Six.

Tee: Old Navy Blazer: Old Navy Shorts: Old Navy Wedges: Payless Necklace: Gift

Some of my latest reflections: 

Ultimately, I am really happy with who I am.  I am a good person who does the right thing, cares for others, but also places a lot of importance on caring for myself.  I'm smart, friendly, and talented.  I have a compassionate heart, particularly for children and animals.

The way that I had always pictured my life is not really what I want anymore.  I want more from life - I want purpose and excitement and meaningful relationships.  I won't be content to just keep on going through the motions.

I want to start living more for me, and not somebody else.  My life is my life and as long as I keep on doing the right thing and treating others well, I am capable of making my own decisions.  I am lucky to have a partner who feels similarly.  We both make sacrifices so that each other can be happy as individuals and as a united couple.

I'm not 100% sure what is in the future for me, but I'm going to do my absolute best to make intentional decisions so I don't get bored with my safe, expected life.

Plain and Simple

Top: TJ Maxx Cardigan: Target Shorts: Old Navy Shoes: Target

So, I don't love this photo (ew, legs), but I'm all about being real on my blog...so this is what I wore today!  It's another pretty simple shorts + cardigan outfit, but when you wake up at 5:00 am and forgot to plan an outfit, it's tried and true, you know?

While most of my classmates are showing up to our summer classes in a t-shirt with yoga pants, athletic shorts, or jeans, I feel really weird doing that.  Maybe that worked in undergrad classes, but I feel like I need to look at least somewhat put together when I'm at class.  I concentrate better and am more productive when I look nice.  Thus, I wear outfits like this, and stand out like a sore thumb.  Oh well.  Is that just me?

Silly

Tee: Target Shorts: Old Navy Cardigan: Target, thrifted new Scarf: Gift Flats: Payless

Last week, we finally started to welcome new students to campus for my job in orientation.  I was decked out in our school colors all day from Wednesday-Friday, and it feels good to be in "real people clothes."  While I still will be sporting my school polos on and off all summer, I get to wear my regular clothes, too!

I start two of my summer classes today, too.  It's going to be a warm day today, but I'm sure my classroom will be cold...hence the cardigan and scarf.  I'm okay with that, since we've had really abnormally chilly days for most of the summer so far.  As much as I hate shorts, I'm happy to be wearing them out of necessity :)

I was running out of time to take pictures before needing to leave for work, so I had Kevin come outside and snap a few shots.  He said, "Now you need to do a silly shot!  When I see you taking pictures, you always need to do a silly one!" and I came up with this pose.  He also told me that I had to post it, because he would check :)  Gotta love him.

I hope you all had a great weekend!

Day Fourteen: 10 Things I Love about Life

Tee: Target Shorts: Old Navy Shoes: Born Necklace: F21

It's going to be 95 degrees here today...WHAT.  I've already shared my disdain for shorts, and while I really don't want to be wearing them today, it's too hot not to.  And I'm pretty sure a flowy dress or skirt is just a play toy for a puppy, so I decided to just suck it up and wear one of my new pairs of shorts.  I still don't love the way they look on me - slightly snug in the waist and the leg holes are huge, but whatever...they're as good as it will get, I fear.  I love these dressy tees from Target, too.  The material is soft, and I love this bright teal color.

Today, I'm sharing with you a list of 10 things that make me happy.  Here they are, in no particular order.

1. Kevin!  He is my perfect partner.  We are so, so different from each other in many ways, but we just work together.  He is super funny and makes me laugh all the time.
2. Painting.  It is so fun to have a hobby like this, where I can just sit quietly or with a podcast or playlist of favorite tunes and create something.
3. Singing.  I love, love, love to sing, especially with other people.  Singing in a small group or a duet is my absolute favorite.  When you sing with someone whose voice blends beautifully with yours, there's almost nothing better.
4. Dogs!  I especially love our little Pippin.  She is quirky and sweet and snuggly and sassy, and she is the best companion ever.  Also, I'm loving little Delia, our foster pup, right now.  She's a great little puppy, and I am excited to help her find her forever home!
5. Frozen yogurt.  It's just delicious and refreshing!
6. Minnesota!  I really don't want to get too political on my blog, but I can't NOT talk about this today.  Minnesota became the 12th state in the country to legalize gay marriage yesterday.  I could not be happier - so many of my family and friends will finally have the privileges I do and will be able to marry their loves as well!
7. Warm, sunny, breezy days.  I'm not much of an outside girl, but on perfect days like that, I just want to sit outside and soak it all in.
8. My family and friends.  It's so great to know there are people out there who support me and care about me.  And man, do they make me laugh!!
9. Harry Potter.  I know the series is over, but I absolutely LOVE Harry Potter.  The books are smart and interesting, and pose some fascinating questions.  I have so much respect for JK Rowling.
10. Telling other people about the positive impact they have had on me.  I know how wonderful it feels to know that I've made a difference in someone else's life, and it means so much to me to pass that along to those who have impacted me as well.

Five Days, Five Ways: Casual Friday

It's the last day of Whitney and Fran's Five Days, Five Ways link up!  Today's challenge is Casual Friday.  While you've seen many of my winter casual looks, I wanted to finally put together some springy outfits :)  Since I often dress a little casual on the blog, I wanted to interpret "casual Friday" as weekend wear.  These outfits are things you could expect to see me in on the weekends this spring and summer.

 Tee: Old Navy Skirt: Old Navy Flats: Target (thrifted, NWT)

I love these knit skirts from Old Navy - they're comfortable and versatile...and the price is right!  I bought this skirt over the winter, and I've been dying to wear it without tights.  I have big plans for this skirt over the course of the next few months...chambray shirt, tees, with my denim jacket...it's going to be much loved!

 Tee: Target Shorts: Old Navy Scarf: Gift from a friend Sandals: Born via DSW

These shorts are my go-to in the summer.  They're so comfortable and they go with so much.  I love wearing scarves all year round, and I knew I had to include a casual outfit with a scarf.

Dress: Old Navy Cardigan: Target Necklace: From Mom Sandals: Target

One thing I love about maxi dresses is that they look really nice, but you feel like you're wearing pajamas.  This outfit might look less casual, but I would totally wear this on a weekend, shopping with a friend, out to lunch, even to the grocery store!

Dress: Old Navy Flats: Payless

Like the previous outfit, I like to be able to just throw on a dress and some comfortable flats or sandals and go.  It's incredibly easy, but it still looks pretty cute!  I love the color of this dress - so bright and warm!

Shirt: Thrifted American Eagle Jeans: NY&C Shoes: TOMS

Yes, this is a ridiculous pose, but going through my pictures, I BORE MYSELF looking at my like two poses I ever do.  This is how I feel about the weekend...excited...and sassy...??  Whatever.  I love wearing cuffed jeans and a casual button up shirt on weekends.  I have a few shirts that are similar to this, and they get tons of wear over the spring and summer seasons.  I wear them with skirts, jeans, shorts, you name it.

I'm so glad you stuck with me this week with all my posts for Five Days, Five Ways!  I'm hoping to do some kind of little recap or something in the next day or two about it, so stay tuned, friends!