourselves miserable or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same." 

-Carlos Castenada

When I am feeling unmotivated and extremely pessimistic, I think of this quote and kick it into high gear; I walk with a smile on my face and think of all the things that are fabulous in my life. It's true, there is a difficulty that exists when attempting to consistently be strong (and of course a breakdown is totally understandable every once in a while), but isn't it worse to be miserable? It takes just as much mental and physical energy out of you, so why not make it positive energy and stay confident? I am my biggest motivator and my worst critic, but this quote puts everything into perspective for me. I can either support myself or tear myself down. I choose to be a happy, strong, and confident young woman. I can do all things with a little faith in myself. So what's it gonna be - living a miserable life or strengthening yourself every single morning?

2. Ben Bissell's Favorite Quote:

"The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time." 

-Abraham Lincoln

"I love this quote because it's something that I live my life by and something that I believe in. My mom and dad used to say this to me throughout highschool whenever I was having a tough day or felt stressed about things in my life. I have brought this mindset into college to take one day at a time and I believe it has made me succeed so far this school year. I love this quote because it reminds us to slow down and focus on the things that are right in front of us instead of worrying about the future because there's nothing you can do the change the things that haven't happened yet." 

(Ben Bissell)

3. Margo Holleran's Favorite Quote:

"Time decides who you meet in your life. Heart decides who you want in your life. And your behavior decides who will stay in your life." -Unknown

Right now, my mom is out of the country (and probably asleep due to time difference!) so she was unable to give a reasoning behind why she loves this quote so much. However, to paraphrase, I know this is her favorite quote in the entire world - it is taped above her laptop for her to see everyday. Time is a funny thing and can be a huge pain in the butt - sometimes - or it can be a great thing. Sometimes you're in different places in life, and other times the timing could not be more perfect. You cannot control who you love, that's only up to your heart! But in the end, if you want someone in your life, you will make it happen, if you don't you'll make that happen too. People cannot make you happy if you can't even make yourself happy! So respect yourself enough to let those who do not deserve to be in in your life leave. 

Thankful Thursday

T.G.I.T. - Thank Goodness It's Thursday!! Not only is ABC's Scandal on tonight, but it's also Thankful Thursday! Although I usually choose three things I am thankful for, this Thursday I have decided to mention one. Today has been quite sad; I heard news early this morning that my cat Thomas had to be put down due to numerous health problems. Therefore, I would like to dedicate this Thankful Thursday to my best friend and the only being that was always always there for me.

1. My Cat, Thomas:

I can still clearly picture the day that we brought Thomas home from the animal shelter; him and his brother Jerry. Though barely a few months old, we knew Thomas would be apart of our family right away and for a very long time. Over the years, we have had many animals in our house; none quite like our Tommy Tom, though. Whether I was a little girl crying on the steps outside or a frustrated teenager hating the world, Thomas always seemed to know when and how to comfort me. I am forever thankful that I was able to spend the past 15 years with such an amazing animal. From family dinners to Christmas mornings, Thomas never left my side.  He was not merely a cat, but rather a best friend, better than any human could have possibly been. Saturday and Sunday mornings will never be the same without you in mommy's bed, catching up on the past week's shows. I'll love you forever and am so unbelievably thankful for being able to spend a majority of my life with you. Missing you always, Tommy Tom.

What are you thankful for this Thursday?

XO

Wednesday Wisdom

Happy Hump Day! I hope this post finds you well. I know I've been slacking in posting stuff lately, but I wanted to make sure I posted another Wednesday Wisdom for you all! Here are a few quotes from my two best girlfriends and me!

1. Quote of the Week:

"We tend to judge other by their behavior, and ourselves by our intentions."

-Stephen M.R. Covey

This quote holds a special place in my heart. I think as humans we constantly judge each other by the way in which we behave rather than their intentions. A common theory in Social Psychology is the "Fundamental Attribution Error," in which people overestimate the effect of dispositional factors and underestimate situational factors. I admit, I am constantly attributing a persons behavior to his or her actual personality, while at the same time knowing I behaved a certain way with certain intentions. It is extremely difficult to do, but I try my hardest to understand why a person did something and where he or she is coming from. I hate being judged wrongly, let alone at all, and I am positive you do too. So what do you say? Let's all just try to be a little less judgmental and a little more understanding!

2. Jessica Ciesielski's Favorite Quote:

 "I realized this week that I just cannot do it all. So I will choose to do what I can fabulously."

-Clinton Kelly

"This quote really means a lot to me because I can apply it to my every day life. I tend to get overwhelmed trying to balance school work, my social life, and getting enough sleep. Clinton Kelly reminds me that it’s okay to not always be able to take on everything at once; it is simply important to put forth your best and most fabulous work into what you’re able to do. It’s vital to be able to step back and look at what you’ve accomplished and be proud of it." (Jessica Ciesielski)

3. Marcella Pappas's Favorite Quote:

"And there are stories where it’s hard to be sure who’s a prince and who’s a monster, who is a victim and who should live happily ever after" 

-Ilsa J. Bick

"This is my favorite quote because in life, not everything is black and white - good things happen to bad people and vice versa. We are not always able to see through people, we do not know what goes on behind closed doors, and we do not always know who it is that we are judging." (Marcella Pappas)

As always, you are more than welcome to share any of your favorite quotes via email! I hope you have a wonderful Wisdom Wednesday! T-minus two days until the weekend!

XO

Thankful Thursday

It's that time of the week again... Happy Thursday! While taking a break from studying for my final midterms, I took the time to think of three things I am thankful for. 

1. My Faith 

My faith is extremely important to me and I am forever thankful for being able to grow up learning about God. Going to catholic school my entire life has helped me to become a strong young woman with values and morals that I take pride in.

Because of my faith I am able to share with others my beliefs. I do so by going on many missions trips both in the US and Jamaica. The most life-changing event thus far in my life is most definitely my first mission trip to Jamaica. I not only grew stronger in my faith and closer to God, but I also became more appreciative of the life I have been granted. If you have not done so, whether you are religious or not, i strongly suggest that you go on a mission trip as soon as possible!

2. My Dad

As a young girl, some of my fondest memories involve my dad. My mom is one of my best friends, but I'm still a "Daddy's Girl" at heart. 

My dad's willingness to give to others is unlike that of anyone I have ever experienced. Not only is he a mentor for many teens and young adults, but also an amazing role model to both my brother and me. He accompanied me on my first trip to Jamaica and had an equally life-changing experience. 

3. Education

My entire life I have been blessed with the ability to attend Catholic and Private Catholic schools. My education is extremely important to me and as a college student I have begun to appreciate it even more.

I am so thankful that I was able to graduate high school and attend a university in Chicago. My parents are extremely supportive in everything I do, especially my decision to major in Psychology. My past education and experiences have influenced me to pursue a career in counseling. I am forever thankful for all of my family members who have helped make the education I've received and will continue to receive possible. 

What are you thankful for? 

XO 

Wednesday Wisdom

When I decided to start this blog I had originally planned to only post Thursday-Sunday. However, since talking to some of my supporters, I have decided to add a Wednesday post: Wednesday Wisdom. Each week I will share my favorite quote of the day and ask thre others for theirs. By doing this, I hope to be able to reach a broader perspective on what is important to others around me.

1. My Favoritve Quote:

"You cannot save people, you can only love them."

-Anais Nin

This quote is extremely important to me. There have been many times in my life that I have felt the need to save people from different things - mistakes, trouble, or any type of pain. It has taken a lot of time, but after hearing this quote, I have found that I cannot save anyone. No matter what I do, people have to want to save themselves; the best I can do is love them and support them and I think that is enough. 

2. Jack McCusker's Favorite Quote:

"We must not fear daylight just because it almost always illuminates a miserable world."

-Rene Magritte

"This quote means so much to me. It helps remind me that although some days may seem dark and that they'll never get better, embracing the daylight, the good in life, and being positive will be my salvation even when I feel surrounded by a miserable world. It may be typical to find evil in creation, but fearing the daylight will only cause us to miss out on all the good things that can be illuminated by it. Inspired by Margritte's artwork and how insightful he is, I take this quote to heart and I can find solace in its meaning." (Jack McCusker)

3. Mahdi Sahloul's Favorite Quote:

"Our ambition should be to rule ourselves, the true kingdom for each one of us; and true progress is to know more, and be more, and to do more."
-Oscar Wilde

"This quotes pushes me to challenge myself intellectually, physically, and socially. I'm on a constant search for my purpose in life and challenging myself with new things, to me, means progress." 

(Mahdi Sahloul)

4. Fransisco Hernandez Garcia-limia's Favorite Quote:

"Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are gonna get."

-Forrest Gump 

"I never thought that I would ever live so far from home so early in my life and for such a long time. Being away from Spain and my family has taken me through many different obstacles. Even so, my journey has shaped me into who I am. The unexpected sometimes prepares you for other obstacles to come in the future. I am stronger because of what has happened to me."

(Fransisco Hernandez Garcia-limia)

If you ever want to submit a favorite quote of yours, please do not hesitate to email it to me along with a reason for why you like it! You can find my email under the "View My Complete Profile" link below my bio. I hope you all enjoy and have a wonderful Hump Day!

XO

A Day Late...

Hello all! I hope this Monday is treating you well.

Although I am a day late (it's Midterm Week), I wanted to share my fun-filled Sunday with you! Accompanied by three of my close friends, I went to lunch in the city, walked through the Art Institute of Chicago (the best museum in the world), and explored the city. The Chicago Marathon had just ended and it was so exciting to see the runners all over with huge smiles! Congrats to anyone who ran!! Here are a few snaps of my Sunday Funday!

Just outside of the Art Institute of Chicago, there is an adorable garden connected to Millennium Park. I felt it was necessary to get some pictures with the beautiful backdrop! These are my friends Jack, Jessica, and Mahdi. 

 "SeaScape" by Pierre-August Renoir is my favorite painting at the Art Institute. There is something about the colors and intricacy that makes the waves extremely calming. 

"Sky Above Clouds" by Georgia O'Keeffe hangs on the wall just before her other collections down the stairs. This piece gives a beautiful abstract depiction of the clouds above and to me this work of art emphasizes the wonder associated with the sky. 

If you have not been already, I highly suggest you make your way to the Art Institute! Each time I have gone I see new art that I did not see the times before. The massive museum is a nice place to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Chicago and provides a calming setting to clear one's mind. Have a fabulous week! See you soon for Thankful Thursday! 

XO

Happy Saturday

After a late night on Friday, it was nice to get caught up on some much needed sleep. Taking advantage of a beautiful fall day in Chicago, a few friends and I made our way to Wicker Park to do some small boutique shopping (a little retail therapy never hurt anybody)! Wicker Park is a sweet little neighborhood west of the city with small shops and restaurants. We had a yummy traditional Mexican dinner and shared laughs with each other to the point of tears. Here's a few pics from what we did! I hope you all had a relaxing and refreshing Saturday like I did!

  Living in Chicago, there is always so much beautiful street art. I can't count how many pictures I have in front of wall murals. 

The Mexican restaurant Las Palmas had an adorable back patio that we sat in. Although it was a little chilly out, we all kept warm by breaking out all the new sweaters we bought! 

Friday Favorites

Every Friday I like to think of a few things that got me through the week. After all, it's been a long one! Thinking about my favorite encounters each week helps me to appreciate the little things in life and live more in the moment by taking the time to allow an experience to affect me. So, without further ado, here are a few of my favorite things I encountered this week!

1. Favorite Quote:

This quote means so much to me. I had a really rough week, but I try to not to take my anger and frustration out on other people (although it is easier said than done). Simply by being positive and nice to others can make someone else's day. Just because you are in a bad mood, does not mean you have to let it affect others!

2. Favorite Couple:

Carrie & Big, forever & always. Do I really need to explain??

3. Favorite Purchase

While at home I decided to indulge in some retail therapy. It was the perfect time too...Fall Sales! These Franco Sarto Booties are so comfy and match almost everything! Definitely a must-have!

4. Favorite Memory

After being home for a weekend, of course I started to look through old pictures. Lydia is my oldest friend and is basically my little sister. So many of my childhood memories involve her! I truly missed her so much!

5. Favorite Fall Drink

IT. IS. FALL. And consequently my favorite season! If you are on the fence about fall as a season, I suggest you run to your closest coffee shop and order a pumpkin spice latte! You won't be disappointed!

Thankful Thursday

I feel like Thursday is the perfect day to be thankful; it is nearly the end of the week but has a calmness present right before a busy weekend.

Each Thursday I like to think of three things I am thankful for. So here we go!

1. Friends

After a long weekend back in my hometown of Pittsburgh, I was able to see friends I had not been in touch with for almost two months. Reconnecting was refreshing and bittersweet at the same time. While in Pittsburgh, I finally realized how much I had come to love and appreciate my new friends in Chicago. By the time the weekend was coming to a close, I was ready to get back to my favorite new city with some of my favorite people! Here's a few pics from the time I spent at home and when I returned to Chicago. 

Jessica is my newest friend from Chicago!

Marissa and Megan are close friends from back home!

Anna is a close friend from my high school!

2. Coffee Shops

I am unbelievably thankful for the coffee shops that help me get through midterms! And not just your typical Starbucks; I'm talking about "hole-in-the-wall" places such as Metropolis (a coffee shop right near campus) and A Taste of Heaven (a sit-down pastry shop 3 stops south of my campus). It's places like these that allow me to stay sane when cramming for a test or trying to get caught up in a class. The change of scenery adds a nice touch too!

A Taste of Heaven has "Free Coffee Wednesday" with the purchase of a pastry!

 At Metropolis, my favorite drink is the Chai Tea!

3. Driven Women

Growing up I had a traveling mother, a full-time nanny, and many influential women in my life. Had it not been for my mother working 60+ hour weeks, a nanny putting herself through college, and many other women that took care of me, I would not be as successful or driven as I am today. It is because of all the hardworking moms and women out there that females are paving their ways to bright futures (that's not to take any credit away from the amazing dads and influential men though)! Here's a few women that I am thankful to have in my life. 

 My mother is one of the most passionate and driven women I know. I am who I am because of her. 

 Jill, my nanny growing up, has taught me so much about life, love, and happiness. I am now the proud godmother of her youngest son, Manny.

 My grandmother (although a victim of alzheimer's) is still the most positive woman I know. 

My three moms. Although only one of them is my blood, all three played an extremely important role in raising me and shaping me into the woman I am today.

Dorrie is my spiritual mentor and has aided me in growing closer to my faith through participating in multiple missions trips.