I itch.

I have finally come to terms with what an "off day" is actually for.
Sleeping, laying around, laying out, eating. Just being lazy. And Im enjoying it!!
However, I feel as if there is more that I should be doing.
It's as if a higher power has summoned me to change the world. All I have to do is find my starting place.
I need to spend more time in reflection and reading so that I may become enlightened to start making moves towards beginning my journey of changing the world. My biggest fear is dying and not being remembered. I want to make a mark on this earth and on people's hearts. And I feel as though I have been given the intelligence and opportunity to do so...
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." -Ghandi

I finally have taken photos of my new, swanky apt. Photos will never do my space justice however, which is a shame because it really is an amazing place....enjoy!

xoxo
J.Elaine

Undiscovered Blessings.

I am sleepy. Thats an understatement.
Work is slow. That's an understatement.
I am blessed. That's an understatement.

My emotions have been all over the place. Bottom line, I am happy. But I just do not feel the overwhelming joy and excitement that I had hoped for once I moved. Its still early and new, and I know I just need to be patient. But something is missing. Is it friends? Is it religion? Is it love? No clue, but I am doing my best to keep my head up and pointed towards the sun.
I mean, I have a beautiful drive to and from work everyday that inspires me every time I drive it. I feel very blessed and fortunate to be here, living and working. I suppose transitioning into such a scheduled lifestyle is just hard for someone such as myself...

In other news, I am planning a visit back to Tuscaloosa. An epic visit. Mid-September. I wanna get in lots of crazy and a little bit of trouble...

While sitting outside at 2am this morning, I met my neighbor. And Ive been wondering who lived below and to the right of me because that person has all University of Alabama porch furniture. And I just figured we could be the best of friends. Little did I know this person was also the person who drives the BLUE mustang, decked out in Tinkerbell accessories. Who knew Helen was such an eccentric lady?
Pretty much, she's all over the place. She's old and was still up and at it at 2am. I have a feeling I was staring my former self in the face.
I say all of this because Helen taught me an amazing lesson last night. During our conversation, she explained that she in fact lives on Lake Martin but has the apartment for the year to see if she likes it. It's something she and her husband always wanted to do. But he never lived to see it. She all but made me cry, especially when she started crying herself. She just said that she wished they would've gotten the place sooner, but they kept putting it off and putting it off...and now she jumps at all her opportunities with both feet, for we never know how much time we have...
And that made me realize why I am here. Because its something Ive always said I wanted to do. My heart has always led me to the coast and I knew I couldnt rest until I did it. I shouldnt question things too heavily and I should have more faith in myself. And if there's an opportunity, regardless of risk or cost, I should take it. And I will do my best to remember this...it very much goes along with "follow your heart", but hearing Helen's story just made it more real to me.
So there's your story for Saturday...take it and live it.

xoxo
J.Elaine

Obsession Addiction

I am tee totally obsessed with Cyan Design.  Such a phenom company. And their lighting selection is beyond incredible. In.Cred.I.Ble. I will pretty much have a million chandeliers in my house from them when I have a house. Especially since I get wholesale pricing...yeehaw.

 Work is going to spoil me Ive already decided. Im going to find so many thing I want...I might even need them. I just can't get over these chandeliers.

Check them out at cyandesign.biz
It's well worth the browse.

xoxo
J.Elaine

My life has officially pivoted.

Graduation day. But not just any graduation day...college graduation day!! It was surreal and I still at this point dont necessarily feel like Im a graduate and alumni of the University of Alabama.  But its a good feeling nonetheless. Im proud of my school, proud of my individual college, and proud of my progress and success. And all that this means, is that its time for me to move on. Appreciate where Ive been and anticipate where Im going..

It hit me like a ton of bricks this evening after a wedding. I was the only young individual there as a single person. Every one else was coupled. It was strange but a familiar feeling.  And though that feeling many times before has made me want to run to a relationship, today was opposite.  It made me want to become an even stronger powerhouse of a woman.  Take some more risks, cause a little more scandal. Make a few beautiful mistakes.
Im ready.
And thankfully, life has enabled me to be single and free, so that nothing stands in my way.

xoxo
-J.Elaine

And thus it begins...

I cant avoid it any longer. The move is here. Graduation is here. Life is here. And changes are a 'comin. Change is good, yes it is. But its hard. With that being said, here it goes....
 Blogging is something Ive considered before but never really put much effort into.  The fabulous idea was brought to my attention from my beautiful brother, David Haugen.  It was named from the amazing amount of bracelets and bangles I choose to wear on any given day. An so, Bangle. has been born.

Packing took way too long. Moving took way too long. But its done and almost completed...thank gawd. My new apartment is gorgeous. GORGEOUS. and at the beach. what more could a girl ask for? maybe a limitless shopping spree and a gorgeous partner? yes. but with time, that will come. for now, i shall be selfish and focus on me and all my new responsibilities. work, as an interior designer, begins next wednesday. to say im nervous is an understatement. but im ready.
goal #1: be published within 3-5 years for my work.
goal #2: have Saints season tickets in my possession within 5 yrs.
goal #3: take over my new city. just as i have every city prior to.

time will tell.
xoxo
J.Elaine