It's all about perspective.

Changing your perspective can make a huge difference to how you percieve a somewhat tragic event. I have learned that even what seems to be the worst situation can end up making me happier than I was before the "tragedy". It doesn't take a winning mega-millions ticket or a huge promotion to be satisfied. Trust me, I have had the opposite of those things and yet I am at a better place right now than I ever thought I would be.



For almost two years, I worked at a salon where I thought I would stay working for a very long time. I met two of my very best friends there and spent my days making people look beautiful. I would always rave to people about how much fun I had at work and all of my clients seemed to notice that I genuinely loved what I was doing. I met so many new people and learned so many new things just from every day conversation. Who could really ask for anything more in a job? Well, once the salon made some changes and brought in new management, there was a woman from the corporate office who would make frequent visits to our location. I never really got to know her too well because my days were usually full of haircut after haircut. But for some reason, I got a weird vibe from her. Whenever she would come around, it seemed as though people didn't act like themselves. I, personally, do not feel as though I need to change who I am for anyone. So I didn't. I am an outgoing and enthusiastic person and that is the way I will always be. Because of that, this woman felt the need to inform me that I didn't take my job seriously. Oh, and she kindly said, "You dress like you are going to the bar, not going to work." Unfortunately, I was only getting paid $11.50/hour at the time and Forever21 was the only store in my budget! Besides, I never wore anything revealing and never went against the dress code. I was strictly stylish. Aren't hair stylists supposed to be fashionable? Well, like I said before, I do not change who I am for anyone. No one can tell me to be a more serious person. I smile and laugh a lot. Deal with it! And no one can tell me what to wear. I am not a plain jane and I sometimes like to over accessorize. So what?!



When I lost my job this past January, I was in shock. I had no idea what to do with myself. It came out of nowhere but it was obviously a wakeup call. I wasn't completely clear on the reasoning, so I was in a state of confusion for awhile. It took some time, but I am very confident that God has a much more fascinating plan for my life. I cannot believe I honestly thought that working at this salon was my calling. I can laugh about it now because losing my job was the best thing that could have happened to me. I am now fully aware that it's time to start putting to use all of the other amazing talents God has blessed me with. If you take the time to change perspectives, you can see that there's much more good than bad to a situation that may seem like a tragedy. Don't change who you are for anyone. God has made you a certain way for a reason. If I was still working at that salon, I would never have all of these new doors opening for me and new opportunities to achieve much greater things. I don't regret those two years for anything. I met some awesome people who have changed my life for the better and for that I am thankful. But if there's one thing I have learned it's this: change your perspective... not yourself. :)

Status: single.

When you see a long distance relative for the first time in awhile, why is it that the first thing they ask is "sooo are you dating anyone?" My response is always, "no" so I am not sure why they keep asking!

Yes, I am always the single girl out of my friends, but I am used to it and to be honest, I am completely fine with it. I usually only go on first dates. People typically think I don't give the guy a fair chance or that I am too picky, but I am fully aware of what I am looking for. It only takes one or two dates to know if someone has these certain qualities. If they don't, I know it's not worth going out again. I don't want to lead them on and I'm certainly not going to settle. Carrie Bradshaw says it best (as always!): "Some people are settling down, some people are settling and some people refuse to settle for anything less than butterflies." It's so true!

It makes me really sad to see people in relationships just because it's comfortable and it's all

they've ever known. Seriously, how do you know if they are really the right person if they are the only person you've ever dated since 10th grade? Some people may believe in "high school sweethearts" and that's really sweet and all, but I still think you need to see what else is out there before you truly know if they are the one.

I can't help but wonder if I am just too selfish to ever settle down! It might sound strange that I would admit that, but I like to do what I want, when I want to do it. I plan spontaneous vacations because I can. I sit around half the day in my pajamas because I can. I am taking my time going to college because I can. I don't know that I could imagine actually having to compromise or give up my independence. For now I am completely happy with the place I am at. Someday when I meet the right person, I am sure I'll realize all the things that were missing. But I am really in no hurry. I am honestly having the time of my life right now and I know not everyone can say that!

Thanks to my awesome friends who don't always have to be with their boyfriends! I love you guys and I love our girls nights out! :)

20% and we're happy!

I like to think I'm pretty good at reading people. After working with the general public for so many years, it is quite obvious that not everyone is kind and generous when it comes to tipping their server. It is also true that some people are just never satisfied! After greeting a table, getting their drinks and beginning to take their order, I have been given enough time to know two things: 1. If they will tip decently. and 2. if they are going to complain about something. It has little to do with what they look like. I'm not judging here! It's mostly about their ability to actually say please and thank you or their willingness to flash a smile. Sometimes it seems like people go out to eat just to try and ruin my day! But do you think I let it bother me? No! If they can't be kind enough to appreciate the fact that someone is waiting on them, they obviously aren't someone who would be worth getting upset over.

I will admit that there have been many times that people have suprised me. Most people over the age of 60 still believe that 18% is the standard for tipping. News flash: It has changed to a 20% minimum! We're trying to make a living here people! So last week I had a table with 3 seperate checks. One check was for a couple in their late 20's, slightly high maintenance, but nice. I expected 20%. Another was for a couple in their late 50's and their elderly mother. Depending on who paid, I figured they would give around 18%. Last was a couple in their mid-60's. They didn't ask for anything special. They smiled and were polite. Easy enough. I expected 15% from them. This is where the shocker comes in! I am usually right when guessing how people will tip. Sometimes I freak myself out. But here's how this table ended up tipping(and it's strange how I remember these things!):
1. the 20 somethings- $4 on a $29 bill. Boo!
2. the 50-somethings and grandma- $6 on a $45 bill. Another boo!
3. the 60-somethings- $23 on a $37 bill. WOAH!

Maybe they were well aware that the rest of their family didn't know how to tip. Who knows! But that one totally came out of nowhere and I was grateful.

The point is, we work our butts off all night smiling and apologizing when people really don't deserve it. Is that cheese really not melted enough? It probably tastes the same either way. And do you really think I care if you know my boss? You're not getting a free drink. So if you want to be a pain in the butt and think you're cool by orderering a top shelf long island, make sure you can tip appropriately! Otherwise, stay home because you obviously need that $2 more than I do! :)

stereotypes really infuriate me.

We are all guilty of stereotyping certain genres of people. I am not saying I am innocent of this, but I feel as though there are certain false judgements that must be cleared up!



First of all, why does our society automatically assume that people with a faith in God don't have very much fun or are just a bunch of dorks? I, personally am not ashamed to be a Christian. I'm glad to know I'll be going to a much greater place when I leave this Earth. I am not a dork, either. Oh, and I can honestly say that I have A LOT of fun! Not only have I traveled to Mexico for 11 days on a mission trip, changing people's lives for the better, but I have also seen every day occurances turn into miracles. Someone who brushes Christians off as "boring" or "nerdy" wouldn't have as many fascinating life experiences as I have. Just because I don't walk around dropping f-bombs and I am saving myself for marriage, does not mean I don't enjoy life just as much as the next person. I probably enjoy it more to be honest, because I know I am living for something greater than things of this world.

Secondly, people need to stop thinking that if you go to cosmetology school, it's because you aren't smart enough for college. Really?! While I was attending school, there were quite a few college grads in my class. One girl even told me that her parents made her get a U of M degree before going to cosmetology school, even though hair is what she really wanted to do. What is wrong with this picture?? Doing hair is an art. It takes someone with a special vision and creative ability. I honestly don't think just anyone could make a bride look as beautiful on her wedding day as I can! :) And I don't think there's a college student who could formulate color to take someone from a 5b/v to a 7N with 9y/o dimension. So, next time someone bashes a cosmetologist, just look in the mirror and appreciate those fresh hi lites or haircut that you love so much and could never do to yourself! Whoever achieved that look for you has worked hard to become the successful stylist that they are!

Mr. Webster describes the word stereotype as: a simplified and standardized conception or image invested with special meaning and held in common by members of a group.

It's just a conception people. Let's not let a few people create a general image for many.

the google search that started this blog...

As my first post to this brand new blog, I feel it's necessary to explain the reason I have come to the decision to create this. I already spend enough time tweeting, facebook snooping and myspace music searching. Why, you may wonder, would I want to get myself sucked into another online obsession?



As some of you may know, at 22 years old, I have been recently asking myself the question "What am I going to do when I grow up?!" When I thought about this same question five years ago, I thought I knew the answer. It seems safe to admit I was wrong. Although I have enjoyed the past few years meeting some amazing people and making them look beautiful, I think God has something else in mind for me besides working in the beauty industry. I love doing hair and I don't regret one thing I have done thus far, but it's time for a fresh start.



I have started brainstorming all the things in my every day life that I love to do more than anything. The list includes: communicating with people, writing, laughing, picking out fun outfits to wear, listening to music, talking on my phone, and googling. I want a career that involves all of my favorite things. How else can you find yourself truly enjoying your life? As many of you may know, I have been thinking a lot about becoming a Journalist, although I have heard it's not the most booming field in this economy. Now I think I want to aim for something a little more specific. While sitting home on this Sunday night, I randomly decided to Google "how to become a publicist". Thanks to the information from ehow.com, I have learned some quick facts about that career:

1. To become a publicist, it's best to get a bachelor's degree in: English, Communications, or Journalism (My top 3 majors of choice!)

2.Obviously, you would eventually be working with an author, musician, or actor. (looove it.)

3.To become a publicist, you should work on developing your writing skills. A good way to do that is to create a blog.



So here you go, folks! I welcome you to become part of the first step to my journey as a publicist. It's going to be a long one, but I plan on having many exciting adventures along the way; all of which will be accurately recorded here. After a few posts, you will begin to truly believe the fact that I am not your ordinary blonde. Oh, and I have big dreams. :)