Learn to Love Me: Part II

Moving right along with the "36 Questions That Lead to Love" here is part two. I'm sure you guys are just head over heels for me by now, haha!



If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?
I often think I'd like to know who I'll end up with, or what my career will be, how many kids (if any) I'll have, etc. but to be honest, I'd rather not know. I think it would take the fun out of life. Sure the stress would be gone too, but what would be the point of living?

Is there something that you've dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven't you done it?
Have kids. I'm only 25, I've got things to do first.

What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?
Earning my Masters, starting my own business, I really do have a lot to be proud of even though I don't always give myself the proper credit.

What do you value most in a friendship?
Honesty.

What is your most treasured memory?
The week leading up to graduation at Seton Hill. SHU was really great about planning the school year to allow for a week to be between senior finals and graduation. Meaning there is a week that the seniors are on campus for no other reason but to hang out with each other. We certainly made the most of that week and I cherish every moment.

What is your most terrible memory?
Finding out my grandma died.

If you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living? Why?
Stop working and travel. To far away places I've never been and to visit friends and family. And tell everyone how I feel about them all the time until they are sick of hearing it.

What does friendship mean to you?
My friends are my life.

What roles do love and affection play in your life?
Everything. Without love, we are all nothing and while I am not one to show affection in typical ways, I know how important that is as well.

Share five positive characteristics of your partner.
MJ always sees the best in people. He is blatantly honest and loyal to a fault. He has the biggest heart of anyone I know and gives love so easily.

How close and warm is your family? Do you feel your childhood was happier than most other people?
I'd say we're pretty close. However, I wish that I was closer with my cousins, I am always so jealous of how close MJ is with his cousins. I would say that my childhood was pretty awesome, so yes, I was probably happier than most people and I do not take that for granted.

How do you feel about your relationship with your mother?
My mom is my heart. I don't love anyone more than I love her.

Read Part I here.

And stay tuned for the final part, next week!

Valentine's For Yourself!

1. Keys To Your Heart Pillow from ModCloth

Cute phrase, cute graphic & how do you show yourself love more than taking a nap.

2. Blossom & Beautiful from Bella J

Fabulous facial cleanser products from a great company focused on empowering their customers & making 100% natural products.

3. Nichola Pumps from ShoeDIVA Boutique

How gorgeous are these shoes!? I want them soooooo badly.

4. Endless Love Engraved Midi Ring from Urban Outfitters

Such a cute ring and you should always show endless love to yourself, this gives you a little reminder!

5. Water Bottle by PINK from Victoria's Secret

I honestly have gone through hundreds of these water bottles. I cannot live without them!

6. Hugs Keep Us Alive T-Shirt from Threadless

I'm in love with this tee! Such a cute graphic and can easily be styled.

7. Write That Shit Down Notepad by JulieAnnArt

These notepads are so handy. I love Julie and all of her products. She's such an inspiration.

8. Committed: A Love Story by Elizabeth Gilbert

This book is fabulous for you marriage skeptics! I read it over the summer and loved it. It is sort of the sequel to Eat, Pray, Love and I cannot recommend it enough.

I'll admit. I do like Valentine's Day. Not the over the top, guys going crazy to impress their ladies kind of Valentine's Day, but the showing others you appreciate and care about them type of day. Every year I send some girlfriends a Valentine and give my brother and parents a little something, and of course MJ always plans something special, which I don't mind being spoiled with, but the most important person to show love to, honestly, is yourself. Single or not, it's always good to put yourself first some times and Valentine's Day is the perfect time to do so! So with that in mind, these are some of my picks for how to treat yourself this Valentine's Day. Enjoy!

Living A Dream

December 2010

To be honest, I shouldn't have to write this post. But recently, I have read and listened to too much garbage on the Internet about interracial relationships. To the point where I literally had to remind myself that, yes, this is 2014. And that yes, being in an interracial relationship has been legal for the past 47 years. 

I also know that there are couples who are not surrounded by love and support like MJ and I are, and I want each of them to know, we support you. I feel very blessed that the usually brief encounters of hate that MJ and I experienced together, are rare, and more recently, have been fewer and farther between. But the Internet loves to hate. And we have still experienced that hate in our real lives, from all angels. Why is there still hate in this world? Why does it matter if our skin is not the same?

MJ is the most amazing person I have ever met in my life. I am blessed to be his and call him mine. We aren't in this relationship to make a political statement or because we are "using" the other one for something. We are in this for love. We've been in it for love, and only love, for over four years.

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today."

Mr. King, today and everyday, I thank you, and your followers, for paving a path for MJ and I to walk on with pride and hope for an even better tomorrow. But it hurts me to report, that we still haven't full-filled your dreams. And world, I have a dream that the beautiful children MJ and I will create one day, will not be judged by the color of the skin, but by the content of their character. Let's keep working, our job isn't finished until hate has vanished and everyone is truly equal.

Peace'burgh: Love the Homeless

photo credit.

Last week, my brother and I volunteered with a few other members of our church, Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community, to make, pack up and deliver about 30 lunches to homeless people around Pittsburgh. First thing's first, I am not writing this post to gain attention about "doing a good deed" or get a pat on the back through comments below. I'm writing this to make you aware of a common misconception that many people have about this overwhelmingly large part of our population.

We went to about five local spots where some people are known to be living, near various neighborhoods. Places that you probably wouldn't even think to look or if you were near, which if you frequent Pittsburgh, you've probably been near, and never noticed. I know that a lot of people often see homeless people out and about asking for money and only think that they want it for drugs or alcohol, which for some, is true. But some genuinely need your help. I think on Saturday, we saw both sides.

Either way, they are all people who needed a bottle of water and a sandwich, along with some other goodies, and a conversation. I don't really know what I'm trying to say. Besides maybe, give some of those people you see on the street something more than a smug look or abrupt "no" before leaving them in the dust. As a student, I got used to carrying around extra fruit and random snacks because I often don't have chance to run home for a meal, and quite a few times those snacks went to people on the street who asked for money for food. So there are easy little ways you can help. You can go to Hot Metal to volunteer, every Saturday at noon, walk in Tunch & Wolf's Walk for the Homeless, help out at a homeless shelter or you could purposefully carry around fruit. Above all, just know that they aren't all the kind of people you think they might be. Just like anyone else you might meet. The best you can do is just love them.

Hazard Yet Forward

If you're local to the Pittsburgh area, I'm sure you've heard about the tragic bus accident that happened to the Seton Hill women's lacrosse team, that claimed the lives of Kristina Quigley, head coach, and Anthony Guaetta, bus driver, on Saturday on the way to the team's match. If you're not local, you've probably still heard something about the outpouring of love from other teams and universities around the country. As an alumna of Seton Hill (class of 2011) I cannot describe all of the emotions coursing through me, but for my fellow Griffins, I'll try...

Photo I edited - feel free to share it & link back.

I am proud to be a member of the Seton Hill community. I always have been.

I'm proud to know that everyone on campus is showing their support by attending last night's service.

To know that a memorial is growing near the field house because our campus has a huge heart.

I'm proud to see the love coming in from outside groups like Play 4 Seton Hill.

That group, made for SHU lacrosse, not by SHU lacrosse, is growing by the second and has been a huge

source of comfort to see other teams wearing the Seton Hill crimson and gold in support of our team.

I'm proud to know that Coach Quigley's family will be supported through an ever-growing fund.

To see how calmly and professionally the staff of The Setonian is handling this news. 

I'm proud to have learned how to grow, love, give, and transform because of Seton Hill.

And although I wish you little Griffins didn't have to learn it this way, 

I'm proud that tradition of growth and learning continues.

 But dearest Seton Hill, dear little Griffins, please know beyond a doubt that we are behind you.

Fellow Griffins, as alumni, staff and faculty and the other students you see everyday, we love you.

We have seen tragedy before and while we do not know your exact feelings,

we have been where you are now.

We know what it's like to want to news cameras and reporters to just leave you alone.

We know what it's like to feel overwhelmed with emotion and wondering how to move on from here.

I remember sitting in the chapel you were in last night as a sophomore for a similar memorial service and hearing someone read a letter from an alum, on behalf of all alumni, saying they grieved with us and were praying for God to ease our pain, but that as Griffins we were all in this together.

Back then, I didn't understand how people who were no longer on our campus could understand.

But now, as an alum, I get it.

Once a Griffin. Always a Griffin.

We mourn with you. We empathize with you. We support you. We are proud of you. We love you.

It's fine if you're not ready now.

Take your time to grieve and remember the amazing woman who touched your lives.

Take your time to hold your teammates, your friends, your family, 

anyone who makes your Seton Hill experience complete.

Remember we are more than a school, we are a family.

And when you're ready, in true Griffin fashion, 

Hazard Yet Forward.

Valentine Playlist & Snail Mail

Hoping all of you are able to send and receive your fill of love today, or this weekend if you are like me and MJ who are always far too busy to ever do anything on the actual day of Valentine's Day. Remember, we're the couple who didn't exchange Christmas gifts until mid-January. But honestly, as cheesy as it sounds, everyday is Valentine's Day with him - relationships with distance are not for the faint of heart, people!

If you know me well, then you know that I am obsessed with greeting cards. I love sending them, receiving them, making them...I am all about this business. Hire me, Hallmark. Sometimes when I'm bored I go to Rite Aid (mind you, I live in the city so Rite Aid is literally my neighbor) just to browse through the greeting cards. Which I realize makes me lame, but I want to have my own greeting card company eventually and am currently toying with the idea of opening an Etsy shop for cards and random design work so I need to look at my competition!

So, this year for Valentine's Day I wanted to send some love to everyone, though not a realistic goal, I at least sent some to 25 households through personally designed cards. And by personally, I mean I made them in Photoshop and InDesign and made six different designs. Each one was based on beautiful simplicity and song lyrics, because honestly what else do you need in a Valentine? I hope they all made it to your mailboxes by today. I loved making these. First, coming up with the design and what pictures (which were all taken by my friend Hannah) and then buying the special paper and envelopes from a little stationary shop downtown called Weldin's. Sigh. I just loved this process and I hope those of you lucky enough to get one love them too. But for everyone who doesn't receive a snail mail Valentine, I'm sorry and you're welcome to consider this post as your own special Valentine. Add the Elton John, Your Song, to the list if you so desire in that case...that's always a goodie. Happy Valentine's Day with infinite X's & O's from me!

1. For MJ (as pictured above)  - Ho Hey by The Lumineers

I belong with you. You belong with me. You're my sweetheart.

2. For my parents - Home by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros

Home is wherever I'm with you. (Alabama, Arkansas, I sure love my Ma & Pa.)

3. For my brother - Murder in the City by The Avett Brothers

Always remember there is nothing worth sharing like the love that let us share our name.

4. For my anti-Valentine's friends - What's Love Got to Do With It by Tina Turner

What's love got to do with it.

5. For my friends (part 1) - Everybody by Ingrid Michaelson

Everybody wants to love. Everybody wants to be loved.

6. For my friends (part 2) - Awake My Soul by Mumford & Sons

Where you invest your love, you invest your life.

I love you.

Today marks MJ and my third anniversary since we started dating. Whoa.

Our relationship is the age of a small child.

Or the majority of a college career.

Or the average length of a TV show series.

Or a well-trained dog.

Or...you get the idea. We've been together for awhile.

Longer than most famous couples!  

And they blame busy schedules and distance...ha! Amateurs.

Anyway, this man has become the greatest addition to myself.

Not completed me, but added to me.

He has pointed me more towards God.

Not taken me away from Him.

He has enhanced every other relationship I have in my life through my family and my friends.

Not ever once taking away from those already formed bonds.

MJ has created a desire in me to truly commit to our futures.

Together.

He is now and will always be my best friend.

Not just my boyfriend.

I love him more than he'll ever know and more than I will ever be able to comprehend.

I know he feels the same about me.

And each day, I love him more.

Happy Anniversary, MJ - I adore you.

Song: This Is Us by Keyshia Cole

Love, Chels

Peace'burgh: End the Violence

I am sure by now, most if not all of you reading this have heard about the hostage situation that went on pretty much all day last Friday in downtown Pittsburgh. If you have not, the basic rundown is that a young man randomly went into Gateway Center, building three, and decided to hold a manager of one of the offices in that building hostage. These men did not know each other, and the police continue to say that this entire event was random and only happened because the suspect woke up early that morning in a bad mood, wanting to do something bad.

It's been the most recent "talk of the town." But as I mentioned in my post about the Mysteries of Pittsburgh, there are people living in this area that hate it here and the violence is one of the reasons that they will list to you as to why they do not want to be here. Although this incident was the most recent and maybe the biggest that Pittsburgh has seen for awhile, it is not the first and it is probably not the last either. But, in defense of Pittsburgh, it's not the only place where this is going on either.

Taken while walking through Point State Park.

It breaks my heart that the city that I love is tainted by acts of violence, hunger and homelessness. I wish so badly that what Pittsburgh is to me, a place of opportunity and growth, could be that kind of place for everyone who is living here or will eventually live here. Pittsburgh itself has grown so much and has so much inspiring and unique history behind it, that it is hard for me to imagine ever hating it or the people who inhabit it. But again, not everyone here feels that way. So for those of us that do, here is your call to action.

Love. That's all. Just love.

I know that seems like a dumb thing to say at times but there is nothing else for us to do right now. And really what do you want to do? Run in like Gang Busters trying to end violence in the city dressed like the Ninja Turtles? Though that does seem interesting and probably more appealing to most people, all we can really do is show the people and the city itself that it is loved and appreciated. Look for the good in the people you come across here. Look for the good even on the dirty streets! Pittsburgh has it and without us taking advantage of its opportunities and realizing all of the great things the city has to offer, we have missed the whole point of even being here to begin with.

This city has great things in store for each of us, we just need to be open to realizing those things and then maybe in return it will be a safer place in the future. A place that is more accepting and more caring of the people it holds. There are greater things to come to this city, we just have to help them along sometimes.

For those of you who are into it, please pray for Pittsburgh. If that's not your thing, at least send out some good vibes and thoughts about how the city needs more love in it to grow and be a better place for all who visit and all who inhabit it. Because if there is one thing that we can all agree on, regardless of our beliefs, it is that love always makes a difference. Also, I am considering making "Peace'burgh" another little series in this blog, hoping that it is just as important to my readers as "Fashion Forward Fridays" has become. To love Pittsburgh is to love it all, so I hope you all feel the same way about this blog.

And since the song is currently stuck in my head and I am one of those praying types, here are some relevant lyrics from Robin Mark's song, Revival...

"Sure as gold is precious and the honey sweet,

so You love this city and you love these streets.

Every child out playing by its own front door,

every baby laying on the bedroom floor.

Every dreamer dreaming in her dead end job,

every driver driving through the rush hour mob.

I feel it in my spirit, feel it in my bones,

You're gonna send revival, bring 'em all back home.

I can hear that thunder in the distance,

like a train on the edge of the town,

I can feel the brooding of Your Spirit,

saying lay your burdens down.

Lay your burdens down...."