Cheesy love quotes

The dreaded Valentine's Day is right around the corner so read some cliches about love to put you in the mood for the shitstorm approaching

If I had a flower for every time I thought of you…I could walk through my garden forever.

Alfred Tennyson

We are afraid to care too much, for fear that the other person does not care at all.

Eleanor Roosevelt

But I like you.” He cleared his throat. “I like you first and second and third.

F. Scott Fitzgerald, This Side of Paradise 

If you love a flower, don’t pick it up. Because if you pick it up it dies and it ceases to be what you love. So if you love a flower, let it be. Love is not about possession. Love is about appreciation.

Osho

Because if you could love someone, and keep loving them, without being loved back… then that love had to be real. It hurt too much to be anything else.

Sarah Cross 

Go after her. Fuck, don’t sit there and wait for her to call, go after her because that’s what you should do if you love someone, don’t wait for them to give you a sign cause it might never come, don’t let people happen to you, don’t let me happen to you, or her, she’s not a fucking television show or tornado. There are people I might have loved had they gotten on the airplane or run down the street after me or called me up drunk at four in the morning because they need to tell me right now and because they cannot regret this and I always thought I’d be the only one doing crazy things for people who would never give enough of a fuck to do it back or to act like idiots or be entirely vulnerable and honest and making someone fall in love with you is easy and flying 3000 miles on four days notice because you can’t just sit there and do nothing and breathe into telephones is not everyone’s idea of love but it is the way I can recognize it because that is what I do. Go scream it and be with her in meaningful ways because that is beautiful and that is generous and that is what loving someone is, that is raw and that is unguarded, and that is all that is worth anything, really.

Harvey Milk

Rules of engagement

I love my people. The all in their own way speak to the person I truly am. I'm not going to lie, I've befriended people I wish I hadn't, I chalk it up to my ridiculously nice nature.However, I love the lessons learned through my friendships through the years have prepared me for a couple friend commandments!!! Here they are, Olivia Pope-style:

5. Do NOT show up to your friend's house uninvited: Quickest way to get tossed out Jazz style is if I am in my 'housewear' and you want to come ringing my bell. It is simply common courtesy to call before you are on my porch.

4. Don't be rude to my other friends: I have friends across many nationalities, races, and cultures. Your personal beliefs are just that, but don't let your feelings about who I chose to spend time with deter our friendship. 

3. Be a tactful friend: Keep it cute in the moment, and talk to me about it afterwards. Enough said. 

2. Don't be that guy: This one can encompass a great many of things. It mostly falls into my life when people try to do the most. I love my friends and my true ones know me like an open book. However, don't be that friend to constantly bring up the obvious. True friends help you will your messes, fraudulent ones love to talk about it.

1. Make me remember you, like you remember me: Find the laughter in everything! As my PGSD ladies can attest to, we find ourselves in the middle of some pretty off the wall stuff Sunday-Saturday. Learn to laugh at it all! Find your fun in the moment. If you are with great friends, any situation can be a great memory.

So as I come down from the mountain top the burning bush hath given me the top 5 Commandments for what to do as a friend.

5. Thou shalt not always be the bearer of bad news. I will always be a a shoulder to cry on, but please do not constantly text me your emotional instabilities. I do care but I cannot constantly hear how horrible your life is. Have a Sun Drop you wretched soul.

4.  Thou shall not be a biter. The worst thing you can do is swagger jack your friend. They like you for who you are so you don’t need to try to be them. Have your own style, sayings, and attitude and we will be just fine.

3. Thou shall be honest. Even if it’s hurt as a friend you need to be unapologetic in your honesty. Apart of your duties as a friend is to keep your friend in reality.

2. Thou shalt respect each other’s differences. I eat pork, but my friends don’t. I make sure that I always offer a non pork option. I have different religious beliefs and I respect my friend’s beliefs. If you love them you will respect their lifestyle regardless of how you feel about it. If it was that big of a deal you wouldn't be friends.

1. Thou shalt always hold their hair while they puke in the alley after a fun night and help them hide the body if it comes to that

I don’t have many friends. I know people far and wide. But there are very, very few who I call friends. Friends are just like family for me. If I go to the moon and back for my family, you can be sure that I’ll do the same for my friends. With that said, not everybody is worth a trip around space, and if you’re a friend of mine, it’s because you hold true to the following five commandments, coveted by yours truly:

Five. Thou Shall Know How to Be Heard and Hush Up.

I am not a pushover, and I don’t have pushover friends. I firmly believe that friends are mirrors of who you are and what you want to be. Therefore, if you have friends who can’t say it like they mean it (and shout it out), it’s because that’s who you are. And if you have a problem with them being this way, you should probably stop calling them your friends and get new ones. My friends say what they have to say, and they’re always honest with me, even if I don’t want to hear it. They hear me out, take who I am into consideration, and then they lay down some constructive criticism. If they think I’m right, they say so. If I’m wrong, they say so, make fun of me, and then we bake cupcakes or watch ratchet Youtube videos while drinking wine and coming up with a plan to fix the situation.

Four. Thou Shall Not Take Yourself So Seriously That You Don’t Know the Definition of Fun.

I have gotten into my share of precarious situations with my friends. From grabbing on men’s behinds to turning an alley into a bathroom to hood clubs to men offering us coke and kissing our foreheads while we try to enjoy tacos, my friends and I have found ourselves in the most absurd situations. But we always have a good time. We know we’re great, but our college degrees aren’t shoved so far up our arses (I heard this Scottish man say that, and I’ve been dying for a place to use it) that we can’t have a good time. Nobody can ever call my friends snobs, even if we do act a little prissy sometimes. Friends shouldn’t take themselves seriously anyway. Putting on airs is what you do for people you don’t know personally. If you can’t be yourself with your friends, then you should go sit in a corner and start figuring out who you are.

Three. Thou Shall Take Your Friend As She Is.

“Come as you are” is not a slogan meant only for church. With my friends, I can be exactly who I am. They don’t care that I’m sensitive, or that I can be a little overly critical, long-winded, or whatever else. They have never asked me to change. They’ve never told me they have a problem with any facet of who I am. The people who have asked me to change have long ago exited stage left. If somebody criticizes you and makes you feel small for any element that comprises your creation, you need not worthy about them or their opinion; rest assured, they’re not your friend.

Two. Thou Shall Support Your Friend.

We all have dreams. Some are more rational than others. As a friend, it is essential that you make your support known. It could be as simple as saying, “I’ve got you.” Perhaps one of the most damaging things to a friendship is feeling like you’re not supported, like your friend doesn’t have your back or best interest at heart. Once a person feels like they’re being left hanging by the wayside with no cheerleaders or hands to hold, there’s no trust. And once the trust is gone, what’s the use? My friends have my back. I trust that wholeheartedly, and nobody could change that.  

One. Thou Shall Keep What’s Done in the Dark in the Dark.

Okay, so the way that that commandment sounds is a little weird. But I’ll explain. I cannot stand people who share everything that I tell them with other people. It is one of my biggest pet peeves (that, and people who say they’re going to do something, but then don’t follow through). If I tell you something, it’s because I want YOU to know. If I wanted those other non-factors to know, my mouth is big enough to run and tell them on my own. Likewise, if I do something questionable and cheeky while I’m out with my friends, I expect that my friends will keep it between us and not run and tell the first person who’ll listen. If you’re a good friend, you’ll want to make sure that your friends are presented in the best light possible. So don’t make your friend look bad by reporting what she told you or did with you that one night to non-factors. It not only makes her look bad, but it also makes you look like a douchebag.

I love my friends but I have very few because I take friendships seriously. If I let you into my life its kind of a big deal. I definitely look for specific qualities in a person as well as observe whether or not they are respectful of the friendship commandments. Here are a few of my most important rules….

5. Remember it’s not always about you. If you attend a friend’s event, remember it’s their event. Don’t try to switch focus to yourself. Don’t only call your friend to talk about your life and problems. Not even your mother wants to listen to you go on and on and never see how her life is going.

4. Boyfriends/girlfriends are not up for trading. Once your friend is done dating someone, doesn’t mean you get next dibs. All that does is bring up old feeling, even if the relationship ended amicably. There are too many other options in the world to be eyeing your friend’s leftovers. Same applies to friendships with the ex. If you became friends with the bf/gf after your friend got into that relationship then when they end you all end.

3. Be respectful and open. Everyone has an opinion! Play nice. Don’t shoot down your friend’s choice in dates, clothes, activities, etc all the time. There is always a bright side. Their favorite jacket may not be your favorite but that doesn’t mean its hideous, it just means you all have different taste. The best part of a friendship is bonding with people who aren’t you. I love my friends because we are all diverse. (But if you know for a fact they are the only ones who would be caught in it then its time for an interfriendtion.)

2. Have fun. Boring friends aren’t real friends meaning if you all can’t click and smile or laugh with one another what’s the point? I have friends because they distract me from the harsh world. We have fun together and we also drunk cry together. Friendships are created for the purpose of benefiting each other. Friendships are supposed to be for moving through life knowing there is a group of people there to pick you up when you fall or warn you if there’s a fire behind the fog. You are expected to do the same for them as well.

1. Put down the knife. If you all are truly friends you wont stab each other in the back in order to gain something else. Friendships are dependent on trust and how can you trust someone who is aiming a knife at your back. Real friends will make eye contact with you while they attempt to stab you. Ok maybe that’s not friendship but you get the point. Friends help not hurt.

Closets for rent.

I am an avid watcher of red carpets and reader of In Style. I love to see what colors are hot, fun hairstyles, and how celebrities are accessorizing. Certain styles stick out to me and I become obsessed with having those things in my closet. The problem with that is that 9 times out of 10 I cant afford the original and have to find the next best affordable thing. While I have fun with the challenge sometimes its just not the same. Good thing there’s always a back door! For those of you who have watched Sex and the City the movie will remember the purses rental Jennifer Hudson raved about. She was able to rent designer bags for an affordable price and change them as she needed. While there’s nothing like having your LV bag, sometimes you have to accepts the fact that there isn’t an extra $500+ in your wallet to spare and your birthday or Christmas is a way away. Plus lets not act like celebrities own everything they wear to award shows and other special event. It’s just not practical. Here are a few online rental programs you all might enjoy. There’s something here for everyone!

Bag, Borrow, or Steal.

This site was made popular by Sex and the City. Prices range from $50 to $500 a month for bags. Accessories prices range from $25 to $700 a month. The more an item cost the higher its rental price. So next time you are in a store and fall in love with a bag check the site out. There’s a good chance you can rent it out for a lot cheaper.

The Frock Shop.

Have a special event? Rent a special occasions dress for 4 to 7 days. The Chicago based rental company is all about making sure everyone looks great for the special event (including wedding dresses). If you live in Chicago you can even get first dibs, and the opportunity to go to the shop and try on the dress before you commit. (if you do order online the do allow you to switch sizes free of charge) Sizes range from 0 to 22 and XXS to 2X. Prices vary from $25 to $200. I love this company because lets be real, who wears those fancy dresses multiple times? After I lie to myself for about 2 years on how I will where that dress again, it ends up in my goodwill pile.

Lending Luxury.

Red Carpet looks straight to your door with the click of your mouse. Prices range from $50 to $500 for dresses (tops and bottoms are also available). They also give you the opportunity to purchase some of the designer clothing.

Rent the Runway.

Runway styles are now easy to get a hold of with rental prices ranging from $30 to $350. Party girl to black tie, all on one site. They also have a selection of accessories, including shoes (sizes are limited).

Gwynnie Bee.

They consider their selves the Netflix of plus size clothing with sizes ranging from 10 to 24 (for now). Unlike the other options you must choose a monthly plan. The lowest plan starts at $35 a month where you will receive one at a time. The most expensive plan is $159 a month giving you the ability to have 10 garments out at one time. You get unlimited exchanges with whatever price plan you choose as well as free shipping.

Just Fab.

Shoes rentals are hard to come by but I would suggest JustFab. Every pair of shoes is only $39.95. You can't beat that. You have to take an entry survey that will figure out your style so every month they can present you with a group of shoes you might be into. That does not limit your choices though. You can also browse the site and look for other options. I love this site because it is practical and I prefer there shoe options over Shoe Dazzle, which is a similar site. While my personal preference is JustFab I do recommend trying both sites to determine which site fits you better.

I hope you all check these sites. Let me know how it goes! 

My Lot in Life?

As my girlies and I embark on our incredible lives, heading in the directions of ultimate success and basically being “boss b-words,” I cannot help but wonder at what this means for our romantic lives. Despite the fact that history has proven that women can do anything—own businesses, become multi-millionaires, bear children, and, as of recently, fight in combat—it astounds me that even now in 2013, society keeps pointing out to us that we must choose. Romance or independence? Apparently, we just can’t have both.

I realized this when I was telling a group of 40-something year-old men, all of whom were married and attempting to hit on me, my pedigree, my friends’ pedigrees and our goals. One of them said pointedly, “You all are going to have a hard time finding men. Clearly, none of you are in stable relationships.” I decided not to press him on the issue mainly because I wanted them to get away from me, but also because it wasn’t the first time I’d heard that. And having just come out of something that wasn’t that serious, I knew that as misogynistic, baseless and oozing of insecurity as the statement was, there was some truth at its core. As cool as the last guy I talked to was with my ambition, he couldn’t wrap his head around my big dreams that would lead me to various places. He didn’t want to be, as he put it, “forgotten about and ignored.” So we fizzled until we faded out.  But it did get me thinking. How is it that our society is so progressive, yet so traditional? Why do women have to make concessions to avoid a cold bed or band-less finger?

                                        

I get that at the root of these questions lay a number of issues that speak to the behaviors of the sexes and probably some Freudian/Oedipus story, but really, how long can these answers suffice? As amazing as Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden are, it’s no mystery that they made some types of concessions for their husbands’ success. Hilary Clinton certainly did. Granted, her concessions eventually led to her position of Secretary of State, but her health has cut her stint short. But that’s another story. Even Bethanny Frankel, my poster child, my personal example of a woman having it all, couldn’t actually have it all as we saw her marriage to her husband slowly unravel on the second season of her reality show. Her husband made no secret of his insecurity, blaming her success for his dreams deferred.

It’s a grim thought, I know, for women who want their version of “it all.” With every law application I submit and chance to make my own money, I wonder: how badly am I cutting my chances at a healthy, long-lasting relationship with a man strong enough to catch me when I fall? I wonder the same thing about my girlfriends, women by whom I am inspired and admire, every time they share something amazing about their lives. It seems unfair that we are not guaranteed the fairy tales that we grew up on because we aren’t docile and naïve. But what is quite possibly the most disheartening is that one of us, if not all of us, may actually end up making big concessions in the name of love. And though we won’t say it aloud, we’ll regret it because we’ll learn that concession meant settling. Onlookers praise women who “self-sacrifice” for their families, but why must it always be women who do so? Why are women who work hard, dream big, and pursue even bigger called selfish?  In this life, do I really only get two choices?

Lesson of the Week: People aren't mind readers

"Sometimes, some things just need to be said." 

-B

Run Forest Run...or jog a little.....your call.

So I have been jogging now for a couple months. I don't know why but one day I just woke up and got tired of having Regina George 'This is the only thing that fits me right now' moments. I put on my headphones and just jog/power walk for an hour or so. Its very therapeutic  It is sometimes the only 'me' time I have away from work, family, and friends. I cherish it, and have seen some improvements over time. One thing I am most proud of is that I take it step by step. I always wanted to get into running, it looked so cool from the outside looking in, but the fact I am top AND bottom heavy slowed that effort down real quickly. 

One night I was jogging with my sister and we were both doing our own thing. She used to be on track, so she naturally jogs better and more polished than I. However, on our way back we both somehow synced to the same pace. With my music in, I was in my own little world, until in my peripheral I saw her gaining on me. One thing I always do when I jog is to pick a destination spot. Since I am a little new to the whole experience, I like to set realistic goals, but still challenges for where I can break. 

As she is gaining on me I took my eyes off my destination and started focusing on her running. What made her better than I, how was her form etc. Needless to say I got distracted and lost my will to finish out. Suddenly what had before, come with such ease, became a burden. I grew tired and got defeated in my spirit. 

That was until I realized that moment is a lot like life. We all have our end goals and plans we see for the future. We are focused on them. However, when we lift that focus to worry about how well others are doing, we stray from our path. We start to lose that perseverance with which we attacked that goal. My lesson learned is to stay in your lane. Not only metaphorically, but literally as well. I am not saying you shouldn't resist a chance to benchmark your success, but when you are focused and determined on YOUR finish, the journey won't seem that bad.

They are outchea fooling these kids......

Let.me.tell.ya'll.

So out of curiosity, a little boredom, and a little urging of my younger cousin, I started watching Pretty Little Liars. At first glance it wasn't my type of show. I've outgrown the whole high school angst thing since I found out what adulthood is really about. I simply can't relate to their problems anymore. However, this show gained ALL of my attention. I mean it is an engaging plotline and has character build, but that's not why its piques my interest. These kids are fabulous!

They go where they want, and do what they want like little adults without jobs or bills!
Every scene is defined by style and ownership. The characters are so sure of themselves. They wear crazy designer items and own adolescence like it was a new Chloe bag. The characters go where they please and ask all the questions. Watching the show makes you wonder who is really in control?

As I'm watching I automatically hit rewind......to about 6 years ago.

I was in high school and no where near the confidence level of these ladies. I was awkwardly shaped, super sheltered, wore a modest t-shirt and jeans, and scared of anything that could remotely get me in to trouble. I always did my homework, studied for exams, and when I was old enough got a part-time job. However, that didn't stop my parents from making sure I stayed on that crisp path. 

Homegirl stayed on punishment!

It could and would be for silly little things like being 30 min late for curfew, or not doing my chores. (Did I also mention I had all honors classes?!) Sitting back and watching this scripted television show, made me realize that 'things ain't what they used to be'. My high school time was at the beginning of the cell phone boom, there weren't apps, or all this fancy gadgetry. EVERYONE I knew or hung out with had a curfew, so we didn't prance around in the nighttime looking for fun. There were rules. Real rules. Like you could only talk on the phone before 9pm. After that eh-eh. 

Watching this show made me take a look around. It wasn't just this sleepy town on TV that I noticed a change in youth, its pretty much everywhere! Youth nowadays have whole lives that are governed by their ability to act like adults. They run around saying what they want, to who they want, when they feel like it! They want to leave the house when they want to and get mad if adults question them about anything! I can't be the only person ready to lay hands on these children when they get like this. My question is where is the fault? Does it lie with the parents or our society which praises such behavior in our media? Just a thought.

The Distinguished Gentleman

So one of me and my father's favorite pastimes is shopping. We are both clothing obsessed and he reads just as many fashion blogs as i do. He is the one who always told me "dress like you are going to see your worst enemy or your ex today". As a result of this I have spent a lot of times in men's stores in addition to working in one myself. One thing that was brought to my attention is that some, not all, guys do not know how to put together a simple outfit. Jeans and a tee shirt is cool sometimes, but you cant wear that everywhere. A lot of guys definitely don't know how to put together a suit. 

Don't just go grab some off the rack dime a dozen suit and run out to an interview. No you look foolish and will not get a callback. Take a page from the Don Draper school of fashion and pull out a serious suit and tie (p.s. loving JT's new song). I don't know a woman alive who can resist a man in a crisp suit, with a nice watch, who looks like he has a daily agenda. You remember how Tommy always had a suit on even though we all knew he didn't have a job? You can always try to convince them. 

Do not be afraid of color! You are not in the secret service so a plain black suit with a white shirt, while classic is just plain boring. Switch it up a bit and let your personality come out. If you are still into the muted colors you can pair a sport coat with slacks for the look of a suit with a twist. If you are a little more spicy you can really stand out in an unexpected color. Chartreuse is in even for the guys. If you aren't that daring this pant also comes in navy and juniper. 

Patterns and textures can also have a major impact on an outfit. A Gingham shirt or paisley tie can always be eye catching. A velvet sport coat instead of the typical wool or cashmere is an unexpected twist and is an amazing evening wear look.  

Male or female accessories can make or break an outfit. Tie bars, cufflinks, pocket squares, and a watch bring it all together. Learn to tie a windsor knot instead of rocking clip ons you savage. You will appreciate it years from now. Also, always wear a watch! 
 

Be it for church, job interview, even a date looking your best just makes you feel better. Try some of these stores to upgrade your look:
www.josabank.com
www.nordstrom.com
www.menswearhouse.com
www.brooksbrothers.com

Now here is a gratuitous picture of 2 Chainz in a tux

*Outfits pictured above courtesy of Nordstrom*

Taking Care of Me

Almost a month into 2013 and I have decided to make a resolution! I’m actually excited about it because I miss doing this. My resolution is to go out alone once a month to enjoy my own company. And I don't mean running errands or getting my nails done. During my final year of college I found myself feeling alone. Almost abandoned. Everyone I considered close to me had graduated and gone back home. I could either feel lonely until I found some cool people or I could make my own fun. I learned that there isn’t much fun to be had alone but I did find that I enjoyed the company of myself. When the stresses of school seemed unbearable I would find a good book and go to a coffee shop or restaurant and enjoy the peace.

After coming back home I stopped going out alone. I didn’t even realize that until I noticed that I was feeling alone in a crowded room of people I know. I love going out but it all becomes so routine. Going out alone allows me to zone out and think about things I wouldn’t if I was distracted by the conversations of others. I’m excited to find new places on my own time. I will make sure to pass on any spots that I find special as I discover them. With that being said let me know if you all have recommendations!

I'm Not Grown...You Aren't Either

We are at the age where we are trying to be grown but in reality have so much more maturing to do. We want and expect things that are not in our control. We are 20 somethings, which means this is the time where we act grown and make all our mistakes that we can learn from. The only reason I feel a need to settle down is because there are so many my age that are pregnant, have children, getting engaged, or are married. What I need to realize is that they are the ones who are rushing things. I still have time to figure out who I am and what I want without think of someone else. When I was little I wanted to play in my mothers clothes and wear her make up. Now it is expected I dress like a lady and wear make up. That's not fun. I used to have pretend boyfriends, now I feel as if I am being forced into those situations and as you have read that's why my life is crazy now. My point is that we always want what we see what others have but when we get it, it doesn't seem as fun. I want to have fun. I'm done worrying about guys or having a family. I can't take care of myself half of the time, why try to get something that I know will happen when it is truly time. Lets not rush life. Slow down and sniff your shirt. One day it wont smell like you, instead it will smell like your significant other or worse, your childs regurgitation. I plan on smelling like myself for a while longer.

Wake Me When It's Over

I’m not sure what it is about my life that makes it TV worthy but what ever it is makes me reevaluate things every time I realize what has happened. If you ask someone who doesn’t hang out with me on a regular basis or outside of school or work they may say that I’m quiet, nice, shy, etc. If you ask my circle about my characteristics you will get a large range of things that aren’t exactly on the lines of quiet, nice, or shy.

If you have been reading this blog since it began you may have realized the I always have a personal story to tell. These stories are all very current and only half of what I really deal with. Every week there is something new. I could be sitting at home doing absolutely nothing for several day and something will still happen. Most reality TV is scripted meaning there are writers that create big situations out of small issues. I don’t need writers to create situations in my life the madness just finds me. That is my issue. I am bored often when nothing is going on but I’m realizing I rather be bored than deal with the crazy situations that I end up in.

The funny thing about my situations is that they always start with a guy, whether that guy be a friend or something more, despite the fact that I have never been in a committed relationship longer than a...month, I think…maybe. I am always out and about, which allows me to meet many guys due to the fact that I’m such a friendly person…or since guys thinks its fun to bother me.

With everything that is going on I cant help but want out. The older I get, the more I want to chill. I'm out of college and yet I get caught up in these situations that seem so childish and time consuming. I'm not sure if the problem is all me or the fact that guys mature slower than women. I will blame them ;) I look at my other friends and they have situations that aren't as crazy but still television worthy. 

Is it just us or do you you go through the same things?

Sorry, but you're not my type

So my friend met this great guy: he's educated, a christian, an athlete, frequently does community service, a member of our favorite frat and overall a great guy. Her family loves him and he's the perfect guy...on paper. It seems like any woman would jump at the chance to date him. The reason she refuses to is that she is not physically attracted to him. Everyone keeps pushing her to go out with him, but the physical prevents her from taking it beyond a friendship. 

How important are looks? It seems that the brain, the heart, and the eyes are not connected. You can find someone attractive, but they're an asshole. Or maybe they have all the qualities you look for in a mate, but you just don't click. This list goes on and on so you have o ask yourself what are you willing to concede in a mate.Is it possible to have it all?

For me the ideal mate doesn't exist because its such an individualized preference. There's someone for everyone now comes the task of finding that person. You can get eyes, heart, and brain if you know what you want. Time to call Catfish.

New Years Resolutions

Everyone makes them, most forget them. Do you have one? Here's ours....

My resolution is simple. In 2013, I'm going to be kinder to myself. 2012 was devoted a bit too much to other people's feelings, and suppressing and downplaying my own. This year is going to be different. There will be no more putting others before myself. Somewhere along the way, I stopped listening to myself, downplaying that little voice (that's usually always correct) and allowing other people's opinions (even those that I asked for) to cloud what my intuition knew better than. I was great a friend in 2012 to everyone else, but pretty lousy to myself. So in 2013, I'm reuniting and making amends with myself.

I never make resolutions for the new year. I don't believe in waiting to find a way to better myself. Anything that I resolve to do I start at the moment I come up with it. I find that it makes my life easier if I make changes as I see needed. *kanye shrug* the biggest change I see now is moving out of Chicago. 

I've decided to avoid making a resolution for my life because I'm tired of them. Last year I said I was going to be honest with guys and where they stand with me. I did that but it didn't really benefit me. It just gave them the truth oppose to me stringing them along. This year my resolution is for the PGSD blog. I want us to build a relationship with our other 20 somethings out there. Everyone has a story and I want to hear them so we can help each other move through these hard and sometimes comical moments.

I don't like making resolutions. I never understood why people waited until the top of the year to decide to make a change in their lives, and try to see it through. However, I do want to share what I am actively working on to improve my life. I want to be happier. I've learned a lot about myself in 2012. Some good things and some bad things, irregardless of the 'how', I am grateful for the lessons.  I want 2013 to be the implementation stage of what I learned from those lessons in 2012. I am going to follow my faith, and go wherever it leads me. I've learned I'm happiest when I listen to that inside voice, and don't try to do it all on my own. I hope to share that journey with all of you this year. I wish you many blessings and much happiness in the new year!

Share your resolution in the comments or email us at postgradsd@gmail.com

Happy New Year!