Small Inspiration from BIG Ideas

As much as I love journalism and all the learning, writing and reporting that I have done so far, I firmly believe that one day I will become an entrepreneur of some sort and contribute my skill sets to a whole new area outside of journalism.
After watching a video where Joe Gebbia, one of the co-founders of the website airbandb.com, tells the story of how air bed and breakfast came to be I have certainly become inspired. The video is a must watch. As a designer and aspiring entrepreneur Gebbia and two of his friends created the online community marketplace where people can share their spaces around the world. The website was created back in 2008 and after some rough patches in the beginning, now as 2014 approaches the website has taken off and people all over the world are putting their spaces from couches to whole apartments to tree houses on the website for users to rent out. Pretty cool if you ask me!!
And one of the things that I love most about this idea is that while it originally started to help pay the monthly rent, when you listen to Gebbia talk you don't get the feeling that the founders of airbandb.com are primarily fueled by the interest of making money. After visiting the site's users and renting spaces themselves one can see that they are truly invested in making the website the best it can possibly be not just for their own satisfaction but for everyone who experiences air bed and breakfast.
People always ask you as you go through college what you want to do with your life, who you want to become and what are you going to do with that darn journalism degree. Well folks, let me tell you... my dream is to in some facet be able to imagine, create, and invent something new... to challenge myself and work with people I love, to continue to write and explore the world.
As I begin to prepare for studying abroad next semester in London this video was a welcome reminder that the possibilities in life are endless... and to stick with jotting down ideas in a notebook cause you never know if they could one day become a successful business concept!

Take This Town and Shove It

Take This Town and Shove It. This headline has been circulating around "This Town" aka Washington D.C. for the past few days since its publication in Politico Magazine and I thought I'd weigh in too.
Written by former White House correspondent, Sam Youngman, the article details Youngman's time as a reporter in Washington D.C and how he got sucked into the D.C culture, writing "I was so trapped in the bubble of my own artificially inflated ego..."Yougman has since moved on and is currently a political reporter for the Herald-Leader in Lexington, Kentucky.
Youngman wrote at the beginning of the article, "I made it to the White House beat and broke into the club." He added later in the piece, "I had fallen out of love with journalism..."
To an aspiring reporter like myself, Youngman lived the dream. Spending days reporting on the White House, riding in Air Force On, and getting invited to the White House Correspondents' Dinner, Youngman had it all.
The publication of this article is perfect timing as I finish my semester in Washington D.C. tomorrow. Acting as a Washington correspondent for the past semester has taught me how much I love researching and covering politics. I now know that I would love to end up returning to "This Town" sometime in the near future.
While it may seem easy to beat up on Washington and the politics that consume it from an outsider's perspective. For an insider like myself (at least for the past four months) it is even easier to see how one can fall in love with "This Town."
However, this article was a good wake up call as I complete my time reporting in D.C for now. It is important to not get too caught up in the day-to-day operations and lifestyle that consumes many of D.C.'s inhabitants.
But no matter how ugly it may seem to get at times (shutdown anyone?) Washington D.C. will forever be a journalist's dream when it comes to covering politics. So if I do end up returning to D.C., it will be important to keep in mind where I came from in order to not get trapped in the bubble like Youngman.
Despite this article, for now I'll continue to tweet about politics, watch CSPAN, and dream of the possibilities that D.C. can offer me.

Goodbye Capitol City

This post has been a long time coming, well at least four months...
Yes I have been in Washington D.C. for four months now, and yes you've guessed right again, this is my last week before I have to pack up all my bags and return home before my next adventure.
Honestly this semester has been one of the best I've had. Although I miss my friends and the school I have called home for the past two years, this semester was worth every high and low that came along with being a student and journalist in one fine city for a semester. The people I've met and the experiences I have had will last a lifetime and I know that this is just the beginning of something great. It is hard for me to believe it is already time to say goodbye. I guess time does fly when you are having fun. I've grown as a student, a friend and most importantly as a journalist the past few months and while I'm excited for what is to come I'm going to miss it. Almost four years ago I considered attending college in Washington D.C. but decided to go to Boston instead. Who would have ever thought I'd actually end up here, not wanting the time to end? The last few days will certainly be jam packed from reporting to saying goodbyes, but every minute will be time well spent. I won't be able to say it enough, but I love D.C. and I've loved pretty much every second I've been here.
Here's to 2014 and the many more adventures on the books, until next time Capitol City.

Celebration of a life...

Celebrate the life of a brilliant leader, mentor and man. Just a few of his quotes I love to share with you all on the day of Nelson Mandela's death. A historical legacy.  

My friend said it best: "Death has a funny way of showing us how we should truly live."

God bless Nelson Mandela. 

Do You Hear What I Hear....

One of my most favorite parts of the time leading up to Christmas is the lovely, cheerful and often calming holiday music that fills my iPod for a few weeks and can be heard throughout shopping malls and on just about every radio station in December. Holiday tunes can instantly turn around my day if I'm feeling a bit down and really just get me so excited for Christmas!

This video of the a cappella group, Pentatonix, has been circulating on the web recently and I thought I'd share it with you all. Their sound is beautiful and embodies pretty much everything I love about holiday music and the various renditions that groups have taken on traditional holiday songs like "Little Drummer Boy." Enjoy and may your season by marry and bright!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving and I don't think this holiday could have come at a better time. Giving thanks for my health, family, friends, life and opportunities that I have been given. Enjoy the holiday everyone, it's one of my favorites and promises to be another good one this year too!

Productive

Fast Company is one of my favorite magazines to read. The magazine is a business magazine that prints  10 issues a year and mainly focuses on innovation, design, technology and leadership. Every time I read Fast Company magazine or online on their website I always come across sue great  bits of information and encouraging words for people like myself that are somewhat business minded and aspire to be great. 

One of the latest articles I've come across falls under their work smart category entitled, 17 Productive Ways to Spend 5 Minutes Instead of Checking Your Email (Again). 

This article highlights the idea that today when we find ourselves waiting for something or have an extra few minutes to spare, we often take our smart phones out of our pocket and go right into checking our email inbox. 

There are some pretty great tips in this article and after reading it I took a few steps back and looked at what I actually do with my free time and how I can take that time and do something more productive... put the phone down perhaps and maybe read a chapter in a book, write a letter to a friend, or even lift a few weights. 

I really recommend taking some time and checking out the Fast Company website. It is full of quick articles that are really insightful and refreshing from some of the everyday blog posts or news articles

that we often find ourselves reading. 

Wednesday Night Inspiration

“For what it’s worth: it’s never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet new people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.”

- F. Scott Fitzgerald

Red Sox Nation

Even though I might be a fews days off, I'll wrap up the series of Red Sox posts with this last picture.

Post-Shutdown, Post-Season: The Ties that Bind

My two worlds have finally collided. And by two worlds I mean my two collegiate worlds, Boston and Washington D.C. Now please enlighten me and follow along with my story of this crossover.
Last week the federal government ended its 16-day shutdown by passing a bill that raised the debt ceiling and continued to find the government. Last weekend, just three days after the government reopened the Red Sox won the ALCS advancing them to the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. You may be asking yourself, now where is this "collision" she's taking about? Well, let me explain...
During the shutdown, furloughed workers were stuck at home resulting in many of the furloughed male employees to grow beards. Also during the shutdown journalists on the Hill began growing beards. (Yes, #ShutdownBeard was trending on Twitter at one point).

One of my favorite #ShutdownBeard tweets

Then finally, comes the Red Sox, and yes of course, the whole team is growing beards in the post-season. You following? The collision comes with the obscene amount of fascial hair I've been seeing lately. From journalists to ballplayers they all are sporting unshaven looks, some more dashing than others I must say. Yet the simplest thing, a beard, has brought more people together in the past few weeks than it probably ever will. At an otherwise polarizing time in politics- Democrats vs. Republicans and sports- Sox vs. Cardinals, the beard bonds.

While our furloughed friends and Capitol journalists have taken to the razor and shaven their beards, the Sox still remain hairy as they head into Game 2 of the World Series tonight, but come next week, the ballplayers' beards too will most likely be shaven.
But don't fret, if you had any thought of missing the familiarness of a bearded face, now is the time for me to remind you November is eight days away. #NoShaveNovember

So there you have it. The collision of my two collegiate worlds. There is just something about the camaraderie of sports that I love and I think I'm starting to get that feel among the reporters on the Hill. When you go through the same highs and lows week in and week out you bond. Whether its bonding over a facial hair or not we all love the feeling. So here's to the 2013 World Series!!! Go Sox!!!

Captain Phillips: A Must See

Just last week I saw the movie Captain Phillips and have been thinking about it every day since. In short, this was probably one of the best decisions we made all weekend and this movie is a must see! I guarantee you will not be disappointed. It was thrilling and exciting and emotional and I think I might just have to see it again. In the time leading up to seeing Captain Phillips I saw a few interviews on TV and read a few reviews online and was just amazed with the acting from the actors that played the characters of the Somali pirates. This is certainly a film to see and one to watch out for come award season. Tom Hanks was just fantastic in his role and many of the supporting roles are certainly deserving of award recognition as well. Anyways, I just felt the need to tell you all how much I loved Captain Phillips and how much I think everyone needs to see this movie!

History in the Making

Just days after my last post here on the blog came the beginning of the federal government shutdown. Simply put, I've been busy lately. As you may be able to assume the past three weeks have been some of the most exciting I have ever experienced, especially as a first time Washington D.C. reporter.

Bearing in mind that it has been 17 years since the last shutdown, which spanned from Dec. 16 1995 to Jan. 5 1996, I consider what I've seen over the last three weeks to be a bit of history. From Sen. Ted Cruz's 21-hour speech on the Senate floor, to the government shutdown, to following Senators reactions to Tea Party tactics, I've certainly seen a lot.

After finding myself in the middle of the latest happenings in Congress and spending the day reporting at the Capitol, I sit here now as the Senate has passed a bill to continue to fund the government and raise the debt limit, avoiding default. As I type this I am also tuned into CSPAN as we await the House vote on the bill to finalize deal before it can be signed by the President.

While this shutdown and hot potato between the House of Representatives and the Senate has been quite thrilling (and educating) as a reporter, I am looking forward to seeing what the next discussions will be in Congress. Stay tuned for more out of Washington D.C. and I'll be posting the links to my stories under 'My Work' tab, so check back and take read when you can.

All Eyes and Ears on Washington Politics

I'll first start by prefacing this post with the fact the I had planned to write this yesterday, but naturally, time got away from me and now here I am writing this post.
I'm not sure how many times I will say it this semester, warning- it will probably be quite a few, but I could not be in Washington at a more exciting time for politics.
Reporting on the Hill for the past few weeks has been such a thrill. Just yesterday I sat in the Senate Press Gallery as Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, finished an over 21 hour long speech. While his attempt at a so called 'filibuster' ended with Majority Leader Harry Reid calling it a "big waste of time," it was pretty amazing to see discussions actually happening on the Senate floor between parties on both sides of the aisle. Granted, all of the discussions have not led to much progress, it was a feat in itself for Cruz to try and make a point to his fellow members of Congress and to some Americans who were keeping up with his talk-a-thon.
Cruz began his speech on Tuesday afternoon at 2:41 p.m. and 21 hours and 19 minutes later, to be exact, he ended his speech, opening the floor for legislative business to begin on Wednesday morning.
For many Americans across the country the looming government shutdown and current gridlock of Congress is understandably frustrating, but when I put on my reporter cap and stand just feet away from the men and women who are dictating what goes on in our government it is exciting and thrilling. Whether you are on the left or right side of the aisle being involved in government is so important and this opportunity has opened my eyes to all things government. I've always been fascinated by happenings in Washington, but actually being here has allowed me to get a better handle on all things politics and the procedures in the House and Senate.
Here's to hoping that in one respect the battles on the Hill get resolved, but to also hoping that the complex dynamics of Washington continue to excite and educate!

Netflix and Favorite TV Shows

Ever since I got a Netflix account I have been going crazy with all of the possible television series that I  can watch. Recently I've begun watching West Wing and Call the Midwife, a BBC period drama. 

I knew that West Wing would be the first season I dove into watching on Netflix since I am living and reporting from Washington D.C. for the next few months. From what I've heard the show is quite realistic at parts. As for the series Call the Midwife, I love BBC and the show is based on memoirs of Jennifer Worth, set in east London in the 1950s. The series has been broadcast on PBS in the states and has received rave reviews. If you haven't seen either of these series yet I highly recommend you get on Netflix right now and watch. Before I wrap up this short post, I also want to mention the now Emmy-award winning Netflix series, House of Cards. I watched the whole first season in just a few days and as another set in Washington series, I absolutely fell in love with this show and of course, Kevin Spacey. I've been avoiding signing up for Netflix for quite a while now, but I can honestly say it has been a great decision and what better way to wind down from a day on the Hill than with a bit of Martin Sheen or Kevin Spacey. 

If Chipotle Didn't Have Your Heart Before...

Now I've always been a a fan of Chipotle over other mexican fast restaurants, but after seeing Chipotle's latest short film, I am convinced I am making the right choice when I dine at Chipotle. The new ad titled, "The Scarecrow" pulls at our heartstrings.

The short film follows a scarecrow working in a large industrial factory. He becomes increasing saddened by the scene that he witness of animals being modified and treated poorly.

His mood changes though when he arrives on a farm and finds a fresh red pepper and begins to cook. The ad ends with the slogan, "Cultivate a better world."

This video has received over 4 million views since last week when it was uploaded to YouTube.
I really enjoy when companies take on new marketing strategies and Chipotle is certainly setting itself a part from other food chains. Especially today, where organic foods and healthy choices are at the forefront of our minds I think Chipotle's efforts are going to go a long way in informing its audience.
Back in July, Chipotle announced its efforts to reduce the amount of genetically engineered ingredients, so the company is certainly making strides to continue to relay their message of "food with integrity."
Chipotle's first video, "Back to the Start" was released last August.

Also, check out Chipotle's Scarecrow iPhone and iPad game where players help the scarecrow rescue the city from the evil crow foods company.

The Day

While getting to take classes in Washington D.C. for the semester is certainly an exciting part of my time down here, I am most excited about my assignment to the New London CT newspaper The Day. For the semester I have been lucky enough to be able to act as a Washington correspondent for the newspaper. As Congress returns to session this coming week, I will begin pitching story ideas and then doing research and reporting on the Hill. 

Stay tuned for more updates on my reporting and hopefully in the next two weeks I'll have a published piece out of Washington! For now, check out The Day's website... FYI- The Day is an independent newspaper and is held in public trust, kinda neat if you ask me! 

City of Magnificent Distances

I love discovering new places and Washington D.C. is one city that I certainly cannot get enough of. Having lived in Boston for school for the past two years I was excited to take on a new adventure and study "abroad' in D.C. for the semester. While I know I have a full four months to explore this city, I also know that time will fly by faster than I would like it to. It has already been one week since I have arrived and I feel like I haven't sat down until now. 

From touring the Capitol to kayaking and paddle boating on the Potomac River to eating at Ben's Chili Bowl and Busboys and Poets, I've certainly got my feet wet in getting to know my new home. 

This past week was also made pretty amazing by the amount of history that was celebrated with the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' Speech. On top of that, politics has picked up here in the past few days with President Obama's address on Syria. 

The next few weeks will certainly make for exciting news, which us journalists love, and I am thrilled to be able to put down roots for a few months in the nations Capitol.

 

I have a Dream... Do you?

Today marks the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr's 'I have a dream' speech and the march on the Washington Mall for jobs and freedom.

This semester, instead of returning to Boston for the academic term at BU, I am attending Boston University's Washington D.C. program. I am thrilled to be in 'This Town' at such an exciting time in history, clearly evidenced by today's 50th anniversary.
With orientation beginning this week here in Washington D.C. for the program, we began by talking about MLK Jr's speech and what his hopes and dreams were for us and our society today.
Can we achieve these dreams?
Many of you might not know, but Martin Luther King Jr. was a student at and graduated from Boston University's School of Theology. This day means so much to us as current students of the university who try to live his dream everyday and spread the love that he had for all people.
One Monday, I attended a BU DC Alumni event, "Free at Last? MLK and the Dream 50 Years Later." Centered around the work and teachings of Martin Luther King Jr., professor Fluker of BU spoke about the civil rights movement, encouraging us young people to get involved and to not minimize our role in the movement toward equality, respect, and especially love for all people.
Professor Fluker spoke saying, "There is no vision with out memory," encouraging us to remember what MLK Jr. spoke about on August 28th 1963.
While this day is certainly one to celebrate, we must still remind each other that progress still needs to be made, we cannot stand down and let the world pass us by.
MLK Jr's words are ever ingrained in our minds. Let the hope live on and celebrate the courage that this brilliant man had this day 50 years ago.

All Things J.Crew

If you weren't already aware, I have a deep infatuation with J.Crew. Ever since I walked into my first J.Crew store at my local mall, maybe 9 years ago, I fell completely in love with the brand and most of the lines that have been debuted over the past years. As a tribute to my favorite retail location, I will update you all on all new things J.Crew.
Countdown to the Opening of J.Crew London: 69 Days!

I am hoping to be studying abroad next semester in london, so when I learned about the fall opening of the J.Crew London store I knew that London for certainly the spot for me to study abroad in.
J.Crew on Film 

One of the things that I love most about J.Crew is that they go beyond just being a retail business. They have created a digital initiative called J.Crew on film, where they highlight certain aspects of their brand that make them stand out among the rest. One of my favorites is the video where Jenna Lyons showcases some of last season's shoes and how they are crafted.
Also J.Crew's Tumblr is just fantastic, it opens a little world into the behind the scenes of what is going on at J.Crew and highlights a few J.Crew lovers too! J.Crew also has a lovely Pinterest page, where they just debuted some of the Fall 2013 line.

House of Windows

This video is just inspiring... couple, Nick Olson and Lilah Horwitz took an idea and made it a reality... they decided to one day pursue their dreams and create a home where the entire facade is made up of windows.
It is reassuring to see people not shy away from their passions and ideas. This video encourages me to follow through with any creative vision I have, big or small. Also it is quite amazing how much a simple home can provide one time for solitude and reflection and space to appreciate the earth and a simple part of mother nature, the sun set.
Please watch this video, not only is the story great, but the music and videography is well done, all by filmmakers Matt Glass and Jordan Wayne Long of Half Cut Tea.

Picasso Baby

Picasso Baby: Where art and music come together to create a 10-minute music video featuring Jay Z among other well known designers and artists. The performance is an experience like no other. The video was filmed back in July, and only showcases a short selection from the six hours of filming and rapping that Jay Z performed that day at the Pace Gallery in NYC. The video is entertaining and highlights a more relaxed side of Jay Z that often is unseen. He is truly in his element and his interactions with the other artists are quite amusing as well. He talks about the connection of music and art to culture and the connection that art and music can provide for people. You can find the video on HBO or hbogo.com.

Points of Exclamation

One of my fellow sorority sisters in my chapter at BU has started a company called Points of Exclamation. She has created some really fantastic stuff- rings and bracelets out of this world and so cute and colorful. She even has created her own website here, where you can find all of this great jewelry she is making.

The line of jewelry is especially Boho and Tribal-esque, and the best part is that 100% of the proceeds goes to the ALS Foundation.

Ali is certainly off to a great start and it would mean so much to me if you would check out here site. I promise it will not disappoint. I've already picked my favorites and posted a few of them here... I know I'll be making my purchase soon enough!

I mean, come on, just look at the colors and the stones in that ring!

Relatable

While I have very little in common with Stephen King, one thing I know for sure we both have in common in our love for writing. Reading about how Stephen Kings spends months and even years writing just sentences for his novels I found his words to be very relatable for a writer and aspiring journalist like myself. 
In reference to how challenging it can be for a writer to compose the opening lines of his work, Stephen King remarks:
"There are all sorts of theories and ideas about what constitutes a good opening line. It's tricky thing, and tough to talk about because I don't think conceptually while I work on a first draft -- I just write. To get scientific about it is a little like trying to catch moonbeams in a jar.

But there's one thing I'm sure about. An opening line should invite the reader to begin the story. It should say: Listen. Come in here. You want to know about this.

How can a writer extend an appealing invitation -- one that's difficult, even, to refuse?"

His words are so simple and make it all sound so easy. When writing blog posts or articles I constantly wrestle with where I should begin and Stephen Kings says it perfectly here. 

It's a good thing he didn't write his response or else we might not have been graced with his knowledge for months or maybe years to come.   

Minimalism

The shear idea of living with less makes me think of a life of simplicity, less complications, and more time for what's really important in life. 
I recently came across a website called The Minimalists. The site and minimalist mind-set was created all by two guys- Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus. Their about page is quite amazing and they have a truly amazing story to tell- two guys finding no satisfaction in the lives they were leading as successful middle-aged men then decided to turn to minimalism and now they find themselves today writing about it on their blog. 

They have written a series of essay about turning toward a minimalist lifestyle and creating more room for the important things, people, desires and dreams in one's life. From guides to de-cluttering to more, these essays tell it like it is according to these guys and some of their stuff could not be more fascinating. I really appreciate people like this that make me challenge my views and outlook on the kind of life I want to live. I sometimes get wrapped up in everything that's going on around me and reading these essays helps to refocus and see what good can come from some of their ideas like going minimalist and living life in a more carefree manner. 
One essay that really caught my eye was titled, Letting Go of Shitty Relationships. This one was interesting as a friend of mine was talking to me today about the value he puts on certain relationships over others and how important it is to find fulfillment in a relationship, to be able to find friendship and feel good about yourself when you're around that person. The Minimalists hit the nail on the head with this essay and I really appreciated their thoughts. 

The most fascinating essay by far from the minimalists was written by Joshua titled, 100 Days with No Goals. As a college student in particular I feel the pressure from adults, teachers, society, friends etc. to set goals for what I want to do with my life, or even what I want to do next week, or today. It is refreshing to read this essay about Joshua's experience with living life without goals. It is simply freeing. While I often appreciate a good to-do list, staring at an uncompleted list of things to get done stresses me out! Joshua decided he didn't need to have goals to be happy and live a fulfilling life. And funny enough, Joshua found himself more productive than he was before. Joshua writes this in his essay which just goes to show you how life changing one small change can be:

"I’ve grown considerably in the last 100 days. I’ve gotten into the best shape of my life, strengthened my personal relationships, established new relationships, and written more than ever before. I’ve grown more in the last 100 days than any other 100-day period in my life."

After reading some of Joshua and Ryan's essays I know I'll be looking at my own life and contemplating what I really need and don't need. It's thoughts like these that even make packing for a vacation or college a little easier and more simple. 

I'll leave you with what the minimalist lifestyle has helped them to do:

• Eliminate our discontent
• Reclaim our time
• Live in the moment
• Pursue our passions
• Discover our missions
• Experience real freedom
• Create more, consume less
• Focus on our health
• Grow as individuals
• Contribute beyond ourselves
• Rid ourselves of excess stuff
• Discover purpose in our lives

Love All the Time

Last week I read an article called, "Why Do Dogs Live Fewer Years Than Humans?". The author begins by writing about his experience as a veterinarian and recalls one time when he performed a euthanasia procedure on a dog dying of cancer. The family whose dog had to be put down, gathered around the dog and veterinarian as he performed the procedure. Afterwards the family and veterinarian sat around discussing why dogs live shorter lives than humans, the young six-year-old pipped up and said, "I know why. People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life - like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right? Well dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long." The author explained that the little boy's reasoning changed the way he tries in life and lives. After reading this article it certainly has changed the way I see things and inspires me to want to give more and love more and be happy and grateful for the life I have. It's amazing how such a simple thing can really impact a person so much and bring a new outlook to the way we live and treat people.

Wishful Wednesday: Places to Visit

My grandparents on both my mother and father's side went to two pretty amazing vacation spots this past week, and now both are on my list of places to visit. The first is the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. This resort has a lot of history and has so many different attractions including skiing in the winter time, zip-lining, hiking tours, golfing, horseback riding and more. The Bretton Woods Hotel even has its own post office! The lands surrounding the hotel look amazing and during the fall the trees must be exquisite. This resort is certainly a place for me to visit one day- the perfect place to get lost in the woods and explore.

The second place is the Marriott Ranch in Hume, Virginia. In 1951 the Marriott Ranch, originally the Fairfield Ranch, was purchased by the Marriott family. Over the next few years the Marriott family purchased more land surrounding the ranch to create the 4200-acre property. After becoming a personal vacation home for the Marriott family, by the early 1990's the ranch became a venue to host guests beyond the personal guests of the family. The main house, known as the Manor House, is the Marriott's only Bed & Breakfast. 

The main reason why I want to go to this ranch is because of the fantastic stories my grandfather told me about their time at the ranch. When they first arrived at the ranch they where greeted with evening wine and hors d'oeuvres. After, the house caretaker invited them to pick whichever room they would like to stay in. The chef and house-woman then left for the night, leaving my grandparents on their own at the ranch, where they were able to drive into town and get dinner and enjoy the rest of the evening on the property by themselves. The next morning the chef served them breakfast in bed and they were given a tour of the property. 

The Marriott Ranch just seems like the ultimate getaway. With so much history and freedom this property provides the ultimate escape and is a great place to bring a group and have the place to yourself. Mark my word, I'll be visiting the ranch before you know it! 

Get Out Alive With Bear Grylls

One type of person that I will always admire is a risk taker. Over and over again people prove themselves as risk takers and adventure seekers and inspire me to push myself to new heights and take new risks. While the risks I plan on taking are not quite up to par with those of Bear Grylls, host of Man vs Wild and survival and outdoor adventure man, now that Grylls has a new show on NBC I can continue to live vicariously through the over-the-top adventures he takes and witness in the case of his new show.

This show called Get Out Alive follows teams of two as they travel as a group trying to keep each other alive while battling the wildest of conditions and each other in eight journeys to win half a million dollars. The first show premiered this week with the pilot episode where there was some great adventure and challenge to be seen. So get out there be adventurous too and seek out risks as you become inspired.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!

Passion

Tonight I watch the ESPN2 SEC Storied Documentary, Abby Head On. The film premiered last month, but I was lucky enough to catch it in full tonight, as it chronicles the incredible career of soccer star Abby Wambach. Having only first acknowledged her skill and drive for the sport following the past Olympics where the US team took the gold medal, I was thrilled to get the chance to "follow" the budding soccer star in this documentary.

The passion that Wambach puts into soccer excites me and makes me want to be more motivated and passionate about everything that I do. From this documentary anyone can see that Wambach is a risk taker, from her first steps onto the field, to choosing to play college ball at University of Florida over University of North Carolina. Not only did she help the Gators to their first and only national title in her freshman year, but she eventually realized her full potential as she turned pro and went on to make lasting relationships with her teammates and represent the United States at the World Cup and Olympics. While Wambach has certainly experienced her fair share of upsets, heartaches and failures from time to time, what I love most about athletes, athletics and watching documentaries like these is getting to see people realize their full potential and come back from unthinkable circumstances. Watching sports thrills me and watching athletes in their prime will always be one of my favorite things to do, they inspire me and make me want to strive for the best and encourage me to go for my dreams.

Thank you Abby Wambach for making my night. Also in the spirt of the Fourth of July, aren't these pictures fantastic... I don't know about you, but I'm certainly putting the 2015 Women's World Cup on my calendar.

Live Your Life

"You don't have to live your life the way other people expect you to."
I couldn't have said it better myself. I came across this cartoon, How to Live an Unremarkably Average Life, and I couldn't help but thinking just how true this cartoon is. Who wants to be just average?
What a good reminder to push boundaries, become inspired by what you love, and pursuit passions in life that make you more than just average.

http://laughingsquid.com/how-to-live-an-unremarkably-average-life/

Sex and the City

Tonight I finished watching Sex and the City. What began as a quest to watch the first season of the show a couple weeks ago, naturally turned in to watching all six seasons in just about a month. I have always been a fan of the few Sex and the City episode re-runs that I've seen on television from time to time, but after realizing that hbogo.com had all six seasons I figured why not give it a whirl and watch it all, and I cannot say enough times now how much I love Sex and the City and Carrie Bradshaw! I mean really, how could you not? New York City living, amazing clothes and shoes, men and more men, drama, comedy, suspense, and then the finale. Come on... could it get any better? I have to admit I shed a few tears, which goes to show you just how much I fell for the show. Like every other girl out there who was a Sex and the City fan when the show was in its prime, I fell in love with Carrie Bradshaw and her three best friends. And not only did the finale make me cry, but it reminded me, as cheesy as it sounds, just how lucky I am to have such great friends and how it is always so important to never forget the support system that they provide. Anyways, before this all gets too much, I'm going to head back to surfing the web for Sex and the City quizzes to figure out which NYC gal I'm most like. Miranda? Charlotte? Samantha? Carrie?

Take Notice

"I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point “If this isn’t nice I don’t know what is.”"

- Kurt Vonnegut

Summer 2013 Movies

One of my favorite parts about summer is summer movie block busters, and this summer looks like it surely won't disappoint. This summer I have two favorites that I am dying to see in theaters. One of my goals for the summer besides seeing the following two summer block busters, is going to a drive-in movie theater. I've never been before and from what I heard the drive-in a lot of fun. A double feature, popcorn, and friends, what more could you ask for? 

The first summer block buster that I cant wait to see is White House Down. Staring Channing Tatum, as a wanna-be secret service agent, and Jamie Foxx, as the President of the United States, the action-thriller film would certainly be one to see on the big screen this summer. White House Down was released to theaters yesterday. Feel free to check out the trailer here.  

Ain't Them Bodies Saints is the one summer block buster that I am most looking forward too. Staring Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara the film is about an outlaw that escapes from prison and sets out to find his wife. The movie is set to release August 16th. The trailer can be seen here.

Tuesday Thoughts- How Not to be Alone

I came across this article, How Not to Be Alone, in the NYTimes Opinion section last week and have been meaning to share it with you all.  The author, Jonathan Safran Foer, begins the article by telling a story, but what really struck me was this line- "Technology celebrates connectedness, but encourages retreat." When the author was faced with a decision to intervene in a stranger's life and provide comfort to the stranger, he instead turned to his iPhone and found it easier to avoid human connection through the use of his technology. As we increase the use of technology everyday, always carrying our phones with us, the more distracted we become and the less we care. While the technology makes it easier to stay in touch, it also allow us to say less and feel less. The author of the article basically tries to get the point across that we need to remind ourselves to be more present, to be more aware of others and of our time and how we share it with friends, family etc. Foer concludes the article by writing, "Being attentive to the needs of others might not be the point of life, but it is the work of life." This article really struck a cord with me and was a good reminder to be more giving and caring for others and to never let someone else feel alone.

Pay with a Kiss

Here in the US its traditional to go to a coffee shop and pay for your cup of coffee with cash or card. But what about this... paying with a kiss, not a bad option right?

I came across this video that shows us a coffee shop in Sydney, Australia that lets its customers, if they so choose to, pay with a kiss.

While the special at the café, open to all couples, only runs until the end of the month, maybe the idea will catch on and come to the US. All I can say is, you've seen it here first (hopefully) and I love the idea. Oh and, spread the love.

U.S. Open

The past two day have been quite an interesting start to the 113th U.S. Open. This year the tournament is being held at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, PA.

Not only does this course have great history, but history is being written as I type this post as the golfers battle the incredibly difficult conditions on this golf course. This is personally one of the most difficult courses I've seen these professional golfers play in a while. The first round of the tournament was met with a four hour rain delay and the difficulties don't stop there. Challenges from no short cut in the ruff, to complex greens, narrow fairways, and blind shots to the pins have all made for troublesome rounds the past few days.  To prove just how tricky this golf course is, here's a video of some crazy shots that a few players took during Thursday's round.
As the second day of the U.S. Open continues into tomorrow morning, due to sunlight players had to end mid-round, only one golfer sits on the leader board currently under par. Needless to say, it hasn't been an easy few days, and the next two will continue to challenge. I'm excited to see what transpires over the next two days and who pulls away with the win.

Now some of you might be asking yourselves why I am writing about golf on my blog. Well, for one, I played golf in high school and I truly love the game, and second, as I am working at a golf course this summer, golf is pretty much my life at the moment and I wanted to share some of my thoughts with you all. So hopefully this post has at least got you the slightest bit interested in U.S. Open play this weekend, and maybe, just maybe, you will turn on the television and catch a bit of the action.

The Cronut

Last Friday was national doughnut day, but over the weekend I discovered the CRONUT.

A croissant and doughnut hybrid, created by Chef Dominique Ansel. Foodies are going wild over the latest creation by the chef. His bakery in Manhattan is the only place were they can be found and the cronuts continue to sell out in under 20 minutes each morning. The cronuts are in such high demand that each customer can only purchase two at a time.

See the brilliant chef talk about his creation here. I certainly know where I will be at 5:30AM the next time I visit NYC.