9/11

I can't believe it's been 9 years since the horrible terrorist attacks on September 11.

I was a freshman in high school, and I remember that my best friend Matt's older sister Rose told us what was happening. At that point, only one tower had been hit. It didn't make sense at all—and we heard the news in passing. There was still a lot of excitement—not the good kind, but rather the unsure, chattering kind—and confusion about what was happening in New York. My assumption was that there had been an accident. I never would have imagined that that plane had crashed into the tower on purpose.

The first part of the day is hazy, I don't remember much about it because at that point there was nothing particularly special about it. If I remember correctly, my first one or two classes went on as usual. The teachers were no doubt being updated on the situation, but the magnitude of the events was still unclear.

Towards the end of the day, we spent class time watching the news, waiting to learn more, shocked at what was happening. Even then, it was hard for me to really understand the gravity of the situation. I remember feeling a little excited at the thought of being around for something that people were already saying would be talked about in history books. But I didn't really know what it meant, how bad it was. I wasn't thinking about the people who lost their lives, the families who lost their loved ones. But the more we talked about it, and the more I heard about it, and the more news I watched, the more it really hit me.

I remember thinking about how my Dad was supposed to be in New York the following week, and how glad I was that he wasn't there when it happened.


Thinking about it now isn't really any easier. I still feel so sad for those who lost loved ones.

God bless the firefighters and officers who risked their lives, and God bless those who lost their lives, lost family members, loved ones. I pray we don't have another attack like this in the country I love.

I hope everyone will take a moment today and remember those lost.

God bless.

Retail Therapy

They say money doesn't buy happiness, but money does buy stuff. And I love stuff. Stuff makes me happy. So I'm not sure that that old adage is completely true.

After the first week of school, I was a little overwhelmed. One week in and I already felt like I'd been back in school for a month. Classes were intense, homework was piling up, and I was dragging bad on the way to the weekend. I'd been saving my tax refund money for an, uh, emergency. And I thought this was emergency enough.

That's right.

I find retail therapy to be extremely effective. I love shopping. To a fault. And I've been craving a new purse for a few weeks now. If you didn't know this about me, now you will—I have a handbag addiction. In a bad way.

So I took my friend Megan—actually, she took me, technically—and we hit up the shops.

We went a couple of different places, including the ATM, and I ended up with that new purse I'd been wanting. Plus my first official pair of Cowboy boots. YES. I am excited. I've been a Texan for my whole life, but I've never owned a pair of Cowboy boots. So now I'm a legit Texan, y'all! Whoop!

I'm super excited about my new stuff, so I thought I'd share it with you guys. Hope you don't mind!

Here are my boots! I got 'em for a steal at a resale shop, but you know what? The soles look brand new. In fact, they all around look brand new, down to the interior. They're great boots—a good quality brand, and all. Plus I think they're friggin' adorable. And, if I'm being honest, I feel kind of like a bada$$ wearing them. What's not to love?!

LOVE the shape of the toes!

The embroidery is a darker green/teal than it looks here.
It's also actually three different shades of color.
Thanks camera flash.

Next is my purse. I'm kind of in love with it. Especially because it's actually called a Baby Fluffy. Is that not the most excellent style name for a purse? I mean, come on! Gotta love Juicy Couture. I've been wanting one of their handbags for awhile now. This weekend was my weekend to make that want come true. Here's my new purse! I already have the wallet to match!

"Once upon a time..."

Royal Juicy. I royally love this bag!

Choose Juicy? I did, thanks! ♥

For some reason the flash thought it needed to happen this time.
And casual love to my favorite True Blood trio on their cover of Rolling Stone!
(They're the, uh...naked ones covered in blood...)

The inside! I have always loved their little phrases!
Already found a spot for my headphones.

Just for fun—the wallet I already had.
Now I have a bag to go with it! Excite.

Ariat Cowboy boots, originally around $150, bought for $55.
Juicy Couture Baby Fluffy handbag, originally $175, bought for $89.99.

Satisfying the overwhelming urge to shop? 

Priceless.

What can I say? Retail therapy works!

AT&T and Moby Dick

I just saw this commercial and it's officially going on my list of Commercials That Got It Right. I think it's very creative, and pretty funny. And as an English major, I totally appreciate the little details.

Good job AT&T advertising and marketing department. AT&T's take on Moby Dick is a win.

A modern-day retelling of the literary classic "Moby Dick" through the features and functionality of the BlackBerry® Torch™.