About Me

Hello everyone!

My name is Alena, and I am a twenty-something pediatric nurse currently living in Indianapolis, Indiana.  I graduated in 2010 from Indiana University-Bloomington where I combined my interests in medicine, genetics, and world cultures through a study in anthropology that concentrated on bioanthropology, the specific branch within anthropology that explores the development of the Homo sapiens species, forensics of human remains, human osteology, anthropometrics, and human genetics as they relate to various ethnic groups throughout the world’s populations.  About halfway through my time at IUB, I decided to switch my other half of my double major from biotechnology to nursing.  I was accepted into the IUPUI’s Second Degree BSN program and then spent the next 20 months basically studying and/or going to school or clinicals non-stop.  My time in school led me to my current career as a pediatric nurse, and I am so thrilled I get to work with my little patients (and my amazing co-workers!) each shift. 

Upon graduating from IUSON, my interest in fashion, beauty, and wellness blossomed from simply a hobby into a way of life in order to attain my goal of becoming a professional, modern lady.  I knew once I had graduated from nursing school I would be embarking on a serious career path and I would want to be taken seriously despite my age and the fact I sometimes look like I am 15.  A career in nursing meant that I would be destined to wear scrubs pretty much every single day, and because of that, my interest in fashion may have waned slightly.  Still, a professional, modern woman should present herself as such no matter what uniform is expected of her.  Furthermore, I was interested in being more than just a professional, modern woman.  I was interested in being a professional, modern lady.  

My ideal of professional modern lady goes so much deeper than just fashion and beauty.  It embraces a set of morals, of etiquette, and of style.  It requires that one is beautiful on the outside, but more importantly is beautiful on the inside.  She is polite and respectful at all times and understands that everyone with whom she comes into contact has a story.  She is sensitive to the plight of all men and listens carefully when a story is shared.  She offers wise advice when it is warranted, but understands enough to know that sometimes a supportive presence is all that is desired.  She is humble enough to apologize when necessary and does not hold a grudge.  She is delicate and vulnerable, but strong enough to endure anything she encounters.  She is well dressed, well groomed, and well educated.  She is sophisticated.  But she is also fun and enjoys everything life throws at her.  Obviously all of these characteristics may not be completely attainable for the average female given emotions, hormones, and human tendencies, but they can definitely act as a goal and an ideal for the average female.  They are my ideal.  
 

So, in beginning my life as a grown-up, I realized I needed a place to release my creative energy and to document my journey to becoming my ideal person (and something to prevent me from making so many trips to the mall!).  For this purpose, The Midwestern Belle was born.  My daily routine consisting of working out, primping, dressing, and cooking are truly my de-stressors and are things about which I am really passionate.  To some, the working out, primping, and dressing are rather superficial, and I do suppose they are.  However, I really believe when one really takes care of one’s body and is proud of what she puts in and on her body, a certain radiant confidence shines from within.  It’s happiness and it’s beautiful.  Add in a bit of science, literature, and etiquette, and hopefully one can become a bit closer to sophistication.  

                                              XOXO,

                                                           

                                                             Alena