Bus Stop Thoughts*

I run around all day and sometimes the only time I get to be in my thoughts is when I'm waiting for the bus or when I'm on the bus. Those few moments we get to actually listen to our own thoughts are ones I cherish. Here is a thread of some of the thoughts that stream through my mind (hopefully some resonante with you):

#1 

I spend entirely too much time thinking about men.

I don't know if I spend more time thinking about how I want one

Or how I don't need one.

#2

I am grateful.

Regardless of stress,

Regardless of the lowest days

Regardless of the mornings I miss the bus by one minute

Regardless of the pressures to be great,

God, it feels good to be here.

And I am able to stand here for three reasons:

God, my family, and friends that are family.

This is why I have to remind myself to follow

my "I love you" with a "thank you."

#3

The line between living and existing is much thicker than people make it out to be. 

People plot points on their timeline because they know its going to end.

If death did not exist, we would not care to ever truly live. 

#4 

We claim without understanding if it is ours

The only thing that belongs to me are my experiences

And those experiences may include people, objects, places, and probably gravity

But none of that is mine for the taking.

#5

You may be ready for love, but love may not be ready for you. 

Am I cliché yet?

*I hope you also enjoyed my shoes. 

It's What's on the Inside that Counts: Socks Uncovered

Layers are a practical and stylish way of taking on fall weather, but these layers go beyond a sweater and a vest. Have yourself covered from head to toe by combatting the struggle of cold feet with a dope pair of socks. Skip the simple white ankle socks that come in a pack of six and mix up the sock game. From socks to stockings to tights, what you have on your feet can add an extra pop. Even if your socks won't be visible to everyone, you can still smile to yourself knowing you may be wearing the coolest pair of socks in the room. It's truly what's on the inside that counts. Check out how some students on campus rock the fashion game with their socks.

Noah Feingold '16

LC Lloyd '17

Let's make sure to peep the different patterns we have going on here. Mixing a plaid shirt with a square-patterned sock is subtle contrast. Mixing camouflage pants with an Aztec print socks is even more bold.   And then there are my polka-dotted socks paired with my favorite green sweat pants. Yes, sweat pants aren't necessarily considered runway fashion, but a pair of polka dotted socks may make you feel like you can still have a little fun when you're on your way to study at the library. 

And that's me, hey hey

Speaking of socks, check out this amazing charitable organization, Love in the Mirror, started by 10-year old Jonas Corona. Their mission is provide the basic necessities for the disadvantaged youth and your families because the things we can take for granted can make the biggest difference in someone else's life, even a pair of socks. This year marks Love in the Mirror's 6th Annual Sock Drive! Clearly socks are an absolute essential.

You can find my blog post featured here on The Fashion Network's blog. The Fashion Network is the University of Illinois' newest fashion RSO for anyone interested in the fashion industry whether it's writing, designing, marketing, networking, event planning, or anything else you can think up, the Fashion Network has a place for you. If you're interested in learning more, visit the site or find us (and of course, like us) on Facebook.

Note: The pant cuffing going on in these photos are for sock emphasis purposes only and the patterned socks are simply for self-satisfaction and not the approval of others. 

The Newest Family Member: Meet Nala

Nala

About two weeks ago, my family welcomed a new member to the Maldonado fam. Of course everyone decided to make this new addition while I was away at college, so this weekend I came back home, finally getting to meet the lovely and precious (drumroll, please) Nala! She is a full-bred pit bull terrier and the most beautiful little lady. We adopted her from Chicago Canine Rescue and she has taken a hold of my heart in less than 24 hours. I would have never guessed my first blog post would be about a new pup, but I also didn't think I believed in love at first sight. 

Sista, sista