The impact of temperature on decision-making

To come soon!

Knitting!

We're having a baby girl!

Kevin and I found out this week that we will be having a baby girl!

Finding out the gender of our first baby was one of the most nerve wrecking and thrilling things we have ever been through. This one little fact helps us to finally plan our lives around our child. It makes the pregnancy difficulties (nausea, pain, exhaustion) entirely worth it.

For example, last night the baby was kicking and it was making my hips hurt. We were in the car and I was thriving with serious pain.

Kevin calmed me down saying, "Gracie, picture your body as a pillow and our baby girl is just getting comfortable. Relax your legs, relax your arms, relax your stomach and back."

This beautiful picture of our sweet girl + the relaxation exercise that Kevin took me through made the pain completely go away. Such a wonderful pregnancy memory.

I can't wait to share many more with you.
<3

This beat

"This beat is so hot, it's practically burning my face off right now!" - My husband, Kevin. :)

Election 2012 - The Power of the Narrative

One of the things I took away from the election season this year, was the power of the narrative. Social media has given us the opportunity to freely share our opinions. To learn more about each other’s lives and to share personal stories with one another.

In this past election, the candidates saw this as an opportunity to develop the credibility of their candidates while discrediting their opponents through narrative.

Obama, the story -> Obama inherited a horrible economy and was given little opportunity to make many of the changes that he wanted to make because of this. He did what he could and needs a chance to do more. Romney is a greedy, out-of-touch millionaire who cannot relate to the needs of the everyday person.

Romney, the story -> Romney can balance the budget and get the economy on track because he has a track record of balancing budgets and saving companies. Obama is weak on domestic and foreign policy.

While there were many sub-bullets under each of these narratives, these were the overarching stories that were spread by the candidates, the media, and voters across the country.

The end result, a majority of the people in America could relate to Obama’s narrative more than they could relate to Romney’s narrative.

Being relatable is the key to success in this day and age.

In my opinion, a candidate becomes relatable through the dissemination of the best possible narrative into the public and anyone looking to do well in the world must keep this in mind. 

Instrument of Thy Peace

“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”
- St. Francis of Assisi

<3

Tiffany's Wedding Band

Kevin got me a new vintage Tiffany's wedding band today! So beautiful!

Facebook + The Election

Where has all the logic and basic respect for mankind gone?

Let's bring it back, people!

Pregnancy and the Storm

So, something people do not talk about too much is how protective a mother becomes the second she is pregnant.

This past week hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast pretty hard. The entire storm, I was particularly cautious to make sure that the baby was safe.

I have never been a particularly safe or protective person. It's amazing to see these new instincts kicking in.

<3