First steps to grad school

91

Somehow I managed to fit more in today than expected, which I am always okay with!

Today a couple of my flatmates and I headed over to Olio Trattoria for lunch. I still miss the old Joe Mama's, but my ravioli was pretty tasty (with vodka cream sauce...yum). 

Our friend Marie was working, and we totally embarrassed her in front of her coworkers - something we never fail to do.

But their soundtrack was hilarious. The restaurant played everything from Frank Sinatra to indie pop. We didn't understand it, but hey anything can happen in an Oakland Italian place.

Afterwards, it was time to venture downtown a little to take a visit to Sally's. Downtown Pittsburgh is so easy to get to, it's just nice to go to clear your head a bit or for a change of scenery a few minutes away.

My stomach was yelling at me now as we walked out of the beauty store. As we passed by an Au Bon Pain, I suddenly started craving a MASSIVE cupcake. Like with all the decorations and a mountain of frosting. I wanted the works. 

Nothing.

Just muffins and coffee cake =(

My hunt for the perfect cupcake continues!

On the bus ride home, my friend and I were just talking about next year and what we were excited for, and then out of the blue, I get an email.

I GOT INVITED TO MY FIRST GRAD SCHOOL INTERVIEW!!!

I couldn't breathe for a second. Did I really just read that right??

Yes. Yes I did. The subject headline read: "Interview Invitation"

After forgetting how to inhale for a second, I quickly dialed my mom's number (almost dropping my phone under my seat in the process) and pressed call.

As always, moms are the best with this stuff. She could barely hear me from the crowded restaurant she was in, but she was so happy from what she could make out whatever I was saying. 

I still was in shock! This was the first I have heard from any school saying anything beyond, "Thank you for applying, we will review your application soon."

Talk about a subjective response! Now this is the first date I can mark in my calendar to look forward to in terms of moving on in this process. I was so relieved.

The best part about this is, one of my sorority sisters who graduated last year actually goes there now for the same program. She's always been helping me along this whole process (which started basically last April) and now she was going to be able to give me tips on her particular school. 

I was still jumping as we got home. Which was great because I was about to bleach my friend's hair (not ideal for shaky hands!) so we could dye it bluish the next day. 

Hair salon time! Probably something I never would have learned to do had it not been for college and my creative friends. It's like an art project, just on someone's head. Granted, I am not the greatest artist, so I'm still learning. Bless anyone who trusts me with a paintbrush in my hand.

And what's a Friday night without a midnight Redbox run? We popped in the movie Neighbors while sipping some wine and had a relaxing girl's night in. It was exactly what I needed.

Sometimes, all you need in life is a close friend and a tub of hair dye.

Until next time babes,

Xx

Amanda

They say it's your birthday

92

Happy Birthday Momma!!

Today my beautiful mother turned 29 can you believe it!? She doesn't look a day over 25 ;)

I was so happy to finally get the chance to FaceTime my family before running out the door again.

As I talked with them over their nice dinner out, I wished I could be there to give the birthday girl a huge hug. But, beggars can't be choosers I guess. Still, I wished I could have done more than just chat through two glass screens.

My mom and I are really close, so it's hard to not be there and just have talks about nothing and everything like we do when I come home on breaks. 

She definitely helped to keep my mind off the hectic day though, and she knows how to remind me to not take everything so seriously. Which, actually came in handy, because when I came home from class I walk into my apartment and...

And later...

Yeah our ceiling is toast.  Right now there isn't even a hole, but more like a gaping portal to Narnia. Both of those tiles are on the floor!

How the ladies of our apartment solve problems: put on a "rain" music playlist and dance until we hear back from our landlord. What else can you do besides be a little silly and have some fun with it? Again, not taking things too seriously, or at least trying.

Thank goodness we have the best landlord in the universe and he came at 10:00 at night to help fix the problem. Now we just kind of have to wait it out until he orders new tiles. I think it adds some character to Lady Laga. 

So, our original plan to celebrate our roommate Fredrika's birthday definitely were not going to go down the same way after all of this. But we decided since it still was the only day we could celebrate this weekend, we had to do something.

Oakland bars, here we come.

After trying Hems (WAY too crowded for our liking) we headed over to Atwood for Fredrika's first time at GDoor. 

I think it's safe to say she had a nice time. Happy early 22nd birthday Fredrika, and happy birthday mom!

Ta ta for now babes,

Xx

Amanda

Techy Gloves

93

I can't believe it's been over a week since I started these blogs! It doesn't seem like it, but since the start of this whole blog thing everything has just flown by.

My morning started off with a class project and a chewy bar. Typical Wednesday =)

Then, my roommate Fredrika met up with me at the union for this free Pitt App challenge promotion- but really I think it was like a nice excuse to give out free cookies and lemonade.

But the best part? FREE TECH GLOVES!

And a t-shirt. But I've got plenty of those.

But the gloves!!! I have never found the perfect pair and I thought these little ones would fit me just right (my hands are baby sized, just FYI).

And...they don't fit. Well, I tried.

Just for the record, today was not the most exciting. But, I did get to Snapchat a little bit with one of my close friends from back home, and it made me realize something. There's lots of people in your life, whether it be friends from class, or people you just recognize and say hi to walking down Forbes. Your true friends though, the ones who will always back you up, are going to stay with you through anything. I've known this girl since I was in preschool, and since then we have never gone to the same school again. But look at us, still as close as ever at 21 years old.

So part of growing up I think has to do with trusting not just these important people, but also yourself. My friend Hannah helped me realize that I definitely love people. But I really do cherish the ones who I know will always support me. I like to feel spiritually close to those people, and it scares me when I know something coming up (cough, graduation, cough) could potentially tear a hole in that closeness. I know now though, thanks to some expert advice, that those people who I know will always be there for me won't just disappear.

Sorry for the sap, I just had to share that. Now, I was off to my workout feeling good, until I stepped onto the elliptical.

Ow.

My body could NOT move normally. Did I mention I did cycling yesterday for the first time? Yeah, and now I was feeling it 24 hours later. 

Hey, at least I gave it my best effort. I could have easily (very very easily) taken a nap but instead, I didn't want to lose the momentum I had.

On my way back home from my workout, my brother called me out of the blue just to tell me a funny story about what our parents were up to at the current moment. Don't tell him, but I miss him.

And then it was just back to being home at the apartment with my roommates, watching Snooki & JWOWW (love them) and finishing up some work. And this is literally the only picture I got of today, so I hope you enjoy.

Peace, babes.

Until next time,

Xx

Amanda

Cycling for the soul

94

Today I feel like Beyonce.

I seriously feel stronger than I've felt in a while. Even during winter break when I dragged myself to the really intimidating gym (where everyone from my high school flocked) and hopped on an elliptical every day, today I truly pushed myself. And I loved every second of it.

Back up...
today wasn't all rainbows and butterflies.

I started off stressing over maybe not being able to get everything done, calling my mom (which is always a good idea) and running around campus like a crazy person. I wish I could have told myself that today was going to end up being a GREAT day. 

I had to remind myself of a time when one of my friends at Pitt once assured me,

"Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end."

Yes. Yes yes yes.

Things started turning from stressful to normal after lunch. My life in a nutshell. =)

But really, the real reason was because I just took a couple minutes to sit on my bed, take a few breaths and not think about how I might not have gotten all the answers right on my test. It pays off to take a step back and reconvene once in a while. Even for just a minute or two.

Then, music class rolled around. I really like how laid back the feel of it is, but we also get to learn how some revolutionary women in history kicked butt in the music world. 

Plus, cool decor. Everywhere. Future wall goals right here.

So that was a really fun time. We listened to some of the first music composed by women in the US. Nice job ladies, you da real MVPs.

Class dismissed. Bring in the dancin' lobstas.

No really though, when class was over I was shaking.

Cycling time. My first ever cycling class! I kept telling myself all week that it was going to be torture - that I would keel over halfway through class and have to leave before I stopped breathing. 

Walking in, guess which were the only two seats left (one for myself and my roommate). Yep, the ones DIRECTLY in the very front of everybody, where the entire class can watch you the whole time and just judge.......

Class was starting, our instructor got up on her bike, clicked play, and we were off.

The very first thing I noticed was how uncomfortable the seat was. Little did I know that was the last external thing I would think about for the next hour.

I really couldn't even tell you how, but something kept telling me to keep going. Inside I told myself that this was not going to be my defeat. This class was a short period of my life that I want to be long and healthy. I pushed on.

Our instructor was awesome. I don't know what it was about her, but I felt very comfortable being in the front to my surprise, where she could literally watch the sweat drip from my face. I got to study her technique with every pedal. Seeing how she was working at the same exact pace as me, at the same rhythm and resistance really gave me the confidence that, maybe I could finish the workout. 

It ended up being a really fun time! I am actually looking forward to next week's class. My friend and I may not be able to feel our butts at the moment, but we got through it, and with the right attitude.

So really, there was nothing to be scared about. If you want to do something, make yourself do it. Nobody is stopping you except for yourself. Your body will thank you afterwards, it is your mind that you have to convince. You may think the girl with the perfect body in the second row will actually care about what you are doing, or that the instructor isn't going to make it fun for you, but you would be lying to yourself. It is all about telling yourself that you are there to make the class fun, and that you are doing this for your own happiness and health. You think that you can't keep up because of your thighs? Think again. If I did it, so can anyone.

Until next time babes,

Xx

Amanda

A good luck cookie for you

95

HOW has it already gotten down to only 95 days left????

Okay, that doesn't seem like a big difference to many of you, but to me it seems like the distance from here to mars has gone by in a couple of days.

My trek to my 9:30am class was a little less than glamorous. I mean, waking up like this only comes in handy when the weather is cooperating. (lol nah just kidding.)

Sorry to everyone I accidentally splashed on my way to class. But how can you resist when your boots (with reflectors might I add...yes they are the kids boots) go up tall enough to withstand ANY and all puddles?! It's not everyday you can get away with that. Sorry not sorry, just channeling my inner 6 year old.

This class is one of my favorites at least. All day we jammed to songs from the 70s and 80s and talked about The Breakfast Club. Yep, my kind of class right there.

Then, my favorite part of any day: FOOD. This week, Oakland is doing this bomb event where a bunch of restaurants offer super delicious meals for just six bucks. Um, yes please.

Literally I've lived above the place I tried today for like seven thousand years... and I figured now would be a good time to try it. Yeah, I know, not an excuse for always passing by it with the smells of chicken and lo mein making my nose all happy every day. But, hey, better late than never.

The lady taking my order was very sweet, and as she dropped my fortune cookie in my bag she smiled and said, "See you tomorrow!" Uh, I hope not because that would mean two-a-days at the gym for this girl!

After making my belly all full of chicken and broccoli, (not bad, but next time I'm trying the noodles) it was time to hit up my next class and the gym.

I couldn't wait to hop on the elliptical again.

Haha, uh nice try.

People were pretty much on the hunt for a machine in our quaint little gym. I guess I didn't expect anything less, since this is the only gym not up a gigantic hill and open to all students living off-campus. And who wants to run in this ugly mush ever?

But I stealthily snagged the first one I saw, and hopped on while kicking off my Hunters and with my drawstring dangling off my wrist. Accomplishment number one of the day.

Pretty sure the only reason I felt motivated to keep working out (and not worry if the million other people in the gym were judging my workout routine) was because Tia & Tamera was playing on TV. If they don't represent goals in life, I don't know what does.

But it seriously felt like the longest Monday ever, because after my two meetings and doing some homework tonight, I just want to sleep for the next two decades. 

Then I remembered! The fortune cookie! What deep dark secrets does this little magical thing hold for me tonight? I had to open it before starting my blog. Cue drum roll...

A new business venture? That's all this tiny genie had to tell me? Where's the juicy hint at my future bank balance or my luck that I'll get followed home by a puppy who needs a home and my landlord will be so touched he'll let the little guy stay?

Well whatever, it might mean something later on. 

Ta ta for now babes,

Xx

Amanda

"Don't believe me just watch"

96

After over a week of being SO incredibly sick (first time all school year I have been) I got my butt out of bed, and said to myself, "I'm actually going to accomplish something today."

I FINALLY GOT TO WORK OUT.

No lie, it was pretty pathetic.

BUT nonetheless... I got to have a super fun time doing it!

So what I did was I hiked up to the Pete with Mavis after layering on what felt like 20 extra pounds of clothing, and we braced ourselves for the 90 degree angle incline up to the gym. Plus the 6,000 steps to even just get inside. Ugh.

But still, I was excited - not to mention this is my favorite class Pitt's Healthy U program offers. We signed up for a Zumba class so every Sunday we have an excuse to leave the apartment and be active. 

Our instructor is just really cool, and doesn't make you feel like whatever you're doing is weird or wrong. She makes the class pretty easy going, which is refreshing after some experiences I've had in these types of classes. 

I knew most of the dances since I took her class last semester too, and when it was time for abs, I couldn't stop singing Bruno Mars' Uptown Funk. It totally worked with getting me pumped to crunch those things I want so badly to call my abs. So catchy I must say.

I'm really looking forward to more classes with her, because she makes us work every muscle in our body- and enough to make you walk out in your own pool of sweat. Again, my attempt at being healthier starts with a little bit of exercise most days of the week.

Now cycling, I'm not too sure about. We'll see on Tuesday how that goes... (if I live to write about it afterwards).

Later, it was time for my favorite way to end the week (I'm totally unbiased I swear) the Her Campus meeting!

My lovely co-CC rockin' her HC spirit jersey!

It's definitely going to be weird next year not being in HC. It's such a huge part of my life right now, and has been for the past four years. 

Okay, back to the present. I liked having meeting in a circle because I just feel like it's more interactive and less intimidating for everyone.

And then, my stomach was yelling at me. Probably too many crunches than it could handle for the day, of course. What better way to shut your stomach up than with pizza?

LOL whoops.

Okay I didn't say my eating habits were perfected yet. But at 10pm what else is there to eat?

Now tomorrow, I'll get to eat better because I can actually start cooking now that my sicky sickness has calmed down a bit. Unfortunately that still doesn't mean I'm getting as much sleep as I should be...

Before I wrap this blog up, let me just give a big thanks to one of my best friends from home Hannah for texting me until 5am about life and college and everything. I love ya girl.

PSA for everyone, cherish your friendships, especially if they're the ones you know are meant to last a lifetime. It's important to know you can reach out to someone when you need it most. 

Ta ta for now babes.

Xx

Amanda

SouthSide Soup

97

Ever just randomly take a new route somewhere and find out little things on campus you had never experienced?

I have no idea why but it's still weird to me when I come across something I haven't seen before here. It feels like I'm a veteran so seeing something new still baffles me.

Hardly super exciting. But I didn't know this little pathway and stairs existed on my school. I don't know, it was cute okay!?

And of course, Forbes was looking awesome as always on a winter day.

It ended up being a pretty chill day though. After walking around Oakland for a bit (which I definitely needed) my roommate and I came back and watched our favorite British youtubers, Dan and Phil. They are literally the funniest people on the internet, and I could not stop laughing during Phil's live show.

(Bae is on the right.)

I just really like that these guys are totally okay with being silly and laughing at themselves. That takes a lot to sit in front of literally a million people and still be confident with who you are. Props to you guys. You know, in case you're reading.

So then I made plans with a bunch of sorority sisters to go down to SouthSide - where there is ALWAYS a good place to eat. We accidentally stumbled into this place I'd never been to called Claddagh Irish Pub, since Cheesecake couldn't sit 4200. 

IT. WAS. BOMB.

I'm so going back to that place. Oh my god.

I really just wanted something my tummy wouldn't yell at me for trying, and at places like this I always go with something I know might not be as good anywhere else.

French onion soup, get in mah belly.

First time trying it too. Freaking amazing I must say.

Yes that is a HUGE layer of cheese on top. Mozzarella and provolone mix. Happiness can be bought.

Without intentionally doing so, today was a lot of discovering new things. I had a lovely time catching up with a bunch of sorority sisters I don't see every day, so all in all I had a great evening. Definitely doing that again for sure!

Welp, time for bed. 

Ta ta for now babes!

Xx

Amanda

Advice over a Creme Brulee Cheesecake

98

This girl was miss productive and didn't leave the apartment until 4pm...

Okay I'm not lazy, I just needed a day to get better. And guess what? I'm almost feeling like a person again!

Errand time. Woohoo being an adult is exciting.

And really, did you actually leave your apartment if you didn't snap a Cathy pic? I think nah.

Still obsessed with our geotag by the way (how many campuses can say they have one?!).

Actually I was going around to find tights. Yes, apparently being a classy adult means investing in some tights. See I had a networking dinner tonight, and the dress code was SUPER fancy. So course in my book, that means berry lipstick.

I wasn't sure what to expect tonight at the dinner. All I knew was that we were to meet a woman who graduated from Pitt. Walking in, our group was greeted by a woman in a fur coat down to the floor. Can you say fabulous entrance much??

She was amazing. Like, absolutely incredible. She had worked in every cool city out there - from Tokyo to Baltimore to Hong Kong. And her profession? Helping women in domestic  violent relationships. The stories she told just made me want to travel the world and change lives. I was so inspired by her experiences, I just wanted to listen to her all night.

As dinner was ending and the dessert menus arrived, our host gave one piece of advice that really resonated with me, that I just want to share. 

She told our table that even if you have a set plan right now for what you want your profession to be, don't just have a one-track mind. She is loving what she is doing because she essentially tried something new, not because it was planned. She was bored with what she was initially studying in college, so she picked up a completely opposite interest. Now she is making a major difference in many women's lives. I was in awe as I sat four feet away from such a remarkable person. So although the Creme Brulee Cheesecake was decadently delicious, it did not end up being the highlight of the night - like it would have been in other occasions. Our host was the one who made me speechless for the first time in a while.

Though networking may seem like a scary word for some, go ahead and just do it. Sign up for every event you can. Connect with more people in your area of interest on LinkedIn, and stay in touch with the people you have met already. Because otherwise, you miss out on nights like the one I just had. You never know who will surprise you, or who knows someone who worked at this company you've been dreaming of, or even who will be the key factor to your future career. Never burn bridges with potential connections, and be open to meeting new people. Naturally something good will come out of it, and you'll feel way more confident in the end too.

Okay, enough career advice. Time for bed!

Until next time babes

Xx

Amanda

A cup of tea and the OCC

99

An afternoon spent with Barrie's book in my hand and tea in the other to try and combat this annoying cough.

You know when you make all these awesome plans, but your body just WON'T let you do even half of them?
Yep, that was me today. The plan ruiner.

Sorry guys. My lungs have to take a little time to refresh.

But anyways, it wasn't such a bad day after all. I got to do some work in the research lab making sure our work is reliable enough, and on the first try, my roommate Liz and I nailed it!!!

That was just something that made me super proud. I've been working in this lab for quite a while now and it's finally looking like some progress is being made. 

So, I come home after that (to a big ol' pile of laundry staring me in the face) and BAM I get an email. I'm in the OCC! Basically what that is is something Pitt makes to get you involved in other things besides just academics. Freshman year goal complete!!

But I'm also really missing my friends back home and the ones abroad right now (say "Hi" to London for me!!). Just like little things I come across throughout the day remind me of something we'd burst into laughter about. And while it's fun to do that, I gotta realize they're having new experiences that we'll get to cry laughing over later. 

That's a little bit why I was okay with laying low tonight and letting myself have some "me" time (something extrovert me is SO not used to, or fully comfortable with). I decided it might not be so bad to just sit at home with some candles and apple juice with Project Runway telling me how to be fabulous. 

Today's one of those day I'm soo not runway ready.

But I got the chance to really not worry about anything but my own well-being for a night. And honestly, it wasn't pure torture. I think the more I realize that I deserve to just be worry-free once in a while the more I'll be okay with it. It'll take a little getting used to that's for sure. But this is just the beginning.

Alright, I may or may not be craving some ice cream for my throat (compliments of my roommate Mavis). I'll try to keep these daily blogs short 'n sweet, but with all the same attitude.

Until next time babes

Xx
Amanda

And the countdown begins...

100 

Woah.

That got real...really fast.

And I thought freshman move-in was stressful.

Being a senior is a lot different than I thought it would be. I thought it was going to be a breeze - just cruising until you finally get to say, "I'm DONE!" and that was it.

Well, I'm learning that it's not so simple. Things aren't done, and they won't be even after graduation, and you still don't really know where you're going to end up and you don't know if you'll get to see some people again and you really still have to juggle all this and school and it's a lot harder than it looks.

Whew, let's take a step back.

I knew going into senior year that it would be a mix of sad and excited. Sad, because honestly I've met some of the greatest people here that I never want to say goodbye to, and I'm not a fan of change. Excited, because I really do love my major and I want to jump in right away and start helping people.

But it's actually a time when you do have to start facing reality, and become a real person. I don't just mean that you can find the cheapest place to buy hand soap. I mean that you really start looking at life in a different way than you had before. 

And that means, dealing with change...not something I was ever good at.

But that's what this blog is going to help me with: seeing that change is good and can really make you see things you wouldn't have before. So before I start with documenting my daily experiences, let me leave you with a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the spirit of MLK day this past weekend.

"You don't have to see the whole staircase just to see the first step."

Today, Pitt threw a little 100 Days To Graduation party. I love how our school finds every little reason to have a celebration (like I heart Pitt day, who isn't ashamed to stand in line for a free shirt?!). But this one was nice because basically The Backstreet Boys and Britney were playing the entire time, and all of our beloved 90's games were available to play with! Our table had a cootie catcher station. Yes, even now I believe they hold some truth. What can I say, That's so Raven did happen to be my absolute favorite (if you can see into the future...)

But anyways, good job Pitt for keeping the nostalgic theme.

Okay, time to be kids for a little while.

What kind of party doesn't have a money-catcher machine??

First, Liz took a turn. She basically had to snag in any which way hoping one would come near her!

Then, Mavis took a go at it.

And then yours truly.

Not my most attractive moment. But I did win a panther paw magnet! (One that doesn't say Alumni. Cringe)

Photo booth! What a way to cue the third-grade smiles.

Alright, we messed up a bit. But still we're cute.

Later in the day, I met up with my Little and Big (sisters, in my sorority!) and we went to see Pippin!!!

The place, was beautiful. Like absolutely breathtaking, to say the least.

I couldn't stop looking up at the architecture. Everywhere had something different to it. Nerdy high school interior design class me was definitely pleased.

Showtime was almost here as we sat in the plushy/super compact seats. We were all just super excited to get our minds off school for a little bit.

The show itself was super fun. Basically, it was about a guy who had no idea what he wanted to do with his life. How fitting.

But there was one part of a song that really stuck with me. The song is called "No Time at All" and it's basically about just living free and not thinking too hard about what is coming next. Wise message I'd say.

So since I'll be documenting everything from now until G day, I decided to write out some of the things I'm going to be pushing myself to do. Please, hold me accountable. 

Goals:

• Kayak along the three rivers
• Walk across that stage.
• Get in the Oakland zoo
• Have a killer spring break
• Run a 5k (or trot, jog, somersault - whatever works)
• Cook healthier meals
• Keep making HC awesome
• Survive dancing for 24 hours for charity
• Get into grad school
• Have a backup plan
• Stay involved in my sorority
• Accept the changes about to come barreling through- play them up and see what they can do for me
• Make memories with the people I care about
• Never forget this school, and the people in it.

What comes with being a senior...
All too often, we get asked the old age questions: "What are you going to do next fall?" or, "What are your plans after graduation?"

Of course, I dream of going off to grad school and becoming a really cool/fun/helpful Speech Pathologist... and making people happier. Basically, living the dream.

But today
Today I'm in the present.
These next hundred days are going to be about the here, and the now.
This blog is to remember what came before I made history doing what I love.
This blog is to remind myself how proud I am at how far I've come since that first day of freshman year, too scared to know what to do and crying over my parent's goodbye because I was so worried about what being at Pitt meant.

It's meant more than I could have ever dreamed it would.

So yes, I am excited about next year.

But for now, It's time to enjoy today.

Come at me change, I'm ready for ya.


Until next time babes,

Xx
Amanda