Quoth the Raven

{dress: target/belt: forever 21/ridiculous boots not included}

I don't know if this picture says it enough, but I had a pretty good start to my weekend. My parents took me to Shalimar to partake in some yummy Indian cuisine. We ended up stopping into the Shoe Carnival where I found these ridiculous boots that beckoned I try them on. 

We also stopped in at The Dollar Tree where I found a Poe-esque black crow, a plastic skull that I admittedly grasped in my out-raised hand, saying, "Do be or not to be...," and some other ridiculous Halloween decorations like "butcher's organs" which look like slabs of meat, except they are plastic organs covered in fake blood. Leave it to The Dollar Tree to keep things classy. 

Later that night I met (most of) my writing center buddies at Howl at the Moon on 4th Street. I spent a bit of time at Amy and Ben's charming old house before we took off for the night. We all had a few drinks, some free food, played cornhole, talked and laughed. This was the first time we've all met outside of school in a social setting. If only the night had lasted longer...

Aside from that, I'm just laboring through some interesting (albeit repetitive and therefore highly avoidable) articles for my film class Monday, getting excited to watch Dr. Who in less than an hour, and awaiting some of the things I ordered online as a treat to myself for my birthday. Oh Modcloth, how I love thee. 

Scott (the young man in plaid in front) and I will be celebrating our birthdays next weekend! His is the 14th and mine the 15th. Here's to approaching getting another year older...

Until then, enjoy your weekend and don't work too hard!

Tassel Anticipation

This pic is of me from last Saturday after Scott's family's Derby party. I was feeling pretty classy in a simple black dress, coral necklace, and turquoise ring. What looks better in summer than coral and turquoise?

{dress & jacket: ae//jewelry: kohl's}

Sorry I've been on another blog hiatus but it seems like there's something about your last semester in college that kicks your butt in gear. You don't have anymore classes ahead or semesters to cushion your GPA. Thus, I spent most of my time doing a ridiculous amount of writing, reasoning, sleeping, working, and watching The Office and Downton Abbey for relief.

After a 41-page paper in my ridiculous history teacher's class, which was a 300-level, non-writing focused courses, I got an A. An almost impossible feat from RateMyProfessor.com's worst-ranked teacher EVER.

I'm trying to finish up cleaning our house to the bare bones, top to bottom. Both sets of grandparents are coming into town for my graduation in two days... which I imagine will infold something like Christmas Vacation of Sixteen Candles. Which by the way, if you've never seen them, go make your life better by renting them.

I'm looking forward to flipping that tassel so I can finally just say, "I graduated." 

De Donde Eres?

 

{dress: modcloth//sweater: ann taylor loft (sale)//green & blue pearl earrings: v&a museum in london}

Today marks exactly one week until the final day of classes! Hold steady, dear friends.

Credit 

Okay, I've found another television show to obsess over: Downton Abbey. Set in the early 1900's in an elite England manor, I am drooling. My favorite characters are definitely Mr. Bates and Anna, not only because of the relationship they have but because of their loyalty to the Crawley family. I also adore Mary, even though she can be a bit of b-word sometimes. The actress who plays her is brilliant. And who doesn't love Mr. Carson? And I think it's safe to say we all despise Thomas and O'Brien (but mainly Thomas).

This weekend, Scott and I went on a double date with Julie and Todd to see Titanic in 3D. We got dinner at Jason's deli and I had a sandwich on a buttery, flaky croissant with fresh fruit. Tres fantastique! Afterwards, we went for shakes at Steak 'N Shake. The chocolate chip cookie dough one hit the spot. And of course, Titanic in 3D was all I hoped it would be. Three hours of me dorking out over Leo and Kate and all the great lines. "No, Titanic go to America--in five minutes!" 

I had a group presentation in Spanish today that I hope went well. We'll see when grades are posted. 

And at work, I finally spoke to the floor cleaning/janitor guy at work in Spanish. I found out he's from Veracruz in Mexico which is the dialect I studied for my presentation! No wonder I understood him so well. He's so nice, I can't wait to speak to him some more. He always seems so lonely since he can't speak English very well. 

Until then...

All Work and No Play?

{sweater: forever 21//locket: online//jeans rolled to capris: ae//mary janes: online}

They say all work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy. I have to admit that I work more than I play and it's finally paid off.

After being accepted to UofL's Master's program for English, I was beyond excited. But then yesterday I was offered a graduate teaching assistantship! Not only will I be paid a generous stipend, but my tuition is free! In exchange for all of that, I get to work in the writing center and be the Morton Chair Assistant for Dr. Henke. I feel like all of my dreams have come true. Well, so far.

I really, truly feel blessed. Last year, I got the Etscorn Honors Scholarship, allowing me to quit UPS. Then, I got to go to London for two weeks to study abroad! This year, it's all of the great news above. I really hope I can pay it forward someday--God, and the people He's placed in the world to help me--I couldn't have done it without their grace.

I'm ready to register for classes and it all just feels surreal--if only I can successfully defend my thesis this Monday, then I'll have it all.

All that aside, dressing like a French person has made me insanely happy lately. Rolled up jeans, Mary-Jane flats, striped tops, and no fuss hair and makeup. I've also found joy in the early seasons of the U.S. Office. Although I still prefer the British Office best (which Scott says is because I'm such an Anglophile) the early U.S. Office episodes are super giggle-worthy.

Michael Scott: As Abraham Lincoln once said, If you're a racist, then I'll attack you from the North.

I celebrated the good news by visiting my madre at work and stopping at McAlister's because, let's face it, McAlister's is just celebration food and even though I've been eating it at least twice a week for over two years, I'll never tire of the deliciousness. 

Maybe I'll even make a smoothie--whoa, things are gettin' cray. 

And did I mention how anxious I am to see The Hunger Games? I'm reading Catching Fire as we speak and I'm just taking it slow because the books are just so enjoyable. Scott and I got Oreo milkshakes from Dairy Kastle yesterday and had one of our random deep conversations. We drove by Baxter Avenue to see if it was playing but we missed it by half an hour. :( I need an intensely large bucket of popcorn and my Katniss/Peeta fix! 

Until then...

I'm In-FAT-uated With You!

{sweater & top: target//skirt: forever 21//necklace: j.crew (sale)//tights: hollister//boots: dsw//tote: out of print}

Happy Wednesday everyone! I promised a look-sy into the bag on the last post so here's what I got Scott for Valentine's Day:

Yes, we now have matching Dr. Who t-shirts.

He surprised me with some Red Vines and probably the greatest gift I have ever received: 

A stuffed baby adipose from Dr. Who! I've wanted one for like, ever. He's so cuddly and adorable! I named him Herbie Dracula because my dad said it looked like a tooth which reminded me that "Herbie doesn't like to make toys... he wants to be a dentist" and also the little fang makes him look a bit vampire-ish thus, Herbie Dracula. 

We also went to Qdoba and kissed at the register so we got a free meal! It was beyond delicious.

Today I decided to dress up a bit since I've felt like crap the past couple of days. And then I got home and basically all my makeup was off and all you could see was grease face and pimples. So I decided against outfit posts on Monday and Tuesday! C'est la vie.

In the Next Room

{dress: target (sale)//scarf: borrowed from ma//earrings: gift from julie}

This weekend was amazing! I got to combine almost all of my favorite things into one weekend! First off, Scott and I went to see the Impressionist exhibition at the Speed Art Museum. Then of course, we finished off the day with a spot of supper! He also surprised me with some early Valentine's Day presents. 

First off, he got me the exploding Van Gogh/TARDIS Dr. Who poster. For a nerd like me, I was so excited because I was having trouble selecting a favorite Who poster. The Van Gogh episode was one of my favorites because I got to combine my love of art with my love of Dr. Who! So it was basically perfect and now adorned above my bedpost. ALSO! He got me a heart of the ocean necklace! I'm also a Titanic nerd and know almost every word to the movie and cry every time I watch it but also I laugh when Fabrizio yells, "BASTARDO!" but basically I've wanted this necklace since I was a little girl and now I can hold onto it forever because, "A woman's heart is a deep ocean of secrets!" 

On top of all that wonderful nerdiness, he burned me the sixth season of Dr. Who and now I'm all caught up and going through withdrawals. 

On Friday, Leslie and I went to go see In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play) at Actor's Theatre. The set and costumes were beautifully Victorian and overall I really enjoyed it--except Leslie and I agreed the ending was a bit rushed and made it seem that hysteria was only sexual repression. In reality, women did suffer from mental disorders that weren't simply cured by "fluid releases" from the womb.

Now that the weekend's all but passed, I'm going to endeavor to finish my homework/responsibilities and for heaven's sake work on that darn thesis. But in other news, I'm all set for Valentine's Day! Tune in to see what's inside come Tuesday...
 Photo Credit
  

The Girl Who Waited (for the semester to be over)

{dress & earrings: ae//sweater: anne taylor//scarf: target}

It's been quite awhile since I've updated and that's partly because I've been attacked by sickness! I'm still blowing my nose and such but I feel plenty better than I did last week. I've been battling work over my schedule which is stressing me out combined with the stress of my thesis/graduation/class with one of the most evil and demanding professors of all time. I know in the end it'll all work out but for the time being I feel like a big ball of crazy. 

Cheers to looking ahead! (And medicating myself with food and Dr. Who).

Honey Cough Drops & Hot Tea

{sweater & top: kohl's//watch: walmart//jeans: ae}

Please excuse the way I look today--I feel sick! I had to work 8-12 today with a sore throat, runny nose, and killer eye pain. I tried to cure myself with honey cough drops (yuck) and hot tea. Overall it was a great day because I got to see Scott and Julie, eat cookies, read about art, and the temperature was 66 degrees! I just hope I start feeling better soon. I have no motivation to do anything.

Circadian Rhythm

{tank: old navy//sweater: lauren conrad for kohl's (sale)//skirt: j.crew (sale)//earrings: target}

Tuesday was such a great day! I couldn't wait for 3:45 so Scott and I could hang out! We ended up trying a new Japanese place called Mikato which instantly became my favorite for hibachi. They tie for sushi with Osaka which is really saying something because... nobody loves Osaka sushi more than me.

Ahh, hibachi grill. The rice, the veggies, the soup, the salad. I could eat it again right now. And also, have a slice of red velvet cake. 

Then it was home for a shower, homework, and sleep. Getting up at 7AM three times a week sure gives me an early bedtime. But I feel so lucky to work inside and sleep at night! Because that wasn't the case for two and a half years. Yay for circadian rhythms!

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

{sweater, top & bracelet: target//watch: timex//earrings: lauren conrad for kohl's//jeans: ae}

Sorry about the messy hair. It got windy today.

How can you not love the bird print? And on sale! Thanks Target.

Windex Necessary

{sweater: kohl's//tank: sam's club//earrings: francesca's collection//jeans: ae//bag: target//moccasins: target ($5!)}

Looks like my mirror's a bit dirty... sorry. I just wanted to snap a couple quick pics after work so I could hurriedly take off my contacts, put on my PJ's, wash my face, and check my email, Facebook, etc. Does anyone else do that? Just drop your bag on the floor and start the bedtime process?

Mom and I went shopping yesterday and almost every single item we purchased was on sale. I'm still giddy with the deals I snagged. 

I have a ghastly 8-10 page paper to write tomorrow. The syllabus says to write a 5-page paper if you want a C. So I'm guessing the A-range is somewhere between 8-10. If the man wants to read a ton of pages, he's gonna get a ton of pages! Fool. 

Hope your weekends are going well!

Garden State

 

{dress: modcloth//earrings: gift from dad's india trip//watch: timex//sweater tights: kohl's//rain boots: online}

I love how I pretty much fade into the background wallpaper in these pictures. It reminds me of Zach Braff in Garden State. Oh, how I love that film.

Credit

Today was an overall great day despite the rain. I felt better equipped than yesterday. Rain boots, rain slicker, and my Monet 'Poppy Fields' umbrella in tow, I was ready for the mistiness. 

I have an early doctor's appointment tomorrow to finally discover what the heck is wrong with my diet (AKA why I had kidney stones). Wish me luck! I'm nervous about getting my blood taken because I pass out pretty much every time no matter how calm I am (or pretend to be) throughout the process. 

Wishing you all a happy Friday!

Bloomsbury Scarves

{sweater, top & jeans: ae//watch: walmart//necklace:forever 21//scarf: from a bloomsbury street vendor/gift shop in london}

Today I had to get up early on what should have been my day to sleep in to... get an X-ray and ultrasound! Joyous, I know. I really can't wait for Friday to hear what type of kidney stones I had so I can take dietary precautions against getting them again.

I'm tired but really need to study. But I really just want to eat and watch TV. Where has my academic prowess gone?!

And this hair... I'm not sure about it. Is it a bit too flippy? Because believe me, I didn't do that. My hair was pretty much like doing it's own thang today. I don't know what to do with it...