Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Oh goodness! I feel like I've been absent from the blogosphere from far too long now. Life has been a little hectic lately, needless to say. As they say, "when it rains, it pours." But graduation is only a few weeks away and I'm looking forward to beginning a new chapter in my life, which hopefully includes a j-o-b. ;)

Yet, as the semester rages on, I have had a few moments of introspection spaced here and there. As I begin to grow older I truly strive to focus less on physicality and attraction. But a good discussion with some friends tonight reminded me how much our society is focused on appearances. As a single gal nowadays, I've come to realize the moment I mention a guy to my girlfriends - simply a friend or other interest - they first question they ask is, "Is he cute?" Not that my friends are superficial, because I find myself doing the same thing and I overhear plenty of other people asking it too, but why as a society is that our first question, our first judgment? Why not "Does he treat you right?" or "Is he smart/driven/successful?" I find this societal theory of mine even outside of the physical realm. We are so quick to judge each other, when isn't beauty in the eye of the beholder?

In my creative writing class this semester, we are encouraged to write a diverse selection of pieces including poetry, plays, fiction, and non-fiction. After our first drafts are completed, we sit as a class and discuss each others pieces. Yet I find that people are so quick to criticize, but when it comes to giving a compliment, a hush falls over the class. Why is it so easy for some people to pick out problems but so hard to give suggestions or compliments? I feel that this has something to do with our inner turmoil and insecurities that we each face daily, but just think about how much better the world would be if each day we each strove to give compliments or constructive criticism rather than doling out judgments left and right.

This is my goal for the next few weeks - to begin to increasingly improve my attitude and hopefully inspire others to do so to!

Good luck readers!

xoxo
-ams

New York State of Mind

My final spring break is nearly over! It's hard to believe, but I definitely made the most of it.

With the UCF Ad Club, I traveled up to the Big Apple to explore the city, an Ad/PR mecca. Although I have been to NYC before, I have to say that this trip was truly an eye-opener for me. Sometimes I find myself getting a little swept up in my dreams of becoming Carrie Bradshaw that I forget the need to be pragmatic. We met with a few UCF alum in the area as well as industry execs and they helped us to truly understand what the city is about and how the industry works.

Exhausted from traveling, I just wanted to share a few photos before I go relax in the warm Sunshine State weather. :)

Here are a few of my favorite moments, from Central Park to the Today Show, I loved every minute!







xoxo
-ams

Victimized by mass messaging

Generally, I consider myself quite the victim of spam and mass mailings. It truly depresses me when I open my inbox to find that 3 out of 4 messages are junk mail or forwarded messages that threaten my day if I don't pass them on. Although I love my family, even they continuously pass along these letters and videos.

But today, on a whim, I opened a forwarded piece and it actually made me stop and think for a moment, rather than immediately pressing 'delete.' Here's the quote:

The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.

As I continue to fret daily over the economy, job market, my future, and my family I realized that I need to put it in His hands. Although much easier said than done, I've posted this quote on my desk to remind me every day, not to worry as much and to just enjoy the ride.

So, I hope that this provides some encouragement for you too!

xoxo
-ams