Thoughts I have during a Pure Barre class

So I went to Pure Barre today. It's been a while since I've been, and I've never consistently attended. I have a Classpass in Chicago instead of picking one studio (I'm happy to write about my Classpass experience later). Event though I love Classpass, I've officially decided to become a Pure Barre convert. Nothing works me the way those carpeted floors do. Anyways, I went to Pure Barre in Columbus today while I'm home for the week on my spring break. I was starting to go crazy hanging out in Chris's fraternity house all day long.

Here are the top 10 thoughts that went through my head during today's (and most days for that matter) Pure Barre. 

1. What alternate universe am I in where this is only 20 seconds. This is a million years. Time changes inside of these doors.

2. Who is Cassandra and why does the instructor keep telling her how great she is doing? I don't think Cassandra is real.

3. I figured out who Cassandra is and she is most certainly not human. How is her body doing this and how does she look so pleasant doing it?

4. My body most certainly can not "tuck" in this position.

5. I think this is supposed to be working my right bum, but why does my left bum burn even more and why do my thighs and arms feel like they are going to fall off?!

6. Is it possible to blend into the carpet so I don't have to move?

7. No! I want to move! I chose this! I'm doing this to be healthy!

8. Who am I kidding, I'm doing this so that I can have a rockin' bod. Bikini Instagram post here I come.

9. I want Panera. And because of this, I deserve to eat the baguette.

10. Actually, I always deserve the baguette. Bread is a right, not a reward. *Sorry to all the gluten free peeps. Chris can't eat gluten so I can sympathize.

11. Wait, what are we doing? Focus, Heather. Focus.

12. I want to be Cassandra.

13. Or just a better me. I'm making myself into a better me. That's cool.

14. Damnit, Heather. Focus! Are you tucking or lifting? Look at Cassandra to figure it out.

15. Aw, Cassandra just smiled at me sympathetically. I bet this was hard for her once too. People are nice here.

16. I'm glad I came. I did something good for my body and that's pretty cool.

17. When is the soonest I can be back?

These thoughts genuinely run through my head, along with a million more. Additionally, several expletives are included... but I decided to keep those out. ;) Are there any things that sneak into your head during a fitness class? What are your favorite fitness classes? Let me know below!

Why posting on Instagram is good for your health

This week, I am going to make it my goal to post on Instagram once a day. I'm guessing you're thinking - good for her, she wants to up her social media presence! While that is true, that isn't what this post is about.

I really think that posting on Instagram once a day can be good for your health. Hear me out on this one.

At least for me, a casual blogger (who wants to get more serious, I really do) - Instagram does't stress me out. I understand that for some more serious bloggers, the pressure to post on Instagram is real (Taylor from thedailytay talks about this in a really lighthearted but pointed way). Anyways, back to me.

I recently realized that when I am posting on Instagram, my life is together. While some people see social media as a way to cover up the bad stuff in their life, when my life isn't going well I just disappear altogether. When I am happy and doing what I need to make me happy, I'm all over Instagram. Taking walks to capture the sunset, going to a new coffee shop with a friend, or wearing a cute outfit that I want to post are all indicators that I am happy.





Above you'll see examples of me taking sunset walks, going to a new coffee shop, and capturing a cute outfit.

So if posting on Instagram is a natural output of my happiness, why wouldn't it work the other way around? Of course, posting on Instagram in and of itself will not make me happy. Doing the things that I want to post on Instagram likely will. This isn't to say that taking a walk or getting coffee will make me happy on their own, but it sure will contribute to more happiness than coming home from work and crawling right into bed (which I've been doing way too much lately).

Making a goal to post on Instagram once a day will make sure that I am up and moving. It will give me something to pour a little bit of passion to, which get my passion flowing into the other, less fun areas of my life. Is Instagram going to solve all of our problems? No, definitely not. Can it get us out of a funk? It sure can.

I'll let you know how it goes, but stay tuned throughout the week by following me here - xoheatherotto. I can promise you'll get some pretty, uplifting, and REAL posts about my life. Let me know what you think about my Instagram theory and comment with your Instagram name so I can follow anyone reading this too!

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Why I think sororities are empowering for women

It's Monday night, and I have a to-do list as tall as I am. Despite the laundry list of things to do, I can't help but reminisce on one of my favorite college memories - sorority bid day. Bid day is when the thousands of girls going through recruitment are presented with their "bid" to join your chapter. It's a day that now represents to me the silliness you get in college that is harder to find in adult life. Even more, it lets me beam with pride of how well the chapter that I started and my sisters are continuing is doing.

That's not the reason for this post though. I stopped my half hearted "working," put away my phone where I was "lurking" on social media, and ran to my computer. The reason I am writing is because of how overwhelming inspired I was by what I saw in my sisters. What I saw is Gamma Phi Beta inspiring them to be the best versions of themselves - young women that are thriving in their own skin. 

Greek life gets a bad rep. While I won't dispute some of the claims made against Greek life, I will argue that the other side of the story is rarely told. That being said, this isn't a post about the good side versus the bad side of Greek life. They both exist. 'Nuff said. I want to talk about how sororities empower women. 

Let me paint you the visual I saw on my social media feed just now. A sorority house was filled to capacity with 200 women celebrating one another without a care in the world. Everyone was decked out in the theme "Cirque de Gamma Phi," but each girl had her own individual twist. One sister I can think of HATES pink, so she dressed like a mime. At the same time, other sisters were wearing bows as big as their heads covered in glitter. They were dancing like no one was watching and exhibiting some of the most genuine joyfulness I've ever seen. I know, because I experienced this myself in person only last year. 

While the early 00s hip hop throw back tunes were blasting, I saw women being shamelessly themselves. The new members looking around wide eyed and excited, the prospect of over 100 women this excited about their presence being somewhat baffling. It is a crazy concept, that your entering of an organization would deserve such fanfare, but it is one of the most fulfilling experiences that you could ever ask for in the entire world. 

I can't speak for every Greek organization in the world, but I can speak for the experience I had in my chapter. Today's bid day reminded me of how sororities (the Beta Xi chapter of Gamma Phi Beta specifically for me) can empower women in a remarkable way. To be celebrated for your unique values provides a type of empowerment that I truly do not believe can be found anywhere else. If almost 200 other women believe in you, then how on earth could you not believe in yourself? 

13 things I still ask my mom *at the age of 22*

Two truths must be accepted before I write this list. The first is that there is a difference between an adult an a grown up. For example, I may legally be an adult, but I am sure not a grown up yet. The second truth is that no matter where you are in life, you need a mom (or someone like a mom). Mom's/mom figures are the coolest people in the world. With these truths accepted, below is a list of things that at the age of 22, I still ask my mom.

1. Does this outfit look good on me? 
2. (Followed by #1) - Is this too much cleavage?
3. My leftovers were on the counter overnight. Are they still good?
4. (Followed by #3) - How long do I heat up my leftovers?
5. My car is making a funny noise. What does that mean?
6. It's 2 AM and I hear something outside my door. Is it the wind, or is it a murderer?
7. What is a 401k?
8. What is a W-2?
9. What should I have for dinner?
10. I don't feel good. Do I have yellow fever/the plague/swine/chicken pox?
11. Why am I so tired all the time? (The answer to this one is always - that's life).
12. Quick! I need a good excuse to get out of work.
13. *tells 10 minute story* - Was that guy flirting, or was he just being nice? 

Above is a picture of my fabulous mother and I. Isn't she the cutest? My mom's birthday is in just a few days. She deserves the world.

Top 10 favorite Disney memories from my first visit

Let's clear the air before we begin - Walt Disney World really is the happiest place on earth. After 22 years of being obsessed with princesses, I finally made my way to Orlando to experience all that the Disney parks have to offer. Chris finally decided that enough was enough, and we had to go. He booked a Disney resort, bought tickets, and wrapped up our Magic Bands (the wristband that Disney resorts use for payment and reservations in the parks) for Christmas. What a keeper, am I right? Anyways, I'm actually quite pleased that I experienced Disney for the first time as an adult because very few things in life can truly make you feel like a kid again. Below are 10 of my favorite memories from my first time visit.

Number ten: Walking into Epcot for the first time 

Number nine: Walking into Animal Kingdom for the first time 

Number eight: Walking into Hollywood Studios for the first time

Number seven: Walking into Magic Kingdom for the first time (I mean honestly it doesn't get more magical than this)

Number six: Roller coaster butterflies 

Number five: Dancing with Goofy (seriously, one of the most underrated Disney characters) 

Number four: Meeting your signature princess (especially when Rapunzel "tangles" him) 

Number three: Seeing the castle at night (along with seeing the Electric Parade, Wishes, and Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios) 

Number 2: Disney hugs

Number 1: Disney kisses

I hope you enjoyed these very gratuitous pictures of myself enjoying some of these experiences at the parks. I'm thinking about posting some tips and tricks that I picked up for the Disney beginner. While the Disney blogosphere is amazing in their depth and thoroughness, it was a little bit overwhelming for me as a first timer. Regardless, thank you for sharing my Disney experience with me through this post! If you have any questions or favorite Disney memories of your own, comment them below.

Twenty fifteen - a pop culture and political summary

In neither order of importance or chronological order...

Love won. The Supreme Court ruled that states can not prevent same sex couples from marrying. 

Lots of refugees needed a safe home. Libya, Syria, and Iraq still have many looking for refuge. 

Evil manifested itself in too many events, worldwide and at home in the US. I'm referring specifically to the terror attacks, most notably in Paris and Tunsia.

Humanity triumphed each time that evil attempted to make the world forget the beautiful humanity that lives within every country and community. 

Greece almost had to exit the Eurozone. The instability was real. Many people canceled their vacations there.

People wouldn't stop talking about Kylie Jenner's lips. 

The FIFA scandal happened. The president stepped down. Honestly, most of this was missed on me other than that I never knew such huge corruption existed in soccer (or shall I say football). 

Amy Schumer had people talking about feminism. She was hilarious and poignant and got people thinking without even making them realize it.

Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez broke up, proving to the world that love isn't real (am I the only one who "shipped" them big time)?

Planned Parenthood was on constant attack by conservative politicians, potentially inspiring a terrorist attack. This was one of way too many shootings in the US throughout the year. 

There was a dress that made us question our sanity.

Zayn left One Direction, breaking hearts of teenage girls all over the world. And me. 

The NAACP president was revealed to have 2 white parents, despite "personally identifying" as black. She made us think about how fluid race can or can not be. 

Domestic terrorism is alive and real. The media continued to pretend that it isn't a thing.

Canada elected a very liberal and very attractive prime minister.

There were horrific natural disasters like the earthquake in Nepal and floods in China. It was also the hottest year on record and people still denied climate change. 

The Ashley Madison hack happened. Some people's lives were tragically ruined and even lost. Others were revealed for the hypocrites they actually are (looking at you Josh Duggar).

Too many unarmed, black men and boys were killed by police officers. The #blacklivesmatter movement arose, organizing to prevent more unnecessary deaths due to institutionalized racism.

Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart both left their political satire posts on Comedy Central. Stephen Colbert picked up the Late Night Show for David Letterman and does great. 

Bruce became Caitlyn. She brought transgender rights to the American dialogue. Bigots were upset that she won awards for her bravery.

Election season started and wouldn't stop. Running for the Republican nomination became very trendy (this potential nominee's kids were more excited about a turtle than their father's nomination). 

Donald Trump said a lot of racist things that no one took too seriously until he maintained his place as the Republican front runner for just about the entire primary season so far. 

Hillary Clinton begged people to see her as relatable and Bernie Sanders begged people to not see him as the crazy uncle who dances with the punch bowl on his head. Both generally kick ass.

Some people were nice enough to pretend they were running for the Democratic nomination to make it seem like a fair race. Looking at you Webb and Chafee.

Left shark became a part of all of us. 

Please note: I am an American and these are the events that were most poignant to me. Most definitely, there are domestic and international events that I missed. I created this list from memory because I wanted to record the things that left the largest impact on me. Again, there are many, many things that are not represented on this list. I recognize the fact that I have intense privilege in failing to recognize significant world events that impact the lives of many. Please enlighten me about things that I missed. Let's have a conversation. What was important to you in the news? What world, political, or pop culture events impacted you? 

I want a job that I love as much as my hair stylist does

This post was inspired by my fabulous hair done by the Blowout Bar in Grandview, Ohio and the fact that I'm not necessarily looking forward to going to work tomorrow. God bless the talkative, empathetic guy giving me a blowout that made me feel like a million bucks and pray for me as I enter work tomorrow.

First, let's take a look at the magic hair stylists get to create on a daily basis. See that smile? The genuine laughter? It's because I feel freaking fantastic. Why do I feel fantastic? I had just finished an extraordinarily tasty margarita, I am seeing my boyfriend for the first time in a month, and because I feel like a million bucks with the magic the hairstylist was able to create on my head. Only I would get existential about my career over freakin' blowout.





Right now it is after 12:30 at night and I can't stop thinking about that hairstylist. We had great chats - from the Kardashians, to transgender issues, to bad drivers, to taking time off to find yourself. Mostly, though, he said that he loved his job. And I really believed him.

The thing is, I love my job too. But in a different way. When I say I love my job, I mean that I love my job in the way that normal people "love" their jobs. I think that most people "love" their jobs and if you say that, most people interpret it as the "love" that you give to a job and not genuine love.

When this man told me that he loved his job, he said it with conviction. It was so matter of fact. There was no trail off or vocal rise at the end of the sentence. It was a declarative statement. That was it. I told him that I took note of how matter of fact he was and that I thought it was amazing. The stylist that day was a perfect example, but this is something I have thought about before.

I see that same spark or imagine it in other people and professions, too. I think of a blogger that inspires me, Helene in Between, who just took the plunge to blogging full time. I think of a close friend who is a tap dancer in LA. I think of a friend who works at the zoo redesigning animal habitats to be better for the animals. I think of a friend who is a police officer that positively lights up every time he tells a story about work. I think of the podcast creators I listen to. The journalists that I read. The vloggers that I follow.

I really, really love the idea of blogging or podcasting. Yet here I am, almost 1:00 in the morning, writing about that on my loosely tended to blog and hardly even attempting to podcast. I'm committing to pay more attention to what I love to do and relentlessly pursue making it a career. Will you? Stay with me on my journey in the job I "love" looking for the job I love.

Have you ever had an experience like the one I described with my hair stylists? Do you have a job that you "love" or love? Let's talk about it.