Manic Monday's Made Motivational

A good deed is never lost: he who sows courtesy reaps friendship; and he who plants kindness gathers love.
-Basil

Happy Monday! Hope you have a great day!

Love Always,
Alaka

Stressing!

I'm so stressed right now! I have so much to get done this week and I feel like there's not enough time to get it all done! This weekend I'm going to the Derby (for the first time-I'm so excited!), and I still don't know what dress I'm wearing and I don't have a hat yet! I'm hoping I can still find a really cute hat for a good deal. That's if any stores have any hats left...maybe they'll be on sale by now?!
I also have my graduation on Sunday. Again, I have no clue what I'm going to wear. I want to wear something classic, cute, and comfortable!

I also just moved over the weekend, and I still need to organize my place before my friends and family come into town on Sunday. I have so much stuff I still need to get out of my old place, I feel like I'm going to make a million trips to get all my junk shoes, clothes, pictures, etc. out! And I have to do this before Friday.

On top of all this, I still have two more finals to complete!!! Sadly, I'm more stressed over what I'm going to wear this weekend then taking my finals. I can't help it that I love clothes and want to look cute in all of my pictures!

And this list goes on and on....

I could really use a massage and pedicure right now! I hope everyone is having a great week! And for those of you taking finals-GOOD LUCK!

I would also like to wish my dearest friend, Angela Wilkinson, a very Happy Birthday!!! Love you<333

Love Always,
Alaka

Manic Monday's Made Motivational

It is not work that kills men, it is worry. Work is healthy; you can hardly put more on a man than he can bear. But worry is rust upon the blade. It is not movement that destroys the machinery, but friction.
-Henry Ward Beecher

Happy Monday!

Love Always,
Alaka

Bittersweet

The weekend is about to come to an end, and I will soon be a graduate from the University of Kentucky!!! I can't believe how fast my time at college has flown by. I feel like it was just yesterday when I packed up my bags, and my mom and sister moved me into the dorms. It doesn't feel like 4 years ago I went through recruitment and pledged Delta Delta Delta. I remember going to my first class and being terrified when the professor called on me.

These past four years of college have been the greatest and most amazing years of my life! I was blessed to find the most wonderful friends and boyfriend. I know graduating is an exciting time of your life and I'm so happy to be done with school but there's so many things I'm going to miss...

1. Living in the sorority house (even though it sucks to have rules)
2. Living with ALL of my friends and being able to walk down the hall to see them.
3. Being able to participate in Greek Sing (Overall Champs 2 yrs. in a row) or Recruitment
4. Having class for a few hours of the day and then being able to do whatever I want after (nap, lay out, etc.)
5. Date Parties!!!
6. Having my meals cooked for me at the house
7. Spring Break
8. Road Trips
9. Going out on Thursday Nights
10. All of us being in the same town
These are only a few of the things I'll miss!

I know I have a lot to look forward to after graduation! I'm really excited for this next chapter of my life to begin.

I apologize for not having many posts last week! I am just so busy with school and moving into my new apartment!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Love Always,
Alaka

Manic Monday's Made Motivational

Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.
Louisa May Alcott

Happy Monday!

Love Always,
Alaka

Addicted

I'm embarrassed to say how many of these I have consumed this month. I probably had at least 6 this week! I can't help it...they are so addicting!!! It's a good thing the stores carry them for a short amount of time or I'd be in BIG trouble. These are the best Reese's they make because they are jammed pack with Peanut Butter. This has always been my favorite candy to get for Easter.

What's your favorite candy? Will any of you get an Easter basket this weekend? I love getting them but I rarely do now that I'm older :(

Hope everyone has a wonderful Easter weekend!

Love Always,
Alaka

Thank You, Amazon!

Last week, I called Amazon about my Kindle not working. For some reason the screen went all fuzzy on me and I couldn't see the words on the screen. I was heartbroken when this happened because I'm so dependent on my Kindle, and now I was having to actually buy books again. Yes, I am complaining about buying a book. I thought it would be hard to convert from an actual book to a Kindle but it was SO easy! I honestly don't miss books at all. The books on the Kindle are cheaper, download within seconds, it's very light and takes up less space! If you do not yet have one, I highly suggest you get one!

In just a few short minutes, the customer service guy got all my information and was sending me a NEW (Free) Kindle!!! He was so nice and hardly asked any questions about the damage. Literally, the NEXT day my Kindle arrived!!! I couldn't believe it! The customer service I experienced was remarkable.

I'm one happy lady now :)

Have any of you had problems with your Kindle? Or great customer service from Amazon? This only makes me want to shop at Amazon more. I appreciate good customer service and I feel it's something that has gone by the way side with all these "e companies." Thank you, awesome Amazon!

Love Always,
Alaka

PS-I hate the screen saver on the Kindle...does anyone know how to change it?

TGIF

I'm so happy today is FRIDAY! I'm sure many of you are just as excited as I am!!! Do any of you have exciting plans? Hope you have a safe & fun weekend!!!

Love Always,
Alaka

And They're Off!

Finally my favorite time of year has arrived...KEENELAND!!! For those of you who don't know, I love horses and especially horse racing. I think it is one of the greatest and most exhilarating sports out there. I have been looking forward to Keeneland even more this year, because I am currently working with a trainer out there. We actually have two horses running today, and I can't wait to watch and cheer them on to win! Even when I was in high school (and still living in FL at the time) I would have my parents fly me up for the races.


Here are a few photos from the past 4 years, of some great times at Keeneland with friends & family...

Me and Sissy. This was my first time at Keeneland and I fell in love.

My Sis and I with our cousin.

Me and my Dad together for my sorority's "Dad's Day"

First time meeting Zach's parents. And yes, I had a McCain pin on.

Looking at the horse's in the paddock

Delta Love

Friends :)

Mister Z and I

Hope some of you will make it to Keeneland this meet. It's so much fun...especially when you bet & your horse wins. I hope to get lucky & win some big bucks-ha! Have a safe and wonderful weekend!

Love Always,
Alaka

It's Almost Time

Only 23 more days!!! Can you believe it? This wedding is going to be magnificent. I also can't wait to watch the Lifetime Movie: William and Kate-Let The Love Rule, which premieres on April 18. Call me a huge dork because I've had these dates in my calendar for a while now and they are quickly approaching! I'm so excited and I know many of you are too!

Love Always,
Alaka

Manic Monday's Made Motivational

One's life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of other's, by means of love, friendship, indignation, and compassion.
-Simone De Beauvoir

Happy Monday! Have a wonderful day :)

Love Always,
Alaka

Oops...She Did It Again

Is there anyone out there who still LOVES Britney? I have remained a faithful fan even through all her ups and downs. I think she is such an amazing dancer and is so beautiful. She may not be the best singer out there, but I love her music!!! It's the perfect music to jam to when working out, hanging with your friends, cleaning, etc.

Not only does she have a new CD out: Femme Fatale, but she is also going on tour!!! Jackpot for me-Not only do I get a new Britney album, but now I'll finally get to see her on tour. That's right...nothing will stop me from seeing her in concert. Me and my friend, Paige,(who is equally obsessed with her) have already decided to see her in concert together. I cannot wait!!! However, I have heard the concert tickets are going to be pretty expensive :( But I'm sure it'll be worth every cent!

I didn't get the chance to watch her on GMA yesterday, and have heard from a lot of people that she didn't look good. Hopefully I'll be able to find it on YouTube and watch it.

How do you feel about the singer? I know a lot of people have different opinions of her. Has anyone listened to her new CD? What did you think?

Hope you're having a great week!

Love Always,
Alaka

Manic Monday's Made Motivational

Instead of thinking about were you are, think about where you want to be. It takes twenty years of hard work to become an overnight success.
-Diana Rankin

Happy Monday!

Love Always,
Alaka

I'm on a boat. I've got my swim suit & my flippy floppie's!

Last week, I went on spring break with my girlfriends. It was a bittersweet moment...we had a great time together, but were sad since it's our last break we'll share together for a while. We lived it up and took full advantage of our vacation.

We left last Sunday night, and drove to Port Canaveral where our cruise ship was ready and waiting. Early Monday morning, we arrived to the port and got on the ship. We were welcomed by the warm Florida sunshine, something we haven't seen in a while since KY has been so cold. We quickly changed into our swimsuits, found our beach chairs, and laid out all day. There were cocktail waiters coming around the ship to serve us. Of course we couldn't say no since we were on vacation! And since we had everything we needed (drinks, sun and friendship) we didn't move from our chairs until it was time for us to get ready for supper.

Every night dinner was great AMAZING!!! Everything I ordered was delicious (it was a 3 course meal) and the service was phenomenal too. They literally waited on us hand and foot! Anything we asked for we got. And if we didn't like something we ordered, they would bring out something else that would satisfy us.

On Tuesday, we made it to Coco Cay. This is an island in the Bahamas the cruise ship owns. It was BEAUTIFUL!!! I can't stress how pretty and peaceful it was there. The water was ice blue and so pretty to look at. The water was too cold for me to get in but my friends did some swimming. In all honesty, ever since I started watching Shark Week I have been afraid of the ocean. I just relaxed on the beach all day, caught up on my celebrity gossip from magazines and had some delicious frozen drinks. The day couldn't have gone any better! When it was time to go, I really didn't want to leave! I could have stayed there the entire week if I was allowed to. However, I don't think the ship would have allowed it :( Once we returned to the ship, we got ready for supper and to go out for the night.

We went to a club on the ship called The Circuit. It was so much for me and my friends! We all love to dance and had a great time with each other that night, although we did see some strange and gross dancing going on in the club. Definitely inappropriate at times...good thing "the club" was 18 and up-ha! We ended every night with getting pizza. That's one bad thing about the cruise...there is food available at all times. Bad for someone like me who wants to eat ALL the time.

The next day, we made it to Nassau. I was so excited to see this island (since this is where Atlantis is) but I was really let down. Even though the water was pretty and the weather was nice I didn't really care for Nassau. If you don't go to Atlantis then there really isn't much to do or see. Since we're about to be graduates we decided to have our money and not do any of the activities associated with Atlantis. Instead we went to a local beach and laid out there until dinner. Me and two of my friends (Angie and Kristan) decided to explore the town some and have lunch at a local spot. The food was surprisingly really good but the service was so slow. It definitely wasn't the fast American restaurant pace I'm used to. Before getting back on the ship, we went to the "straw market". This is where they sale their products (purses, decorations, clothing, etc). I purchased a really cute bracelet from there. I love it!!!

After dinner, we decided to head back out in Nassau to go to the bars. They had a Senor Frogs on the island and I was so excited to go there! I've heard so many fun things about Senor Frogs and I couldn't wait to go. But I was disappointed again. The band wasn't that good, the drinks were just okay, and the entire place smelled like smoke (and not just from cigarettes). All in all, I was really let down with Nassau. Maybe my standards were set too high. I would go again only if I was guaranteed to go to Atlantis. But if you don't plan on visiting Atlantis, I wouldn't recommend going to Nassau.

Thursday was our last day on the ship and it was also St. Patrick's Day!!! The ship was WILD! Everyone was outside soaking up the last few rays...I know I was out trying to soak up all that I could. There were all these contests and entertainment going on around the pool. It was so much fun to watch & my friend Hayley even entered in one of them! We laid out ALL DAY LONG and many didn't even make it to dinner. Of course I did! I couldn't miss out on the wonderful food and it was our last night. Since we had to get off the ship so early on Friday, we decided to get crazy during the day instead of that night. Some of my friends watched a comedy show on the ship but I was just too tired. I had to get my packing done and rest before driving home.

Unfortunately, Friday came faster than we wanted it to. We left that afternoon and got home early Saturday morning. It was good to be home but after being back for a day I was ready to leave again. I miss the beautiful water and the hot sun. Thank goodness spring is officially here! All I need now is for the country club pool to open. I'm ready to soak up those days!

I hope all of you had a great weekend & enjoyed your Spring Break (for those lucky enough to get one)! And GO CATS-Going to the Final Four :) Yay!!!!

Love Always,
Alaka

Manic Monday's Made Motivational

People often say that 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder,' and I say that the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing that you are the beholder. This empowers us to find beauty in places where others have not dared to look, including inside ourselves.
- Salma Hayek

Happy Monday!!! Hope everyone has a great day :)

Love Always,
Alaka

On Vacation

Today, I leave for my last Spring Break with my girlfriends. Ten of us are going, so it will be a nice vacation for us before we graduate. We decided to go on a cruise together and were going to visit the Bahamas while cruisin'. I am so excited...I have always wanted to go to Atlantis. My chance has finally arrived!

I can't believe Spring Break is already here! It is crazy how fast time flies. I am sure my vacation will be over before I know it. I just can't wait to lay in the sun, have a few drinks, and be with my best friends! Since I am leaving, you won't hear from me for a few days. But I'll be back soon and can't wait to share my Spring Break with you!

Have any of you been to the Bahamas before? What did you think? Hope some of you get a Spring Break and will have the opportunity to spend it in the sunshine like me!

I will miss everyone so much! Take care and will blog soon :)

Love Always,
Alaka

Boot Scootin' Boggie

Last Saturday, on a whim I decided to go to Nashville with my friend Paige and some of her friends I hadn't met before. I was kind of nervous about going, since I hadn't met these friends and there was such a large group going. I am also kinda shy about being with a group of people I don't know. But it was Nashville were talking about here...it's one of my FAVORITE cities everrr!!! I LOVE it. I want to move closer to Nashville someday. It was an offer I couldn't resist and I had to go!
Paige's friends were so nice and welcoming when I was introduced to everyone. They were all very outgoing and talkative, which made it easy for me to be around them. I was so happy to go out of my comfort zone and make friends with other people.

We first went to the Flying Saucer to eat and grab drinks before going downtown. The food was great! I had a club sandwich and fries, and it was probably one of the best I've ever had. However, they don't have a good selection of drinks to choose from. They didn't even have any "juices" so I couldn't even order a vodka and cranberry. They were totally cramping my style. But at least the food made up for it...sorta.

After we ate and met up with everyone in the group, we headed downtown to Hollywood Disco. I had been there a year before with some of my girlfriends. Once we had arrived I was so excited when I saw the man who dances so crazy there again. This must mean he is a regularly there on Saturday nights. I can't even explain to you some of the crazy abstract moves that he does! But here is a picture just to give you an idea. I LOVE to dance (even though I am terrible) and I can't even dance when he's on the dance floor because I'm laughing so hard!

It ended up being a short night for me and Paige. We couldn't help it but we were so tired!!! Of course we couldn't go in without stopping and getting something to eat. Although Paige had her heart set on gyro's, we ended up going to Checkers. Checkers is really popular in Florida (where I'm from) and I was so excited to eat their fries!

I'm so happy I went to Nashville and had such a great time! I made new friends and their all wonderful! I am looking forward for us all to get together again.

Have any of you had the chance to visit Nashville? What did you think? Do you have any certain places you love to go when your there? I would love to find out some other places to go when I visit.

Hope everyone is having a good week! Yay...it's almost Friday!