My Hipster Planner

The recent popularity of all things "Srat," and by extension, all things Preppy, has made the products of designers such as Vera Bradley and Lilly Pulitzer wildly popular. Everything from clothes and shoes to pens and planners are in high demand. This fall the most popular way to organize your life is in one of Lilly's various shapes and patterns of Agendas. Everything from the Jumbo in Prep Green Easy Tiger, to the Small in Lilly's Pink Dirty Shirley, can be seen in the Jansports and Jon Hart's of girls across Campus. Somehow as I went shopping for school I couldn't bring myself to part with my dilapidated and faded Vera Bradley planner from my Freshman year. It stayed strong through the first few weeks but after going missing during Rush Week and appearing in my friend's Mercedes missing it's cover, I realized it was time for it to go. Contemplating in my week without a planner what I should replace it with, I decided to find one during a weekend trip home. This weekend at home, while picking out luggage from the Jon Hart collection at Lawrence's, I found a small journal like book with a metallic, silver threaded cover, and cream ribbon bookmarks. Thinking it would make me seem more professional(and hip) than the sailboat covered agendas of my peers I made my mom buy it.(don't get me wrong I love a good nautical theme) Bringing it to check out at a hefty $38, my mom insisted that it better be the best planner I have ever owned. I have discovered that it is! Aside from it's wonderful organizational benefits each week has a quote that I would deem inspirational. Last night I found myself flipping through the pages findings little nuggets of wisdom that I wanted to share with the world. Here are a handful that I think you will enjoy.



"Never let life's hardships disturb you...no one can avoid problems, not even saints and sages" - Nichiren Daishonen


“Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.”- William Faulkner


Our lives improve only when we take chances - and the first and most difficult risk we can take is to be honest with ourselves. Walter Anderson

 Time invested in improving ourselves cuts down on time wasted in disapproving of others. -unknown

You can't deny laughter; when it comes, it plops down in your favorite chair and stays as long as it wants. Stephen King

 

Where in the World is... Carly Eason?

If you missed me, I am here to stay. Despite rumors of my hiding out in a small cabin the woods of Colorado(not really, that isn't a rumor I just want to sound cool), I would like to report that I have been in Oxford, MS trying to get my life together. (aka go to school)
Although I wish I was wearing scarves in Carmel, or donning my Hunter Rain Boots in London, I really have just been here at Ole Miss. Sorry I took a two month hiatus to dedicate to so many things that I have been trying to do this semester. Here is a brief description:

School: I have luckily gotten close to spending my semesters in classes that only pertain to my major! Sadly this means that I don't benefit from the buffer classes of my freshman year. Between Socrates for Public Policy Ethics, and memorizing the different Gandhis for Decolonization in Literature, it has been far from a cake walk, more like a walk in a zero gravity room.

Rush: It is finally over! Even though I had the time of my life shaking hands and rapping about DG, I am very grateful that Bid Day has come and gone. Although the week of rush was hard enough, my desire to be helpful (and involved) had be crafting and cleaning and organizing in the weeks leading up to rush week. I am so self sacrificing right? Well not nearly as much as my good friend Molly who took a trip to the hospital in her attempts to make the DG House rush ready! While moving a campaign sign from the front lawn, (for more on the campaign, look below)she was pinned against a flood light, and suffered a gnarly second degree burn on the majority of her calf. All I have to say is, "for the love of Delta Gamma." Rush week was a mix of emotions, excitement, anxiety, stress, fun, and sadness. It was an opportunity to bond with my sisters, and make new friends, and also a source of anxiety and sometimes frustration. But as I stood in the middle of Sorority Row waiting on our 123 new members I could not help but be proud, that all of the hard work resulted in 123 beautiful, smart girls, who were beyond happy to be running down the hill to the big white house.

The Campaign: No I am not referring to the slightly humorous and mildly successful comedy starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis. (for that see here) I am of course referring to the labor of love that was the Miss Ole Miss campaign for Margaret Ann Morgan, a good friend and role model of mine. Lucky me to have been on her campaign staff and the DG coordinator (she is our sister), as a mere sophomore. True to myself, I was a bundle of eagerness and energy as we prepared for open campaigning. Becoming good friends with the rest of the campaign team (John and Brittani), and a sort of personal assistant to Margaret Ann (hereafter referred to as MAM). Duties ranged from scheduling to video brainstorming to hair teasing and tye dying. It was a time for me to learn so many new things and take on responsibility as well as to be a leader amongst my sisters, which of course is exciting. Balancing this with school and the rush week preparations I began to lose my mind, and if not that I certainly lost sleep. I quickly adopted the motto of, "No Sleep till Bid Day," up until the wee hours of the night doing homework after a photo shoot and recruitment practice and a movie with my friends. (They matter too!)Thank Goodness I don't have a boyfriend right (as if), Id never have time for him! Campaign day was a blast, and a roller coaster of emotions. (I had to wear a dress the entire day) But I could not be more grateful or proud of the ladies of DG who supported the campaign and lead us to an outstanding victory. HOOP YEAH DATS RIGHT (immortal words ofLaSarah) I then proceeded to have an emotional/mental breakdown and sleep for days. Then suffer the worst day of my life, and then be reminded what wonderful friends I have.

Life: Wow, amidst all of this you can imagine the last month and a half has been crazy. I don't know how I would have done it with out my friends, even the ones I didn't know I had. Sometimes it is so heart warming to see how the people you consider simply acquaintances are there for you in your times of need. I have laughed more thus far in the semester than I thought to be humanly possible. I got to take a private plane home to Texas! (SO LUCKY). I dressed up for the Kentucky Derby Date Party, and got sorted into Ravenclaw by an Ole Miss sorting hat. It has been crazy, but I know that some of these memories will be the ones I will remember when I am coloring my hair and shopping at Talbots. More importantly I achieved a life time goal of receiving over 70 likes on a profile picture. 

I am so happy to be back in action! Keep your eyes pealed for more humuorous posts and anecdotes from the life of Karl.
xoxo,
ACE

Might As Well Face It I'm Addicted To...

Love?

Okay, not so much, seeing as how I am lacking in the string of boyfriends.(I'm sorry I can't even write that without laughing, as if) And while I probably,(I hope), don't fit the bill for an addict of any kind. I do have a few things that I love love love, can't get enough of of, and am currently obsessed with. If you follow me on twitter (if you don't you should) you have probably seen a recent mention of The Newsroom, once or twice.... or like a lot, okay I'm sorry I am emotional and like this show. Geez. So, to start of my list, (I love lists) here are the things I'm addicted to.

As the media goes, thats what I am currently addicted to. And there is always mac n cheese, mini coke cans, and Netflix.


xoxo,
ACE

19 Candles

I couldn't hope for a Birthday as wild and memorable as the movie for which my title gets its theme.(if I have to tell you, you're dead to me) I started my birthday amongst friends, with a lovely serenade played by some semi-intoxicated guys on guitars. Im looking forward to a day with my family, this being my first birthday spent at home in nine years! How crazy is that. I am used to falling asleep long before the clock strokes midnight, in my bed at Camp Longhorn, but I guess I should get used to this. I won't spend my day running around the chow hall or campfire. I won't get 12 package slips or wear a crown. I won't get told happy birthday by hundreds of people, it won't be what I am used to, but I hope it will be special. Fort Worth has not exactly impressed me as of late (nor the people who occupy it), but I would like to think people aren't as selfish as they seem. Every year for the past 3 years it seems I have had "the best birthday ever," so I am hoping that this one will surpass it, though I wouldn't bet on it. I know I sound like a Debby Downer, but its hard to compare to a Camp Birthday! Although I don't think my parents could forget my birthday like poor Molly Ringwald's do in 16 Candles, I certainly don't think I could achieve the romance that she does. (I can dream though) So feel free to prove me wrong, I only have 22 and a half hours left.
xoxo,
ACE

Hellllooo Fellas!

Hey guys. I am now back from the 78611. Having spent the last three weeks swimming, splashing, running(... I KNOW!) belaying, crafting, screaming, laughing, crying and making some of the best memories ever, I wish I was staying for a Fourth Term at CLH Indian Springs. The title of this post happens to be a quote from a relatively obscure line in the hit movie Bridesmaids. This line as well as the word "sure," both belonging to Rebel Wilson's character Bree brought me small time fame this term. What started as my response to just about everything that happens at camp(from a camper asking to climb to my dog inflicted wound), became a universal response for many. Water Polo at Lady Lake? Sure.  You're floating all five Mile Swims? Sure. Candy Bars at Refreshments? Sure. Of course both "sure," and "hello fellas" are to be said in a backstreet British accent. However, winning the "Hello Fellas" award was not the highlight of my term. Fourth Term is my home, and this was my first time to attempt three weeks at Camp Longhorn, and It couldn't have been better. Nothing is better for the soul then spending your days for three weeks making people happy, and my personal favorite making them laugh. As the Camp Longhorn song states, "No place on Earth, where truer friends you'll know." This is so true! Being away from my home term I was so nervous to find friends and fit in with a group of people I didn't know. I was so happy to find myself making fast friends that will last a lifetime. I have never laughed as hard or as much as I did in the company of campers, counselors and even directors! I also shared a fews tears, which even made me friends. This little anecdote I am about to tell is just an example of what kind of amazing people you find at CLH, and how they make it what it is.

                       Friday, July 13th, 2012. I just spent Quiet Time in an epic battle with the internet trying 

                       to complete a homework assignment for a Geology class I foolishly attempted to take 

                       during camp. Of course I called home, and pleaded with my father to assist me while I 

                       resumed my duties of the day. Even though he said he would try, I was in tears of frustr

                       -ation and suffering from a classic bout of homework anxiety, of which I am known to

                       suffer. I made my way to Refreshments still emotional and in search of some Kit Kat bar

                       related therapy. Being Friday, it was of course Frog Day(a day in which you wear green)
                       and so all of Camp was wandering down the hill with their refreshments toward the lake 
                       for the Frog Day show. Having experienced a significant amount of rain on and off at
                       camp, the ground was still a little slick. My mind else where, my Chacos slipped on to
                       the asphalt and I completely ate it. Amidst campers and counselors alike I found myself
                       sitting on the ground, Kit Kat still in hand with a bloody leg and tears welling up in my
                       eyes. No sooner did I fall then did a girl I then barely knew, help me up and say "Lets go
                       to Pit" ( the nurse). Feeling instantly comforted I hobbled along, and found myself sitting 
                       in the Pit Stop, crying, eating a Kit Kat bar and laughing while the nurses tended to my  
                       minor wounds. It seems so small now that I see it in writing. But the simple action of h
                       -elping me up and removing me from the situation started a friendship I will never ever 
                       forget. 
There are so many more stories like this. But this stands out to me because it shows how a complete stranger became a close friend. While working on my Chaco tan, I remembered what it was like to be amongst people who all want the same thing as you, to make those three weeks, the best three weeks ever. To live by the Golden Rule, and to do good. I know this is so sappy. But whenever I come back from Camp, I come with a full heart. I can't wait for next summer, and a 10th year of fun.


xoxo,
ACE

                       

Slow Internet Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

Sorry followers I have been leaving you hanging. I know you have missed me greatly. Sadly I had so many greats posts that were so close to getting posted right before I left and now I am in the 78611 (Burnet, TX) where apparently a regular internet connection is as heard to come by as air conditioning. I am here at Camp Longhorn Indian Springs for Third Term and I am absolutely loving it. Although I am missing staying up all night and watching Netflix and movies. I am on a completely regular sleep schedule waking up as early as 6:15 AM and in bed as early as 10:00 PM. (I know it's crazy) But, while I am here I am doing many other things that none of you can do, like work on my Chaco tan practically 24 hours a day. Or belay on the Rockclimbing wall or sing at the top of your lungs to Taylor Swift as you count campers head I am basically living the dream. I have a cabin that calls me Merida (as in the Scottish Princess from Brave). How lucky am I!? But anyway I just wanted to remind you all that the number of Summer Days are dwindling and you need to live it up! How lame is that? Very lame... but really, many of you have school looming in the headlights so please take advantage of days full of water and sun and snow cones. Also as I spend my day around campers making these three weeks the best three weeks ever, I want to remind you all how rewarding it is to be selfless. Doing Good really does just make your heart warm and fuzzy. Missing you all wherever you are( including those across the pond). 


XOXO,
ACE

Insomnia: A Movie Lover's Best Friend

As many of you may know from my late night, later night, wee hours of the night, and sunrise social media posts, I have a problem with sleep. Well, perhaps I should correct myself I don't have a problem with sleep. I adore sleep. Don't we all? I I love 12 hours nights of bliss, I love cat naps and power naps. My one problem is I also hate the morning and love to stay up late. You add that to a summer full of nothing to do of a time sensitive nature, and here I am up till anywhere between 4:00 am to even 8:30 am. I do lots of things to pass the time. I clean, I cook (right now I am making a cheese cake), I read(Georgiana Darcy's Diary), I creep on the interwebz( see my other internet hobbies in the side bar), I watch an absurd amount of Food Network and the Cooking Channel (hence the cheesecake, it's an Anne Burrell recipe from the show Best Thing I Ever Made), but most of all I watch Movies. Movies seem to be the best thing to do at the end of the night, morning, whatever, because they lull me to sleep perfectly. I highly recommend insomnia, or just an inverted sleep schedule for all Movie Lover's because you find yourself with all this time where you have to be relatively quiet and it is socially acceptable to lay in one place for hours on end under the pretenses of searching for sleep. I watch movies in all mediums; DVD, Blu Ray, DVR, iTunes download, and most of all the beloved Netflix. Insomnia gets the best of us movie lovers. It makes even the snobbiest critic find themselves watching Piranachonda.. Okay not really! But I have watched my fair share of bad movies. I have, however, also seen some favorites, new and old. Here is my list of things to watch when counting sheep just doesn't cut it.

These are not by any means, the best movies known to man kind. They are not the most clever, beautiful, thought provoking, or enticing. But that is the point isn't it. You're not tired, you're wide awake, but you really aren't are you. You're dozing, by the time you picked one of these out you are dozing. You're glad that the action flick is not too racy because that would keep you awake, nothing particularly dark to save you  from those nightmares. I hope you found this rather entertaining and or helpful in your quest for zzzs. 

xoxo,

ACE

P.S: My movie of choice tonight is Best in Show