Greetings, Earthlings

Hello, Citizens!

I apologize for falling off the face of the planet. Life has been a whirlwind for the past few months. I am going to try to become better about posting more often. As much as I would like to post everyday, I don’t think that will happen. To catch you up on recent events, I’m going slightly buzzfeed style.

I am currently an intern!

Did I mention my internship is blogging and networking, for the most part?

Yes, it’s currently perfect.

I now have a little!

She, a group of friends, and I are attempting to develop an app for the University of South Carolina.

If my life were a .gif right now, it would probably be this!

I’ll try to keep you citizens in the loop as much as possible. I’d rather be The Ruler than Congress afterall!

Rainbows and Rocketships,

Ann-Marie

Currently, I am avoiding packing, because let’s face it, packing is the worst. I’m all for preparation but deciding what clothes to wear in advance without back up is always a struggle. I am, however, proud of myself for packing for 10 days in a carry on earlier in the summer. This trip requires more preparation though because I’m going to the Alpha Kappa Psi Convention in New Orleans!!

Excitement is an understatement. This is my face though. Or at least it will be once I’m packed and awake after trekking to New Orleans at 6:15 am.

But while I’m preparing for such a fantastic experience, I thought it would be a good time to explain what Alpha Kappa Psi is, at least at South Carolina, and why I chose to join. There are some distinct similarities and differences in a trade fraternity in comparison to a sorority or fraternity.

1. Successful People: Surrounding yourself with successful people with successful habits tends to rub off on you. Most let you pick their brain about classes, internships, balancing it all, and everything in between.
2. Connections: Brothers tend to post interesting things they come across, whether job opportunities, interesting articles, and cool events going on in the area.
3. Alumni Network: Many group boast about their alumni network but trade organizations help you connect with them. Opportunities such as conventions and LinkedIn groups connect you to past members with the other connections.
4. Professional Development: Trade groups tend to focus on what is going on in the trade. The goal is to allow members to further their skillset and expand their knowledge in an array of relevant topics.

These points seem similar to the rest of Greek Life across campuses. The difference lies in the focus of the organization: personal growth in the trade. As a result, they tend to be co-ed. Some limit based on major, while others do not. Ultimately, it depends on what you would like to get out of an organization. Many seem the same on the outside but the individual composition make the differences.

Like the rest of life, finding happiness in an organization comes from the type of fulfillment you would like to get out of an organization. Once you decide what’s best for you, move forward and make it happen. I have been fortunate to find a group of people who challenge me to become better while still giving me someone to laugh with at any point in time.

If you have any questions about joining a professional or trade organization or about Alpha Kappa Psi itself, comment below!

Rainbows and Rocket Ships,

Ann-Marie

Day 17: The New Keep Calm and Carry On

A friend of mine asked me how I keep up with everything I am involved in while still gathering more information on things I’m interested in. Part of this can be credited to an Albert Einstein quote I mentioned in yesterday’s post. A majority of this though, is credited to my everlasting struggle with multitasking. I used to talk on the phone, paint my nails, all while scrolling through the internet for information. Recently though, I have limited multitasking to listening to music, writing, and defining words I come across. Occasionally, I throw another list item into the mix.

I have learned to slow down and focus on one task at a time. As a result, I have conquered most of the things on my to-do list by the end of the day. My plans, however, have the tendency to hold me back from other experiences. Planning has always been in my nature as a Type A person. Plans have consisted of everything under the sun from a packing list, to balancing my schedule, to looking towards to future and getting as much done as possible. There is constantly a list going on in my head with at least 3 or 4 lists written down. I have a planner that I carry with me everywhere and notes on my iPhone about whatever thoughts come to my head.

Most of these plans are not needed.Plus, days tend to feel like the picture at right.  When you slow down and attempt to get everything done, you also learn the value of others’ time. This article from Fast Company goes more in depth into this issue. But what about outside of the board room?

I was out with a friend last night when a group of girls sat at the next table over. They spent the entire time taking pictures with each other and looking at their phones. While they appeared happy, they were not enjoying each others’ presence. These girls seemed caught up in social media and how others viewed them that no conversation existed. Granted, I do not know their back story or anything more about them. Situations such as this are something I see often when going out or when my younger brothers have friends over.

These girls were not contributing to each others’ lives except for another tag on Facebook or post on Instagram. Their conversation was limited and could have been done online. They were not living in the moment.

While I try not to be on the phone constantly when in the company of other people, I catch myself being caught up in other situations when my focus should be elsewhere. I went to a hot yoga class this past weekend and the yogi stated, “Use this time to be in the present and stop making lists of everything else you have to do after this class.” My friend looked at me, because even someone I had never met could stare so deep into my soul. Honestly, I was slightly terrified once I realized her accuracy. So often, we get caught up in what we have to do next that we forget about what we have to do now.

While the lists have not stopped, I have started making a more conscious effort to be present in everyday life. This has become even more important in my last days home before going back to college. We tend to take daily activities for granted.

Preparation will get you farther. Fine lines exist between preparation, progress, and barriers to success. In my attempts to correct the situation, I try to focus on the task or conversation at hand. How do you Keep Calm and Slow Down?

Rainbows and Rocket Ships,

Ann-Marie

I have been a horrible blogger over the past week! But, I have been productive in the real world. I have moved stuff into my apartment, dealt with parental units, and finished making a dress with a few hours to spare before a party. Living the life, right?

In between these awesome activities, I have stumbled upon the following words or phrases that have made me  laugh recently.

I will be the first to admit that I’m not a Monty Python fan. I attempted to watch the movie twice but failed due to sleep. This quote makes me laugh every time I see it though. Recently, our society has focused on liberation and freedom that we forget the inner workings behind the scenes. There is so much information we do not know whether from repression or from lack of interest. If more people had this type of attitude, maybe we would not be as repressed.

The minions never cease to make me laugh to the point where my sides hurt. Regardless of the shenanigan, and let’s be honest, there are many, the minions take everyday life and turn it into classic slapstick comedy.

I will be the first to admit, I have an obsession with clothes, make up, hair, and pretty much everything else involved in dressing up. I am not very girly in many other respects, but who needs all of the other stuff when football is on? I’m slowly conquering the beast that is my closet. But like most battles, it is uphill. Part of the reason why it has taken so long to post can be credited to the a partial closet expansion via my sewing projects.

Notoriously, I am the go to person of my group of friends for crazy outfits for themed parties, fashion trends, and everything else in between. Some people have hobbies, I have clothes.

I love this quote mainly because it comes from Albert Einstein, one of the greatest creators of all time. One of the main points is that one does not need to be locked down to a particular thing to succeed. So many are pushed to find their “thing,” whether it be major, passion, sport, that they lose sight of the fun. Being “passionately curious” fuels adventure, excitement, and fulfillment. Because without these things, man is boring.

Because there’s no such thing as too many minions in your life. Enjoy!

Rainbows and Rocket Ships,

Ann-Marie

Day 15: The Never Ending Closet Battle

I have not been one to have an growing wishlist, much to my mom’s disagreement. Most of this is due to the fact that I started working at 14 and babysitting at 12. I have always been one to save up for what I want while making sure my future desires were covered too. But as college shopping is in its prime, the wishlist of many a college kid is ever growing. From dorm/apartment stuff, to game day attire, or books, there always seems to be something more. What if I told you, you do not need half of the stuff on that list?

The refashion movement has caught on with as the green movement grows. Everyone looks to Pinterest for inspiration or thrift shops thanks to the newest trend. When was the last time people looked to their own closets for their wishlist? People tend to forget the three nuggets of advice below.

1. Look for the things that can be remastered. That shirt with a spot on it? Bleach it or dye it. The dress that you bought on a whim but it doesn’t quite fit right? Alter it slightly or make it into something else. I am a firm believer that Pinterest powers can be used for good if you use the knowledge to your advantage.

All of the information can be overwhelming. And as someone who grew up in the south, I promise, mason jars are not used as much as the internet thinks. In fact, I don’t think I saw a mason jar until a year ago. Make sure to read this article as a reminder of how Pinterest can ruin your life.

Pinterest can be used to teach yourself new things. If you’ve checked out my first post, you know I made my prom dress out of a shower curtain. What I didn’t tell you though is that I taught myself how to sew. I have yet to have a lesson to this day. I have only had the fortune of experienced seamstresses help me fit where I can’t reach. In addition to that prom dress, I have hemmed pants to fit my 5 foot 2 frame, created a dress for a semi-formal event, and even refashioned a maternity shirt to be a classic wardrobe staple. The possibilities are endless.

2. Rethink how you shop. Instead of pinning every cute outfit under the sun I see, I try to pin only outfits at least one of the pieces (jeans not included) and a possible substitute sit in my laundry bin or closet. Nothing says you have to revamp your closet just because it does not match what you see online or in magazines. And who knows, that one piece you never thought you’d wear might have the potential to be the star of a themed party. (Yes, I still regret getting rid of those cheetah print pants (plural)).

3. Get rid of the things you don’t wear to make room for the things that you will. A closet is not exempt from the 80/20 rule. Chances are, you wear 20% of your clothes 80% of the time. While there is no shame to this, think about all of that space! When in college, space is a valuable commodity. Think about selling these objects, having a clothing swap with friends, or donating to someone who could use the clothes instead. Not only will you have more room, but you can also make room for the ever growing wishlist of goods. If you sell the objects, you may even be able to purchase one piece of the outfit.

While comparison may seem like the be all, end all; everyone has their own style. So whether you like classic silhouettes or funky patterns, rock what you are comfortable with and your clothes will complement your personality. If you are not happy with what is in your closet, give it to someone who cherish it or rock the outfit in a way you never could.

While for me this is something I am learning to adapt to since moving into and out of dorm life, its a valuable lesson for any age. (Plus the liberation of 10 bags of clothes feels fantastic.) I’ll be the first to admit that I am not perfect, but my closet is one step closer now.

XOXO,

Ann-Marie

Day 14: Fears

Fear has never been something that has paralyzed me, unless there is a spider or snake in the near vicinity. I have been lucky enough to not have a fear of heights or clowns. I do, however, have a few quirky fears. Here they are below.

My mom laughs that I am just like my dad in the respect that we are always afraid to throw something out for fear of needing it in the future. Luckily, we have not hit hoarder status (yet). I have a ton of stationary, thank you cards, craft supplies, and fabric that I refuse to part with. Some have a deeper meaning than just a piece of paper or cloth, others do not. Thanks to the quote below, I am slowly getting over it.

Another fear I have is of being inadequate. First of all, this is totally different from the fear of failing because failing is part of the natural progression of life. I have an intense fear of not contributing anything to society. This one probably stems from taking the Girl Scout proverb “Leave a place better than you found it” a bit too far.

 

That’s about it for my fears because spiders and snakes kind of rule that department. But because the topic is 4 fears, I am going to address my position on a few other fears.

Do not, by any means, fear society. There is no use wasting your time on something that does not make you happy. Whether its the pressure to wear the latest trend, date a significant other, or morph your body into a shape its not meant to take; rise above what everyone else thinks. A recent article from Levo League made a fantastic point, the media and society reflects the demand of users. We strive to be what we look at. Simply change your views (or how you use social media) to what makes you happy.

Do not let the fear of taking a risk keep you from succeeding. A synonym for risk is adventure. There is nothing that states all risks are inherently good or bad. Choose what is best for you, or start with a smaller risk. The adventures in life come from moving away from the flat line and up and down the pulse.

Conquer a fear today by doing something out of the ordinary and feel your pulse jump to life.

XOXO,

Ann-Marie

Day 13: Progress

Name something you are proud of. The question seems to be a popular one among interviews. Each person has their own answer based on their own experiences. What does the answer to this question really mean?

1. Shows where you have been. Among all of the other events in your life, this one has made it to the top. It’s pretty significant.

2. Demonstrates your values. Seeing the effect of your work in some way, shape or form, highlights what is important to you. Assisting with a nonprofit highlights dedication to a cause. Finishing a major project demonstrates determination. Rising above the odds represents perseverance.  There is a meaning behind every story.

3. Highlights endearing characteristics and passions. If you are like most people, you glow and begin babbling as soon as a topic of your passion wiggles its way into conversation. This is a perfectly natural reaction, because you are in your element. Recently, I saw a friend in the center of her niche with the biggest smile I have ever seen on her face.

4. Illuminates where you are headed. Each person shares only a morsel of their past, especially with answering one question. The information given provides much more meaning then your biggest weakness or another typical interview question. Instead, it provides how you overcame obstacles, worked through issues, and still came out on top.

Next time someone asks you what you are proud of, or your most prized possession, think about how much of yourself you are sharing. A small bit of your soul is put into the answer as you spark to life.

So what will you say next?

XOXO,

Ann-Marie

Day 12: What if Kid President Ruled the World

What if we lived in a world where Kid President ruled? For those of you who haven’t seen his Pep Talk or other videos, I highly suggest you check them out. What stands out the most about his work is the fact that this 10 year old kid seems to have it more of a clue than I do. So I’m going to let him do some of the blogging for now. Not only is this kid hilarious, he emphasizes valid points about everyday we forget.

When Trying to Figure Out What To Do When Bored

When Making Decisions

When Solving Problems

When Dealing with Difficult People

When Picking A Major

For Whatever Reason

What if we laughed more, gave a high five a day, or danced just because. There’s no point in losing the small significance in everyday life. A friend if mine recently said, “emotions are for the weak.” And for a while, I believed him. After seeing a tweet by Kid President, I realized that emotions are not for the weak, negative emotions are for the weak. So what if we lived in a world where Kid President ruled? I say it’d be a lot better place to be. But what’s stopping us from living in this world? Ourselves for one.

This week, I challenge you to live up to one of the commands of Kid President. Find your space jam, give someone a high five a day, or just dance. I promise you will feel better at the end of the day. Plus you never know how your positivity can affect someone else’s life.

To Rainbows and Rocket ships,

Ann-Marie

Day 11: Social Media Habits of Successful People

According to Freakonomics, the only way to become an expert is to dedicate 10,000 hours to a particular area. Bill Gates’ success can be attributed to his developing his passion for computer programming in high school. While everyone else was doing their own thing, Gates aspired to be something bigger and started his 10,000 hours early.

In order to set yourself apart from the crowd and begin your 10,000 hours, I challenge you to change one thing in your life: how you use social media. This simple tactic involves nothing drastic but has the potential to be totally life changing.

Use the social media you constantly check to give you one more nugget of information about the world around you. Start your 10,000 hours with something already built into your routine. Most of all, make it interesting to you! If its not somewhat interesting, then you will just skim over it in the future.

Do not be afraid to become interested in something off the beaten path or something totally different from what you are studying. Steve Jobs took a Calligraphy class on a whim. This seems strange because everyone knows him for computers, but this class exposed him to the calisthenics of design. Thanks to calligraphy, we have the beautiful, world class Mac interface those in the creative world demand.

At the end of the day, everyone has 24 hours. The difference between the successful people and the average people are how they choose to spend their time. Improve the way you use social media and expand your repertoire of information.

XOXO,

Ann-Marie

Day 9: Something Learned Recently

This summer, I have been the Queen of Car Trouble. Along the way, I have figured out many things about my car and physics. I have hydroplaned, had my tires replaced, and jumped my car twice in the span of about 8 weeks. I have always been a proponent of people knowing how to fix their cars over calling AAA.

While cars seem easy enough, I had to throw another crazy factor into the mix: A Hybrid Car. My Prius is the only car I have ever driven, yet I wouldn’t trade it for anything else (gotta love 40 mpg).  The other night, I was hanging out at a friend’s house and my car died. The downside to having a “space car” as my friends call it: no one knows where anything is. This brings me to the following lesson so you do not end up like the 5 guys staring at my car with quizzical looks.

 

I hope this prevents more people from looking quizzically at Priuses or other hybrids. Space cars can be tricky, but once you figure out what to do, they are pretty normal. If you have any questions about this tutorial or about hybrids in general, just comment below and I’ll be happy to answer them!

XOXO,

Ann-Marie