Today, I Like

Meryl Streep.

I saw Diane Sawyer's interview with Meryl on Good Morning America this morning. She was promoting Julie & Julia, which comes out on Friday - I can't wait!


(Image courtesy of www.wireimage.com)

I am always so impressed by Meryl Streep. I have an immense amount of respect and admiration for her. She has a fantastic view on life, beautiful kids, and a career that anyone would envy. She's one classy lady.

Changes

So, I had long hair a couple of days ago.



I decided to cut it and donate my hair. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite long enough for Locks of Love. So, I donated it to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. Next time I grow it out, I'll make sure Locks of Love gets it.


(Don't mind the Goldfish - just a workday snack)

I definitely encourage other people to do this! There isn't really any reason not to. My long hair really grew on me and I ended up loving it. Nonetheless, I'm glad that my getting-ready time has basically been cut in half! It's a win-win.

Please consider donating your hair too!

Fun Week

Sorry for my absence this week. I've been ridiculously busy. First, I must tell you what Chance and I did over the weekend. We met my friend for one of the strangest events I have ever seen, CLAW: Charlottesville Ladies Arm Wrestlers.


(Image courtesy of CLAW)

Two ladies go head to head in an arm wrestling competition. There are various rounds with different arm wrestlers with names like "Spawn of Bridezilla" and "Pitbull." People have favorite competitors and bet on who they think will win. There are many penalties and do-overs. Best of all, the money raised from this awesome event goes to various charities and organizations, such as Books Behind Bars.

Last night, I stayed over at a local fire station to research a story I am doing. The firefighters were so nice and fun. They are volunteer, so they all have jobs or school work to do on top of this huge commitment. I was surprised how hard they worked even when not doing calls. I definitely have a new respect for the work they do. One of the funniest things I learned about the crew was that they love to watch Rescue Me. Who would have thought?! I love that.

I never thought I would have the opportunity to do so many fun and exciting things as an intern. I feel so lucky! Speaking of which, the new issue of the magazine arrived on Monday. I was so excited to see my first ever issue! I was able to mail copies to friends and family with little cards that had the magazine's logo. It was so much fun! It might sound silly, but the biggest thrill was seeing my name in print. I don't think I could have gotten a better internship!

Likes

This week, I'm loving:

-the new Sharpie no-bleed pen

(Image courtesy of www.sharpie.com)

-the Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt photo layout in InStyle

(Image courtesy of I Heart You)

-my iPhone - especially the People magazine application

(Image courtesy of iPhoneHelp)

And:

-bright, sunny days (they've been hard to come by this summer)

-extending my internship through the academic year (woohoo!)

-planning for next year (scary but fun)

A Star

(Image courtesy of marion-media.org)

This is Marion Cotillard. French actress. Oscar winner. My new girl crush.


(Image courtesy of marion-media.org)

I saw Public Enemies over the weekend. Of course, Johnny Depp was fantastic. No matter who/what he plays, he is charismatic and adorable. I also adored Marion in this. Usually Johnny Depp outshines his costars, but they really had fantastic chemistry. It was beautiful.

Away We Go

Chance and I recently saw Away We Go, one of the many movies on my must-see movie list.


(Image courtesy of Away We Go)

I had heard mixed reviews about the movie, but I loved it. I related to it so much. It was funny and sad and reminded me of so many things. Maya Rudolph is so, so delightful. John Krasinski's character is really quirky and funny. Maggie Gyllenhaal has a minor role, but is completely hilarious. She is one of my favorite people and I thought she was hysterical in this film. It was great! Days after, I'm still thinking about it.

Birthday Best

Sorry for my lack of posts as of late. It was my 21st birthday on Thursday. I've basically been celebrating since then. Not to worry, I didn't go overboard with the drinks, but I did fall in love with a Cotton Candy Cosmopolitan. Delicious.

I was given lots of really thoughtful gifts and many "happy birthday" wishes. It was a great day.

Among the favorites:

(Image courtesy of www.barnesandnoble.com)

My cousin gave me this moleskine reporter's notebook, which I love. It will come in handy as I start doing interviews more and more. I just love holding it. It's beautiful and sleek. I love journals and books, but I especially love this one. It's gorgeous.

(Image courtesy of happygirlgreetings)

Chance got me calling cards with a little typewriter on them. They're super cute and they make me feel professional. (Just in case, that's not my name and not my information. Please don't try to use that information). He ordered the cards from Etsy - happygirlgreetings.

(Image courtesy of www.apple.com)

My crazy nice parents saw me lusting over the iPhone I gave Chance for his birthday. So, they got me a white one. I am anxiously awaiting its arrival.

(Image courtesy of www.barnesandnoble.com)

My very thoughtful aunt gave me this book, The Writer's Guide to Crafting Stories for Children by Nancy Lamb. She knows about my love for children's books and my desire to publish a children's book some day (it's a dying art being taken over by celebrities, but I'll spare you...), so she gifted me with this book full of useful information. (She also gave me gorgeous pearl earrings, not pictured. Images don't do them justice!)

I got lots of other really fun, sweet stuff. In honor of my 21st, my sister bought me Hofbrauhaus beer, which is a really famous biergarten in Munich. We went there a few years ago (on a non-drinking trip), so she tracked down some of their beer for me to sample. Chance's sister handmade me little butterflies (I have a thing for butterflies) that are my favorite colors. She is ridiculously good at making things and I love them. Chance's parents got me John Lennon related items, as he is my idol. It was just a really perfect time!

I apologize for my long absence, but I'm back and better than ever!