black history month.

All month I have been thinking of a way to incorporate Black History Month into my blog. February is well.... basically over. Happy Leap Day, everyone! It won't be back for another 4 years, so make it count. 

"Leap Day" episode flashback to How I Met Your Mother.

As a kid, well a black kid, I never truly understood why black's had a month for their history. I mean like I felt awesome cause who doesn't want a month to themselves. But as I get older and have grown up I wanted to take a minute to really understand why. Why is there a proclaimed month for blacks?

Black History month started way back in 1915 with Carter G. Woodson and a minister Jesse E. Moorland. They founded an organization that was dedicated to researching achievements by black Americans and blacks from other descents. With the help of the organization, Woodson and Moorland sponsored a national Negro Week in 1926. Trying to pick a week with great significance they choose the second week in February to honor Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass. 

Years later mayors of cities across the US started issuing one week for Negro Week. In the late 1960, thanks to the Civil Right Movement, many people had a growing awareness of black identity and Negro Week evolved to Black History Month on several college campuses. In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized Black History Month. He called to the public saying, "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history." 

There you have it! That's where this month came from. Two black men who just wanted a little bit of recognition, and boy did it amount to something great. Black people continue to break down walls and barriers making the future brighter than before! There are a TON of amazing black people who have made history but here are some that I continue to look up to today.

1. Viola Davis. 

She was the FIRST Black Woman to win an Emmy for a drama. (I know I posted about this before but how can I now put this here again?) I know I can achieve my dreams with the amazing roles models like her leading my path. She is helping me remember that my skin may be different but I can create opportunity for myself no matter what. 

2. Martin Luther King Jr. I mean.... Need I say more?

(This is only a tiny piece of the speech, cause it's very long) Soak in those dreams! Martin Luther King Jr. Literally dreamed of this bright future that I live in now.  I get teary thinking of what life would have been like if Martin didn't share his dream.

3. President Barack Obama and Michelle. History made. First Black President and First Lady. 

4. Tiana, Princess and The Frog. My personal fave. 

I can already here it.. "Olivia she is fictional." sure but people can still look up to fictional people. Her hard work keeps me in check and reminding me that it takes hard work to make dreams come true. 

5. Jesse Owens. 

Proved to that Hitler's "superior race" could be beaten. Also the first American to win 4 gold medals at a single Olympics. This is the teaser for the new movie RACE all about Jesse Owens. I'm dying to see it because it looks amazing!

6. Ray Charles. 

The "High Priest of Soul" Blind and could play like there was no tomorrow. He started growing blind at age 7. In 2004, Rolling Stones  ranked him number ten on the "100 Greatest Artist of All Time".

7. Oprah Winfrey.

I have always looked up to her. My mom loves Oprah and I feel like I grew up with the Oprah show always on. With her magazine, her books and her sayings to guide us. She is a mentor and friend and a giver. She grew up with nothing and now has so much she that she continues to give. 

9. Maya Angelou.

She passed away in 2014, leaving holes in all our hearts. She was a poet and author. She inspired so many people and wrote about her life. She had lived through so much and needed to tell her story.

10. Beyoncé.

I mean Beyoncé is queen. But she has done do much for the black community regarding music. She was the first woman to win 6 Grammy's in one night. First black women to be on the September cover of Vogue. 

These people remind me to live to my fullest self to own being black and to love it. 

Thanks to Buzzfeed here are some awesome articles and videos I love about being black. 

19 Black Characters Who've Shaped Us

I'm Black, but I'm not...

22 Black Women Who Prove They Have Been Magical Forever

Stay excellent-

Liv

All videos courtesy of YouTube and photos from Google.

best day of the week.

For some reason I was just so happy when I came home from school today, and I'm not really sure why? Maybe it's because I was home from school... Yep that has to be it! But Wednesdays have always been my favorite day of the week, because we only have one day until Friday. I know we all count Friday as part of the weekend, right?? Why wouldn't you count it as an extra day? The weekend we get to relax and just veg, hopefully do more play than we do work. Huh, that's the dream, isn't it? But today I thought I would post and maybe spread some of the happiness that I felt today. Here are 6 things to keep you smiling for rest of the week! (Because I know they lift my spirits)

1. One Direction's new music video. *tear falls on keyboard* I mean the last single/music video before their hiatus and they choose History. Talk about emotions. But I can't speak because my fangirl is crying. Brb. 

I mean look how precious?! 

2. I did a photoshoot with my very talented friend Megan! Seriously check her out, she's basically a pro and I adore her face.  Here's a peak at the shoot we did!

3.  I follow way too many Instagram accounts about French Bulldogs. But I mean how can you not?!

Seriously? Look at those ears!

4.  Have you ladies heard Sia's new song?? You haven't? Well go listen! Seriously! Unstoppable. So. Good. 

"I'm unstoppable. I'm a Porsche with no brakes. I'm invincible and I win every single game. I'm so powerful, I don't need batteries to play. I'm so confident. I'm unstoppable today." Seriously this has been on repeat all day. 

5. The Panic! At The Disco album is so so good! I haven't been a fan since I was an angsty teen but I'm totally on board again. 

Death of a Bachelor is definitely my fave.

and finally

6. It's 2016, time to make some crazy new memories. A year ago I was in Rome and I'm so happy I was able to have that time abroad. Of course I miss it, like crazy! But it was the best experience for me and I'm dying to go back!

This was taken exactly a year ago. We went to Burger King because we were missing home... And now I'm home and am missing Rome. Irony is silly isn't it?? 

Chan, I know I've said this like a billion times but we gotta go back! I miss living with you and pushing our beds together to watch cheesy movies. "Sweet sassy molassy" But I'll see you soon!! Galentines Day year 3!! All day son, all day! 

Stay excellent-

Liv

i guess i just love to write.

Hello readers, and internet world! I want to tell you about something that I have been doing for the past couple months and how it's helped me grow. I write for a motivational magazine called BE WISE. It has been so inspiring to work with them and write articles for them. For 2016, our Editor had the idea, that every edition we publish would be a certain focus on Being Your Best Self. So every month has a certain topicto help us be the best we can be. For January it was Being Your Best Self: Physically. You can find more out about this movement- here.

I can't believe I have had the chance to write for them these past couple months! It's been the best, and I love it so much. Ever since I started writing for them I have seen may different aspects in my life in a different light. I have been able to be more confident with who I am and what I want to become. I found myself loving writing and getting a new topic every month and sitting down and thinking "What do the readers need to hear from me this month?" It's nice having more places where I can share my thoughts about being the best you, and how I have been able to accomplish it too. This magazine is so great, and it'll always have a special place in my heart. Everyone go check it out! Also if you feel like buying it, in the "Note to Seller (Optional)" box go ahead and put my name there. If you do that, that would be stellar!! Hey, I know what you're thinking, but self promotion is good! 

Seriously it's so worth getting! Inspiring words for everyone who needs them. Its been a blast writing for this great team, and I can't wait to write more!

Stay excellent,
-Liv

random tandems.

Do you have a movie or a book, that transports you and it gives you a little extra lift to believe in yourself and life again? 

Yeah me too. I have one movie that I know without a doubt will help me believe in myself again and revitalize my love for everything. Pride & Prejudice. Now I'm talking the 2005 version with Keira Knightley, in her all perfect glory. This movie has it all. Beautiful music, stunning scenery, full plot and developing characters you learn to love. I can watch this movie every day and not get sick of it. I mean what's not to love, and I don't just love it because of the amazing love story (yes yes, i'm a romantic. sue me). But something about it just makes me so happy! I'll admit it, it was a rough day today and I knew that I needed Pride & Prejudice was just want the doctor ordered. It's funny how certain things can just change the pace of you day and make you feel completely lighter. 

It has also occurred to me that this time last year I was getting ready for what was going to be the best semester of my life. I was about to start a new chapter of my life in Rome with my best friend. It's crazy to think that was a year ago. Man, how things change. The other day I went back and re-read all my posts about everything and I just wanted to cry! I miss my study abroad but I'm so happy for what it taught me and how I was able to become better. Also.... there were some typos in there and it was a little embarrassing to find them now.... I swear I read the posts out load before clicking publish. 

Today was a relaxing Sunday, filled with reading, movies and naps. May Monday bring you good vibes and happy times.  

Here's a pretty picture of a flower wall.

Until next time,

-O

P.S. If anyone has any fun ways of organizing iPhone apps on their home screen, I need a new way to do it. So let me know, yeah?? Thanks! 

tired feet, tired mind.

Today was a weird day. I was awoken (is that even a word?) from a perfect slumber, by my loving aunt, telling me I look like Aunt Jemima.... I mean as wonderful as that is to hear in the morning, I wasn't about it. She proceeded to sit on my bed and tell me about the announcement the LDS church made yesterday. I'm sure you've all heard about it by now?? --That underage children of same-sex couples are not eligible for memberships into the LDS faith until legal age--First I must make a disclaimer for everyone. I love this gospel, and I LOVE MY FAMILY. I am not posting this to anger anyone, it's just on my mind and I work through things best when I write about them.

After I absorbed the information and read the article for myself, I was shocked, angered and heart-broken because this hit close to home. I didn't fully understand what I was supposed to be taking away from this announcement. I'm hoping that more information is to come, because I know this will not only effected me, but members all over the world.

For all the people who are posting their opinions and saying harsh words about members of the church or people in same-sex relationships. Please stop. Not all people are bad. You can have an opinion all you want, but what about the people its effecting. Me. Possibly your neighbor. A brother. A friend. I am a member of this gospel and I have members of my family in same-sex relationships. They are my family, and I love them with all my might and soul. My brave mom is an wonderful person. She raised me to have an open mind about everything. She helped me convert to the church when I was 13.When I had questions, she was there to answer them. She adopted me when I was 4 days old. She's my hero, my best friend, my best example, and my comforter.

I love you, mom. Simple and plain. Love forever and ever.

I don't fully understand what the reasoning behind this new "rule", but my head has been spinning all day. People asking me if I'm okay, telling me they love me, telling me that our leaders know what's best. And I believe them, I really do. But right now I'm not going to lie, my faith is a little bit shaken. I'm hoping that there will be more clarity on this subject, because I love this gospel and I love my family.

Until next time,
-O

wishing.

Do you ever just want to revamp your life and add some new things??? Maybe flit off to a new place, change your hair, buy an adorable dog, and achieve your dream job....Yeah me too. Sometimes I spend hours on Pinterest and Tumblr, looking at all the cute things I want to do. Today I'm sharing my secret life with the vast internet. 

Wishing this was my view ever morning.

Wishing this was my daily walk to work. 

I really want this outfit.... Also I want like like 10,000 dollars to revamp my whole wardrobe. 

Flawless... that is all. 

Waiting on the day when I have enough money to buy this perfect French Bulldog. 

Have you guys watched Viola Davis's Emmy Acceptance Speech??? If not you need to go watch it. She will forever be my role model. She is an amazing woman and actress. Thank you for making history for colored women today Viola. 

Here's a little reminder to be yourself through and through.

Until next time,
-O

greatness.

Today was...special. As all Sundays are. I was sitting in bed trying to decide whether or not to go to church today. The normal excuses started to fill my mind. "I'm still super tired. My bed is unbelievably comfy" Very sad, silly reasons to not to go church. But then I found myself crawling out of bed, and putting on make up. I told myself I was going to go and enjoy myself, and I did. I think my heart knew that there was something I really needed to hear today, and I am so very happy I didn't stay home. I choose to listen to my heart and follow the spirit.

Today was testimony meeting, and many people were getting up to share what they knew and believed. As I was sitting there reflecting silently to myself, a girl stood up and started reading my favorite hymn. "How Great Thou Art". I am sure everyone knows the lyrics but I feel promoted to share them now. 

O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, how great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

And when I think of God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, how great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And lead me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow with humble adoration,
And then proclaim, "My God, how great Thou art!"

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, how great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, how great Thou art! 

My heart is beaming as I am reading over that again. After reading the hymn this girl proceeded to say something that has stuck with me all day. She said "I am truly humbled that someone so great, sees greatness in me." That was so powerful to me. Our Savior does see greatness in all of us and he knows our full potential. Whenever we are filled with doubt, sadness, fear, sorrow, grief, joy, or anything we can turn to our Savior and He will be there to comfort us or be happy with us. He will wipe away my tears and lift me when I am low. He knows what I can accomplish and he sees the best in all of us. 

We need to keep our eyes focused on Christ, and we will never waiver. Life can get scary and we can get caught up in the worldly things. In Sunday School we learned about fear in a conference talk this past April. Fear can over come us and we can get blind sighted. We named some common fears that we as young adults have like: the future, dating, school, student loans, job market, and other things. We then listed ways we could over come those fears. We decided that we would need faith and trust in our Lord. Fear and Faith cannot exist together, because when we are fearing we are not trusting in God's plan. This great and all powerful being knows what is in store for us, yet we continue to second guess Him. I do it too, because I am nowhere near being perfect. But I aspire to be more like Him every day. Some days are hard and I just take it one step at a time. 

Today helped me to check in and think where I am at. I fear a lot of things in this world. The world has gotten very hard for our generation but I know that we are all here to make a difference. We are strong and capable of change. We just have to take it one step at a time. Through the Savior I can do hard things. We just need to keep our eyes focused on Him. I was so grateful for this lesson because it really hit home. I know I can be doing more to stay focused on the Savior. He will silence my fears, lift me up, make me smile, and He will continue to make me brave. 

Until next time,

-O

for the cosmos.

Well folks. It looks like exactly a month ago today,  I was stepping of the airplane and returning home to Utah again. I was greeted by friends and family. 

                                 

After being home for a month I wanted to reflect on what I felt after coming home from a study abroad. Recently I had stumbled upon a blog and I was exactly what I felt like. I found it hard after being home for a couple weeks and feeling like this changed person, but not just in the sense of physical change, but all the change that happened in my mind and inner self.  But I'm not saying that my study abroad made me transform into totally different person, no not at all! I just wish there was a way to communicate how I feel different. The way my dreams changed, the way I feel I perceive people differently, and how I found new things that are important to me. It's hard because you want to talk about it with people, but there is no way of describing that your spirit left familiarity behind and was forced to learn new things. The best way to compare it..... like learning a foreign language that no one around me speaks so there is no way to communicate how I feel. 

"This is why once you’ve traveled for the first time all you want to do is leave again. They call it the travel bug, but really it’s the effort to return to a place where you are surrounded by people who speak the same language as you. Not English or Spanish or Mandarin or Portuguese, but that language where others know what it’s like to leave, change, grow, experience, learn, then go home again and feel more lost in your hometown then you did in the most foreign place you visited. This is the hardest part about traveling, and it’s the very reason why we all run away again."  By Kellie Donnelly

Boy do I miss traveling. I miss the adventure and the adrenaline of traveling to a new city. I felt like I needed to write what I was feeling. Just put it out there in the universe and hope for a remedy!

Cheers to being home, family, friends, Netflix, and normalcy.

                     

Until next time,
-O  

to rome, with love.

Well the time has come. Four months have gone by so quickly I can't even tell you. I can't believe I'm am home, but I can tell you that I'm so excited to be back with my family and friends! They have stood by me and helped me get to where I am today. There is no way for me to express the volumes of gratitude towards them. To all those who helped me get to where I am, thank you from the bottom of my heart and please know that this post if so you. 

These past four months have been a seriously whirlwind! I have visited 13 countries and a total of 32 cities. As I look back, I see that in every city I went to, I learned something new about myself. I would go back and list them all but I think that will take too much time. But I think Rome taught me the most about myself. 

I've grown and I feel more like myself then I have in a long time. All through college I was waiting. Waiting for my semester abroad to help me find my way. When times would get hard I would tell myself "just wait til Rome, it'll be okay then." But what about after?? I didn't think about after, because in my mind when I got back the dust would settle and I would magically see exactly what I wanted out of life. I would come home and life would just sort itself out. I was scared of what my life was going to be after I came home, so I didn't ever look to the future, because if I looked into it somehow it made it more real and even scarier. But now that my time in Rome is up.... I'm not afraid of the future anymore. I mean of course I'm afraid of the future, but I'm happy about it. Who's not afraid of the future? It's inevitable. We don't know what is coming but that's okay. Yes life is scary, and takes us by surprise and we never know our fate. But our lives are in very strong, loving, capable hands. I know my Heavenly Father is watching out for me and right there to pick me up when I fall. He wants me to succeed! This semester has taught me a lot, but I think it has helped me find myself again. 

Rome helped me find me again and I thank you Rome for helping me more than I thought you would. For teaching me silly things along with the serious things. Thank you for teaching me to re-love puppies. Thank you teaching me to truly look at things and to want more. Thank you for teaching me patience with others, but especially myself. Thank you for teaching me to love a city all over again. Thank you for helping so many of my dreams come true. But mostly Rome thank you for helping me become more grown up and to not be afraid. 

Until next time Rome,
-O

late night queries.

I sit here listening to a mix Ed Sheeran and Coldplay serenade me as I think about either sleeping, doing homework, or watching more Gilmore Girls (which seems to be the winning contender). I decided to take a break and do a round of blog reading. As I was going about this I began to think about why I blog. If you started from the beginning of this lovely blog, and I hope you did, you'll know that I started this blog for a writing final. The professor just wanted us to have a few entries from time to time up until he graded them and then we could be done basically. But I had wanted to start a blog for some while and I just figured "Hey! When life gives you lemons. Right?" But why blog, liv? I mean I could have easily been done with this a long time ago, so why keep going. I'm not very good at blogging consistently but I'm trying I swear. Here are a few reasons as to why I began this blog....

1. A tiny (very very small) part of me always wanted to become a writer.

2. I'm going on a study abroad so I might as well keep this going, right?

3. I suck at writing things down but I'm always on my computer so I can easily access it anywhere.

and finally

4. I just want to share my thoughts. 

I feel that  number 4, and 2 of course, are my most important reasons. My purpose of this blog wasn't to become famous, it isn't so people can gush over my life because it is far from "gushable" material, it wasn't so I could be trendy and join the crowd. It was for me. I haven't told many people about this blog and if I have I bet they have forgotten about it. But I have a feeling someone out there reads it and even if no one is reading it... so what? *shrug* This is for me, my journey as a student, learning more about myself, and gaining knowledge that will someday help me in whatever life has in store for me. 

If anyone who reads this knows me in any way, they know that I never stop talking. I'm loud, abrupt, outgoing, and just share a lot. Like A LOT. I've come to realize that this is not the case for everyone. Obviously everyone is not as loud as me, I learned that a loooong time ago, but I've come to realize that not everyone is as sharing as I am. Of course there are some things I keep to myself, but I feel that I'm generally an open book. My best friends know basically everything about me. I'm very giving, loving, and trusting and I give my love and trust to them hoping they handle it with care because it is tiny pieces of me. Now you may be asking yourself- "Doesn't she know that could lead to her being hurt by those people??" And yes, I do. I've already experienced it. I've had my best friends walk all over me and take advantage of how trusting I am. They know that no matter what, I'm always going to be there for them. No matter what. I've had best friends just disappear out of my life with no explanation. With them goes those little pieces of me, just waiting and wanting to come back, and just when I begin to feel whole again, said friends come back into your life and you are torn again because you don't know that to do. Trust or not trust?? That is what has been circling in my brain for DAYS on end now. 

TRUST

How are some more trusting than others? How do people walk all over you when you have given them all of your trust? I mean it's not like I'm expecting everyone I come in contact with to tell me their life story, because that it just silly! But I guess I'm hurt knowing that I share so much with people and they either take advantage of it, or disregard it like it wasn't hard for me to give up. Trusting someone and having trust be broken is a big part of life that we all have to learn eventually. It still hurts just the same. But I don't mean to be heavy with the weight of my thoughts. They run away from me at night... It's dangerous. I'll try to contain them next time, but no promises. Trust has just never been an issue for me up until lately, and I don't want previous experiences to make me become jaded and cynical about life. "Trust no one" pssshh. I ain't about that. I guess as the end of the Thankful Month coming to a close, I have become thankful for the trials and bumps in the road that I have encountered. I know that seems weird to be grateful for short comings but I feel that this month has shown me to be grateful in all circumstances, and to be careful who I give little pieces of myself to.

Until next time,

-O

long time, no writing.

Hello blog! I've missed you. I promise I'm not dead. I'm apologize to my readers.... reader... mom? I actually don't think my mom even reads my blog... That's kinda sad, huh? But I mean I know someone out there reads it sooooooo- Hello out there!

Anyway this post is to reconnect with my social media and my love for talking about myself. Just kidding... but what girl isn't a little vain?? Really? Just me? Okay whatever you say! But really though... I actually really hate talking about myself. BUT! What this post was really about was to share with everyone why I have been so absent. As you know, or can guess, I started my Sophomore year at college! Yas. It has been quite the endeavor, but I've loved every second of it. I honestly don't think I have ever written so many papers in the past 2 months then I wrote all of high school. (lie, but it seemed plausible). Sooo the moment you've all been waiting for! Where has Liv been??

School, work, homework, sleep, repeat. Right? But that is the average life of a college student! Except I have something that keeps me from going absolutely insane. I belong to the best sorority at the University of Utah--Chi Omega! These girls keep me laughing and make me feel loved constantly.

How is this part of my daily routine? There are always activities going on every single day. Even if I don’t go to an activity, I am bound to run into a girl on campus and chat for a while. I’m still fairly new at this sorority life so I’ll keep y’all updated. But these girls are so supportive in everything I do. If I feel like going to get a burrito at 3 in the morning, I can call one of them and they will be there in a jiffy. I'm never feel alone. They are a constant, strong group of friends (sisters) that I have made at school. Everyday encourage me to be better and strive for greatness. 

They have become a part of me and I wouldn’t ask for anyone better to be sharing my college experience with. They bless me more and more every day. #blessed. These girls keep me laughing, talk to through challenges, help me with homework, and take shameless selfies with me!

Selfie game on point while waiting for Aaron Carter.

This is my Big Sis. Isn't she perfect?

    Really I don’t know what I would do without them. Their cute texts about how something reminded them of me, having someone to sit with in my American Civ. class, having someone to rely on at any time of day (or night). I’m thankful for them and for the part they play in my everyday life and I can’t wait for more adventures and memories I get to have with these amazing girls.

Our family! Obsessed with them

Until next time,

-O