“Concentration and mental toughness are the margins of victory.” - Bill Russell

Photo: Rachel DeHayes, Eye on the Prize

As I anxiously await the arrival of Mardi Gras and three of my favorite people in the whole wide world, this Bill Russell gem helps me put things into perspective. I've been having a hard time lately focusing on my responsibilities - not that they have been neglected - but they have not exactly been my priority, either. So, in the midst of one of the most exciting weeks in New Orleans, I have to remember the reason I'm here. Just four more short days of concentration and mental toughness, and I'll be a winner, prized with the biggest party in the history of all parties: Mardi Gras!


...And don't forget the shoes below. Those are a prize too. Still drooling...

“The reward of a thing well done is to have done it.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Upon entering Graduate School, I made a deal with myself: when I finish grad school and land a sweet big-girl job, I can reward myself. So, Mr. Emerson says, "the reward of a thing well done with to have done it?" Well I say sure, that and a pair of shiny new Christian Louboutin pumps and I'll consider myself rewarded!

Photo courtesy: www.christian-louboutin-dealer.com

Drooling... only 10 more months!

“Google before you tweet is the new think before you speak.” - Jennifer Brownhill via Twitter

Photo: Google Screen Shot

So here's some irony for you: Today I sat in a soon-to-be-out-of-business Borders flipping through book after book about the intricacies of social media. And on top of that, the thought actually crossed my mind that I probably didn't need a book, that I could just Google the how-to's instead. Horrified with myself, I immediately rushed to the check-out counter with a book in-hand, purchasing a magazine on the way out as well.

Today's instance paired with a recent multi-generational conversation about the power of social networking has got me thinking, just how "connected" does one have to be to garner or maintain success? There's facebook, twitter, blogs (hello!), you tube, blah, blah, blah the list goes on. And in order to maximize usage of each of these sites, you have to have a smart phone so you can stay in touch with the digital world at all times.

I know this is not new news, but I am still baffled by the scope of it all. I can't help but wonder, where will the world of communication and entertainment go from here? If even big box bookstores are closing in favor of digital readers and online megamarts, what is next? As long as we don't forget about the power of human contact, then I'll be here putting my toes in the proverbial social media water, waiting for the next big thing to shake up our world.

"Everywhere I look and most of the time I look, I see photographs." - Bert Hardy

Photo: George Eastman House Collection courtesy Flickr

I have a very rocky history with cameras. 


First there was the polaroid era, great tools, but I regret that I was way to young to truly understand their greatness, so I would pick it up, snap a pic, and put it on a shelf forever.
Then, there were disposable cameras. Pick it up, snap a pic, drop it on the ground, finish the roll, take it to get developed, and gone forever with photos in hand.
Next there was the digital camera era - or should I say cameras - pick it up, snap a pic, drop it on the ground - CRAP! 
Digital Camera #2: pick it up, snap a pic, leave it in a cab - SHOOT! 
Digital Camera #3: pick it up, snap a pic, drop it in liquid - NOOO!


I could go on for about 3 more cameras, but I'll spare you the details. But lucky for me, thanks a very brave gift giver, I now have the Olympus Stylus Tough, and I quote "Waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, crushproof and shakeproof" (amazon.com). Match made in heaven, minus the fact that it's not loseproof. (*Note: I am not above being jinxed, so if I lose this so-called perfect camera in the near future, tears WILL be shed).


Anywho, so, possibly due to this love-hate relationship with cameras, I have developed a mini-obsession with photography. I want to learn all about it, take pictures constantly, edit my own photos from years and years ago, and bookmark gorgeous work all over the internet. Everywhere I go I think, "ooh that could be a photo!" But, until I've proven my ability to responsibly care for this camera, I'm on probation. As much as I dream about getting a fancy-pants camera, its a no-go for this girl. I've made a commitment to practice as much as I can with my Olympus Stylus Tough until I feel confident that I have developed an appropriate respect for the art of photography, and the tools used in the making. 

"There's a certain nostalgia and romance in a place you left." - David Guterson

Photo: Rachel DeHayes, Cape Florida Lighthouse

Maybe this week's episode of Glee got it right: I'm in a post-Valentine's day slump. Valentine's Day was so much to look forward to, and exceeded all expectations, and now, it's back to the normal routine. I don't know if it is the weather or my strong desire to procrastinate on my school work, but all I can think about is Miami!

I've decided I'm going to get it all out of my system so I can concentrate on my work for the rest of the day. Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you a David Letterman-style list:


Top 10 List of Reasons Why I Love Miami

10. The weather - predictable AND beautiful 99.9% of the year
9. Gorgeous beaches and water everywhere
8. Sometimes I can pretend I'm in another country
7. I can wear stilettos and sequins whenever I want, wherever I want, and it is perfectly acceptable
6. I can sing songs about Miami and not feel silly, because I'm actually in Miami, Bitch.
5. Beautiful people watching (though potentially tough on the 'ol ego)
4. Home of the one and only University of Miami - Go 'Canes!
3. Did I mention the beaches?
2. The majority of my best friends and favorite people live in Miami

And...the number one reason Why I love Miami is...

1. I am not in Miami!

...but I will be in T-minus 10 weeks...not that I'm counting, or anything...

"Love, the greatest of all things!" - Shirley Kreasan Strout

Photo: McCall's Magazine via Flickr

Remember in Elementary School when everyone got little Valentine's Day cards in their decorated paper mailboxes? Ahh yes...those were the days...


Now, depending on the year or the mood, Valentine's Day can be one of the most celebrated days or one of the most hated days of the year. For some of us, it is a wonderful excuse to have a night out with that someone special, but for others, it is a time to binge on Ben and Jerry's ice cream and viciously point out the flaws of corporate America (sorry, Hallmark). 


But all criticism aside, I actually really like Valentine's Day. Sure, it can be a day where couples make other people feel uncomfortable with unnecessary PDA, but when I look past the unfortunate visuals, I see a day where love prevails above all. It is a time to reflect on the connections we make with each other as humans and to recognize that we all share the same repertoire of emotions, including love. Not every culture has a word for the feeling of "love" like ours does, but I truly believe we are all loved by someone. Whether we even know it, understand it, or not, the love that exists should be acknowledged and celebrated; and Valentine's Day gives us the perfect excuse to do just that.


...and get flowers...and cards...and candy...wait, make that chocolate....Mmmm....

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

"Be a good animal, true to your animal instincts" - David Herbert Lawrence

Photo: Rachel DeHayes via Picnik

Fun Facts:

1) Picnik is awesome. I highly recommend it for its brilliant time-wasting capabilities

2) Animals displaying "human-like qualities" makes me smile

3) I'm a sucker for cheesy moments, no apologies here

Stay tuned for the mushy gushy stuff...