Happy Fall Y'all!

Happy Fall Y'all <3

When I woke up this morning the first thing I thought was, man there is no way I'm gonna make it through this day without a nap. Not the greatest first thought, but hey my body and mind were exhausted and the 4 times I hit the snooze button was just not satisfying my need for rest. But, anyways my day we just average and normal. I went to class then to work... but right around lunch time my day drastically improved! For lunch, I made myself of mozzarella caprese salad which was so tasty! Then, I had great conversations with some fellow RAs, got a free Mount Residence Staff t-shirt, and had a great one on one with my boss. Note to all friends, if you ask me to talk about my two dogs Juneau and Jenna you'll be sure to make my day and laugh a whole lot. Anyways, I also cut out the above banner for my door (I'll post the template here soon) and now I'm headed off to my night class, then to dinner, then to an RA program, and finally ending the night with watching Despicable Me 2 with friends. 

I hope you are having an amazing day too. 

Peaceful Hike & View

I'm lucky to live in one of the prettiest places on the Appalachian Trail! My mountain home has many perks, but one that surpasses the others is the view. Today, Hannah and I hiked up to the grotto and just walked around, talked, and took in the beautiful scene! 

But, really! I'm so blessed to call this mountain my home?

My great hiking companion and I were also sooo bummed out that Zumba was canceled, so we needed some nature therapy and conveniently we live on this incredible mountain with great views and memories! So, for now take a deep breathe and... 

Fall 2013 Programming Ideas

Programming... one of the best parts about being an RA! But, really you get to basically plan little parties with your residents and get to hang out with them! What's not to love?

However, sometimes it can be challenging planning programs for a closed door community. So, I outlined what my plans are for this semester and how I intend to connect with my residents and building! Let me know if you have any ideas that would be fun: the programming model is below.  

For RAs: I would totally recommend outlining what programs you intend to do ahead of time. Most Residence Life Programming Models involve some point system, so to make sure you stay on track it can be helpful to plan out upcoming programming opportunities. The outline I have provided is mostly in the planning stages, so somethings may change but I have taken the feedback from my residents and have hopefully planned events that will interest them! 

If I have a really successful program I will put up a post and as usual if you have any questions about the programs, please comment below!

Can't wait to hear what wonderful ideas you guys have to offer :)

Personality

So, being the weird psychology student that I am... naturally I'm a bit obsessed with cool instruments that measure social behavior. But, seriously there are some pretty cool studies out there that not only can help you learn about yourself but can social scientists learn about people! 

Even though I had to stop watching my Ravens win early to go to an RA In Service, I was so excited to see that today's In Service was based all on the Myers-Brigg Personality Test. Say what!!! RA and Psych Student's dream being made... but, really! 

What is the Myers-Briggs? The Myers- Briggs indicator test is a psychometric questionnaire that measures how people make decisions and personality factors. The indicator test has four dichotomies: Extraversion/ Introversion, Sensing/ Intuition, Thinking/ Feeling/ & Judging/ Perception. 

After completing the questionnaire, you calculate the scores and you get a four letter indicator which best describes you and how you perceive the world. 

The Score I got is: ESFJ

So, what do my letters stand for: 

E- Extraversion: Es like getting their energy from active involvement in events and having a lot of activities. E's are excited when they are around people and Es like to energize other people. Es like moving into action and making things happen. Es generally feel at home in the world. 

S- Sensing: Paying attention to physical reality, what Ss see, hear, touch, taste, and smell. Ss are concerned wit that is actual, present, current, and real. Ss notice facts and they remember details that are important to them. Ss like to see the practical use of things and learn best when they see how to use what they are learning. 

F- Feeling: Fs believe they can make the best decisions by weighing what people care about and the points-of-view of persons involved in a situation. Fs am concerned with values and what is the best for the people involved. They like to do whatever will establish or maintain harmony. 

J- Judging: Js use their decision-making (judging) preference (whether it is Thinking or Feeling) in their outer life. To others, Js seem to prefer a planned or orderly way of life, like to have things settled and organized, feel more comfortable when decisions are made, and like to bring life under control as much as possible. Do not confuse Judging with judgmental, in its negative sense. 

I used to be an ENFJ: with a change in the S component and the N component. Last time I took the test I scored higher on the Intuition indicator- which pays close attention to impressions or meanings of information over hands on experience. It isn't surprising to me that I switched from the N, to the Sensing indicator and I think the Sensing definitely describes me more accurately. 

Now, I can't not give y'all an opportunity to take a similar test, here! Let me know what your scores are and comment below. Can't wait to see what we have in common!

Happy Monday

Weekend Recap

i.love.the.weekends.... But, seriously! After working hard all week the weekend means, time with friends and family, Zumba, naps, eating delicious usually-not-cafeteria food, and then barely finishing all of my homework on Sunday because of a procrastination. 

So, Friday evening I saw the new Insidious movie... I'm not crazy about scary movies but it was fun to get out with some friends and jump in fright at what seemed to be every scene. I also watched the new superman movie, Man of Steel with some of my favorite guy friends... so Friday was spent with great people and watching way too many movies. 

Our personalities, but really.

Saturday, was another great day! As usual I started it out with a Zumba class. I'm finally starting to notice some improvement and I actually look like I know what I'm doing, which is a change in pace because usually I just flail around laughing at my own ridiculousness.

Then, I went home for my best friend, Hannah's 20th birthday party! It was such a nice evening, spent with decorating a crazy cake (pictures to come), laughing with her extended family, and really enjoying a low-key night with great company.

The man I get my stunning looks from!

And Sunday, I got the privilege to spend the whole day with my dad tailgating and attending the Ravens Game! I don't usually get to spend one on one time with him, so this was such a treat! We caught up, talked about the Ravens, and watched them win! It was a great day and the weather was perfect.

It was the perfect weekend and much needed! 

Next weekend will be a very RA-themed weekend, so I'll keep y'all posted on that... but, for now

I hope you guys had a great weekend too :) 

help them see Him

Wednesdays mean on-the-go... My schedule today includes:

10am- class
11am- class
12pm- lunch date
1pm- pick up supplies/ change for the gym
2pm- class
3:30pm- work until 5pm
5:20pm- Zumba *waka waka*
6:20pm- Dinner
7:00pm- Shower & Get cake supplies
7:30pm- Bake a cake in my friends apartment
8:30pm- Meet up with another friend to decorate the cake
9pm- Study sesh for my Psych exam and do various reading assignments
11pm- In bed
12am- Lights out.

Once, I leave my room at 9:30am I don't come back usually until 9:30-10pm. I already have a cold so the combination of busyness + no rest time = exhaustion overload! Unfortunately, when I am constantly thinking about what I have to do next... I rarely take the time to think about Him.


So, while at work I decide to take a 10 minute Pinterest/ tea break and as I'm scrolling through the homepage I come across this inspirational pin! I read it over a couple of times and realized just how true is it? Just by reading this quote my whole attitude towards today has changed.

I hope you continue to show others Him today. 

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Welcome to the weekly blog hop , Grab A Friend

Link up here , answer a question , grab a blogger and be friends!

Every week this hop is created with lots of love + fun . So be sure to share it to more and more people ca catch up and our lovely little hop can be large with more friends ;)

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Want to co-host? Shoot me en Email or check Sponsor .
                           

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Now the co-host

Ellie from Serendipitous Whimsically

Blog // Bloglovin // Twitter 

Alex from Radiating Sunshine

Blog // Bloglovin // Twitter

When you go to follow your hosts , leave the answer to make their day + a bloggy present .  We all would love to share love back { will follow you back} .

This hop is for finding new friends & bloggy mates . So be sure to go and find yourself one .
I am so happy cheery to see you all linking up with us every Tuesday . Yip-yip , you're rah-king.
Twitter is a new addition in hop , so if you want some Twitter-holic bloggy mates so link up , hop around & grab some tweeeeeeeeter sweeties .

Q : What's your biggest wish so far?

Noor :

My biggest wish is to have a house named Noor's Place . Yep not even kidding but I am dreaming it for years . I would love to have a big board over my house (sparkling) my name .

Areeba : 

Biggest wish? (insert a HMMMM) I am quite into wishes and so far , I want a good DSLR . I love photography , snap snap .

Alex :
My biggest wish? Mhm, that's a tough one! I guess I would have to say my biggest wish is to impact someone else's life in a big way. When I'm old I want to look back on my life and be able to see that I have given back to others and lived my life to the fullest.

Woot , now it's your turn to answer!

Scratch off #63: Potted Potter

7 days into my 101 in 1001 challenge and I'm already down to 100 in 1001 days! I'm very excited to announce that this weekend I went to see a play with my parents and best friend, Hannah! 

I'm so lucky to have the greatest people in my life

 On Saturday afternoon, Hannah and I drove home from college, met up with the fam, and metro-ed down to DC for a night of tasty food, great conversation, and many laughs. We ate at the District Chophouse & Brewery, which was delicious and not too expensive (always a plus)! Then, got some delicious cider and headed over to the Shakespeare Theatre Company to see the performance of Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience. 

Potted Potter is a comedy based off of the seven Harry Potter books. It was very interactive and we laughed the whole time! Its only in DC for 2 weeks so if you have a free night go see it!! For those of you who know me, y'all know how I am a die hard Harry Potter nerd, so this was right up my alley! Not to mention they through in a ton of Lord of the Rings references, which were perfect. 

I'm glad I got to check #63 off my list... and here is to the next 100 being just as enjoyable and fun! 

Have a great week, lovelies!

red pepper & gouda goodness

This week is gonna be cray-cray! But, really I'm talking crazy! Usually on my busy weeks the Sunday before I write out exactly what I have to do each day to help me stay on track and to make sure I don't forget any meetings or over book myself (which I have done twice this week). 

Anyways, this morning I was looking over my agenda and I was feeling a tiny bit overwhelmed. All I was thinking was man, I just need to get through this week and then Friday I will be on my way home to spend time with my family who I have barely seen for the past few months. I asked God to help me stay organized and keep me motivated to give 150% to everything I have to do.. And sure enough He always delivers! 

Anyways, I know its only 1pm on Monday, but so far my week has been amazing. I had awesome classes this morning and when I was trying to decide what I wanted to have for my little lunch meal, I was really hoping for something yummy... And sure enough as I walked into Patriot I was jumping with joy in the middle of the lunch hour chaos over the red pepper and gouda soup, which happens to be my favorite. So, not only did I have great classes, but I also had a great little lunch!

So, here is to the rest of the week hopefully being as positive and nice as my Monday 

has been so far! But, seriously I really hope it is. 

Happy Monday, y'all! 

101 in 1001

So, I'm sure some of y'all have heard of the 101 in 1001 concept through other blogs or friends. Well, after much thought and consideration I decided that I wanted to jump on the bandwagon and make one! 

The 101 in 1001 is sponsored by The Day Zero Project. The idea is to create a list of 101 things you want to accomplish in the 1001 days. So, over the next 2.75 years of my life I will have this list of measurable/ achievable life goals to check off. 

Personally, I love lists! For those of you who know me I'm usually the first person to make an outline or a list of things to get done, so I guess thats why this was right up my alley. The goal of the 101 in 1001 is to help me stay accountable on things I want to accomplish as I finish up my Bachelor's degree and figure out what my calling is. I'll be updating this list and writing posts when I complete things, so stay tuned ladies and gents.

bold: in progress

----: completed :)

Start Date: September 1st, 2013

End Date: May 30th, 2016

001: College

002: Bachelors of Science in Psychology

003: Finish all of Elin Hilderbrand's novels {12/17} [ I still need to read The Tailgate, Nantucket Nights,  The Beach Club, The Surfing Lessons, The Rumor] Italicized = Purchased 

004: Make a Blog BFF 

005: Maintain my blog

006: Make a new friend

007: Go to the gym regularly

008: Travel to a state I have never been too (Completed 7/4/14)

009: Run a 5k (Completed on 10/12/13): Update: My best time is a 29:30 -- still working on getting it down to 25)

010: Learn how to sew

011: Go on a last minute trip anywhere for a night

012: 50 Blog Followers (Completed 1/15/14)

013: Spend a weekend with just my family

014: Travel to another continent(Completed on 6/2/14)

015: Find out what I want to do "when I grow up"

016: Continue to serve my community

017: Start really putting money into savings

018: Go camping

019: Go a day without technology, sorry blog friends! (Completed: 2/24/14)

020: Go on a trip with just my girl friends (Completed May 2014)

021: Dance in the rain(Completed 6/21/14 in Italy)

022: Run through a field of sunflowers (Completed 9/7/14)

023: Pay a stranger's tab (Completed: 1/15/14)

024: Grow my hair out

025: Make genuine southern sweet tea

026: Order dessert first at a restaurant

027: Go on a mother & daughter trip somewhere fun

028: Experience Christmas in New York City

029: Compliment a random stranger

030: Cook my way through a cookbook 

031: Throw a surprise party for someone I love(Josh's 21st Birthday 2015)

032: Reach/maintain a healthy lifestyle

033: Go on a road trip

034: Dye my hair (nothing outrageous)

035: Re-purpose something

036: Swim in a fountain

037: Go to the Hillsong Church in NYC

038: Go to a wedding

039: Own a nice camera

040: Sing karaoke(Completed in Austria 6/14)

041: Share my faith with a stranger

042: Learn to cook a holiday meal (Completed on 11/27/13)

043: Read a textbook cover to cover (even the Preface)

044: See a comedian live(Completed in Alaska 7/9/14)

045: Buy something monogrammed

046: Mail a "Thinking of You" Box(Completed on 11/16/13)

047: Create a Thankful Tree (Completed on 11/12/13)

048: Buy someone flowers

049: Have a family picture taken

050: Read the bible... start to finish

051: Get my favorite Instagram pictures printed

052: Write one letter per month for year {6/12}

053: Send my parents valentines (2014)

054: Join an intramural team(Soccer 4/15)

055: Go on a service trip

056: Choreograph a dance with a friend

057: Write a letter to myself to be opened in 10 years

058: Have a drink at a restaurant (Completed on 3/23/14-- Strawberry Patch)

059: Make a pizza from scratch(Every Saturday 14-15 with Josh)

060: Buy a potted plant and keep it alive(Bamboo)

061: Make the ultimate playlist

062: Host a dinner party

063: See a play or musical (Completed on 9/6/13)

064: Compile my favorite recipes into a book

065: Go to a vineyard

066: Make 10 items from Pinterest {10/10}

067: Take a dance class- does Zumba count?(Salsa with Josh)

068: Go to a concert

069: Volunteer at a soup kitchen

070: Don't buy any new clothes for 30 days ( Completed 1/11/14-2/11/14)

071: Learn a new recipe from my Grandma (Completed 12/17/13)

072: Buy an infinity scarf

073: Make a two tier cake (Completed 4/19/14)

074: Reconnect with an old friend

075: Jump in a giant leaf pile

076: Go out for Afternoon Tea

077: Be the best Resident Assistant I can be

078: Own a pair of fancy flats

079: Leave an inspirational note for someone to find

080: Learn how to make a blog button {Completed 10/31/13}

081: Pick my own fruit and make a pie

082: Leave a 100% tip

083: Go through my clothes/ shoes and donate what I don't wear (Completed 12/14/13)

084: See the Cherry Blossoms in DC

085: Attend a midnight premiere of a movie

086: Take an etiquette class (Completed 4/3/14)

087: Actually knit something

088: Learn to french braid my own hair & someone else's

089: Own something from Lilly Pulitzer or Vineyard Vines

090: Find my signature scent/ perfume

091: Post 25 Operation Beautiful notes {5/25}

092: Choose a college football team to root for

093: Get a new pair of glasses (Completed 1/13/14)

094: Start a new tradition

095: Create a piece of art

096: Learn how to fold a fitted sheet

097: Inspire someone to write a 101 in 1001 (comment if I have)

098: Plan out all of my bulletin boards before the semester starts

099: Give myself a french manicure 

100: Print out photos & write descriptions (Completed 1/6/14)

101: Write a new 101 in 1001 list at the end of this challenge!

I wasn't able to complete everything... but I am super proud of everything I did accomplish! Still hoping to knock off these items eventually, but for now I'm just taking life one day at a time.