where's my blueprint?

Your 20's are messy. I know I'm only 23, but I feel like I can safely say that this is going to be a bumpy decade in my life. And it's funny because everyone expects you to have it figured out. Most of us are done with school now, so  you're an adult, adults have it together. And I feel like all of us 20-somethings, pretend to each other like we know what we're doing, but here's the secret: none of us have a clue. We have to realize that we need to be okay with that. Don't judge your friend who's engaged already, maybe this is the right time for her. Or that other friend, who is already married and has a baby. So what? That's his/her life. Maybe you or a friend is single and loving it, maybe you hate your job, or have your dream job already. My point is, we don't have a blueprint, no one does, and there are so many different paths open to us right now, we have to blindly go down some, it might work out, or you might have to go back and pick another and start all over again. I know I'm using a lot of metaphors here, and I hope I don't sound too preachy, but I'm in the same boat. I think to myself, all of my friends who were in the same major as me, have jobs in communications, and I don't; am I doing something wrong? Or the fact that I'm still living at home. I have to constantly repeat the quote to myself that says: "just because everyone else is doing something, doesn't mean you have to." It's so simple, yet I forget it all the time. I feel pressure from so many different areas, and I am trying to make that quote my mantra, that everything is happening the way it's supposed to, it's all going to be okay. Hopefully if I stick by that, maybe I'll have figured everything out by the time I'm 30. ;)

one of 'those' weeks

as the title says, this has been one of 'those' weeks. traffic/my commute in general has seemed as brutal as ever, today I immediately awoke to the stinging pain of a headache and overall I feel like I simply cannot win - and it's only wednesday! as I've said before, I really strive to be an optimist, keep my head above water and tell myself that things could be a lot worse, but sometimes you can't help but throw yourself a pity party, right? but my optimism is trying to win over, so I'm going to post a few of the little things that are making me happy right now, to remind myself that's it's not so bad after all, I mean, the week is half over ;)

1) this video

2) knowing these fab new sandals will be arriving on my doorstep soon

3) the twitter feed @oldmansearch (apparently this 82 year-old's son or daughter told him twitter was google so what he tweets is what he is "googling" not sure if this is true or not, but either way, it's hilarious!)

4) some of my fave blogs (here, here, here, here & here) that inspire me on a regular basis!

5) also, these various tumblr's (1/2/3) that are so truthfully funny it makes you realize we're all in the same boat

what's currently on your happiness list? let me know!

the power of positive thinking

I did it! I did it! Successfully ran my first 5k that is. To some, running 3.1 miles may seem like a walk in the park, but for me, someone who struggles with running & a usually poor mental attitude about it - this was a very, very big deal.

Prior to the race starting I was a little nervous - I had signed myself up as a timed runner, even though this wasn't that big of a deal (not a marathon or anything) I was surrounded by people who looked like seasoned runners. As I was trying to not let this get to my head, we were off! The first mile was actually the toughest for me - I just kept chanting in my head "you can do this, you can do this." Also, my music was a huge source of inspiration and gave me surges of motivation when I needed it the most.

I had slowed my pace (was still running though!) and was feeling pretty tired, but I willed my body to keep pushing through and that's when I saw the 2 mile marker - a smile creeped across my face and I knew I could do this. I picked up my pace a little and once I was nearing the end it was so motivating to see all the supporters cheering us on, yelling out encouraging words - it was a powerful moment.

Once I crossed the finish line, the sense of pride and confidence I had in myself was unlike anything I have ever felt for myself before. And it was me, only me who did this. I was so thankful for my strong legs, heart & lungs to get me through this - it sounds so cheesy and cliche but I felt so connected with myself. Needless to say, this 5k was definitely the push I needed - I have the motivation to keep running, do more 5k's and maybe even build myself up to longer runs (10k anyone?).

I don't even know if I should say it, but I think this 5k turned my love/hate relationship with running to just a love one (and you thought you were done with the cheesiness). :)

Me (#986) with some co-workers after the run!

beauty balm

I'm not a big beauty junkie like many girls are. Don't get me wrong, I love reading tricks & tips in countless magazines and blogs - but I find it pointless to spend boatloads of money on products that won't last very long, I like my covergirl and maybelline just fine! However, one product I kept coming across over and over again was a little something called BB cream or beauty balm cream. The first one I discovered was by Estee Lauder - countless customers raved about it; saying things like "it made my face look airbrushed" "evened out my skin tone" "made all my imperfections disappear." Not to mention, that this cream is a tinted moisturizer that packs anti-oxidants and SPF. Sounds too good to be true, right? After discovering that my favorite skin care brand, Clinique sold a version of it I decided to take the plunge.

Let me just tell you - I am obsessed, and this is only day 1 of me wearing it. I washed my face as usual, and since this is used as primer, I put it on first. It didn't go on quite as smoothly as I expected it to (probably because of the high SPF) but it covered my skin nicely. I made sure to blend it - then I added my concealer like normal to any blemishes I have and added a little of my powder foundation and finished with bronzer as always. I can totally tell a difference, as those countless women said, my skin looks so much more smooth and even. I know I will continue to use this as long as they make it.

I splurged with this and bought it for $37.00, but I know there are much cheaper versions out there - my cousin, Ali, raves about the one she uses by Aveeno that costs about $14.00.