5 Life Lessons from Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

All 13 episodes of the new Netflix comedy Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt are now available for your binge-watching pleasure. The series follows Kimmy Schmidt, portrayed by The Office's Ellie Kemper, a bubbly young woman who was rescued after spending 15 years in an underground cult. Kimmy, along with three other female victims collectively referred to as the "Indiana Mole Women," become a national sensation after their rescue and appearance on The Today Show. Wanting to leave her past behind, Kimmy stays in New York City to embark on her fresh start. Although many of us can't personally relate to Kimmy's tale, there are 5 important lessons we can all learn from her.

“Take it ten seconds at a time. Everything will be okay.” Season 1 Episode 2: Kimmy Gets a Job!

In this episode, Kimmy comforts a sobbing JacquelineVoorhees, a wealthy Manhattanite who hired Kimmy as a nanny. Mrs. Voorhees, portrayed by 30 Rock’s Jane Krakowski, confides her fear that her husband is cheating on her and wonders how she’ll ever survive. Kimmy lets her know that you can get through anything if you take it one day, or ten seconds, at a time. With ten seconds, nothing seems as monumentally terrifying or insurmountable anymore.

“Changing your outside isn’t going to fix your insides.” Season 1 Episode 4: Kimmy Goes to the Doctor!

Jacqueline believes plastic surgery is the answer to her marital woes. After Kimmy accompanies Mrs. Voorhees to the surgeon’s office, Kimmy also decides that a new face will solve her problem of being recognized from the bunker. Eventually, she realizes that running from your past doesn’t solve anything, but that you have to confront your issues head on. She then encourages to Mrs. Voorhees to confront Mr. Voorhees about their unhappy marriage and to accept herself the way she is.

“No one gets to tell you what to do.” Season 1 Episode 5: Kimmy Kisses a Boy!

Kimmy apologizes to Cyndee, admitting that she was partially jealous of Cyndee because she herself hadn't been working on the goals she set after the bunker. Kimmy goes on to say that people have the freedom to choose their paths and that they can live the lives they want, which leads her to enroll in a GED program. Here, Kimmy shows us that no one can dictate our life’s choices, but that we ourselves decide what we want and how we’re going to get there.

“Act like you belong and the world is your oyster.” Season 1 Episode 7 Kimmy Goes to a Party!

Kimmy worries that an upscale restaurant is too expensive for her and her roommate Titus, who then teaches her that you can get what you want in life if you act like you belong. When the waitress comes over to let them know that tables are for paying customers only, the two friends babble in fake French as Kimmy talks on her banana phone and Titus types away on his cardboard laptop. Titus’s theory rings true when the waitress apologizes for misjudging her fancy and deserving customers.

 “I do understand the world. It’s tough. But so are we.” Season 1 Episode 8: Kimmy is Bad at Math!

Without her husband’s money, Jacqueline worries about starting over and wonders how she’ll survive. She realizes she has no family or friends to lean on. Kimmy reveals her Indiana Mole Woman secret by telling Mrs. Voorhees that she thought the world ended and that she would die in the bunker. Instead, she survived and found friends, a room, a job, and a great guy letting Mrs. Voorhees know that it is possible to overcome life’s difficulties and that she does have a friend that can help her through them. 
 

A Birthday Girl Bash

While on break, I’ve been lucky enough to get to see more of my extended family. Last night, my parents and I went over to my cousin Kimberly’s house to celebrate her 8^th birthday. Not only did she seem excited that her family was there, but also what birthday girl wouldn’t love an awesome three-tiered Princess Elsa birthday cake. Her party was family only with guests comprised of either my aunts and uncles who are roughly my parents’ age or my cousins who are all in elementary school. Kimberly’s oldest brother and my 14-year-old cousin Carlos was the person closest to my age, but he spent a good part of the festivities asleep in his room, tired from his busy day. While a kid’s party may seem like a pretty boring way to spend a Friday night, I actually had a lot of fun. Sure this generation of cousins may be a lot younger then me, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t also want to get to know or spend time with them. As kids, they’re so honest, funny, and happy, so I always have fun with them and we never run out of things to talk about! All I know is that childhood goes by extremely quickly and I don’t want to miss out on them growing up, so I’m glad I’m here now enjoying my time with them.

Roaming La Rioja

After visiting the Basque country, our class traveled to the region of La Rioja. We spent an hour at the world famous wine museum of Vivanca, where I also enjoyed my first wine tour and tasting. Afterwards, a small group of us enjoyed a pinchos dinner in the small town of Haro, where I ordered a mini hamburger and a lobster and mushroom tart. Pinchos are a small snack, traditional of northern Spain, and related to tapas with the only difference being that pinchos are typically spiked with a toothpick and served with a piece of bread. The next morning, after visiting a small church, we went on another wine and tour tasting. The wine was not as good, but at least the feel of this bodega was more intimate then the first one. This class trip to the Basque country and La Rioja exceeded my expectations and I’m so glad I went and got to see another side of Spain.

Strolling through San Sebastian

After Bilbao, my Spanish Study Abroad class traveled to San Sebastian, where we interviewed Basque director Pablo Malo. He directed the 2014 film Laza and Zabala, centered on the kidnapping and torture of two ETA terrorist members, Jose Antonio Lasa and José Ignacio Zabala, by two Spanish policeman. Then, a group of us strolled through the streets of San Sebastian for a late tapas dinner, where I finally tried the classic tortilla Española. We capped off dinner with dessert at an ice cream shop, where I treated myself to a delicious chocolate scoop. The next day, we continued our Basque country unit by interviewing Basque writer Luisa Etxenique. Our Spanish art professor then took us on a tour of the city where we saw the Concha, the famous beach of San Sebastian. This trip was just beginning though because we were about to enter La Rioja.

Baroque and Birthdays in Bilbao

During my study abroad program, our class went on a field trip to northern Spain. After the four-hour bus ride, our first stop was the Bilbao Guggenheim museum, designed by Frank Gehry. There, I enjoyed art by Kandinsky and Miro. Afterwards, our group walked to the nearby Bellas Artes museum, where we soaked up baroque and rococo Spanish art. By the end of our day we checked into our lovely castle and celebrated the 21^st birthday for one of my friends and classmates.

The next morning, we walked to a San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a hilltop church in the middle of the ocean. Then, we took in the view at a surf beach before heading to the Bosque de Oma, also known as a painted forest. The bright and varied colors and sharp, straight lines created vibrant and memorable art in nature. Our trip in the Basque country didn’t end in Bilbao, however, but continued to our next site, San Sebastian.

Paris, je t'aime Part 2

After a six hour train ride, I was back in Paris! My first stop was the Musee D’Orsay. While it was nowhere near the immense size of the Louvre, I really did love and took my time on the fifth floor, filled with European impressionist artwork of the 19th and 20th centuries. Afterwards, I went to Pierre Herme, where I bought chocolate, rose, and caramel macarons and a croissant ispahan to go. Those treats tasted like heaven in my mouth and were my favorite foods in France.

Then, at Laurent Dubois, known as the best fromagerie in Paris, I bought a slice of Brie cheese and a baguette from a bakery near my hostel. After resting a little in the hostel, I headed back out into the town to go up the Eiffel Tower. Overlooking the city, I still couldn’t believe that I was there, in Paris, one of the greatest cities in the world. On my last day, I took a metro to the Pantheon, which used to be a basilica but then it was transformed into a secular temple where the French greats now lie in peace. I saw the tombs of Pierre and Marie Curie, Victor Hugo, and Voltaire to name a few.

After that visit, I went to lunch at Le Bistrot Paul Bert. The souffle a la mernier filled my heart with happiness, if it’s even possible for dessert to do that for people. That night, I also enjoyed salted caramel and chocolate gelato at Berthillon. It was honestly on par with authentic Italian gelato, maybe even better, and was the sweetest way to end my last night in Paris. I walked back home, strolling across the Seine River, and was honestly so happy just to be in this city of lights. I cannot wait to return or for my next travel adventure.

Nowhere like Nice

Looking outside the window of the TGV to Nice, I saw the most picturesque sights of the French Riviera. Never in my life had I seen such blue and sparkling waters that is the Mediterranean Sea, which made me wish that the summer season were already here. That night, I strolled through Old Nice and ate at Fennochio Glacier. I couldn’t believe that I was eating a gelato-topped crepe in late February, and outside nonetheless. The outside dining arrangement wasn’t bad at all though, because the weather in Nice was beautiful and my cup of hot tea kept me warm. In the morning, I walked to the nearby Marc Chagall Museum. The single floor museum exhibits Chagall’s paintings and stain glass windows that showcase biblical scenes and themes. After my brief visit to Nice, I know I cannot wait to come back and maybe even in the summer to enjoy another side of this beachside town.

A Lovely Lyon Town

From Paris, I rode a four-hour train to lively city of Lyon. After checking in to my hostel that evening, I strolled through Old Lyon before deciding to try French Onion Soup for the first time in a small, yet crowded bistro. Usually, I only eat soup when I’m sick, but who could resist that delicious soup with a cheesy crouton crust? Even though I was stuffed, I also ordered tarte tatin for dessert because everyone deserves to live a little on vacation. The next morning I took a funicular to the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere. The church was as beautiful as the Notre Dame Cathedral, but in a more traditional and less gothic sense of the word. I also stopped by the Roman Theatres on my way back.  

Afterwards, I took the metro to the Musee des Beaux Arts, where I got a taste of Egyptian and Greek works from BC times along with more modern pieces by Matisse, Picasso, and Monet. Next, I rode a bus to the Parc de la Tete d’Or, whose giant lake with paddleboats reminded me a lot of Central Park. There was also a botanical garden and zoo, where I saw a lion, zebras, and more! Even though it was slightly chilly outside, there were still all these happy people at the park, either walking their dogs, jogging, or exploring the zoo too. Strangely, seeing them gave me an overwhelming sense of happiness and made me glad to be there. Later that night, I had dessert for dinner in a different, yet equally packed restaurant and their creme brûlée really hit the spot.

Sometimes, I forget that culture is just as much as the sights you see to the food you eat to the people you meet and so far this trip has aced all fronts. At the hostel, for instance, I made two new friends, Eileen from Hawaii and June from Taiwan. It’s nice to connect with people from all over the world, even if it is only for a brief period of time. It makes you realize that everyone can find similarities, like a shared love of travel, which makes me feel reinvigorated for all the amazing journeys ahead.

Paris, je t'aime Part 1

A few weeks ago, I embarked on a dream trip to France. I had been planning and saving up for this two week adventure that would take me from Paris to Lyon to Nice and then finally, back to Paris. After landing in the Charles de Gualle airport and dropping off my suitcase at the hostel, I took a metro to the world famous Louvre Museum. While in line, I met and talked with four of the friendliest people, which made that hour long wait fly by. Inside, while gazing at masterpieces by Da Vinci, Goya, and Raphael, I felt like Blaire Waldorf, half expecting my prince to show up. Also, I’d have to say that the Mona Lisa was the biggest crowd pleaser, so, of course, I took a selfie. After two hours of immersing myself in art, I went into the Arc de Triumph, where the sunset views of the city were incredible. I ended my first night in the city of lights with two delicious Nutella crepes because one simply could not satisfy my sweet tooth. 

The next day, I went to the Chateau de Versailles. I explored the main palace before heading down to the other end of the estate to see the Grand Trianon, the Petite Trianon, and then Marie Antoinette’s Estate. I can only imagine what it must have been like back then, for royalty to stroll through the giant estate and gardens. I spent a good 4 or 5 hours exploring the grounds and, from time to time, I felt like a princess myself. After Versailles, I waited about an hour in line to enter the Catacombs. This underground cemetery holds the remains of about 6 million people! At Ladurée, I ordered a pistachio pain au chocolate and a praline mille feuille and the whole tea and dessert set up was adorable. The food was incredible as well, especially since I’m normally not a huge fan of pistachio, but now I love it, at least with my pastries. 

The following morning I went to the Notre Dame Cathedral, emblematic for its romantic gothic architectural style. Even though it was raining, I waited in line outside to climb the towers and was rewarded with a beautiful view of the Seine River and the city at the top. Standing alongside my gargoyle friends, I channeled Quasimodo and found a new desire to read Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame. During that first part of my Parisian journey, I saw and learned and lot and couldn’t wait to return, but not before I visited other parts of the magnificent country that is France.

Oscars Red Carpet 2015

Dakota Johnson / Jennifer Aniston / Julianne Moore

Hey everyone, sorry for the lack of posts recently, but I’m back from France with a newly fixed computer and easier access to Wi-Fi! Anyways, while abroad, I didn’t get the chance to see the Academy Awards live, but once I got home, I had to find out this year’s winners and look up all the red carpet fashion. Dakota Johnson was red hot on the red carpet in a scarlet Saint Laurent gown. The sparkling embellished shoulder strap along with minimal jewelry added a nice touch of elegance, creating a simple yet sophisticated look. Jennifer Aniston showed off her figure in a sheer and beaded Versace dress. The Cake actress also wore diamond art deco earrings and a ring by Fred Leighton, which complemented the neutral toned dress, a popular hue of the evening. Finally, Julianne Moore wore a white sequin dress with floral embroidery by Chanel. The Best Actress winner wowed in this custom couture gown, which took 987 hours of work and 27 people to complete!  Although the biggest night in Hollywood has come and gone, there are still plenty of awards shows, movie premieres, and more to spot out the best red carpet fashion.