Day 204: Pink, Black & Gray

Princesses. Real life princesses.

This is what Krista and I get to be on our last night in Ireland, when we stay here:

Ballynahinch Castle Hotel. We can't even pronounce it, but we will own it.

xo

Day 203: I'll be late for work in these socks

Intelligence. What is it? What does it mean? Why is it such an attractive quality in the opposite sex?

First: Definition.

in·tel·li·gence

   [in-tel-i-juhns]  Show IPA

noun

1.

capacity for learning, reasoning, understanding, and similar forms of mental activity; aptitude in grasping truths,relationships, facts, meanings, etc.

Does this definition excite anyone else?! Intelligent people are the people that "get it". The people that can learn, comprehend and grasp high-level information, as well as detailed information. They are often the people in class that get bonus marks for including too much detail or the people that understand what is being talked about when the speaker has barely even skimmed the surface of the topic.

I believe that one key to intelligence is being receptive to the world around oneself. Not that the person picks up on every subtle hint others throw their way, but that they actively engage in the world. In order to "grasp truths, relationships, facts, meanings" I believe there would need to be a conscious effort to be present in interactions with others. This can be in a classroom setting by listening, taking notes, etc. This can be in a friendship/relationship/family setting by focusing on the person and the conversation, rather than being distracted by other things in the room.

This is attractive in someone of the opposite sex because it shows that they take information in, mull it around, and form rational conclusions in their mind. In essence, they think. Because of the time spent thinking and forming conclusions, they have opinions. Opinions make for interesting conversation. Now, not everyone's opinion is necessarily intelligent. However, you can spot those individuals right away, because when they start to share their opinion, they have nothing to back it up. Intelligent persons will have solid, rational information to back up their thought process, or will at least be transparent about how they've formed the conclusions they have, in order to possibly gain insight from others about it. 

Those that are engaged in conversations are the most attractive. Not only does it show intelligence - to me, it shows they care.

xo

Day 202: Lemon-Limeade

Today is Thanksgiving Monday; the Monday of the weekend where most everyone eats a delicious meal with family and/or friends. Some families eat turkey, some chicken, some lasagna (as my Nana just informed me they did this time). It doesn't matter what you eat, as long as you are together, enjoying one another's company.

To commemorate Thanksgiving on this Monday, October 10, 2011, I thought I would write ten things that I am thankful for.

1) Food. My brother, Chris, laughed at me when I said this at the Thanksgiving dinner table. But seriously, I love food and I am grateful that I have access to this whenever I want. There are many in the world that do not have such a luxury.

2) School. I complain about this all the time. I complain about homework, I complain about the cost, I complain about my professors, but I am lucky to be able to attend school that will one day bring me the possibility of the career I desire.

3) My job. I am gaining experience in HR, while going to school for HR. What more could I ask for?

4) Family. I appreciate my family. I appreciate all they have done for me and all they continue to do for me. We may not agree on many things in life, we may be very different people from one another, but I have no doubt in my mind the depth of my family's love for, and faith in, me. And I hope that each and every one of them sees the depth of my love for, and faith in, them. I truly don't believe I would be the person I've become without the help and direction my family has consistently provided.

5) Slippers/Shoes. My feet are always cold. I really appreciate items that keep me warm. And really, shoes are just so cute.

6) My laptop. Being "plugged in" 24/7 is important to me. Whether it's a manifestation of being a part of Gen Y, or just a constant need to be nosy, I appreciate the connectedness to the world that my laptop provides me.

7) Men. Being single is fabulous, but being single wouldn't be half as fun without having the ability to wonder about men with other single girlfriends. So for that, I thank men. Thank you for being confusing, maddening as hell and all around a complete puzzle. Life cannot be boring if men continue to be a part of it.

8) "Me" Moments. I cherish time alone to sort out ideas in my head, discover who I really am, spend hours doing nothing, spend extended periods of time in my pajamas and not put on any make-up. "Me" time is important to my sanity.

9) Sponsor Children. Receiving letters from my sponsor kids brightens my day. Sometimes they draw me pictures, sometimes they tell me how thankful they are for me, and sometimes they ask me what my favourite crayon colour is (yellow, if you're wondering). They are both adorable and 10 years old. One is a girl named Carmen from the Dominican Republic. The other is a boy from Columbia named Camilo. I have kept every one of both of their letters and try to write back as often as I can.

10) Showers/baths. Both have their merits. They make me feel clean. I smell so nice when I get out. They are warm (or super hot) and relaxing. Sometimes when I'm stressed, the only thing that helps is a shower, or a bath, and crawling into bed. Tonight, after studying basically all day, that's where I'm headed.

There are many other things that I am very thankful for that are not mentioned in this list, but this is a pretty good list nonetheless.

xo

Day 201: Wrapped up in Shades of Gray

Break from homework time, woooo!

I have spent the majority of today (11:30am - 4pm) doing homework for one class. ONE CLASS. I would not mind this so much if it was later in the semester when big projects are usually due, however, this project is only worth 10% of my mark, and so far I have spent over 8 hours on it. That much of my time for a measly 10% seems hardly worth it. Oh well, I will soldier on with it, since once again I am gunning for As.

While studying at a coffee shop today, I did take a five-minute break for some people watching/hardcore creeping. This is my story:

It’s just sort of cute to be studying in a coffee shop and happen to notice two people who appear to be on a first date. 

First dates are probably one of the small joys in life. Or big joys when it’s my life and there are very few of them…but that’s besides the point.

First dates are gloriously awkward. You usually don’t know the person all that well, or if you think you do, you quickly realize that there is a whole world of idiosyncrasies within that person that you have yet to see. 

This particular “couple” is fairly cute because they seem to enjoy each other’s company (smiling, laughing, excited sharing about their lives), however, it’s interesting to watch their body language. The man is sort of laying his arm across the table as if he wants to touch her arm or hold her hand. The woman is a hand-talker and is talking quite a bit. When not talking she places one hand in her lap and one on her coffee cup. Eventually, he appears to give up and crosses his arms loosely in front of him on the table...

And now I’ve realized I’ve been staring at this couple for a solid five minutes from the top floor of the coffee shop (they are down below) and I am officially a total creep.

WHO DOES THAT?!

xo