tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22557315956950438302024-03-21T11:18:51.394-04:00But I DigressNobody can make you feel inferior without your consent. ~Eleanor Roosevelt
I'mma do the things that I wanna do. I ain't got a thing to prove to you. - Weezer -- Pork & Beanseatbreathewritehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11018524642995135769noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255731595695043830.post-22256222431074798812015-07-21T13:10:00.002-04:002015-07-21T13:10:18.307-04:00Poem - Secrets of Goldfish<br />
So while I've had some time off, I've also gotten back into writing regularly. However, I must admit that this particular poem is almost a decade old as I actually wrote it in 2006 for a workshop. This was my first attempt at a sestina, which is a rather fun form to play around with, and is especially good for fighting writers block. <br />
<br />
The definition of a sestina is as follows:<br />
<br />
<div class="def-content">
<span class="oneClick-link">It is a</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">poem</span> <span class="oneClick-link">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">six</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">six-line</span> <span class="oneClick-link">stanzas</span> <span class="oneClick-link">and</span> <span class="oneClick-link">a</span> <span class="oneClick-link">three-line</span> <span class="oneClick-link">envoy,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">originally</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">without</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">rhyme,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">in</span> <span class="oneClick-link">which</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">each</span> <span class="oneClick-link">stanza</span> <span class="oneClick-link">repeats</span> <span class="oneClick-link">the</span> <span class="oneClick-link">end</span> <span class="oneClick-link">words</span> <span class="oneClick-link">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link">the</span> <span class="oneClick-link">lines</span> <span class="oneClick-link">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link">the</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">first</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">stanza,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">but</span> <span class="oneClick-link">in</span> <span class="oneClick-link">different</span> <span class="oneClick-link">order,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">the</span> <span class="oneClick-link">envoy</span> <span class="oneClick-link">using</span> <span class="oneClick-link">the</span> <span class="oneClick-link">six</span> <span class="oneClick-link">words</span> <span class="oneClick-link">again,</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">three</span> <span class="oneClick-link">in</span> <span class="oneClick-link">the</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">middle</span> <span class="oneClick-link">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link">the</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">lines</span> <span class="oneClick-link">and</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">three</span> <span class="oneClick-link">at</span> <span class="oneClick-link">the</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">end. (As stated on Dictionary.com)</span></div>
<div class="def-content">
</div>
<div class="def-content">
<span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">Feedback is welcomed! </span></div>
<div class="def-content">
<span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"> </span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"></span> </div>
<br />
Secrets of Goldfish<br />
by Alicia Young<br />
<br />
A glint of orange had caught her eye,<br />
The moldy white scales of a dead goldfish,<br />
She stepped over it as she walked down the street.<br />
There it lay, slain in the wide black river,<br />
She forgot all about it when she turned the corner.<br />
It was then that goldfish had called out her name.<br />
<br />
Her heels clicked “ignore it,” when the girl heard her name,<br />
Yet her reflection was fixed in its eye.<br />
Her image was trapped in the view of the goldfish,<br />
As her pace quickened slightly down a now longer street.<br />
Why would a fish be so far from the river?<br />
This thought remained buried away in the corner,<br />
<br />
Of her mind, it was dusty, that small blackened corner,<br />
In a place where even she questioned her name.<br />
Were the answers she sought merely contained in this eye,<br />
Of a storm now provoked by small, rotting goldfish?<br />
“No,” she said quick, “I have been down this street,”<br />
“These thoughts will wash away with the river,<br />
<br />
of sleep. They’ll be gone, for I trust the river.”<br />
But thoughts often find their way back from the corner,<br />
They twist out and in and whisper a name,<br />
Of someone who’s image is burned in her eye.<br />
These memories are scattered, much like startled goldfish,<br />
When she walks past that house at the end of her street.<br />
<br />
Then she thinks of the boy, in the house, on the street,<br />
And the way the air felt when the lights searched the river,<br />
How she had watched, in the back, from a corner,<br />
As city officials yelled out his name.<br />
She watched as his mother covered her eye,<br />
and heard her moan gargles like that of a goldfish.<br />
<br />
In her eye, she had seen him, floating limp like a goldfish,<br />
from a corner the lights flickered his name through the street.<br />
When a mother’s scream shattered the ice ridden river.<br />
<br />
© 2015 Alicia Young, All Rights Reserved.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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`eatbreathewritehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11018524642995135769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255731595695043830.post-21018349815204860172012-07-10T11:06:00.001-04:002012-07-10T11:12:19.059-04:00Summer Netflix: Dawson's Creek<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFD1L2qiBL4BIlvhq1aRnyRl6uYTeKSCQJEn-KHNR7qJfhaB8AUSTR2ZSuWScPOPmazlRHbsJlR1cZkXnnBhEQrrUfxNwkm3Q-AaSrnjghSNxEDDnLOaURqNSJtS48rXF3Fq6ZXTAjyuM/s320/DawsonCrying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFD1L2qiBL4BIlvhq1aRnyRl6uYTeKSCQJEn-KHNR7qJfhaB8AUSTR2ZSuWScPOPmazlRHbsJlR1cZkXnnBhEQrrUfxNwkm3Q-AaSrnjghSNxEDDnLOaURqNSJtS48rXF3Fq6ZXTAjyuM/s320/DawsonCrying.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joey NOOOOOOOO</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I made a strange decision this summer to complete the entire series of Dawson's Creek. I had watched the show when it was popular on and off, but I was only in elementary school when it first debuted. Seeing as I was the kid still playing with American Girl dolls in 6th grade (true story), the will they, won't they, cheesy story line of Dawson Leery and Joey Potter was kind of the farthest thing from my mind. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">However, I did catch most of the series again in college when TBS or some similar station started playing them back to back right as I was supposed to be getting ready for my 8:30am political communication class. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Remembering how much I enjoyed putting off my day to watch these's 90's teens overanalyze their angst, I wanted to re-watch it to see how it held up. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Oddly enough, I was not the only one who thought this was a good idea! Since I've started the series, I've been tweeting the really hysterical moments, and I've found that others are doing the same. I've found articles on HelloGiggles by women who are writing on specific episodes. And of course then there's the <a href="http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/fa34df6f44/pacey-con-with-joshua-jackson">PaceyCon</a> video on FunnyorDie.com.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/65/Pacey.jpg/200px-Pacey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/65/Pacey.jpg/200px-Pacey.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh Pacey Witter...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>THINGS I'VE REALIZED WHILE RE-WATCHING DAWSON'S CREEK</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
1) I hate Dawson. (See above photo.)<br />
<br />
Ok, maybe *hate* is a strong word, but I really dislike the character of Dawson. A couple of Google searches actually show that I'm not alone. Which really begs the question, why center a show around a dislikable teenage boy with bad hair? And James Van Der Beek, I apologize because this really is no hate on you. I saw you in that <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFWX0hWCbng">Ke$ha video</a> and you were hilarious. You seem very likable and you have an awesome last name.<br />
<br />
BUT Dawson is always CRYING! Maybe not always physically crying, but he just won't shut up about the most ridiculous things. Wah, Jen broke my heart even though I treated her like crap for having hooked up with any men before even meeting me. Wah, Joey broke my heart even though I didn't even know she existed as a love interest until the end of the first season. Wah, my dad died. Wait, maybe that one is legit. Oh, but did I mention that . . .<br />
<br />
2) Dawson's dad died trying to pick up an ICE CREAM CONE off the floor of his car.<br />
<br />
But then they put in a backstory about how the man that hit him fell asleep at the wheel. There CLEARLY is a scene where Mitch Leery is driving home from picking up milk and his scoop of ice cream falls off his cone, and he bends down to pick it up. Even if he had saved that ice cream, how would he have eaten it. Ice cream is soft, cold, and melty and floors of cars are filthy. Gross. Sorry, I'm getting ahead of myself.<br />
<br />
3) Frosted tips were a thing (See photo of Pacey.) WHAT?<br />
<br />
4) Nobody chooses to bring their grandmother to college with them.<br />
<br />
Grams was a nice lady and all. And I understand the whole dynamic of her being Jen's only family relative with a soul. But Jen and Jack decide to move to Boston to go to college so they sell the house in Capeside and bring Grams. OH, and SOMEHOW are able to afford that GIGANTIC, beautiful house in Boston?<br />
<br />
5) Dawson's movies were terrible.<br />
<br />
They were all bad. Every single one of them. The Sea Creature one was terrible and would never win an award with $1,000 attached to it to fund a second mess. The one about Joey was ridiculous. The one about the old man who was a screen writer was literally just him sitting on a chair talking about his life. How evocative. And then the horror film he was an assistant on was terrible as well, and set in the 70s. And they danced at a disco. NO.<br />
<br />
6) Katie Holmes was a pretty good actress<br />
<br />
I don't really care what people's opinions are on this one. She might not be fantastic. She definitely is not the best singer out there. But she did alright in this show. She's also gorgeous.<br />
<br />
7) For the love of GOD, give Jen Lindley a break!<br />
<br />
They really, really DON'T. SPOILER. She dies.<br />
<br />
8) Joey and Dawson should learn to give up this dream relationship<br />
<br />
Seriously, after the 3rd time they kiss/hookup/whatever and it ends in literally one episode, you'd think they would know to say "well, OBVIOUSLY, we are just better off being friends."<br />
<br />
9) Pacey should have just gone to college instead of feeling sorry for himself.<br />
<br />
He was a second mate on a boat, which he lived on for most of season 5. He was a top chef in a really up and coming restaurant. Then he was a stock broker wanna be. Why didn't he just go to college? Man, go to culinary school, you seemed to have liked that. Go for a liberal arts degree while you're trying to figure out. Just stop feeling sorry for yourself. You're like the only male character with an actual brain.<br />
<br />
10) What's with the one episode that Joey half narrates in the beginning of Season 6?<br />
<br />
This isn't Joey's creek. Why are you narrating? No one has EVER narrated! Totally jarring.<br />
<br />
That's all I've got right now. I'm sure I'll do a live blog of an episode, I just haven't picked one yet. For now, stay tuned!<br />
<br />
<br />eatbreathewritehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11018524642995135769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255731595695043830.post-28306760257434036982012-06-22T15:05:00.000-04:002012-07-10T10:34:06.211-04:00Instant Gratification Generation<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last night I came across a video that was shared on Facebook of a bus monitor being tortured and bullied by 7th graders, and I have to say, I had mixed feelings at first. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For the most part, I agree with what the majority of comments made on the video. I've had the feeling for a while now that the current '80s babies have a gigantic disconnect with most of the children born in the '90s. Sadly, I think a lot of the self-absorbed, entitled and materialistic attitudes connect with the fact that these kids were born into houses with personal computers, the internet, and yes, even nintendo 64. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My theory relies generally on the fact that these children learned lose the ability to wait for something very early on. Think about it, I know when I was growing up, the only video game system we had was the original Nintendo. We had it for years. I was maybe 12 going on 13 when we were given a Nintendo 64, and that was an insane difference. Kids now have seen 5 generations of iPhones come out within the last 5 years. They've seen technology refreshed again and again. Not only have they seen the growth of technology at this rapid rate, but they also have the mentality that the newest form of technology makes the last generation obsolete. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They've grown up with AOL profiles, Xanga's, Live Journals, Myspace, and Facebook. Platforms which all put the user at the center of their virtual universe. Children being born today are in a world where it's "normal" for people to brag about how amazing they are via the internet. There is no humility. They are learning that it's ok to not fight for a cause as long as you share a Facebook link from the safety of your own home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't get me wrong. I love the internet. I love reading new things, seeing new innovative ideas, and yes, it's also a guilty pleasure for me to sit on Facebook and watch my friend's lives from afar. But we didn't grow up surrounded by this stuff. We weren't susceptible to this environment, because the environment didn't exist then. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Every generation is plagued with its own problems. It's always more comfortable to say something via the internet because we feel like there is less of a consequence. We have the barrier of the computer screen and we can just turn it off. The problem is the "no filter" issue is quite obviously effecting children off of the internet. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">People who grew up part of their lives without these privileges (because they ARE privileges) can see these perks for what they really are. The children who were born into this world think they are basic necessities. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's a parent's responsibility to raise well-rounded human beings. Other countries have internet, and most of the technology we have, so how are their children so different from American children? We have to start asking that question. As one of the most amazing countries in the world where it comes to opportunity, we need to teach the responsibility that comes with that opportunity. </span>eatbreathewritehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11018524642995135769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255731595695043830.post-6047659785722614192011-10-12T21:27:00.000-04:002011-10-12T21:27:52.349-04:00Teaching: Old School + TechnologyWhen all of the students own iphones, how does an educator compete? There are a multitude of innovations that have made it easier than ever to communicate, but how do we utilize this technology to help educate the next generation, without distracting from our real point?<br />
<br />
I sometimes find myself having a hard time concentrating on a novel, or a long article, because I am so used to reading 150 character tweets and statuses which are coming at me every time I refresh my browser. Because those statements are short, punchy, and to the point, it's hard to not get comfortable with the instant gratification. It really makes you think, are there really so many students being diagnosed with ADHD because the internet has ruined all of our attention spans?<br />
<br />
When it comes to technology, I am an avid promoter. I think that when one knows how to use technology in the classroom, it is a force to be reckoned with. However, there is something to be said for the more conventional ways of teaching as well. You still need to probe and prompt students to scaffold the information themselves, otherwise they may not ever really understand it. But you can do this while still utilizing visuals and connections.<br />
<br />
I for one love pop-culture references, as most of our society does. I think that it doesn't really matter if a student is learning to apply their new knowledge in a way that means something to them, as long as it works. Then they can also apply it to the curriculum.<br />
<br />
But what happens when we have all of this technology and no one to train us on it? It's true that smart boards are a wonderful tool, but I have observed too many technological issues that happen in the middle of lessons. Yes, we should have a back up plan for any lesson, but technology issues also affect productivity in a large way. If the technology fails in a 45 minute period, you in no way are able to make up that time.<br />
<br />
There has to be a balance. I'm striving to find it, and as I become more technology savvy, I hope to improve my lessons and help students become stronger writers and readers. I'm in it for the kids, and I'll never forget that.eatbreathewritehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11018524642995135769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255731595695043830.post-910161928984624642011-10-10T23:56:00.002-04:002011-10-10T23:56:54.280-04:00Busy Lifestyles<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Hello internet, how are you today?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666; line-height: 115%;">I’m aware that it’s been some time since I’ve written a truly significant post here, so I decided throw down an attempt. I’ve recently been drastically </span>busy. School has started up again, I’m in the process of completing my student teaching requirements, and I have a brand new part-time job. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">What I’ve come to realize though, is this, I really prefer being busy over anything else. I like having an active & hectic lifestyle. I like feeling the rush of having to get things done, because it makes me feel a level of importance. It makes me feel motivated, and driven. To be honest, it probably truly makes me more motivated and driven. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">I’m not saying that there is no benefit to taking a break and decompressing, but it’s been my experience that when my vacations occur, I am pretty excited initially, and then I just become bored. There’s only so much I can find on stumbleupon, or so many people I can friend on Facebook. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">It just gets to the point where I need to get busy again in order to be genuinely happy. So this is going to be another “turning a seemingly negative into a positive” statement, but here goes. Embrace the busy. Take it all with your chin up and smile wide. There may come a time, when you’re not so young, and you wish you were able to be as busy as you can be today. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Be as busy as you can right now, because the busiest people know how to prioritize and take control of their lives. The busiest people know how to get what they need, and also express what they have to in order to get what they want. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">You can let fate lead you, but only so far. At some point you need to take control, whether you’re fully confident or you’re just faking it for now. </span></span></div>eatbreathewritehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11018524642995135769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255731595695043830.post-16517495369829531742011-10-10T23:36:00.001-04:002011-10-10T23:37:56.807-04:00Boorito 2011<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I'm actually genuinely excited about this Halloween promotion from Chipotle. Apparently the famous burrito chain is partnering with the not-for-profit organization Farm Aid, and their own not-for-profit org, Chipotle Cultivate. If you dress in a costume on Halloween, they'll sell you a burrito for $2, regularly around $10. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">But this is the coolest part, they're donating the proceeds up to $1,000,000 to the two foundations, which work "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 17px;">to keep farmers on the land and nurture a better agricultural system."</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 17px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 17px;">Halloween promotions are not a new thing, as McDonalds has been offering free happy meals to costumed rugrats for as long as I can remember. However, it's a really cool thing that they are donating this money to a good cause. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 17px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 17px;">I haven't much else to say on the subject, other than small steps cause big change, and it's nice to see some </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 17px;">companies recognizing this</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #54392d; line-height: 17px;">. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #54392d; line-height: 17px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #54392d; line-height: 17px;">Check it out: <a href="http://www.chipotle.com/en-US/fan-antics/boorito/boorito.aspx">here</a>. Or pick up a flyer at the register in any of their chains. </span></span>eatbreathewritehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11018524642995135769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255731595695043830.post-33998850412996328002011-04-10T14:12:00.000-04:002011-04-10T14:12:19.852-04:00The joys of laughing at yourself.It's no secret that I like to enjoy a glass of white wine or two when I socialize with friends. And it's not that uncommon for others as well. Not only do I actually enjoy the taste, but it causes me to loosen up a bit and not really care what people are thinking. Either way, I love to talk and laugh with people, but something I've realized is when you are able to laugh at yourself and your own antics, people WANT to be around you. By laughing at yourself, you exude a carefree type of confidence that some people rarely have when they do not drink. That's why alcohol and other substances are so addictive in the first place.<br />
<br />
I think if we all took the time to laugh at ourselves instead of feeling uncomfortable and overcritical, we'd all be a lot happier and more comfortable in our own skins.<br />
<br />
<br />
But that's just a small thought.<br />
I will definitely be updating soon and hopefully writing something with a little more substance, so stay tuned.eatbreathewritehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11018524642995135769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255731595695043830.post-47522931514800104092011-03-30T18:34:00.002-04:002011-10-10T23:59:00.632-04:00Just checking in!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello avid readers, new readers, and curious people who don’t care all that much about what I write but ultimately respect me for doing my own <i>thang</i>. I was on this really productive trend of writing a couple of times a week for the course of . . . well a week! Then grad school started up again and I was reminded that I don’t truly have a social life, it was just a big fat myth I allowed myself to live out during the entirely too short (and kind of oddly placed) spring break. Spring break in March? Yes.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">That’s all in the past now (unfortunately) and now I’m hitting my nose back to the grindstone academically, which leaves significantly less time for me to ponder about the inner/outerworkings of life and be inspirational and all that. But for you, my dears, I’ll make my best attempt. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So what’s new . . .hmm. HMM. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well I’m thinking quite seriously about sponsoring a child through Children International, which is a charity that is not only extremely credible, but an inexpensive option for those who wish to commit to a sponsorship, but also have to worry about paying their own bills. It’s a mandatory $22 bucks a month, but you can send extra money during holidays, your child’s birthday, or anytime you feel like tossing a little more in. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In my opinion, it doesn’t really matter whether you believe in karma, or are spiritual in the least bit, it’s just important to realize that there are people who live and survive their lives in extreme poverty. It’s a significant reminder because I for one find myself worrying a bit too much about buying nice clothes, or looking the way I want to look and there are people, <i>children</i> who do not have that luxury. Instead, they’re wondering where their next meal is coming from, or whether or not they’ll ever have an actual bed to sleep on. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I apologize if this sounds cheesy ( I know it will to some), but I feel that it is our human responsibility to take care of one another. Yes, there is an abundance of ignorance in this world, and there are days when I wonder what the point is of being a giving and generous person when there are clearly plenty of people willing to cut you down on a daily basis. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can’t fall into that trap. You have to fill your head with all of the cheesy clichés you know and just pummel through it all, because in the end, only kindness matters (shamelessly ripped off from Jewel, sing it girlfriend!)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And that goes for most things. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let your freak flag fly and all that! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do a little dance, make a little love, get down to----no…that one doesn’t really work. . . </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But anyway . . . do what you can for whoever you can, because you never know when you’re going to need some help yourself. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">:)</span></div>eatbreathewritehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11018524642995135769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255731595695043830.post-84044525468992504812011-03-23T20:42:00.003-04:002011-10-10T23:59:34.320-04:00Out of the box, but into a Tupperware: Something for all of the teachers out there.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I've been doing some thinking about the state of our economy and job market, more specifically my job market . . . which is education.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It's a hot topic these days and nobody seems too sure what the real outcome is going to be for our American education system. I have some fully formed thoughts on the subject, and other free half-baked ideas floating around as well, but the biggest question I have is this: why can't we view education like we view all of the other really important jobs in our country? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Education is so important because it literally shapes how our society will run as our country grows and changes with time. Yet there is more bullshit in the education system than half of the other industries I know of. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We need teachers that will utilize tools like the internet, and also get down on the same level as their students in order to get them to think for themselves and really be phenomenal problem solvers. Because, lets face it, this country has got problems. And I'm not insulting America, every nation has major issues that need to be worked out. It's in the history books, it's humanity. It comes with being alive. Life has issues.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">But we'll never get anywhere if we can't teach children how to think outside of the box in order to solve issues. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Standardized tests will NOT teach children how to problem solve, cooperate and work together in a crisis situation. These aren't just skills one needs in order to run a country properly, they're skills one needs in your everyday office job, where the work keeps piling and you have an inexperienced team and a deadline looming in the future. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Students who graduate from communication, law, and journalism programs are required to complete several full internships, but most education students only need to student teach twice in an environment where there is a lot of hand holding. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So how do you fake it to make it, if you aren't sure what faking it even feels like? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Why do we preach out of the box teaching, then criticize it when it's not done to a certain standard. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I understand that tenure was put into effect to protect teachers but I disagree with making it impossible to fire an incompetent teacher just because they have some level of seniority.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">If we are going to preach about teachers being creative and confident in their jobs, then we really need to take a stand and push for that quality of teaching in our schools and in life. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It is so important that we teach children how to think for themselves because I feel like politics right now is bogged down by too many opinions. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">You can't please everyone, you need to just do what works. Hands on teaching WORKS. I've seen it work. You can't put observable and measurable terms on a spark you find in a child's eye when something clicks. Or when a child runs home to tell their mother what they did in school.</span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hands on teaching is not an approach to be stowed away as a last resort, you need to keep trying new things, every day and when you find something that works, not just stick with it, keep trying new things. Like a writer trying new techniques and styles, a teacher needs to be down with the newest exercises and trends. A teacher needs to be informed, and when they're not they need to be actively searching for information. ALL THE TIME. A teacher needs to throw themselves into working with the hardest kids and not give up until they GET THROUGH, even if it's in one little way. </span>A good teacher never gives up on being a phenomenal at what he/or she does. <b>It does not work like that.</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Teaching is not just an occupation, it's a burning passion, just like any job within the arts. It takes creativity and focus. It takes control, and having the ability to make an executive decision. It takes knowing when something isn't working. </span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It's like painting a picture, realizing it doesn't work, but then starting over again. </span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Artists do it. Writers do it. Teachers, REAL teachers do that too. Their children are their masterpieces. <b> </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Real and true teachers, also like those starving artists, do not really care that much for getting credit. Yes, it's nice, but it's also realized that a job well not will not always come with two pats on the back and a pay raise. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes it comes with knowing your students will be able to confidently speak in public . . . </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">or . . . be able to speak at all. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes it's enough to know that your students will be intelligent enough to accept other people's opinions even though they don't always agree with them. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes it's enough. But should it be? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The system NEEDS to change because our nation, our world changes. Every day it changes but there are still so many schools that are years behind. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It's not enough to just acknowledge we need to do something, we need to use our voice, we need to not be afraid to take risks and do what we need to in order to fulfill the duty as a good teacher. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So please, even if you aren't a news reader, just try to read one article about what's going on with our education system, just be the least bit informed, because when it's time to vote, when it's time to actually say what we want for the education of our nation's children, we need to know what the ask for. </span></div><div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks :)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</div>eatbreathewritehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11018524642995135769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255731595695043830.post-40690846715725730952011-03-23T00:35:00.001-04:002011-03-23T16:06:19.906-04:00Body Image (and my new obsession)<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Let me tell you a really awful habit I have. Every day, when I get dressed, I always look in the mirror at my bare stomach. My gaze always falls on my little nub of a tummy that sits in the middle of my body. Then I look down at my thighs and search for extra flab and cellulite, finally my eyes travel upward, towards my upper arms, where I observe to see if I've lost or gained any flab there. While I've tried helplessly NOT to do this, it's a completely subconscious behavior.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Why do I do this to myself? I actually think it's a mixture of reasons. First of all, when looking in a mirror, one usually will find their flaws first, before focusing on the positive. The stuff we like is already the way we want it, so it doesn't need to be improved upon or fixed. If we like the way our hair looks, we aren't going to mess with it, so we don't stare at it for too long. It's just a normal human reaction in some ways.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">However, the other reason, I believe, is owed purely to the fashion photography that beauty magazines keep pushing down our throats. In order to be considered "thin" we need to not have an ounce of body fat, when in reality, some body fat is essential to our survival. Also as women, we naturally will always have a little more fat on our hips, thighs and stomachs, because we carry the babies. We're kind of made to be like sexy pillows. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">There is one thing to be said about taking care of yourself and eating healthy, but obsession is another issue entirely, and it can be a scary one. We don't just obsess with our own bodies, we become obsessed with everyone else as well. It's almost as if we are searching for physical flaws that reflect our own, so that we know it's okay.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> And it is ok because as long as we're healthy and doing what's right for our own special body type, 5 or 10 pounds is not going to make or break us. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Over this previous weekend my friend Heather and I were in American Eagle and I pointed out a poster hanging over a display of tanks and camis. You can see the poster here: <a href="http://www.ae.com/web/magalogue.jsp?catId=cat4440008">http://www.ae.com/web/magalogue.jsp?catId=cat4440008</a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">on page 17 of the catalog. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The image features girls and guys dressed in beach wear laying down. There are several super skinny models, but the one model in the middle is a tiny bit curvier. At the time I told Heather "Wow that's really refreshing to see someone who's not completely emaciated on an American Eagle Ad, front and center." But now that I think about it, it's sad that I defined this beautiful young woman as being a "bit curvier" because she's not AS stick thin as the rest of the models. She's still really skinny!! If I saw her on the street, I wouldn't think twice about calling her skinny either, but because of her placement on this particular ad, I recognized her as a plus sized model, which is ridiculous. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Yes, it's refreshing that not all of the models look half-starved to death, but I also think it's really sad that the most normal body type displayed is this one girl. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Just tonight the singer/song writer Lenka tweeted that countless people on Youtube posted comments on her new video telling her that her nose is weird. She then wrote "Um, I am aware of it, thanks to." </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Once again, this woman posted an adorable video of her latest song and is very successful in the music industry, but instead of people noticing whether the song is any good, they're criticizing her nose being weird. Which she says she is aware of, so this is probably something that has bothered her in the past. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">No one is perfect. Everyone has their weird noses, chubby thighs, and in my case a high pitched voice and a crooked mouth that makes me look like I snarl slightly when I sing sometimes. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Who cares!? </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We're all different, that's what makes us beautiful. And what we find, ugly, weird, or downright awful about ourselves, others will sometimes find endearing and special. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We can't keep playing this game with ourselves. Occasionally we come across a great ad campaign, but we can't depend on the media to apologize and make amends for the damage it's done over the years. They're out to make money, they want us to be obsessed. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Instead let's be obsessed with helping people, and making others feel good about themselves, and putting some positive vibes out into our own communties. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">That's my new obsession. Maybe you could make it yours. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I leave you with this old, but beautiful video that the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty did a while back: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYhCn0jf46U">Evolution</a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div>eatbreathewritehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11018524642995135769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255731595695043830.post-65106563223863595832011-03-22T19:10:00.001-04:002011-03-22T19:12:51.206-04:00What it means to be a hipster.<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm particularly influenced to write this because of a short blurb I read today on </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Gawker.com: <a href="http://gawker.com/#%215784608/comment-of-the-day-what-a-hipster-isnt">What a hipster isn't.</a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Basically yelp.com has a feature where people can identify if a bar has too many hipsters. And the problem with <i>that</i>, of course, is that if there are too many hipsters, you'll obviously be surrounded by the most pretentious people you've ever met.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Right?</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What is with us and our obsession with creating names or yes, I'm gonna say it, <i>labels </i>for people that we think dress, eat, or act a certain way?</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The comment in Gawker made it a point to mention how ridiculous it is to apply the term to every skinny guy wearing thick glasses. Ok, true, but that's neither here nor there. Why apply the term to anyone? Some of the most amazing people I know are considered in one way or another to be a "hipster." </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Like any group of people, you're going to find the few that embrace the label and go out of their way to act out the <i>actions of the stereotype</i>, which makes it harder to not label them in the first place. But come on. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The urban dictionary definition of a hipster is really " a state of mind,it is also often intertwined with distinct fashion sensibilities. Hipsters reject the culturally-ignorant attitudes of mainstream consumers" is that really such a bad thing? </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I know this, I love to read about fashion, but sometimes the photos of thinner than life models make me feel fat, when I'm far from it. And sometimes I feel like I won't truly be cool unless I own whatever type of bag is being advertised not-so-subtly as the Spring 2011 trend. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I won't pretend that I don't follow fashion, I find it endlessly intriguing, especially it's psychological effects, but I wear what I like, whether it's "in" or not. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Maybe it's not such a bad idea to be a little "hipster" and stop letting other opinions affect our own. Some people are really good at this from the get-go, but me, not so much. It takes practice. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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It takes being insulted, coming home and crying about it, but then going out wearing the same thing anyway because YOU like it. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I guess it's kind of fitting that the ones doing the labeling, the "anti-hipsters", are the people who are judging these bars. The hipsters probably don't really care and will continue to go where they like anyway. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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</div>eatbreathewritehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11018524642995135769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255731595695043830.post-19583957896385702452011-03-20T11:54:00.000-04:002011-03-20T11:54:57.060-04:00Hello. I am Me.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I can't be anyone else, because I've never known otherwise. Yes, I have my flaws, well I'm human in that sense. We all say or do stupid things to try and impress the people that we are impressed by. It's a game for some people, schmoozing their way to the top just to feel . . . what? Important? Maybe.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm not the smartest girl, but I'm proud of what I know. I'm proud that I read at least one article about the world a day, and I'm proud that I remember most of the books I read in high school. I don't know everything, but there are some things I know a lot about. I might be ditzy, but some people would say that makes me fun. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm not the prettiest girl, but I love how I look. I love how my eyes are huge and that they are blue and match most of my favorite clothes. I love that I can wear my hair long and look romantic, or wear it short and look sophisticated. I love my legs, which are thin at the calf but attached to strong thighs from dance and soccer. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I may not have the best singing voice, but I love that i can carry a tune. I love that I LOVE to sing and that music can calm and relax me or bring energy into my veins. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I may not be a fashion expert, but I love that I know how to look put together. I love making outfits and getting complimented on them, but I really love giving advice to other people and helping them make outfits and helping them get complimented. It feels really good when someone notices that you look nice, because you tried so hard to look nice. It's not fake to give a compliment, it's just recognizing that someone took some time on their appearance and they care about themselves.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Some people may have a distaste for my personality, but you can't please everyone and you meet a lot of people in life. When the majority of these people think you're awesome, a lot of them will think you're annoying. But distaste sometimes comes from jealousy, something I try to overcome, because jealously is a wasted emotion. Instead of wishing you were someone else, or could be like someone else, try improving yourself into your own best friend. Drop jealously when you feel it and realize that the person you're jealous of most likely doesn't know it and isn't trying to make you feel that way, they are just living their life and not caring, something we should all strive to do.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm like everyone around me. On most days, I love who I am, but on some days I'm disappointed in myself. Sometimes this can feel like I don't really like me, but it's just a result of negative feelings running rampant. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I listen to a fun or cheesy song to make myself feel better. Or sometimes I treat myself to dessert since i usually pass it up. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Let's try to banish the "I'm so fat," talk because that doesn't make us feel better, and it makes the people around us think we are self-absorbed. I do it all the time, and it's just not a nice thing to say to the body that grew up with me and the body that takes me to work, and class. This is the body that allows me to dance when I want to, to jump, to sing. This is the only body I'll ever have, so I better get used to it. I can improve it, but it will always have the same build. In my life I will gain weight, and I will lose weight. I will be pregnant, and then I won't again. I will get old. I will get wrinkles. But aging is inevitable and there are ways to stay beautiful when our youth isn't our primary aspect of ourselves anymore. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am Me. You are you. And I think it's really amazing how different we all are, but that we can find things about ourselves that are almost identical.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I believe in telling people when they influence you. I believe a compliment is genuine if you really just want it to make someone feel good about themselves. And I believe that most people are too preoccupied in what's going on in their own lives than to criticize what you do in yours. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love fashion, but the clothes in my closet cost money. And money is something I am not in an abundance of. So I shop my closet. And I try to create with what I've got. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've realized that maybe we really would all be better off making the same amount of money, or not using money at all. We should care about the well fare of all people. Maybe the native american tribes had it right. Or maybe it's human nature to want more and more. I know I find myself wanting more sometimes, and I don't like it. I don't want to be that way. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You need to be grateful of what you have before you can really appreciate anything more you might achieve. </span><br />
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</span>eatbreathewritehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11018524642995135769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255731595695043830.post-74861921605674534232011-01-28T12:33:00.000-05:002011-01-28T12:33:00.146-05:00Trend Alert: Animal Jewelry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_1rt-cZaa2KlGwBV3gNptYybf_NKqJ_1u3sN1_pZqruEd17b7TlgeKEoG6KcqXdlQZ2ZrI9uJdScpRdYhBG6pdmuXDGgEkPb5F2vDrJOyGYITdaHWuR_G-AwP6kdapO5DkG0ZsPoyAg/s1600/Panda+Ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_1rt-cZaa2KlGwBV3gNptYybf_NKqJ_1u3sN1_pZqruEd17b7TlgeKEoG6KcqXdlQZ2ZrI9uJdScpRdYhBG6pdmuXDGgEkPb5F2vDrJOyGYITdaHWuR_G-AwP6kdapO5DkG0ZsPoyAg/s320/Panda+Ring.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I recently got this little guy with a gift card @ <a href="http://www.gilt.com/">GiltGroup</a>, but there are tons of options when searching for the perfect animal piece for your jewelry box. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I particularly like this <a href="http://www.fantasyjewelrybox.com/r0015.html">crystal owl ring</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">this<a href="http://www.fantasyjewelrybox.com/n0100.html"> snake fashion necklace</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>So as you see, there are plenty of ways we can show admiration for animals without slaughtering them for their fur, leather or ivory. <3eatbreathewritehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11018524642995135769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255731595695043830.post-88981108469846524182011-01-27T15:27:00.001-05:002011-01-27T15:32:29.483-05:00Facebook Causes: Autism Speaks . . . a birthday wish.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikw3Bj8UDUVUdXEX0tEI-g1N_OYwflYp2IVUiTsv6rMfMh9W7ANWSZagyCtBdKodty8iZSSaj3HCjUegpQJQtO_DahMhdRrZME1ttozp7Hx6dVZxxkt7UrbJtiiOAR9Xbp4zKpP4p9riY/s1600/puzzle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikw3Bj8UDUVUdXEX0tEI-g1N_OYwflYp2IVUiTsv6rMfMh9W7ANWSZagyCtBdKodty8iZSSaj3HCjUegpQJQtO_DahMhdRrZME1ttozp7Hx6dVZxxkt7UrbJtiiOAR9Xbp4zKpP4p9riY/s1600/puzzle.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">S<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">o I spent my lovely snow day drinking an endless cup of coffee, shoveling my car out of a mountain of snow and . .. creating </span></span></span><a href="http://wishes.causes.com/wishes/210249?bws=fb_stream_card"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My Birthday Cause</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I joined the causes application on Facebook about a year or so ago, and occasionally poked around to locate new and interesting charities, but this morning I received an email telling me I could create a fund for the cause of my choice and ask people to donate to it instead of receiving birthday gifts. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">First of all let me praise this amazing idea. We should always be trying to contribute to humanitarian efforts, but on our birthday, the anniversary of our LIFE, we <i>SHOULD</i> be thinking about others as well. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am so lucky to have been born without any disorders or disabilities, but also I believe I was born with several gifts. I only realized my gift of working with children in recent years, but I would never go back to being ignorant about it. When I graduated college, I promised myself I wouldn't get caught working for some corporation day after day without making some kind of difference in this world. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, but I discovered Autism. I say that I discovered it, because really, that is what happened. It's scary to think how little I really knew about the disorder before I started working with these amazing kids. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It makes me realize though, how little </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">most </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">people know about Autism. For something that affects SO MANY people know little to nothing about the disorder itself. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So please, if you have nothing to give, that is fine, but just take the time to visit this website: </span><a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Autism Speak</span>s</a>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and read the passage that I wrote on my <a href="http://wishes.causes.com/wishes/210249?bws=fb_stream_card">birthday wish</a>. </span><br />
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</span>eatbreathewritehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11018524642995135769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255731595695043830.post-81965028809075531952011-01-21T12:00:00.000-05:002011-01-21T12:00:03.663-05:00Want to own a piece of Jack Johnson?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QgABwgNPUlJqNE8a7tu2VWb19gOZfzDQRvTUqvEE4rRYtfHLKGzsG592RwEx5rlXVPnz4uzPrYzZ-JieWfkeRcq3QG2ShdWsXKLoGaxOt719O4yyN6udMPD9RMJUzLGy9Ivvz5lVjVU/s1600/Red+tag+197x178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QgABwgNPUlJqNE8a7tu2VWb19gOZfzDQRvTUqvEE4rRYtfHLKGzsG592RwEx5rlXVPnz4uzPrYzZ-JieWfkeRcq3QG2ShdWsXKLoGaxOt719O4yyN6udMPD9RMJUzLGy9Ivvz5lVjVU/s1600/Red+tag+197x178.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div id="body" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 15px; padding-top: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">How about Avril Lavigne, Anna Nalick or Bryan Adams? </span><form action="/post-create.do" id="postingForm" method="POST" name="postingForm" style="margin-top: 0px;"><div class="editor" id="postingEditor" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></form></div>All of these artists, plus several more participate in one of the coolest charities I've ever heard of. Wear Your Music (wearyourmusic.org) is an organization which use recycled guitar strings to make collectible bracelets you can use to make any outfit a bit more hipper. The guitar strings donated by specific artists are pricier, but the entire proceeds of the purchase go to charity. All of the artist designs are silver plated guitarstrings. The fashion bracelets, which are much cheaper ($9.99) come in an array of different colors and can be customized with sterling silver charms that have the option of being stamped with an initial. A percentage of the proceeds goes to charity with the purchase of a fashion bracelet. This is such a cool, creative way to give back, and when people ask about your awesome new bracelet you have something to talk about as well.eatbreathewritehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11018524642995135769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255731595695043830.post-41625823825910212722011-01-14T12:00:00.007-05:002011-01-14T12:00:05.856-05:00Officially obsessed with: TOM Shoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7mgYre2OTrh6ugKPHHV70Va2tkNGCPmXiGbQW_GL9YJrxTBGT9UYRnHCqbh7MP68kdaSKOMcScA48ux3U0AnxZNdMT3C1A3oHvXgup7Y1gtE3G0ANwKSiTRXpg1kWeyy5vZ0GbOId20/s1600/TOMS_shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7mgYre2OTrh6ugKPHHV70Va2tkNGCPmXiGbQW_GL9YJrxTBGT9UYRnHCqbh7MP68kdaSKOMcScA48ux3U0AnxZNdMT3C1A3oHvXgup7Y1gtE3G0ANwKSiTRXpg1kWeyy5vZ0GbOId20/s320/TOMS_shoes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">TOMs have been around since about 2006, yet I just recently heard about them through co-workers this past summer. I bought my first pair of <a href="http://www.toms.com/womens/classics/red-canvas-classics-shoes">red canvas classics</a> in November which quietly started my love affair with the shoes. Now I own a second pair in navy (<a href="http://www.toms.com/womens/new-styles/love-is-the-new-black-navy-colorway-women-s-classics">Love is the new black colorways</a>) and have a pair of <a href="http://www.toms.com/womens/glitters/black-glitters-shoes">black glitters on the way</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is not just the trendy style of the shoe itself that grabs my attention. TOM's "One for one," mission is a beautiful idea in which for every pair of shoes you buy, the company donates a second pair to a child who is without shoes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">TOMs are available for purchase at their <a href="http://www.toms.com/?keyword=toms%20shoes&network=g&matchtype=e&mobile=&content=&search=1&gclid=CP3N4ZWOq6YCFUlN4AodJDWZow">official store</a>, but also at high end department stores such as Bloomingdales, Nordstrom and Bergdorf Goodman's where you can score a pair that was made exclusively for that store. </div><br />
I've found they make amazing gifts because are trendy, yet versatile, plus it's pretty cool to say that your gift is helping out some cool kids having a rough time.eatbreathewritehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11018524642995135769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255731595695043830.post-27117143993356624522011-01-08T12:07:00.001-05:002011-01-08T12:09:47.281-05:00Sweet little bag.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTcfKZCxpxz2_05w5UCdxa-7-h559fIi4hJiarJ9dMK5aDyx4gDmIFRlWZLWrBpubnm42KF-NgVMEhL4AUmqMzJU_Oby5wELDJbzSV3YBQlTgWgAow5ia2GuL8EKhvobhqs814DxQvrI/s1600/ZB4598289_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTcfKZCxpxz2_05w5UCdxa-7-h559fIi4hJiarJ9dMK5aDyx4gDmIFRlWZLWrBpubnm42KF-NgVMEhL4AUmqMzJU_Oby5wELDJbzSV3YBQlTgWgAow5ia2GuL8EKhvobhqs814DxQvrI/s320/ZB4598289_main.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I am in love with this <a href="http://www.fossil.com/en_US/shop/women/handbags/convertible_handbags/key_per_satchel-zb4598p.html?departmentCategoryId=30000&N=0&Va=186&Ns=p_wsc2%7C0%7C%7Cp_weight%7C0&rec=15&pn=c&imagePath=ZB4598289">pretty birdy bag</a>. And this is coming from someone who doesn't particularly like the actual animals. However, I do tend to buy a lot of jewelry and accessories showcasing birds. I suppose I agree with the basic symbolism despite my fear of them attacking my hair on a windy city day.<br />
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Although I usually opt for leather bags, I've been becoming increasingly aware of more eco-friendly materials and looking for more hipster-esque items to add to my wardrobe.eatbreathewritehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11018524642995135769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255731595695043830.post-30978941999313292552010-09-18T15:32:00.000-04:002010-09-18T15:32:48.484-04:00Something new that I learned . . .Returning stuff.<br />
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I should do it more often. A lot of times I buy things that end up not fitting or I wear once because I didn't completely love it. Recently I've been returning stuff instead of stashing it away in my closet, and I realize now why some people fall into the chronic "buy it, return it" cycle.<br />
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I'm really trying more or less to NOT buy things at all unless I can't live without them. Which is hard for me, since I tend to think I can't live without any of the things that I buy.<br />
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It's not such a bad mantra though. You can apply it to anything. Don't get a haircut you can't live with forever. Don't buy the shoes if you don't know what you'll wear them with.<br />
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If you know you love something and it makes you feel and look happy, then go for it.eatbreathewritehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11018524642995135769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255731595695043830.post-15433658749728793022010-09-03T10:35:00.000-04:002010-09-03T10:35:45.091-04:00Let's drive to Vermont in a hurricane, my dear.Getting ready for a weekend in Vermont at a family friend's lodgings. They have a cabin/house that they bought about a year ago as to have a permanent place to stay over their many skii trips. I of course do not skii. I made the attempt once when I was maybe fifteen or sixteen . . . I don't even remember my exact age, but it was enough to convince me that this was not a sport I was very much advanced at.<br />
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We are also expecting Hurricane Earl here on Long Island, but I'm sure Earl will dwindle into a tropical storm of some sorts, hopefully (and some people will not agree with me in this) bringing somewhat of a cold front.<br />
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I can't help it! I love the Fall! It's probably my favorite season, despite my love for the beach. Sometimes the summer is just TOO hot, and I really just look forward to pulling on some jeans and a cardigan and sipping apple cider. I love it.<br />
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This post didn't turn into very much . . . oh well. Anyway, I'll be sure to veg a bit and come back with something insightful to say.eatbreathewritehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11018524642995135769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255731595695043830.post-61376745510171909122010-08-12T23:44:00.001-04:002010-08-12T23:57:53.586-04:00Le List<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(66, 66, 65); line-height: 19px; "><em style="font-style: italic; ">1. Mood: I'm a bit temperamental the last couple of hours. I'm trying to be positive and pull myself out of the pit of negative feelings though.</em></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(66, 66, 65); line-height: 19px; "><em style="font-style: italic; "><br />2. Do you ever fall asleep on public transportation? I try not to fall asleep when I am traveling alone. I get nervous that I'm going to miss my stop, or someone will steal my bag and or wallet. However, I almost always fall asleep on Joe's lap when we head back home from Manhattan. He's sweet through because he lets me pass out. Once it our train car was full (talking to the max) and he let me have his seat, AND stood next to me so I could lean my head on his stomach to sleep. It was nice to have him watching over me like that. </em></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(66, 66, 65); line-height: 19px; "><em style="font-style: italic; "><br />3. If you could wave a magic wand and instantly change one thing about your hair this morning, what would it be? I'd make it four inches longer and or have low lights so my roots wouldn't look quite so dark. Don't get me wrong, I've really enjoyed having my hair short for a little while, but I miss the length quite a bit. </em></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(66, 66, 65); line-height: 19px; "><em style="font-style: italic; "><br />4. Fragrance? Vaseline hahaha. I have it rubbed all over my eyes because they wouldn't stop tearing earlier when I put on moisturizer with SPF a little too close to the tear ducts. </em></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(66, 66, 65); line-height: 19px; "><em style="font-style: italic; "><br />5. One of your favorite childhood toys? Brownie, my teddy bear I've had since I was born. Also My Little Ponies. </em></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(66, 66, 65); line-height: 19px; "><em style="font-style: italic; "><br />6. Last thing that made you really, REALLY happy? Going to Port Jefferson with Joseph. We don't do little things like that often, and I really enjoyed it while it lasted. I also had a really fun time playing mini golf with him.</em></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(66, 66, 65); line-height: 19px; "><em style="font-style: italic; "> </em></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(66, 66, 65); line-height: 19px; "><em style="font-style: italic; "><br />7. Do you wear a watch? Not anymore. My cell phone tells me the time.</em></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(66, 66, 65); line-height: 19px; "><em style="font-style: italic; "><br />8. I’m loving… that I'm the first person Joe wants to call after he talks to all of the celebuartists after the convention this weekend.<br /><br /></em></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(66, 66, 65); line-height: 19px; "><em style="font-style: italic; ">9. Outfit: Black tshirt, and undies.</em></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(66, 66, 65); line-height: 19px; "><em style="font-style: italic; "><br />10. Weekly goals: Write a little bit every day, even if it's bull shit. Eat a lot healthier as to extract all of the crap out of my system. Walk more and start exercising while I'm on vacation for 3 weeks. Get my TA certification requirements in order. Enjoy spending time at the beach. Spend some extra time with my sister. Focus on positive attributes of my life and push myself into a happier mood. </em></span></div>eatbreathewritehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11018524642995135769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255731595695043830.post-84265701890306703302010-08-12T18:12:00.000-04:002010-08-12T18:30:29.425-04:00To lose yourself over a glass of wineIn the end, it doesn't matter what anyone thinks of you, or says about you, or perhaps even what they say to you. Criticism is and will always be available in it's purest form. It is up to you to let it become toxic, or to let it initiate self-development.<div><br /></div><div> Self-worth isn't easily acquired, but it is possible to become the person you always wanted to be. Follow advice, read cliches and take positive feedback into consideration. Know when to throw some criticism out the window and always keep in mind who you wish you were. You will undoubtedly become that person if you are always changing yourself to reflect that image. </div><div><br /></div><div>Refusal to stagnate is the only chance of survival in this life. </div>eatbreathewritehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11018524642995135769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255731595695043830.post-78708854001887126122010-08-12T17:58:00.000-04:002010-08-12T18:08:36.497-04:00Home AloneThis is really just going to be a record of my ongoing train of thoughts at the moment. I'm more than a bit disappointed in myself for not writing, and I don't just mean in my blogs, but in general. I really haven't been making the effort to write every day in my journal(s), despite the fact that I feel a lot less stressed out when I purge myself of my feelings. I also feel like I'm regressing in my ability to write well when I stop writing all together. I miss stringing together words and sentences. When I was writing regularly, I felt I had more purpose, even if no one was reading what I had to say. It may very well be that I'm sending my words out into cyberspace and very few people may be concerned with them, but I really do need to make a greater effort for my own improvement in what I feel is my craft. <div><br /></div><div>Writing is the only thing I have ever felt innately gifted in. I forget that sometimes. </div><div><br /></div><div>One of the real reasons I cherish and admire Joe so much is for his drive and devotion in his ability to create art. He draws every day and I have yet to see him lose passion for what he does. In fact, in the time that I have known him, his passion for his craft has only grown. I wish I had more of this quality in myself. I can't envy it though because he works for everything he has accomplished. You shouldn't envy someone's successes when you haven't put in the same amount of work. </div><div><br /></div><div>I plan on getting back on track with the things I am most passionate about, and hopefully this will be the year to do it. I look forward to the good changes that are heading my way.</div>eatbreathewritehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11018524642995135769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255731595695043830.post-2200096908588109542010-01-03T20:58:00.000-05:002010-01-03T21:07:33.402-05:002010. A decade of a difference.In the last ten years I've graduated middle school. High school. College. And now I'm attending college again for my graduate degree. It scares the hell out of me.<br /><br />Also in the last year I've gained a very unhealthy addiction to my laptop computer, or more accurately, to the internet. I've finally figured out that one should not mix gold and silver jewelery. I also like to think that I've gotten a little bit more fashionable, although I try to fine tune that point every day of my life.<br /><br />I've broken a heart.<br />I've had my heart broken.<br />I've fallen in love. Twice.<br /><br />But what for the next ten years?<br /><br />I know that I do not want to waste it in front of that laptop computer, or spend it working every day just to come home and sleep for lack of energy.<br /><br />I want to live young and live life the way it's meant to be. Maybe that means pushing myself more.<br /><br />Pushing to try new things. Pushing to DO activities instead of watching them being done on the internet or on television.<br /><br />I need to read more, but I also need to write.<br /><br />I need to be less frightened of what others are thinking and just throw myself out there with as little concern as possible.<br /><br />Oh and I have to stop complaining, because complaining makes you old. Physically and at heart.<br /><br />I need to remember why I'm lucky and what this life has already given me. I also need to give back.<br /><br />I need to wrap myself in all of the good advice, cliches and words of wisdom doled out every day from those who are wise, strong, and confident in who they are.<br /><br />And when I forget to do these things, I need to not be so hard on myself.<br /><br />It's 2010 after all.eatbreathewritehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11018524642995135769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255731595695043830.post-15069955960353459092009-12-01T22:52:00.000-05:002009-12-01T23:15:09.578-05:00dear person or persons i used to knowThis is an open letter to several people that have come and gone in my life, rather than a specific individual.<br /><br />Dear person or persons I once knew,<br /><br />Or rather, person I thought I knew? Or perhaps I never knew you, and in actuality, this is who you are. I never thought I'd be genuinely repulsed and confused by you.<br /><br />Well, actually, you always confused me. Of course, a growing fascination and admiration closely followed that confusion, yet the confusion was the foundation for it all. I made a lot of mistakes, and I still make a lot of them, but you were never very forgiving.<br /><br />I realized tonight that I kind of hate you. Maybe that's what happens when someone you loved turns out to be someone different, or changes. Maybe I've never moved past the anger stage, although I think I have, since I have acquired a certain understanding from your perspective. It is not as if I had never been in your place. I've dumped people and they hated me for it. At least 1 out of the 2 has gotten over it, or at least that's how it appeared when I ran into him. But the other one may still hate me. And that's fine.<br /><br />Breaking up with someone is a deplorable thing to do in any case, but the sin is easily forgiven when one realizes that the act of breaking up is done in graciousness rather than malice.<br /><br />I don't know if you truly wanted me to be happy though. I don't think we'll ever be real friends. You don't ever care that much about your friendships, at least you don't care enough to maintain one long enough to stay close with the person in question.<br /><br />It's okay I don't really want a half-assed friendship. I have 2 friends that I consider GOOD friends, and that's all I really need. They WANT to see me, and I WANT to see them. I think that's pretty much the definition of a good friend.<br /><br />When it's your curiosity that solely leads you back to me, let me just tell you that I have absolutely no intention of entertaining your curiosity in any shape or form.<br /><br />I'm an exceptionally successful, bright, and intuitive young woman and I really don't need anyone's negative perspectives weighing me down. I don't need or respect the drama that comes a long with your juvenile instincts.<br /><br />I won't be held down.eatbreathewritehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11018524642995135769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255731595695043830.post-27291111640952132052009-08-26T22:38:00.001-04:002009-08-26T22:42:39.321-04:00The Confident ListHere's something I just recently thought of doing. Make a playlist on your ipod or mp3 player, but only put songs that make you extremely happy and want to dance without caring. Set your alarm clock to wake you up with this list. Go to this play-list whenever someone makes you feel incompetent, and know that they are wrong. <br /><br />Only YOU can let someone make you feel that way. And only you can push yourself into a better mood. <br /><br />Whenever my boyfriend or I are starting out the day in a cranky mood, we usually text each other saying the day is going to be great, awesome, amazing, fabulous. Whatever perky and over the top adjective we can come up with, we use. I'm not sure about him, but it usually makes me smile when he tells me "Today is going to be so awesome that you'll be throwing up awesomeness all over."eatbreathewritehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11018524642995135769noreply@blogger.com0