So, it has definitely been awhile since I've blogged here last. I've been busy with my Disney College Program, so I've been keeping up with that blog rather than this one (check it out here). While I will be staying in Orlando until at least May, I've decided that I need to get back to updating this blog. :)
I have a lot of ideas that I want to try to incorporate for this blog in the new year, and those ideas will hopefully transform this blog from something I occasionally write in into something that I do almost on a daily basis. I don't want to reveal those ideas just yet because I'm still in the planning stages for them, and nothing is set in stone yet. Just know that there are some pretty big changes coming. :)
I'm pretty excited about this new year. I have a feeling 2012 is going to be another big year for me, and I hope it's a big year for this blog as well. :)
Have a Happy New Year everyone! :)
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Life's A Beach
So, the past couple of days, I've been thinking about my big move to Florida (4 days! Ah!), and not just in terms of my job at Disney. I've also been thinking about the fact that I will finally be an hour away from the beach. I have always loved the beach and beach life. It's so laid back and relaxing....completely opposite from my life now. There's something so therapeutic about sitting out on the sand and listening to the waves crash on the shore.
I've spent quite a bit of time (time I should be using to pack....but oh well) looking at beach pictures on tumblr. They just make me more excited about getting to be close to my piece of paradise.
I need the sun, the sand, and the ocean now, please.
I've spent quite a bit of time (time I should be using to pack....but oh well) looking at beach pictures on tumblr. They just make me more excited about getting to be close to my piece of paradise.
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| Source: burningwithapassi00n |
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| Source: Summer in Miami |
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| Source: Brunette Summer |
Monday, June 27, 2011
Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee
Charles Eastman: Senator, please sit. Sir, if every individual were taken personally under your care, as was my good fortune, I admit, the outcome might be what you seek. But I am not the example you held up to The Friends of the Indian. I am the example of nothing. I simply do not see how placing each Indian man on a desolate, 160-acre parcel of land is going to lead his children to medical school.
Henry Dawes: It will, in time. But first, this must pass. Or I guarantee you, destitution is all the Sioux will ever know. I have many opponents, Charles, in the press, in Congress...
Charles Eastman: You have an opponent before you, sir.
First of all, if you haven't seen the movie Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee, find it and watch it. It's about the events leading up to the Wounded Knee Massacre; the U.S. government taking land and basically stripping the culture away from the Sioux Indians. The movie is based on the book of the same name by Dee Brown. I have the book, but I haven't read it yet. I think I will after seeing this movie now.
Anyway, the quote above is from the movie. The part that's bold is what really stuck out to me. Senator Dawes believed that by giving each Sioux family 160 acres of land, that it would make their lives better, even though the government was taking land away from them....and of course, they were taking the best land away.
The 160 acres was for the head of the household and his future generations. Think about that. The 160 acres was for the head of the household and his future generations. Most families have more than one kid. So, you even though 160 acres is a lot at first, you eventually have to divide that. And that means that after each generation, that 160 acres gets smaller and smaller and smaller. And the land they were given was really poor. They couldn't farm it. Sitting Bull even pointed that out to both the Sioux and the white men who were there. That land was not going to sustain future generations.
Dawes said that if the Sioux would agree to sell their land and take these 160 acre parcels, then their lives would get better. They would not see their destruction. They would not see destitution. But I've been there. I've been to Pine Ridge, I've been to Wounded Knee. I spent 10 days living among and working with the Lakota Sioux of Pine Ridge, South Dakota. And Shannon County, South Dakota, where Pine Ridge is located, is the poorest county in the United States today. By selling their land, by taking the 160 acre parcels, by doing what the U.S. government said would benefit them, it made them destitute. It made them the very kind of people they were promised they would not become.
And watching this movie and seeing the massacre at Wounded Knee unfold.....it brought me to tears. I visited the mass grave where those who lost their lives in that massacre are buried. I thought it broke my heart then, but seeing the senseless massacre being depicted.....it really breaks my heart now. I'm still crying, and that part of the movie was over 10 minutes ago.
Despite everything that has happened to them, the Lakota are a proud people. They have not lost hope, they have not given up. And they have retained their sense of themselves, despite efforts to strip them of their identity and culture. I feel very blessed to have been able to go to South Dakota and meet some of these wonderful people and learn more about them. And even though in 1980 the U.S Supreme Court ruled that the taking of the Black Hills violated treaties signed with the Sioux, they refused to give the Black Hills, which is land that the Sioux consider sacred, back to them. They offered compensation instead. The Sioux have refused it. They still hold to their claim on the land, and even though the compensation is now worth over $600 million, they won't take it. I don't think they will ever take the money. Money is not what they want. They want the land that is rightfully theirs, land that was stolen from them. And I honestly can't blame them for wanting that.
Seeing this movie has definitely made me want to return to Pine Ridge at some point. I definitely want to take some more time to experience the culture and be around the Lakota again.
Henry Dawes: It will, in time. But first, this must pass. Or I guarantee you, destitution is all the Sioux will ever know. I have many opponents, Charles, in the press, in Congress...
Charles Eastman: You have an opponent before you, sir.
First of all, if you haven't seen the movie Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee, find it and watch it. It's about the events leading up to the Wounded Knee Massacre; the U.S. government taking land and basically stripping the culture away from the Sioux Indians. The movie is based on the book of the same name by Dee Brown. I have the book, but I haven't read it yet. I think I will after seeing this movie now.
Anyway, the quote above is from the movie. The part that's bold is what really stuck out to me. Senator Dawes believed that by giving each Sioux family 160 acres of land, that it would make their lives better, even though the government was taking land away from them....and of course, they were taking the best land away.
The 160 acres was for the head of the household and his future generations. Think about that. The 160 acres was for the head of the household and his future generations. Most families have more than one kid. So, you even though 160 acres is a lot at first, you eventually have to divide that. And that means that after each generation, that 160 acres gets smaller and smaller and smaller. And the land they were given was really poor. They couldn't farm it. Sitting Bull even pointed that out to both the Sioux and the white men who were there. That land was not going to sustain future generations.
Dawes said that if the Sioux would agree to sell their land and take these 160 acre parcels, then their lives would get better. They would not see their destruction. They would not see destitution. But I've been there. I've been to Pine Ridge, I've been to Wounded Knee. I spent 10 days living among and working with the Lakota Sioux of Pine Ridge, South Dakota. And Shannon County, South Dakota, where Pine Ridge is located, is the poorest county in the United States today. By selling their land, by taking the 160 acre parcels, by doing what the U.S. government said would benefit them, it made them destitute. It made them the very kind of people they were promised they would not become.
And watching this movie and seeing the massacre at Wounded Knee unfold.....it brought me to tears. I visited the mass grave where those who lost their lives in that massacre are buried. I thought it broke my heart then, but seeing the senseless massacre being depicted.....it really breaks my heart now. I'm still crying, and that part of the movie was over 10 minutes ago.
Despite everything that has happened to them, the Lakota are a proud people. They have not lost hope, they have not given up. And they have retained their sense of themselves, despite efforts to strip them of their identity and culture. I feel very blessed to have been able to go to South Dakota and meet some of these wonderful people and learn more about them. And even though in 1980 the U.S Supreme Court ruled that the taking of the Black Hills violated treaties signed with the Sioux, they refused to give the Black Hills, which is land that the Sioux consider sacred, back to them. They offered compensation instead. The Sioux have refused it. They still hold to their claim on the land, and even though the compensation is now worth over $600 million, they won't take it. I don't think they will ever take the money. Money is not what they want. They want the land that is rightfully theirs, land that was stolen from them. And I honestly can't blame them for wanting that.
Seeing this movie has definitely made me want to return to Pine Ridge at some point. I definitely want to take some more time to experience the culture and be around the Lakota again.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Shoes!!! :)
So, I have a big weakness. Shoes. I love shoes. I have over 30 pairs, and I don't know what I'm going to do when I have to move to Florida. I do know that my latest addition will be going with me. :)
These are the Women's AEO Knotted Sandal from American Eagle Outfitters. I saw these, and I fell in love. I have so many pairs of flip flops (and 2 more pairs have been ordered...), but no sandals. So, when I got a coupon (courtesy of Glamour magazine's Facebook page) for 30% off regular price footwear at AE, I had to take it. And then I saw these, and I fell in love! I ordered them last Friday, and they came today!!! Yay!!
Of course, the moment I got them, they had to be tried on.
Excuse my whiteness. I am completely aware that I need to tan. I will be working on that before Disney.
But anyway, I love the way these shoes fit! They're comfortable, and they fit so well. And they look great, too! I really didn't want to take them off.
Now I need to work on getting some blue jean shorts. These sandals would go great with blue jean shorts. :)
Of course, the moment I got them, they had to be tried on.
But anyway, I love the way these shoes fit! They're comfortable, and they fit so well. And they look great, too! I really didn't want to take them off.
Now I need to work on getting some blue jean shorts. These sandals would go great with blue jean shorts. :)
Open Letter
This is an open letter to someone who used to be one of my closest friends.
Dear "Anonymous":
I would just like to say thank you for continuing to want to be involved in my life after these last couple of years, even if you don't want me to know you're involved. It flatters me that, even though I was apparently a horrible friend to you, and you basically told me you didn't want anything to do with me anymore, that you still feel the need to keep up with my life.
And how's that working out for you? You remember when you told me that you felt that I wasn't moving forward, that I wasn't going anywhere? Still think that? Even though I just finished up an internship at a middle school, I just graduated college, I'm going to work for Disney and move out of the state, and I'm in a relationship with the same amazing guy I was with when you decided to end our friendship....do you still think that I'm not going anywhere? Just because I'm not living my life the way you are living yours, just because I'm doing things differently doesn't mean I'm not living my life to the fullest. I know what I want for me, and it's not the same things you want for yourself. And that's okay. That's how it's supposed to be. We are two different people.
A lot of things happened at the end of our friendship that you didn't let me explain, and I find that very unfair. So here's my side of the story. The reason why your family got involved was because they got themselves involved. Your sister called me that day. All the things that were said about your sister were things that she said to me. You know that I don't go around making stuff up.
However, I think you wanted to end our friendship for awhile, and since you could never be straight up about things, this was the best way you felt to end it. And I think that you thought it was okay. Well guess what? It wasn't, and it still isn't. You left a lot of pain, and I spent so much time trying to figure out what happened. But now I think I know. I think you wanted me to be like you, and when I wasn't, that irritated you. You couldn't control me, and you didn't like that. It ticked you off that I was independent and didn't feel the need to ask your approval of everything. And you know, maybe I'm wrong about all of that, but based on the things you said to me after the friendship ended, that's the only thing I can come up with. Either that, or you were jealous of me.
I hope you are having a great life. I really do. I've been doing great these last couple of years. I've finally figured out who my real friends are, and I've got so many opportunities opened up to me. I don't know why you're continuously reading my blogs; I don't know if you're jealous, just curious, or if you feel like you have to keep watch over me. If it's the latter, I don't need it. I don't need babysitting. I'm a big girl, and I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. If you're jealous, get over it and move on. And if you're just curious, that's fine. But at least make the effort to talk to me. Stop essentially stalking me. I really hate being stalked.
Do whatever you want to do with your life, and I hope you're happy.
-Amanda
Dear "Anonymous":
I would just like to say thank you for continuing to want to be involved in my life after these last couple of years, even if you don't want me to know you're involved. It flatters me that, even though I was apparently a horrible friend to you, and you basically told me you didn't want anything to do with me anymore, that you still feel the need to keep up with my life.
And how's that working out for you? You remember when you told me that you felt that I wasn't moving forward, that I wasn't going anywhere? Still think that? Even though I just finished up an internship at a middle school, I just graduated college, I'm going to work for Disney and move out of the state, and I'm in a relationship with the same amazing guy I was with when you decided to end our friendship....do you still think that I'm not going anywhere? Just because I'm not living my life the way you are living yours, just because I'm doing things differently doesn't mean I'm not living my life to the fullest. I know what I want for me, and it's not the same things you want for yourself. And that's okay. That's how it's supposed to be. We are two different people.
A lot of things happened at the end of our friendship that you didn't let me explain, and I find that very unfair. So here's my side of the story. The reason why your family got involved was because they got themselves involved. Your sister called me that day. All the things that were said about your sister were things that she said to me. You know that I don't go around making stuff up.
However, I think you wanted to end our friendship for awhile, and since you could never be straight up about things, this was the best way you felt to end it. And I think that you thought it was okay. Well guess what? It wasn't, and it still isn't. You left a lot of pain, and I spent so much time trying to figure out what happened. But now I think I know. I think you wanted me to be like you, and when I wasn't, that irritated you. You couldn't control me, and you didn't like that. It ticked you off that I was independent and didn't feel the need to ask your approval of everything. And you know, maybe I'm wrong about all of that, but based on the things you said to me after the friendship ended, that's the only thing I can come up with. Either that, or you were jealous of me.
I hope you are having a great life. I really do. I've been doing great these last couple of years. I've finally figured out who my real friends are, and I've got so many opportunities opened up to me. I don't know why you're continuously reading my blogs; I don't know if you're jealous, just curious, or if you feel like you have to keep watch over me. If it's the latter, I don't need it. I don't need babysitting. I'm a big girl, and I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. If you're jealous, get over it and move on. And if you're just curious, that's fine. But at least make the effort to talk to me. Stop essentially stalking me. I really hate being stalked.
Do whatever you want to do with your life, and I hope you're happy.
-Amanda
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Yeah....I Pretty Much Love This Man
And I always have.
I've seriously crushed on this guy for as long as I crushed on my boyfriend. And for those of you that don't know that story, I've known my boyfriend for 12 years, and I've crushed on for that long. :p
I've seriously crushed on this guy for as long as I crushed on my boyfriend. And for those of you that don't know that story, I've known my boyfriend for 12 years, and I've crushed on for that long. :p
Oh Justin Timberlake, you were my first big huge celebrity crush. It was the curly hair, the smile, and that Southern charm. I have a huge weakness for those 3 things.
I mean, my room was covered in posters of him and the rest of the NSYNC guys.
Sigh.
And he just keeps getting sexier. Mmm mmm mmm.
Gah....that smile. ♥ it.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Sweetest Thing Ever
This happened at a movie theater not far from where I live. So, with it being a local story, that makes it even cooler to me. I think this guy was very sweet, especially in asking her father for his blessing.
However, if my boyfriend ever (and I do mean EVER) proposed to me in a public way like this, I would probably kill him. Just saying. :p
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Love ♥
There's no combination of words
I could put on the back of a postcard
No song that I could sing
But I can try for your heart
Our dreams
And they are made out of real things
Like a shoebox of photographs
And sepia tone lovin'
Love is the answer
At least for most of the questions in my heart
Like why are we here?
And where do we go?
And how come it's so hard?
It's not always easy
And sometimes life can be deceiving
But I'll tell you one thing
It's always better when we're together
I could put on the back of a postcard
No song that I could sing
But I can try for your heart
Our dreams
And they are made out of real things
Like a shoebox of photographs
And sepia tone lovin'
Love is the answer
At least for most of the questions in my heart
Like why are we here?
And where do we go?
And how come it's so hard?
It's not always easy
And sometimes life can be deceiving
But I'll tell you one thing
It's always better when we're together
~"Better Together" by Jack Johnson
I am such a blessed and lucky girl. :)
Thursday, May 12, 2011
First Goal! :)
So, in order to make this whole weight loss thing easier, I've set up weekly goals for myself. I'm aiming to lose 2lbs every week, with each Monday being the weekly deadline. Well, today is Thursday, and I stepped on the scale, and I've already reached my goal for the week! :) Yay!! I was getting worried because I've been the same weight since Monday, so to get on and see the change definitely made me happy. Now I have to work at not gaining those 2lbs back. So, while I can celebrate this victory, I know that I still have work ahead of me. 2lbs down, 24lbs to go.
I can do this. I know I can. It's just going to take hard work and motivation. But I will finally reach my goals. :)
I can do this. I know I can. It's just going to take hard work and motivation. But I will finally reach my goals. :)
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Neutrogena and Natural Skin Care
For those that don't know me, I'm allergic to sulfur. Like, highly allergic. Potentially deathly allergic. I've had 2 reactions so far, and the second one was 10 times worse than the first one. And my doctor told me that each reaction would be worse than the last. So, I try my best to stay away from the stuff.
Now, my allergy is only when I ingest it. I can apply it topically to my skin all day long and not have a problem. But let me get some medicine with sulfur in it, and I have the most horrible reactions ever (my last reaction including not being able to move because my back hurt so bad, and my skin looking and feeling like I had a chemical burn). Or so I thought. Now I'm thinking that maybe even having sulfur applied topically isn't great for me.
This theory came to me this morning. The other day, I found a coupon for a new line of products that Neutrogena has come out with: Neutrogena Naturals. If you go to the website, they say that this new line promises clearer skin without using harsh chemicals. That sounded good to me, so I decided to use the coupon and try it.
Now, I have been using St. Ives products for awhile now, both the Apricot Scrub in the morning, and the make-up remover at night (if I've worn make-up during the day).
Overall, I've been pleased with them. I mean, my skin hasn't cleared up like I would like, but I also don't get the hideous breakouts all the time like I used to. However, looking at the labels right now, I'm not sure I'm impressed anymore. The front label on the scrub (and even the website) say that this has "100% natural exfoliants." When I look at the back label, though, it's hard to find those "natural exfoliants" in the ingredients list. I see a lot of names that we talked about when I took chemistry (I hated that class). And I even see sodium laureth sulfate. The make-up remover doesn't make those same claims, which is good, because I also can't find the natural ingredients on the ingredients list. But one point in its favor is that it also doesn't have any sulfur related chemicals in it. However, I also don't know what half the stuff on the ingredients list is, which is starting to bother me.
Now we move on to Neutrogena. I bought the purifying facial cleanser yesterday, and the first thing I noticed on the label was that it says "NO harsh chemical sulfates, parabens, petrochemicals, dyes, phthalates."
I'm not sure what parabens, petrochemicals, or phthalates are, but there are no sulfates!!!! Happy day!!!! In fact, on the ingredients list, it does have things that I can't pronounce, but it also tells me where those things came from. For example, Cocamidopropyl Betaine is coconut derived, and Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride is Guar Bean derived. Everything except the fragrance and sodium benzoate is natural. That excited me. So I tried it last night, and loved it. It smelled so good, and it felt really good, too. I almost didn't want to stop washing my face with it. And when I woke up this morning, my acne wasn't gone, but there was a lot less redness, and it wasn't as noticeable! :) Neutrogena has won me over with this line after just one use!
I still have some of my St. Ives products left, so I will use those up because I don't like wasting money, especially when I don't really have any. But, when I do run out, I'll be going out and buying Neutrogena Nautrals purifying pore scrub and fresh cleansing + make-up remover. They also have a lip balm, which I want to try, and a bar soap, which is a possibility. I prefer body washes, but if that bar soap can clear my skin as good as this face wash did, I just may switch.
Now, my allergy is only when I ingest it. I can apply it topically to my skin all day long and not have a problem. But let me get some medicine with sulfur in it, and I have the most horrible reactions ever (my last reaction including not being able to move because my back hurt so bad, and my skin looking and feeling like I had a chemical burn). Or so I thought. Now I'm thinking that maybe even having sulfur applied topically isn't great for me.
This theory came to me this morning. The other day, I found a coupon for a new line of products that Neutrogena has come out with: Neutrogena Naturals. If you go to the website, they say that this new line promises clearer skin without using harsh chemicals. That sounded good to me, so I decided to use the coupon and try it.
Now, I have been using St. Ives products for awhile now, both the Apricot Scrub in the morning, and the make-up remover at night (if I've worn make-up during the day).
Overall, I've been pleased with them. I mean, my skin hasn't cleared up like I would like, but I also don't get the hideous breakouts all the time like I used to. However, looking at the labels right now, I'm not sure I'm impressed anymore. The front label on the scrub (and even the website) say that this has "100% natural exfoliants." When I look at the back label, though, it's hard to find those "natural exfoliants" in the ingredients list. I see a lot of names that we talked about when I took chemistry (I hated that class). And I even see sodium laureth sulfate. The make-up remover doesn't make those same claims, which is good, because I also can't find the natural ingredients on the ingredients list. But one point in its favor is that it also doesn't have any sulfur related chemicals in it. However, I also don't know what half the stuff on the ingredients list is, which is starting to bother me.
Now we move on to Neutrogena. I bought the purifying facial cleanser yesterday, and the first thing I noticed on the label was that it says "NO harsh chemical sulfates, parabens, petrochemicals, dyes, phthalates."
I still have some of my St. Ives products left, so I will use those up because I don't like wasting money, especially when I don't really have any. But, when I do run out, I'll be going out and buying Neutrogena Nautrals purifying pore scrub and fresh cleansing + make-up remover. They also have a lip balm, which I want to try, and a bar soap, which is a possibility. I prefer body washes, but if that bar soap can clear my skin as good as this face wash did, I just may switch.
Monday, May 9, 2011
It's That Time Again....
So, for those of you who haven't clicked on my profile and checked out my other blog (or, for those of you who don't know me), I got accepted into the Walt Disney World College Program for Fall 2011. Basically, this means I'll be "living, earning, and learning" at the Happiest Place on Earth from August until January. And I'm excited. Beyond excited. This is going to be the experience of a lifetime, and I cannot wait! :)
However, as most of you who have read this blog know, I've been struggling with my weight. And now that I'm a college graduate, and I'm about to start on a new chapter in my life, I'm really wanting to get rid of this extra "baggage" I'm carrying around. So once again, I've decided to start another diet/exercise routine. I'm trying to lose 2lbs a week, and if I do that all summer, I'll be down 24lbs before I start the college program! That will put me almost to what I was in high school! :)
If you're interested in knowing what I'm doing for exercise, check out this article. I started it today, and I think I'm going to like this. :) The diet I'm going to have a hard time with, because it's mainly me cutting back on things (especially fast food), and that's always been hard. But once I did the math and saw what I could get down to before Disney, it made me pumped up for this. And I'm determined to stick with this. This is a new start for me, and I need to really start over.
If you want to know what's going on with the college program, head on over here!
However, as most of you who have read this blog know, I've been struggling with my weight. And now that I'm a college graduate, and I'm about to start on a new chapter in my life, I'm really wanting to get rid of this extra "baggage" I'm carrying around. So once again, I've decided to start another diet/exercise routine. I'm trying to lose 2lbs a week, and if I do that all summer, I'll be down 24lbs before I start the college program! That will put me almost to what I was in high school! :)
If you're interested in knowing what I'm doing for exercise, check out this article. I started it today, and I think I'm going to like this. :) The diet I'm going to have a hard time with, because it's mainly me cutting back on things (especially fast food), and that's always been hard. But once I did the math and saw what I could get down to before Disney, it made me pumped up for this. And I'm determined to stick with this. This is a new start for me, and I need to really start over.
If you want to know what's going on with the college program, head on over here!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Graduation Eve
So, I'm sitting here on the night before my college graduation, and I'm doing my usual reflection. I've spent the past 5 years of my life in college, taking classes, making friends, and trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. And trust me, it took all 5 years to figure out what I want to do when I "grow up." And there are still times when I wonder if the plans I've made today will be the same tomorrow.
But in these last 5 years, I've also done some growing. When I started college, I was a shy girl who had her comfort zone and didn't like to get out of it. My first year of college was spent away, and that was definitely out of my comfort zone. While I did enjoy my time at Berry (and I got an amazing friend out of it), it didn't feel right. I wasn't happy. I guess I wasn't ready to be away from my source of comfort. So I came home. And I spent the last 4 years living with my parents and attending a new college. I even changed my major from business to education. There were times when I questioned that move. Heck, I was questioning that move earlier this year. However, I'm satisfied with my decision. I love working with kids, and while I don't want to be a traditional classroom teacher, I have a plan.
That's something that hasn't really changed about me. I always have a plan. Even when I don't think I have a plan, I still had a plan. I'm a planner, and I don't think that will change. However, I have become more open to my plans changing. I don't freak out as much as I use to when they do. I know now that life throws in things that can't be planned for, and I have to be ready to roll with the punches. I have to be prepared for my plans to change. And I need to be ready to welcome changes sometimes. Change isn't always bad. In fact, a lot of times, it's really good. :)
I've noticed myself becoming more of a risk taker. Things that I wouldn't have dreamed of doing 5 years ago, I'm wanting to do now. Like parasailing, which I plan on doing while at Disney. Heck, even moving out of state for 5 months. I wouldn't have dreamed of doing this 5 years ago. Leaving everything and everyone that I know behind to move to a city where I know 1 person. And I won't even be living or working with the person I know. 5 years ago, that would have caused me so much anxiety. But now it excites me. I can't wait for August to be here. I can't wait to move and start this next chapter in my life. I can't wait to meet new people and have all these new experiences.
I don't have any regrets about the my college years. I'm glad to be done with them though. It's time for me to move on. To move to a different place, meet new people, have new experiences. It's time for me to move on to the next chapter of my life, and I cannot wait.
But in these last 5 years, I've also done some growing. When I started college, I was a shy girl who had her comfort zone and didn't like to get out of it. My first year of college was spent away, and that was definitely out of my comfort zone. While I did enjoy my time at Berry (and I got an amazing friend out of it), it didn't feel right. I wasn't happy. I guess I wasn't ready to be away from my source of comfort. So I came home. And I spent the last 4 years living with my parents and attending a new college. I even changed my major from business to education. There were times when I questioned that move. Heck, I was questioning that move earlier this year. However, I'm satisfied with my decision. I love working with kids, and while I don't want to be a traditional classroom teacher, I have a plan.
That's something that hasn't really changed about me. I always have a plan. Even when I don't think I have a plan, I still had a plan. I'm a planner, and I don't think that will change. However, I have become more open to my plans changing. I don't freak out as much as I use to when they do. I know now that life throws in things that can't be planned for, and I have to be ready to roll with the punches. I have to be prepared for my plans to change. And I need to be ready to welcome changes sometimes. Change isn't always bad. In fact, a lot of times, it's really good. :)
I've noticed myself becoming more of a risk taker. Things that I wouldn't have dreamed of doing 5 years ago, I'm wanting to do now. Like parasailing, which I plan on doing while at Disney. Heck, even moving out of state for 5 months. I wouldn't have dreamed of doing this 5 years ago. Leaving everything and everyone that I know behind to move to a city where I know 1 person. And I won't even be living or working with the person I know. 5 years ago, that would have caused me so much anxiety. But now it excites me. I can't wait for August to be here. I can't wait to move and start this next chapter in my life. I can't wait to meet new people and have all these new experiences.
I don't have any regrets about the my college years. I'm glad to be done with them though. It's time for me to move on. To move to a different place, meet new people, have new experiences. It's time for me to move on to the next chapter of my life, and I cannot wait.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Bleed Red
While I am a country music fan, I also tend to be over the whole Brooks and Dunn thing. They retired, let's move on. However, Ronnie Dunn is coming out with a solo album, and his first single, "Bleed Red" is amazing. And it's really speaking to me right now.
Let's say we're sorry before it's too late
Give forgiveness a chance
Turn the anger into water
Let it slip through our hands
We all bleed red
We all taste rain
All fall down
Lose our way
We all say words we regret
We all cry tears
We all bleed red
If we're fighting we're both losing
We're just wasting our time
Because my scars they are your scars
And your world is mine
You and I
We all bleed red
We all taste rain
All fall down
Lose our way
We all say words we regret
We all cry tears
We all bleed red
Sometimes we're strong
Sometimes we're weak
Sometimes we're hurt and it cuts deep
We live this life breath to breath
We're all the same
We all bleed red
Let's say we're sorry before it's too late
We all bleed red
We all taste rain
All fall down
Lose our way
We all say words we regret
We all cry tears
We all bleed red
Sometimes we're strong
Sometimes we're weak
Sometimes we're hurt and it cuts deep
We're all the same
We all bleed red
Give forgiveness a chance
Turn the anger into water
Let it slip through our hands
We all bleed red
We all taste rain
All fall down
Lose our way
We all say words we regret
We all cry tears
We all bleed red
If we're fighting we're both losing
We're just wasting our time
Because my scars they are your scars
And your world is mine
You and I
We all bleed red
We all taste rain
All fall down
Lose our way
We all say words we regret
We all cry tears
We all bleed red
Sometimes we're strong
Sometimes we're weak
Sometimes we're hurt and it cuts deep
We live this life breath to breath
We're all the same
We all bleed red
Let's say we're sorry before it's too late
We all bleed red
We all taste rain
All fall down
Lose our way
We all say words we regret
We all cry tears
We all bleed red
Sometimes we're strong
Sometimes we're weak
Sometimes we're hurt and it cuts deep
We're all the same
We all bleed red
There are people out there who I know I've hurt, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Some of these people were a big part of my life for a long time, and others weren't. However, I hate knowing that I hurt anyone. I have tried to talk to some of these people before, and it just hasn't worked out, no matter how much I wanted it to. So, in case any of them read this, this is my apology. I'm sorry for ever hurting you. Forgive me, please.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Disney "Believe" Board
So, I'm sure most of you are aware of this (if you've talked to me or seen my facebook in the past few months, then you are), but for those of you that are not....I got accepted into the Walt Disney World College Program!!! What does this mean? This means that come August, I will be living and working at The Happiest Place on Earth for 5 months. Of course, I'm hoping this (paid!!!) internship will turn into a permanent job with Disney. I took my first trip to Disney World in 1997 when I was 9, and ever since then, I've wanted to work for them. So this internship opportunity is a dream come true for me! :)
Anyway, since I got accepted, and since I now have a ton of free time because I am DONE with school (graduation is this Saturday!!), I have been indulging my creative side. :) This is making me extremely happy, because for the past few months, I haven't been able to all that much because of school. But now, I can!
So, one of my first projects for this summer was what I'm calling my Disney "Believe" Board. This is something that I can hang on my wall, and every time I look at it, I am reminded to believe in my dreams because, yes, they can come true...no matter how big they are. And trust me, when I dream, I dream big. :p
So, how did I create this board? Well......
I started with a scrap piece of cardboard that I had lying around. I don't remember where this piece came from, but I know that when I saw it, I made a point of keeping it because I figured I could do something with it. Make sure that if you decide to do a project like this, that the cardboard is pretty sturdy and thick. It needs to be able to hold the paint and the items you'll put on it. You could also use a piece of plywood if you don't have cardboard. Just make sure you sand the plywood before you use it! :)
I then painted the cardboard. If you like the look of plain cardboard, then feel free to skip this part. However, I like color, so I decided to paint my board red. I used Apple Barrel brand in Crimson. The picture above is after one coat. That just wasn't bright enough for me, so....
...I added another coat. This was much better for me. :)
Then I laid the stuff that I was going to put on it out. I used punch-out letters to spell out "Believe", and the rest of the stuff is memorabilia from my trip to Disney in December. At the bottom right, there's a coaster, my ticket/room key/credit card is at the bottom left, and in the center at the top is a personalized congratulation note from Mickey himself. :) I celebrated my college graduation a bit early in December, so this was one of the things I got. :)
Time to Mod Podge everything! Make sure that not only do you concentrate on the edges (like shown in the picture), but that you do go back over the entire board with the Mod Podge. This will seal in everything, and it will give the whole board a much smoother finish.
And here is the finished product! I'm going to add a bracket to the back so that I can hang it on my wall, but if you wanted to just prop it up somewhere, that would be fine, too. :) I'm very excited about my board, and what it represents to me. :) And this makes me even more excited for August to get here so I can move on into the next chapter in my life.
Anyway, since I got accepted, and since I now have a ton of free time because I am DONE with school (graduation is this Saturday!!), I have been indulging my creative side. :) This is making me extremely happy, because for the past few months, I haven't been able to all that much because of school. But now, I can!
So, one of my first projects for this summer was what I'm calling my Disney "Believe" Board. This is something that I can hang on my wall, and every time I look at it, I am reminded to believe in my dreams because, yes, they can come true...no matter how big they are. And trust me, when I dream, I dream big. :p
So, how did I create this board? Well......
I started with a scrap piece of cardboard that I had lying around. I don't remember where this piece came from, but I know that when I saw it, I made a point of keeping it because I figured I could do something with it. Make sure that if you decide to do a project like this, that the cardboard is pretty sturdy and thick. It needs to be able to hold the paint and the items you'll put on it. You could also use a piece of plywood if you don't have cardboard. Just make sure you sand the plywood before you use it! :)
I then painted the cardboard. If you like the look of plain cardboard, then feel free to skip this part. However, I like color, so I decided to paint my board red. I used Apple Barrel brand in Crimson. The picture above is after one coat. That just wasn't bright enough for me, so....
...I added another coat. This was much better for me. :)
Then I laid the stuff that I was going to put on it out. I used punch-out letters to spell out "Believe", and the rest of the stuff is memorabilia from my trip to Disney in December. At the bottom right, there's a coaster, my ticket/room key/credit card is at the bottom left, and in the center at the top is a personalized congratulation note from Mickey himself. :) I celebrated my college graduation a bit early in December, so this was one of the things I got. :)
Time to Mod Podge everything! Make sure that not only do you concentrate on the edges (like shown in the picture), but that you do go back over the entire board with the Mod Podge. This will seal in everything, and it will give the whole board a much smoother finish.
And here is the finished product! I'm going to add a bracket to the back so that I can hang it on my wall, but if you wanted to just prop it up somewhere, that would be fine, too. :) I'm very excited about my board, and what it represents to me. :) And this makes me even more excited for August to get here so I can move on into the next chapter in my life.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Wow.
So, I've noticed that I've been going somewhat easy on myself, and maybe that's why I haven't seen the results that I've wanted.
Well, that and the fact that I'm become very lax with my diet and exercise. But, I'm vowing to get back into this. I'm tired of feeling fat and tired all the time. And I want to look good for graduation. :)
So, I've been doing workouts on the SportsActive for the Wii, and I've had it set on medium intensity since, well, since I got it a couple of years ago. So, I thought it was time to up the intensity.
And boy, did setting it on high intensity really up the intensity. I honestly thought I was going to collapse before I finished. And I was sweating by the time I finished the 3rd exercise in the routine. However, I'm proud to say that I made it through, and, even though my legs are sore and not really able to support me at the moment, I feel really good right now. :)
I'm doing the 30-day challenge again, and I'm very hopeful that I'll see results by the time the 30 days are up. And this time, I'll try not to stop exercising after the challenge is over like I did last time. This time, I'm determined to make exercising a permanent part of my life.
Well, that and the fact that I'm become very lax with my diet and exercise. But, I'm vowing to get back into this. I'm tired of feeling fat and tired all the time. And I want to look good for graduation. :)
So, I've been doing workouts on the SportsActive for the Wii, and I've had it set on medium intensity since, well, since I got it a couple of years ago. So, I thought it was time to up the intensity.
And boy, did setting it on high intensity really up the intensity. I honestly thought I was going to collapse before I finished. And I was sweating by the time I finished the 3rd exercise in the routine. However, I'm proud to say that I made it through, and, even though my legs are sore and not really able to support me at the moment, I feel really good right now. :)
I'm doing the 30-day challenge again, and I'm very hopeful that I'll see results by the time the 30 days are up. And this time, I'll try not to stop exercising after the challenge is over like I did last time. This time, I'm determined to make exercising a permanent part of my life.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Ughhhhh.
Today was not good exercise wise. I didn't reach my 250 calorie goal....in fact, I was about 100 calories short. And it sucks. I'm putting on weight, which baffles me. I guess I'm eating more than I realize, which means I'll probably have to go back to keeping a food diary again. I might not calculate calories though. That was way too much of a hassle last time. But, I can tell by looking at what I've ate whether I've done good or not.
I also need to give my workout variety. I've been doing the same exercises, and they're not really working my whole body. I do a lot of cardio and arm exercises, but that's about it. I need to look for exercises that target my abs, since that's what I'm really wanting to work on.
I'm also going to cut out my snacking after dinner. The only thing I'll have is my post-workout smoothie. I've found that I look forward to my smoothie, and it's a great incentive to actually workout. Plus, it's a great way to soothe my sweet tooth. I was craving chocolate earlier, but my strawberry-banana smoothie has hit the spot! :)
I'm not going to let today discourage me. Even though I'm feeling kind of crappy because of all this, I'm determined to get past it. I'm determined to have more good days, and I'm determined for tomorrow to be better. I will not let today get to me.
I also need to give my workout variety. I've been doing the same exercises, and they're not really working my whole body. I do a lot of cardio and arm exercises, but that's about it. I need to look for exercises that target my abs, since that's what I'm really wanting to work on.
I'm also going to cut out my snacking after dinner. The only thing I'll have is my post-workout smoothie. I've found that I look forward to my smoothie, and it's a great incentive to actually workout. Plus, it's a great way to soothe my sweet tooth. I was craving chocolate earlier, but my strawberry-banana smoothie has hit the spot! :)
I'm not going to let today discourage me. Even though I'm feeling kind of crappy because of all this, I'm determined to get past it. I'm determined to have more good days, and I'm determined for tomorrow to be better. I will not let today get to me.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Improving Myself
I used to always go into each new year thinking, "New Year, New Me!" And that's a saying that you see everywhere. It's like we all have to reinvent ourselves each year and become something else. But this year, I'm not doing that. There is no "new me". I like who I am. And the people in my life like who I am. So why would I change that? So, no new me...just an improved me. I'm going to work on the things in my life that need to be worked on. This is the year that I conquer certain things in my life, and I'm really excited about that aspect!
I have been exercising the past couple of days, and I'm really proud of the progress I'm making. I've made it a goal to burn at least 250 calories a day, and so far, I've surpassed that each day. And I only have 82 calories left to burn until I reach the goal for today! :) I've also started noticing the difference in my body since I've been working out like this. I feel my sides slimming down and my "love handles" slowly disappearing! Yay! :)
I'm also trying to be better at spending and saving and monitoring my money. I still live with my parents, so I don't really have any bills to pay, but I know that will change in a few months. So I'm trying to start now on teaching myself how to manage my money. I've got a spreadsheet set up, and I track all of my spending. This way, I can look and see what I'm spending my money on, how much I'm spending each month, and how much I'm saving each month. I've also started doing something that my dad has been doing for a few years now. Heo saves all of his $1 bills and all his change. Each year, he's managed to save over $1,000 by doing this. So, I've started doing it, too. And I'm putting it directly into my savings account. I made my first deposit last month, and it was $8.50. But that was after just a week or so of saving. I'm hoping to have more put in this month. And I've noticed that I don't really miss the $1 bills or the change that much.
I'm pretty excited about this year. Big things are going to happen, and I can't wait! :) And I'm also looking forward to improving myself and coming out of this year even better than I started it. :)
I have been exercising the past couple of days, and I'm really proud of the progress I'm making. I've made it a goal to burn at least 250 calories a day, and so far, I've surpassed that each day. And I only have 82 calories left to burn until I reach the goal for today! :) I've also started noticing the difference in my body since I've been working out like this. I feel my sides slimming down and my "love handles" slowly disappearing! Yay! :)
I'm also trying to be better at spending and saving and monitoring my money. I still live with my parents, so I don't really have any bills to pay, but I know that will change in a few months. So I'm trying to start now on teaching myself how to manage my money. I've got a spreadsheet set up, and I track all of my spending. This way, I can look and see what I'm spending my money on, how much I'm spending each month, and how much I'm saving each month. I've also started doing something that my dad has been doing for a few years now. Heo saves all of his $1 bills and all his change. Each year, he's managed to save over $1,000 by doing this. So, I've started doing it, too. And I'm putting it directly into my savings account. I made my first deposit last month, and it was $8.50. But that was after just a week or so of saving. I'm hoping to have more put in this month. And I've noticed that I don't really miss the $1 bills or the change that much.
I'm pretty excited about this year. Big things are going to happen, and I can't wait! :) And I'm also looking forward to improving myself and coming out of this year even better than I started it. :)
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
It's A New Year!
So I know I dropped off the radar after my 30 day challenge. I got really busy with school and the holidays and vacation. I also stopped my exercising after those 30 days, and that was a mistake. I ended up gaining the weight back, and I started feeling horrible again.
But it's a new year. And this year, I am determined to lose the weight. I graduate in May, and I'm hopefully going to start a new internship in the fall. And I want to be ready for those thing. This will be a life changing year for me, and I am determined for it to be the best year so far. And that means I need to get healthy.
I started getting back into exercising last week. I got up at 5am Monday-Friday to do a 5-minute running workout I created using EA Sports Active for the Wii. I know that 5 minutes doesn't sound like much, but it woke me up and got my blood going. It definitely helped me focus on the day. I would also exercise every night. And I was feeling really good.
However, Atlanta got hit by a snow/ice storm this week, which means that I've been stuck in the house. I've eaten more than usual, and I haven't exercised like I should have. I did get back to exercising tonight, and I was really proud of myself. I worked out for about 45 minutes and burned 254.4 calories. That's going to be my goal for every day--to burn at least 250 calories a day.
I'm going to be posting in the blog with my updates on the weight loss adventure. I noticed that when I was doing the 30 day challenge, I would not make excuses for not exercising because I knew I had to be accountable and update my blog. So that's what I'm going to do this time. No more excuses. This will become the thing that keeps me on track this time.
But it's a new year. And this year, I am determined to lose the weight. I graduate in May, and I'm hopefully going to start a new internship in the fall. And I want to be ready for those thing. This will be a life changing year for me, and I am determined for it to be the best year so far. And that means I need to get healthy.
I started getting back into exercising last week. I got up at 5am Monday-Friday to do a 5-minute running workout I created using EA Sports Active for the Wii. I know that 5 minutes doesn't sound like much, but it woke me up and got my blood going. It definitely helped me focus on the day. I would also exercise every night. And I was feeling really good.
However, Atlanta got hit by a snow/ice storm this week, which means that I've been stuck in the house. I've eaten more than usual, and I haven't exercised like I should have. I did get back to exercising tonight, and I was really proud of myself. I worked out for about 45 minutes and burned 254.4 calories. That's going to be my goal for every day--to burn at least 250 calories a day.
I'm going to be posting in the blog with my updates on the weight loss adventure. I noticed that when I was doing the 30 day challenge, I would not make excuses for not exercising because I knew I had to be accountable and update my blog. So that's what I'm going to do this time. No more excuses. This will become the thing that keeps me on track this time.
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