The Power of Imagination

When someone says imagination, what do you immediately think of? A castle with fire breathing demons and fairies flocking to the skies? Perhaps the word imagination is nothing more than a term you've coined as a fictional tale that inhabits our mind. A figment of our dreams that seems to make their way to our conscious once we awake in the morning but dissolves by lunch.

But what if this word, this concept of imagination, followed you outside the confines of your front door and lead you into your daily routine... Not instead of the logical, for this logic is necessary to perform tasks that make us functional beings, of course. Tasks like figuring out how to be on time, watching for traffic when crossing the street, budgeting our funds to support our lifestyles.

No... Imagination doesn't have to mean conjuring up a thought of distant and unreachable realities. Take a step into the minds of some of the best imagineers...

An engineer imagined a place where we could escape to so we may revive the inner child we house inside our hearts. He imagined a mouse... or rather, a sense of tangible magic that we could share in order to make our lives more connected in whimsical spirit. He imagined, and so he did...

A man imagined a world of peace and acceptance. He dreamed of equality, happiness, and a world of diminished hatred. He stood up in front of our nation, he stood up in front of the world... and shared his dreams to the masses. He imagined, and so he did...

An author worked in a coffee shop, imagining a world of witches and wizards. This world in her mind made its way to paper in order to teach us "muggles" of our own struggles between good and evil- hatred succumbing to the power of love and friendship. She imagined, and so she did...

Imagination doesn't have to be a concept of fairytales, wishes, and dreams. We, as humans, have been given the mechanics within our minds to create a world among our own in order to teach, inspire, and share. And what a waste it would be to let this power that lies in each and every one of us fade away to the dismal logistics of our conforming world. Imagine a world where imagination lead the way to our future... What is on your mind this morning? What are you imagining for tomorrow?

Oh how colorful the horizon could be if we only utilized the paints of our heart. May we never forget the power of imagination...

Momma Knows Best

A simple saying as we go into the Thanksgiving Holiday...

My mom sat down with me tonight before heading to bed and cupped my hands in her lap. I felt like a toddler on the verge of crying over spilt milk in the kindergarten lunch room. I saw her through tear-stained eyes as she said this...

"Your job is just your job. But your life is your life. Make sure you know which matters more and you'll find everything else falls into place."

Isn't it crazy, how no matter how old you get- your momma always knows best.

Getting lost in the craziness of my quarter-life-crisis seems to be all too apparent lately. But one thing is for sure... it's the holiday season which means it's time to evaluate the past and prepare for your future. But most importantly, relish in all you have in the present and give thanks to the grace of God for getting you here.

I miss my best friend who is in El Salvador- she will not be present at our annual Turkey Trot tradition for the first time in 6 years. I miss her so much, my heart hurts. I just got word that other plans I had for the future are no more, and that the significance I previously held in what I thought were priorities are now merely dissolving options... My heart is heavy, but that must mean it's full.

I need to remember... a job is just a job. A bad day is just a bad day. But this life is my life. It keeps going, and we make it all the way until the end. Better make it the best it can be while we can...

The Little Red Tree

One of the greatest hurdles I've had to overcome (and still tackle daily) is the fact that I am no longer within a reasonable driving distance from my family. Perhaps it's the holiday season approaching, or the fact that I moved to the city where the majority of my friends (new and old) are from... seeing them with the option to spend weeknights and weekends with loved ones only reminds me of the time I wish I could spend with mine. Either or... this girl is homesick.

One of the greatest joys of autumn in my hometown is the little red tree that sits outside of our home...
Every single year for about a week or less, it sheds its leaves for the fall... only after they turn the most violent red that blindsides you as you drive past. One day almost 16 years ago as I hopped off the bus, my awkward pigeon toed frame walked hand  in hand with my mom as I explained the poetry contest I wanted to enter at my school. The prompt was, "When I turn around I see..." but I couldn't think of anything grand enough to satisfy my tiny mind in the creative process.

My mom stopped me at my drive way, covered my eyes, and spun me around right on the spot- and when she released her hand from above my nose, the little red tree sat there in all its glory. I wrote about that tree, won third at the state level, and forever more held an inanimate plant so close to my heart, it soon became a tradition to admire its beautiful metamorphosis. This tree may not hold much significance to many on Winpenny, but to my family, it will always be the tree that inspired a blonde haired 6-year-old to write a poem that eventually turned into a passion for writing...

While texting with my dad the other night, he sent me two pictures of the little red tree, explaining that the weather had been see-sawing this fall and the tree just didn't get its normal shade of vibrant red this year.

He continued on to say that it may just be because it is growing up, much like his little girl. Needless to say, my heart began to hurt as I turned off my phone for the night and the homesickness grew on. Closing my eyes, I began praying to God to give me strength to persevere until I can return home for the holidays next month... After the little red tree shed all of its color and its magic was long gone.

Yesterday, as I was walking home from a long Monday at work, the pang in my heart returned... but not because of the sadness brought on by the longing to be back in MD... but for the surprise that greeted me outside of my apartment...

The brightest of all reds swayed in the wind and a familiar rustle wafted on the breeze. I snapped a picture and sent it to my parents, tears in my eyes...

Looks like God knew if I couldn't physically make it back home, he could provide a little bit of home to me. This little reminder that his warmth and sense of comfort in the traditions and beauty that surrounds us was exactly the kind of the strength I needed. And as my dad reminded me with his response... God's fingerprints are everywhere.

A Letter to Me... Part II *What is a Career?*

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Dear 18 year old self,

Me again. You know what I was thinking this morning as I was writing this letter to you? This is sort of like the episode of the office when Jim sends Dwight faxes “from the future”… One of your favorite episodes.  By the way, on this day, October 18^th, 2008…. DON’T DRINK THE COFFEE! You’ll thank me later…

Speaking of the office, I wish to send you a letter to better prepare you for the working world and the adventures you’ll embark on in order to find your calling. I can’t even tell you what your career is and what you’re working towards. Really, it’s impossible for me to do so because I am ((almost)) in as much of the dark right now as you are at the age of 18. But this is not a bad thing… and here’s why-

You will hold multiple jobs throughout the next five years. You will work in several restaurants as anything from a baker to a barista. You’ll also be an office assistant, PR coordinator, intern, event manager, data analyst and advertising consultant. These will all be short-lived positions, but all of them will offer the opportunity to learn what you like to do day-to-day and what you do not. Don’t get frustrated if you fail at one of them (I won’t tell you which) because this will show you that you are better suited for a position that will open more doors to the people you want to surround yourself with, the work you wish to pursue in the long run, and the freedom to produce the crops of your heart.

Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s when it comes to pursuing the right major in college or your overall career after graduation. Each and every single person you meet will experience set-backs and moments of doubt about what they wish to be in the working world. It’s the people who experiment with multiple majors, consider numerous career paths, or juggle several jobs at one time that will gain a wealth of knowledge about what’s out there and the kind of person they are hoping to become. Go to them for advice when you need it. And by the way- your undergraduate major does not decide what you will be doing right after college nor does it define your career. But- make sure you use your time wisely and choose to study what you enjoy while you have the resources to.

One thing I did not do that I wish I did (and I beg of you to consider now while you can)- go abroad while in school. I’m sitting here at the age of 23 and I still have yet to go to a Spanish speaking country like I wished for in high school. Your brother did it, and you should too. Learn diverse cultures, adapt to differences so they are no longer differences but instead- valuable perspectives, and contemplate how you can transfer your understanding to others so they may too wish to close the gap on prejudice anywhere you go. You’ll know people who DID go abroad and they will always tell you this was something they will never regret.

Remember that money isn’t everything when it comes to your first job out of college. Here’s a shocker- the economy is hardly getting better, and this will make things challenging for you and your classmates. For the time being, apply for internships and don’t be discouraged if you work for less than you expect when starting off. Hands on experience in something you love for less income will bring you more wealth and feed your overall contentment. Don’t settle for a job that provides a fat paycheck only to pay for material things that suppress your unhappiness in that position. If you are afraid of only one thing- find fear in becoming unhappy- this fear will push you to be optimistic and driven towards your greatest capabilities- especially in the workforce.

Ban negativity from your everyday conversations- with others and with yourself. Complaining never got anyone anywhere- and in a world where time can make the difference between succeeding and receding- choose the path to higher ground, climb like hell, and don’t look back. Like mentioned in my first letter, the tougher classes and job positions will lend way to a more enjoyable and understandable horizon of opportunity.

Work hard, strive to yield results you can take pride in, and take every opportunity offered to you to learn something new. And if none of this seems relevant to you today… remember one thing- DON’T DRINK THE COFFEE!

Love, Future Dwight
M

A Letter to Me... Part I

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Dear 18 year old me,

I know this must be strange, receiving a letter from yourself at the age of 23. No, this isn’t a school assignment (you’ve been out of school now for 2 years, by the way) and no, I’m not sitting lonely in an empty apartment with 14 cats scratching at my bedpost. You still hate cats.

I am writing this to you on an idle Wednesday morning. I am sitting in my cubical at work in Charlotte, staring at 32 unread emails and drinking coffee. It’s almost the holidays and I’m thinking of what to be for Halloween. But most importantly, on my walk into work this morning, I was thinking about the past five years and how much things have changed. How much I’ve grown, how much I’ve learned, how much I have obtained and how much I have lost. I will be writing you four letters of reflection and advice, and this is the first-

Love your family with all of your heart. You already do this, I know, and you will continue to do this until this day. Your family will go through hard times in the next few years. You all make it through only BECAUSE of the love and support you carry for each other. And NEVER take them for granted.

Don’t be afraid to get excited about the little things. Celebrate Halloween with silly costumes, not "sexy" ones. Run the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot with your friends and don’t be afraid to jog slow. Get up early to see the sunrise on the beach before class (Yes, you go to school at the beach). Take up surfing, and go outside in the many snow storms you are to experience.  Talk to friends on the phone when you can and listen to what your parents have to say when they call you. Go to concerts that you REALLY want to go to, pay the extra $5 for that peppermint mocha on a cold December day. These little things will make up a big part of your character, and therefore, the course of your life. No matter how inconsequential the task may seem, if it makes you smile- DO IT.

Before you graduate high school, thank Mrs. Jones for all of the Spanish lessons she taught you. True, she seems very strict and makes the class almost “impossible” to comprehend sometimes, but I promise you- you will go into college knowing more than you think and do better than you ever would have with any other teacher. She was a tough cookie- but sometimes that makes for the sweetest rewards.  Also, thank Mrs. Tringali. Sure, she made you read about a book a week for five months and your hand cramped more than you would like to admit from all of the essays (and rewrites) she required, but you are seriously ahead of the game come college and she deserves a lot of recognition for your future success. It's the toughest classes that make the road ahead smoother to travel to your preferred destination.

Read a book a month.

crdt

Write a poem every day when you find the time. Strive to gain knowledge in every nook and cranny of the library that you can. I am not a novelist, I am not even in the publishing business, but I am telling you now- keep up your writing and strive to use your passions for your success. You love to write! And although you don’t believe it now, you are very good at it. It is your strongest asset and so much of your creativity rests in your fingertips.

Have a passion. Don’t go through life thinking that all things come to those who wander. Find a passion, work hard to allow this passion to provide for your life. If you allow this to happen sooner than later, this won’t be your work, it’ll be your wealth. You will have friends who have done this for far longer than you have and you will envy their happiness every once and a while. You are happy and successful today, by the way- but at 23, you know you’re only on the cusp of something great. Don’t let it just sit on the shelf and gather dust as you sit on your computer browsing Facebook (a social media site better than Myspace that you WILL spend too much time on). 

Hold your morals and values. They are what make you unique, strong, valuable, and motivated. You are still very hard on yourself- try not to let this become detrimental. It is ok to strive for improvement, but once you begin striving for perfection, know you’re only going to burn yourself out. You will make numerous mistakes, morals will be briefly forgotten in weak moments, and values will become muddled. But they aren’t far gone. You will learn that life is good at distracting you, tempting you, trying you, and teaching you. Don’t be afraid to slip and take a few steps backwards. You have done this many times- but you have managed to take two giant steps forward after the fact. 

crdt

Keep up your running but don't let it define you. You will learn that you have an irregular curvature in your lower lumbar and you will still fight for the chance to run in college... You will fail... kind of. You will go on to run half marathons, a full marathon, a triathalon, and more than a handful of 5k's. Running may seem like your passion now, but trust me- God put it in your life for another reason and it serves you well... just not on the front burner. Just enjoy what your body can do and love how it makes you feel.

Also, learn to dance to good music, please. Take up some kind of dancing like ballroom, interpretive, even just gym-class hip-hop for cardio. And STAY AWAY from the Twerk. Miley Cyrus is no longer a cute Disney star, and I truly believe the Twerk is to blame…This doesn’t mean you can’t learn the “wobble”, the “wop”, or the “burney”. These are very important, I promise.

And on that note, I will leave you to wonder about what would ever possess a human being to name a dance from the sound you make when you swat a fly on the ceiling. Three more letters are to come… but remember- You’re always living the next moment of the rest of your life. Make it count.

Love, M

2013 One Word

I made a resolution many years ago that I would no longer make resolutions. And dog-gone it- I'm sticking to it. Whether that contradicts itself at any level is lost in an ounce of careless-ness I possess because this practice has served me well since the turn of the new year in 2011.

Instead, I choose one word that I plan to propel me full-swing into the new year. This word serves as a little grand reminder of who I am at the start of the year and who I wish to become as the following December peeks its head around the corner.

Since starting this tradition, I have chosen the following words to give me that extra "OOMPH!" through the twelve month cycle-

2011-

For 2011, I chose the word Blossom. This year truly was a blossoming year for me. I entered my final year of college, met wonderful people, explored new places, turned 21, and learned numerable lessons about who I was and who I wanted to be. Like a flower blooms in spring, I saw myself bloom into a young woman.

 

 2012-

We Heart It

For 2012, I chose the word Inspire for multiple reasons. Put shortly, I wished to receive and reciprocate Inspiration of all and any kind. I was inspired to move to a new city, sign up for a new distance-race, and write new little tweedles. And I can only pray these actions, words and more inspired many of you!

For the year ahead, I already have so many plans to look forward to. Why, just next week I'll be competing in my first full marathon in Disney World! Trust me, my fingers were trembling when I clicked the "complete registration" button, but I wanted to dump the fear of failure in the past and finally conquer the dreaded 26.2!

And since this is how I will be starting my year off, I couldn't think of a better word to carry with me through 2013.  I pray this word will carry me through new friendships, relationships, adventures, and all opportunities. This year, I plan to will be...

PhotoCred

Let's Reflect

"He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love." Song of Solomon 2:4

This morning, I went to the 9:30am service at my new church home, Elevation-Uptown. Walking into service, I thought to myself- This feeling in my heart, is it heaviness? No... It was more like it was busy. Chaotic, scurrying through the crowded confines of my mind trying to make sense of what was on my conscious and deciding if it was in sync...

Spoiler Alert- They were no where close to being on the same page.

So many things coming in and out of that space between my ears- My current job frustrating me until the breaking point that comes on the 6:30am commute. Tears, sniffles, and sad radio songs were the soundtrack to this past week. Missing loved ones at home, feeling a need-with every passing second- to improve myself or find something to satisfy my craving for change.



Now I won't drag you in to a pity party- I know I have a lot going for me right now...
Four months into my new job and every day I come home with enough energy to maybe pop open the microwave to heat up a bowl of soup. But this is the job I prayed for, and God delivered. It can be satisfying, a long day at work- only to come home and get into an outfit unsuitable for the public eye should I still wish to hold on to an ounce of dignity.

I am also training for my longest race to date- the Disney full marathon. Happening in less than two months. Every weekend from here on out, I am promised a 14+ mile run. Sorry knees and back, you are about to be very very sore- but I promise to ice you and take care of you when you want to cry.


I am also going home on Wednesday to spend some much needed time with friends and family. I am starting to compile a variety of DIY Christmas gift ideas that will require my crafty side. Writing blogs and short stories with hot cups of coffee has been a go-to stress reliever should I receive any free time, as well as playing flag football and cooking spaghetti squash (my new favorite food!)


Why am I giving you what may seem like a trivial amount of information about my life? What does this have to do with the sermon I originally brought up at the start of this rant? Well, it is what sparked this little moment of reflection that I hope opens a doorway for you to sit down and do just the same- Reflect.

Another story that back-boned the sermon today was that of Luke 9:14-17:

¹⁴ (About five thousand men were there.) But he said to his disciples, ‘Make them sit down in groups of about fifty each.’ ¹⁵ The disciples did so, and everyone sat down. ¹⁶ Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. ¹⁷ They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basket fulls of broken pieces that were left over."

I am thankful for the resurrection of this account back into my mind to carry with me through this week. It was a sweet reminder that we can't give our best, our all- if we don't ask God to bless us and our actions first. Without the help and promise from God, that loaf (let's make this bread signify our actions and deeds) won't feed the masses- heck- it may not even fill YOU! And as bright as day- this concept reminded me- I'm not full because I am not asking to be guided, to be blessed, to be loved... Only EXPECTING it.

If we wish for our days to be filled with meaningful purpose and drive, don't we need to thank and ask the one who gave us this ability first in order to gain ownership to give it away? What's on my heart and what is in my mind is implanted there from the fingertips of God- and without glorifying the giver, how can I take ownership in order to fulfill his wish for us to give back?

A little reminder- we are framed by the banner of "Love"-so be the example of love by thanking the giver, feeling it, embracing its presence, and then reciprocating it.

And there's my reflection for the day- Happy Monday Eve, Loves.

Life's a Metaphor, and I'm a Runner

Life's a metaphor and I'm a runner
It's a funny thing to think, to run.
But don't we all?
Some people step outside their haven
then creep back in
like the overcautious gestures of a yellow belly turtle
that doesn't want to cross the road
we don't want to sweat, hurt, or tire
Then why?
do others like to embrace the sunshine
or swallow the feeling of accomplishment...
Why do some like short, fast runs
say...down to the grocery, a quick fix
for a particular motive. Eating is a motive.
Maybe you make the run for milk, bread
booze. But only you can choose
your pace and your distance-
Don't get discouraged if someone is faster...
they may be going on a shorter trek
down the block and back-
or maybe down a steep slope.
Kiss the hills with all your might!
Rain,
we've all run through it!
Some seek shelter, some wade it out as it pelts their skin
but we all overcome it. Every one of us
Me? You'll see me
Splashing
through the puddles
mud and dirt caked on my shins. I'll be filthy
so filthy, covered in earth drawn
medals. Strong-
didn't let a little water stand between me
and the calling pavement. That reflection you see
on the glass of the local barber shop
downtown against the glittering brick walls
that housed history. That's me
because no one lived life on the inside
their feet up in the
air, caught up in the humming of the wired AC.
no, I think I'll run everyday- avoiding shelter
when it storms. Laughing at a reflection
that smiles while every bone inside cries out for rest.
They'll thank me- I hope.
At night, I'll lay my head down to sleep
sweet dreams of spinning joints in heavy sockets
and know the gears never stop turning.
Life's a metaphor
And me? I am
a runner

A Letter to Imagination

DEAR IMAGINATION,
Computer screen one, computer screen two
tutorial on software. Computer games, ultimately
that get jobs done, or create organization
or something. I get it. We are improving the flow of information
but the only flow I'm worried about this morning
is that of my coffee mixed with coconut milk and a squeeze of vanilla.
((home)). Instead I'm encased
by glass windows marked up with breaths of melting shale
It's gray. Gray and lovely all the same.
Bring on the rain clouds and thunder claps and anticipation-
I'll run through it this evening to grow my intimidating thunder thighs!
I hope the sun stays on vacation, Oh sun-
shine your light on my parents as they vacation
too. I wish I was on vacation.
Take me to the mountains! Take me away, wishful thinking
to a land of barefeet and sweet summer flowers waving in a cool breeze.
A swingset, a seesaw. Nostalgia sets in.
I want to explore. I want to meet someones new. Someones different.
Upon these sidewalks, we all look the same- give me a different perspective
and open my eyes to the diverse souls I bump into on my way to work
play, and dream. It's hump day
so close to the weekend, yet too far away. Friends arriving
games to be played, activities and smiles
Ahh, I'm just where I want to be.
LOVE,
A CURRENT CUBIE

Happy Wednesday, world! Hang in there, we're halfway to the weekend!!

Don't give up for your work will be rewarded- 2 Chronicles

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7

A daily reminder in this ever-a-whirlwind world. Oh Lord, be my strength in time of weakness <333>

With a touch of Glass...

Inspired by the highly anticipated Disney Marathon in January, I brought out my inner-mouse in my latest bottle-project.

"It's kind of fun to do the impossible"- Walt Disney

Remnant

Remnant:
(noun) A small remaining quantity of something.
(adj) remaining.

I am blessed to call Jen Griffin my friend. Through my church in Wilmington during my college career, I befriended Jen and her husband and grew so much as a person just from their influence in my life. They are two of the most talented, patient, and compassionate people I have ever met.

One of the many things that I admire most about Jen is her ability to craft ordinary materials and turn them into something extraordinary. And I don't mean pom poms and googly eyes (even though these two materials are fun and cute)... I mean an ability to take something that may seem irrelevant, disposable, and worn down- and turn it into a treasured item that someone somewhere can use each and every day of their busy life. 

Just recently I bought one of Jen's tote bags, part of her online Remnant collection, and I have been obsessed with its durability and versatility- let alone its beautiful design! I carry it to work, took it out for a dinner date, and even found it to be a good gym buddy. 

I urge anyone who hasn't seen Jen's work to rush over to see her designs on her Remnant page where you can browse and buy your favorites! I promise you will not be disappointed by what this incredible woman has to offer.

(Did I mention Jen does her own photography too? All of her photos can be seen on her blog and on her online storefront)

Summer Bucket List Update!

Does everyone remember my summer bucketlist I created back at the beginning of June? Well it's already nearing the tail-end of July and I thought I'd give a little update, considering I've completed some of the items on the list!

1. Compile 120+ Poems with illustrations for possible publication- In/P...
Look for a new poem with illustrations next week!

2. See The Hunger Games movie... FINALLY-
Ok, so the DVD comes out August, so until then, I will have to put this little number on hold.

3. Go to at least 2 different concerts
With my new job and moving to a new city, July has been a whirlwind. But having about a month and a half left of the summer season (I'm counting mid-september as still summer) I plan on securing tickets for some good shows!

4. Begin training for Disney half/marathon- STARTED! Jan 13

Yes, the training has begun! You can follow along (ahem, and by follow along, I mean join myself and friends in the race!) by looking at my training plan and signing up here!

5. Secure a big girl job – DONE! Started Jul 16 (Check Me Out!) and... AGAIN!

6. Reach over 30 followers for my blog- On The Wing
Still working on this- So if you have a gmail/blogger account, help a girl out!

7. Play on an organized sports team for a sport I never played as a child
This is in progress. But I'm looking forward to finding a volleyball, kickball, or flag football team ASAP!

8. Make an inspirational video and post it on Youtube
In progress... be on the lookout soon ;)

9. Visit baby sister in TN!

Cross this one off the list! I may not have made it all the way to TN, but I did make it out to see my friend Amanda, Danella, and Rachael in Asheville for a day of exploring, good food and hiking!

10. Make plans for a trip out of the country

This one will depend on the budget... But keeping my fingers crossed!

11. Find a new recipe for my favorite food

That's what this weekend is for! :)

12. Find a pen pal in a Spanish speaking country- Not a pen pal, but online friend from aiport.

Two weeks ago, I was stranded in the Dallas airport for 14 hours. I befriended a kind woman from Mexico who was having a hard time understanding the terminal updates and translated them into spanish. She may not be a "pen-pal" but we are for sure facebook friends and conversing regularly!

13. Eat an entire pint of Ben and Jerry’s and not feel guilty

14. Read two new books- In progress- Finished Nicholas Spark's Safe Haven-
Now I'm  looking for next book!

Any reccommendations?

15. Complete all 10 Seasons of Friends.- In progress- On season 7!

There you have it! Some things crossed off, others in progress. One thing's for sure, I'm having a great summer so far! I hope everyone out there is too...

Happy Weekending!

Weekend Jam Sesh

Here's my personal playlist for this upcoming weekend. Whether you're going to a wedding, swimming in the sunshine, dancing in the rain, or couching it up inside... Put some headphones on and take a listen...

A Kiss to Build a Dream On- Louis Armstrong

Valerie- Mark Ronson featuring Amy Winehouse

Me and Mrs. Jones- Michael Buble

At the Window- Double 0 Zero

Get Happy/Happy Days are Here Again- Barbara Streisand/Judy Garland

Jessie's Girl- Rick Springfield

Cry- Kelly Clarkson

Bad- Michael Jackson

Dream a Little Dream- Nat King Cole

Don't Panic- Coldplay

Diamonds- Ben Howard

Everyday I'm Hustlin'

Perhaps this is a late realization, but as I walked out of my interview this morning with Premier in Ballantyne, I started to see just how important it is to have a competitive drive.

I know what some of you may be thinking... (Is this girl really a college graduate... and just coming to this conclusion right now?)
But hear me out...

Growing up an athlete, I have always held on to a competitive drive. In sports, however, it came down to the simple fact that we were, in fact, playing a game. It was a situation day in and day out that ultimately meant walking away from the field a winner or a loser- then eating ice cream and realizing that the next game will bring another opportunity for a different outcome.

But this is the real deal... sometimes there are NO do-overs, no "next game", or second chances... When it comes to interviews and jobs (especially in this current economy), sometimes that first chance is the only... and it will decide the course of every single following day of your life. *GULP!* Scary stuff if you think about it.

So while this post has no picture or visual aid to back up this statement (whether it be relevant to you or not) I just wanted to shed light on recent understanding on the importance of competition and a competitive drive. Every day is a competition with the people around you. Luckily, this means that there are so many chances to be good at something! And even more comforting is that assurance that we don't HAVE to be good at EVEYRTHING! But it could wind down to ultimately being the best at what you are chasing, so don't shy away from working beyond your comfort zone in order to prove your skills and desire to take on opportunity- Especially if it's something you know you want and need to succeed and grow.

A Different Kind of Love Story

"Geez, what a beautiful parking lot!"- No One Ever

The Magic Number 7

The number 7. It's pretty significant if you look at its appearance in our everyday lives. 7 days out of the week, 7 colors in the rainbow, Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs, 7 wonders of the world.... 

But perhaps more intriguing, and definitely more beneficial to the planet we live on, Project 7 is a company created by Tyler Merrick in 2008 in order to provide essentials to the people inhabiting our world. Its mission is simple- "To ensure everyone around the globe has access to fundamental human needs for a healthy life."

I stumbled upon this company the other morning when I snagged a bottle of water to assist in the down slide of Caribou Coffee to my tummy...

The project is made up of 7 essential areas of need-
Feed the Hungry 

Heal the Sick, 

Hope for Peace,  

House the Homeless,  

Quench the Thirsty,  

Teach them Well 

Save the Earth.

Click the above links to further explore the concepts that this company is trying to educate each and every one of us about. For example, Heal the Sick, focuses its efforts on providing education and supplies associated with the Malaria epidemic world-wide, especially for countries in dire need. 

 

Other areas include providing clean drinking water for the thirsty, and planting fruit trees for the vital growth of natural resources on the earth. You can support Project 7 by simply buying their products at selected locations- WalMart, Barnes & Noble, Caribou Coffee, etc...

For more information about Project 7 and a list of locations for products near you, visit www.project7.com.

Who We Look Up To

It's no secret- People fall head-over-heels for pop-culture figures and their flashy entrances on the red carpet, or their embarrassing stunts in front of the paparazzi. It's a phenomenon that is sweeping our brainwaves and seems to be sticking like glue. But with so much going on behind the curtain, how can we be so blind to ignore some of these interesting people making a difference... no spotlight required.

Salman Khan

Salman Khan began his popular math-tutorial website to benefit his teenage cousin with her math homework from across the globe. His site, khanacademy.org now has over three thousand tutorials for students and teachers alike to follow and utilize to enhance performance in the classroom. Knowledge is power, and the man behind it is powerful!

Ben Rattray

Taking the idea of Change into his own hands, Rattray created the website Change.org, a platform that invites every single person to share their stories, ideas, and plans for change. It is on this website that we see personal accounts of why change is vital for the better of our people, economy, and world as whole. It also provides free-speech opportunities to other countries under protest and political scrutiny. 

Elinor Ostrom
 

In 2009, Ostrom was the first woman to receive a Nobel prize for economics, placing emphasis on the importance of collective action in the world's most urgent, emerging issues. At 78 years old, this incredible figure has done field studies of the world's fisheries, traveled with shepherds in the Swiss countryside and looked around the Los Angeles water basin. Her goal: to bring the realization to light that in order to preserve our world, we must overcome selfish interests.

All of these incredibly inspiring stories (and so many more) can be found here, published by Time.

So the next time you find yourself getting caught up in the Kardashian klan, the recent reject of the Bachelorette, or J-Lo's moves in techno-flashy music videos, think to yourself-
"Who am I looking up to?"

Hey It's Ok... I'm moving today!

Today is the day!! Moving day has finally arrived. I remember the day like it was yesterday. April 1st, posting a hypothetical facebook status "Anyone looking for a roommate in Charlotte?", getting an instant reply from a friend I met back in January, and signing a lease four days later.

For weeks I have been going to swingsets, running down trails, and walking at dusk- reflecting on my current life and anticipating this new adventure as part of my blooming adulthood... And now, I am on the road with a horse trailer filled with my life belongings. As excited as I am, I can't help but feel a bit stressed... maybe even a little nervous? Am I really heading to a new city with no plans, no jobs, and no agenda?

YUP! That would be oh so correct. But after visiting the city briefly (A total of 2 times and only for 24 hours each) and hours and hours of praying that God would lead me to a post-graduation destination, Charlotte NC was ringing a bell loud and clear.

Perhaps the hardest part of leaving is looking in my rearview to see a beautiful farm and my family that I love more than life itself. Their support and guidance, not only through this moving process, but for the last 22 years of my life just brings a tear to my eye. They are beyond wonderful and I couldn't have asked God for a more perfect image of his grace and humility than what I see from my mom, dad, and brother.

But on a lighter note, I leave you....

Oh Darling, It's Ok!
If you forgot that "You Got Mail" is your favorite Meg Ryan film because of the quirky grandmother comments and the nostaligia you reach when you hear that "*weeooohhh reeeowwwww* DINGA DINGA *Kaching!* You got mail!" sound in every scene.

CRED

Your BEST FRIENDS are named Monica, Chandler, Pheobe, Joey, Ross, and Rachel

Before looking up directions to your new apartment, you search the surrounding restaraunts to see where you'll be dining your first night in town.

If you place all of your stuffed animals in the back seat of your car for the moving trip and buckle them up. Hey! Safety first!

If you come across an old photo from your high school's senior prom and get a pain in your heart when you realize you miss an old friend so so much, even if you haven't kept in touch with them as much as you now wish you had...

Have a great weekend, lovelies! Next time I write you, I'll be in the Queen City!

Why I've Been MIA

It's been close to a week since I have been able to actually sit down and write a post. Between packing up to move my life back to NC, doctors appointments, and finding the perfect coffee concoctions, I have had a hard time finding twenty minutes to share some thoughts.

Luckily, it's 10:30 on a Tuesday night, my tummy full of yummy pasta and ice cream
(goodbye celebrations with my grandparents always leave my stomach smiling)
and I have a spare few thoughts to splatter across my page...

I'm leaving on Friday to a new life full of adventures...
Or so I hope. No, I know so.
It will be tough at first. I know this...and plan to embrace it-
But can I help it if I have a panic attack at 3:24 on Tuesday afternoon
and the only remedy is green tea, honey, and all season 3 episodes of Friends?
Hardly, my dears.
But I am excited! Very excited to embark on the newest voyage into adulthood.
Responsibilities. Hardships. Joys. Tears. The Unexpected.
So happy to reunite with friends. Long lost yet not forgotten or forsaken.
Like the first jump in the swimming pool in summer
I look forward to the rush. The chill of the expected unexpected.
Bring on the thunder-showers, rainbows. Hail storms and cloudless skies.
Bring on friendships, new and old! I have plenty of room in my heart for them to grow.
Like a garden full of new seedlings. May the skies open with opportunity and growth.
And until then, in the remaining two days at home...
May I understand my place in this community, in this abode where friends melt into family
and laughter melts all anxiety, and love conquers all battles- selfish or selfless
May negativity blow away with the morning winds and my feet travel the road always traveled.
May comfort expand in my blood if only for the next 48 hours.
And may I serve my family and Lord with the utmost gratitude and appreciation
my heart may hold.

God is good. And so is His creation. Happy Hump Day, One and All.

Photo Cred: HERE