So much to be Thankful for...

To Be Loved...

A couple of months ago I had a chance to witness my line sister's wedding and of course that put me in a lovey dovey mood. As I've stated on my blog before... I LOVE, LOVE!!! It felt sooo good to witness my line sister marry someone that loves her just the same as she loves him. So far about 7 of my line sisters are married (out of the ones I keep in touch with). Going to their weddings year after year gives me hope that one day *echo* 'one day' it'll be my turn too!!!

In regard to relationships and all things lovey-dovey... the summertime happened to leave me with a relationship of my own (insert gasps and sighs here). All I can say is... it happened just in time for cuffing season. I'll let you know that I am a bit guarded and hesitant, lets just say it's been a long time. I'm trying to remain open and just go-with-the-flow but its kinda hard to do so. When I say that this just happened, it really did. Sometimes I'm still shocked...like I'm no longer single Kristin, but attached Kristin... a la when asked, I have to answer I have someone or I'm in a relationship. And not that its a bad thing its just different. After being single for sooo long I just got used to thinking only of me and my feelings/perspective.

Now I know my title refers to love but I'm no way near that 4 letter word yet. But to even change the letters around a bit for 'liked' kinda gives me butterflies. Those that follow my blog consistently, know that I've typed about my relationship woes in the past so this unexpected twist in fate feels good, to say the least. I can't lie there are constant challenges each week which mainly help me grow but also us grow together as a couple. I've learned what-not-to-do from my past and try other methods for my future. Now I have no clue how long this feeling or fellow will last, but I kinda think I won't be having a what-do-the-lonely-do type of holiday. However, if that is not the case my new found relationship still puts me another notch closer to being loved!!!

It's My AKAversary

This pic was taken the day after we came out Fall '01

Today is officially my AKAversary, for those of you that don't know, it means I have been in my sorority for 10 years today!!! It seemed just like yesterday I was pulling a flier off the door in regard to Rush. I honestly never thought I'd be an AKA. It was kinda the furthest thing from my mind. I do remember everyone saying 'do your research' however, I was a Delta teen all throughout high school so that was kinda embedded until I saw they didn't represent me. All in all I know my choice was the BEST fit for me.

Last weekend we celebrated at our Homecoming festivities by having a charity event at a candy store as well as dining out together and performing a small stroll. Being back at my Alma Mater brought back sooo many memories that were made along with AKA. I always joke and say I was an AKA for most of my collegiate tenure, seeing as though I crossed my sophomore year. I hope that I can make another 10 years (active) and continue to service all mankind, cause it-is-a-serious-matter!!!

I know many of you have had questions on sorority life (mainly from my YouTube page) and I've addressed them personally; but if you have any questions please feel free to ask.

I Like Your Office

Jeans- Ross

Shoes- Target

Headband- F21

'I like your office' is what the woman said to me as she got on the elevator, after looking me up and down. I thought for sure she said I like your outfit because her accent was super strong. Or maybe that's what I wanted her to say lol, not that I had on anything worth talking about. But I did have this super comfy fall chilled look going on.

Another challenge that I've had in regard to posting outfits is that I usually just wake up and throw on whatever. Whatever, meaning, shaking it, smoothing it out and leaving. Let's just say that the place I go to on a daily has had my enthusiasm down for quite sometime now (another story, I digress). I guess there is a parallel between the mystery elavator woman liking my office as well as my outfit since I can wear jeans to work.

Button Down- H&M
Vest- Wet Seal
Bow Earrings- F21

You all will see in several post going forward that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE bows!!! The handbag was a spur of the moment post this week. Honestly, I'm super broke but I couldn't pass it up, especially when it was only $19.99. I love the fact that its BIG and slouchy with metal groments, and the drawstring closure gives it a throwback feel.

Guess Bag- Rugged Warehouse

Pics by Reggie

Red Chasing a Fox IDK

Bracelets- Juicy Couture

Necklace- F21

Ring- Avon

Blazer and Blouse- Thrifted

A couple of months ago I joined Capfabb which is a group of fashion bloggers in DC. As I've stated before I like to think of my blog as a lifestyle blog. Although the name basically represents pieces of fashion, I like to write about several different topics as well as vent. To be honest, I spend several hours stalking fashion blogs, you can find them all throughout my favorites, as well as a listed in my planner so that I don't lose any of you lol!!! I am a bit apprehensive because its something new, I don't have a 'set' photographer, and will I really fit in?

Oh well, today I am going to start moving in another direction and actually adding a few OOTD (Outfit of The Day) and whatever else that I deem fashion related to my blog. I guess I'll learn as I go. I'm actually excited to take advantage of some of the fashion challenges and creating new looks from what I already have. If you all subscribe to me on YouTube then you already know what I mean.

Shoes- Gojane.com

Brooch- Macys

Photos by Reggie

So I have a lot to work on when it comes to posing (super corny), but I think I'll get there soon enough lol. The title is as random as it comes. I was speaking to a co-worker (Leslie) and after she saw the pics this is what she thought I should name it lol, IDK.

Dear October

Be True To Yourself

I actually saw this tag on Inside Look's blog and decided to just do it (thanks chick)!!!

 

Spa Week- Fall Edition

I am sooo excited that today officially kicked off SpaWeek. Starting today you're able to book spa packages at any of the participating spas/salons for $50. For the past 2 1/2 years I have treated myself to a massage. It wasn't until recently that they've started having Spaweek twice a year. If you've never experienced Spaweek or have never indulged in a massage, facial, or pedicure now is definitely the time to book. You can book your today by visiting here.

If you're in my area and wondering where I booked, I chose Zoe Salon and Spa (again). They actually have two locations, but I chose this one since it's near my part-time job. If you like to know my previous experience click here.

Let me know if you all choose to take advantage of SpaWek

Remembering Sept. 11th

I remember Sept. 11th 2011 like it was yesterday. It was one of the most beautiful days ever. 10 years ago my friend ran into my dorm room and announced that the world trade center collapsed. My roommate/bestie/soror and I sat up half sleep and in disbelief of what we heard and what we were about to see. I remember the entire campus walking around like zombies. No one knew what was going on if we were safe as a school and more importantly as a country.

Over this past week I've watched several specials and 1st hand accounts of what happened on Sept. 11th. Even watching all of the footage 10 years later my emotions are still raw. I can't watch at all without my eyes becoming teary. I'm actually watching as I type and that particular area in NY looked like a ghost town. If I remember correctly, I thought at the time, the President didn't react quickly enough, but after watching his initial response, I saw he too was in shock (if not more). There were sooo many people that lost their lives and my thoughts and prayers go out to each of them and their families. 10 years later I'm a bit more mature and able to see the act of terrorism as it is. I can't even imagine what it would be like to be on one of the top floors above where the actual plane hit and know that I'm not going to make it down.

I see why the choice to go to Afghanistan was made although I don't fully understand it. I'm going to end with God Bless America and all the people that lost their lives on Sept. 11th or in the Afghan War as a result f Sept. 11th. Sept. 11th is a date that will forever be etched in my heart and mind. Gone but not forgotten!!!

Shake It Like a Polaroid Picture...

I just automatically thought that earthquakes didn't happen on the east coast. I know we have a hell of a lot of tornado's, after effects of hurricanes, and floods but never have I experienced a earthquake. So as I was sitting at my desk joking with my coworkers our chairs started to vibrate and we joked like who the heck is running down the hall shaking our chairs. About 3 seconds later the shakes became more violent. I mean we were really moving and things were falling. My co-workers in our large break room said that the tables were sliding.  As I stated earlier I had never experienced an earthquake, until then. Lets just say I too started shaking profusely. One of my co-workers that has experienced an earthquake got her purse and and headed out followed by another. As I turn and looked, everyone was shouting its an earthquake and the only ones left on my team was my manager and I. We were both standing there like what do we do and then she says lets get out of here so I grab my purse and realize that I brought my journal (ya know, to let work, work for me) so you know I had to grab that!!! By this time we meet up with our safety leader for fire evacuations and she says that we shouldn't leave. After about 2 minutes our VP comes by and says to get out. As we are outside everyone is trying to text and call their family members/loved ones. Lets just say nothing worked. Now mind you this earthquake was nothing in comparison to the earthquake in Japan. However, at that moment I knew what it felt like to not be able to get in contact with anyone to let people know that you were alright and make sure that they are alright. However, Twitter was that ram in the bush for a lot of people (including ya girl, follow me @akakristin). For a while I was able to receive incoming but couldn't make any outgoing. Luckily my phone was working when my part time job called to inform me that my boss had decided to close up shop for the rest of the day!!! In a perfect world, work would have been dismissed early at my full-time job too, however that didn't happen.

After actually finding out that it was indeed an earthquake (as if). I went into geek mode and also learned that it measured a 5.8 on the rictor scale, with the epicenter in Mineral, Va. From researching further,  I learned that anything over a 4.0 earthquake can be felt. I mean in comparison to the earthquake in Japan this was about half the size of that (somewhat, of course we know that was on another level). There were reports that there has been 3 aftershocks since the initial earthquake. The last aftershock, a little after 8 measured a little over a 4.0. After watching the news tonight this earthquake was felt in several parts of the east coast. I heard that NY, MD, NC, GA, MA, and even Canada felt the ground shake. There was structural damage in parts of Alexandria, with 3 smashed cars from the bricks falling. There are also people in parts of Md. that are homeless tonight due to structural damage/shifting not allowing them in their own homes. Even the Washington monument sustained cracks. So far I haven't heard of any casualties (thank God).  What I learned from today's earthquake is that God is still in control. He is able to do things that we deem impossible. And today he showed us by shaking things up a bit, literally.

Well another item to scratch off on the list of things-I've-never-done... survive an earthquake. Did any of you have any earthquake experiences?