Be You!

Student teaching has taken over my life and other things have been put aside for the time being. Here is a simple reminder to be confident and be you no matter what the circumstance may be. I love this picture.

California Dreamin

I was born and raised in California and what a blessing it has been. I love the ocean, sunsets, and comfort it provides me with. I moved to Tucson, Arizona for college and it definitely was an adjustment. Don't get me wrong, there are lots of fabulous restaurants that I have grown to love and the city has become a familiar territory to me. In May, I will be graduating and heading back to my hometown. I have mixed emotions of leaving the college life and friends I have made, but knowing I will be back living in California makes the new chapter an easier adjustment. California is home and my home has been so good to me.

The Golden Globes: Amazing Gowns

I love watching award shows for one main reason in mind: the fashion. It is amazing to see all the different styles featured and see how a look can come together to create something breath taking or just plain tragic. Last night at the Golden Globes there were two front runners for me. These celebs definitely know good taste and how to dress to cater to their bodies.

First, Jessica Alba is radiant in this light violet and gold sequined dress. She glows from head to toe:

Next, Claire Danes looks gorgeous in this black and white gown. However, it is the back that did it for me. I love open back dresses and its very classy and elegant. I might add, the red lipstick looks awesome on her:

Makes You Think

My Dad is famous for sending me emails that contain stories that range from identity theft to bible verses. I love his thought and appreciation for inspiring stories. The other day he sent me an email that contained this story and let me tell you it is a little bit of a shocker. Please take the time to read this inspirational and thought provoking story:

Pam’s Story

In a recent email, I read about a woman named Pam, who knows the pain of considering abortion. More than 24 years ago, she and her husband Bob were serving as missionaries to the Philippines and praying for a fifth child. Pam contracted amoebic dysentery, an infection of the intestine caused by a parasite found in contaminated food or drink. She went into a coma and was treated with strong antibiotics before they discovered she was pregnant.

Doctors urged her to abort the baby for her own safety and told her that the medicines had caused irreversible damage to her baby. She refused the abortion and cited her Christian faith as the reason for her hope that her son would be born without the devastating disabilities physicians predicted. Pam said the doctors didn't think of it as a life, they thought of it as a mass of fetal tissue.

While pregnant, Pam nearly lost their baby four times but refused to consider abortion. She recalled making a pledge to God with her husband: If you will give us a son, we’ll name him Timothy and we’ll make him a preacher.

Pam ultimately spent the last two months of her pregnancy in bed and eventually gave birth to a healthy baby boy August 14, 1987. Pam’s youngest son is indeed a preacher. He preaches in prisons, makes hospital visits, and serves with his father’s ministry in the Philippines. He also plays football. Pam’s son is Tim Tebow.

The University of Florida’s star quarterback became the first sophomore in history to win college football’s highest award, the Heisman Trophy. His current role as quarterback of the Denver Broncos has provided an incredible platform for Christian witness. As a result, he is being called The Mile-High Messiah.

Tim’s notoriety and the family’s inspiring story have given Pam numerous opportunities to speak on behalf of women’s centers across the country. Pam Tebow believes that every little baby you save matters. I pray her tribe will increase!


May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always!

31 Bits

I have had the privilege to start working closely with this company that empowers Ugandan women. In the 31 Bits program, the women earn an income that allows them to provide for their families, receive financial and savings training, and maximize their creative skills and abilities. 31 Bits strives to build a loving community that cares for individuals’ spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical needs. I hosted a Holiday Party for friends to shop and get to know 31 Bits. I also will be the campus representative for the Spring semester. I cannot wait to share the designer's stories and their beautiful jewelry with everyone!
These were some pictures from the Holiday Party I hosted, thanks to my friend Kristin:

I Won't Give Up

Sometimes I come across a song that is too good. This one by Jason Mraz is definitely one of them. I just recently added this song (3 days ago) and the play count is up to 24 already. It reminds me to go after the things I want in life and when you find true love to keep holding out for hope and cherish the good and bad times. Enjoy this beauty!!

Student Teaching

Now that I am in my 2nd semester of Senior year it is officially time for student teaching!! I really am having a hard time picturing how this semester will go, but I know it will be rewarding and I will learn a lot. I was suppose to start last week, but my body has the worst timing and had different plans for me.
I am fortunate to be placed with my kids from last semester and I am thrilled. My teacher is understanding, supportive, and a great person to work with. Not to mention she puts up with me- last semester I was out for 2 weeks from my appendix and I missed the first week already. She was texting me saying the kids were asking where I was and when I would be back and it was cute.
I remember my student teachers when I was in elementary school and how I looked up to them. I can't believe I am in this position now. As a student teacher, I hope to inspire my students, be a good role model for them, and hope they learn from me! Wish me luck!!

New York City, a magical city.

This Winter Break my family and I took a vacation to NYC. It was the first time I have been there and it was pretty amazing. The movies and television always glamorize the city and it has been on my bucket list to visit. I am so grateful for wonderful parents who could provide this trip of a lifetime.
The first few days were spent exploring all the "touristy" things such as the 9/11 Memorial, taking a double decker bus that did a huge loop and we were able to see SoHo, Greenwich, and Battery Park. The highlight of the first day was the 9/11 Memorial. It was amazing to see what has been rebuilt and I could not feel a little emotional when looking at the engraved names bordering the pools.
The next few days we went to see the Empire State Building and I got overwhelmed with how high we were. Overall, it was amazing to see at night with the city and beyond all twinkling in the night sky. Then, my favorite part was the shopping. New York has pretty much the same stores as we do in California, but the stores are beautifully decorated and a lot bigger.
The food was incredible. The desserts even better. I found my new favorite: Banana cream pudding from Magnolias which was in Sex and the City.
The best part was being with my family and experiencing Christmas in this magical city. It was a trip I will never forget.

The Bachelor

The Bachelor is finally back! I literally have watched every season since it first aired. I'll be honest and say I miss the previous seasons that really focused on love and not psychotic, drama-filled, crazed women. However, the show is too good to say no to. I love watching it with my Dad in particular because his commentary kills me. As for this season, Ben is a former UofA student and I am hopeful these crazy betches slow down and he finds true love. Side note: what was with some of the girls dresses last night? They looked like Prom dresses circa 2000-ghetto. I am calling my bets on Casey. She seems like a down-to-earth and genuine girl. This season looks juicy and can't wait to give up 2 hours every Monday for several weeks.

New Blog

I have always wanted to create a blog about life in general. I wanted to share my passions with friends, so here it is! I chose the title To Whom it May Concern because it is a title of a song that I love by The Civil Wars.