This morning, I was told a heartbreaking story about a woman who I wish women and people in general (read: Americans) would be more like.
Our staff photographer shared this with me about his mother: She was raised during the Great Depression, had her mother die at age 6, and her father passed away a few years later while he was holding her as she slept. She married, had four boys, and was pregnant with a fifth boy when 3 days before that fifth boy was born, her husband was killed in a car crash. She then took care of five young boys by herself for four years before remarrying, and all without ever receiving welfare assistance from the government.
Amazing. I know so many people come across horrendous and unspeakable hardships in life, some worse than this, but it proves something that I believe and have said before. People in America are not the same kind of people that they were back then when people knew that no matter what happened, they had to make their own way in life and had enough pride in themselves to do what was needed to provide for their families, mostly because that was how they were raised, or because that was before welfare was available.
Not only that, but back then, women in particular were classic. They were classy. They cared about their appearance and their modesty. They cared about, well, being a woman. They did their hair everyday, wore makeup and lipstick, and wore nice clothes to do even the most mundane of things like picking up the newspaper from the driveway. They took pride in their appearance and who they were. Sure the opportunities for women were not the same as they are now, but just because we began to receive more opportunities and freedoms didn't mean that our gender needed to lose and disregard what being a respectable woman was about. And so many have done just that. I look at women in America today and shake my head. What's sad is I don't even have to give any examples of a lot of women today, because you know exactly what I'm talking about. They've just completely let themselves go and have lost that pride that women once had. I don't know why it changed so or what changed, but I've always thought it would be great to go back to how it was and just keep the same opportunities women have today. I'll even say that I wouldn't mind wearing dresses and skirts everyday.
Jay (our staff photographer, who was the fifth boy and never met his father), showed me a picture of his mother. And his mother was just the kind of woman I was talking about. In the photo, she was 17, but her appearance was that of a woman. She looked classic.
Her story also highlights the time in our country where people weren't dependent or manipulative of the government welfare system. I know there are people who legitimately need assistance, and that's fine, I'm all for that. But there are also people who are legitimately playing the broken system and remaining dependent on it simply because they can and they want to. Along the way and throughout the years, people have lost their pride in themselves and have settled. I blame a lot of that on welfare. There was a time when people went on welfare because they needed to, and then they decided that what they received was good enough for them and liked not having to do anything. Therefore they didn't and remained on welfare. And over the years it has continued and has been passed down to generation after generation. They lost respect for themselves and lost the will to provide on their own, and in many cases, have used their welfare checks for drugs, alcohol, and who knows what else.
The system is broken, and it has broken so much and so many in our country. It's extremely depressing to me. If people who are on welfare that legitimately do not need to be would gain back what they lost or were never taught, things could become so much better in America than they are now.
Society has just lost so much of it's richness throughout the years and what it means to be an American. I know it's important for humans to evolve, otherwise we wouldn't have things like cell phones or computers (!), but some of the ways we have evolved as a people and as a nation has made us lose so much.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Friday Funny
Ok, I know this is completely and totally silly but I watched THIS VIDEO and I laughed out loud. Then I watched it another six times and laughed just as hard.
Why are these things so funny?! Maybe it's because of the person it involves. That probably has something to do with it. The other part is that it's just funny to me when people are stupid. True story.
Enjoy, cause we all need a little laugh every once and a while.
Why are these things so funny?! Maybe it's because of the person it involves. That probably has something to do with it. The other part is that it's just funny to me when people are stupid. True story.
Enjoy, cause we all need a little laugh every once and a while.
Bliss
It's 10:30 and I've already begun to snack on and chomp away at my pound bag of Twizzlers. Predictions are that the bag will either be gone or very close to gone by the end of the day. It's a problem, I know.
I bought a new face wash last week and it smells so good I want to eat it. It's made by St. Ives, it's a green tea scrub, and it just smells delicious. Given the fact that it has that salicylic acid in it, I think I'll refrain.
I've been a little stressed lately, and given my personality (read: trait inheritance from my mother), I've been worrying as well. This morning as I was toiling and worrying, Bob Marley came on my Pandora station and told me "don't worry 'bout a thing, cause every little thing's gonna be alright." Coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not. Ironic? Yes. Just what I needed? Of course. It's funny how things happen like that at the moments you need them and it's also at times like that where I believe God is so real and present in my life. I couldn't really think of it being anything less.
You know, I've always wanted to succeed in life and do my very best and be happy. It's no different from anyone else, but for me, it's not wanting to make a mistake or a wrong decision, and almost a terrible fear of doing so. Have I before? Yes. Will I again? Most certainly. But recently, I've had to get past this fear, wrestling with myself regarding decisions and simply listen to my head and trust my heart.
Life is such a beautiful mess and all anyone tries to do is make it as neat and wonderful and poetic as possible. It's a mess because you go into something, you make a decision, and you never truly know what the outcome is going to be. You might have an idea, but you never know with absolute certainty, nor do you know what bumps or joys might come along the way. And it's beautiful because of those joys, the unexpected things that make you unexpectedly happy, the relationships you have with others, the love you share and are given, the moments you experience, and all that can bring complete happiness or earth shattering pain - but knowing that life continues on it's path, revealing and discovering more beauty as you move past what came before, joy or bump.
I think back to when life was simple - about age 0 to preteen/teen years - and that was bliss. They say ignorance is bliss, and I think it's largely true, unless you're being ignorant about something that you need to be responsible about, then you're being a deadbeat. But back as a kid, your biggest decision was choosing a purple or red popsicle (definitely red), whether you wanted to jump rope or swing or ride your bike, and whether to watch Barney or Sesame Street. Then it became decisions like whether or not to try out for the basketball team, whether to take chemistry or advanced placement chemistry, and then one of the most important, what college should I go to? In college, decisions whether to drink or not, rush a sorority, what you'll major in and what classes to take. From high school on, decisions have fluctuated from the minor ones to pretty significant life-direction ones. And now in this period of my life, I find myself making even more serious life changing decisions such as what job to take, where to live, should I charge that to my credit card? (Ok, the last one was to kind of lighten the mood, but it's still a decision). Ignorance was bliss. Back before we knew the complexities of the world and the chaos that is generally within, the responsibility of being an adult, and back when we chose to wear our light up sneakers instead of having to make a decision that will change life as you know it.
All I know is, in my short, just beginning age of 23, you can only make decisions based on what you know, what you believe is possible, what you believe is best, and what you believe will make your mess the most beautiful and you the happiest. Then after the decision is made, you have to hope for the best and be at peace with the decision you've made.
A very wise man, who will never be replaced in my heart and I cherish, influenced the above. He also told me that there is nothing that is permanent or cannot be changed except death, being pregnant/having kids, and probably taxes (ha, ha). I take that as just another part of the mess. If it's not so beautiful, things can be done to make it so.
I'm sure I'll make decisions and wonder "what if?" I already have done so with past decisions, and that's no doubt going to continue. But one decision I am certain of and will not wonder about: that I will make my decisions based on my desires, my dreams, and making my life the most beautiful.
Maybe the two (?) readers of my blog can take something away from this post. In any regard, it's been therapeutic to write.
Everything happens for a reason. And I have to believe the decision I just made is because of just that.
I bought a new face wash last week and it smells so good I want to eat it. It's made by St. Ives, it's a green tea scrub, and it just smells delicious. Given the fact that it has that salicylic acid in it, I think I'll refrain.
I've been a little stressed lately, and given my personality (read: trait inheritance from my mother), I've been worrying as well. This morning as I was toiling and worrying, Bob Marley came on my Pandora station and told me "don't worry 'bout a thing, cause every little thing's gonna be alright." Coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not. Ironic? Yes. Just what I needed? Of course. It's funny how things happen like that at the moments you need them and it's also at times like that where I believe God is so real and present in my life. I couldn't really think of it being anything less.
You know, I've always wanted to succeed in life and do my very best and be happy. It's no different from anyone else, but for me, it's not wanting to make a mistake or a wrong decision, and almost a terrible fear of doing so. Have I before? Yes. Will I again? Most certainly. But recently, I've had to get past this fear, wrestling with myself regarding decisions and simply listen to my head and trust my heart.
Life is such a beautiful mess and all anyone tries to do is make it as neat and wonderful and poetic as possible. It's a mess because you go into something, you make a decision, and you never truly know what the outcome is going to be. You might have an idea, but you never know with absolute certainty, nor do you know what bumps or joys might come along the way. And it's beautiful because of those joys, the unexpected things that make you unexpectedly happy, the relationships you have with others, the love you share and are given, the moments you experience, and all that can bring complete happiness or earth shattering pain - but knowing that life continues on it's path, revealing and discovering more beauty as you move past what came before, joy or bump.
I think back to when life was simple - about age 0 to preteen/teen years - and that was bliss. They say ignorance is bliss, and I think it's largely true, unless you're being ignorant about something that you need to be responsible about, then you're being a deadbeat. But back as a kid, your biggest decision was choosing a purple or red popsicle (definitely red), whether you wanted to jump rope or swing or ride your bike, and whether to watch Barney or Sesame Street. Then it became decisions like whether or not to try out for the basketball team, whether to take chemistry or advanced placement chemistry, and then one of the most important, what college should I go to? In college, decisions whether to drink or not, rush a sorority, what you'll major in and what classes to take. From high school on, decisions have fluctuated from the minor ones to pretty significant life-direction ones. And now in this period of my life, I find myself making even more serious life changing decisions such as what job to take, where to live, should I charge that to my credit card? (Ok, the last one was to kind of lighten the mood, but it's still a decision). Ignorance was bliss. Back before we knew the complexities of the world and the chaos that is generally within, the responsibility of being an adult, and back when we chose to wear our light up sneakers instead of having to make a decision that will change life as you know it.
All I know is, in my short, just beginning age of 23, you can only make decisions based on what you know, what you believe is possible, what you believe is best, and what you believe will make your mess the most beautiful and you the happiest. Then after the decision is made, you have to hope for the best and be at peace with the decision you've made.
A very wise man, who will never be replaced in my heart and I cherish, influenced the above. He also told me that there is nothing that is permanent or cannot be changed except death, being pregnant/having kids, and probably taxes (ha, ha). I take that as just another part of the mess. If it's not so beautiful, things can be done to make it so.
I'm sure I'll make decisions and wonder "what if?" I already have done so with past decisions, and that's no doubt going to continue. But one decision I am certain of and will not wonder about: that I will make my decisions based on my desires, my dreams, and making my life the most beautiful.
Maybe the two (?) readers of my blog can take something away from this post. In any regard, it's been therapeutic to write.
Everything happens for a reason. And I have to believe the decision I just made is because of just that.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Commence The Binge Eating
Uh oh.
I bought. A bag. Of Twizzlers.
And times that by two...
They were on sale, ok?! Two for 3 bucks! The little sign said I'd save $2.58 if I bought two. $2.58! Had to get them.
Let the Twizzler binge eating begin! I'm stressed, ok?
I also maybe might of bought two bags of delightful trail mix as well. Also 2 for 3 bucks. Had to.
I might note that it's never a good idea to shop for food when you're hungry. Case and point.
Also, I want to know where the nice spring weather went. You know, last month when it was all nice and all I wanted to do was move my office outside and enjoy the weather minus the allergies, I just had this twinge that disappointment would come. And that feeling didn't disappoint. I thought April showers were supposed to bring May flowers... nothing about May showers there.
I bought. A bag. Of Twizzlers.
And times that by two...
They were on sale, ok?! Two for 3 bucks! The little sign said I'd save $2.58 if I bought two. $2.58! Had to get them.
Let the Twizzler binge eating begin! I'm stressed, ok?
I also maybe might of bought two bags of delightful trail mix as well. Also 2 for 3 bucks. Had to.
I might note that it's never a good idea to shop for food when you're hungry. Case and point.
Also, I want to know where the nice spring weather went. You know, last month when it was all nice and all I wanted to do was move my office outside and enjoy the weather minus the allergies, I just had this twinge that disappointment would come. And that feeling didn't disappoint. I thought April showers were supposed to bring May flowers... nothing about May showers there.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Lee's Hallelujah
So I decided to post the youtube video of Lee's performance last night, cause why not? And that way if my Dad or anyone else didn't see it, they can now. I should have included it in my first post today! Enjoy.
WATCH HERE
WATCH HERE
Farmer's Market
Ugh.
The Farmer's Market is back.
Normally, I would enjoy such things. And to be fair, I still do. But I don't enjoy when they park their LARGE trucks in front of my garage so I cannot get in and out of my apartment.
Some background: I live in downtown Springfield. Every Wednesday morning from the middle of May to October, they shut down a block or two of my street so local farmers can come bring their goodies to sell. It literally begins where the edge of my garage ends. This naturally causes problems. It still allows access for myself and other residents to go in and out, until someone decides "hmm, I'd like to unload my green beans and carrots right here," and parks their huge truck in front of the garage driveway, which happens frequently.
This morning, I was coming back from the gym around 7 a.m., so I was naturally not in the best of moods for multiple reasons, only to find as I turn around the corner that there's a large, moving sized white truck parked right in front of my garage entrance. I parked my car, asked around, found the guys responsible for the truck, and kindly asked them to move it because I needed to get into my place of residence. They were setting up their tent, and I got a pretty curt and unappreciated response from them. "Yeah, it'll be a few minutes." Umm, no buddy, now. I need to get inside, take a shower, and get ready to go to work. This is where I live. I mean, I didn't say that, but I was sure thinking it. And what added to my annoyance with this guy was that they didn't look like farmers... uh, at all. If they're all still there when I go home for lunch (and there better not be a truck blocking my garage), I'm gonna have to go walk past their booth and see exactly what they produce.
Whoever organizes/authorizes/oversees (or all of the above) this weekly event needs to better clarify and point out that my garage should not be blocked at ANY time. Seriously.
These farmers have beautiful stuff. When I was walking around to find the oh so lovely owners of the truck, I noticed very vibrant and pretty flowers, really fresh looking produce, and just all around good stuff. I will most certainly go buy some products. But please, don't inconvenience the people that live around there. Thank you.
On a happier note, did you watch American Idol last night?! Amazing. Love. Lee!
I feel bad for my Dad (because he and my Mom watch it too), and he came into town to have dinner with me because my Mom is in Maryland until the 29th, but he forgot to record it on the DVR. I hope he caught Lee's last performance though.
I voted ten times last night instead of the usual five like the past two weeks. I got my Mom to vote too, as she shares in the Lee love.
Go, Lee, go!
The Farmer's Market is back.
Normally, I would enjoy such things. And to be fair, I still do. But I don't enjoy when they park their LARGE trucks in front of my garage so I cannot get in and out of my apartment.
Some background: I live in downtown Springfield. Every Wednesday morning from the middle of May to October, they shut down a block or two of my street so local farmers can come bring their goodies to sell. It literally begins where the edge of my garage ends. This naturally causes problems. It still allows access for myself and other residents to go in and out, until someone decides "hmm, I'd like to unload my green beans and carrots right here," and parks their huge truck in front of the garage driveway, which happens frequently.
This morning, I was coming back from the gym around 7 a.m., so I was naturally not in the best of moods for multiple reasons, only to find as I turn around the corner that there's a large, moving sized white truck parked right in front of my garage entrance. I parked my car, asked around, found the guys responsible for the truck, and kindly asked them to move it because I needed to get into my place of residence. They were setting up their tent, and I got a pretty curt and unappreciated response from them. "Yeah, it'll be a few minutes." Umm, no buddy, now. I need to get inside, take a shower, and get ready to go to work. This is where I live. I mean, I didn't say that, but I was sure thinking it. And what added to my annoyance with this guy was that they didn't look like farmers... uh, at all. If they're all still there when I go home for lunch (and there better not be a truck blocking my garage), I'm gonna have to go walk past their booth and see exactly what they produce.
Whoever organizes/authorizes/oversees (or all of the above) this weekly event needs to better clarify and point out that my garage should not be blocked at ANY time. Seriously.
These farmers have beautiful stuff. When I was walking around to find the oh so lovely owners of the truck, I noticed very vibrant and pretty flowers, really fresh looking produce, and just all around good stuff. I will most certainly go buy some products. But please, don't inconvenience the people that live around there. Thank you.
On a happier note, did you watch American Idol last night?! Amazing. Love. Lee!
I feel bad for my Dad (because he and my Mom watch it too), and he came into town to have dinner with me because my Mom is in Maryland until the 29th, but he forgot to record it on the DVR. I hope he caught Lee's last performance though.
I voted ten times last night instead of the usual five like the past two weeks. I got my Mom to vote too, as she shares in the Lee love.
Go, Lee, go!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Anniversary and Birthday
Today marks the one year anniversary since I graduated from the fabulous University of Illinois. It really is hard to believe that it's been a year already. It feels like not long ago, I was just moving there, and now it's a year later since leaving there. Very bizarre. I still miss it there, and something tells me that I always will.
It's also my mommy's birthday! Happy Birthday, Mom! I truly hope your day is super fabulous and that you'll have many, MANY more wonderful days ahead! I'll never have trouble remembering my graduation date because it shares mom's birthday. Also interestingly enough, this post is the 62nd post I've done, which is how old my mom is today. Crazy ironic, right?!
In any regard, I decided to post a few pictures in honor of the one year anniversary.
Mariah (my adorable 2nd cousin) and I outside Assembly Hall after the ceremony.
Best friends: Whitney, me, and Erinn.
One of my fave pictures ever of the three of us - my 22nd birthday.
The Quad! Mandi, Stephanie, me, and Erinn - Stephanie's wedding.
Another fave - I loved football games, that's for sure!
It's also my mommy's birthday! Happy Birthday, Mom! I truly hope your day is super fabulous and that you'll have many, MANY more wonderful days ahead! I'll never have trouble remembering my graduation date because it shares mom's birthday. Also interestingly enough, this post is the 62nd post I've done, which is how old my mom is today. Crazy ironic, right?!
In any regard, I decided to post a few pictures in honor of the one year anniversary.
Mariah (my adorable 2nd cousin) and I outside Assembly Hall after the ceremony.
Best friends: Whitney, me, and Erinn. 
One of my fave pictures ever of the three of us - my 22nd birthday.
The Quad! Mandi, Stephanie, me, and Erinn - Stephanie's wedding.
Another fave - I loved football games, that's for sure!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Mount Prospect, I'm jealous of you!
It's Lee Dewyze Day in Mount Prospect, Illinois.
Needless to say, I wanna be there!
The Top 3 on A.I. go to their hometowns and do all sorts of activities, parades, concerts, etc. all while being filmed for the show next week. And Lee is there today, just a mere 3 hours away. But alas, I'm at work...
Yesterday was my Auntie's birthday and she's been in Decatur since last Friday, so I drove over there for the evening to have dinner with the whole fam. It was really nice to be with everyone, and I ate too much food of course.
Tonight: I go to AUSTIN! I'll be there until Sunday night. Very excited! I don't know if I'm more excited to see Tim, or more excited about the nice weather and all the good food I'm going to eat... (tee hee)
Now if this day could go by fast, and the weekend slow, that would be fab.
Needless to say, I wanna be there!
The Top 3 on A.I. go to their hometowns and do all sorts of activities, parades, concerts, etc. all while being filmed for the show next week. And Lee is there today, just a mere 3 hours away. But alas, I'm at work...
Yesterday was my Auntie's birthday and she's been in Decatur since last Friday, so I drove over there for the evening to have dinner with the whole fam. It was really nice to be with everyone, and I ate too much food of course.
Tonight: I go to AUSTIN! I'll be there until Sunday night. Very excited! I don't know if I'm more excited to see Tim, or more excited about the nice weather and all the good food I'm going to eat... (tee hee)
Now if this day could go by fast, and the weekend slow, that would be fab.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
In case you haven't heard...
An episode of American Idol FINALLY went the way I've wanted it to for at least 5 weeks now.
MICHAEL WENT HOME!
Now I know that sounds really mean of me, I know... he's got a little baby and it's so cute and I feel for him. BUT, when you love someone else and want them to win so bad and don't want anyone else messing it up and just flat out don't like Michael, you tend to feel this way.
So, PRAISE JESUS! Lee is safe. He's in the top three... and he better win!
I've been voting 5 times for him these past two weeks and I might up the ante next week!
You sing it, Lee! You little cutie, you!
MICHAEL WENT HOME!
Now I know that sounds really mean of me, I know... he's got a little baby and it's so cute and I feel for him. BUT, when you love someone else and want them to win so bad and don't want anyone else messing it up and just flat out don't like Michael, you tend to feel this way.
So, PRAISE JESUS! Lee is safe. He's in the top three... and he better win!
I've been voting 5 times for him these past two weeks and I might up the ante next week!
You sing it, Lee! You little cutie, you!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Photo Shot/Shop!
This... is what I do at work...
I get my picture taken! (while wearing the glasses that our staff photographer was given after his eye doctor appointment). Thought it was a cute photo and it reminds me of the fun that's had around here. Then he put it in photoshop and changed the color of my shirt so "it would better match with my coffee mug." Awesomeness.
I get my picture taken! (while wearing the glasses that our staff photographer was given after his eye doctor appointment). Thought it was a cute photo and it reminds me of the fun that's had around here. Then he put it in photoshop and changed the color of my shirt so "it would better match with my coffee mug." Awesomeness.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Watch Out - I'm Savin' Now!
I recently ordered a book from Amazon.com - They have this policy where if the price goes down from what you paid at the original purchase, they'll pay you the difference back, or something like that... anyway, I just received this email and I find it rather humorous:
Greetings from Amazon.com.
You saved $0.01 with Amazon.com's Pre-order Price Guarantee!
The price of the item(s) decreased after you ordered them, and we gave you the lowest price.
The following title(s) decreased in price:
Spoken from the Heart
Price on order date: $16.20
Price charged at shipping: $16.20
Lowest price before release date: $16.19
Amount to be refunded: $0.01
Quantity: 1
Total Savings: $0.01
You will receive an additional e-mail when this refund is processed.
I get... a penny. One cent will be paid back to my credit card account. I wonder what I'll do with that kind of money! I guess it is kind of a nice gesture/policy though. Who knows, sometimes it might be several pennies that are paid back!
Greetings from Amazon.com.
You saved $0.01 with Amazon.com's Pre-order Price Guarantee!
The price of the item(s) decreased after you ordered them, and we gave you the lowest price.
The following title(s) decreased in price:
Spoken from the Heart
Price on order date: $16.20
Price charged at shipping: $16.20
Lowest price before release date: $16.19
Amount to be refunded: $0.01
Quantity: 1
Total Savings: $0.01
You will receive an additional e-mail when this refund is processed.
I get... a penny. One cent will be paid back to my credit card account. I wonder what I'll do with that kind of money! I guess it is kind of a nice gesture/policy though. Who knows, sometimes it might be several pennies that are paid back!
LOST Tears!
LOST - I cried... yes, cried...
Major things happened and after 5, almost 6 seasons, you become invested in the characters and what happens to them. So I cried...
Two more episodes left and then the SERIES finale... another tear!
American Idol - 3 words: I. LOVE. LEE! (sorry, Tim)
He BETTER win!
That's all.
Major things happened and after 5, almost 6 seasons, you become invested in the characters and what happens to them. So I cried...
Two more episodes left and then the SERIES finale... another tear!
American Idol - 3 words: I. LOVE. LEE! (sorry, Tim)
He BETTER win!
That's all.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Shows, Books, and Chapters
"Your dreams and desires are not subject to anyone else's approval."
I went home to Decatur this weekend. The volume of work the Senate had completed in the week was greater than anticipated, and the weekend session was canceled. Ok by me, and still no budget has been passed, but hey - that's alright if we're billions and debt and will continue to go further into it, right? Anyway, my parents had these tickets to a variety show - a little date night for them. They were going to go to dinner and then to the show, just the two of them, but then I decided to crash it. I didn't really want to sit at their house by myself while they were out, and to be fair, they invited me! So I went to this show with them, and some of it was funny, some of it I couldn't wait for it to be over, but it really made me start to think. When I was younger, I did theater, and as I sat there, I felt a strong desire to get back into it. I'm not the singing/dancing kind of theater person, but more of the drama and comedy stuff. I think I would really enjoy it. It would challenge me in many ways, I would meet new people, and it would force me to step out of my comfort zone. I'll have to think about it a little more, who knows if I'm any good and if I'd be cast, but I like the idea of it a lot as I picture it in my head. I can just see me now...
I've recently been bitten by the reading bug. I enjoy reading and said to myself that after college, I wanted to do a lot of it. Since then, I've probably read six or eight books. Not that many really. But I'm currently reading one, and I've got three others lined up behind that one. Let's see how long I can carry this on for.
I'd like to say for the record, and I'm sure this is on the record elsewhere, but I miss college. I've enjoyed moving on since and becoming a part of the "real world," but there's nothing like college. I was in Champaign last night to help out with a sorority ceremony, and each time I drive back into that area, nostalgia hits hard. The atmosphere and culture that was UIUC for me was a belonging that I appreciated then, but now it has taken on a whole new meaning. I'm still a part of it, but what happened then during those four years cannot happen again. The weirdest thing is that it's all a blur. One thing lapses into another and then that leads to another memory and another. I love it. I love looking back and remembering all these random times, and some of them not realizing how much fun they were at the time, but now thinking "wow, that was a blast" and cherishing them as my memories. I never took those years for granted, but it's almost like I'd like to get them back, so I can appreciate them even more than I did then and take way more pictures than I already did.
But that was then, and this is now. I cannot do my experience enough justice with words, but I am blessed and grateful for what I was allowed to experience there in C-U during my time. That was one chapter of my life that has been written, edited, and printed. And as it approaches my first anniversary of being a college graduate, I look forward to completing another chapter and anxiously await all the other unwritten chapters that are waiting to be penned in my book.
I went home to Decatur this weekend. The volume of work the Senate had completed in the week was greater than anticipated, and the weekend session was canceled. Ok by me, and still no budget has been passed, but hey - that's alright if we're billions and debt and will continue to go further into it, right? Anyway, my parents had these tickets to a variety show - a little date night for them. They were going to go to dinner and then to the show, just the two of them, but then I decided to crash it. I didn't really want to sit at their house by myself while they were out, and to be fair, they invited me! So I went to this show with them, and some of it was funny, some of it I couldn't wait for it to be over, but it really made me start to think. When I was younger, I did theater, and as I sat there, I felt a strong desire to get back into it. I'm not the singing/dancing kind of theater person, but more of the drama and comedy stuff. I think I would really enjoy it. It would challenge me in many ways, I would meet new people, and it would force me to step out of my comfort zone. I'll have to think about it a little more, who knows if I'm any good and if I'd be cast, but I like the idea of it a lot as I picture it in my head. I can just see me now...
I've recently been bitten by the reading bug. I enjoy reading and said to myself that after college, I wanted to do a lot of it. Since then, I've probably read six or eight books. Not that many really. But I'm currently reading one, and I've got three others lined up behind that one. Let's see how long I can carry this on for.
I'd like to say for the record, and I'm sure this is on the record elsewhere, but I miss college. I've enjoyed moving on since and becoming a part of the "real world," but there's nothing like college. I was in Champaign last night to help out with a sorority ceremony, and each time I drive back into that area, nostalgia hits hard. The atmosphere and culture that was UIUC for me was a belonging that I appreciated then, but now it has taken on a whole new meaning. I'm still a part of it, but what happened then during those four years cannot happen again. The weirdest thing is that it's all a blur. One thing lapses into another and then that leads to another memory and another. I love it. I love looking back and remembering all these random times, and some of them not realizing how much fun they were at the time, but now thinking "wow, that was a blast" and cherishing them as my memories. I never took those years for granted, but it's almost like I'd like to get them back, so I can appreciate them even more than I did then and take way more pictures than I already did.
But that was then, and this is now. I cannot do my experience enough justice with words, but I am blessed and grateful for what I was allowed to experience there in C-U during my time. That was one chapter of my life that has been written, edited, and printed. And as it approaches my first anniversary of being a college graduate, I look forward to completing another chapter and anxiously await all the other unwritten chapters that are waiting to be penned in my book.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Baby Louis
I came into work today and read some really great entertainment news: Sandra Bullock adopted a baby from New Orleans!
It's all over the news and in addition to adopting this little boy, she also filed for divorce in Austin. Apparently, the adoption has been years in the making and they've had the baby since before the Oscars - I believe January! What a secret to keep!
That's obviously also before all the horrible things surfaced with her husband. It leaves me completely speechless to think about all that. I mean, hello! You had Sandra Bullock! I keep thinking back to her Oscar speech and how in love she sounded thanking him among others. How devastating to have a life with someone you think you knew and then it just be changed in an instant, and this has hit me personally as well. But now she's moving on with this little cute bundle of joy to love and cherish. She looks so beautiful and has pure joy written all over her face as she's pictured with baby Louis on the cover of People. All I can say is that Sandra Bullock is nothing short of a class act. I've always been a fan of hers (Miss Congeniality, come on!), and now she's definitely at the top. She's a role model and the grace and strength she has shown during her tough times is inspiring. I wish her all the best with her precious little baby Louis and look forward to many more of her movies!
I've been going to the gym in the morning, waking up just as the sun is, at 6:15. I've found it to be much easier for me to get through my workout and then extremely nice to be able to just go home after work and be a couch potato. I've kind of made a little friend with an older gentleman that works there. He's super nice and will always ask me how I'm doing. Once I asked him if there was any other way to pay for parking other than the stupid tokens they have, and he was like "no, there's not - it's annoying, isn't it?" And I said, "yeah, it really is" to which he opened the drawer and gave me a handful of the tokens. I'm not in the best moods in the morning because 1) I'm up super early and 2) I'm at the gym, so it's nice for him to be friendly to me as I drag myself into the Y.
If you know me and my routine, you know that I watch American Idol. I got a little frustrated with it last night. I guess to start off with, I don't care for Michael Lynche - at all. I don't really care for Siobhan that much either, and both of them got raves last night. Was I listening to something else? Even Simon thought they were both wonderful. My goodness... Michael just gets on my nerves, and his voice just sounds so whiny and nasally and just not good. Siobhan, I go back and forth with her, but mostly back to dislike. Favorite by far is Lee. I pray he wins. I don't vote, but I might start as it gets closer and closer. With that said, I have no idea who will be going home tonight, but it makes me nervous because "everyone" (in the opinion of the judges) had a really good performance. Another great thing about the episode last night, possibly the best thing - Shania Twain was the mentor and all the songs were hers! She's so beautiful, and classy, and timeless and an icon in her own right. Man, back in 1995/1996, I would blast her CD! I still love her songs, and after last night, I might have to go on a massive search for her CD's to see if I still have them. If I do, they're undoubtedly somewhere in the basement of my parents house, but if after my scavenger hunt I don't find them - iTunes, here I come!
Also, today marks one year since Tim and I "became official" I guess you would say. All long distance as well, and despite it being difficult at times, we're still goin' strong!
It's all over the news and in addition to adopting this little boy, she also filed for divorce in Austin. Apparently, the adoption has been years in the making and they've had the baby since before the Oscars - I believe January! What a secret to keep!
That's obviously also before all the horrible things surfaced with her husband. It leaves me completely speechless to think about all that. I mean, hello! You had Sandra Bullock! I keep thinking back to her Oscar speech and how in love she sounded thanking him among others. How devastating to have a life with someone you think you knew and then it just be changed in an instant, and this has hit me personally as well. But now she's moving on with this little cute bundle of joy to love and cherish. She looks so beautiful and has pure joy written all over her face as she's pictured with baby Louis on the cover of People. All I can say is that Sandra Bullock is nothing short of a class act. I've always been a fan of hers (Miss Congeniality, come on!), and now she's definitely at the top. She's a role model and the grace and strength she has shown during her tough times is inspiring. I wish her all the best with her precious little baby Louis and look forward to many more of her movies!
I've been going to the gym in the morning, waking up just as the sun is, at 6:15. I've found it to be much easier for me to get through my workout and then extremely nice to be able to just go home after work and be a couch potato. I've kind of made a little friend with an older gentleman that works there. He's super nice and will always ask me how I'm doing. Once I asked him if there was any other way to pay for parking other than the stupid tokens they have, and he was like "no, there's not - it's annoying, isn't it?" And I said, "yeah, it really is" to which he opened the drawer and gave me a handful of the tokens. I'm not in the best moods in the morning because 1) I'm up super early and 2) I'm at the gym, so it's nice for him to be friendly to me as I drag myself into the Y.
If you know me and my routine, you know that I watch American Idol. I got a little frustrated with it last night. I guess to start off with, I don't care for Michael Lynche - at all. I don't really care for Siobhan that much either, and both of them got raves last night. Was I listening to something else? Even Simon thought they were both wonderful. My goodness... Michael just gets on my nerves, and his voice just sounds so whiny and nasally and just not good. Siobhan, I go back and forth with her, but mostly back to dislike. Favorite by far is Lee. I pray he wins. I don't vote, but I might start as it gets closer and closer. With that said, I have no idea who will be going home tonight, but it makes me nervous because "everyone" (in the opinion of the judges) had a really good performance. Another great thing about the episode last night, possibly the best thing - Shania Twain was the mentor and all the songs were hers! She's so beautiful, and classy, and timeless and an icon in her own right. Man, back in 1995/1996, I would blast her CD! I still love her songs, and after last night, I might have to go on a massive search for her CD's to see if I still have them. If I do, they're undoubtedly somewhere in the basement of my parents house, but if after my scavenger hunt I don't find them - iTunes, here I come!
Also, today marks one year since Tim and I "became official" I guess you would say. All long distance as well, and despite it being difficult at times, we're still goin' strong!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Space Jam
If you know me well, you know that I'm not a fan of the NBA. I think it used to be great. Except now I feel like it's so much of a show... a dunk show, to be specific. I prefer actually watching basketball where there is hard, legitimate defense being played, and I just don't see that anymore with the NBA.
In any regard, you may or may not know that the NBA playoffs are going on right now. When I've gone to the gym these past two mornings, ESPN has been on the television, forcing me to watch sports highlights as I push myself through my 30-min workout. On one highlight, the Cavs are playing the Bulls, which from the highlights appeared to me as LeBron James playing the Bulls. James had some 37 or 38 points in that game with two buzzer shots from way behind the 3-point line, one almost near half court. The highlights just showed dunk after shot after dunk after shot of his, and I have to say, it was pretty amazing.
Again, I don't care for the NBA nor will I sit down and say "hmm, I want to watch the NBA playoffs" and turn to that channel, but James was impressive... and entertaining. It was like "did he just do that?!" and the answer was yes. I guess I'll take my dose of the NBA in the ESPN morning highlights and nothing more.
(The title of this post - who doesn't love the movie "Space Jam"?! I know I did back in the '90s!)
In any regard, you may or may not know that the NBA playoffs are going on right now. When I've gone to the gym these past two mornings, ESPN has been on the television, forcing me to watch sports highlights as I push myself through my 30-min workout. On one highlight, the Cavs are playing the Bulls, which from the highlights appeared to me as LeBron James playing the Bulls. James had some 37 or 38 points in that game with two buzzer shots from way behind the 3-point line, one almost near half court. The highlights just showed dunk after shot after dunk after shot of his, and I have to say, it was pretty amazing.
Again, I don't care for the NBA nor will I sit down and say "hmm, I want to watch the NBA playoffs" and turn to that channel, but James was impressive... and entertaining. It was like "did he just do that?!" and the answer was yes. I guess I'll take my dose of the NBA in the ESPN morning highlights and nothing more.
(The title of this post - who doesn't love the movie "Space Jam"?! I know I did back in the '90s!)
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Tax Day
"In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem. From time to time we've been tempted to believe that society has become too complex to be managed by self-rule, that government by an elite group is superior to government for, by, and of the people. Well, if no one among us is capable of governing himself, then who among us has the capacity to govern someone else? All of us together, in and out of government, must bear the burden."
-President Ronald Reagan, 1981 Inauguration speech
I figured 15 days into April would be about time that I post something for the first time this month. That and my Mom posted on my Facebook wall that I needed a new post. Thanks Mom.
Today is tax day. The day where the deadline is set for you to claim your money and give a sizable portion of it to the government. Each year it just reminds me how much I'd rather keep more of my money.
I posted this quote because I am reminded so much, working in state government and reading national news, how much my generation is one of no personal/individual responsibility.
For example, an article by a woman named Phyllis Schlafly said this: "Income tax day, April 15, 2010, now divides Americans into two almost equal classes: those who pay for the services provided by government and the freeloaders. The percentage of Americans who will pay no federal income taxes at all for 2009 has risen to 47 percent. That isn't the worst of it. The bottom 40 percent not only pay no income tax, but the government sends them cash or benefits financed by the taxes dutifully paid by those who do pay income tax."
How lovely.
The generation before me, my generation, and undoubtedly generations to come have been and will be bred to have no incentive to work and earn money on their own. Their attitude: government will take care of me.
It makes me absolutely sick.
I understand that there are some who legitimately need assistance from government, and that's fine. But we are now dancing on a very, very fine line of giving money from those who have it to those who do not. I'm all for helping others, but we're not just helping those who need it, we're starting to help everyone else too at the expense of the money that I and many others make getting up every morning and having responsibility in life. The statistics are astounding. And our society cannot function or be sustained running on this sort of policy. Plain and simple.
I understand that the job market is tough, believe me. But there is work to be found out there. No, it may not be a career or even that glamorous, but it's out there.
It is probably one of my greatest wishes for society that my generation and those that follow will decide to take pride in themselves and their future. That they assume individual responsibility for what they have and not accept mediocrity. That we become a generation that helps solve our national issues, not worsen them over time.
Happy Tax Day everyone.
-President Ronald Reagan, 1981 Inauguration speech
I figured 15 days into April would be about time that I post something for the first time this month. That and my Mom posted on my Facebook wall that I needed a new post. Thanks Mom.
Today is tax day. The day where the deadline is set for you to claim your money and give a sizable portion of it to the government. Each year it just reminds me how much I'd rather keep more of my money.
I posted this quote because I am reminded so much, working in state government and reading national news, how much my generation is one of no personal/individual responsibility.
For example, an article by a woman named Phyllis Schlafly said this: "Income tax day, April 15, 2010, now divides Americans into two almost equal classes: those who pay for the services provided by government and the freeloaders. The percentage of Americans who will pay no federal income taxes at all for 2009 has risen to 47 percent. That isn't the worst of it. The bottom 40 percent not only pay no income tax, but the government sends them cash or benefits financed by the taxes dutifully paid by those who do pay income tax."
How lovely.
The generation before me, my generation, and undoubtedly generations to come have been and will be bred to have no incentive to work and earn money on their own. Their attitude: government will take care of me.
It makes me absolutely sick.
I understand that there are some who legitimately need assistance from government, and that's fine. But we are now dancing on a very, very fine line of giving money from those who have it to those who do not. I'm all for helping others, but we're not just helping those who need it, we're starting to help everyone else too at the expense of the money that I and many others make getting up every morning and having responsibility in life. The statistics are astounding. And our society cannot function or be sustained running on this sort of policy. Plain and simple.
I understand that the job market is tough, believe me. But there is work to be found out there. No, it may not be a career or even that glamorous, but it's out there.
It is probably one of my greatest wishes for society that my generation and those that follow will decide to take pride in themselves and their future. That they assume individual responsibility for what they have and not accept mediocrity. That we become a generation that helps solve our national issues, not worsen them over time.
Happy Tax Day everyone.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Spring Has Sprung
It is Be.A.UUUUUtiful outside! Thank. GOODNESS!
This is the type of weather I am talking about. I want to move my office outside and just soak up the sun and the refreshing breeze. Please?
If only...
Spring is just so amazing... it truly is the season of new life. Today, there are tons of people walking around, eating lunch outside, etc. Not only does nature come alive again, but so does the rest of civilization! It's such a great feeling and it is a total and complete mood changer.
Spring - you are very, very, VERY welcome in my book. Thanks for finally deciding to show up.
Adios long and depressing winter!
Oh, and Spring - if you decide to go away and revert back to coldness, I will not be pleased.
This is the type of weather I am talking about. I want to move my office outside and just soak up the sun and the refreshing breeze. Please?
If only...
Spring is just so amazing... it truly is the season of new life. Today, there are tons of people walking around, eating lunch outside, etc. Not only does nature come alive again, but so does the rest of civilization! It's such a great feeling and it is a total and complete mood changer.
Spring - you are very, very, VERY welcome in my book. Thanks for finally deciding to show up.
Adios long and depressing winter!
Oh, and Spring - if you decide to go away and revert back to coldness, I will not be pleased.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Elevators
I've always felt that elevators are a little awkward. I mean, not usually if you're riding them with someone you know, but if you happen to get in one with people say, at your workplace or in your apartment building that you don't know, they can be a little uncomfortable.
Do you talk? Do you smile and say hello? Both? I'll usually at least smile and say hi... but there's one thing I've noticed. Almost every single time, without fail, if you start talking, it's something about the weather.
It's happened to me both at work and in my apartment building, and on multiple occasions. I went home for my lunch break today and a FedEx man was delivering something to someone. We got into the elevator and no sooner did that door close, he said to me, "It's a nice day finally" (or something along those lines), to which I replied, "Yeah, it's not bad. I'd like it to be a little warmer, but I'll take what I can get." And that was it. He got to the second floor and said "Have a nice day", I said "You too." Weird.
Maybe it's just me that feels elevators are awkward. That wouldn't really surprise me, but I hope you can at least relate to experiencing the often-resorted-to-talking-about-the-weather elevator conversation once or twice in your life.
Do you talk? Do you smile and say hello? Both? I'll usually at least smile and say hi... but there's one thing I've noticed. Almost every single time, without fail, if you start talking, it's something about the weather.
It's happened to me both at work and in my apartment building, and on multiple occasions. I went home for my lunch break today and a FedEx man was delivering something to someone. We got into the elevator and no sooner did that door close, he said to me, "It's a nice day finally" (or something along those lines), to which I replied, "Yeah, it's not bad. I'd like it to be a little warmer, but I'll take what I can get." And that was it. He got to the second floor and said "Have a nice day", I said "You too." Weird.
Maybe it's just me that feels elevators are awkward. That wouldn't really surprise me, but I hope you can at least relate to experiencing the often-resorted-to-talking-about-the-weather elevator conversation once or twice in your life.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Where A Kid Can Be A Kid
Last night... I discovered... the Springfield... Chuck-E-Cheese!
Whitney is here, she drove down from Chicago last night, and on the way to dinner at D'Arcys, I noticed it for the first time. We got on a little conversation on how that place seriously never changes. When I was growing up in Maryland, there was one we went to all the time. They had those anamated, automatic robot characters up there that would come alive every so often and do little songs that would entrance the little kids (myself included, when I was a kid) and the kids would be-bop around. Before my cousin, Shelly, moved here to Central Illinois and I visited her and her kids in Maryland, we went to one for lunch. Nothing had changed from my fragile 5-year-old memory of the land "where a kid can be a kid." Nothing. The characters were the exact same, in the exact same positions on the stage, and they might have been doing the exact same songs. Talk about consistency and maintaining the status quo. And furthermore, the characters looked like they very well could have been the same ones there 15 plus years ago.
Rock on, Chuck-E-Cheese, rock on.
Whitney is here, she drove down from Chicago last night, and on the way to dinner at D'Arcys, I noticed it for the first time. We got on a little conversation on how that place seriously never changes. When I was growing up in Maryland, there was one we went to all the time. They had those anamated, automatic robot characters up there that would come alive every so often and do little songs that would entrance the little kids (myself included, when I was a kid) and the kids would be-bop around. Before my cousin, Shelly, moved here to Central Illinois and I visited her and her kids in Maryland, we went to one for lunch. Nothing had changed from my fragile 5-year-old memory of the land "where a kid can be a kid." Nothing. The characters were the exact same, in the exact same positions on the stage, and they might have been doing the exact same songs. Talk about consistency and maintaining the status quo. And furthermore, the characters looked like they very well could have been the same ones there 15 plus years ago.
Rock on, Chuck-E-Cheese, rock on.
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