Goodbye, January

Oh man, January has just flown by for me.  I'm ready for a new month.  February just breezes on by because it's so short.  I am certainly craving some warmer temperatures, although I wouldn't be surprised if we got some snowfall in February or even early March around here.

At least I have home to look forward to with warm and sunny temperatures in early March.

Here is what my January has consisted of:

My new internship at the St. Louis Mayor's Office in the Education sector (!).  Isn't City Hall absolutely stunning?

Welcoming this cutie to St. Louis! Thanks for visiting, Lisa. 

Finally making it to the top of the Gateway Arch in STL.  It was beautiful.

Feeling like a kid and loving it at City Museum

Feeling thankful for views like this

...and this

Visiting the Missouri State Capitol 

Final thoughts:

• If you know anyone in Texas connected to an education advocacy and/or policy organization please shoot me an e-mail or drop me a comment.  I am interested in connecting! 
• I think some of these 2014 goals have been going well, especially the having more fun portion :)
• Also, the networking goal...already met my goal for networking in January, go me!
• If you have any good song or album recommendations please comment.

Thoughts from a Tuesday

It has been a gorgeous couple of days in STL lately.  The weather is in the mid 40s to low 50s and sunny, today has been pretty windy though.  After the snowpocalypse of last week and subzero temperatures, this is quite an improvement.  I am soaking it up as much as possible because I know it will soon be gone before it snows again.  I spent a couple of hours outside a coffee shop doing some work and enjoying the sun in my face.  For those of you reading from the south, I know you probably think I'm crazy and the midwest is already screwing up my perception of nice weather.  

Thoughts from this Tuesday: 

• My Book Club page has been updated with the last two recent books I read, check it out.

• The Fault in Our Stars (TFIOS) by John Green is a young adult (YA) book I read over my winter break.  YA books are my favorite genre because of how real they are with emotion.  There is a certain transparency and innocence that comes with the feeling and emotion expressed in YA novels, one much forgotten about in the adult world.  I like to remember that it is okay to be vulnerable and reading YA novels helps me do that.  TFIOS is beautifully written, I could not put it down and read it in about two days.  It was funny, real, and heartbreaking, all of which are quintessentially very YA.  I learned that this book is in the process of being made into a movie, in theaters everywhere summer of 2014.  

• I recently saw a great TEDx talk that I'd love to share with everyone.  This fellow sister is from my home state (Texas) and went to a university just a bit further south than my alma mater.  She has a very important message that I hope hits close to home for many, "What defines you?" 
• This song has been on my mind a lot lately

Happy Tuesday! 

Favorite Moments of 2013

I love reminiscing on good times, and 2013 was full of them.  Let's recap, shall we?

January
Listening to "Anything Could Happen" at the Red River Grill w/Matthew, Tickle, Dan, and Kathryn and having lots of Lemon Drop Martinis.

February
It would have to be a tie between New Orleans (Carousel Bar!) w/my cousin, Anjali, and Jasmyn during Mardi Gras season and New York City with Anjali and Jasmyn.  Listening to "Dancing on my Own" at an old strip club bar/club.  Paying too much money to see Mumford and Sons ( but worth it!).

March

St. Patrick's Day at Bailey's singing Karaoke w/Kathryn and winning the contest thanks to our fabulous rendition of Tina Turner's "Proud Mary" (w/dance moves).  Oh, and taking students on a field trip to University of Louisiana in Lafayette. The beach and Austin, Texas w/Leigh Anne.

April
Winning a bunny at the farm festival with my sweeties.  Tequila tasting at Bailey's and taking a day off with Kathryn to go to The Bull Dog in New Orleans for pint night (best decision ever!).

May
Jazz Fest!! Cochon de Lait w/my family and friends. The best Bon Voyage parties! The most amazing view you'll ever see in Louisiana. Falling in love.  Saying goodbye to beautiful and amazing friends I made while I lived in Louisiana for two years.

June
Moving back to Texas.

July
California with Anjali and Liz.  My first Indian wedding experience.  Spending time with my cousin on the beautiful island of Cozumel drinking piña coladas and soaking up the sun.

August
Moving to Saint Louis, starting a new job, starting graduate school, gaining new friends and wonderful new roommates.

September
Going to Lou Fest with Janie and seeing Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Alabama Shakes, The Killers, and Icona Pop.  An amazing Labor Day weekend with someone who made me very happy.  My first STL Cardinals baseball game.

October
Fall in St. Louis!  Apple and pumpkin picking in Illinois.  One of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever experienced.  Seeing the Lumineers with Jess and Alex! Reuniting with my favorite people in Louisiana and the most epic Halloween costume ever!

November
Hearing Laverne Cox speak.  The most beautiful fall leaves I ever did see.  My first Diwali experience.

December
Lots of healing. TEDx STL Women's event with Jess. Meeting Ellie Kemper. My first snowfall in St. Louis. Following my heart and choosing to take big risks...with a little help from my friends :)