First Friday Five

Since joining the blogging community on a more regular basis I have discovered a few blogs that do a Friday Five. I thought this was a really great idea and a great way to get to know the blogger aside from stories. So, here is my first Friday Five:

These are all packing themed since I am now officially on Spring Break! It’s much-needed and I’m very excited. Here is what has helped me make it home safely and ready for a wonderful week (if only the weather will cooperate).

1. My Silver Jack Rogers Navajo Sandals

I’ve had them for almost 2 years and they still look brand new, even wearing them every day in the summer. I suggest these over the platinums because my cousin has platinum and her’s already look old.

2. Very Bradley Large Duffel in Peacock

I’m disappointed they discontinued this pattern. This is my all time favorite Vera Bradley pattern.

3. iPod Classic

I need to be able to jam in the car and with 160 GB of space this is the perfect iPod for me!

4. Ladies Faye Sunglasses in Tortoise from Target

(The picture is the wrong pair, oops) These are the greatest cheap sunglasses I have ever bought. I pretty much collect sunglasses, with most of them being from Target and these are by far my favorite!

5. Essie Tart Deco Polish

The perfect color for Easter weekend. I like to pair it with “As Gold as It Gets” for a little extra, but very subtle sparkle.

Here’s to a fab Friday night with the family watching college basketball! Happy Easter everyone!

Keep Dancing,

Cayla

Inspired…Or Not?

The week before Spring Break: In theory, it should be wonderful. In reality, it’s awful. Everything that has been scheduled to get done before Spring Break is procrastinated until this week, well at least for me. Thankfully, this year that is not a very long list. And with only one test this week it is pretty smooth sailing.

However, I am desperate for this break. My school work, happiness, and productivity need time to recharge. I have mentally checked out and nothing I am trying is helping to revive my creativity. That is, my creativity for school work.

The upside to this week: inspiration in others areas. This seems to be a constant problem and blessing for me. I get stressed in one area and devote myself entirely to a different project. You can see how this would be an issue. For example, I have a test on Wednesday in Financial Statement Analysis. Naturally, my mind tells me this would be a great time to research how to make my blog better. Literally, I’ve spent hours finding ideas.

So while I’m trying to find the inspiration to study for my test on Wednesday the direction I want to take my blog is becoming more defined. Be on the lookout for new posts, especially since I’ve discovered the ability to schedule posts.

Keep Dancing,

Cayla

Picture I made using pixlr.com! It’s very similar to Photoshop and it’s free!

Excitement in the Air

Woah, only one week to Spring Break. When did that happen? This semester is flying by, but it’s bringing so many exciting opportunities.

Well the one I am most excited about is finally hearing back from IES. I have been  accepted to study abroad in Milan in the fall! I can’t believe it! I’ve been reading all the information all morning. It’s kind of scary, but I know that it will be good for me. I’ve never travelled outside the US (except on a cruise, but I don’t count that). I’m already fantasizing about how wonderful it’s going to be. Between the fashion and architecture and chance to see Europe, I just can’t get over it. It’s kept me in a good mood all week.

The next exciting thing is the fact that this week was Greek Week. It’s been a crazy couple of weeks preparing with lip sync practices. During the awards dinner our chapter was awarded with philanthropic chapter of the year! I could not be more ecstatic! That makes me more proud than anything about my chapter. Our love for St. Jude is one that is hard to beat. I was very proud to serve my chapter as philanthropy chair and hope to see the chapter improve in fundraising efforts.

However, even with all the excitement this week was a stressful one. I’m thankful for the weekend and the time to regroup (and watch Les Mis!). I’m in Ninety-Six at my grandparent’s house, for probably the last time before they move to Pawleys. It’s both exciting and making me sentimental.

Have a great weekend readers!

Keep Dancing,

Cayla

Some of my sisters at the awards banquet. So proud to be Tri Delta!

Marching Through Life

Well March is here. I have a love-hate relationship with this month. I hate it because of the pollen, but that’s the only reason. If I wasn’t allergic I would absolutely love March.

However, I have so many reasons to love March-the start of spring which means warmer weather, halfway mark of the semester, the start of spring break, and the general happiness that everyone starts to feel with the coming of Spring.

I also have a very dear new reason to love March. Tri Delta has declared March to be St. Jude Month. We, as Tri Deltas, spend the month spreading the word about our wonderful philanthropy and all of the amazing things that St. Jude accomplishes. For example, when St. Jude opened in 1962 the survival rate for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia was 4%, it is now 94%. That is incredible! I thought of this fact the other day while sitting with the boys I babysit at guitar practice. I overheard a mother on the phone with a friend whose nephew had just died that day of ALL. I knew what the family was feeling. Cancer hits home for me, and it sucks.

I AM A CANCER SURVIVOR. 

I was a child that had to miss out on the joys of being 5 years old. I am lucky to be alive. I am blessed to have my leg. I am stronger for it.

My dad was watching me on the playground one day in kindergarten when he noticed that I was limping. He immediately set up a doctor’s appointment and after x-rays and examinations it was determined that something was wrong, but they didn’t know what. My family then proceeded to travel to just about every hospital in our region, until we ended up at Duke. There I was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma in my left femur and was to undergo surgery. Through surgery they were able to remove all of the cancer from my leg by taking part of my bone out and replacing it with part of my hip bone. This was not before it had spread to my left ovary though, which also had to be removed.

This is not meant to be a sad story though. I have been cancer free for 15 years and live a wonderful life. I consider myself blessed because I am happy to share my story and want it to instill hope in others. God knew that this would bring my family closer together and would help us all to learn the value of life.

Until next time,

Cayla