52 in 52: Week 14

Question 14 of "50 Questions that Will Free Your Mind"

Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?

For someone very interested in advocating for those who struggle with mental illness, I try to avoid using the word insane. As its true meaning is nothing to joke about. With that said, there have been many times in which I have not fully appreciated one's creative self. I think as I get older, I begin to appreciate creativity, uniquness, and all the things that make each of us different. However, growing up and often in school, I feel that we are not acknowledging the importance of creativity. I think this question really reminds me to avoid being judgemental and to look beyond what one may see on the surface. I believe that showing genuine interest in someone's story and passions will result in one being able to see what they may consider "insane" and instead see something beautiful. 

Week 14: Watch an inspirational video when I wake up and go to bed. Then share.

Lost Generation

John Wooden: The Difference Between Winning and Succeeding

And since it has been awhile since I have shared some of my favorite tunes, and in honor of a very fun night with some amazing friends:

"All Kinds of Kinds" by Miranda Lambert

Country Stampede 2013

Have a great week! Be ready for some NEW DIY WEDDING DECOR!

52 in 52: Week 12 and 13

Question 12 and 13 of 50 "Questions that Will Free Your Mind"

If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?

Live with purpose, live for others, and be grateful.

 Would you break the law to save a loved one?

Depending on what type of law I would be breaking, yes. 

Hello Blogging World,

I apologize for the lack of posts recently, I was able to head back to good ol' Wisconsin for a family visit. I can't describe the feeling I get when I am amidst family and close friends. Here are some snapshots from the wonderful few days back at home.  

P.S.-The bottom right picture is where we will be getting married!! :)

So what were the challenges for the past few weeks? 

I would not nessessarily classify them as challenges, I would describe them more as experiences. 

Week 12: Have a meaningful conversation with a stranger

I definitely didn't intentionally set out to accomplish this goal this week. While at the nail salon, I had a wonderful conversation with the lovely lady doing my nails. For those of you who read my previous post about religion, know that I have recently been diversifying my faith experience by becoming more familiar with religions beside my own. This woman, Lori, was from Vietnam and is Buddhist. She is marrying an American man and is converting to Catholicism. This is not her choosing, but her love for her future husband expands far beyond a religious affiliation. I admired her love for him, her respect for a family that does not seem to be very supportive, and lastly her ability to see the potential and good in any person regardless of his/her religious affiliation. She explained the importance of one concept: Religion doesn't create a good person, but instead good people can make a religion. Now, I do believe that having a faith base can enlighten a person's life and provide perspective on the meaning and purpose within a person's life. However, I know plenty of generous, loving people who do not affiliate with any religion. I also know plenty of religious people who are not as loving, generious, or moral as you would expect a person of faith to be. 

We all have the choice to live for something larger than ourselves. Identifying with a group of people or preaching your beliefs does not make you a good person, your actions do. I felt inspired and enlightened after talking to Lori, a complete stranger. To be honest, I can't remember the last time I talked to someone I love about some of the things we talked about. When was the last time you talked to someone about your religion or fatih, relationships, family, or culture? 

Week 13: Run a 5K

Cross it off the bucket list! I had high hopes for training for this fun 5K called The Glow Run. Unfortunately, I only ran about 5 times in the few months leading up to the big day. My only goal was to run the whole thing, and I DID IT! It was at about the pace of a walker, but I still count it. I now understand why runners run; the feeling of accomplishment after finishing a race is pretty awesome. This run was pretty unique, we ran with about 9,000 other people decked out in glow sticks and neon. Black lights and blaring music accompanied our running. If you are a beginner running, looking for a fun/different race to do, this run comes highly recommended. 

My advice for those of you who aren't runners/dislike running, like myself, run in at least one race, it's worth it. And if you think positively and set a good pace, you can definitely run a 5K (with very little training)!  I liked it so much I'm thinking about signing up for another one! :)

Get ready for some DIY projects to be uploaded soon! :) 

52 in 52: Week 11

Question 11 of "50 Questions that Will Free Your Mind"

You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire.  They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend.  The criticism is distasteful and unjustified.  What do you do?

I would say, "I'm sorry that you feel that way about so-and-so. S/he is actually a good friend of mine, and I have never noticed those things about her/him." I would then go on to say what I admire about this close friend. Addressing that their judgment is wrong is not my place, I can only offer what I know and have witnessed. 

I think this situation actually happens very often. We are all guilty of talking about those we do not care for, spreading gossip, or being judgmental. I believe that there is a direct corration between these things and a person's happiness. If you are so focused on what a person does wrong or how a person irritates you, you will waste precious time being bitter and unhappy. Choosing to ignore these temptations, writing about them, or only venting to a close friend/family member is what I strive to do. I also choose to acknowledge my anger/frustration and the effect it has on my current state, I then realize it is not worth it, and let it go!

Week 11 of 52 Weeks: No Complaining

This week's question and challenge go hand-in-hand. I found myself complaining and being negative more over the past few weeks, and thought that it was time for this challenge. Complaining is a habit, and it is therefore very hard to monitor. I have no doubt I complained numerous times throughout the week. We don't even notice when we do it, and we do it quite often. Something that has helped me with this challenge, is to have visible reminders of how blessed I am. I also remember to keep my perspective on what is truly important-people, my faith, and becoming a better person. 

52 in 52: Week 10

Question 10 of "50 Questions that Will Free Your Mind"

Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

If you do the right things, will you better at doing things right? I'm not sure, but I try not to worry about either of these things. There are multiple ways to do things "right" and I think that by putting others before myself, being genuine, and having faith I will be able to do the right things. 

Week 10 of 52 Weeks: No Facebook

It has become habit to login to my email and then facebook for so long, which is what made this challenge difficult. It was a nice break from a distraction, and led to a rather productive week. 

52 in 52: Week 9

Question 9 of "50 Questions that Will Free Your Mind"

To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?

I believe that everything happens for a reason and that I do indeed have a very specific purpose in life. I don't know what that is yet or what the reasoning is behind everything that happens in life, but I know that over time and by living an authetic life I will get there.  I believe that we do have control over our lives and the choices we  make, and are ultimately responsible for that. With the help and  guidance from my family, friends, and God I believe I have learned to appreciate the appreciate the good and bad-seemingly less controlled-times in my life. These have helped me live a more purposeful life. 

Week 9 of 52: Read a self-improvement book in a week

Well, unfortunatly I didn't achieve this, but I DID start one. It is called "Redisover Catholicism" by Matthew Kelly.  I was given this book by the priest at my local church about 9 months ago. I scheduled an appointment to talk some difficulties I was having.  I appreciated his kind words and guidance, and he left me with a book, "Rediscover Catholicism". I read the excerpt on the back of the book, which read:

At a time when many Catholics are disillusioned, questioning their faith, and filled with doubts about the relevance of catholicism in the modern world, the voice of one man crist out to the world's largest faith community with a clarity that is rare and inspiring. 

I didn't understand what this book had to do with my situation at the time, and therefore placed the book on my bookshelf. I didn't look at it again until this past week. I am at a time in my life in which I question aspects of my life. Is this what I believe? Is this what I want to raise my future children to believe?  What is it that I actually believe? Is this what I'm supposed to believe? I recently began feeling this way as a practicing Catholic. I wanted to learn more about Catholicism, and if it is truly the religion that I was meant to follow. I was lead back to the book, "Rediscover Catholicism". I have really enjoyed reading it;  it has provided guidance in my faith pursuits. Although I am still uncertain of where it is I stand, I do know that God is the route to living a purposeful and authentic life.  I decided to highlight important excerpts as I read, and here are the ones that I have found most valuable.

When are you most fully alive? When you are changing and growing and exploring all you are capable of becoming. 

In every situation in my life, in every problem, in every difficulty, I know that if I allow the values and principles of the Gospel to guide me, it will turn out for the best. It will not always turn out as I wish, but I will be a better person for having lived the Gospel in that situation, and because of that, my future will be richer. 

The adventure of salvation begins when we stop asking, "What's in it for me?" and turn humbly to God in our hearts and ask, "How may I serve? What work do you wish for me to do with my life? What is your will for my life?"

The attitude with which we approach our work is crucial. 

Superficiality is the curse of the modern world. 

"If you are what you should be you will set the world on fire." Catherine of Sienna. 

Each moment, she [Mother Teresa] looked only for the next opportunity to love. 

He [Thomas Moore] was a man who found the grace necessary to live with integrity when it would have been convenient not to. 

Every moment of life is an opportunity to become a better version of yourself.

52 in 52: Week 8

Question 8 of "50 Questions that Will Free Your Mind"

If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?

I would marry sooner, travel more, start a family, worry less, and take dance classes. I strive to  make the most of what I have and therefore strive to live the happiest life I can. Taking advantage of every opportunity is important whether a person's life span is 100, 40, or 20. I think focusing on this thought can lead to a much more fulfilling life.  Why should the way we live our life change if this were the case? You never know if that will be the case.

Week 8 of 52 Weeks: A Blog Post a Day

I hope you enjoyed! :)

52 in 52: Week 7

Question 7 of "Questions that Will Free your Mind"

Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?

Yes :)

Week 7 of 52 Weeks: Watch 3 Documentaries

1. Grizzly Man

2. Man on Wire

3.Happy

4.Into the Abyss

If I were to rate these, it would go as follow:

Happy

Into the Abyss

Man on Wire

Grizzly Man

52 in 52: Week 6

Question 6 of "Questions that Will Free your Mind"

If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?

If I had the ability to travel the world, be a food critic, stay-at-home parent (when the time comes), college advisor, professional crafter, blogger, and photographer-that is the kind of work that would make me most rich/happy! :) 

I am very grateful and happy to be pursuing the field of work that I am. I think working with college students is one of the most rewarding jobs a person can have. While in college I learned who my true friends were, how important family is (and how often, unfortunately, I took them for granted), the importance of human differences, how to survive on my own (kind of), what career I wanted to pursue, and most importantly met the love of my life. It is an important age even for those that don't attend college. I am very grateful to the people who motivated, supported, and encouraged me throughout my college years, and I only hope that I can be that person for current and future students. 

Now, with all that said, what kind of work would make me most happy? One in which I have the opportunity to make a difference, use my talents, be challenged, and am proud of. 

Week 6 of 52 Weeks: Send 5 cards/letters in one week
Alright, so I may have cheated this one a little or it just happened to fall on an easy week full of birthdays, graduations, and Mother's Day. 2 of the 5 were to people unaffiliated to any of the previously mentioned celebrations. One of the cards was WAY overdue, I had been meaning to send this card for a long time.I'm glad this challenge pushed me to actually send it. Still haven't heard anything from the recipient, but hopefully it brightened her day. If not my message, then at least this cute card courtesy of Painted Stuf!

52 in 52: Week 5

Question 5 of "Questions that Will Free your Mind"

What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?

That is a big question I'm not sure I'm ready to answer.  I can't say right now what I would most like to change about the world, but I can think of one thing that is pretty high up there. If I could change something about the world, I would change the "I'm right and everyone else is wrong" mindset that people can have. I think it is important for a person to establish their identity on core beliefs, but not accepting that other beliefs exist and are valid is ignorant.  You do not have to agree with these beliefs, but a person still needs to be respectful of them. If we didn't have different opinions, think about how boring and monotonous life would be. Do you truly want everyone to believe the way you do?

Week 5 of 52: My Day in Six Words

Monday
Reflecting on experiences can be beneficial.

Tuesday
It's time to plan a wedding!! :)

Wednesday
A sick day full of Law&Order (one word...I had to cheat)

Thursday
It feels good to be productive.

Friday
Watching documentaries is something I enjoy. (I watched "Undefeated" this week, it was good. I cried...obviously.)

Saturday
Oh, I enjoy watching Tony Stark. (Iron Man 3...amazing!)

Sunday
Breakfast, movies, and homework in bed.--great way to close off a weekend.

52 in 52: Week 4

Question 4 of "Questions that Will Free Your Mind"

When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?

I sure hope not. Quite literally, I think I listen and "do" more than I speak. The exception to this is when I'm with my family and/or Fiance...lucky them! ;) There is a lot that we all say or claim we want to do or accomplish, but how often do we set aside time or save up money to do these things-not often enough. Doing this challenge has already served as a reminder for me to do some of the things that I have been wanting to, and hopefully after I complete it I will be able to look back and be proud of the accomplishments I've made. I also think one could contemplate this question by asking the question, "Will you have said more than you've done in helping OTHERS be successful?" We all claim we are supportive and willing to help, but do we when this support is most needed?! I think helping others can often times in the end be just as rewarding as accomplishing our own goals. And who knows, you could probably help do both at the same time! This will be one of my focuses this week: helping OTHERS by recognizing their achievements, strengths, and goals.

Great song providing perspective and a reminder to be aware and grateful. Love, faith, and hope can go a long way! Remember...focusing on others before yourself!

Week 4 of 52: Make a List of 25 of my (and my Fiance's) Best Qualities 

Appreciating who you are is important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We don't often sit down and think about what we are good at. Excuses or reasons for this include lack of confidence, time, or interest. I believe that if we can't be proud of who we are, accept our strengths and weaknesses, we are not able to fulfill any roles to the best of our ability. If I am not happy with me, I can't be a good partner, supervisor, daughter, or student. Doing this for  KS was also beneficial. I don't often share with him what I love and appreciate most. Interestingly enough, we shared many of the same qualities. I am looking forward to see if he also had similiar qualities listed for myself and himself. 

Sorry to all of you who were looking forward to hearing about my successful mile-running...whoops. Look for that in the future. I did run one mile though! And am still feeling the effects of that...

52 in 52: Week 3

Question 3 of "Questions that Will Free your Mind"

If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?

That is a good question and everyone should think about it. Obviously in life we do things that we don't want to in order to provide for a better  today and future  for ourselves and for others. I think the key is turning things that you don't like, into things that you do like. If you find the beauty and good in life, then maybe these things or people won't be so dreaded. I also think we focus on what others think and want more often than we think about we want-Why? Who cares?  People, including myself at times, worry so much about fitting in with a group of people. If I do what they like, even if I don't want to, I will be accepted. Why do we surround ourselves with people like this? Find the things that make you happy and find the happy in things (even the ones you don't like). If you choose not to, don't complain.  

Not sure if that truly answered the question, but that's all I got for now.

Week 3 of 52 Weeks: No Dessert! AHHH!

Well...I unfortunately added $3 to the donation bank. Twice it was because I honestly forgot, and once was because I couldn't resist Red Velvet cake (and I was feeling generous-$1 to charity) ;) Of course, the week I sacrifice desserts, I want a Reese's, Varsity Donut, milkshake, and pudding in the same meal. Not really, but some days I wouldn't deny that. Now this week, I start running a mile everyday! Yikes! Last mile I ran was probably in 4th Grade and it was because I HAD to in order to pass the class. Hopefully this week will be good motivation for me and my 5K pursuit.

In honor of ending this challenge: Puppy Chow Bars...YES PLEASE

Happy {Not-so-Kansas-Spring} Monday
Snow in the forecast tomorrow, looks like Snoctopus might inherit a sibling :)

52 in 52: Week 2

Question 2 of "Questions that Will Free your Mind"

Which is worse, failing or never trying?

Never trying-we can often learn the most from failing. If you never try you'll never know what you're truly capable of.

Week 2 of 52 Weeks: Take a Picture Each Day

Meet the Staff I work with-they have been so wonderful.

The Best of Friends-Spending time with these two always brings a smile to my face.

Sweet Boy-Lovin' life with this one.

Love the song and love the words-with love life is much better.

Bring on Spring-Kansas life is becoming much warmer, greener, and bright! :)

First BBQ of the season was a success. Can't wait until many more! Next on the list-Juicy Lucys

Proud to be a Wildcat

I enjoyed this challenge. It reminded me to remember to be grateful for the simple things in life.

Excited to see what next will bring!

52 in 52: Week 1

Question 1 of  "Questions That Will Free your Mind"

How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?

I'm not sure I can answer with an exact age. I'm also not sure that the numerical age is the important piece to remember when reflecting on this question. I think maturity and responsibility are very important components of a successful person. I strive to be both mature and responsible in my daily life. However, I think that too often adults lose the wonder they once had as children. We all were once so curious and creative. Yes, this may not continue to be encouraged in our everyday life, but that doesn't mean it isn't allowed.  Children dream, love, and can be happy with very little.
Why can't adults be? Why can't I be?  

If I didn't know how old I was, I would say that I am older than what I am. I need to focus on the happiness associated with simplicity, imagination, and simply loving others and the beautiful life I have been blessed with.

Week 1 of 52 Weeks:List of 100 Most Meaningful Experiences of My Life
I won't bother sharing my list of 100 experiences. However, I did notice important trends among my list. Without difficulty and relationships almost all of these experiences wouldn't exist.

Here are some of my most meaningful experiences:
-Meeting my fiance and best friend (and his family)
-Learning when to let go of someone or something
-Becoming a Godparent and cousin to a beautiful child(ren)
-Family Traditions (Uncles dressed as Santa for Christmas) and Vacations (Disney, Virginia, Texas)
-Traveling Abroad
-Going to Graduate School
-Illness (family and self)
-Volunteering (various service trips)

I have been so blessed to be surrounded by the most supportive and loving people-my friends and family. A quarter of my list consisted of names. Names of friends, family, supervisors, and strangers. Would you be on anyone's list? That's what this activity made me think. What am I doing to help create an experience for someone's list of 100 most meaningful experiences? I also found it interesting that a lot of my experiences on this list would have, at one time, been considered obstacles. I probably prayed that they would end, go away, or be cured. I'll think about that next time I am struggling.



Week 2 consists of taking one picture a day and reflecting on it...