So it's here!! Happy Turkey Day to everyone!
My family is celebrating in a very relaxed way. The Patriots Game is on, the Turkey is in the oven and momma is stiching. It's actually kind of a normal day in the Sherman/Ridder house, minus the huge bird cooking in the oven. Yum. I am just thankful to be home.
Honestly, I hardly know what to do with myself when I am here for more than a day if I'm not working. It's raining and cold out, so doing anything outside isn't really an option. We watched the Parade which is probably the only nostaligic part of Thanksgiving I have left after moving out of Massachusetts.It's also snowing pretty much everywhere else in the state of Missouri except for here, which is incredibly lame... But I am just thankful to be here, relaxing for a change.
As I was lazily roaming websites this morning I came across an article thanks to Jamo, that was posted on the Huffington Post website which discusses the effects of video games (and distracting sites like facebook) that our making our generations and our children dumb. I completely agree... I am often distacting by websites like facebook, which in all honestly does nothing for me but waste my time, distract me, and make me more scatter brained. I seriously think I could blame that for the fact that I wished two people happy birthday today instead of Happy Thanksgiving. If I didn't use facebook to put pictures up or keep in touch with the rest of my family, I would seriously consider deleting it.
So me new resolution for the rest of the year is to drastically cut down on the time I spend on Facebook, Twitter, and just the computer in general. As I have said before, I LOVE social media, I love my computer and I love the internet, but I am going to drastically change how I use it. Spend more time focusing on life, research, new jobs possibilites, instead of posting pictures and statuses. That's my resolution!
So today, on the one day of the year you HAVE to find something to be thankful for, I am going to be thankful for life. Thankful for the fact that I am young, and I have time to change my life, to make things better, to give back to those who have worked so hard for me. I have time to decide what I want to do with my life next, to make big decisions that don't need to be made yet. I have time to live out the rest of my senior year, with my best friends and sisters. I have a healthy wondeful family who will make fun of me for blogging instead of watching the Patriots game (because that means I'm not a real fan apparently... even though the PATs SUCK today... come on boys) I am thankful for my education, for the food I will eat later with my family, for the job I will work tomorrow, and the one I will work when I return to school. For the boyfriend who lives 4 hours away, who loves me regardless of my flaws. For the fact that I might know change in my life, but I don't really know hard loss, and my family and friends and loved ones are all safe and with family today. I am thankful for friends who live far away who don't let go of friendships, even if it's harder to stay in touch than it used to be.
I am thankful for my life. This crazy, wonderful whirlwind of a life that I live, Sometimes it's hard, but for the most part, I love the path I have been traveling on. Regardless of how bumpy it gets I hope I remember that!
What are you thankful for today, on this Thanksgiving day?
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
The one about why I fail at blogging, and Thanksgiving
It's safe to say I am officially the worlds worst blogger. In the future I think I won't set any sort of "time-line" goals, such as posting once a day. Somedays, the only website I have time to check is my e-mail, and then maybe some random twitter updates from my phone...
I have a lot of catching up to do here, but life gets in the way and in all honesty, I would rather live my life in the real world than online. As much as I love the internet, I like my real-world friends better!
I am now home, enjoying a relaxing day with my brother and step-dad, and waiting for laundry to get done so I can go see Harry Potter with my brother tonight! I think we're probably the last two people in the world who haven't seen it...
With tomorrow being Thanksgiving, I feel especially guilty about not keeping up with my posts.
So for today I am going to post 8 things I am thankful for.
1. I am thankful for the ability to read and the fact that I can openly read whatever I want to. Reading gives you the ability to develop your mind and develop thoughts and opinions. Whether its in print or on the internet there is so much information out there. I am so thankful that I have access to all of this information. I often think of books like Farenheit 451 or 1984. In 451, the people who memorized books, the professors who had the knowledge in them that were on the run were very much my heros. I can't imagine a world without books, without reading or knowledge. Since I came to school, I always made the excuse that my not reading was due to being too busy, but since I have started making time for it, I feel better, more organized and less scatter-brained.
2. I am thankful for my little brother. While he's not really "little" he is 18 months younger... but almost a foot taller. He is the only one who has gone through everything that I did growing up with me. He had always been "my protector" and I would do anything for him.
3. I am thankful for my boyfriend. He always know how to make me smile or laugh, even when I'm upset. As he would say, "it's scary how well our sense of humors match each other." Even when we don't agree on things we laugh about it... or fight until we laugh, but really we don't fight that much. He doesn't always know what to say to make is better, and sometimes he makes me mad, I know I do the same thing to him. It's been over 2 years now that we've been together, and we're still not that sick of each other... so something must be right.
4. I am thankful for Kristy Dickbernd. She is my VP and my PB. She goes out of her way to help me and get things done when I dont have time. There would be a lot of things that didn't get done without her.
5. I am thankful for my chapter Advisor. She is a volunteer for us, and she does so much, even though she is married and has a 1 and 2 year old! She spends so much time for us working to make sure we succeed as a chapter. I also have gained a really good friend in her, and have had some of my best times in college hanging out with her!
6. I am thankful for my best friend growing up, Lori Eveleth. Even though we are 1500 miles apart, whenever we talk, or whenever we are together it's like nothing has changed. Growing up together, we learned together, made mistakes together. We fought and laughed and cried and did cheerleading, girl scouts, and drama together. Now we're both getting ready to graduate college and she is getting married in August! This year is a smart, wonderful girl who I am so lucky to call my best friend.
7. I am thankful for my fab five girls. Even though Hannah now lives so far away, these girls would do anything for me and I would do anything for anyone of them. Even though we're all busy and don't get to see each other that often, we always have SO much fun when we're together.
8. I am thankful for the fact that I have always had food on my table. I have never gone without, and even if my mom had to work two jobs when we were growing up to support us, we always had everything we ever needed. I am thankful for her selflessness and her sacrifice to raise two children all alone.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. The time of year where you have to come up with at least one thing you're thankful for.
What's yours?
I have a lot of catching up to do here, but life gets in the way and in all honesty, I would rather live my life in the real world than online. As much as I love the internet, I like my real-world friends better!
I am now home, enjoying a relaxing day with my brother and step-dad, and waiting for laundry to get done so I can go see Harry Potter with my brother tonight! I think we're probably the last two people in the world who haven't seen it...
With tomorrow being Thanksgiving, I feel especially guilty about not keeping up with my posts.
So for today I am going to post 8 things I am thankful for.
1. I am thankful for the ability to read and the fact that I can openly read whatever I want to. Reading gives you the ability to develop your mind and develop thoughts and opinions. Whether its in print or on the internet there is so much information out there. I am so thankful that I have access to all of this information. I often think of books like Farenheit 451 or 1984. In 451, the people who memorized books, the professors who had the knowledge in them that were on the run were very much my heros. I can't imagine a world without books, without reading or knowledge. Since I came to school, I always made the excuse that my not reading was due to being too busy, but since I have started making time for it, I feel better, more organized and less scatter-brained.
2. I am thankful for my little brother. While he's not really "little" he is 18 months younger... but almost a foot taller. He is the only one who has gone through everything that I did growing up with me. He had always been "my protector" and I would do anything for him.
3. I am thankful for my boyfriend. He always know how to make me smile or laugh, even when I'm upset. As he would say, "it's scary how well our sense of humors match each other." Even when we don't agree on things we laugh about it... or fight until we laugh, but really we don't fight that much. He doesn't always know what to say to make is better, and sometimes he makes me mad, I know I do the same thing to him. It's been over 2 years now that we've been together, and we're still not that sick of each other... so something must be right.
4. I am thankful for Kristy Dickbernd. She is my VP and my PB. She goes out of her way to help me and get things done when I dont have time. There would be a lot of things that didn't get done without her.
5. I am thankful for my chapter Advisor. She is a volunteer for us, and she does so much, even though she is married and has a 1 and 2 year old! She spends so much time for us working to make sure we succeed as a chapter. I also have gained a really good friend in her, and have had some of my best times in college hanging out with her!
6. I am thankful for my best friend growing up, Lori Eveleth. Even though we are 1500 miles apart, whenever we talk, or whenever we are together it's like nothing has changed. Growing up together, we learned together, made mistakes together. We fought and laughed and cried and did cheerleading, girl scouts, and drama together. Now we're both getting ready to graduate college and she is getting married in August! This year is a smart, wonderful girl who I am so lucky to call my best friend.
7. I am thankful for my fab five girls. Even though Hannah now lives so far away, these girls would do anything for me and I would do anything for anyone of them. Even though we're all busy and don't get to see each other that often, we always have SO much fun when we're together.
8. I am thankful for the fact that I have always had food on my table. I have never gone without, and even if my mom had to work two jobs when we were growing up to support us, we always had everything we ever needed. I am thankful for her selflessness and her sacrifice to raise two children all alone.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. The time of year where you have to come up with at least one thing you're thankful for.
What's yours?
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
The one about The Good Intern
Today, I am going to keep it short and sweet, something I really do. You might be asking why? Well in all honestly I just don't have time. My to-do list has 25 things on it and it keeps growing. As I steadily check them off and add something else to it, I wonder what the satisfaction of checking everything on your to-do list off feels like. HMM.
Diane Challenge
Post #13? November 16, 2010
Today I am thankful for the wise blog of a fellow Missouri State Classmate, The Good Intern. This thing is amazing! It offers so much incite into the professional world and how to manage yourself. I LOVE reading her entries. While I have had a lot of opportunity to learn these things, I am realizing lately that skills like this are definitely not something everyone has! I mean, out of 49 girls that live in my house, half of them don't even know what resume paper and the rest don't own any... problem right!
I just absoultely love this blog and the information it offers, especially coming from someone who goes to school with me. Great job Michelle keep up the good work and thank you for taking the time to post these facts that not everyone might know.
If you haven't checked out her blog yet, you need to!
The Good Intern
Diane Challenge
Post #13? November 16, 2010
Today I am thankful for the wise blog of a fellow Missouri State Classmate, The Good Intern. This thing is amazing! It offers so much incite into the professional world and how to manage yourself. I LOVE reading her entries. While I have had a lot of opportunity to learn these things, I am realizing lately that skills like this are definitely not something everyone has! I mean, out of 49 girls that live in my house, half of them don't even know what resume paper and the rest don't own any... problem right!
I just absoultely love this blog and the information it offers, especially coming from someone who goes to school with me. Great job Michelle keep up the good work and thank you for taking the time to post these facts that not everyone might know.
If you haven't checked out her blog yet, you need to!
The Good Intern
Monday, November 15, 2010
The one about about coffee farmers, christmas music, paper cuts and the wonderful Dori Neff
My little sister just informed me that I single-handedly am supporting every coffee farmer in the entire world with my insane coffee habit. You know, she might be right. Apparently coffee farmers only make $1000 a YEAR?! I almost guarantee I spend that much on coffee in a year, especially in holiday season... I mean, I just CAN'T deny those amazing red Christmas cups. They make the coffee taste better. yeah that's right.. I said it. They're marketing ploy, the silly decorations on the damn cup MAKE ME BUY MORE COFFEE... well congrats Starbucks on a job well done, and I'll just go ahead and give myself a little pat on the back for funding and entire coffee farmers year... yupp.
As I am sitting here now there is Christmas music flowing down the hallways into my room and I am thinking, you know what would make this Christmas music better? Coffee from a Holiday Cup. There is nothing I love more than Christmas time. I love the entire season. I love the lights, (but I really like white lights better than colored lights..) I love the cooking and baking, and the decorations. I love the mall at Christmas time, and how much happier everyone seems to be. I love that my little literally spent 20 minutes trying to hang colored lights in our room (even though I really like white ones better..) and then, the self-proclaimed Martha Stewart only hung up one strand before going back to her computer. Fail Katherine. ha. Some people say it's too early for the music, and I say bah, humbug. If you can play me some awesome Thanksgiving music, or even a sweet Thanksgiving movie, maybe I'll budge... maybe. I grew up in the hometown of Thanksgiving. The place where the Pilgrims and the Indians rendezvoused oh so many years ago, and even I don't really care. Yay for Christmas. Especially since this Christmas I will be spending in the fabulous city of boston.
Tonight, before I decided to write, I realized that I should probably try to do some course work, after all school is the real reason I am here... right? Well, low and behold I reach into my bag to pull out my geography book to write my assignment, and I got the WORST. PAPERCUT. EVER. Seriously, it hurt so bad. As Roxanne Taylor put it.. "I would rather fracture something than get a papercut, all that pain and nothing to show for it." It is seriously the worst invention ever. I mean.. without paper, we wouldn't have, well, anything. But I am glad the computer is going to take over. Papercuts are an unnessecary evil. WHY does paper even have to be "sharp". So needless to say, I am never, ever reaching into my stuffed bag ever again and attempting to pull out a stack of papers. Unnecessary danger.
Now on to my Diane challenge
Post # 11? November 15, 2010
Today I am thankful for Miss Dori Neff. She is a CLC visiting our chapter this week to help us be more prepared for officer transitions. She has been a saving grace to me this week, and she honestly could not have come at a better time. Just when I was starting to check out of my position and doubt the job that I have done, she pulled me right back in and assured me that the things I am feeling and the way the chapter is going is great for how old we are. There is really only so much one person can do, and she helped me see that you can't always fix everything. Her strength and her ability to be so far away from her family and friends for the second year as a CLC is outstanding. She is an incredibly strong person and offers very wonderful, and savvy advice. She really helped me make a big decision about an application I am working on for next year, and made me realize that everything that I do, other people do to, and it's always worth it. Thank you Dori for restoring my faith in myself, for helping me realize my potential and for helping me figure out part of my next step.
Today I am thankful for her. For her hardwork and dedication. For everything she has given to us and to Gamma Phi Beta as a whole. I know it's not always easy, but it's definitely appreciated. I know that tonight I gained more than the advice of a CLC, but that of a sister, a friend and a role model. Thank you
As I am sitting here now there is Christmas music flowing down the hallways into my room and I am thinking, you know what would make this Christmas music better? Coffee from a Holiday Cup. There is nothing I love more than Christmas time. I love the entire season. I love the lights, (but I really like white lights better than colored lights..) I love the cooking and baking, and the decorations. I love the mall at Christmas time, and how much happier everyone seems to be. I love that my little literally spent 20 minutes trying to hang colored lights in our room (even though I really like white ones better..) and then, the self-proclaimed Martha Stewart only hung up one strand before going back to her computer. Fail Katherine. ha. Some people say it's too early for the music, and I say bah, humbug. If you can play me some awesome Thanksgiving music, or even a sweet Thanksgiving movie, maybe I'll budge... maybe. I grew up in the hometown of Thanksgiving. The place where the Pilgrims and the Indians rendezvoused oh so many years ago, and even I don't really care. Yay for Christmas. Especially since this Christmas I will be spending in the fabulous city of boston.
Tonight, before I decided to write, I realized that I should probably try to do some course work, after all school is the real reason I am here... right? Well, low and behold I reach into my bag to pull out my geography book to write my assignment, and I got the WORST. PAPERCUT. EVER. Seriously, it hurt so bad. As Roxanne Taylor put it.. "I would rather fracture something than get a papercut, all that pain and nothing to show for it." It is seriously the worst invention ever. I mean.. without paper, we wouldn't have, well, anything. But I am glad the computer is going to take over. Papercuts are an unnessecary evil. WHY does paper even have to be "sharp". So needless to say, I am never, ever reaching into my stuffed bag ever again and attempting to pull out a stack of papers. Unnecessary danger.
Now on to my Diane challenge
Post # 11? November 15, 2010
Today I am thankful for Miss Dori Neff. She is a CLC visiting our chapter this week to help us be more prepared for officer transitions. She has been a saving grace to me this week, and she honestly could not have come at a better time. Just when I was starting to check out of my position and doubt the job that I have done, she pulled me right back in and assured me that the things I am feeling and the way the chapter is going is great for how old we are. There is really only so much one person can do, and she helped me see that you can't always fix everything. Her strength and her ability to be so far away from her family and friends for the second year as a CLC is outstanding. She is an incredibly strong person and offers very wonderful, and savvy advice. She really helped me make a big decision about an application I am working on for next year, and made me realize that everything that I do, other people do to, and it's always worth it. Thank you Dori for restoring my faith in myself, for helping me realize my potential and for helping me figure out part of my next step.
Today I am thankful for her. For her hardwork and dedication. For everything she has given to us and to Gamma Phi Beta as a whole. I know it's not always easy, but it's definitely appreciated. I know that tonight I gained more than the advice of a CLC, but that of a sister, a friend and a role model. Thank you
Saturday, November 13, 2010
The one about the past five days and why I always find myself in crisis situations
My life is too busy for my own good. Even as I'm sitting here writing this, I have realized that my to-do list, even though it has significantly decreased, still has a LOT left on it.
When I started this blog I totally fore saw this as a problem, this whole, being too busy thing, so I have a feeling that this will not be the last time that I write more than one days worth of a post in a sitting, as it has not been my first. I will try, but sometimes life just gets in the way. As I am typing right now, I am mentally writing more and more things onto my to-do list! ugh. I think this post is going to be a little scattered, so I'll be sure to NUMBER my diane challenges from the past five days so that you can keep them in order! :)
I have thought about this though. When I graduate, I need to find a new hobby to stay involved! Any ideas? Maybe a philanthropy? Or a kid? ha. just kidding. My boyfriend thinks I should take up knitting to make him a hat. HA. Even if I could knit I probably wouldn't knit him a hat.... so mom, if you read this, David would like a hat.
Today was initiation. I LOVE initiation. There is nothing that makes me prouder than to lead this group of women, and to be the President for their initiation. There is NOTHING better than going through a ritual, one created 136 years ago, that every single other member has gone through. It's such an outstanding connection. I LOVE these girls.
However, initiation tonight posed something that I should just expect in any big event I am ever in charge of, or a part of. A CRISIS situation. It happens every time any big event is going on. yikes. One of our darling initiated members had seizure before our initiation began. for 15 minutes... ahhh. It was like nothing I have ever dealt with before. I am just so thankful that I have learned to stay calm and deal with these situations, and I have these girls around that can do the same. Needless to say everything is great now, and she is feeling much better. But I am 1) thankful that through everything in my life I have gained the ability to deal with these types of situations when they arise, and stress about them after. Even when Jamie and I set the oven on fire in Kid's Club we were pretty ok until after the flame went out.
So, the last couple of days I obviously haven't been writing. Even as I sit here tonight, I am distracted and finding it hard to collect my thoughts. Maybe because I am watching Sex and the City with Nicole and Victoria. I mean, could their lives be any more glamorous. The walk in closet. The wedding dresses. The shoes. THE JEWELRY. And the fabulous Manolo Blahnik shoes that are "carrie's ring" I can only hope that my ladies from college will be my sex and the city ladies. This makes me realize how thankful I am 2) For my J baby and my little. These two girls are always there for me. They will be the ones in my wedding. The ones who help me pack my life out of a small apartment when I finally get married, and show up with a two bottles of wine. YAY! These girls help me through SO much and I would be incredibly lost without them. So for you two, thank you for all that you do an for all that you have taught me and done for me. I love you!
3. I am thankful for being able to say I know what love is. I have felt love from my friends. I have felt love from my sisters and from my family. I have felt love from my boyfriend. I know what it feels like to love someone that you would die for. And to be absolutely in love with someone. So people go through their entire life without love, and I think that love is really the only thing worth living for. The Beatles were right when they said, "All you need is love, love is all you need." I don't think there is any better feeling than being in love, and there is nothing worth fighting for more than love. And even if you're not in love, finding it is amazing too.
4. I am thankful I have gained so much experience with leadership roles through my years at school. I have the privilege to lead these beautiful girls, and so many other organizations. I have grown so much as a person and have acquired a lot of professional skills. So really, I am thankful for the people that have taken a chance on me. The ones that have put their confidence in me as a leader and as a person. As much as you may say you look up to me, I admire those who instill their faith in me. Thank you.
In watching Sex in the City, we're at the part where Big doesn't know if he can marry Carrie. He calls her over and over and over again and she doesn't answer and all we can think about is WHY DOESN'T HE CALL ONE OF THE OTHER GIRLS. In real life, that would probably happen. DUMB guy. Of course, then we wouldn't have the movie, and we wouldn't learn all of the lessons about true love, about respecting your significant other and how to deal with the hard parts of love. BUT oh my god. CALL SOMEONE ELSE. you can't just leave someone at the alter. And then he says "what the f*** am I doing" yeah, NO KIDDING. ugh.
Anyways...
5. I am thankful that with love, I have had heartache. I have had challenges, and pain and difficult times. I have learned to move on.To hold my head high, and I have people around me that will always be there for me no matter what. Always look at the positive side of things. No matter how bad things seem right now, they can probably get worse, but they will get better. I am thankful that the challenges I have faced have built me into that person.
I promise I will try to be a little bit better about writing from now on! :)
Bon nuit.
When I started this blog I totally fore saw this as a problem, this whole, being too busy thing, so I have a feeling that this will not be the last time that I write more than one days worth of a post in a sitting, as it has not been my first. I will try, but sometimes life just gets in the way. As I am typing right now, I am mentally writing more and more things onto my to-do list! ugh. I think this post is going to be a little scattered, so I'll be sure to NUMBER my diane challenges from the past five days so that you can keep them in order! :)
I have thought about this though. When I graduate, I need to find a new hobby to stay involved! Any ideas? Maybe a philanthropy? Or a kid? ha. just kidding. My boyfriend thinks I should take up knitting to make him a hat. HA. Even if I could knit I probably wouldn't knit him a hat.... so mom, if you read this, David would like a hat.
Today was initiation. I LOVE initiation. There is nothing that makes me prouder than to lead this group of women, and to be the President for their initiation. There is NOTHING better than going through a ritual, one created 136 years ago, that every single other member has gone through. It's such an outstanding connection. I LOVE these girls.
However, initiation tonight posed something that I should just expect in any big event I am ever in charge of, or a part of. A CRISIS situation. It happens every time any big event is going on. yikes. One of our darling initiated members had seizure before our initiation began. for 15 minutes... ahhh. It was like nothing I have ever dealt with before. I am just so thankful that I have learned to stay calm and deal with these situations, and I have these girls around that can do the same. Needless to say everything is great now, and she is feeling much better. But I am 1) thankful that through everything in my life I have gained the ability to deal with these types of situations when they arise, and stress about them after. Even when Jamie and I set the oven on fire in Kid's Club we were pretty ok until after the flame went out.
So, the last couple of days I obviously haven't been writing. Even as I sit here tonight, I am distracted and finding it hard to collect my thoughts. Maybe because I am watching Sex and the City with Nicole and Victoria. I mean, could their lives be any more glamorous. The walk in closet. The wedding dresses. The shoes. THE JEWELRY. And the fabulous Manolo Blahnik shoes that are "carrie's ring" I can only hope that my ladies from college will be my sex and the city ladies. This makes me realize how thankful I am 2) For my J baby and my little. These two girls are always there for me. They will be the ones in my wedding. The ones who help me pack my life out of a small apartment when I finally get married, and show up with a two bottles of wine. YAY! These girls help me through SO much and I would be incredibly lost without them. So for you two, thank you for all that you do an for all that you have taught me and done for me. I love you!
3. I am thankful for being able to say I know what love is. I have felt love from my friends. I have felt love from my sisters and from my family. I have felt love from my boyfriend. I know what it feels like to love someone that you would die for. And to be absolutely in love with someone. So people go through their entire life without love, and I think that love is really the only thing worth living for. The Beatles were right when they said, "All you need is love, love is all you need." I don't think there is any better feeling than being in love, and there is nothing worth fighting for more than love. And even if you're not in love, finding it is amazing too.
4. I am thankful I have gained so much experience with leadership roles through my years at school. I have the privilege to lead these beautiful girls, and so many other organizations. I have grown so much as a person and have acquired a lot of professional skills. So really, I am thankful for the people that have taken a chance on me. The ones that have put their confidence in me as a leader and as a person. As much as you may say you look up to me, I admire those who instill their faith in me. Thank you.
In watching Sex in the City, we're at the part where Big doesn't know if he can marry Carrie. He calls her over and over and over again and she doesn't answer and all we can think about is WHY DOESN'T HE CALL ONE OF THE OTHER GIRLS. In real life, that would probably happen. DUMB guy. Of course, then we wouldn't have the movie, and we wouldn't learn all of the lessons about true love, about respecting your significant other and how to deal with the hard parts of love. BUT oh my god. CALL SOMEONE ELSE. you can't just leave someone at the alter. And then he says "what the f*** am I doing" yeah, NO KIDDING. ugh.
Anyways...
5. I am thankful that with love, I have had heartache. I have had challenges, and pain and difficult times. I have learned to move on.To hold my head high, and I have people around me that will always be there for me no matter what. Always look at the positive side of things. No matter how bad things seem right now, they can probably get worse, but they will get better. I am thankful that the challenges I have faced have built me into that person.
I promise I will try to be a little bit better about writing from now on! :)
Bon nuit.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
The one about, well, life in general
It's 5:30 on a Tuesday and I am already exhausted. Me and every other college kid around. I know we have all experienced that amazing phenomenon where all of you teachers give you tests in the exact same week! That's my week. It's like the all the professors think that the only class I am enrolled in is their class, not to mention they assume I have no life outside of course work... I am not a non-traditional student. I will get excited when you let me out of class early, and I won't complain that I'm not getting my full monies worth. I promise. I'll actually be tempted to give you a better review if this is the case.
I'm on my second cup of coffee, and there are a million other things I need to be doing right now, but I had to write this down, or my head was going to explode. I have been thinking about it all day, and while my thoughts are very scattered on it, there are a lot of things I feel very passionately about in relation to this.
Now on to my Diane Challenge for the day.
Post #6: November 9, 2010
I heard a really sad story last night. I don't really know that appropriate manner to share it, or if it's really appropriate at all to do so, but it really impacted me, and I have thought about it a lot today. We have a consultant for IH visiting us right now, and she found out yesturday one of her friends had passed away in his sleep the night before. He was very young, around 23 or 24 I am guessing, and was discovered by his wife. They had only been married for five months. As far as our consultant knew, they still didn't know why it had happened.
Cue me crying over someone I have never met.
This made me realize how truly important the people you spend your life with are, and how you should tell them everyday just how much they mean to you. Every. Single. Day. Because in all reality you never know when they're going to have to leave you. I am an expert on good-byes and changes, but I have never had to face anything quite like this situation, and hearing it made me realize: we're not untouchable or invincible. The people we love could leave us today, or tomorrow, or next week. We just don't know. Sometimes we get frustrated, and things get hard, but people remember the way you make them feel. Never forget to say "I love you" or "I miss you" or "I'm sorry" because you don't know when it could be the last, and you don't want to miss out on those opportunities.
So today, I am thankful that I am here, and safe and healthy. That I am surrounded by people who I love and who love me back. That I have the opportunity to fix relationships with people still, to say "I love you" and "I'm sorry". To hug my friends or to hold my boyfriends hand. To call my family and hear their voices. To continue to make plans for my future, because, even though I don't know what it holds, as of right now I sure as hell need a plan for it.
I am thankful to be here. To have the ability to feel and to learn and to grow. To have the ability to love and forgive no matter how openly. To be able to get hurt and heal, whether a broken heart or a fractured finger.. I still have the opportunity to fix it. To rebuild burnt bridges, or help someone in need.
These people and these relationships and our lives are all precious. More precious than any other the smaller things I talk about in here. This is the stuff that really matters. The stuff that makes our lives worth living, and our lives worth having things to be thankful for. So today, I am thankful for all of it. For my ability to be here and to type these words. And I am thankful I can still hear these stories and feel these things and have the opportunity to grow from them.
My thoughts go out to the family who lost their son, the wife who lost her husband after 5 short months of marriage, and to everyone who was touched by his life, and his story.
I'm on my second cup of coffee, and there are a million other things I need to be doing right now, but I had to write this down, or my head was going to explode. I have been thinking about it all day, and while my thoughts are very scattered on it, there are a lot of things I feel very passionately about in relation to this.
Now on to my Diane Challenge for the day.
Post #6: November 9, 2010
I heard a really sad story last night. I don't really know that appropriate manner to share it, or if it's really appropriate at all to do so, but it really impacted me, and I have thought about it a lot today. We have a consultant for IH visiting us right now, and she found out yesturday one of her friends had passed away in his sleep the night before. He was very young, around 23 or 24 I am guessing, and was discovered by his wife. They had only been married for five months. As far as our consultant knew, they still didn't know why it had happened.
Cue me crying over someone I have never met.
This made me realize how truly important the people you spend your life with are, and how you should tell them everyday just how much they mean to you. Every. Single. Day. Because in all reality you never know when they're going to have to leave you. I am an expert on good-byes and changes, but I have never had to face anything quite like this situation, and hearing it made me realize: we're not untouchable or invincible. The people we love could leave us today, or tomorrow, or next week. We just don't know. Sometimes we get frustrated, and things get hard, but people remember the way you make them feel. Never forget to say "I love you" or "I miss you" or "I'm sorry" because you don't know when it could be the last, and you don't want to miss out on those opportunities.
So today, I am thankful that I am here, and safe and healthy. That I am surrounded by people who I love and who love me back. That I have the opportunity to fix relationships with people still, to say "I love you" and "I'm sorry". To hug my friends or to hold my boyfriends hand. To call my family and hear their voices. To continue to make plans for my future, because, even though I don't know what it holds, as of right now I sure as hell need a plan for it.
I am thankful to be here. To have the ability to feel and to learn and to grow. To have the ability to love and forgive no matter how openly. To be able to get hurt and heal, whether a broken heart or a fractured finger.. I still have the opportunity to fix it. To rebuild burnt bridges, or help someone in need.
These people and these relationships and our lives are all precious. More precious than any other the smaller things I talk about in here. This is the stuff that really matters. The stuff that makes our lives worth living, and our lives worth having things to be thankful for. So today, I am thankful for all of it. For my ability to be here and to type these words. And I am thankful I can still hear these stories and feel these things and have the opportunity to grow from them.
My thoughts go out to the family who lost their son, the wife who lost her husband after 5 short months of marriage, and to everyone who was touched by his life, and his story.
Monday, November 8, 2010
The one about my crazy life, why I love my school and my car
So, in case you haven't noticed, my last blog is from Saturday, and it's just now getting posted. Blame it on a combination of my crazy life and my computer being on the fritz. I mean, it's just a matter of days before this poor little HP dies, I can feel it. BUT I am trying to be optimistic, and hopefully she'll hang in here a little while longer.
Due to my crazy schedule this week; i.e. a to-do list longer than I am tall, three tests, I-week events and (gasp) actually trying to apply for big kid jobs... I am spread pretty thin. Since I had started my Saturday post I wanted t post it individually, but due to lack of time and brain functionability tonight, I am putting two-in-one. What. A. Deal.
Post number 4 and 5: November 8, 2010
I am thankful that I am able to attend a University. There. I said it. As much as I dread going to classes, and have somehow lost all ability to wake up before 9:30, I LOVE going to school. I love that I am getting an education. Something women decades ago were not afforded the luxury of, and even those that were, went to school for things that translated well into domesticated married life. eff that. I want to do my own thing and I don't want to rely on a man to provide for me. I love working and I love being involved, and I love learning about that things I want to do when I am older. I am so lucky to go to an institution that provides such great classes and outstanding faculty who I have been able to establish relationships with. The networking opportunities available here are incredible if you work hard for them. My grades might not always be the best, and I STILL don't really get the point of gen ed class... (yeah I know, they're supposed to improve my ability to understand and form my own opinions about world events and news... I have the internet... with google.. just saying)
But all in all I am SO fortunate to be here and to be earning my degree. I love this school and I will never stop being grateful for the education I am so lucky to receive. There are far too many people out there who don't have the opportunities that I have been SO fortunate to experience here, so for the rest of my (sniff sniff) last year, I will try to remember that everyday.
I am also thankful for the fact that I am able to have a car. I work my butt off for my pretty new santa fe that I love soooo muchh! But it's totally worth it when I realize I have the ability to get in my car and drive anywhere I want. There's nothing holding me back. I have complete freedom to go and do whatever I feel. I've often thought about not having a car, or moving to a big city where I wouldn't have to worry about it, and maybe one day that will be true. But for now, I love my car, and I am so thankful that I have the resources to be able to have such a luxury!
So, it's short... and maybe kind of a cop out on the writing... but, I'm going to go study for law now!
Due to my crazy schedule this week; i.e. a to-do list longer than I am tall, three tests, I-week events and (gasp) actually trying to apply for big kid jobs... I am spread pretty thin. Since I had started my Saturday post I wanted t post it individually, but due to lack of time and brain functionability tonight, I am putting two-in-one. What. A. Deal.
Post number 4 and 5: November 8, 2010
I am thankful that I am able to attend a University. There. I said it. As much as I dread going to classes, and have somehow lost all ability to wake up before 9:30, I LOVE going to school. I love that I am getting an education. Something women decades ago were not afforded the luxury of, and even those that were, went to school for things that translated well into domesticated married life. eff that. I want to do my own thing and I don't want to rely on a man to provide for me. I love working and I love being involved, and I love learning about that things I want to do when I am older. I am so lucky to go to an institution that provides such great classes and outstanding faculty who I have been able to establish relationships with. The networking opportunities available here are incredible if you work hard for them. My grades might not always be the best, and I STILL don't really get the point of gen ed class... (yeah I know, they're supposed to improve my ability to understand and form my own opinions about world events and news... I have the internet... with google.. just saying)
But all in all I am SO fortunate to be here and to be earning my degree. I love this school and I will never stop being grateful for the education I am so lucky to receive. There are far too many people out there who don't have the opportunities that I have been SO fortunate to experience here, so for the rest of my (sniff sniff) last year, I will try to remember that everyday.
I am also thankful for the fact that I am able to have a car. I work my butt off for my pretty new santa fe that I love soooo muchh! But it's totally worth it when I realize I have the ability to get in my car and drive anywhere I want. There's nothing holding me back. I have complete freedom to go and do whatever I feel. I've often thought about not having a car, or moving to a big city where I wouldn't have to worry about it, and maybe one day that will be true. But for now, I love my car, and I am so thankful that I have the resources to be able to have such a luxury!
So, it's short... and maybe kind of a cop out on the writing... but, I'm going to go study for law now!
The one about lazy nights and why I love my sisters
This is literally the first Saturday night this entire semester that I have sat at home to do responsible big kid stuff. And by that, I mean try to tackle some of the things on my to-do list. It's a daunting task, and one I am obviously procrastinating thanks to my unhealthy obsession with social media. gross. I seriously spend more time on facebook, twitter, linked in and my new blog than I should. I know I should probably care less about what the random girl I said hi to that one time posts on facebook. Why do I need to see everything my friends have posted anyways. I live with 50 girls... my life is crazy enough. I guess you don't make hundred of millions of dollars like Mark Zuckerburg without inventing something as addicting as facebook. Oh, and Mark, if you ever read this, I am totally ok with being Mrs. Facebook... just saying. ;)
So tonight I am sitting around with 6 sisters, waiting for a visit from my favorite freshman, my bf's little sister. We're watching an episode of numbers, all with our laptops open, but with our eyes glued to the tv screen. Uber productivity is in progress.
I have come to cherish nights like these more and more as I am getting older. The relaxing nights hanging out with these girls while watching stupid shows and talking more than we type... Mattie even made me hot chocolate. yum!
So this brings me to my Diane Challenge post for the day
Post #3: November 6, 2010
My sisters and my sorority. I never thought I could actually love this thing this much. Or these girls. I never knew I could actually live with 48 other girls... and share three bathrooms with them. Kind of intense. However, these girls teach me new things everyday. Whether it's trust, or love or not to mix ammonia with bleach... I have grown so much from them. I know that no matter how down I am, my little will listen to me, and her heart is probably aching worse anyways. Stef and Molly will go out to both Panera and Starbucks when they can't figure out what kind of coffee I like. KY will always be my PB, and will come pick me up no matter where I am and what time it is, as long as she can drive my car there! J baby just knows me better than anyone and understand my weird sense of humor. Friends since freshmen year and I still never grow tired of our shenengans. Cori will always talk me into going out, because she is my PIC, but somehow I always end up being the one blamed for our fun! Mattie will make me hot chocolate with marshmellows and bring it to me, when I am far too lazy to get my butt up from the couch.. Mindy will play super turtle with me, although we are probably not even really legit, we think we are.
As many humorous times I share with these ladies, they have taught me real values and real life lessons. They taught me that no matter what struggles we come across or how hard things seem, it's not the end of the world, and we will get through it. They have shown me that as hard of it gets, it can get a lot worse, but it will never really be that bad because we have each other. They taught me what it means to truly look at another girl and realize she's a sister. That sometimes staying up late and laughing with your sisters is more rewarding than a couple extra hours of studying, or that paper due tomorrow.
They have shown me it's more important to appreciate those small things in life, the little moments. Those moments are the ones that make or break you. It's more important for people to remember you by how you made them feel.
Thank you to all of you girls. The ones who give me strength, and who have shown me it's possible to love someone like family even if they are not blood. I am truly thankful for all of you!
So tonight I am sitting around with 6 sisters, waiting for a visit from my favorite freshman, my bf's little sister. We're watching an episode of numbers, all with our laptops open, but with our eyes glued to the tv screen. Uber productivity is in progress.
I have come to cherish nights like these more and more as I am getting older. The relaxing nights hanging out with these girls while watching stupid shows and talking more than we type... Mattie even made me hot chocolate. yum!
So this brings me to my Diane Challenge post for the day
Post #3: November 6, 2010
My sisters and my sorority. I never thought I could actually love this thing this much. Or these girls. I never knew I could actually live with 48 other girls... and share three bathrooms with them. Kind of intense. However, these girls teach me new things everyday. Whether it's trust, or love or not to mix ammonia with bleach... I have grown so much from them. I know that no matter how down I am, my little will listen to me, and her heart is probably aching worse anyways. Stef and Molly will go out to both Panera and Starbucks when they can't figure out what kind of coffee I like. KY will always be my PB, and will come pick me up no matter where I am and what time it is, as long as she can drive my car there! J baby just knows me better than anyone and understand my weird sense of humor. Friends since freshmen year and I still never grow tired of our shenengans. Cori will always talk me into going out, because she is my PIC, but somehow I always end up being the one blamed for our fun! Mattie will make me hot chocolate with marshmellows and bring it to me, when I am far too lazy to get my butt up from the couch.. Mindy will play super turtle with me, although we are probably not even really legit, we think we are.
As many humorous times I share with these ladies, they have taught me real values and real life lessons. They taught me that no matter what struggles we come across or how hard things seem, it's not the end of the world, and we will get through it. They have shown me that as hard of it gets, it can get a lot worse, but it will never really be that bad because we have each other. They taught me what it means to truly look at another girl and realize she's a sister. That sometimes staying up late and laughing with your sisters is more rewarding than a couple extra hours of studying, or that paper due tomorrow.
They have shown me it's more important to appreciate those small things in life, the little moments. Those moments are the ones that make or break you. It's more important for people to remember you by how you made them feel.
Thank you to all of you girls. The ones who give me strength, and who have shown me it's possible to love someone like family even if they are not blood. I am truly thankful for all of you!
Friday, November 5, 2010
The one about planners, and why I love my family
Back track two weeks. I lost my planner. Did you hear that..? MY PLANNER. My holy grail of all planner planners that is broken up daily into 15 minute intervals, color coded, and perfect. I mean, as soon as Malinda Millikan introduced me to said planner, the $20 it would take me to acquire such an amazing book seemed like chump change... even though I could have one heck of a Thursday night at the Boog with that.... just saying.
SO.. I lost my planner. I'm sure everyone I'm close to grew tired of me having mild panic attacks when I would remember it was gone. I mean, that thing holds everything I need to remember. I depend on that about as much as I depend on coffee... which is a BIG deal... ugggggh.
Forward to this morning. I woke up at 9 to register for my LAST semester of classes. LAST! SO bittersweet... but more on that later. I had a voicemail from Konya, one of the ladies I work with (another reason why I love my job) and she had found MY PLANNER! It was perched on the podium of Glass 108. Go figure, our chapter meeting room sucked my planner in. I actually jumped up and down and danced. Thank god my boyfriend already loves me, because they amount of excitement I showed about having my planner back would make even some of the nerdiest and over programmed gentlemen run. He just told me to go away... charming!
Needless to say, life is back to normal! :)
So Diane Challenge for the day. What am I thankful for today?
Post #2: November 5, 2010
My Family. My family is insane, and loving and spread out all over the country. :( The best thing about them is that although they are far away, they still are in contact with me. Constantly. Actually, I don't think I could ever escape them, even if I tried. Thanks to facebook and twitter, virtually no part of my life is kept from my family, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I mean, I even get constant text messages from them. My aunt and uncle and my mom send me texts.Mostly fun facts, pictures from vacations and friendly reminders that I should "pay your car insurance!" BUT my favorite ones by far are: "EMILY ANNE: CALL. NOW."
Yeah, love you mom!
In all seriousness, my family is pretty dang awesome. We're nontraditional, quirky and our love for holidays like Halloween is so creepy it's probably unnatural, but hey, whatevs, we just throw way better parties.
They also taught me some pretty solid values, like:
Mind your p's and q's.
Elbows off the table (my step dad apparently used to stab my step brothers with his fork when they did this. Glad we met him post this phase..)
Never, ever be a Yankees fan.
The northeast, in all endeavors, is superior to most other parts of the country.
The stars are not reversed because we now live below the mason dixon line... thanks mom.
There's usually an actual screen when there is screen door present.
Baking without measuring things is something only Gram does. Don't try it. Doesn't work.
Uncle Danny will always take the scenic route anywhere we travel.
Barnstable fair is like a holiday in itself.
You can't touch us when it comes to cooking.... anything.
No trip is complete without at least one stop at a Dunkin Donuts.
A car with a "manual" transmission is a Stick. Only nerds say "manual." Thanks Rara
A godmother is actually a fairy godmother, and may only give you gifts with sparkles. Or bobbles...
The only acceptable gifts for a yankee swap or stocking exchange are in fact, not practical and will probably make fun of something you would only ever let your family make fun of you for.
The Ming is holy ground. This is not debatable. In fact, that would be blasphemy
Seriously. They're the reason I have made it all the way to my senior year in college. They're the reason I have manners, respect and a positive outlook on life. They taught me that those who work hard are the most rewarded, and that if you go through life without a sense of humor, it's not really worth living (plus, you would never survive a family gathering.) So here is to all of you! You who raised me, watched me grow, make mistakes and learn from them, and help me when it got too hard to go alone. To you who called me skinny minnie and "no butt emmy" (a nickname you promised you would use as I walked down the isle on my wedding day.. of course)
I have the best family, who would be there for me no matter the mileage. For them I am thankful not just today, but every damn day of my life.
SO.. I lost my planner. I'm sure everyone I'm close to grew tired of me having mild panic attacks when I would remember it was gone. I mean, that thing holds everything I need to remember. I depend on that about as much as I depend on coffee... which is a BIG deal... ugggggh.
Forward to this morning. I woke up at 9 to register for my LAST semester of classes. LAST! SO bittersweet... but more on that later. I had a voicemail from Konya, one of the ladies I work with (another reason why I love my job) and she had found MY PLANNER! It was perched on the podium of Glass 108. Go figure, our chapter meeting room sucked my planner in. I actually jumped up and down and danced. Thank god my boyfriend already loves me, because they amount of excitement I showed about having my planner back would make even some of the nerdiest and over programmed gentlemen run. He just told me to go away... charming!
Needless to say, life is back to normal! :)
So Diane Challenge for the day. What am I thankful for today?
Post #2: November 5, 2010
My Family. My family is insane, and loving and spread out all over the country. :( The best thing about them is that although they are far away, they still are in contact with me. Constantly. Actually, I don't think I could ever escape them, even if I tried. Thanks to facebook and twitter, virtually no part of my life is kept from my family, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I mean, I even get constant text messages from them. My aunt and uncle and my mom send me texts.Mostly fun facts, pictures from vacations and friendly reminders that I should "pay your car insurance!" BUT my favorite ones by far are: "EMILY ANNE: CALL. NOW."
Yeah, love you mom!
In all seriousness, my family is pretty dang awesome. We're nontraditional, quirky and our love for holidays like Halloween is so creepy it's probably unnatural, but hey, whatevs, we just throw way better parties.
They also taught me some pretty solid values, like:
Mind your p's and q's.
Elbows off the table (my step dad apparently used to stab my step brothers with his fork when they did this. Glad we met him post this phase..)
Never, ever be a Yankees fan.
The northeast, in all endeavors, is superior to most other parts of the country.
The stars are not reversed because we now live below the mason dixon line... thanks mom.
There's usually an actual screen when there is screen door present.
Baking without measuring things is something only Gram does. Don't try it. Doesn't work.
Uncle Danny will always take the scenic route anywhere we travel.
Barnstable fair is like a holiday in itself.
You can't touch us when it comes to cooking.... anything.
No trip is complete without at least one stop at a Dunkin Donuts.
A car with a "manual" transmission is a Stick. Only nerds say "manual." Thanks Rara
A godmother is actually a fairy godmother, and may only give you gifts with sparkles. Or bobbles...
The only acceptable gifts for a yankee swap or stocking exchange are in fact, not practical and will probably make fun of something you would only ever let your family make fun of you for.
The Ming is holy ground. This is not debatable. In fact, that would be blasphemy
Seriously. They're the reason I have made it all the way to my senior year in college. They're the reason I have manners, respect and a positive outlook on life. They taught me that those who work hard are the most rewarded, and that if you go through life without a sense of humor, it's not really worth living (plus, you would never survive a family gathering.) So here is to all of you! You who raised me, watched me grow, make mistakes and learn from them, and help me when it got too hard to go alone. To you who called me skinny minnie and "no butt emmy" (a nickname you promised you would use as I walked down the isle on my wedding day.. of course)
I have the best family, who would be there for me no matter the mileage. For them I am thankful not just today, but every damn day of my life.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
The one about why I blog, the diane challenge, and my job
I used to write a lot. Like, a lot a lot, and since I came to school, and majored in something that requires me to cook more than it requires me to write, I feel like I've lost it. The easy way the words used to spill onto the page (or the computer screen...) just isn't the same anymore. SO, my solution? This blog. Maybe someone will follow it, and maybe they wont. It doesn't matter because, well, that's not really the point. It's just a place for me to write, and to share my thoughts on world news, fashion, popculture, my most recent latte or just life in general.
So, to start off my blog, I want to do something that was introduced to me by one of my close friends, and recent alumna of my chapter, Ms. Katie Anderson. It's called the Diane Challenge. Every day for the month of November, the challenge is to write something your thankful for. Oh, the irony of it falling in November... right? In all seriousness, this is good stuff.
For me this comes at a really interesting point in my life. My term as chapter president is almost over, I register for my last semester of college tomorrow, and I have no idea what I am going to due come May, when I walk across the floor of JQH and get my diploma. Talk about stressful. So for the rest of the month, since, obviously November began four days ago, I will be posting daily thoughts on what I am most thankful for and why. If you're out there, and you're reading this, I think you should too.
Post #1 November 4, 2010
Today I am thankful for my job. While it seems easy and sort of mindless at times I absolutely love it, and I appreciate the fact that I still have a job, while many others in this country don't. I have worked here three of my four years at this school, and thinks it's funny how these faculty, most of whom I have never had classes with, reminisce with me about how I "just was a freshmen here yesterday" and how "much I have grown in the past four years." It's been great to be able to grow and learn from the people and I enjoy everyday I get to work in this office. This places is the source of a a lot of laughter and fun, and there is nothing more I crave in a job than fun.
So today, I am thankful for my job. My job which allows me to have a car and be part of my sorority. My job that has provided me with life long friendships and networking connections. My job, which will be one of the things I miss the most when I leave this school in May.
So, to start off my blog, I want to do something that was introduced to me by one of my close friends, and recent alumna of my chapter, Ms. Katie Anderson. It's called the Diane Challenge. Every day for the month of November, the challenge is to write something your thankful for. Oh, the irony of it falling in November... right? In all seriousness, this is good stuff.
For me this comes at a really interesting point in my life. My term as chapter president is almost over, I register for my last semester of college tomorrow, and I have no idea what I am going to due come May, when I walk across the floor of JQH and get my diploma. Talk about stressful. So for the rest of the month, since, obviously November began four days ago, I will be posting daily thoughts on what I am most thankful for and why. If you're out there, and you're reading this, I think you should too.
Post #1 November 4, 2010
Today I am thankful for my job. While it seems easy and sort of mindless at times I absolutely love it, and I appreciate the fact that I still have a job, while many others in this country don't. I have worked here three of my four years at this school, and thinks it's funny how these faculty, most of whom I have never had classes with, reminisce with me about how I "just was a freshmen here yesterday" and how "much I have grown in the past four years." It's been great to be able to grow and learn from the people and I enjoy everyday I get to work in this office. This places is the source of a a lot of laughter and fun, and there is nothing more I crave in a job than fun.
So today, I am thankful for my job. My job which allows me to have a car and be part of my sorority. My job that has provided me with life long friendships and networking connections. My job, which will be one of the things I miss the most when I leave this school in May.
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