On The Road to Redemption: Bouncing Back from a Not So Stellar Semester

Nothing like a new year to revitalize the motivation and drive for all A's this semester. Grades were less than awesome for me last semester, and now I am on a mission to redeem myself. I mean it's one thing to say "I'm shooting for all A's" at the start of each semester only to get halfway through and shape my thinking to "heck, if I pass I'll be okay!". I have let senioritis get the better of me, but not anymore! This semester I'm not just shooting, I am AIMING and having aim is much more accurate than idly shooting.

Let's flashback in time to me as a freshman: fresh-faced, overly ambitious, and on the Dean's List most importantly. What helped me stay so focused? I received the extra push with the help of some advice books.  I picked up again HOW TO WIN AT COLLEGE: Surprising Secrets for Success from the Country's Top Students by Cal Newport over the course of  winter break. It's an easy read with less than 200 pages containing 75 tips from top performing students all over the country! As I read the book again, like the back cover states, there were some surprising tips like: don't do all your reading and drop classes every term. Now don't let these two pointers keep you from checking this book out; like with any advice book, everything does not have to be taken wholeheartedly and is circumstantial. Over the course of the spring semester I will be putting some of these tips to the test  on my journey to A+ success (I think this is the makings of a mini series: Journey to A+ Success).
Disclaimer: Don't let my trial and error approach to tips I have deemed beneficial substitute checking the book out for yourself! There are tips that I will overlook that you find valuable that I overlook. On the other hand I also hope that my testing encourages others to change their old patterns by  practicing a new tip or two I am trying.

Won't you come along on this journey with me this semester to prove to myself that I can aim and hit the target of A+ success in school?

And if anyone has any awesome tips, advice, or stories feel free to comment below. I am always open to new ideas for studying!



May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests.
                                                                                                                  Psalm 20: 4-5

Go See The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (Form Your Own Opinion)

I have been inspired to write again after a 3 month hiatus. I convinced my mother to go see Ben Stiller play a serious role! That's impressive people, round of applause please. Anyway today I saw the Secret Life of Walter Mitty and I have mixed reactions to this movie. Usually I'm more into action or thriller type movies but seeing commercials for this movie touched a special part of my heart. Is it sad that I saw a bit of myself in the character, Walter? There sparked a fear of growing older and living a life of mediocrity. Ok that word is a little harsh, more like complacency or unfulfilled. Walter loves his job; he lives for his job and goes through the motions of everyday life. Is it scary to think my life could be the same? Do others have that fear too?

I sympathized with, related to, and and yet loathed Ben Stiller's character in the movie. I felt sympathy for his contentment in life and his father passing. I related to the part of him that realized he wanted something different for his life and went for it. But I realized that the whole adventure in this movie was because he wanted to spark the attention of a woman! It was in that aspect of the movie that I loathed him.

Where is the person that decides they want to make a change in their life for themselves? I know I am not the only person that wants to see themselves as a particular character they are watching on the big screen. Some want to be Katniss (Hunger Games) other see themselves as young Simba in the Lion King. Whatever the character, relating is inevitable and maybe a piece of you aspires to have their characteristics: courage, spontaneity, passion etc,.

 I realize that technically he did want a change in his life, he was lonely and wanted to share his life with someone else. I guess what I am getting at is this movie did not break past the surface. The go-getter message conveyed merely stepped out of the kiddie pool and lurked in the shallow end of the big pool. I think a better story would have been if Walter discovered (or really re-discovered) himself for himself, not for the approval of the opposite sex. Finding yourself seems to be a theme that is missing in the cinematic world. Instead the ultimate goal is a happy ending with significant other. Now this is not going to turn into some rant about feminist views, all that is being stated is where is that strong individual at the end, not necessarily a power couple?

My next step is to read the short story written by James Thurber and go from there. I did enjoy the movie and would encourage others to go see it for themselves to form an opinion about it. This film so eagerly wanted to encourage a strong message ("To see things thousands of miles away, things hidden behind walls and within rooms, things dangerous to come to, to draw closer, to see and be amazed"), it scratched the surface with good intentions, but somehow lacked depth.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE MOVIE??????

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 
                                                                                      Philippians 4 6-7

How's Disney?

If my lack of blogging could be an indicator of how life back at Disney World is then voilà! I never have time to inform about my experience here, which is quite tragic. The pace has definitely slowed down from my summer in New York City. Actually I think living in Orlando requires tons of patience: buses, monorails, traffic, 5 roommates, Disney guests......it all forces you to be patient and wait. I am okay with the lifestyle change too.

I moved into Disney housing on August 12 so I have been here a little over 3 weeks. Certainly feels much longer since I am accustomed to both my work location and to the area from my previous program. Speaking of work, I am sure you're dying to know what the heck I am doing this time around. I work at Walt Disney World's flagship resort The Grand Floridian as a hostess for the Perfectly Princess Tea Party and afternoon tea. It is a very small operation but I enjoy the slow pace of the location compared to the chaos of the theme parks. Can I just say that God has blessed me with such a wonderful location that has great hours. With taking 12 hours online this semester I needed a schedule that was pretty set. My location is  only open 10:30am-5pm! Talk about a princess shift.

When I first came back to Disney I will admit I wasn't sure what to expect about my second program; I was feeling uncertain about whether coming back was a good idea. My roommate shared with me how she felt it was perfect it timing God's perfect timing bringing her to Orlando at this time. Unfortunately, that was not the same feeling I had. Questions lingered for about the first week and a half about if this was God's place for me. I did not start working until a week after I had arrived, and that also made me a bit anxious about what to expect about the outcome of my College Program. Honestly, it does not feel awesome questioning your decisions, and I knew praying about uncertainty would help me make a decision. I cannot believe the slight possibility of leaving so soon crossed my mind because of my uncertainty of my timing here. Being back here is like God's strengthening me I believe. I am forced to balance classes, work, faith, friends, and playing around Orlando, and I like the idea of the challenge.

Can I stop for a second and mention my roommates. I live with 5 other girls in a 3 bedroom apartment. Calm down people, I can hear your gasps! I absolutely adore my roommates, and living with these girls is such a joy! We share a faith of The Lord and I love how open we are about Christ and The Word. How many people can say they have devotional with their roommates? Our strong faith helps us bond as sisters of Christ and it is a beautiful thing.

Now that I have been working 2 weeks I am comfortable about being back here and I enjoy working at the most elegant resort on Disney property. The best part of my day is getting to here the big band play swinging music between 3-6pm while I am working afternoon tea.

More exciting experiences are here to come! Here's some pics of the first few weeks!

At the Woody's Round Up Welcome Party

Not the best batch of pancakes at our pancake party

Blending of 2 apartments for an awesome PJ Pancake Party

Hanna and I right after riding Pirates of the Carribean. Arrrgh!

Garden View Tea Room (my work location)

Night time at Grand Floridian's Garden View Tea Room

Walking down Main Street USA, Magic Kingdom

Dancing with Bolt in Tomorrowland

Space Mountain

Monsters University Welcome Party at Chatham Square 

Jordan in her Port Orleans Resort Quick Service Costume

Aubry in her Beach Club Resort Quick Service costume

Delisia and I in front of Cinderella's castle, Magic Kingdom

Rainy day at The Commons pool

Gabby and I spending our day off at Blizzard Beach Waterpark

Visited Kayla at work at Blizzard Beach

Right before the rain clouds came at Blizzard Beach

Long Lost NYC Pics

Over the course of the summer I had experiences that I did not get to share so here's some long lost pictures from my summer in NYC!

Frida Kahlo Self Portrait 

MODA Modern Museum of Art

Dylan's Candy Bar, Upper East Side

Dylan's Candy Bar

View of Times Square pedestrian traffic from 2nd story

Aeropostale, Times Square

Disney Store, Times Square

View of Manhattan from Staten Island Ferry

Delisia abroad the Staten Island Ferry

9/11 Memorial

Waverly Place

Washington Square Park

Apollo Theatre, Harlem

Black Ink Tattoo Studio, Harlem

Statute of Frederick Douglass, Harlem

Trayvon Martin rally, Harlem

Brooklyn Bridge

Downstairs at Webster Apartments

Museum of History & Science

Museum of History and Science

Museum of History & Science

Museum of History & Science

This man photobombed Jessica's picture outside Insomnia Cookies, Upper West Side

Raccoon in broad daylight, Central Park

Upper East Side

Central Park

Jackson Pollock, Autumn Rhythm, MET Museum of Art

Andy Warhol, Ethel Scull, MET Museum of Art

MET Musum of Art

MET Museum of Art

Last day at my internship at Ross with Ashley and Jessica

Deep in the Heart of TEXAS!!

So I officially am back home in Texas! Man it feels great to come back after being away for a summer. Never have I been away from here and been so anxious to get back; I guess New York does that to a Southerner. You realize how good you got it once you leave.

I can officially say that I did the whole New York thing, and I know that is not the life for me. Do not get me wrong, the city is magnificent but for me personally, I would not want to live there permanently. For millions of other people though, they call NYC their home. Overall being in New York City for the summer was like a once in a lifetime experience, that I am glad I did so young in my life. There are people that go their entire lives wishing they could live in NYC, and I am blessed and fortunate to have been given the opportunity at this time in my life. It was this summer that I have gained great appreciation for the South; it's unlike any other part of the country with its charm and hospitality unparalleled.

Friday evening I flew into Austin Bergstrom International Airport where my family awaited my arrival by minivan. We were staying the weekend at Horseshoe Bay Marriott Resort in quiet hill country about an hour west of the state capitol. The place was adorably situated in a resort country town of lakefront summer homes and stucco condos. It was not our typical vacation location, but something different. This town, Horseshoe Bay is where the Texans go to get away from the city.

Below are some pics from the weekend back in Texas: