Thinking & Doing

I've been thinking about writing my thesis for two and a half weeks. I've been doing this zero days out of said eleven. As we approach the new year with excitement and anticipation, I'm thinking a lot about what I'll be doing.

I'll be starting a new internship at the remarkable Coffee House Press in Minneapolis. (Thrilled might be an understatement.)

In May I will graduate from the University of Minnesota, entering the job market with spunk and enthusiasm.

I will stand up in my charismatic friends' wedding and attend others throughout the summer. (P.S. I need suggestions for summer wedding-worthy dresses.)

I'll have my own room after years of roommates and twin-sized beds.

There are momentous life events coming up this year, along with little extras that are just as important. I know that resolutions are difficult to keep, so Abby is insisting that we make specific, attainable goals for ourselves. Here's one of mine:

Think, then do. I'm not a procrastinator, so I might seem like the most unlikely person to aim for doing instead of thinking when it comes to projects. However, I'm a realist and like most people my worst critic. It's easy to hold yourself back by thinking about what you could do instead of just going for it. So this year, I'm fearlessly going to do more in all sectors of my life.

I'll do more when it comes to my health; less screen time, more green veggies and whole foods, enough rest. I will do more for school to finish strong––that means finishing my thesis (egads!), knocking that internship out of the park, and launching the 2015 edition of Ivory Tower. I'll do more as a friend, sister, and daughter; I'll be there for the big moments along with the little ones, listen intently, and value time.

2015 is the year of doing. I know that sounds like a Nike commercial, but who are we kidding? The new year is ridiculously optimistic and at times cliche. Entering with confidence and a plan isn't the worst idea we've ever had.

Photo via my Instagram of the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. 

Resolution: Smile More

It sounds a bit silly, doesn't it? But this year I'm making a conscious effort to smile more! I'm a very happy, bubbly person; I'm usually the one making the jokes, but if I'm not thinking about it, I tend to look very grumpy. When I'm concentrating on what someone may be saying, regardless of it's emotion, I appear either angry or simply uninterested. Oops! That is just not the case! Those darn face muscles need to stop relaxing! So this year, I'll be taking more pictures, to have smiley momentos for in the future. I'll smile when talking to people - all the time. Now, I'm not going to walk around campus with a big ol' grin, but I'll at least try to look less unemotional. :)

Abby helped us start out the year with lots of smiles! She made her own photo booth! Check it out!

Not Without You

A big warm thank you on this chilly day of the new year. Without your readership and loyalty, the switch over to a new blog would have been impossible! Thank you for sticking around while so many things changed! We had lots of fun over at Clyde and Nora, but I feel that there are so many exciting new things to be explored at Sarah Carlson Etc. This blog is here because your comments, your readership helped in the transition of the blog and me really becoming something true and special. You helped it bloom. Happy New Year, and thanks!

Greetings, 2013

Hello, everyone and happy New Year! Are you excited for 2013? Although it feels trite, a new year always gets me excited for new beginnings, opportunities, and adventures. After a long hiatus (much needed, wouldn't you agree?) I am excited to get started on a great year of reading, writing, laughing, and more. Let me tell y'all, cool new things are going to be happening, so buckle up!

Thank, Abby for the wonderful photo shoot!
Photo via @classickitsch Instagram

Back to Back

It's got to be a double take, right? First we have Christmas festivities and then one short week later we've got a blowout bash to wave goodbye to 2012! Luckily, our family splits up the crazy, so everyone can breath a little in between planning and partying. My mom, Abby and I have been putting our heads together...on Pinterest. With some bubbly, sparkles, smiles, and plenty of pictures, New Year's Eve should be a night to remember!