Georgia on My Mind

So I think I fell in love last night, not with a person but with a city. Or at least a part of it anyway.

Unbeknownst (nice GRE word, eh?) to me, Atlanta isn't just the city. There are many suburbs/neighborhoods around the inner city that also make up the Atl. I have yet to go exploring in the actual city (I'm super scared to drive around here because I'm not an aggressive driver at all), but have finally had the pleasure to go exploring in one part of the 'burbs called Virginia Highlands. And I love it!

We started by having dinner at these food trucks, not a totally novel concept to me as UVa started doing their own version my fourth year. There were 4 trucks (apparently there's usually even more), one serving cupcakes, the other popsicles, a Mexican-Asian fusion truck and a Mexican-southern comfort food truck all set up in this empty parking lot. It was awesome. The food was tasty and cheap and the people watching was prime: this was a place where people from the neighborhood brought their dogs, kids, friends, and just planted themselves on a curb to eat their meals.

The King of Pops (popsicles to be exact).

I love this dog!

This truck name is "Blaxican" for its mix of southern and Mexican food.

Mexi-Asian cuisine

The rest of the night we just walked around the neighborhood, where there are neighborhoods and pockets of restaurants and boutique shopping centers. It reminds me a little bit of Charlottesville, when you get down towards the Downtown Mall, but with more trees and houses. I'm so glad that there are trees! And dogs. Everywhere I look there are dogs. I made friends with this fuzzy Goldendoodle named Lars, which makes me miss my Allie even more. 

What's up next? Well we've made plans to try this gem (or shall I say jungle) of a Thai restaurant. Plus there's this awesome indoor farmer's market, and many many more small neighborhoods to explore. Did I also mention the Food Truck Expo in September...?

(Mis) adventures

As I've mentioned before, these past couple days have been a whirlwind of meeting people and saying the same several facts about myself over and over again. Now that I think about it, meeting a bunch of people in a short period of time is exactly like sorority rush, by the end of which I was so bored/sick of myself and the same dull answers I was giving.

Needless to say, by the time last night's Student Gov. sponsored bar mixer rolled around I was pretty burnt out from meeting any more people and didn't really gravitate from the group of friends I've already seemed to establish (aww so cute). I really wish I was the type of person that could just bee bop around meeting people and talking to anyone, but I'm semi not, plus the vibe in the bar was a little weird. People didn't seem as friendly/open to meeting people like they did on the first night I went out. 

Also, last night was supposed to be an inter-departmental mixer with grad students from various schools, but judging from the amount of chicks present, I'd say it was mostly/only MPH students. Yes, the school of public health is comprised of 80% women. Chicks, man. So I'm obviously going to have to meet man friends elsewhere. 

Gotta love E!'s The Soup. via

Which brings me to the point of this post: misadventures. More specifically dating misadventures because if I keep going about this the way that I have that's really what my love life will be: a series of dating disasters. I've already mentioned that my whole department is 80% women, so meeting people has basically been like rush because all I meet are girls. I don't know about you but by the end of the day you're exhausted from all the estrogen being tossed about. Hence my decision to go to what was supposed to be an inter-dept. house party Friday night and the bar thing last night. In comparison, Friday's shin dig had more guys, but instead of the law, med and business students that I was expecting, it was all chemistry students. The few guys I met were PhD candidates that seemed old and tired and lacked conversation skills. Oh boy. 

I realized after I came home Friday night that I was going about this the wrong way and falling back into old patterns. Instead of walking into a place immediately trying to scope out where the dudes are, I need to just focus on having fun. But since public health does deprive me of hardly any male presences, I'm not going to be too harsh on myself for the time being. Once classes start I'm sure I will have plenty of things to occupy my time, and, dare I say, the thought of guys is sure to fall to the back burner.

Sh*t I'm Glad I Did

In honor of my little brother's move to college (scary thought) as well as the back to school season in general (all my hoos are returning to hooville) I decided to bring back the Sh*t I Wish I Knew and Sh*t I'm Glad I Did series.

7. Didn't get into the habit of skipping class. It's addicting.

via

Ok I'm not a complete goody goody, I definitely skipped a class or two a semester. And no, not because I was sick. Sometimes maybe you don't feel you need to go (if the prof. is just posting all the slides online and reading off of them), sometimes you just don't want to go. Whatever the reason, you decide to play hooky every once and a while because attendance generally isn't taken.

Bad idea. I even knew this was a bad idea when I was doing it (hence the twinge of guilt I felt each time I skipped). Here's why: it's not only a waste of money (college isn't cheap), but it's also an addicting habit. Once you start, it's hard to stop, and there's a slippery slope between not being a tight ass and being a complete idiot. Not to mention the fact that you may miss out on important information that's only given to those that attend class.

Just go. You don't want to get into the nasty habit of skipping whenever you want because there comes a time when that's just not going to fly. There's something to be said for having a regular schedule and sticking to it because when you grow up, that 9-5 is not easily ditched.

On Making Friends...

Haha I love this movie. via here

With new beginnings comes the fact that I don't know anyone here. My friend slate is wiped clean (and no that doesn't mean that I've completely forgotten/forsaken anyone). The process has started all over again and boy is it nerve wrecking.

Making new friends in the public health department is kind of like speed dating. There's this standard list of questions you ask when you first meet someone: where are you from, which department are you in, where'd you go to school, are you a recent grad. Pretty basic and standard, but with those questions you're really only skimming the surface. Forming bonds takes time, I realize this, but I also feel some sort of pressure (mostly on my part) to make friends quickly.

You see, I've realized something. Much like there's a critical imprinting period for baby ducklings (wow psych has taught me something after all), I also feel like there's a critical time period for making friends. I learned this the hard way back when I was a first year (freshman). In part because of my long distance relationship, I sorta isolated myself more and definitely didn't have the fun that I could have had. Sure I made some friends, but I also saw that there were groups of people on my hall that were closer with each other than I was, and once that happens it's really hard to integrate yourself into something like that.

Konrad Lorenz followed by the ducklings that imprinted on him. I've actually always wanted to do this. 

I really don't want to miss out on this crucial friend making time, but I also don't want to force myself onto people. You can't make someone be friends with you, just like you can't make someone like you romantically (trust me, I've tried). Chemistry between anyone is something that takes a little time to figure out and develop. I'm also just not the type of person that has to go out and do everything all at once; I'm more of a dip my toes into the water before I jump in type. So I've allowed myself to get settled and to relax before the craziness that is orientation starts, but I've also made sure to go out and be social when the opportunity arises. Hopefully this works!

So I Made a Move...

A big one in fact. I'm now in Atlanta, Ga (Jaw-juh) hence my lack of blogging for the past week. I did have a draft of a post that I was working on earlier this week, but one can only talk about how they are so scared to move so much before it gets old. The point is that I was a busy wreak in the days leading up to my move (partly because I left off packing until the day before?).

My dad and I drove down, my car literally stuffed to the gills with everything I was bringing.

That would be the view of the backseat of my little Nissan. I've never heard of the concept "pack lightly."

Overall it was about a 10 hour drive, probably shortened because my dad is a bit of a speed demon. His lead foot got him in trouble in Brunswick, Va (home of the original Brunswick stew) where he got a speeding ticket for going 13 over. Oopsies.

I've spent the last 2 days settling in. My room is rather small, meaning that piles of boxes and stuff lying around just won't fly. I like it though; it's cozy. The bathroom is nice and the closet is huge; in general a major upgrade from what I was used to in undergrad. The apartment complex even has a pool and fitness center (which I realize for some isn't a big deal but unless you were living in Grand Marc, Charlottesville didn't offer any of this).

Last night we had basically what amounted to a Rollins mixer at a local bar. It was nice to get to know some people (75% girls) and really begin to feel like I was settling in. A far cry from earlier yesterday afternoon when I burst into tears in the car; my poor dad probably felt so awkward. I can't help it, I'm in a glass case of emotion.

Now that I've said goodbye to my dad and dropped him off at the airport, I think I'll start to feel less anxious. It's kinda weird how that works out but I feel like it's almost easier once I'm away from my parents, helps cauterize the homesick wound or whatever. In the meantime I'm excited to start to explore the city and continue to meet new people. I'm in the 'burbs of Hotlanta, in the part that's called the forest in the city (yes there are tons of trees!) which makes me feel a little more at home. Speaking of homes, check these out:

Literally called the mini White House, complete with an Oval Office. 

This I have dubbed the Chopped Off Castle. 

What are the odds that I can find and become friends with the Real Housewives of Atlanta?

On Why My Future Classmates Intimidate Me

I recently joined a face book group for RSPH class of 2014 (2014 seems both far off and not so far off in the future). It's been interesting to see what my future classmates have to say; posts consist primarily about housing, getting together to explore Atlanta, etc. Fairly harmless, but let me tell you browsing through the list of people in the group (women greatly outnumber guys which may or may not be a good thing for me) I have to say, I'm extremely intimidated by some of these people.

When I don't have any cute classmates I'm reminded of Miss Norbury's wise words: "You can do this. There's nothing to break your focus, because not one of those Marymount boys is cute. "

See when you a list of people on Fb, in little print underneath a person's name is often their college or job title. Mine happens to be Independent Stylist at Stella and Dot, rather cutesy. But others have things such as NIH researcher, CDC intern, volunteer with <insert international philanthropic organization here>, really prestigious stuff. So while I've been wasting away my summer waiting tables, my classmates have been finding the cure for cancer or deworming orphans in South America.

I feel super unaccomplished. Yes I graduated from a kick ass school, but as far as internships go...not my resume's strong point. I've done things, but nothing specifically public health related. I just need to stop looking and comparing myself to others and just focus on myself. They must've picked me for a reason, and goodness knows I've got enough to occupy my mind for right now.

To My Feathered Friend

I've been really sad lately. My amazing, awesome, adorable little bird passed away on August 8th at 12 years of age. Sure I've lost a hamster and a few fish before, but never a pet that I've had for such a long time and formed such an attachment to (12 years is longer than some people have their dogs). It was semi expected, in her later years she became really bad at flying (this gal had her own flight path around the house back in the day) and spent most of the time sleeping in her food, but it's still hard nonetheless. Especially hard when you're the one to find them.

Susan B. Coconut 

I already miss her tweets and peeps; the house is way too quiet without them. It's funny how something so small can worm its way into your heart and have such a profound impact on your life. You take a risk every time you do chose to love something like a pet because eventually you know that you're going to lose them. But when the alternative is not having a pet at all, or not getting attached to anything, I will always pick the former because pain doesn't last forever and those good memories will stay with me a lifetime.

Living with Chronic Bitchface

'Sceuse my French but the term bitchface isn't meant to be derogatory or rude in any way. It's a phenomena that many of us suffer from, myself included.

You can actually buy this print here. 

I think this picture documents bitchface perfectly. It just means that your default face isn't necessarily the most cheeriest, and as a result people will mistake you as a mean person. I've had friends tell me this many often, the last time was actually the other night. Essentially people tell me "When I first met you I thought you were really mean/a bitch, but once you opened your mouth and started talking I realized you were really nice." Le sigh.

I admit that I'm not the nicest person with the sunniest disposition all the time. I can be a little cynical and a bit of a crabby patty at times, but that's just part of who I am. It goes hand in hand with the side of me that's also caring and really funny (not toot my own horn or anything, but I've also been told I'm very funny). I'm really only mean to someone who is mean to me first, and it's less about being a complete ass as it is about simply defending myself.

I like to think that I'm not mean to a person right off the bat, in part because I've learned that people have judged me before actually getting to know me. I guess the assumption that I'm a bitch really just comes from my facial features (as beautiful and chiseled as they are). Obviously people's judgements are quickly dispelled (usually), but I would hate for someone to completely write off getting to know me based on my facial expressions. God forbid that my bitchface turns out to be a man repeller.

So what do I do? Walk around with a smile plastered to my face 24/7? No, that's creepy. I think it's more going to be about attempting to emit a positive energy because...

via pinterest

:)

Sh*t I Wish I Knew

9. Run-ins never end well.

Here's the thing: when confronted with the option of staying and pretending you are having a good time or leaving, leave with your dignity intact. Because if you stay you will get drunk and you will make a fool of yourself.

via

Picture this scenario: you see a former significant other at a party that you've just arrived at. What do you do? My advice is based off of personal experience so trust me. You could be stubborn, saying "f this, I'm going to have a good time and show this guy what he's missing" while in the process getting extremely intoxicated to cover up your nerves. You could then, as a result of liquid courage, confront said former other and proceed to list off every reason why they screwed you over, releasing the floodgate of emotion and pent up anger that's been building ever since you two ended it. You could continue to text said individual long after they've stopped answering, thereby helping to dig your own grave deeper and deeper and showing him what he most definitely is not missing.

Or you could turn right around and leave. Get the hell out of dodge. Do not give in to the impulse to acknowledge your ex. Find a different party and shake off the brief encounter you just had. Most importantly you can leave with your dignity, pride and self respect intact which, after the hangover wears off, is the most important thing that you can have.

Don't be like hangover cat. via

My (little) Health Kick

Slowly but surely I have been trying to work towards a healthier lifestyle. I've been using exercises such as The Biggest Loser Cardio Max (although I've reached a point where I'm kinda over it) along with my new Fitbit love. But I know it's not just about cardio, we also need to lift weights in order to build muscle. Don't worry, from what I've read women won't bulk up (they couldn't even if they tried) but building muscle will increase metabolism and will make you look nice and toned.

As sad as this is for me to admit, being healthy is also about eating healthy, something I have the hardest time with. I can't seem to get off my love of sweets and pizza! So right now I'm working with the idea "If you don't have it in the house you won't eat it." That's how I tackle my addiction to Ben & Jerrys. Pizza is a little harder since I work at the best pizza place in the whole world. I've essentially just tried to limit how often I eat pizza; instead of 4 times a week it's now 2. I can't totally deprive myself because once I tell myself I can't have something, the more I want it. Isn't that how it always goes?

I've also tried to incorporate more fruits, veggies, and whole grains/oats into my diet. I love fruit smoothies after a workout; today I combined a handful of spinach, frozen blueberries, pineapple and mango, a little water, some ice cubes, and half a spoon full of frozen pina colada mix. Yum! And I just ate tons of fruits and veggies! I try and add spinach to all my smoothies, since you can't taste them and that way I automatically increase my veggie intake!

Peanut Butter Balls!

And here's a pick of my new favorite noms: peanut butter balls! Healthy (I think), delicious, and super easy to make. 

Mix 1c peanut butter with 2T honey or agave

then add 2T wheat germ, 1c oatmeal, 1-2T vanilla (optional)

mix all together then roll a spoonful into a ball and roll said ball into a mix of equal parts cocoa powder and powdered sugar. 

Chill and enjoy!

I doubled the recipe in the pic, that's why there's so many of them. Mom and I are addicted. Hope you like!

Working Girl (or Guy)

For those of you currently job hunting or those that may eventually want a career change, this is an awesome blog that posts career and interview advice. There's a certain finesse that accompanies a successful interview, one that needs to be practiced and fine-tuned. I've yet to reach this stage in my professional life, but a good interview can definitely make the difference between victory and defeat.

Melanie Griffith in Working Girl. Just don't smoke in the office. Via

And how to you even get to that stage? As Katie Couric said during commencement, in the digital age where most applications are submitted online and hundreds of people are applying for the same job, it's still who you know that matters. Connections really are what's important. So enjoy! I hope that this helps!

All Hail the Olympics!

So I'm sure you've all seen my future husband Ryan just killin it at the Olympics. Doesn't he just look so snuggly?

Via here

Currently watching my girls Misty May and Kerri Walsh tear it up in the sand. What is it about the Olympics that just makes me feel so flabby and lazy?! And damn, how awesome would it be to go to the Olympics, let alone get a medal. I would even go to the Olympics for something as lame as badminton or table tennis and be proud of it. Although I will say, if looking like a hot athlete with a six pack meant that training/working out was essentially my full time job, well... hand me that cookie.

I will say, I'm feeling a little bad for Phelps. But after his incredible performance in Beijing...I mean how can you top that?! I would've just retired on a good note because there's just no way that you can repeat that. Maybe it's that kind of attitude that separates the winners from me, but hey, I'm cautious.

I just had to brag about my man crush. The Sh*t Series (that sounds awful) will make a reappearance later this week!