Kappa Kupcakes

If you happen to be a Creighton student or live in the Omaha area, the ladies of Kappa Kappa Gamma are hosting their third annual Kappa Kupcakes philanthropy event this week!

We are selling Gigi's cupcakes for $5 in Becker, Brandeis, Skutt, and the KFC spine all week long! Choose from either wedding cake or midnight magic flavor, both of which come in gluten-free options. Cupcakes will be delivered next week!

All proceeds will benefit our philanthropy, Reading Is Fundamental!

Gina

Back from Break

Wow, it's practically been one month since I last blogged... whoops!

I really think I had the hardest midterms week I've ever had while in college. 4 tests within 48 hours? Not fun.

Last week was spring break. I was so lucky to be able to spend the whole week with my closest Kappa sisters and Creighton friends in Miami. While I still wish I could be back on the beach admiring the turquoise water, it's nice to be back on a schedule (despite almost forgetting about one of my classes, whoops). Here are some of my favorite pictures from last week!

Our hotel in yellow

The crew 

The view from our hotel's rooftop terrace 

Mmmm authentic Cuban food

We even hit up St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Chicago!

This weekend is packed with activities, including my sorority's initiation and the annual Lu'au. It seems like every weekend until graduation is going to be just as busy!

Gina

Weekend Update

So sorry it's been a while since my last post! Life has just been so busy recently.

Friday night was the bar crawl for the seniors in my sorority, and it was an absolute blast! We wore matching shirts and even rented a party bus. Seeing everyone together and having tons of fun has been a highlight of this semester.

Yesterday evening our whole sorority went ice skating for a sisterhood retreat. It was also another great opportunity for photos! Our chapter is huge now that we have our new members, so it felt awesome being able to fill up one whole rink!

I've also learned I'm welcoming two new great-grandlittles into my Kappa family (I couldn't be more excited!!!!) and I already know they're going to fit in perfectly!

Gina

Progress

I can't help but think this semester is truly flying by in a blink. How are we already halfway through February (and over 1/4 through the semester)?

Luckily, I've been able to spend a lot of quality time with my friends over the last few weeks. Galentine's Day brunch was amazing, as was this whole weekend.

Two awesome things happened to me this week. First, I ran the furthest I have ever run! 5 miles in the books friends! I've been doing a pretty good job sticking to my schedule, although I did need to take a few days off last week... I could feel the shin splints coming on and did everything I could to avoid them. It's worked so far!

Second, I attended my weekly sorority Bible study last Thursday and was reminded of freshman year memories. I wouldn't say my transition into college was awful, but it definitely was not easy for me. I was 600 miles from home and while getting away was something I always wanted, I felt so lost in an entirely new world called "college." Every day before classes, I would sit in our on-campus church and just think, reflect, and pray a little. My faith grew so much in my first semester because God was the only constant in my life through every transition and bump in the road. As I branched out and made friends, I stopped spending this personal reflection time with Him. But after going to Kappa Bible study last week and thinking ahead to Ash Wednesday this week, I really want to get back into spending time each weekday with God (my Lenten promise to myself). I love spending time thinking, and there's really no better place to do it than St. John's.

Wishing everyone a wonderful week!

Gina

Galentine's Day

Happy Tuesday!

I'm finally finished with both tests I had this week.. phew! All I've been doing the last few days is studying, so I'm allowing myself to take a break (but only for a couple hours, of course). 

Something I'm looking forward to this week (besides a break from nonstop studying) is Galentine's Day. My closest girlfriends (hence "Galentine's") and I are having brunch on Saturday morning, complete with all kinds of yummy food. I've been designated the caffeinator, what with me owning an espresso machine and all. Plus, Nordstrom inspired me to paint my own nails like this!

Wishing everyone a great week and Valentine's Day!

Gina

Running Playlist

After hitting the gym consistently for the last 3 weeks, I'm so amazed with the strides (literally) I've made in my lifestyle to get healthy and prepare for a half-marathon.

I've mentioned this previously, but I've never been a runner. I used to despise running. But now, something inside of me has changed and I actually look forward to running. There are so many advantages to it: it's a chance to clear your mind, pump your body with endorphins, and catch up on the latest tunes.

Is it even possible to run without a good playlist?! I doubt it... so here are my favorite songs on my iPod shuffle when I run!

Sugar -- Maroon 5

Hurts Like Heaven -- Coldplay

The Walker -- Fitz and the Tantrums

Uptown Funk -- Bruno Mars

Bounce With Me -- Kreesha Turner

Give A Little More -- Maroon 5

1983 -- Neon Trees

1901 -- Phoenix

King of Anything -- Sara Bareilles

Giving Up The Gun -- Vampire Weekend

Keep Your Head -- The Ting Tings

Sail Into The Sun -- Gentlemen Hall

Any songs I must add to my playlist? I'd love some recommendations!

Gina

Snow Day

Classes were delayed this morning (the second time this week!) so I've allowed myself an extra hour to get ready, eat breakfast, and watch the snow fall. Oh, and blog of course!

My morning routine always involves making myself a cappuccino. After studying abroad in Italy, I came back hooked not only on caffeine, but on the rich taste of a cappuccino. Regular coffee just doesn't do it for me; I need my espresso!

So, the DeLonghi semi-automatic espresso machine came into my life.

I really don't know what I would do without this lil' buddy each morning. It took a little getting used to, but now I know exactly how to tamp and froth (thank you, YouTube videos)!

I use Lavazza Crema e Gusto, which goes perfectly in my Lavazza cappuccino cups I splurged on at Eataly during my internship in New York.

Well, now that I've finished my cappuccino, it's time for me to get off to the library (oh homework...), but I'm definitely hoping the skies clear up so we can have another beautiful Omaha day like this one!

Gina

Book Review: The Giver

After finishing "The Giver" last week, I immediately wanted to march into my middle school and tell them what a mistake they made not having us read it!

Disclaimer: I have not seen the movie, so going into this book, I really had no idea what to expect.

A quick preview:

Jonas lives in a society that strives for its people to live a life of no fear, pain, or worry. At a special ceremony, 12-year-old Jonas is chosen to be the future Receiver, one of the most revered jobs in his community. But as he spends more time with The Giver, Jonas learns things that change him forever.

I'm a sucker for a good plot, so I can pretty much read any book and enjoy it. However, this book contained a philosophical component that I couldn't get over. Maybe the philosophy class I'm currently in inspired me, but while reading I kept thinking about Aristotle and his belief in accepting an intelligent superhuman to save society from our flaws (I swear Lowry must have known about those beliefs Aristotle held).

While there are many dystopian novels out there, this one takes a unique perspective on the concept. Instead of the main character trying to "save" his/her society, Lowry's character learns about the community he lives in and how it became like that. He only takes action at the very end, but his decisions don't exactly affect everyone else.

I've only ever heard great things about this novel, and I'm so glad I read it! Even though middle school children are reading this throughout the country, I believe adults can actually get more out of "The Giver" and understand the philosophical aspects beyond the plot.

Gina

P.S. I'm already 100 pages through "The Book Thief" and have really enjoyed the unique writing style; I can't wait to get further into Liesel's adventures! (Again, haven't seen this movie either)

Changing Your View on a Class You Dislike

We are officially 2.5 weeks into school here at Creighton and the first round of exams is approaching (say it isn't so!). By now, I have developed certain expectations for the six classes I'm taking this semester. The subject material ranges widely, from reading the works of great poets like Plato and Aristotle in philosophy to observing animals in my animal behavior lab.

But, there's always that one class you really dislike. 

All my friends could clearly tell you which class this semester I truly dislike. I complain about it all the time. There's too much work, the teacher grades to hard, the class doesn't interest me, etc etc (honestly, I could continue on).

I've found myself in a pretty negative mood recently, and I honestly think the class is the reason.

So how do I get myself out of this funk? Here are some tips I've come up with to try and get me through the class with a more positive outlook!

***

Understand there's a reason this class is a requirement for my major.

As a biology course, this class is at the core of the field. And while I'm interested in other topics within biology, I know that the point of my major isn't to focus in on one aspect of biology. I'm supposed to come away with a degree and a diverse background in the field.

Stay on top of readings and study a little every day.

Doing this will make the course seem less daunting and less work if I'm staying on track and devoting an hour or two to the class a few times each week.

Feel confident; this is one of my last upper level biology courses, while it's the first for most in the class!

Everyone always dreads this class. But most students who take it are sophomores. I'm a senior and have a lot more background not only in biology, but also in knowing how to study for an upper level course.

Do you have any other tips or words of encouragement to push me through? I'd love to hear them!

Gina

Half-Marathon Update!

Originally, my dad and I were planning on running a half-marathon in Liverpool. Since our plans have changed a little, we will instead be running it...

... on the Isle of Skye in Scotland!

The course is quite hilly (as you can probably imagine from the picture), but boasts some of the best views of the Scottish countryside.

Here's a picture of the town that the race starts and ends in.

Now I just have to get through this semester... and train I guess ;)

Gina

Training Progress

I've officially been training for my half-marathon for a week! Managing to stick to a schedule has been a huge plus. Not only am I learning to make more time to run, but it's become a lot more enjoyable and I seem to be able to run 3 miles pretty easily now.

While I'm not one of those people with a ton of cool or nice workout gear, I do value my Mizuno running shoes. They're extra comfortable, and I've been a big fan of Mizuno brand anything from all my years of playing volleyball!

Mine are an older version of these and are turquoise and purple (two of my favorite colors!).

This weekend was so busy that all I want to do tonight is exactly what this French bulldog is doing below...

Wishing everyone a great week!

Gina

Turning a New Leaf in College

Today, one of my close friends posted on Facebook a quote I said freshman year via Timehop (not going to lie, I'm not really sure what Timehop is or how it works, so yeah). After reading the quote, I was pretty shocked. Since I'm not feeling the best about what I said, I'm not going to post it here but the gist was a very pessimistic view of the state of the environment. 

Sure, I'm still a bit pessimistic about the environment and the fate we as humans are pushing it toward, but I realized how much I've grown in the past three years at Creighton after rereading the quote. 

For starters, this friend and I were acquaintances (at best) this time freshman year. We had just become sisters through Kappa Kappa Gamma, but her closeness to my roommate is what spurred our frequent interactions. Three years later, she is one of my closest friends. We've both done a lot of growing up along the way, but our friendship still amazes me because of how unlikely I believed it to be from the start. 

Another aspect of growth I've seen in myself are my beliefs. While back then, I didn't really care about the environment, I've now made sure to fulfill my duty, recycling when I can and making sure to turn the lights off in my apartment when I leave. The little things can actually add up to make a difference, something I never would have believed when I was a freshman. Maybe going to a liberal arts school got to me or maybe I just surround myself with people who are passionate about bettering the world. Regardless, both factors have changed me for the better, shaping my views and challenging my beliefs. Being at Creighton has continually forced me to open my mind to new possibilities and ways of thinking. 

For those who have known me since freshman year or even before college, I've always had the same personality: quiet, smart, and intensely loyal. But something new that I see in myself, a trait I've grown into that I lacked before, is confidence. Now, I don't mean confidence in the sense of feeling prepared for a test or feeling ready to take on a leadership role in an extracurricular activity. 

No, I mean confidence in the sense that I know who I am, who I want to be, and the impact I want to make. 

I don't worry about what people may say about me, because I know I have friends and family who will protect me and stand with me through anything. 

I don't have to prove my beauty through my physical appearance because I wear my heart on my sleeve and exhibit what inner beauty is through my actions. 

Merriam-Webster defines confidence as, "a feeling or belief that you can do something well or succeed at something." Well, you know what that "something" is I do well? What I succeed at?

Life. Laughing. Being a loving, caring person. 

Being ME. 

Now, you all deserve a big thank you and round of applause. Because of you, I am able to be me without fear or apprehension. I don't have to worry about being rejected because I may not be the most gung-ho person when it comes to saving the environment. You challenge me to be the best version of me every day. You inspire me to know myself, be myself, and accept myself. You allow me to grow. For that, I am forever grateful. 

...And on a completely different note, tomorrow is going to be a wonderful day because I'm going on a steak crawl. Free steak? YES, PLEASE.

Gina

Owls, Keys, and the Fleur-de-lis

Recruitment is over and the ladies of Creighton Kappa finally have new members! We love all 53 of them so so much! 

Here are some of my favorite pictures from this week filled with Kappa love :)

Gina

Back to School

For those of you who don't know, I'm currently going through recruitment for my sorority. It's so exciting, but extremely exhausting at the same time (12 straight hours of chatting and cheering). I still can't believe we had 11 parties yesterday and 10 today!

I love meeting girls who are looking forward to joining a new sisterhood and finding that place to call a home away from home, but my favorite aspect of recruitment is actually getting to spend all my time with my sisters. I know that probably sounds cheesy, but my closest friends are all Kappas so it's actually really enjoyable to bond over little things we don't usually think about, like what fast food we need to break up all the healthy eating or whether our philanthropy t-shirt looks better tucked in or untucked. 

Tomorrow is the first day of my second semester of senior year (ok, where has the time gone?), but I'm still caught up thinking about how my whole Kappa family is finally back together again in the same city! Plus, how can I possibly think of school when I'm so excited to welcome girls to Kappa on Saturday?!

Gina

Bookworm

As I previously mentioned, I got a few books for Christmas that I'm very excited to delve into! I also finished a few more recently, so all will be shared with you!

Books Read Last Semester:

The Seasons of Rome - Paul Hofmann

If you have ever visited, lived in, or fallen in love with Rome, this book is definitely for you! Hofmann writes about his daily life in Rome during the 1990s, describing incidents scarily similar to ones that still occur today (even though it's been 20 years, there is still no Roman bus schedule).

The Rosie Project - Graeme Simsion

Combine a socially inept genetics professor with a wild young woman named Rosie who's on the hunt for her biological father, and you've got yourself quite a story. I was recommended this book because Don (the professor) expresses behavioral oddities commonly seen in those on the autism spectrum; since I'm pre-occupational therapy, this book really sparked my interest early on. The way the relationships develop in this book are pretty weird, but that just made it even more hilarious!

What Alice Forgot - Liane Moriarty

After a fictional woman named Alice takes a fall at the gym, she forgets the last decade of her life and doesn't understand anything that seems to be going on in her current 39-year-old life. As Alice begins to remember things, her personality continually flip-flops. Not only did I find this book interesting due to Alice's amnesia (another OT thing), but it was also mind-opening to see how ten years can change someone's personality and view on life.

Books Received for Christmas:

The Notebook - Nicholas Sparks

Leaving Time - Jodi Picoult

Me Before You - Jojo Moyes

The Giver - Lois Lowry

The Book Thief - Markus Zusak

I can't wait to dive into my new collections! The last two have short chapters and are perfectly laid out for reading before bed this coming spring semester.

Have you read and loved any of my new books?

Gina

2014

Even though January 1 was a few days ago, I am still astounded by the fact that we are in 2015.

Thinking back to last year, I probably had the most wonderful year of my life. I really was blessed with amazing experiences and friendships!

I lived in Rome for the spring semester of my junior year.

In the span of four months, I fell in love with Rome and everything about the Italian way of life. I also met some wonderful people and made four friendships that will last as long as the work on the new Roman subway line (aka forever). With new friends, sunny Roman days, and weekends spent in seven different countries, I still believe nothing will come close to the pure bliss those four months were to me.

I called New York City home for a month.

Spending part of the summer in New York for an occupational therapy internship I never imagined I would get was a major highlight of the year. Not only did I learn so much about the field of OT, but I made some new friends along the way as we explored a city I've grown to love over many years. Plus, I got to spend some extra time with my grandma at her Long Island beach house on weekends.

I've grown closer to my group of friends and Kappa sisters.

Our little group of nine has amazed me this last semester. Despite being away in the spring, I felt welcomed into a group filled with inside jokes, Netflix binges, and life chats. I couldn't be happier with my friends (who all happen to be my sisters too!) and can't wait to spend a whole week in Miami with them in March!

With all of these experiences, I've grown as a person. I have a clearer idea of my hopes and goals for the next few years, but have also embraced the thought of uncertainty and welcome whatever life may bring. 

All I can say now is bring it on, 2015!

Gina

At-Home Exercising

The weather in Dallas has been nice the last couple days, but was pretty crummy previously; plus, the forecast at school for the next week looks no better (#winterstormgorgon). To accommodate my daily workout schedule, I've had to focus a lot more on exercises that can be done at home. 

Thanks to XHIT Daily, I have been able to stay in shape despite the rain and cold! In order to feel like I've had a full workout, I like to start with this warmup, then do three XHIT video workouts, and end with this stretching video (but I usually hold for less time).

Some of my favorite XHIT workouts include this one for the booty, this one for the arms, this one for legs, and this one for abs!

I always feel so good after doing these exercises, and enjoy them because there is constant variation. If you give these a try, let me know how you like them!

Gina

Ringing in the New Year!

Happy New Year!

I can't believe it's already 2015! Seriously, how did 2014 fly by so quickly? 

This winter break, a little birdie (*cough* Mom...) told me that more than a few family and friends were hoping for my return to the blogging world. Well, I've decided to do just that as one of my New Year's resolutions!

I'm usually that person who makes a few resolutions and fails to keep them (I've ridden the "I'm going to lose weight" boat more than a few times). However, this year, I've had the chance to sit back and think through what I want this year to look like for me and chosen resolutions based on those ideas.

First, I'm going to focus on eating right and adopting a healthier lifestyle. Ok, I can hear all the naysayers; sure, it hasn't worked in the past, but I think there are a few things that make it different for me this year. A few days before Christmas, I decided to start running (more on that below) and felt such a sense of accomplishment afterwards. I realized that in no way should I be focused on losing weight, but instead bringing my body to a more healthy and natural state. I've already succeeded in working out every day (except for two rest days) since then! Last semester I was really good about staying away from soda, and while I did indulge a few times, I know I can keep up that great healthy trend!

2015 will be the year I run a half-marathon. Now, I have told multiple people, "I hate running," and I will not take that statement back. I actually enjoy circuit and whole body exercises a lot more (mostly for the constant variation). But I've become inspired by my dad, who just finished a marathon last month and still claims to hate running. He was able to build up the stamina to do that, so what's holding me back from doing the same for a half? Bonus: I'll be running it in Liverpool this June while on vacation with my family!

Like the hiatus from soda-drinking, I also want to continue doing something I succeeded in doing last semester: reading for fun. Before bed most nights, I read a quick chapter in The Rosie Project or journal entry from The Seasons of Rome. It was an amazing way to forget about school and I honestly think reading right before bed helped me sleep better and feel less stressed. Reading is definitely something I want to continue doing, especially since I got a handful of books for Christmas (always the best gift!).

So with these resolutions out in the open, I wish everyone a wonderful and successful start to 2015!

Gina