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,

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

Outfit of the Day - Off to the Museum

White blouse: H&M, White Tooth necklace and earrings: H&M, Bag: Books-A-Million, Jeggings: Khols, Flats: Old Navy (?)

I was wearing brown slacks for work but once I got off I changed into jeans for the museum trip.

Working Girl

I have to say working for Harper has its perks.

In the 4 days I have been there I have come home with 5 books!

At this rate I will be shipping them back by the box!

Not trying to brag, I just thought that was cool.

Above: There is my little area of Harper :)

Above: The outside ... super pretty!

I hope to add more but this is it for today! I have TONS of pictures I am just trying to decide how to share them :)

<3

Settling In

It is amazing how much there is to share when it has only been a few days. 

Hope you don't mind the LONG blog post. I will try to break it into 2 different posts :)

Okay so the weekend was pretty great. Not much happened but it was a great way to get settled in and meet new people.

Above: Room-mate, Jonee, and I outside of Bed, Bath, & Beyond waiting on our group

The thing I love most about NY is there is something on EVERY corner just waiting to be found. For someone who has never been this is very exciting. Jonee and I decided on Saturday we would take a trip to our internships so we would know how to get there come Monday.

On our way here are a few places we just happen to "run into".

Above: I don't think I need a caption for this one.

Above: Yep, that is Times Square in the distance. We didn't walk down there though, too tired and wanted to save it for another time.

Above: We just passed by Radio City :)

One thing though, I knew in advance that the "northerners" don't appreciate the Dr. Pepper as much as some southerners... However... I found one store that sells DP (Thank God!).

Can you spot the DP?

Sunday I was able to attend church at Times Square Church. It was such a BEAUTIFUL building! Doesn't look like much on the outside, but once you step inside it is as though you have stepped into the Phantom of the Opera. I have expected for a masked man in a cape to carry me off to his dungeon somewhere. 

You can see above just a little of the crown molding but this doesn't do it justice. I only hope I can go back this coming Sunday to get more pictures. There were marble stairs and pillars with paintings on the ceiling. Good grief it was a beautiful place.

Going to and from church I had to take a 5 block detour due to the "Celebrate Israel Parade" that was going on. It crossed my path on 5th street and I understood quickly how people get stuck places. It was nice to see though, I found myself getting distracted by the parade. So many people, so many yarmulkes!

I love that about the city. There is SOOO much culture here. Music, Theatre, Food, Languages, Dancing... 

I have always loved to travel to experience various cultures. I hope I will be able to travel all over the world in the future. Break bread with different people in different countries, learn about their way of life. It is so similar yet so different. Aren't you just fascinated by it all? It is amazing how we are all the same, yet we live differently and speak differently in different parts on this Earth. 

Anyways... I have MUCH more to share with you; bear with me as I download the images etc. 

Thanks again for taking the time to read this crazy blog. I hope you are still enjoying it!

Love!

Take a Tour!

A Tour of Where I Live!

Above: A nice little cubby hole they like to call a closet :)

Above: My view and my goofy face.

Above: Where I play on the computer :)

Above: Our little kitchen... note that there is NO OVEN!

Above: Dining area and extra sink!

Above: Cute little kitchen!

And you have seen my bed in previous posts :)