An Open Letter to 2015...

So I did one of these blog posts last year, and after re-reading it a few times in the past week, I've decided to do another.

It's been a wonderful year.

You brought me change.
From graduation to switching jobs in just a few months, from living alone to adopting a furry little roommate, so many things have changed this year that it's hard for me to wrap my head around sometimes. That being said, though some of the changes may have been painful and uncomfortable in the moment, I can confidently look back at them all and see that they were for the best.

You brought me adventure.
I may not have traveled nearly as much as I did in 2014, but the travel memories I made this year seemed richer and more substantial than those I've made in years past. I went to Mardi Gras with some of my most favorite people and spent five days filled with laughter, beads, and incredible floats. I went to Peru for a week and saw awe-inspiring sights and experienced life-changing and humbling memories. I went back to NYC and DC where I was humbled enough to spend 9/11 at the official memorial and lucky enough to meet up with old friends that I hadn't seen in over five years.

You brought me doubt.
From the stress of securing a job upon graduation to finding an apartment in Dallas to switching jobs in the last quarter of the year, 2015 was definitely a year of uncertainty and doubt. But it reaffirmed my mantra of float on. There are only so many things that we can control in this world. The rest will just happen, and all will be okay. 2015 was more than just "okay," despite my harried moments of misgiving.

You taught me responsibility.
Ah yes, the first real taste of the "adult world" and being completely self-sufficient and figuring things out on my own. From the little victories of figuring out how to hook up my own Internet connection in my apartment to the slightly-bigger victories of managing to move from one city to another with an SUV and a borrowed pick-up truck to the major successes of landing a much-improved (by leaps and bounds) job within a single week, responsibility hit the ground running hard. And you know what? I think I might actually be getting the hang of this "adulthood" thing a little.

You taught me (even more about) love.
I wrote it last year, but I'll write it again this year: love is patient, love is kind; love is a cliche until you really know what it means. Love is a happy pup jumping up to greet you when you get home... Even if you've only been gone an hour or two. Love is a long trek to IKEA for a couch... Only to break down two minutes from my apartment. Love is the comfort of seeing your parents' house after a long drive and seeing excited smiling faces coming to welcome you home. Love is making an hour-long drive to sit around and do nothing with a friend in need.

You taught me faith.
I don't purport to be religious at all, but I have my own beliefs. I believe in karma. I believe in the power of positive thinking. I believe in love, and I believe in humanity. I've said it before and I'll say it again - there are only so many things in this world that we can control. Everything else takes a little bit of faith.

You taught me the value of never giving up.
It's easy to feel like hard work just quite isn't paying off, and that's because it takes time. Like a careful investment into a piece of property, a stock, or a business, life takes time to show some sort of result. So just because the hard work you're putting forth now isn't quite coming to fruition doesn't mean it won't a few months down the line. This was the year of my hard work finally coming to fruition, and it feels great.

You taught me humility.
It's stupidly easy to get wrapped up in me, me, me nowadays. With the widespread use of social media and social sharing, we're constantly getting bombarded by manipulated images of what our lives should look like, based on what our friends are doing. "Well she has that, and I don't; woe is me!" Going to Peru and being able to be unplugged for long stretches of time gave me a great reminder of the simple things in life, and just how lucky I am to have so many things that I often take for granted.

2015, you were a hell of a year. 2016's got a lot to live up to, but it's already started on a pretty killer note. Let's keep it coming.

xx
ola

Let's Talk About Love

I don't purport to be a political expert. In fact, I intentionally keep from engaging in political discussions with peers because I've seen far too many mere political discussions turn into heated arguments laden with cutting insults and raised voices. More so, I feel like I'm simply not nearly qualified nor informed enough to accurately voice and support my opinions.

Of course I try to keep myself pretty well informed on most current events, but I know that I - like many others in the modern era - generally fall short. There's only so far I can get through a CNN or BBC article before I get bored or distracted by a flashy headline for a listicle or social media (thanks, shortened attention span).

Lately, it's been increasingly difficult to be under-informed. Don't get me wrong - knowing and understanding what is happening in the world is great, but it becomes not-so-great when it happens under distressing circumstances.

My mom recently said to me, "I was thinking about everything that's been going on in the world lately, and I had a thought: what will the world look like for you and your children? Your children's children?"

I'm an eternal optimist and I will never waver in my belief of compassion and love for the human race and hope for the future, but I will be frank: I'm scared.

I'm scared that we're going to go to war.

I'm scared that history is repeating itself.

Most importantly, I'm scared that we're slowly entering into a new reality, where fear is the norm, violence is the answer, bloodshed is common, and hope is lost for humanity.

I refuse to accept that this is the future that we're heading towards because I know that we are capable of so much more, but still I worry.

I could get on my soapbox and talk about my opinions on violence and war, but instead I'll say this - I believe in love.

Call me the product of a "soft" generation that has been coddled and told over and over again that we're "special" and "loved" not only by our parents and peers but also by self-righteous bloggers writing about body acceptance and equal rights for all (Ah yes, irony), but I believe in love.

I believe in the power of loving your neighbor and loving your brother.

I believe that love sits at the very core of humanity. We're all capable of it, we all have the ability to love.

And while admittedly (in the words uttered during a recent conversation), "hugging a terrorist isn't going to make them throw their weapons down and forget their hatred," I believe in it nonetheless.

At the risk of sounding cliche, I think Anne Frank put it best:

"It's really a wonder that I haven't dropped all my ideals, because they seem so absurd and impossible to carry out. Yet I keep them, because in spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart."

So as the world keeps brimming with the rumble of intermittent anger and violence, I choose to move forward with love.

Even if that makes me a cliche.

xx
ola

Walk.

I try to take an extended walk everyday at lunch.

Even in the scorching Texas-in-August temperatures, I walk. Some days, my walks are short jaunts that send me back quickly to my air-conditioned office a sweaty mess. Other days, my walks are extended treks that have me reluctantly taking a final breath of fresh air before I push open the office door and return to the grind.

With every walk, I uncover a tiny bit more of Dallas; I learn a little bit more about “The Big D.”

I’ve always been an avid proponent of opening your eyes and looking up, looking down, looking around the corner, looking behind, looking at your feet, looking at the trees from below – taking a look at the world around you from a different perspective.

Too often, we are far too focused at looking immediately ahead, both literally and figuratively. We want to move forward and progress through life – we’re not focused on the now, we’re instead focused on the whens and soons.

“When I make enough money…” “I’ll get a new job soon…” “When I find the right person…” “I’ll lose that weight soon…”

My walks help me remember the simplicity of now in the best possible way.

I walk to give my brain a break from the deadlines of marketing campaigns, content pieces, and prospect lists. I walk to give my neck a break from being slumped over a computer, pounding out eight hours of work a day. I walk to give my eyes a break from squinting at an electronic screen for hours at a time.

But most importantly, I walk to enjoy the now.

xx

ola

Here's to you, Class of 2015

It's the eve of my college graduation. As of about noon tomorrow, I will be able to count myself as one of the thousands of TCU alumni that proudly bleed purple nationwide.

College has been the best four years of my life (so far). For the first time ever, I can genuinely say that I am 100% (and maybe 110% on those really good days) comfortable with me - my strengths, my faults, my anxieties, my hopes, my body image, my self-perception, my everything. It took me a while to get there, but I finally did it - I am finally the best version of me that I have ever been. But there's still room to grow.

Freshman year taught me to step outside of my comfort zone. To take the plunge and try new things. To buckle down and focus - but leave time for other (not-as-important) things as well. To be a support system for newly-met friends (who will later become friends for a lifetime). To stay up until 3 AM talking and making connections - because those connections will get you through the hard times. 

Sophomore year taught me to keep pushing. To ask for help when life gets to be too dark, too hard. To lean on your friends because they love you and they want to help you. To admit that you're struggling - and not be ashamed of it. To take all the funny little ironies of life in stride - even when they cut deep to the bone. To take deep breaths and keep moving. To delve into music therapy - and enjoy its ability to take you away. To grow from your struggles rather than let them keep you down.

Junior year taught me to enjoy life as it comes. To go out every weekend, because why the hell not? To say "yes" more often. To embrace failure as an inevitable part of the learning process and to move past it to become better. To invest in a good pair of running shoes to clear a troubled mind and rebalance a skewed spirit. To make time for the important things in life - and to understand which things are important and which are not.

Senior year taught me to "float on." To plan for the future, but live in the present (as much as possible). To continue to work hard and be persistent - even when it seems like nothing is paying off. To love wholeheartedly, even if it's not necessarily reciprocated in the ways I expect. To keep a healthy perspective on life. To give thanks and give back. To build (and rebuild) relationships with wonderful people. To share happiness and gratitude with others. To seek advice and help - and actually take it for once. To buckle down and get better - and keep it that way.

I learned a lot of hard life lessons during my four years at TCU, but they have all contributed towards making me the strong, confident individual that I am today.

I will walk across that stage with pride in knowing that TCU and all the beautiful souls I have met in my time here have helped me become the best version of myself.

Hail all hail TCU
Mem'ries sweet, comrades true
Light of faith, follow through
Hail to thee, TCU

xx
ola

Live like a disposable camera

In July, I bought a pair of disposable cameras before Lakota and I went on an all-day summer adventure.

"Why're you buying disposables when you've got a DSLR that can hold far more photos - in way better quality - for free?" he asked.

"I like the way the photos are a bit blurry, a bit discolored. The effect is really cool. Besides, whoever gets to use a disposable camera anymore?" I said, as I pulled the cameras off the CVS display hook and wiped the dust off the cardboard packaging (no joke - there was actually dust on the package).

That day, we went out on a great adventure and I snapped a few photos with my camera, but definitely not enough to use it up.

So I took it back to Tulsa for a few days, where I snapped a few more pictures.

Then it traveled with me to Austin, for a "graduation celebration" trip for my best friend's impending graduation.

Then, on a whim, I brought it back with me to Tulsa, where I snapped the final exposures on the camera while home for the holidays.

In looking at these photos, I feel an overwhelming sense of joy. At first, I thought it was simply because I was enjoying the faded, vintage look of the colors and the blurred, noisy effect of the film that made the photos look a lot older than they actually were and appealed to my love of all things retro.

But then I realized what about these photos was making me so truly happy - the fact that they were 100% genuine, candid representations of some of the most beloved people in my life. They were taken at a snapshot in time - random seconds that seem meaningless in the moment, but resonate with memories upon later reflection. 

And the best part about these photos? 

They were complete surprises. Complete, beautiful surprises. 

They weren't immediately gawked at on the back of a DSLR screen. They weren't scrutinized and frowned upon, declared "unfit" because a hair was out of place or an expression was not "just right." They weren't uploaded to a computer, where they spent hours being processed, color-corrected, and retouched to create a sterilized, "perfect reality." They were just moments in time, captured as they were - hairs out of place, "not right" expressions and all.

And then I thought to myself, "What if we lived life in that way?"

What if we didn't immediately overanalyze, pick apart, and critique every single thing that we had just done, said, acted upon? What if we just took a step back and allowed time for our "photo" to develop? I think we'd find that we'd be pleasantly surprised with the finished product.

Food for thought (especially for me).

xx

ola

10 Tips for Happiness

My mother and I have a tendency of sending one another links to all sorts of Internet articles we find online; some are scholarly, some are funny, some are frightening, some are cute, and some are just plain silly. Yesterday, my mother shared this article with me, and reading it put a big smile on my face and a sense of inspiration in my soul.

As y'all likely have noticed, the idea of happiness is something that I think about a lot. Honestly, it fascinates me because everyone has their own idea of what happiness is and what it feels like to truly be happy. Not only that, but I truly believe that happiness is a choice - if you can align your mind so that you are open to happiness, you will be happy. I'm not going to lie, aligning my mind to be open to happiness is something that I struggle with sometimes, but it's something that I'm working on.

Reading the Pope's ten tips for happiness has as a wonderful reminder to invite happiness into my life by aligning my mind in the proper way, and has also inspired me to compile my own list of ten tips for happiness:

1. Learn to understand and accept that you absolutely cannot control everything in your life. We can micromanage and plan our lives to a tee, but there will always be a chance that something will happen at the last second and completely shatter our plans. We can't predict and plan for everything - that's life.
2. Take what happens in stride, and use it to your advantage. Sometimes, things are going to go wrong. But, spoiler alert: the world keeps turning, the wind keeps blowing, and life goes on. No matter what happens, it will not signal the end of the world. It will be okay in the end - but, it is up to you to decide how quickly "the end" will come.
3. Learn to enjoy the journey, not the destination. Our lives are all one big "journey" - learn to enjoy it right now, instead of staying so focused on the destination that you don't notice what you're passing by. For more, read this post.
4. Take some "me" time. Our friends and family are wonderful people who were put into our lives for a reason, but if we spend every waking moment in the presence of someone else, we'll never get to truly understand ourselves. I am a firm believer in devoting some time in the day to "me" time; get to know - and love yourself.
5. Find at least one thing you like about yourself. We're all horribly self-critical, and our self-esteems can leave a lot to be desired, but I bet that there is at least one tiny little thing you don't absolutely loathe about yourself. Find it, embrace it, and flaunt it.
6. Find at least one reason to smile every single day. I don't care if you're having the worst day of your life - if you are still breathing, you have at least one reason to smile.
7. Find your "happy music" and blast it. Seriously, just try being unhappy when your favorite song is playing, happy words washing over you.
8. Surround yourself with people that bring you up and make you happy. If there is someone in your life right now that is bringing you down, they're not worthy of your time, so don't give it to them. Simple as that.
9. Open your eyes. Take a minute to look around you in all directions - left, right, up, down, sideways, and inside out. The world is a beautiful place filled with happiness in all forms - and a lot of it is highly infectious, if you can only find it.
10. Get out and move. Take a walk, ride your bike, go for a jog, get together with friends to toss the frisbee around, dance around your room in your underwear, singing into a hairbrush microphone... Just get out there and move. It's hard to be unhappy when you've got endorphins pumping through your bloodstream from the simple act of movement.

I'm a bit obsessed with the song "Boys Chase Girls" by Ingrid Michaelson right now, so just remember her wise words: "I've got two hands, one beating heart/I'm gonna be all right."

You're gonna be all right, kid. Be happy!

xx

ola

Get your head out of the clouds, kid & put your feet on the ground

Just like every other human being, I have a lot of flawed little quirks; one of the biggest ones that has seriously been kicking my butt lately is my tendency to get caught up so much in the future and what could happen that I don't pay attention to the present and to what is actually happening right now.

It's the summer before my senior year - it's both simultaneously scary and exciting, but I've been so worried about the future for the past few weeks that it's been making me really unhappy in the present. And you know what? I've realized that's silly. It's the summer before my senior year - I should be having a great time. I should be enjoying this generally unseasonably cool Texas summer by laughing, living, and being carefree. I shouldn't get boggled down by my worries about the future - that's still a ways away.

I've been feeling all this pressure to get everything figured out and done so that I can rest easy about the future that I've totally forgotten that the journey is the best part. The journey towards the future is the best part, and while you shouldn't completely blow off any sense of planning for the future, you shouldn't get so caught up in it that it totally consumes your life and brings you unhappiness.

So don't get caught up in it. Remember that life is really short and really unpredictable. Why worry about something that may or may not happen a few days - or years - down the road when you're living a wonderful life filled with beautiful experiences and amazing people right now? No one is owed or guaranteed another day or another year, so why aren't you living the way you want to be right now?

I challenge you - right now - to go out there and do something you love. Surround yourself with people that make you happy and bring you up. Laugh, love, and live.

xx
ola

Grand adventures

Yesterday, my guy and I spent the entire day having what I referred to as a "grand adventure." It started off earlier during the week.

"Hey Lakota, what are you doing on Saturday?"
"Nothing, actually. I don't have to work."
"Let's go on a grand adventure!"
"Okay."

Our original plan was to explore a quarry, but because of logistical reasons, it didn't end up working out. Instead, we decided to explore a bit of Plano and Carrollton. We saw McMansions, the Baptidome, my guy's old stomping grounds, some beautiful examples of nature, and a great little slice of small town Americana.

I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend my Saturday. It seems like spontaneous trips always end up being the most memorable and the most enjoyable.

Happy Sunday, y'all! Here's to a good week.

xx

ola

Losing sight: it's okay

I have a confession to make.

I have already broken a few of my New Years' "resolutions."

But you know what? It's okay.

It's okay because the "resolutions" we choose - or don't choose - to make each year are simply our own. We make our own rules in life, and I hereby decree that it's okay to "break" my resolutions - there is no limit on my picking myself up and simply starting over. I am only human, and I will never be perfect.

This weekend has brought me to the realization that I have lost sight of some simply beautiful things in my life. I have been so wrapped up in little petty things and meaningless "problems" that I have forgotten how incredibly lucky I am. I have fueled my perceived unhappiness by worrying needlessly about my own little issues and have ignored the people I love. I have been so wrapped up in me that I have forgotten to take a step back and ask how the people that I love - and the people that make me, me - are doing, what they're feeling, and how things are going.

So learn from my mistakes and don't get so wrapped up in you that you forget about the important things, like the people who truly make you you. Don't focus on the petty things that are fleeting - and probably don't mean anything - and take a cue from this fantastically weird sculpture in downtown Dallas...

Keep your eyes open and don't "lose sight" of what's really important in life. The little worries that seem to pop up intermittently are probably not going to be relevant next week - or even tomorrow - so don't dwell on them. The irritation that you feel for an afternoon is probably not going to persist in the morning, so don't focus on it and add fuel to the fire. The tinge of sadness that creeps into your mind as you sit alone in your room on a weekend night is probably not justified, so don't let it fester and turn into something crippling that causes you to lose a day of happiness. Life's too short to "sweat the petty things," so don't.

Instead, when you're feeling down or worried or apprehensive because of some little things, take a deep breath, think of something that makes you feel incredibly lucky to be living the life that you're living (like your family, your friends, your pet, your environment, or hell, even something silly like that stupid stuffed animal that you've had since you were six), and revel in how beautiful things can be.

And well, if that doesn't work, there's no shame in eating Moose Track ice cream from the carton with your best friend while you both bemoan the crappy weekend you had. Like I mentioned before - I'm only human.

xx
ola

An open letter: thank you, I love you

I like to think of myself as a rather gracious person, and as such, I try to ensure that the people that are incredibly important in my life know it. This year alone (all 12 days of it), I have been overtaken by an overwhelming sense of gratitude, and I know that I am so lucky to be surrounded by the incredible in my life. Sometimes, it feels like I can't say "thank you" or "I love you" enough. So here's an open letter of thanks to all the wonderfully incredible people in my life. Thank you for making my life a wonderful one full of smiles, happiness, and amazing memories.

To my wonderful boyfriend, for providing me with laughs, relaxation, and an overwhelming feeling of safety and security. For holding me close when I'm overburdened with anxiety, and whispering calming phrases in my ears. For making me smile so much my face hurts, for constantly exposing me to new things, and for having the most wonderful adventures together. For long hours that bleed together in what seems like minutes, laying and talking about everything and anything.

To my parents, for providing me with an amazing life. For giving me the opportunity to make something of myself by supporting me through my education and my various pursuits, no matter how flighty they may be. For loving me unconditionally, even when I have my "bratty kid" moments. For being the most amazing role models I could have ever asked for, and for providing me with this undying sense of gratitude and the knowledge that I should never - and will never - take a single thing for granted.

To my best friends, for making me laugh so hard I cry and make really ugly noises (and faces). For all the late nights spent talking about life, love, fears, and hopes. For all the random adventures during random hours in random places. For the moments where I "feel infinite" (and revel in the cliches). For the memories that I will treasure forever, and for the unconditional love and bond I feel with a group of people who are not my bloodline, but may as well be.

To my sorority sisters, for showing me that a lifelong bond can be created outside of blood - if only with the right people. For being the first big group of girls that I've managed to maintain friendships with. For making me laugh, showing me love, and really helping me grow exponentially as a person.

To my teachers - whether they be those from elementary school or college - for gifting me with a love of learning. For pushing me to do my best, and for challenging my laziness. For introducing me to the world of literature and writing, and for nurturing my interests and providing critical feedback to help me grow.

And so I'll say it again, even though it doesn't feel like it's nearly enough - thank you, I love you.

In 2014 I will...

Every year, I make just about the same resolutions. This year however, I got to thinking that I don't quite like the term "resolutions." In my mind, the word elicits the phrase "I resolve to..." which makes me envision a moment where I say, "Oh yeah, I'll do that... Eventually." Then, the "eventually" keeps getting pushed further and further back until eventually it's New Year's Eve again and I've only half-assedly accomplished what I wanted to that year.

So this year, I'm taking a different approach. Instead of resolutions, I've made a list of things that I will do this year.

In 2014, I will...

1. Relax.
   This one is huge for me. One of the biggest struggles I face on a regular basis is my unnerving anxiety. Though I can usually keep the worst of it at bay when I'm busy with school during the semester, it rears its ugly head in my down times and becomes debilitating in its worst moments. So this year? I'm not going to let it get to its worst moments. I am going to relax.
2. Take more photos.
   Okay, okay, so this is one of those resolutions that I make every year... The way I see it, you can never take too many photos! However, I really want to get serious about it this time. I'm a junior in college and "the real world" is rapidly approaching. If I can get my photography out into "the real world" as a plausible way to make money, I'll have a huge step-up after graduation.
3. Continue running regularly.
   I forced myself into running beginning this past summer, and I've gotten increasingly better and better at it. In fact, I may even be starting to like it (but only a little bit). It's a great form of stress relief, and great for keeping me in shape, so it's definitely something I want to continue!
4. Get back into yoga.
   I really dropped the ball on yoga this semester, and I miss it a lot. I know it's going to be a rough few weeks starting back up because my flexibility is not what it used to be, but I realize that it's definitely something I need in my life. It goes hand-in-hand with running - a great form of stress relief and a wonderful way to keep in shape.
5. Post more regular blog posts and work on being consistent.
   I really do love writing blog posts and taking photos to accompany them. This blog provides me with an incredibly creative outlet, and seeing that my words can really resonate with people brings my soul so much warmth. Thus, this year, I'm hoping not to take anymore month-long hiatuses. I really want to force myself to make some time for this blog. It's a form of creative therapy.
6. Read more than just textbooks.
   You know, it's funny. I thought that I really wouldn't have to read too too much as a business major... Which is cute. Sometimes I wonder if I'm assigned more reading than an English major! My assigned readings eat up a huge portion of my free time, and as a result, my time to read for pleasure becomes severely diminished. After getting back into devouring wonderful novels this break, I've realized that I really ought to make a conscious effort to read more during the semester. Hopefully, I can do just that.
7. Write out - or talk about - whatever is making me feel overwhelmed.
   If you know me at all, you probably know that I have a hard time sharing things that are making me upset or overwhelmed with others. It stems from my innate belief that I am "burdening people with my problems" and I don't want to be a bother. However, I've realized that internalizing my problems only makes things worse. In the past few months, I have gotten better at expressing what is making me feel uneasy, and I hope to continue to improve my abilities to do so - both through the written and spoken word.
8. Learn, love, and live by "Don't sweat the petty things."
   This ties back into my first and seventh resolutions. Life's too short to get upset or bothered by minute things that don't matter. I need to remember that.
9. Take time to breathe.
   Another resolution that ties back to the overlying "relax and address your anxieties" theme. It's pretty self-explanatory - I need to take more time to give myself a break and to focus on simply breathing.
10. Never forget to love.
    2014 is only four days in and I have already started off the year feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Life is too short for negative emotions and grudges. Love is all you need.
11. Take myself out... Just because.
    Remember my post about dating yourself? That was my first and only "self-date" experience, and I've realized that I need to have more. It's a brilliant way to unwind and just have some time to breathe.
12. Stop making excuses!
    Pretty self-explanatory. I am awful at this, and it's something that really bugs me about myself. I need to change it.
13. Start drawing again - more than just notebook doodles.
    When I was in elementary and middle school, I drew all the time. I don't know why I stopped. I miss having days with my pen/pencil to the paper and just creating things. It'll be a good way to exercise my creative muscles as well.
14. Reconnect with some old friends.
    I've really fallen out of touch with some wonderful people. I think it's about time I send them a text or a Facebook message... So watch out! ;)
15. Step outside my comfort zone and do something new and scary.
    What that might be, I don't know yet. I just know that I want to try new things and experience the fullest possible flavor of life. There are so many things to be done in this world!
16. Teach myself something outside of the classroom.
    While academia is great and all, I want my learning to extend beyond textbooks and lectures. Learning is one of my very favorite things to do, and I really want to take this year to learn something new that cannot be taught by a lecture. I don't know what that is yet, but I think I can figure it out.
17. Have a kick-ass year!
    I think this one is pretty self-explanatory. 2013 was so good to me... I'm going to make 2014 even better!

Have y'all made a list of what you want to accomplish in the new year? Let me know!

xx

ola

My year... In (about) 365 seconds

Late in 2012, I was surfing the Internet when I stumbled upon a video that truly piqued my interest. A man decided, that in honor of his 30th year of life on the planet, he would take a one second video every single day for a year and then compile all the clips into a longer video at the end of the year. Nothing supremely fancy, just simple one second clips run together over the span of around 365 seconds.

Well, I went ahead and reproduced that idea myself this year. 2013 was an absolutely wonderful year to me, filled with amazing people, experiences, and memories (many of which are shortly immortalized in my video). Admittedly, I did skip a few days here and there because I got busy or forgot, but for the most part, I faithfully recorded a split second of my daily occurrences.

So, without further ado, here's the video. Give it a watch, and let me know what you think!

xx
ola

My favorite moments of 2013....

It should not strike you as a surprise that Americans love lists. I can't remember where exactly I read this (seemingly obvious) statistic, but I remember that it was shortly after my "21 things I learned the hard way" post, which made me giggle.

Anyway, as the year wraps up, I come to y'all with yet another list! This one is more personal than the ones you'll see on Buzzfeed - it's my personal ten favorite moments of the year (in no particular order).

I believe that it's been a fantastic year, so here's a snapshot of ten of the moments, people, and places that made this year a highlight in my mind:

1. September - Beta Lake Day
   Sincerely one of the most wonderful weekends of my college experience. My guy's fraternity hosted a social event at a lake about an hour's drive from our campus. Though the bus ride was lengthier than it should have been (I think our bus driver ended up getting lost...), I got to spend the entire afternoon with my guy, my favorite fraternity (which actually has a good amount of my closest guy friends in it), and a handful of my sorority sisters, who got invited by other Betas.
2. September - Labor Day
   For Labor Day this year, three of my best friends and I (Herschell not pictured because he was playing photographer for this image) hopped into Kylie's car, and drove to her parents' house, where we took their boat out for a wonderful afternoon on the lake. It felt so lovely to be on the water with some of the absolute loveliest people in my life, and I even got to try my hand at waterskiing!!!
3. May - July - My summer "family"
   This summer was another one full of work... However, it's hard to call it work when you work with such amazing people. These beautiful ladies became my "family" this summer, as I spent every day (Tuesday - Friday from 10 - 6) with them, laughing, chatting, and doing what I loved - photography.
4. August - All night long
   This day will forever stand out as one of the most wonderful nights of my college experience. Going against a particularly strong hermit instinct on this night was the best idea I'd ever had. I left my apartment at 11 PM and spent the next seven hours with some of the most awesome people I know. We party-hopped, ran around campus in the middle of the night, sang, danced, and had a night full of incredible memories. And what makes this night even more special? It was the first time I really got to meet and spend time with the guy who would later become my wonderful boyfriend. :)
5. March - Zoo day
   When my roommate Lydia's best friend Alana came to town, Lydia decided that Alana needed to see the Fort Worth Zoo. So along with Trevor, one of my brilliant theatre friends (who has his own YouTube channel here), we headed to the zoo. When we got there, we spent a great few hours observing the animals, taking tons of photos (me), and filming a fun video (Trevor). It was definitely an afternoon well-spent.
6. March - Spring break in NOLA
   My best friend Elizabeth lives in New Orleans. This past spring break, my mother just happened to have a conference in New Orleans, so I jumped at the chance to get to go to the Big Easy with her and to spend some time with Liz! The city definitely stole my heart - it was absolutely brilliant and I immediately realized why locals are so proud to be from NOLA. Not only that, it was a great excuse to spend some one-on-one time with Liz, and her local perspective gave me great insight into the beautiful city.
7. April - Best friends become "sisters"
   My two best friends - Liz and Kylie - became official initiated sisters of Alpha Omicron Pi, which made the three of us "sisters for life." Words cannot express how incredibly happy - and lucky - I am to be able to call these two women not only my best friends, but also my sisters!
8. September - My guy
   After that incredible all-nighter in August, Lakota and I started talking... And we haven't stopped since. He asked me to be his girlfriend in early September, and I am so thankful to have him in my life. In both my highest and lowest moments, he helps keep a smile on my face. I don't know how he does it, but I sure hope he never stops.
9. October - Halloween
   Halloween night this year was a fantastic affair. Liz made our brilliant costumes (which we couldn't stop getting compliments on!), and we attended a fun house party as Gruu and his minions. It was a great way to spend time with my best friends, and the photos we took dressed up all together are some of my favorites from the year.
10. June - Seattle
    Seattle stole my heart all over again this summer when my parents and I went back to the Emerald City. The mid-60 degree weather was a welcome change from Tulsa's sweltering heat, and one of my favorite memories of the trip was our whale-watching tour, which was a great success and a brilliant experience!

2013, you sure have been great to me... Here's to hoping that 2014 is just as great - if not better!

What were your personal favorite highlights of 2013? Let me know!

xx
ola

The true meaning of the holiday season

I didn't want to post this on Christmas because I didn't want to dampen anyone's holiday spirits. However, now that the presents have been voraciously opened, the cookies consumed, and the the eggnog chugged, I think it's appropriate to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday season.

On Christmas Eve, I received word of a friend's passing. His name was Clay York, he was a 2013 TCU graduate, majoring in journalism and dance, and he was the single-most outgoing, friendly, and happy person I have ever met in my life. The news came as a shock. I stared at the text message in my phone in disbelief. There was no way. It was Clay. He was supposed to change the world, one smile at a time. He was supposed to become famous. He was supposed to be invincible.

His passing hit the entire TCU community like a ton of bricks. My Facebook feed was filled with messages of disbelief, dozens and dozens of photos, and countless individual memories that he shared with each person. It's completely undeniable that the man had an incredible impact on the community, and I know that he will never be forgotten.

I met him when I was a freshman, living in the honors dorm. I remember hearing people talk about him and how kooky and brilliant he was, and wondering who this mythical "Clay York" guy was. A few days later, I got my answer. My door was open, and I sat at my desk, doing homework when I saw him pass through the hallway out of the corner of my eye and double back when he saw me sitting at my desk. He made his way into my room. "Hi, I'm Clay York. I'm an RA on the third floor," he said with his characteristic big smile as he stuck his hand out to shake mine. I introduced myself in turn, and we had a good conversation for about ten minutes before he excused himself to run to a meeting (god knows he was involved in just about any and everything you could think to be involved in).

After that, whenever I saw him on campus, he'd give me big hugs and high fives. Eating any sort of meal with him in the BLUU was a challenge because he knew so many people that he was constantly getting out of his seat to say hello and have brief conversations. He was always discernible from what seemed like miles away because of his bright, vibrant character hats (Spongebob and the Mutant Ninja Turtles, for instance), his penchant to wear colorful pajamas around campus, and his colorful bike (which matched his personality perfectly).

He was elected as Mr. TCU last year to great fanfare. I don't think there was anyone else more deserving. Though he graduated last spring, I think I - as well as dozens of others - will always see him as the "true Mr. TCU." Clay York exemplified what it meant to be a horned frog, a good person, and a joy in life. He touched so many people in his short time on this planet, and I know that he'll continue to make an impact on the world through his legacy.

The holiday season technically isn't over... At least not yet. So I beseech you - reach out to your family and your loved ones. Tell them how much they mean to you and how much you appreciate them. Thank them for being there for you in the good times - and the bad. Hold them close and make every moment count, because sometimes, life isn't fair. Sometimes, life isn't fair and it slips away far sooner than it should. Share your gratitude, your love, and your gifts (the ones you were born with, not the pretty boxes under your tree), and leave a positive impact. Pull a Clay York and live life in a way that makes other people stand back, take notice, smile, and remember. And never - not even for a split second - forget to love.

xx

ola

Icepocalypse: Tulsa Edition

Hey y'all!

So today's been quite a day... It's been raining all day, and because temperatures have been hovering slightly below freezing, we've got a nice thick coating of ice along everything... Our power has been on and off since this morning, and I've seen incredibly large tree branches break off old trees, so it's been quite an adventure...

However, the one thing that this storm has been good for has been the photos. So, for y'all's enjoyment, here's a collection of some of the photos that I've snapped thus far:

This weather is pure insanity... For any of y'all braving this nasty storm (be it in the form of ice, snow, or thunderstorms...) stay safe!

xx
ola

Don't be afraid to date yourself

This past Friday, I took myself out on a date.

I pulled on my favorite comfy sweater, wrapped a warm scarf around my neck, packed my wallet, phone, keys, and camera into my bag, and drove to the Kimbell Art Museum. I was a lady and paid for my own ticket and viewed the beautiful works displayed within the museum with admiration and thoughtfulness. I revisited some of my favorite pieces, and rediscovered some new ones that were part of a limited-time exhibit.

I explored the museum thoughtfully, and took my time examining any and everything that caught my eye. I took - and saw - photographs, and I remembered why I love my camera so much. I stepped outside into the sculpture garden to have a private moment, and I let my mind run free. After I had finished my journey through the museum's invigorating exhibits, I stepped into the gift shop, but found nothing that I really wanted to treat myself with (though rest assured, I would have because I deserve it).

It was incredibly rejuvenating.

I believe that having a few lonely moments in public is truly underrated. When was the last time you went out to a restaurant alone and treated yourself to a tasty meal? When was the last time you went to the movie theatre alone and enjoyed a quality film? When was the last time you walked through a park alone, appreciating the natural beauty surrounding you? I'll bet that the answer to all of the following questions is probably a resounding never.

And that's okay.

It's simply a product of our innate human desires. Psychologists have agreed for years that part of fundamental human psychology is our deep-rooted desire to belong. We are all social animals - even those of us who are incredibly introverted. We need companionship and we need others to like us. We thrive off of human interaction and ostracism can have incredibly detrimental effects on our mental well-being.

That being said...

We don't need companionship all the time. Sometimes, we just need to be alone.

Sometimes, we need a moment - or a few - to ourselves. We need to sit back, we need to breathe, and we need to let our minds wander. We need to enjoy our own company and remember who we are - not who we are around others.

Honestly, I find that the best moments of insight I have into myself - who I am, what I believe, what I stand for, what I hope for - occur when I am alone. The ability to let my mind run free in simple peace and quiet allows me to take a mental breather and reacquaint myself with the person that I have known, loved, hated, cried with, and laughed with the longest of anyone else - myself. You are the most important person in your life, and you're stuck with you forever.

So I challenge you - take yourself out on a date. Wine and dine yourself. Learn about your hopes, your dreams, and your fears. Reacquaint yourself with you.

And, most importantly, learn to love yourself (more).

xx
ola

21 Things I Learned the Hard Way

So if you're active on Facebook, you've probably seen this list making the rounds. It's a bit of a step away from the regular lewd college humor of TFM, and it's the inspiration behind this post. The summer before my sophomore year of college, I remember getting an influx of questions from my younger friends. "Ola!" they asked me, "Give me some advice about college.. I'm so nervous!"

Besides the generic "DO YOUR LAUNDRY" pieces of advice, I also offered a few personal tidbits. The last two and a half years of my life have been the most eye-opening experience. I have learned more than I thought was possible, and I'm not just talking about the assignments that I'm completing and turning in to get my marketing and entrepreneurial management degrees.

1. You will make mistakes. Some of them will be worse than others. Nonetheless, admit to them, apologize, learn from them, and move on.
2. Being single is the best thing that can - and will - happen to you. Embrace it, and take that time to learn to love everything about you - even the supposed "flaws" you can't stop picking at.
3. You don't need someone else - you just want them. The second you stop needing someone is the second that someone worth wanting comes into your life.
4. You will fail a test... Or three. Cry a little if you really have to, but then take a deep breath, pick up the pieces, and then buckle down and study harder for the next one.
5. Your friends are your rock. There will be moments that will put you in a really, really dark place, and they will be there for you. They will hold you and they will carry you through.
6. That being said, be there for your friends. They'll get into their dark places too, and you owe it to them to help them get out, just like they helped you.
7. Don't internalize your feelings. It's unhealthy and counterproductive. Find a way to express the inner dialogue that's making you anxious, upset, or stressed.
8. Talk out your conflicts. Don't let them fester, and don't resolve them through raised voices and harsh words. Take a deep breath, think about what you're going to say, and then figure out a good solution for both parties.
9. A run can be better than Prozac. Put on your tennis shoes, put some good music in your ears, and just go, even if you're half-shuffling, half-jogging.
10. Be open and willing to try new things. Sometimes, those things will change your entire perspective on the world and will add a new dimension of happiness to your life.
11. Go out on the weekends. Don't let studying and the desire to be a hermit consume your life. Let loose and have fun once in a while, but know your limits.
12. Schedule some down time into your day. Trust me, you have at least an hour that you can devote to doing nothing "productive." Your mental health - and the tension in your neck and shoulders - will thank you.
13. If you make commitments - keep them. It speaks more about your character than you may realize.
14. Not everything in life is fun or enjoyable. Grit your teeth and get it done, it's not going to kill you.
15. Life's too short to sit idly by. Keep learning, keep searching, keep moving forward.
16. It's only awkward if you make it awkward.
17. Don't be afraid to disagree or speak your mind. You have a say in things too.
18. Remember to bring yourself back to the present. Don't get too stuck in the past or in the future - enjoy the now, because it'll be gone before you know it.
19. Learn to be grateful. It's been scientifically proven that people who express gratitude on a regular basis tend to be happier. Practice it and learn that it's true.
20. Your parents have the magical powers to make everything better. Don't forget to go home every once in a while to hug your mom and dad. You'll feel rejuvenated, and they'll be so happy to see you.
21. The people who matter will find a way to stay in your life. Those who don't will fall away. Let them.

xx
ola

Interesting Humans

I think humans are my favorite animal.

We're capable of so many wonderful and unbelievable things. 

We can understand a story and visualize it in our minds to make it more personal. We can innovate the world around us by creating a novel solution to a bothersome problem that has plagued dozens - or thousands - for years. We are constantly day-dreaming, constantly thinking, constantly imagining.

We can create beautiful works of art that stir the soul and pose intriguing questions that engage the mind. We can write beautiful words that enliven the heart, and sing heartfelt phrases that vivify the ears.

We laugh, we cry, we yell, and sometimes, we do all three at once. We're all unique in every single way, and yet we have a thirst to fit in. We want to belong, we want to have our own group. We learn every single day, but we never learn from our mistakes.

We simultaneously make complete sense and complete nonsense. We are utter enigmas and yet we are so painfully simple.

We are fascinating, and we amaze me.

As a photographer with a huge affinity for the sheer physical beauty of humanity, I am constantly thinking "I would love to take that person's photograph. They are simply so interesting." Brandon Stanton is way ahead of me with his Humans of New York project, which I stumbled upon years ago and was reintroduced to recently. Stanton released a book of some of his photographs today, and it was waiting for me in my mailbox after I was done with class.

I am completely enamored with the book and the project in general. Not only does it feed my aforementioned infatuation of humanity, it also inspires me beyond measure.

Thus, I went digging through a few of my older photos and found some Interesting Humans of my own to share on here. I hope to add to my Interesting Humans collection in the coming weeks and months. Hopefully, I can make this a regular thing, just like my Things for Happiness posts.

xx
ola