The Bracelet On My Wrist

The other day as I was having a conversation with a new friend I saw her glancing at my bracelet a few times.  The bracelet that I've worn off and on for 7 years but hasn't left my wrist since September 30th.  The bracelet that sometimes can either bring me to tears or make me smile in an instant when I look down at it.    The bracelet that has a story much different than I ever thought.  The bracelet that's a bright royal blue and reads "Drew's Hope" in white letters.  I wanted her to ask me about it.  I wanted to tell her everything about what the bracelet on my wrist symbolizes.

Maybe it's because I miss him so much or because the new friends in my new life don't really know his story.  But I wanted to tell her and I didn't know how. I didn't know how to tell her that "Drew's Hope" is the name of the foundation my aunt and uncle created for my cousin.  That Drew's Hope has been a staple in my community back home- raising money and awareness for Batten Disease research.  That because of the money raised Drew was a part of innovative research for the disease and others throughout his life.  And mostly I didn't know how to tell her that we lost him just 2 months ago.

But as a whole the bracelet means so much more than that.  It symbolizes the hope for a cure.  The hope we had for a miracle.  The hope that Drew is an inspiration to others.  The hope that Drew was a part of research that will be innovative in changing medicine.  And really, to me, the bracelet reminds me to still have hope even though he's gone.  To be grounded in my faith, even when that's shaken to the core.  To find the good even when parts of your world are falling apart around you.  And to be eternally grateful for the time I had with him and the countless lessons he taught me.

Drew was an angel on earth and this bracelet symbolizes everything he stood for.

 

A Season in the Press Box

This has been a football season to remember.  I know it’s technically not over yet, but we’ve shut the lights at Sanford Stadium for the year.  I can’t put into words how fast these last 14 weeks have flown by or what they’ve meant to me.

Since first stepping foot on the beautiful campus of the University of Georgia in Athens last September, I knew this was a place I needed to be.  Fifteen months later, I’m living in that wonderful town and just wrapped up my first season as a Bulldog.  This was also the first time I’ve spent a season watching games from the press box. 

Every Saturday that the Dawgs were home in Athens, I was in the press box at Sanford Stadium.  Being a part of the communications/stat team this season has been unreal and not a day went by that I didn’t feel grateful or have “pinch me” moments. 

Saturdays in Athens are wonderfully hectic and exciting.  Distributing information/stats and making sure the press box was set for media personnel was the first thing we’d do.  With a credential around my neck, I would spend some time on the sideline with my co-workers during warm ups.  I would make my way back up to the press box in time for the team to make their dramatic entrance and the singing of the National Anthem.

I usually felt a string of butterflies as the teams were getting ready to kick off and the crowd was wild with anticipation.  The string of butterflies was often joined by giddy excitement and just like that the Dawgs were ready to tee it up Between the Hedges. 

The atmosphere at Sanford Stadium never ceased to amaze me.  I’ve never experienced anything like it.  It’s an experience not adequately described with words but with emotions that simply over take you- the passion, intensity, camaraderie and tradition that is Georgia.  If you’re a sports fan, it’ll change your soul. 

A part from being proud to be a Georgia Bulldog, I am extremely blessed to be learning from the best of the best here at Georgia.  I’m not only immersing myself in the culture of this wonderful town, but taking full advantage of every opportunity to enrich my career.  Athens is a special place and I can’t wait to see what else it has in store for me.  

Tips for a Lasting At Home Manicure

I'm the type of girl that always has to have her nails painted and I hate when they start chipping.  I also like to constantly change my color and call it a win for the day if my outfit matches my nails.  I don't have the time to redo my nails every few days when they start to chip so I've come up with a way to make my at home manicure last at least a week with no chips!  You're Welcome!

At the start of your manicure make sure your nails are clean and prepped for painting.  I usually start by  doing minimal filing- I like to keep the length as much as possible so I usually just make sure they're all the same with a clean shape. Then I soak my nails in soap water for a few minutes before I push back and cut my cuticles.  Clean nails/nail beds make it look like a professional manicure.  Next I wash my hands and get ready to paint them.

Once I've picked my color, which could take longer than I'd care to admit, I apply two even coats of the color and let them dry before applying the top coat.  The Top Coat.  This may be the most important part.  I have struggled with finding the perfect top coat, one that applies smoothly and isn't super sticky, if you know what I mean.  The top coat I've fallen in love with is the Sally Hansen, Complete Salon Manicure, 170, Clear'd For Takeoff!  Buy it.  You won't be disappointed.  As someone who doesn't really care for Sally Hansen polish, this is a good one.

Next I apply Julep Quick Dry Drops- which really do dry my nails incredibly quick.

BUT the real secret is what comes next.  About 2-3 days later I apply another top coat to really seal the deal.  This happens before my nails chip and makes sure they last a few more days.

The picture above was taken 5 days after I originally did my nails. After a weekend of football and tailgating my nails hadn't chipped and I added another coat to make sure they lasted a few more days!

Try this trick and let me know how it works for you!

I Believe In The Underdog

I believe in the underdog.  I've always believed in the underdog, because more times than not, that's the team I've been rooting for.  One of the things I love most about College Football and sports in general is that on any given day an underdog can rise above.  Growing up a Rutgers fan I've been used to losing the rivalry games and being overwhelmed with pride and excitement when my team overcame adversity to come out on top.  It's really a great feeling, but ​this weekend I was on the other side of that spectrum as a Georgia Bulldog fan.

I took the trip to Jacksonville with tons of confidence it would be 4 in a row against the Florida Gators.  It was incredibly cold and windy- totally unexpected weather conditions. The Bulldogs scored first, as to be expected.  Then the Gators scored on a fake field goal attempt and just like that the momentum and atmosphere at Everbank Field completely changed.  I won't bore you with all the gory details- Georgia lost to Florida, 38-20.

The loss left a gut-wrenching feeling within me.  All the hype and excitement for what the rest of the season may hold was suddenly tarnished, yet again.  After losing our best player to a suspension and winning 2 games against teams that had a better chance of beating us, I couldn't believe the way this one unfolded.  And even more than that, I can't believe how quickly I got used to winning.  Or how fast I expected wins.  Like I said, that feeling's new.  And to be quite honest, I'm not sure which one I like more.

It's always fun to win, but it may be more fun to be the underdog and pull the upset.

No wait, it's definitely more fun to win, always! 

There's still plenty of time left for the College Football season to take a few more unexpected turns and I'm very excited for the ride.  It's not over yet!