HeForShe

There are many speeches that go down in history as monumental for change in society and I believe this is one of them. This is not just an issue in the United States. Equality is a global issue that most of us see take place every day. United Nation's Women Global Goodwill Ambassador, Emma Watson, or as many of the you know as Hermione from Harry Potter, gave a speech over the weekend regarding her new HeForShe movement that left me with goosebumps. 

I think one of the high points for me was how she defined what a feminist is. I never really thought of the term the way she so eloquently described it. She changed my entire perspective on what it means to be a feminist and open doors to starting conversation on global gender equality. 

"We should stop defining each other by what we are not, and start defining ourselves by who we are."

Powerful.

Emma has been placed on my list of beautiful and strong women that I admire. I'd love it if her and Sophia Bush tag teamed this movement. I can't imagine the kind of change they would implement. 

Dexter

Have you ever thought about what a serial killer's thought process is? I've always wondered what is going on up there and why they make the choices they do. I guess that explains why I'm a crime show junkie too. 

Anyway, I started watching Dexter back at the beginning of August and finished the series (all eight seasons!) in about two weeks. Yes, I do have a job. lol. I know its an older show, but a lot of people don't have Showtime to view. Its not on regular cable.

The series is a story about a boy who learned how to deal with his urges to kill. A system, a code of "ethics", if you will. As a grown up, he is a Blood Splatter Analyst (fitting) for Miami Metro Homicide... Side job: Serial Killer of Rapists, Murderers, and Wrong-doers. Its hard not to like him because of who his "clientele" is.

Each season has a new, mysterious fellow-killer that Dexter hunts, all while Dexter and the viewers learn more about him and his past. I suggest if you like dramas and crime shows to watch. I wasn't thrilled about how it all ended, but you be the judge!

25th

It's been awhile since my last post, but I thought I would recap my 25th birthday! My parents and brother flew in to celebrate and I had the best time. Friday morning I was greeted with red velvet cake pops (my favorite) and beach themed cookies. My dad's cousin made them and they were Ah-mazing. So cute, I almost didn't want to eat them. 

I loved all my presents, but I have to say my favorite is my new big girl camera. 

My mom did her research and we were able to pick up this Nikon beauty with two lenses, all while taking advantage of the Labor Day sales. Now I'm itching to take some great pictures. 

We stayed by the pool for the day and had a Mexican spread for lunch, complete with homemade salsa and guacamole. 

For dinner on my birthday, we went to one of my favorites in North Hills, Vivace. And they delivered once again...

Saturday was a beach day. We took a drive out to Emerald Isle, NC. Very clean and pretty beach. There were a lot of families and people there.

For their last night in Raleigh, we went to another favorite of mine...Cowfish.

I'm so glad my family was able to make it to Raleigh for my 25th birthday. We had a great time and I was sad to see them leave, but I'll be back in Chicago for a wedding in October. :)