Too good to be real? Heck no!

Hello, beautiful friend! How are you? How's your life? The kids? The spouse? Are you getting everything out of your life that you intended to? Are you happy?

So I've been thinking...imagine that...as my life has been moving at pace that seems to be out of control most days - am I actually living, and enjoying the moments, and caring for those in my life, or am I just going through the motions? One of the most important things in my life is the relationships that I form. Some, like you are all aware, come and go, but then there are the ones that last - the ones that make life worth it, the ones that are solid, like a rock, and cannot falter. But am I truly giving all I can to these relationships, or am I half-assing them, like I do many other things?

For those of you who don't know, I've sort of become an Herbalife junkee. If it were up to me, and most days it is, I would eat, drink, sleep, breathe Herbalife, just because it is that amazing. I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to go to an Herbalife Spectacular last weekend. Woot woot, time of my life, no joke. I could share with you all the many things I've learned, actually that would really make my day, so maybe if you see me, ask me about it...it'll earn you brownie points. But anyway, I want to share the most important thing that I learned, "Take care of others, and put them first, and you, in return, will be taken care of." Deep, isn't it? But how true can one statement be? In this case, SO FREAKEN TRUE!!!!

How many times a day do you tell the people in your life that you love them, and that you care? My answer...never. How many times do you smile at someone at the grocery store, just because you feel like they could use it? My answer...never. How often to I think of somebody else, before I think of how it benefits me and my life? My answer...never. Okay so maybe I'm not really giving myself a whole lot of credit, but honestly, if I took the time to really tell all of you how much I care, I can almost guarantee you that I would be a much better person.

I do want to tell you one story - our guest speaker at the spectacular is my new hero, role model, super star, and everything else. She's just you're average gal, a lot like many of you, but here's the kicker: she's an Herbalife chica! :) Ah yes! Those of you who aren't believers in the prodcuts, that's okay, just keep reading, it really is a good story. Anyway, she made her way through the business, just like I'm attempting to do, and eventually became successful enough to buy an airplane...just because she wanted too. :) Now that's the good life! Money can't buy happiness, I am well aware of that, but Herbalife can. Because of her product results, and because of how wonderful Herbalife is, she was able to become ridiculously successful. Are you still with me? So she bought an airplane....When disaster struck Haiti, she took that airplane, unloaded the big comfy seats, and filled the plane with all sorts of things that needed to be transported...and ended up taking 40 trips to and from. Now yes, money made this possible, but how freaken cool is that? How wonderful that there are people in the world that are doing wonders. Herbalife changed her life, so she in return is changing the lives of others? Amazing. Maybe your reason isn't due to Herbalife - but than what the heck is it?

Who's changed your life? I can't even count the number of people who've had a positive influence on my life - but am I doing any thing with that? No. Am I wasting my life?? No, not really, but I'm totally not living up to my potential. Why not take 30 seconds to tell someone that they look nice? Sure, tell me, and I get awkward, blush and look the other way, but I promise you this, it makes me feel good. Instead of letting out a huge, loud, annoyed sigh, why not use that breath to say thank you - to your neighbor, to your friend, to God? What do you have to lose?

Take care of those people in your life, and they will then take care of you. We talk about life being a vicious cycle, and karma being a bitch, but what if we could turn the world into a beautiful cycle? Passing on that love and care that someone once passed to us seems too good to be real, doesn't it? Heck no!!!! It can be real.

Want me to start? Here I go - You, taking the time to read this post, makes me feel like this incredible rockstar. Thank you for caring about me, and the decisions I make in my life. Thank you for loving me, and teaching me how to love. You are so important and valuable in my life - I'd be lost without you. Not a day goes by that I am not grateful for the support you show. You are a beautiful, talented individual, and you deserve to be told that everyday. It is my promise to you, to continue to share with you, and the rest of the world, just how amazing you are.

Feel good? Great! Now pass it on. Remember, LIFE can be a beautiful cycle - but that's up to us.

Hermitness, Worthiness, Rachel Berriness

It's only been like a day and I'm already back it. I guess I have had a lot to say - and just chose not to say it. Now I can't seem to shut it up! :) But some of you seem to like it! Thanks for the kind texts and comments I received. I'm not sure that this really a talent - I'm just being honest. But I'm glad that I have a couple fans. Maybe you all will inspire me to keep writing. For the record, I'm still going about this whole hermit thing (see Turning Right). I kind of like it. Not really. I've begun to miss life on the outside. It's awfully boring hanging out with yourself and your own thoughts. Anyway, happy reading! :)

A recent turn of events has popped the word "worthy" in my head. Ever though about it? It's sort of, well, I don't know. I guess it is what it is. But it's really stuck the past couple weeks, and it seems that all the things goin' on at the moment are currently revolving around it. Hell, even the episode of Glee I was watching the other day brought about the word. Rachel, for those of you aren't Gleeks, is the fabulously beautiful and talented musician, but she's a bit of a control freak. Anyway, I've never been as talented as her - she's magnificent - but I sometimes think we're a lot the same. She sings a song and the lyrics just hit home, "What can you do when your good isn't good enough?"

All our lives we've been told to be the best we can be - to never give up on what we want - to keep pushing through - look for the light at the end of the tunnel - but what happens when you've given all you got, and that's still not good enough? What happens when no matter what you do, you find yourself unworthy? Tough stuff, I know. But that's what's currently on my mind. Hang in there, it gets better.

I was arguing with someone the other day, imagine that. :) I think it's what the two of us do best - and the word worthy found it's way into that conversation as well. As I thought about the things that were said, I sort of had this realization. What makes a person worthy of a friendship? I thought about it a long time, and by long time, I mean a few hours. But the answer I came up with was...nothing. Honestly, I cannot give enough to someone to be worthy of their friendship. Depressing, right? Na dawg. What I realized - it's okay!

Friendship is a two-way street (how many times is this statement overused?). Anyway, what I found, or I guess it's more just what I think than anything, but what one person is lacking, whether they admit it or not, they other person makes up for. That's what makes a friendship a friendship. Maybe that's why a "real" friendship (perhaps a future blog post) can surpass anything and make it through the toughest of stuff. I'm not sure that I believe in soul mates, or people that we are destined to be with, but I think that the people in our lives that we choose to keep in our lives give us something that we maybe can't give ourselves. Does that make sense? Maybe that's why we attach ourselves, and if something happens to that friendship, our earth is shattered, at least for a little while. When you take away those important qualities that somebody brings to your life, of course you'll be in turmoil. You're missing not only person but what they bring to your life.

If only this worked in every situation. I guess there's days when everyone feels like they don't measure up, that they aren't good enough, or not worthy, and maybe I've just had a bunch in the past couple weeks. But at least when they day is over, you have those friends - the friends that know you - the friends that provide you with what you need, even if they don't always know what that is - the friends that love you unconditionally (something I thought only existed between parents and children). Talk to them. Love them. Be friends. And face the world together. Limits no longer exist.

And for pete's sake, don't be a hermit like me! :) Like I said, eventually, it gets boring.

Turning Right

It's 2012 now...a few days ago it was 2011. My last blog was over a year ago (whoopsie) and consisted of the top moments of the previous year. Now that I'm jumping back on the blogging wagon, I thought I'd take a different twist on this entry. Instead of looking back and recapping the past year, I wanna look ahead - not planning the future, cuz that always turns around to bite me in the ass - but in attempt to stir up some excitement in my life, and perhaps in the lives of those of you who choose to read this.  Also, sometimes my thoughts are a little mumble jumble, so read at your own risk. This one is a wee bit confusing - just an fyi before you get started. :)

I'm dropping the walls for a bit, so those of you who don't know me well...this is a huge deal. I rarely ever let anybody in (this is actually one of my New Year's Resolutions - be more open. No better way to dive right in then to share my thoughts with the entire cyber world). Something that sort of disappeared this past year (okay so maybe I will talk about the past year a little bit) was my faith. No, not so much religious faith, but my faith in everything - myself, people, the world. I've been doing a bit of self-analyzing these past couple days. I sort of became a hermit, not really leaving my room for more than a couple hours a day. It's consisted of time to read, watch my beautiful T.V. shows, and just be. Many times throughout my days I think I forget to just "be," and end up just going through the motions. Anyway, when I take the time to self-analyze, I sort of become moody, depressed, and no fun. A lot of times I think it's easier to just be so ridiculously busy that I never have time to actually "be," that way I don't have to realize just how puzzled I actually am. I think it's much easier to fake being happy then it is to hide being sad.

That being said, don't begin to question my happiness every time you see me. I am extraordinarily grateful for all the wonderful things in my life - and each one of them causes me large amounts of happiness. But everyone has "those" days; I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. So back to what I was talking about earlier - I've lost my faith, in well, pretty much everything. I can't really pinpoint where this happened; it wasn't one certain event. Perhaps it happened throughout the year, or even the past couple years, and just now have I come to discover what really was missing in my life.

Ah ha! Here is the future talk: I was having a not-so-great day a while back, so I decided to go to Thatzza and grab a slice of Chicken Cordon Bleu pizza - another thing I learned this past year - eating does not make things better, no matter how good it tastes! :) You only live to regret it the next day. Anyway, I was heading back home so I headed north, on whatever road it is, and then got to first and took a right. From there, at the very end of the road, I could see this very large, beautiful, sturdy structure...and I thought to myself, "Hmm...if I could only be more like that building."  I happen to be very fond of the building - I've come to know it well, although it still frightens me at night time. It tends to be a hoppin' place, full of love and warmth and kindness. It always tends to be makin' a joyful noise, even if not everyone is on the correct pitch, or even in the right key altogether.

For those of you who live in Aberdeen, I'm sure you've figured out what building I'm talking about, but to be honest, does it really matter? It's beauty can be seen from numerous different areas, and the inner beauty comes bursting through the front doors. Perhaps you have a building that would mean nothing to me, but everything to you!

So what does this have to do with my faith? On that lovely day, that wasn't so lovely, I realized that I had faith in the building, the structure, the soundness that it holds. Perhaps you're thinking, "You idiot! Why would you put your faith in a building?" But maybe it's about the baby steps. Faith isn't something that restores itself overnight. Frankly, there is a reason that mine is missing. But with that faith being invested in something as simple as a building, something doesn't hit back, or let me down, is just what I need in order to get me back in the swing of things.

Something that I find sort of cool is that from the place that I turned right, and the end of the road before it curves off, is a ridiculously long distance. But the building rises high above anything else. There are many stops along the way, different streets I could veer off on or places I could stop and visit - but I chose not to. So for 2012, it is my goal to stay focused on that building. That's not to say I won't veer off some days, or stop and visit, cuz that's what makes life fun and interesting and what make me human. It's sort of a nice metaphor for the year. It is a long journey, 365 days...but every new year is a exciting, at least I think so. I never know what's in store. This year, I plan on enjoying the drive, knowing that at the end of the year, that building which I've grown to love will still be there, guiding me the entire time. Who knows what shall happen between here and there - but not knowing can be exciting, if you decide to look at it that way (another resolution - Try a different perspective).

Maybe you think this is silly, and that's okay with me. This building has become a part of my life and has real meaning to me (maybe the actual meaning will come in a different blog - although that would involve me really going deep...baby steps!). And remember, it's a metaphor. Thought I'd remind you, just in case you didn't really pick up on it. :)

What are you going to invest in this year? Is there anything missing in your life? Do you take the time to just "be" and give yourself the time to actually figure out what's going on with you? I hope so. Cuz you, my friend, are worth it.

Top Ten Moments of 2010

Hi there! 

I decided to wrap up 2010 with a blog of my “Top 10 Moments of 2010!”  With this, my new year’s resolution is to blog “more.” We shall see how this goes but I’m not making any promises. I blogged like four times in the past year, so it is my goal to write four times as many – bringing my grand total to 16. Doable? I think so! So here you go: my top ten moments of the past year.

10. Switching This, Switching That

For those of you who didn’t know, I was an Elementary Education Major, but wasn’t exactly set on that. I’ve gone back and forth and back and forth – teetering on what seemed to be the biggest decision of my life. But, with the help of my advisor, who happens to be a great role model and friend, I’ve changed majors for the last time, hopefully! J I am now an English Education Major, with minors in both Theatre and Music. This covers the loves of my life: writing, the stage, and music, which I happen to be good at, although most days I don’t admit it. Life sentence? No – but at least I’m somewhat in the ballpark.

9. The Big Move

 I moved to Pennsylvania, where I was all by myself, except for a couple friends, being a little fish in the big pond. It was exhilarating and exciting and everything I wanted it to be.

8. The Place Where I Belong – For Now

 Although I loved Pennsylvania and everything it stood for: freedom, achievement, maturity, it just wasn’t right and so I came home. Now, Aberdeen is much easier to appreciate and everything that I need in my life.

7. Quite the Job

 On February 14^th, I began my endeavor as a Max and Erma’s server. Woot Woot. I still have this job, and although it’s not the most prominent thing in my life anymore, I still love the moments when I get to go back and work. It has led to some pretty great friendships, and of course, numerous delightful meals.

6. Bak to the Dak

 For some of you, this would probably be further down on the list, but perhaps someday I’ll blog about just how important these people are. I worked at NeSoDak the summer of 2009, a church camp, and to bring in the New Year, we had a staff reunion. I was back with all of my favorite people, in one place, singing, and dancing, and just being the goofs we are. Couldn’t imagine a better way to start 2010.

5. B. Davis

 Okay, as many of you know I have a freakish obsession with my T.V. shows. But I just love them. Anyway, thanks to my sister, Anna, from Norwary, and my friend Ashley, I added One Tree Hill to the list.  Sophia Bush, who plays high school cheerleader Brooke Davis, is way beautiful. Anyway, she is a pretty amazing person, just trying to save the world. She uses her celebrity “powers” for good things. She opened a Crowdrise Page, which is a site used to raise money. I, too, have a Crowdrise Page, and had a rather nifty quote as my status, and she took it, used it, and then COMMENTED ON MY PAGE! I was way excited. I also got a signed 8 x 10 that she signed and personalized with my name! J Yippee!

4. Proud Momma

 I got a new job where I get to hang out with kids and sing. Pretty great, huh? I think so. Recently, our big Christmas Production went down, and it was phenomenal. The kids sang super loud, and the little actors and actresses were just great! All in all, I was a very proud momma….of 300+ kids!

3. C’s Get Degrees

 I got a C in Algebra this semester and never have to take it again. ‘nuff said.

2. The Big City, and The Little City

 Last spring, I just picked up and went to Denver to see my best friend Austin. It was just great.  We got all dressed up and went downtown, seeing our other best friend, Jennifer Aniston, on the big screen. We had nummy cheesecake and even took a bike carriage ride thingy! Recently, he came home, TWICE! Every time he comes home, or the time I went there, everything else just disappears. It’s just about the two of us – and that’s all that matters.

And here it is…my best moment of 2010:

1. 4 Friends, 3 Hand Touches, 2 Artists, 1 Big Day

 Sanessa, Ashley, Ashley, and Nicole

3 Hand Touches – self-explanatory

Bethany Joy Galoetti and Amber Sweeney aka Everly

Mitchell Corn Palace

My friends and I went to see Everly in concert at the Corn Palace. We were in the front row the entire time and it was, by far, the best moment of 2010. Joy, who is also on One Tree Hill with Sophia Bush, has the voice of an angel, and Amber is quite the rockstar! They were phenomenal! And Joy touched my hand, count them: 1, 2, 3 times!!!!!! Eeek!!!!! 

Well friends, that’s all! I hope you enjoyed 2010 as much as I did. Best of luck in 2011 with all of your endeavors; I wish only the best for you, and you, and you. Take life seriously, but don’t fret. Deal the hand you get the best you can. And with that, here’s a quote from Haley James Scott, aka Bethany Joy Galeotti: "Whatever I want to happen this year, I'm going to just predict the opposite because life always has a way of figuring out how to surprise you." xoxo ~S

mirrors

This is a little excerpt from...well does it matter where it came from? Just read it, and take it all in. And then...act upon it. 

Take a look at yourself in the mirror. Who do you see looking back? Is it the person you want to be? Or is there someone else you were meant to be: the person you should have been, but fell short of? Is someone telling you, you can't, or you won't? Because you can. Believe that love is out there. Believe that dreams come true everyday, because they do. Sometimes happiness doesn't come from money, or fame or power. Sometimes happiness comes from good friends and family and the quiet mobility of living a good life. Believe that dreams come true everyday, because they do. Believe that dreams come true everyday, because they do. So take a look in that mirror, and remind yourself to BE HAPPY because you deserve to be, believe that. And believe that dreams come true everyday, because they do.

xoxo

~S

talented and deep

So this is an old school nursery rhyme that I just adore....check it!


A Man of Words and Not Deeds

A man of words and not of deeds
Is like a garden full of weeds
And when the weeds begin to grow
It's like a garden full of snow
And when the snow begins to fall
It's like a bird upon the wall
And when the bird away does fly
It's like an eagle in the sky
And when the sky begins to roar
It's like a lion at the door
And when the door begins to crack
It's like a stick across your back
And when your back begins to smart
It's like a penknife in your heart
And when your heart begins to bleed
You're dead, and dead, and dead indeed. 

super, fried, or fresh pineapple

Have you ever stopped to wonder how different the world would be, if... if we lived our entire lives with our eyes closed? Recently, for those of you who don't know, I've moved to a new area of the U.S. Even though Erie isn't that big, it's REALLY big compared to little ol' Aberdaber! I've been here nearly a week and a half, and my car is still stuffed full of stuff. Why? Some might say it's a lack of motivation, which, I'll admit, plays a little bit of a part, but more so, there is an obstacle in my way. Every time I go downstairs, or come upstairs, this obstacle tends to open the door for me, and strike up a conversation, and one time, even gave me a hug. Odd??? For a bigger city...I think so.


Now, normally, I'm a bit of a chicken. So now, more than ever before, I am a super chicken. Big time. But anyway, on with my reasons for this post... With this constant fear, I come running up the stairs, in hope not to encounter this obstacle. I unlock my door, only to come in, close the door, and then quickly re-lock. With that, I let out a big sigh of relief, and just rest a second, with my eyes closed. Sometimes I'll stand there, right by the door, for a mere ten seconds, and the next time I'll find myself still standing there after ten minutes. In that time, my brain started wandering. What makes me so scared of this obstacle? What makes me feel that this obstacle is any stronger than me? Although I don't like to admit it, I find the answer to that question easy... it's the obstacle's appearance. This obstacle is much larger than me, and more fierce... nonetheless, if the two of us were to enter a boxing ring, Super Chicken would become Fried Chicken... I prefer the "super" title.


Back to the question that brought this post about... how different would the world be if we lived with our eyes closed? Would my car be unloaded by now? Would I have defeated this obstacle...or would the obstacle be non-existent, and only appear to be a friendly neighbor? I can't help but think that if I never would have seen this "obstacle" of mine, that I may just feel a bit more confident, and I sure as heck would have my car unloaded! How many other times throughout the day do our eyes limit us to what we can accomplish? Don't get me wrong, I so appreciate my sight, and feel ever so blessed that I have nearly 20/20 vision... but somedays I feel that it limits the potential we all have.


When driving down I-79, there are constantly things blocking the true beauty of vision... billboard here, road construction signs there, and garbage EVERYWHERE! It's like these distractions are what we see everywhere we look. Instead of seeing the true beauty that exists everywhere, we see only the big, bright, colorful, hideous, unattractiveness of it all. It's kind of like the phrase, "Don't judge a book by it's cover." How many great friendships, or even relationships have I missed out on because I was too busy using my eyes to judge others? How many opportunities have I avoided or not wanted to be a part of because of what I saw?