Can't Help It Sometimes...

My best friend Samantha said to me before I left for New York, 

"just don't go up there and change." 

I laughed it off thinking... I don't think I am going to, it is only 10 weeks. 

 

Now as I look back on how fast those 10 weeks flew by all I can think is how much I have changed. I would like to think for the better.

People can't control change, just about as much as we can try and change the weather. We grow, we die, we learn, we adapt... if it were me saying it... and it is my blog... I would say that change is in a humans nature. We are adapters. 

When I came to New York it took me a while to really realize where I was. My confidence, believe it or not, was low enough that I couldn't believe that I had made it here to this amazing city. Now when I look in the mirror I can look at myself with pride and humility. Yes, I am proud of myself and I don't see that as a negative thing. Yes, I am a humble because God has blessed me in ways I never thought I would ever deserve. Months ago I never would have believed I would be here. 

Before I didn't believe I could achieve my dreams, now I believe with all my heart that if I continue to work hard... my dreams are only an arm stretch away. 

Before I didn't think I was "up-to-parr", now when I look in the mirror I see a confident young woman who feels good about herself. Who is going to be the best person she can... learn from her mistakes... and when I fall down I will pick myself up and move on.

Before I wore jeans and T-shirts never thinking I could pull off the skirts, dresses, or heels... Now, the sidewalks of New York City have become my runway! 

Yes... people do change, but I hope the change that has happen with me is for the better. 

Because before...I knew I had friends and family that loved me... but now I love myself...and in turn my love for my family and friends has grown even more. I have loved them since the very beginning... and will continue to love them until the very end.

So when I come back to Texas I am going to have to let my best friend down... because I have changed.

 

Love Always & Forever,

Outfit of the Day - Rockin' Casual

My Coney Island Tee and skinny jeans with flats :)

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Outfit of the Day - Summer Breeze

Little something something :)

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Outfit of the Day - Walk in the Park

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Statue of Liberty 2011

This past Saturday I took a ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. She was beautiful at every angle.
There was something in that moment as I stood at her feet, something that warmed me from the depths of my soul. When I looked up into her eyes staring out across the waters it was as though everything fell away. Her torch stretched up towards the heavens giving light to all those who have a dream. The American Dream. We are not perfect, we know this as well, if not more, than the rest of the world. America has its issues; but when I looked up I suddenly could see from others eyes. To immigrants coming across the waters her light is like a beacon guiding them to a place where they are free - more so than any country. It is a place where you have choices, where you work hard, where you fall and get back up.

America is still young but our strength grows each and everyday. We are proud, and at times naive. We stumble through the dark but we find out way.

It is not always easy to see us as Americans. We sometimes get lost in the petty things... clothes, skin color, money, the way we talk, etc. We forget that we are each a part of something bigger than ourselves; bigger than all of it.

America does not promise your dreams to come true, but it does promise the chance to fight for them... the chance to work hard for them... the chance for them to come true.

Because in the end... it is you who has to make the decisions. It is you who fights the battle.

This is the land of opportunity. Let us not forget where we come from but look to the future as to where we are going.

xoxo

Happy 4th of July!

I truly hope everyone had a good 4th of July. It was strange to see that home, that is Texas, was being discussed on the news this past Monday. They showed all the areas that had been put on burn bans or "no fireworks" and pretty much all of Texas was not allowed fireworks for the 4th celebrations. It is sort of sad because I believed that the fireworks were a big part of what made the 4th... well the 4th. Here I was planning on going to see one of the largest fireworks display in America and back home they couldn't even have sparklers... and I LOVE sparklers. It just made me feel guilty is all. However I did hear from my friends and family that they enjoyed their day so that made me feel better *grin*. 

It was a lazy day really. All of us girls (Myself, Paige, Sarah, Sara, and Katrina) were slow to head out toward Pier 84 down on 12th avenue. However we finally made it about 4:45pm and were able to get a good spot. It was really exciting to see how many people were there already. If they are willing to wait in this heat for 5 hours then it had better be a good show right?

It so was. 

I can't help but feel as though I am bragging sometimes when I don't mean to. I just have to express how amazing this was. The cracks, the thundering sounds that vibrated in your ears. The smell of smoke that fill your lungs. The lights so bright and so beautiful. Sometimes there are things you just have to see live. 

When the Macy's fireworks began I had goosebumps for a solid 15 minutes. Everyone's eyes were to the sky as fire danced against the stars. Red, white, blue.... golds, silvers, purples, greens... all synced harmoniously to the beat of the musical celebration. 

*sigh* I really love America.

It is a country to be proud of.

Anyways, before I get all sappy on you - please enjoy some photos I captured down at the pier. These are not even CLOSE to how many I got but this would be a ridiculously long blog post if I put them all up.

Enjoy and don't forget to leave me a comment! I need to hear from you back home - been a little homesick lately.

 

xoxo

Movie on the Riverside

Paige, Katrina, and I are currently sitting here in a small park at Chelsea Piers right next to the Hudson. We came here tonight to enjoy The Social Network. Turns out this little park is showing films every week for the summer time. Just grab a blanket and snacks and you are good to go!

I feel so legit right now (lol), like a real New Yorker. It's so nice to sit here out in the open surrounded by people to enjoy a movie. Very different from the regular movie experience; but in a good way.

Plan on sharing more 4th of July coverage soon! Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Harry Potter is a week away! You can guarentee I will be there.... Dressed up.

Xoxo
-Brandi-

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Outfit of the Day - Gray

Gray Ralph Lauren dress from TJ Max. First time I got to wear it! Yay!

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Outfit of the Day - Happy 4th

Happy 4th of July

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New Poll!

What Broadway production would you go see if you could choose any that you wanted?

Poll is in the right side bar >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

If you don't see the one you would choose in the poll feel free to put it in the comments on this post by clicking "Your Thoughts Here". 

xoxo

The Met

As a group activity we visited The Metropolitan a little over a week ago. It is an amazing place to visit and I highly recommend it to anyone who visits New York City. The day that we went was called "Museum Mile" which is one day out of the year where all the museums in this mile long stretch open their doors to the public for free!

Don't get too excited though. Here is a little New Yorker inside information for furture reference. The Met has suggested prices, which means if you want you can ignore the suggested price and pay 50 cents. When we went back to the Met a second time (because its WAY too big to see it all in one day... or two days for that fact) that is exactly what we did. I handed over my two quarters and inside I went! Crazy right? 

When she asked me how much I wanted to pay I timidly responded with 50 cents fearing the entire museum would stop in their tracks and stare at me with their condemning eyes. However nothing that dramatic happened. The lady simply took my quarters and handed me my cute little blue Met button. I felt very triumphant like I had just gotten away with something naughty. I was a little disappointed as I moved out of line when no one patted me on the back for knowing this little secret.

*sigh* 

I am not sure if it is just for students or everyone but heck its awesome and super cheap! Us college kids love cheap!

Why I insist on toting around a giant bag of books... I shall never figure out.

Pretty statue fountain I loved. 

Chase, Myself, and Katrina chillin in this great hall of statues. 

I loved this statue! Isn't it brillant!

Our group! I <3 my friends :)

Left to Right: Paige, Chase, Jonathan, Leucepe, Sara, Me, Katrina
Note: the person taking the image had difficulty in properly framing the image... as you can tell peoples heads are chopped off lol

I saw this little tea pot and thought of Mom. She has a collection at home in our kitchen.

Highly considered stealing it... but it was in a glass case and I don't think my parents would have liked to hear my explaination of being in a New York City jail.

Sorry Mom.

All in all I love The Met. There is so much to see and the two times I have been we haven't even come close to seeing the entire museum, which is insane!

I'll hopefully update you with more images but there was so many I didn't know what to do with all of them.

Thanks again for reading!

xoxo

Outfit of the Day - Cute Black Dress

Accesories from H&M
Dress and Jacket from Sears
White wedges from TOMS