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!

Learn to Love Me: Part I

There has been a string of bloggers recently filling out "The 36 Questions That Lead to Love" and I thought I would follow along so you all can get to know me even more. Sometimes I like to keep my life private but as a blogger, I feel like the more open I am, the more people realize there is a real person behind the screen. These questions come from the study that says if you answer these questions with another person, you can fall in love with anyone. The questions are in three parts and then the fourth part is that you're supposed to stare into the other person's eyes for four whole minutes! Intense! 

Obviously we cannot do the fourth part but over the next week or so, I'll be breaking up the questions for posts. When I worked at Jumonville, we did a similar exercise during staff training and I have to say that the partners I had still hold a special place in my heart, because of the closeness this activity really makes you feel. So let's dive in! 

Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?

My Seton Hill girls. I've been missing them so much lately and I would give anything to be sitting around a huge circle table in Lowe Dining Hall with all of them again.

Would you like to be famous? In what way?

I don't like how much we pry into the lives of famous people, so no, not really. But I wouldn't mind being remembered for my writing and/or designing. 

Before making a telephone call, do you rehearse what you are going to say? Why?

Sometimes, depending on who I'm about to talk to or what needs to be said. Most definitely with phone interviews but not if it's just a casual conversation.

What would constitute the "perfect" day for you?

Oh, man. My favorite kind of days are the ones that I can truly enjoy because I don't have to do anything the next day, so I can just relax and not stress out about what needs done soon. So I guess I need a perfect weekend haha! But the perfect day right now would be one that involves warm weather! Preferably on a boat just lazy river style, with a good book and/or great company.

When did you last sing to yourself? To anyone else?

Myself? All the time. I sing while getting ready, while cooking, when I'm bored, always. To other people? Sort of by accident in a boot camp class last week. Sometimes the music just moves you!

If you were to live to the age of 90 and retain either the mind or body of a 30-year old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you chose?

This probably sounds conceited and shallow, but body. I like the maturity and wit that comes with age, so I'd be okay with being a bit more forgetful but I hate that an aging body slows down even the feistiest people. 

Do you have a secret hunch about how you will die?

Not really. But I (unfortunately) feel like it will be untimely. Hopefully that's just because I'm paranoid.

Name three things you and your partner have in common.

(I'm assuming this means the partner of the activity, but we'll say they mean life partner.) MJ and I are both fiercely independent, introverted-extroverts (yeah, that's a thing) and great judges of character. 

For what in your life do you feel most grateful?

My education. I'm especially grateful that my mom worked for a college for so long that it allowed me to go to undergrad basically for free, which allowed me to go right into grad school. I wouldn't trade those six years of higher education for anything in the world.

If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?

Honestly, nothing. When I was younger, I used to wish that Eric and I had more siblings, but now that we're grown up, I wouldn't change a thing. I think other kids in the family would have kept us from being as close as we were which would be sad.

Tell your life story in as much detail as possible, in four sentences.

I was born and raised in a small town outside of Pittsburgh and led a very active life. I went off to college at Seton Hill University where I earned my BA in New Media Journalism and Communication and where I met my boyfriend, MJ, whom I've been with since 2009. After graduation, I continued my education at Point Park University where I earned my Masters in Public Relations and Advertising, also during that time I was living right in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh and started this blog! In 2014 I started my own greeting card business, Marion Claire Stationery, which has always been a lifelong goal and is named after my grandmothers. (Queen of the run-on sentence right here.)

If you could wake up tomorrow with one quality or ability, what would it be?

Patience with myself. I honestly am so patient with other people (seriously, I'm told almost every day how patient I am), but I wish I could give myself that same patience. I'll give other people way more time than they deserve but then expect me to get results and get things done, like, right now. 

Stay tuned for part two!

Fill out these questions yourself in the comments - I'd love to read them!

Chelsea Lately: November Blogathon Update

Hello, everyone! I missed yesterday's November Blogathon prompt because I just, honestly, didn't have much to say about it. It was to talk about your hometown and there's really not a lot I have to say about Ellwood City. There are a couple new little restaurants that I like but besides that, not a whole lot is going on that I felt the need to comment on here. Now that I haven't lived there for a while, I appreciate the town way more than I did while growing up there, but I was not created for small town life. So moving on today's prompt...a currently post.

I really love doing these because sometimes bloggers focus a lot on what they want to write about and forget to mention what's going on in their lives. These kind of posts are my favorite to catch up with bloggers and so you all can see what I've really been up to outside of this little space.

Brunch for Eric's birthday | Flowers from MJ for our anniversary | Lots of snow in Erie | My cat, as a record

Remembering: College. MJ and I recently celebrated our five year dating anniversary and it has really made me stop and remember who I was five years ago. I was in my junior year of college, had just been crowned Homecoming Queen and was at the top of my game academically and falling head over heels in love. Seton Hill has such a huge part of my heart and I miss it more than I ever could have imagined.

Giggling About: My crazy cat. My brother, Eric, and I have recently started our own meme-like text messages to each other about her. Pretty much whenever we find her in weird places around the house, we send a picture to each other with the phrase, "don't mind me, I'm just a (fill in the blank)." Recent things she's been: shoes, guitar amp, record, burrito.

Planning: A Thanksgiving dinner! Eek! Family Video and one of my brother's churches have decided to host a Thanksgiving dinner for some local people who don't have a place to go for the holiday and it's tonight! Family Video (like every single one in the nation) always donates turkeys to local families in need but since our store is so small, we decided to just host a dinner instead and Eric was more than willing to allow us to use the church basement for the space. But since I'm the "middle-person" between Family Video and the church, a lot of the planning has been on me. Which is fine, but I hope everything turns out alright!

Anxiously Awaiting: Upcoming craft shows for Marion Claire Stationery. I'm heading to Edinboro for one on Saturday and then doing two more in Shady Side on November 29th and December 13th. I'm hoping that these ones will do really well with Christmas coming up and my holiday cards being ready to go. Also, because the Shady Side shows will be the first two that are really in my "market" I'm hoping they will become a more regular kind of event and open me up to more "hipster-friendly" shows. Because to be honest, I'm a little hit-or-miss at smaller craft shows since they tend to draw an older crowd that doesn't always approve of my cheeky sayings.

Baking: Everything! (See: Planning) haha

Keeping a Secret: Eric's Christmas present! It came in the mail last week and I had to hide it with some other people's presents that I already bought (I'm ahead of schedule this year). But I'm reallllllly excited for what I got him. I saw it online thinking he'd like it but didn't buy it because I wasn't totally sure, then he sent me his Birthday/Christmas list and it was on there...so I swiftly purchased it.

DIYing: Some Christmas crafts for the house! Eric is allowing me to take over for decorating the house for Christmas and I've been Pinteresting a little too much lately. I've found some cute and easy crafts that I cannot wait to show off soon! I have a strict rule about not decorating until after Thanksgiving, but I'm allowed to prepare! This house was seriously designed just to decorate for Christmas, so I've got to do it justice.

What have you been up to recently?

Chels & the City Favorites

Happy Monday, friends! For the November Blogathon, today's prompt is to share your 3 favorite posts from your archives. (You'll notice that three is the theme of the week.) So here are three posts that I think are some of my best, and oddly enough, there is one from each year that my blog has been around, which was unplanned but a nice little surprise for myself.

2014 - Bad Things Happen When You Wear Sweatpants In Public
The story of an unfortunate event that I, of course, blamed on the fact that I was wearing sweatpants in public while it happened. My one and only fashion rule is to never wear sweats/pajama pants in public and I feel like the universe was getting back at me for shaming people who do. Lesson learned.

2013 - Hazard Yet Forward
A note to the Seton Hill University community after a serious tragedy. I graduated from SHU in 2011 and it will always have my heart, so this post was important for me to write and is one of my most-viewed of all time. It was one of those posts that you promote once by posting the link on Facebook and it was shared and passed on a countless number of times. I hope that means that the women involved and their families were among those views and that it helped them heal a little bit.

2012 - Cupid: as portrayed by Chelsea
I love this post. It was one of my first posts on this blog and I think I nailed it haha It's actually a really long post but I wanted it to be worth the read. I came up with date night ideas for people in the Pittsburgh area for Valentine's Day and based each idea on the Five Love Languages. Good, right? Like, you wish you were following my blog back then good. At the time, my readers were pretty much just my friends and family and I cannot tell you how many texts/calls I've received since then about people asking me to help them plan a night out or date night in the city, and they reference this post. Thanks, friends, I'm here for you!

Do you have favorite posts from your own blog?

Or a favorite from mine that's not mentioned?

Choosing A Great Read

If you follow me on Twitter, than you know there's been a lot of book talk lately. I've always been a big fan of the written word and actual books are still my favorite...although my iPad library has a nice collection too. And as a self-proclaimed writer, with book ideas of my own floating around my brain and Word docs on my computer, books are important to me. So I thought I'd share with you all how I decide on which books to read, since I think it's a bit unique or weird, however you want to look at it!

1. If it's recommended, consider the source and then more than likely read it right away.
A lot of my friends are big readers too, and I always like to know what great books they've recently finished and I take these recommendations very seriously. People don't usually recommend books that don't make you feel something or that just flat out suck. I've got a great group of friends, and none of them are anything like the next one, so this always makes for an interesting selection of books. From new age stuff to deep theology, and the current best seller to some trashy romance novel, my friends have read them all. And it's always nice to read something from a new or interesting perspective. Although I admit that I'm behind on this list of recommendations.

2. Judge the cover.
Yep. You read that right. I judge the cover of books. I'm part graphic designer, how could I not? If I don't like the design or if I think I could have made it better in an easy way, I don't read it. Or I look to see if there are other cover designs for it...thank you Amazon! Also, if a book was made into a movie and the actors are on the cover, that is not the one I pick. I like the original art better, although I did make an exception for my copy of The Help. And if it's an old book without the cover sleeve...even better! Nothing to judge if it's not there!

3. Feel it up. 
This kind of goes along with the design in general but if I book is awkward to hold or just doesn't feel right, I'll look for it in a different form. I prefer books in soft covers simply because they are easier to hold and seem more comfortable. Packaging is important, people!

4. Read the first paragraph.
If you're not drawn in after that first paragraph, you're not going to want to continue reading the whole book. Authors kill themselves over that first paragraph, it's obviously one of the most important pieces.

5. Read the last sentence.
I'm serious. It gives you just enough of a juicy stopping point that you wonder what happened to lead up to that moment and it's just as important as that first paragraph...if not more. And if you end up getting the book, you'll more than likely forget what it said by the time you finish reading the book anyway. Since it's so short it's not like you are ruining the ending for yourself.

6. Turn to a page and read a random paragraph.
I stole this one from one of my favorite professors at Seton Hill who has actually recommended books to me that are now some of my favorites. He always picked page 58 (if I'm remembering correctly) but I've decided to pick the page with my age. So until July, every author better hope that their 24th page is a knockout. And again, it's not like you're giving anything away, reading a couple sentences from a random page isn't going to tell you everything about the characters or give up a major plot twist and you will more than likely forget what you've read once you get into it. But if you're hooked because of those few sentences, you'll more than likely be hooked through the whole book.

It's not science, but it helps. Especially if you're choosing between two random books you found at the library that you've never heard of - like me earlier this week, when all the books recommended to me were checked out at the library. How do you decide on what to read?

Book reviews previously posted:

Still Alice | The Help | The Family Fang | Heaven Is For Real | Incendiary

The Age of Miracles | Gone Girl | Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore

Office Girl | Trains and Lovers | I was told there'd be cake

Stay tuned.

photo by Hannah | design by me

The summer before my senior year of high school I decided to totally redo my bedroom at my parents' house. The whole works; take down old wallpaper, paint all the walls, rip up the carpet, etc. And one thing I did that was admittedly very juvenile, but is still one of my favorite elements of the room whenever I go back home, is write inspirational quotes on my closet door. 

This quote is one of the biggest on that door and has stood out to me my entire life. The class of 2010 at Seton Hill chose it as their "class motto" and since MJ was the president of that class, he gave quite a few speeches with this quote at the center. Now, this quote still holds true in me. Over the weekend, I decided to take the first few steps in directing my future. And while I won't be announcing what I'm in the process of doing just yet, that's my perfectionism talking, I'm excited that a dream of mine is becoming a reality and I can see it really taking shape. Going along without a set path is scary, frustrating and exhilarating. I'm keeping my hopes up, but with reality in the front of my mind. I'm planning for April to be about the time of the "big reveal" and I'm hoping you'll be excited when I let you in on it all.

Stay tuned.

Gig of a Lifetime: Vote for Lovebettie!

Photo provided by Alexandra Naples. 

Hey everyone, today's post is really just to ask you to check out the band Lovebettie in hopes that you will vote for them to play at The Grammy's! A friend of mine from Seton Hill is the lead singer and they are currently in the finals to win the Grammy Gig Of A Lifetime hosted by Surface.

It would mean a lot to me (and them, of course!) if you would at least cast your vote for them today and get them one step closer to achieving this goal. You can however, vote up to 50 times every day for the next three days and every vote helps! And only takes a second to select to give them your max amount of votes per day. 

In case you need a little persuasion in why Lovebettie deserves your votes, here's what people are saying about them: 

"Band To Watch" - Rolling Stone

"Pittsburgh's Hottest Band" - Microsoft Windows

"They will soon be headlining at big arenas." - Eat Sleep Breathe Music

"One of the most unique, best indie bands in the United States right now!" - Indie on Air!

And while I, personally, could go on and on about why Lovebettie deserves this "gig of a lifetime" I'll let them speak for themselves through sharing their music and their submission video. Here's the official music video for their song "Stranger," which was shot in Pittsburgh, and a video from the Milwaukee Summerfest, in which they perform my favorite song of theirs, "Your Own Worst Enemy." And with a special treat of this beautifully simple cover of Rihanna's "Stay" that they just posted on their YouTube channel, yesterday. 

Official:  www.lovebettie.com | Facebook:  www.facebook.com/lovebettie | iTunes:  www.itunes.com/lovebettie
Lovebettie's new CD, "RISE", produced by Jim Wirt (Incubus, Live, Fiona Apple) is now available at
www.itunes.com/lovebettie

This is a partnered post, but as always, all opinions are my own.
Thank you in advance for voting!

Chels Wears: Owls

Beanie: Charlotte Russe | Colored Denim: Target | Glasses: Rue21

Owl Ring, Necklace & Sweater: Charlotte Russe

Shoes: Sperry's

Okay, friends, I know owls are "on trend" right now so you all think I'm stylish with all my owls, but I'll have you know, I've always been obsessed with those birdies. I recently found out that one of my aunts actually collects these little guys too, which just makes perfect sense. I got my looks from her, I might as well get my taste from her too! (Hi Aunt Karla!)

In other news, this week has been pretty rough. (As you may or may not have assumed based on my lack of posts.) If you've followed along here for a while, then you know of my love for Seton Hill University (where I went for my undergrad degrees) and this past weekend, our little community has suffered another tragic loss. The former President of the University passed away and while that might not seem too important, especially if you went to a big college, it really hit each of us pretty hard since our littler community is so small and close. She was involved in the University (from a student, to professor, to President) for the last 50 years, so it's hard to think of anyone who wouldn't know of her and how truly wonderful she was. I was able to make a trip to campus for her memorial service and am so thankful because she will always be one of my greatest influences. Her ability to be present and live in the moment by focusing on whoever she was talking to always amazed me. She actually cared about each student enough to get to know us and I'm sure she got to know each person in our community. I loved her wit and ability to just relate to anyone, her sense of humor and grace are unmatched and I hope to someday be half of the woman that she was.

Taking that trip to campus also made me remember how beautiful it is in the fall. There is no campus like Seton Hill and it is so breathtaking to actually be there when the trees are in a full range of colors. Which made me want to get these photos taken with some real fall colors - though these are taken in the woods by my house, you get the idea...I love fall, I love owls, I love Seton Hill.

Fashion Forward Fridays: Meet Emily!

Today you guys are meeting a great friend of mine from Seton Hill, who I cannot wait to see at our alma mater's Homecoming tomorrow! Emily is that friend we all have who looks good no matter what. She could be having the worst and busiest day ever, and she still somehow always looks flawless. So when she jokingly said she'd want to be on Fashion Forward Fridays, I wondered why I had never asked her before already. Here she is with a simple chic, and casual Friday appropriate, outfit to inspire you. Read on to learn more about her and her style!

How would you define your style?
It is hard to define my style, as I take inspiration from many different areas and like to mix things up.  One day I may be in jeans, chucks, and v-neck tee, whereas another I may have on a blazer, pencil skirt, heels and pearls! I like to play off both current trends, but also classic timeless looks.  I guess you could say my closet is a collage of many different looks and styles.

Where are your favorite places to shop?
HA! I don't know if I can even answer this question! I LOVE to shop! I guess going off of my first answer, I would have to say The Limited (love their work clothes), Macy's, New York & Company, Kohls (LC is my fav!), GAP and who can resist Target! Marshalls also is a favorite - you never know when you might find a killer Michael Kors sweater dress :)

If someone asked you for fashion advice, what would you tell them?

If I had to give someone fashion advice, I would have to say to follow their own interest and style, not what the celebs or TV ads are "telling" them to wear.  Yes, I will admit that I follow the latest fashion trends and visit Pinterest daily (I know I have a problem), however it is still important to be unique and feel comfortable in your own skin! Be yourself and wear what makes you feel pretty!

Where did you get the pieces you're wearing in the photos?

Top - Target, Jeans - Macy's, Shoes - Target, Watch - New York & Company, Scarf - Not gonna lie, Gabe's, Jewelry - Charlotte Russe......September is an awkward month in my opinion for fashion. Its too cool for shorts and flip flops, but you aren't quite ready for the flannel and boots! So I try to combine both summer and fall pieces to create those outfits that work perfect for that Indian Summer.  Think light fabrics and fun colors mixed with some scarves or cute flats. Layering is great too!

What trend are you loving this season?

So far I am loving what I am seeing out at stores for fall fashion! I may be biased because it falls in line with what I would typically wear, but.....neutral but powerful colors, soft fabrics, cozy sweaters, infinity scarves, mixed patterns and stripes, and riding boots! And whether or not it continues to be a fall trend or fashion no no, you will still see me rocking my sock bun!

GQ named Pittsburgh the third-worst-dressed city, do you agree/disagree and why/why not?

I think Pittsburgh is a unique city. I have seen some fabulous fashion, as well as some not so great looks. We are an eclectic town, filled with various cultures, generations and interests, so I think that plays into what we see in terms of clothing and fashion. Hit up Bloomfield and you will see one set style, and then pay a visit to the Jason Aldean concert and you will think we are in Texas. Nonetheless, everyone dresses in the way that they feel best. I will admit to venturing to Walmart in sweats and hoodie from time to time, so who am I to judge?!

See you tomorrow, Miss Emily & happy weekend everyone!

Chels Wears: Thrifted Michael Kors

Glasses: Rue21 | Amour Earrings: Urban Outfitters | Ring: Charlotte Russe

Shirt: H&M | Pants: Michael Kors | Vest: New York & Company

Shoes: Target

I think it's safe to say that Michael Kors is my favorite designer. I'm sure that he's a common name to come from most fashionistas of my time and anyone who has ever watched Project Runway. I love that his designs look luxe but can be very everyday kind of wear. I love that he makes clothes for the working woman and that he makes her look classy in and out of the office. So when I found these Michael Kors "walking pants" with the tags still on them in my size at a nearby Goodwill, I was over the moon with excitement. (In that same trip I found a brand new Vera Wang skirt, too. Jack. Pot.)

I'm certain I've already worn them too many times to count, they are just so comfy and chic and they are perfect for a job that has me moving around a lot. The high-waisted trend is slowly taking over my life and I will forever love neon and a well structured vest, so this one is an A+ in my book. Speaking of A+ these shoes are the ones I bought for my Masters graduation ceremony, because in the store they looked more green and I wanted green shoes for Point Park's colors but I'm okay with them clearly being blue in natural lighting. Also, A+ worthy, these pictures were taken outside of the Ellwood City Public Library, which I think is my favorite place in town. I'm a nerd, I know. Oh, and happy back to school to all my alma maters, Lincoln, Seton Hill and Point Park!

Lofty Letdowns

I kind of hate to write this post, but I am not about to lie to my readers or lead you astray by not telling you the "whole truth" in a review of places I've been to. Although this blog is to show that Pittsburgh has great things and places to go to and that anyone can have a good time basically anywhere, that is not so much the case in this post.

On Saturday, MJ and I went to The Wine Loft with a group of friends to celebrate the 25th birthday of our dear friend, Gabby. I love seeing this group. They were some of the greatest and most genuine friends that I have met and I'm thankful that their friendship has extended beyond the walls of Seton Hill and even though we've all graduated either two or three years ago, we still can get back together without missing a beat.

Photo credit.

 However, we might have been better off going somewhere else. I had such high hopes for The Wine Loft. I swoon every time I have look at their website. I turn into a lush just thinking about all the different wines (and food) on their menus and was so excited when this was the place Gabby picked. To be fair, the wine was dry like I wanted it to be, the food was as delicious as I thought it'd be, the decor and layout of the place was beautiful, but the service was so sub par that I know I will not be returning anytime soon.

Let's talk about the decor. Since we were seated in the upper level, I felt like we were at some one's super chic apartment. Very VIP and classy. My only problem with the decor/layout is that there is really no understanding of the place when you walk in the door. No one is there to greet you, no hostess table or area where it makes sense to stop and, not only be welcomed, but to be shown where to go or told what spaces are available. Luckily, as per usual, MJ and I (okay really just I) was running fashionably late and we saw our group when we first walked in. However, for the first member of our group that wasn't the case and she had to track someone down to see where our party was supposed to be. She was never greeted at the door or asked if she was waiting for someone or anything. You know, the typical restaurant protocol that you would expect anywhere else.

Also, although not totally her fault because there were only two waitresses running around all night, but our service was terrible. As someone currently working in the service industry, I feel bad saying that but it was just absolutely terrible. To the point where the same friend who wasn't greeted at the door, went to the bar to get a round of waters since we never got them after asking for them to be delivered with our food. Water is the easiest thing to get people. Also, MJ had to track down our waitress to tell her our dessert orders since we hadn't seen her for about 20 minutes and then had to repeatedly tell her what we wanted. I understand that it was not fully her fault and do not blame her, but the management of this place made me cringe. If all of your waitresses call off on a Saturday night, you call in more. Oh, and our waitress kept complaining to us that they had run out of glasses and they were not doing bottle service. Excuse me? This is the Wine Loft. You are known for having wine. Why don't you have enough glasses? It's not like there was an absurdly large number of people there - it was a typical Saturday night crowd.

What makes me the most upset is that, we had a reservation, and our friends knew what they wanted before everyone got there and ordered for everyone, yet still, nothing seemed to go right. Sigh. I won't go on. The plus side of the evening...seeing our friends and catching up with the wonderful women we used to see everyday. I missed each of them so much. And we got to see a wedding proposal, which was cool to be in that special moment of a total stranger's life haha

This post is not to tell you to totally write off The Wine Loft. As always, I encourage my readers to go out and experience anything I review for themselves and to form their own opinions. This is just a warning to hope that you'll have a better experience if you decide to go. Things to keep in mind: make a reservation, know what you want before you get there, and know that, for some odd reason, they might run out of glasses.

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.