Two weeks.. But who is counting!?

Agh! Tis that time again where I could literally and physically pull out every strand of hair without a bit of pain because I am so overwhelmed with frustration and HOMEWORK!

The last two weeks of school suck the life out of me every semester and I have yet to learn my lesson not to stress out or freak out. This semester has been the prime example why I should not studddyy. With all of my efforts and hours of studying I have yet to feel like I am going to maintain my scholarship or even pass my classes... ugh:/ So not my usual performance.

Things to do:

1.) Pass four classes that I am currently skimming the surfaces with.
2.) Get my sister's wedding decor finalized along with organize everything!
3.) Pack for China and South Korea! I leave in 3 weeks!! Eek.


I have been searching like a mad woman trying to find tips and tricks to packing successfully for a long trip, but making it light!  My theory as of right now is to pack maxi skirts, dresses and a few versatile shirts! That way I can be comfy, cute and classy(: I also am going to have to pack some unattractive business clothes.. but guess that's what happens when you got to go to some business meetings(:

Can't wait to share my adventures with you!

Kansas City.. it's beginning to look a lot like home.

Okay! So here is the deal.. My sister met this boy (adam) and well he lives in Iowa.. and well what do you know they fell in love and all that mushy stuff and are now engaged to be married June 7th in Illionois! Woo Kimber JO world traveler coming soon to a theater near you:) . Anywho.. along with their engagement I have had the awesome experience of getting to go back to my favorite place ever!! KANSAS CITY. Now now don't go thinking um does she live under a rock? There is nothing in Kansas City.. but really there is trust me!

Kansas City- Eek! I am so excited about this place!! in the past two months I have had the pleasure of getting to spend 6 days around and about touring KC. When my family goes on a trip it shouldn't really be a vacation so much as it is an exploration or adventure! My family makes sure we see all that there is! lol Ask any friend who has been on a trip with us how sore their feet are at the end of the night!

Kansas City to me could be described as one big melting pot of eclectic architecture and people... And let me tell you I have been inspired!

A few of my favorites from my adventures:

 This is me and the bride-to-be my gorgeous sister Casey and my little goofball of a sister Al

 Agh! The possibilites are endless in large grocery stores like KC has to offer for us Gluten-Free aka celiacs.. and I can't tell you how excited it is for me to find such a large collection. Although, with such selection comes some taste testing... some gluten things taste toooo...uhh Health Store-ish. like that odd smell that makes your nostrils twitch when you walk in?

 Antique shops GALORE. And these aren't like antique shops you find in every town these are very high-end with good quality and antiques that can be used and are ORIGINAL. I went into this one and it was basically the most legit old shop ever. Let's just say that the holes in the floors were patched with license plates and the entire ceiling was all vintage lighting. IN LOVE.

This is one of my favorite pieces.. no idea why but I have literally always wanted a vintage one! I cannot tell you how excited I was to find this one and the condition of it. I think that old fashion pieces like this make for great room fillers.
(ignore fact i am having a brain fart and forgot what this is called)

 There are about 5 vendors that are fresh spices straight from countries that I cannot even pronounce!! And they smell amazing(: My family tends to pick 3 out that we have never used and create masterpieces or disasters when we get home!

Produce! This is the very end of the market at the end of the day when we went there was very few people. There is about 2 miles of produce just in circles along with crazy amazing restaurants from every nationality and they are all authentic. Yesterday the produce was swamped with about 800 people! Crazy amazing.

One last thing which i didn't take a photo of is their incredible unique housing developments downtown. So shabby and chique!

When I left KC this weekend I decided that I was meant to be a someone who just goes with the flow kinda like the people there and that can make a statement. If anyone is up for a road trip to see the greatness in KC just holler(:

The origin of our smile

Let's talk smiles and happiness... Genuine Smiles and Happiness.

At least once a day we see our reflection whether it is in a mirror, a window or looking down into some water. When we look at ourselves do we find ourselves being happy with who we see? We are on a constant train ride of change and progression in our lives and each scenario day to day molds and shapes us to who we are now and who are to become. 

Often we found ourselves doubting who we are and if we are doing a good enough job being ourselves and fulfilling our roles in life. 

Next time you see your reflection look at your smile (remember- a genuine smile) and think to yourself where does that smile come from?

My smile comes from several different sources:

My parents- I have been raised by two incredible people who I know have led be to know that the true meaning of happiness is not wealth, material things or big toys, They have taught me that it is simply the bonds within family, friends, and life moments.

My friends- Friends can come from any where and do just about any thing. My friends well we kinda just role with the punches and always have each others back and support one another through all obstacles of life. It is nice to have those friends that you don't have to talk on a regular basis, but know in the end that they are truer then a lot of friends ever could be. I don't know too many group of friends who are such odd balls as us.

My  faith-I believe that our faith is more then just our gospel beliefs or scriptural doctrine it also includes the principles you learn such as: faith, divine, nature, integrity, individual worth, knowledge, choice and accountability, good works and integrity.

My attitude- Life is so worth living and there are so many things that are worth experiencing. Go try new things I promise it is worth it. Be adventurous. Don't be afraid of change. Admit Mistakes. Be the bigger person. No one is perfect.  

One thing that breaks my heart in the world that I see so often is mothers and fathers who are truly trying their best to provide a home for their children and being discouraged because maybe their house isn't as clean as everyone of their friends is. Ever feel discouraged because your life isn't as neat on paper as the person next to you? Does the fact that your co-workers life seems so perfect and easy stress you out and get you thinking that your doing something right?  Well that isn't always the right way to look at things.

One thing that I have realized that I feel is so important is that just because people seem to have the world handed to them, they have clean perfect kids or maybe they just don't seem to have conflict I assure you that these people do have conflicts. Happiness isn't a matter of your level of performance of life and your responsibilities it is the ability to bask in the enjoyment of life in what you have and where you are.Enjoy the time with your friends, kids, and people around you in a sense that you are not trying to impress others. Always keep improving yourself, but remember that you can be happy in your state of being now.

 If there is something that you are doing in life now that is keeping your from being happy within the simplest aspects of your life I advise you to change it.