Today's Lesson

Monday, January 31, 2011

don't procrastinate.
I'm trying my hardest to focus on homework... and so far it has been semi-successful. The Gallagher Law Library is the quietest libraries on campus, providing the ultimate studying environment. Small, mini-cubicles with your own personal light, and two plug outlet, it is the place of academic achievement for the average student and of course, every Greek that is pulling a last minute study-cram before the big exam. One of the closest to the Greek Community (the other is Foster Library), this library is one of the most crowded ones and its seats are in high demand come the peak of finals week. 

Currently sitting in my own little cubicle, I have decided to take a mini break from my studies. I've already finished three readings for COM 343 and for 2 more to go. Then, it's finishing up a project proposal for LSJ 322, a little research for the paper, and outlining the readings for lecture tomorrow. Lastly, I must find the endurance to stay awake and read the four chapters of COM 444 and prepare myself for my field trip tomorrow. 

Word.of.the.day.DETERMINATION.

Phrase.of.the.day.DON'T.PROCRASTINATE. 

Thought.of.the.day.NEED.MORE.TIME.

I guess that's what college is all about... zero sleep, late night study munchies, tons of chapters to read, papers to write, and tests to study for... because if you don't do them all, it'll come back and bite you in the you-know-where.

Well, I'd say my break is just about done now....

In the words of Annie G.:
"It's been real... and it's been fun... It's been real fun."
but now it's back to the books.  

all you need is love.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

photo courtesy of We Heart It
step one 
LOVE.

"If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." 1 Corinthians 13:1-2

Love is not simple. It is complex and at times, quite difficult. For me, love is the hardest obstacle to overcome. I greatly struggle with love.  At times, I wrestle with the idea of being able to love everyone. I know that not every person can be my best friend (as Annie G. likes to point out that I have too many "best" friends when they are really just acquaintances), but every person deserves to be treated equally. BUT sometimes, there's just the select few that I simply don't get. I just want to ask them "Are you for real?" or "Did you really just say that?" And then I must remember, that everyone is different for a reason.  

However, when I forget that simple fact... I begin to categorize. It's an awful flaw of mine. I think it's in our innate nature... to judge. It's at that exact moment when we form this misconception/bubble around the person based on that one impression or an accumulation of rumors, gossip, and awkward interactions. And then we justify our actions with "Isn't it just easier to hate loathe/dislike. Isn't it better to just ignore them? They're just so weird."

Well frankly, "No, that's not right." 
This statement should forever be imprinted on my hand every time I do something wrong.

God so loved the world that He let His only Son die for us.  

Note* He loved the world. World = EVERYONE. 
Not just me, you, your BFF, the fam bam, etc.. It was for EVERYONE, sinners & all. 

So to be a better person... it's loves.hugs.&.warm.fuzzies.for.everyone. No matter the drama, the history, rumors and all, loving someone at the most difficult time/in awkward situations/no matter the differences... that is the greatest gift anyone can give. That is being a better person. It is being a man/woman for others. 

And that's how you differentiate between the strong and the weak. The question is, are we willing to be strong? Can we give our love to those we don't like? 

Can we omit the word hate?

I'm trying to be a better person, which will be my life goal. And my quest to love will be an on-going journey. It'll be rough. There will be obstacles and struggles and when I hit the crossroads between the two different paths (to be strong or remain weak), I hope that God will help instill in me the courage and strength to choose love.




Weekend Playlist

Saturday, January 29, 2011

my jams for the weekend...

1. Take Over Control (feat. Eva Simons) - Afrojack
2. Missing You (feat. Novel) - David Guetta
3. Come On (feat. Fergie) - Tiesto and Jeremy Greene
4. This is the Night - Guru Josh Project
5. On the Floor (feat. Pitbull) - Jennifer Lopez
6. Hold It Against Me - Britney Spears
7. Miami 2 Ibiza - Swedish House Mafia
8. Stereo Love (feat. Viki Jigulina) - Edward Maya
9. Letting Go (Dutty Love) feat. Nicki Minaj - Sean Kingston
10. Give Me a Sign (feat. Manu L.) - Remady

courtesy of iTunes top 100 "Dance" playist

Saturday Inspirations


spring break
something to look forward to...
possibly visiting family in Scottsdale or Dallas
All I really want is some sun, a dark tan, and some r&r
what are your plans looking like? 

or forever hold your peace. 

inspired by Julia -- she'd approve
(Check out her Adventures in London)

All photos are courtesy of Be My Escape

There's not much to say today or for better lack of words, last night's adventures may have drained all the energy out of me... And this morning/mid-afternoon was a bit of a struggle. Gotta loves my grand-littles and the family beverages at sigmachi.

10 Minutes

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Here's a snippet from today's entry of my Wordpress:

"As you can see, first impressions and saying the right things at the right moment are crucial in having a successful recruitment. From eye contact to body posture, the conversation plays a key role in determining membership and how the member sees you as a fit for their chapter.
Likewise in a job interview, the recruiter is noticing whether you can fit in buzz words during the conversation that demonstrate how you would be a good asset to the company. Your attire, hand gestures, and nonverbal communication and attentiveness when he/she speaks are vital, too. Knowing when to be bold and take the initiative in the conversation is important, but also remember that dominating the conversation would be too much. The ten minutes that you spend with a recruiter/member of a sorority is very similar to the first ten minutes you’ll spend with a recruiter during an interview. All of the components of speech and conversation mentioned above in both Formal Recruitment and in career situations are extremely important in that it could decide the overall outcome of the situation.
Today, I will attempt to show you how I master my interviews and conversations using the tips and strategies I learned from my experiences of being Recruitment VP."
For more of this entry, click here

Sunday, January 23, 2011


Mark 5:36
Trusting and putting my heart in HIS hands. 
Because that's all there is left to do. 

There's really no point being scared. You just have to trust and believe that all will be well. No matter what happens. It happens for a reason. It might not be what you expect, but it's probably for the better. 

Lately, all of my built-up stress has been unnecessary. After my meditative run on Friday, I have realized ONE important thing: can only do my best and let Him decide if that's what I'm ultimately supposed to do with everything. 



STYLISH... who me?


Dearest Anna Kate, 
Thank you darling for awarding me the Stylish Blogger Award! You inspire me to be a better friend, sister and ADPi. Pi love <> 

For those of you who don't know Anna Kate (especially, my fellow ADPi - Alpha Theta sisters who read this.. you should check out her blog -- click here-- and get to know her), she is an inspiration to me. 

This story might turn into an awkward cyber-moment, but i.don't.care.... So here.it.goes. Anna Kate and I have never actually physically met. Don't go all "creeper" on me.. it began with a simple recruitment question from an RVP to a former RVP/current President of Zeta Iota chapter... and then the little RVP from Alpha Theta (yours truly) became a tad bit obsessive with the Zeta Iota Facebook Fan Page because she was constantly looking at ADPi stuff online on her spare time during the summer (TMI... haha).

But what started out as a little question soon blossomed into a mini-facebook sisterhood, and we became friends. It was through my interaction with Anna Kate, that I realized the rarity of the true sisterhood Alpha Delta Pi fosters. It doesn't matter the chapter, the state, college, major or where you live in relation to the Mason Dixon line. She and I share the same ritual, wear the same pin, and shake the same handy-do. For that, I automatically LOVE her and look up to her as more than just a friend, but as a sister and an inspiration. -- That's my little ramble about ADPi love <>

"The ties that bind me to my sisters are not wrapped around my wrists; but rather, they are fastened to my heart." 

But back to this stylish blogger award... Here it is below:

The Rules
1. Link to the blogger(s) who gave the award
2. Share 7 facts about yourself
3. Pass the award on to 15 8 ladies

Thanks again to Anna Kate for sending me the award. 

My 7 fun facts are the following:
1. I love Peonies and Gardenias
2. Despite my conservative behavior and preppy wardrobe... I WANT to go to a rave because I'm obsessed with techno/trance/house music.  
3. Starbucks drink: Venti, non-fat, 1 pump hazelnut cappucino or Venti, iced-green tea lemonade- sweetened
4. I prefer CAKE to cookies. Especially, RED VELVET. 
5. Not a fan of pop... so I usually prefer a San Pellegrino to accompany my meal. 
6. i.heart.sushi. i.could.eat.it.all.day. 
7. J.Crew Obsessed -- isn't that already pretty obvious? 

And now to pass the sexy torch.. ehem.. sorry I meant 
Stylish Blogger Award
I choose you 8 ladies:
1. I want to give it to Anna Kate too @ High Cotton because she gave it to me. 
2. Ashlyn darling is totes deserving of this award, too! @ Miss Magnolia
3. Miss Annie G. @ All Things Go
4. Julia who is far far far away in London @ Adventures in London
5. Erica Jordan -- the Matriarch of the Dynasty @ Erica K. Jordan
6. Dearest Mckenna... @ Ruffles & Rhetoric
7. Sarah, a bestie from high school @ Pop Culture
8. Buns & Borough - thanks for following me doll. 



GOOD BEATS.


Good morning friends...
Happy Sunday.


Rise and shine to a new day of productivity, Starbucks, my "Sunday Jams" playlist and meditation walks through campus.

(Meditation/contemplation runs take place during the week... gotta give 'dem legs a rest on the weekends.)

Productivity -- Guess who has more applications and cover letters to write? Oh wait.. that's me. Why am I always writing them/why do I have so many? It's because I tend to stumble upon them when I'm looking at company profiles and LinkedIn. The more I find... the more I add to my list.

Starbs -- Choice of drink lacks any sort of caffeine today - I settled for a Venti, Caramel Apple Spice without whip cream. It's like Christmas in a cup... all, year-long.

"Sunday Jams Playlist" -- the usual assortment of trance/house consisting of Deadmau5 and Kaskade.... but I also added a little T. Swift and Mumford Sons.. Annie G.'s got me hooked on them.. oh and in honor of Macklemore's tour... I have some of his stuff too.

Today's going to be a marvelous day.... It's a Recruitment Funshop day today for the new RVP (Kashia) and FRC (Elyssa) and I'm so excited for them. It's weird letting go of something that I have spent so much of my time and efforts on, but I know they will do an amazing job. It's hard for me to let go of Recruitment... so it was inevitable that I woke up at 6:30 am to look cute and be ready to help the R-team with their polish checks at 8 am. LOVE LOVE Love them  so much. Can't express enough my excitement and faith in that they will carry on all of the little plans my R-Team had last year. 

Can't wait to see what the rest of the day will be like. It's going to be a good one.

I can feel it...

I Can't Behave Myself

Friday, January 21, 2011

Yes, I KNOW... Neon Hitch supposedly ripped off their "I Can't Behave Myself" song from Deadmau5's "Seeya Next Tuesday."

The renowned Deadmau5 from Toronto, Canada (who by the way, does not like to be referred to as a "DJ") stated in his Facebook note that "coz this is certainly the first time im hearing it... meanwhile its already on the radio now? how the fuck does that happen? i guess i missed that fucking memo... because im sure its great for the poppy mega radio piece of shit it is... but, it's defineatley not the direction i wanted to go with it.


Although "I Can't Behave Myself" has definitely got a catchy, pop-like tune, it does not ring true to the simple, electronic - trance style that he is well-known for; as well, Neon Hitch's high pitched voice takes away from it. 


However, I am willing to admit that I have been playing this song on repeat (Neon Hitch's version that is). I do at times succumb to the mainstream renditions of techno-house classics... So great apologies to you, Deadmau5. Sorry I'm not the most loyal of fans.... those catchy remixes just get the crowd pumpin' more. 


I can't seem to convince all of my friends to ditch the typical Drake-Gaga-Rihanna songs for one of your amazing RAVE songs. I've tried persuading with glow-sticks and neon-fluorescent shirts. Still have yet to be entirely successful. 
But hey... you got me hooked. 
I'll be there bobbin' in the crowd to your jams. 


Here's Neon Hitch's rendition... Judge the song for yourself. 


Not the BEST of Deadmau5... but certainly, catchy and easy to get stuck playing on repeat.

Personal opinion of his top 5 songs:

1. Ghosts N' Stuff (feat. Rob Swire)
2. I Remember (feat. Kaskade)
3. Strobe (club edit)
4. Move for Me (feat. Kaskade)
5. Moar Ghosts N' Stuff

Professional.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Hello friends,

This past year I have debated about getting a personal website to further enhance my PR and build a base for networking. Having contemplated over this for quite some time now, I have now decided to use Wordpress and maintain two blogs. The first blog, is this one, in which I update my personal life, fashion trends, food cravings, my ramblings, etc.

This new blog is a chance for me to establish myself as a PR professional. It lists my goals and career aspirations, contact information, my portfolio (as soon as I have a friend review it), and my biography. I am very excited to launch this site, as it will be my first big step in branding myself and entering into the industry.

For all of you curious followers, here's the link: Amanda B. Nguyen

Loyally,
Your Accessory Guide

Travelin' Trendsetter

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

"Vacation Style Guide" from Nordstrom's recent look book.
Nordstrom Fashion editor Susan Joy and editor Justin Abbott posted the "Vacation Style" guide on its website this past week. According to travel forecasters and the editors, the hot spots for this spring include Colombia (referred to as "the Paris of South America), India and Zanzibar Archipelago. All of these places scream HOT HOT HOT!

Prepare to bronze, beautify and rejuvenate the skin before your trip. Nordstrom showcases several products to help with baggy eyes, runny-raccoon eyes, chapped lips and more.

Fashion-wise: It's all about the print and exotic colors. Think Tory Burch in Barbados.

LOVE of the Style Guide: The idea of a "quick change." I'm all about comfy chic.

Hope you enjoyed my fashion tidbit today. 
Toodles. 

I'm sure I'll have another post up today. 

Portlandia

Tuesday, January 18, 2011


No, I'm not speaking about the new IFC show "Portlandia" that exposes all of the eccentric, hippie-like mannerisms of Oregonians. But, don't get me wrong; I LOVE that show and sadly, some of those jokes are true... maybe a bit exaggerated.

Portland - land of the bicycles, Rip City, PDX.
Whatever you want to call it. It's HOME to me. 

For your special treat today, I'm going to reveal to you my favorite aspects of my beloved Portland... the City of Roses, Voodoo Doughnuts, and much more.
And so we begin...

Voodoo Doughnuts
Probably located in what you would consider as one of the sketchier areas of Portland
 but so worth it. 
Fried dough; enough said. 
Recommendations?  
The Bacon Maple Bar, Captain My Captain, or The Old Dirty Bastard
If you're really up for the challenge... try the Texas Challenge. Eat the entire doughnut under 80 seconds, and you'll get your money back. Guaranteed. 
(Me and Sarah R. (Fellow ADPi sister who came to visit!) - Summer of 2009)

This pictures is taken right in the middle of NW 23rd - one of the hippest, vintage-like areas of Portland. Some of Portland's finest dining is located in this area (others are in the heart of Downtown and the Pearl District)
Great eats within the area include Papa Haydn, El Matador, and Lucy's Table. 

Recommendations:

Papa Haydn - Their dessert is absolutely delectable. It will surely satisfy any sweet tooth. 
Loves: Boccone Dolce, Raspberry Gateau, Panna Cotta or the Marjolaine! 

(Boccone Dolce - layers of fresh fruit and Chantilly cream and swiss meringues drizzled with chocolate... orgasmic!)

El Matador - Shots of patron for everyone; this tequlia bar has some of the greatest tapas too -- must have an order of the Tex-Mex Spring Rolls and and Ancho-Chipotle Wings. YUM

Lucy's Table - The goat cheese ravioli is to die for and I'm a big fan of their risotto. Their menu is exquisite. There's always something new, in season, fresh and absolutely delicious.

10 minutes away... my favorite little brunch getaway - Meriwethers

Within walking distance from Washington Park and just 5 minutes from the Oregonian Zoo, this little NW 23rd Portland neighborhood-like area is a hot spot for locals.  It holds a special place in my heart. LOVES it. 



 
(the story of saint cupcake -- too cute)

Just a couple streets away on NW 17th and Flanders, sits an adorable cupcake shop:
Saint Cupcake. One of my favorite hang-outs as a high-school kid when I attended Jesuit. My best friend, Sarah, and I would always have our little rendezvous here and catch up on life/gossip. 

Saint Cupcake (in my opinion) is better than Seattle's Trophy Cupcake.. don't get me wrong. I do love to gorge myself every once in awhile when I make the occasional trip to University Village, especially when my stomach begins to rumble from lack of sugar intake.


BUT I just simply love Saint Cupcake more. I don't know if it's because if it's a Portland thing or because I've grown up with it. Is it the fact that the little shop screams pink when you first go inside? Girly-ness everywhere? Well, I don't exactly know.. One thing I do note is that the cupcakes are much smaller. (My Size!) Their regular size is about half the size of a Trophy and then they also have the option of a dot, which is a bite-sized cupcake (comes in every flavor)... I guess it's the "less guilty" feeling because I can eat two dots at Saint Cupcake.

Best flavors hands-down: Red Velvet, Big Top, and for all you earthy, go-green health nuts - I HEART the VEGAN CUPCAKES TOO!


 
NEXT STOP:
 MY FAVORITE SUSHI PLACE

 MASU.


Masu Sushi  is located on SW 13th Ave right above American Apparel in downtown PDX and across from the Pearl District. Some of the best sushi I've ever had hails from this restaurant. A little pricey, but the quality is amazing. Love the sashimi and the rolls that I adore include the following: Japanther, the Nemo, and Japanista. Drink of choice? The Hello Kitty.




(Oh and the pictures of the restaurant are complimentary of yours truly... I experimented a little with photography back in the day... the subject in the photos - BFF Elizabeth)




Other reasons why I LOVE Portland:

No Sales Tax - shopping 'fo days....

Home of the BLAZERS!!!!

Washington Park is absolutely gorgeous. Picnics and a little "Funday Sunday" would be prime there... especially if it includes a little wine and cheese among the beautiful roses.

The hippie culture -- gotta love it. I have never been to another place that can exude the intense granola-ness that I have witnessed in PDX. Hemp. Mary-Jane. Bicycles = art. Where flannel is a staple article of clothing and everyone rides the tram. That's Portland.




So now that you've read some of my favorite things/places to eat in Portland, I hope you understand why I am, at times, homesick. It is a place where I truly feel at ease and brings me a sense of comfort. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Seattle and exploring new cities and having adventures, but the return back to Rip City --- that will always make my heart go "pitter patter."





Make that a TRENTA extra hot, non-fat, skinny vanilla latte please!

Monday, January 17, 2011


On May 3, 2010 Starbucks Corp. will release its biggest drink size yet: 31 0z. "Trenta," and we thought the "venti" was a pretty large drink.


First a new logo (released in March) and now a new drink... Starbucks is surely undergoing a bit of a transformation. All of the new hype will indefinitely contribute to an overly caffeinated society... as if we weren't already.


I don't know about you... but I'm questioning whether my body will be able to handle the extra 7 ounces. For more information check out this Link to Huffington Post.

Simple Thoughts



take me to a beach... somewhere sunny
and let my worries drift away.


wise words to live by. 


 friends
through thick and thin, they'll stand by your side. 

 Bright colors. Sunshine. Short Skirts. 
Why can't spring come sooner? 

 TRUTH
make every day count. 

images courtesy of We Heart It

Sorry to be brief friends, but 'tis the season for midterms. I should most definitely not be writing this entry right now... but I could not help myself. Sometimes you just got to get loose and let the thoughts flow... even if they are not that elaborate. 

Funday Sunday

Sunday, January 16, 2011

On the East Coast, sororities tend to have Funday Sunday, when fraternities would host a brunch with mimosas outside on their front lawn. The event itself looked like a sea of undresses, bowties, boat shoes and button-ups.

If only these traditional festivities would translate to the Pacific Northwest where rain, umbrellas, UGGs and North Face reign over the wardrobe kingdom.

Today, is Sunday, here in lovely Seattle... not quite "Funday Sunday," since almost the entire Greek Community has packed its bags and scurried 'cross the border to Canadia for the long three day weekend in honor of MLK, or to the many bros and srat sisters as College Weekend/Whistler Weekend.

My definition: a weekend of debauchery and untamed free-for-all, mayhem, which typically results in a two+ days of recovery.  In a way, this weekend is similar to one large frat-tastic party consisting of not just one Greek Community but multiple -- campuses include: University of Oregon, University of Washington, Oregon State University, Western Washington, Washington State University, etc.

If you were to ask how my "college weekend" went, I'd answer, "Relatively relaxing and quiet."

I'm thoroughly enjoying the lack of chaos and noise all around me. It's simply wonderful to have just some peace and quiet, especially when midterm season is quite imminent.

I'd say it's a tame Funday Sunday for me and fun little things that have kept me occupied?

1) Organizing the calendar -- I'm a little anal when it comes to dates and calendars. This was definitely a productive way to spend a bit of my weekend, but now I'll always be on top of all activities and events. Never late. No excuse to forget. Always punctual and forever prepared.

2) Long walks on campus and surrounding neighborhoods-- University of Washington has a beautiful campus. I absolutely adore the "old building" feeling and admiring the architecture of Suzzalo Library. The neighborhoods of Ravenna and others near 18th and 47th are just marvelous to go exploring. The houses are so quaint and adorable. The air-- crisp and fresh. Noise level -- very minimal -- just the way I like it.

3) Internship and other various applications/frivolous paperwork -- I currently have 6 internship applications, an honor society application, and a nomination letter to write. One honor society app and nomination letter - done... 6 internship apps (including resumes and cover letters) to go and due by February... Mantra: I can do it. I must do it. I can do it. I must do it.....

4) Snack trip to Trader Joe's --- Hummus and Naan anyone? Delicious.

5) Homework -- I wouldn't consider this an enjoyable task... but considering I have a midterm on Wednesday, I'd say it is an obligation that must be fulfilled.

After evaluating all of this, I'd probably deem that Funday Sunday is more of a Productive Sunday... but either way, I hope everyone in Whistler is having a marvelous time. As much as that would have been fun, I'm glad I'm not anticipating the days of recovery from a wild weekend.

Song for the weekend: Writer's block by Just Jack

The future awaits...

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Hello dearest friends,

I'm sorry for not posting lately. It's not like I've been neglecting you or anything... it's just school has consumed my life. Currently taking a class that my future depends on (Public Relations & Society) and also working on my minor (Law, Societies, and Justice) can be quite demanding of my time. As well, I'm on the hunt for a summer internship and am applying to almost 12 national and/or global PR agencies.  So... as I said before, it's not as if I don't want to update you or share my so-called words of wisdom with you. It is the lack of time I have in the day to even sleep or enjoy my life that prevents me from updating frequently.

Sorry to be brief, but there's tons of articles waiting to be read and some more applications to polish.

'Til this weekend my loves.
Xoxo

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