New York, New York! : The City (Part 1)

My mom and best friend surprised me with the best kind of gift for graduation, a plane ticket to New York City! Seriously, can they get an award for best people on Earth? That would be great and appropriate. We got snow on the day we arrived, making it a perfectly mushy day for exploring. We covered just about everything on my itinerary and a few extra random things along the way too. Day one consisted of exploring the subway, Grand Central Station, Trump Tower, 5th Avenue, the christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center, Tiffany's, New York Public Library, Macy's, random shops, and Times Square. All in a days walk. #whew What was my favorite part of day one? Probably the library, because inside I am just a girl that wants to live inside a library with humongous bookcases, secret passageways, high ceilings and ornate water fountains.

xoxo,

Hey, I Graduated!

So lately life has been grand. December 16th, 2016 I officially graduated from East Carolina University with my Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology with a concentration in Bioprocess Manufacturing (that's a mouthful). I think my brain is having a hard time accepting the fact that I don't have to go back to school...like ever.

 So here I am, contemplating schools and ideas for a Master's degree because 'hello, my name is Kimberly and I am an overachiever'. One thing I was not expecting is the bombardment of questions I have been getting from coworkers, friends, and family asking me "What's next?"

 The answer is, I don't know! 

I want to have a few months break to really just focus on myself and enjoy life a little. (Which I do all the time, but it's about to get better when I have THE ENTIRE AFTERNOON to fill with hobbies and fun activities). Honestly, I am just thrilled to be done, and looking forward to what God has in store for me in this next chapter of life! 

[insert all the happy, dancing, and celebratory emojis here]

A big thank you to my parents who have always encouraged me to do my best and supported me every step of the way! A thanks to my sisters who put up with me on my moody/stress induced cranky afternoons and all-nighters. Maybe I'll be a funner sister now. To Gabby one of the loudest cheerleaders and encouragers that always kept tabs on me. And lastly, thank you Jesus for seeing me through and all of the miracles you performed on those last minute papers and exams I didn't study enough for!

One thing that I wanted to encourage any of my fellow college readers is to make sure that Jesus is always first and foremost in your life. I am 100% for education, bettering yourself, learning, etc. but Jesus should always be your first priority. I know it is so easy for college students to use the excuse of school and studying to miss out on church services, but I am telling you, you can do this! I worked full time all through the last 2 years of college, and I never missed a single scheduled church service for a class, homework, studying, exam, paper, anything! It either got done after church, or I paid the price of an all nighter for my scheduling conflicts. I also worked two jobs the semester before I started at ECU and never missed a Tuesday, Saturday, or Sunday service. I definitely missed out on some fun hanging out times, but all of my assignments were taken care of! Anyways, I guess what I'm trying to get at is, just be faithful to the God who has never left your side. End rant.

Jesus is so good!

xoxo,

Merry & Bright

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! 

One that is full of laughter, joy, and love.

Let us allow ourselves peace of mind that all is in control in the Master's hand, and ultimately wonderful.

A gentle reminder to count our blessings each night and thank Him.

xoxo,

Tips for Surviving the Semester Wind Down

It's crunch time. The end of the fall semester is so near you can almost taste its sweetness! As Christmas time approaches , everyone is in full "Christmas Preparation" mode that no one remembers college kids still have their hands full of papers, projects and exams!

 It's ok, I remembered.
Only because I had to and I'm trying to survive myself!

So I have created a perfect list of essentials for your last week before break. Exam week demolition, activate.

1. Killer playlist for study / work time

2. Put your phone on silent. Just do it. You know you'll pick it up and check if you hear any sort of notification.

3. Good healthy snacks to boost your brain power. Chop up some fruits or veggies, grab a dried fruit mix, or eat a granola bar.

4. Keep the coffee close by. Not only is the smell delicious, but it will keep you cozy (and possibly in a good mood) through it all.

5. Stay hydrated! This is something you need to do regardless of what week it is. What a difference you will feel though, when your body has enough water!

6. Take a break every few minutes.(30 Minutes is my preference)

7. Pray - No, I'm completely serious, but especially for those exams you're feeling worried about.


I'm wishing you all the best this exam week! When you're feeling stressed, depressed, and a mess, just remember Philippians 4:13!


               
You can purchase this adorable canvas here !

xoxo,