It’s been awhile since my weekly tips on ways to be thoughtful.
This week, it’s simple - donate to the Red Cross to help with the recent disaster in Oklahoma. They make it so easy to just text RED CROSS to 90999 to give $10. I did it, and you can, too. No matter what your situation, $10 is one less drink, one less quick lunch from Subway, etc.
Do what you can.
It’s that time again! Monday night is the premiere of the Bachelorette’s 9th season and Desiree begins on her “journey of a lifetime”. Once again, I have put together a bracket. Can I just say…it is so hard to avoid spoilers, which I am actually doing until after my bracket is finalized.
For those of you who like to join in on the fun with co-workers, friends, etc. ..here is the bracket! Remember, everyone gets a free pass for Night 1, so fill in the guys who make the first cut and then fill in the rest of the bracket from there before the 2nd episode. Print, share, and have fun!!
Nashville quickly moved up the list as one of my favorite shows on t.v. Yes, I have an admiration for country music but this show never disappointed. The season finale was no different. The acting last night was also some of the best all season because let’s be honest, at times, that was lacking a bit. Highlights -
Peggy is pregnant…
Juliette finally seems like a real person and broke my heart at the end with that song…
Deacon falls of the wagon and we all see why Rayna left in the first place…
Then they crash…(saw that coming)
Gunnar proposes to Scarlett…WHAT?
Perfect set up for next season! I can’t wait to see it all unravel in the Fall. I am so happy this got a second season. Well deserved.
While I didn’t watch the Billboard Music Awards, I will comment on the best dressed. I was so shocked to see Taylor Swift in this mini dress. She looked amazing and when she has legs like that, I am happy to see her showing them off!
While browsing the looks from Cannes over the weekend, Jennifer Lawrence wowed in this dress. 
She has always known how to rock a red carpet but as time goes on, I just think she looks so comfortable and her looks rarely disappoint.
Who were your best dressed for the weekend?
Little Eli became an even luckier little boy when Kyle was honored to become his Godfather. The boys were baptized together on April 28th. It was a really special day and I couldn’t be happier that they will have that close bond forever. I had bought the boys “I love my Uncle” shirts for their Easter baskets and luckily we were able to get a pic with all three of them. Eli wasn’t cooperating that well but, hey, it’s a keeper!
We took a trip to Buckner to visit Kyle’s Dad and Grandparents. This was the first time his Grandparents would be meeting Calen so it was a fun trip. While the weather did not cooperate, we were able to get outside for a couple of hours so Eli could try out fishing for the first time. I can’t wait to watch him down there as he gets older. I just hope his memories are as fond as Kyle and his brother’s are from when they were kids. His dad is always such a great host and I am thankful for a place to visit far from Chicago that let’s us get out in the country for weekends as a time!
Mother’s Day was spent with, who else, my Mom and Granny! I drove down to Springfield on Friday after work and Saturday morning I got a call from Kyle that his Mom was sick, so unfortunately they wouldn’t be getting together. Well, an hour later he was on the Amtrak down to spend the weekend with us! My Aunt hosted a great lunch Sunday and I was so thankful for that family time. As the years go by, I cherish every moment I get to spend with my Granny.
This past weekend was spent in Milwaukee for the Kenny Chesney concert. We made our way up Saturday morning and after getting some lunch and checking into our hotel, we headed to Miller Park to tailgate. We missed Kasey Musgraves, but Eli Young band and Eric Church made the night. I had never seen Eric Church and he put on such an amazing show. Kenny is always good, but in order to get a cab in a reasonable amount of time we left about 3/4’s of the way through his set. A great time was had by all…
I hope you all have been doing well as I’ve neglected the Tumblr nation for awhile. I am looking forward to Summer and lots of memories with wedding festivites, concerts, ballgames and visits from family and friends to Chicago!
I found this video via people.com. Zach Sobiech touched the world when he posted his music video “clouds” back in December and more than 2.6 million people have not only viewed it, but have been inspired by it. Rainn Wilson’s Soulpancake youtube channel debuted this celebrity video where they honor Zach.
I will warn you - this will bring tears to your eyes. This young man is using the time he has left to work towards a cure for childhood cancer, and bring awareness to Osteosarcoma.
I encourage you to share this in honor of this brave soul.
Bravo, Zach - you are unbelievable.
Anyone who’s been to Abercrombie & Fitch in the last few years has probably noticed that they don’t carry XL or XXL sizes of women’s clothing because they don’t want overweight women wearing their brand.
I am disgusted by this, and the fact that I used to wear the brand. People wonder why kids are so insecure and have so many self esteem issues? People like this don’t help. Gross.
Here are the 10 cities where young professionals are happiest right now, according to data gathered by Careerbliss.com.
Chicago is #4 on the list, and I know some of your cities made the list. Chicago has so many opportunities in all fields, so I agree on this! What do you think?
Posting about anything trivial happening in my life this week just didn’t seem right. I have been glued to the news, as most of us have been and I can’t even imagine what the families of those effected in Boston and TX are feeling. Close to home, in Chicago, the flooding has left many homes with a lot of damage. Our world is a scary place, but no matter what, I can’t help but think that we are lucky to have a bombing be a rare occurrence. Of course, I wish these tragedies were things we never had to worry about or experience but in parts of our world these things happen daily. I may be outraged that our Senate didn’t pass a VERY important gun bill this week, but I do feel lucky to live in this country.
I pray for all those who have lost their lives in these tragic events and for their loved ones. Every time something awful happens, I always say I will hug my loved ones a little tighter but I need to do this on a daily basis regardless of the hurt happening around our country, and I hope you will, too.
A few months ago, I realized that in order to advance my career, I need to devote time and effort into networking. Since then, I have been meeting with people internally and externally to talk about their careers. So, like a toddler in his prime, I am like a sponge soaking up information on a daily basis. Do I have goals for these meetings? Of course. I think that professionally, one should always be looking for ways to make themselves stand out and becoming complacent is doing yourself a disservice. If you want to be successful, if you want to be great….do something to get there. Speaking with others will only help you succeed in your career.
You never know when you could meet someone who may provide you with great advice or opportunities in the future. Now, this isn’t to say that you should be a networking weasel even when you are at dinner with friends or in the check out line at the grocery store, but always make yourself available to absorb any insight others may have in the proper settings.
Some tips when networking:
-Use your resources! I had never thought about tapping into my close friends network, but I have and it has been a huge benefit. Of course, when you are hanging out in your free time you don’t want the conversation to always turn to work, but go there sometime and it could be worth it.
-Don’t be afraid to ask for a meeting.The worst you can be told is “no”. If you are interested in a specific career, find someone in it and find a way to reach out. If nothing else, you can position it as an informational interview and in the future you may just be popping into that persons head if an opportunity arises.
-Do your homework. If you have a meeting with someone, make sure you check out their information beforehand. We live in a world where LinkedIn profiles are at your finger tips - use that as a starting point. Learn a little about their company and come prepared with questions. First impressions can only be made once.
-Be confident. Know how to position your experience and be proud of the work you have done thus far. Body language says it all, so present yourself in a way that others can respect and always look people in the eye. You are building a professional network, so give others a reason to want you in their circle.
What are some of your tips for other when networking and ways to educate yourself on certain industries? I’d love to share!
I saw someone post a picture on Facebook wearing this shirt…
This might be a purchase I make in the near future. While I still live in the state I was born and don’t really plan on moving out of state, I love that Illinois is my home. Yes, the weather is terrible quite often, but it’s still where my heart is. Sunsets in the midwest are gorgeous, we get to experience every season, truly and there is the perfect mix of southern behavior but not toooooo southern. Originally from Central Illinois, I like that the “Home.” is place across the middle of the state. :)
Go find your home t-shirt here!
Best part? A portion of the proceeds are donated to multiple sclerosis research.
Today, I turn 26. So, I had to take a look back on the last year. My 25th year was filled with a lot of good memories and very few low points. For that I am so thankful. A few of the highlights…
Life on a Sunday
So, I despise folding laundry but boy, does it feel great once it’s done. The next feat? Putting it all away. Kyle and I leave for Arizona on Wednesday which means I have to pull out the long forgotten spring/summer clothes that have been packed away and replace the bin filled with all of my chunky sweaters. Yes, it is still cold in Chicago, but hey, it’s got to happen. So, you’ll probably see me in the same few long sleeve T’s and cardigans until Spring finally decides to show up. I love the day when I switch out the clothes in my closet because it means I will finally be forced to tidy up that closet. It needs a major overhaul so the next couple days will be focused on that.
Besides laundry, I have been taking care of a sick boyfriend. He hasn’t left the bed since Thursday so to say I am so happy he is finally feeling a bit better today is an understatement. I really don’t want to head to sunny Arizona without him. Oh, and the plane tickets cost an arm and leg so he really needs to be on that plane! I finished my 4th book of the year and am already on to my 5th. 20 books in 2013 might be harder to accomplish than I thought!
I hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday before another work week begins!
I am very strict about buying coffee. Not that I ever had a big issue with buying coffee every morning, but when I have free coffee at work, I have a hard time putting my money towards that. So, now I consider a specialty Starbucks a treat. Thanks to Groupon, I started my Friday morning with a Venti Chai Tea Latte, my favorite drink. The best part? You can use across multiple visits! After a night of restless sleep, I couldn’t think of a better way to start my day.
