Target Thursday - day 16

My target for today and this week is to do well at everything I am working on. Tomorrow I have a day visit and an interview at CYFM. After that I have relay for life and this weekend I will be celebrating a friends birthday, possible seeing the hunger games. I'm looking forward to the movie and I've wanted to see it for a while. Then on Sunday we have new student day 2. So I'm going to keep this short because I have to be up early. Toodles! "the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step"

Day 16- Wonderful Wednesday

So today I was able to accomplish several things which is what made my day wonderful!

First, I finished my speech for my Honors talk this Sunday.  I am speaking at the Honors Brunch at New Student Day which I really excited about.  This is the first time that I will be able to talk and I am really excited about it.  I got to write some stories and reflect on my time in the honors program at MSMC. It still needs to be edited, but I'll post it when it's all done.

Second, I finished my application for CYFM. I've been working on it for weeks and it was a relief to finally submit it. I'm excited and can't wait until Friday when I will be visiting and I have my final interview. It's crazy how fast everything is changing.

Overall today was a good day.  Tonight we had a religious panel discussion and there was an Imam, a Rabbi, a Lutheran Minister and Fr. Francis. This was really cool because it was an open panel where people got to ask questions and learn about the different faiths.  I love going to events like this and it was nice that my school was willing to have such an event.

Today is going to be short...I'm tired and want to go to bed early!

Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.
Mother Teresa

Travel Tuesday - Day 15

So today I'm planning on finishing and editing my essays for my year of service. It's awesome because I love getting the ability to share a bit of myself with others especially when it come to what I can bring to the table and contribute to a place. I love the idea of getting to volunteer for a year and give of myself. I think it is important that I show all that I can give to them and why I am a good fit.


Back to todays topic..try the food!

One thing you will hear all about is the food of a country and what you should and shouldn't try.  It kills me when people say that they only eat chicken fingers, pizza, grilled cheese...nothing that is overwhelmingly different.  I could never understand why someone would not at least try something different.  My philosophy is that you must at least taste the different foods of a country.  One of my favorite things to do is to take a menu of a restaurant and pick something random to eat.  Of course, if you can't eat certain foods that changes things a little bit, but you should be able to find something to eat.  It's sometimes surprising and unexpected when you find a new food that can become your favorite.  You can also sometimes figure out different foods to make at home and ways to adapt them.  Some of the best things to do is go to a local restaurant, of course, depending on the country you are in, you may want to check them out a little bit more.  Also, even getting street food can be fun and especially unexpected.  Sometimes depending on the country you are in, the food can be super cheap so you can try a ton of different types of food.  When we were in India we tried so many different foods, same as in China because everything was so cheap.

 Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity.  ~Voltaire

Manic Monday - Day 14

So crazy...I have a paper due tomorrow that I need to get done. I also have essays to get done for my year of service and I have reading for my other class and I have so much crazy stuff going on!!! Ahh!!! Have ot keep the blog short tonight...like really short.

Toodles!!

Stay calm and aggressive. 
Gabrielle Reece 

Song Sunday - Day 13

So I know I missed yesterday...I ended up going to Manhatten to spend some time with some SASers and we were out late so I didn't get a chance to post anything. It was such a fun time though! I loved getting to see everyone and go out and party it up. It's hard sometimes because I don't often get to see people from SAS so being able to have some time to hang out and chill with people that I really care about is coveted. I love being able to see them and catch up. I was so grateful for the time I got to spend with them and I will definitely talk more about them later this week.

So this week I decided to choose "The Middle" by Jimmy Eat World.
I've always loved this song and I feel like it's one of those songs that everyone knows and can relate to in one way or another. It comes up on a few of my Pandora stations and every time it comes on, I can't help but sing along to it.

I think one of the reasons that I like it so much is that it's kind of where I am right now. I'm not really sure what I want to do in the future and I don't want to give up on anything. The other thing is that sometimes it's hard to not feel like you're at your wits end. I like that it says "it's only in your head you feel left out or looked down on." I totally believe this. I feel like a lot of times we make ourselves out to be less than we are and feel like we don't belong anywhere. It was funny because I went out to dinner with my brother Dan and his friend Matt tonight and it was a good, relaxed time. I probably could have found other friends to hang out or just stayed home and eaten with my parents when they got back from Vermont, but I didn't really feel like it.  I also liked getting to hang out with them because I can have some interesting and deep conversations with them that I can't often have with some of my own friends. I like this song because it makes me think that even though I'm not totally sure where I belong, I will figure it out at some point.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKsxPW6i3pM&ob=av2n - music video by Jimmy Eat World

“Beginnings are usually scary and endings are usually sad, but it’s the middle that counts. You have to remember this when you find yourself at the beginning.”

Sandra Bullock

Free Friday - Day 12

So today was an interesting day. I went to visit my high school to visit one friend that works there, I planned on being there for maybe 30min. I ended up being there for almost 3 hours. It was crazy. My high school is one of those places that you can't just go see one person. If you visit you have to see everyone or else you might make someone angry. It's insane. It was a lot of fun wandering around and talking to everyone though. I like visiting there, it's almost like coming home in a sense. At first, I'm always nervous walking in but then I remember that I felt like I pretty much owned the place and I go back to being all confident and crap. Not to mention that the dean still loves me so I'm not too worried about getting yelled at.

Its fun to catch up with teachers that I now consider acquaintances and  in some case friends. The best part about it is that even though it's four years later, the same people that looked after me then, are still looking at me now. I explained to them my plans for the future and they got excited and are really looking forward to hearing from me on all that I want to do. It's in one sense surprising but on the other sense, it makes me feel invigorating and gives me a lot of inspiration for the future. I'm excited to keep them updated and tell them all about what I want to do.

The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.
Abraham Lincoln

Target Thursday - Day 11

Next target...lose weight!

I feel like this is something that I keep saying that I'm going to do but never actually do a whole lot about it. I'll say "i'm really going to try this time" and then I never actually do. It seems to be one of those big, scary tasks that everyone says they're going to do and then most don't or they don't actually succeed. It's hard and I'll admit it. But I will also admit that as much as I love myself, I don't necessarily love the way I look.

I've decided that I am going to cut out really bad foods and eat things more in moderation. I gave up fried food for lent and I think that I am going to stick to it after Lent. I also want to try to eat healthier things and eat things that even though they may not be the best, are good in moderation. I'd like to eat more things like carob chips instead of chocolate and cook more for myself as well. I am going to take my Nalgene and make it a goal to drink 1 of them a day if not 2.  I think I'll also set up some sort of chart for myself so I know that I have followed it and mark it or put stickers on it. I think this will be a good way of me keeping track as well.

I also need to exercise more. I keep telling myself that I will but then I never do which is hard and annoying. I tell myself that I don't want to lose my parking spot, that I don't have gas or any number of other reasons. I'm going to try and walk each day and I think I might join planet fitness which I have been saying I'll do since september.

What else? O I want to actually use my yoga mat for yoga. I also want to cook more and cook healthier. I want to be able to buy clothes in smaller sizes and just be happier about my general appearance. Now that I've written it all out and posted it here, I have to stick to it...o boy!!!

Here we go!!!


When you get to a plateau, think of it as a landing on the stairway to your goal. And maintenance is a lifelong plateau, so a bit of "rehearsal" for maintenance isn't the worst thing in the world.

Wonderful Wednesday - Day 10

So this is late...I know, I know, but not without reason! This was a Wonderful Wednesday! I ended up spending time with some of my closest friends which was nice. It's especially nice because we don't always get to see each other which is hard sometimes. It does make those times we get to see them that much sweeter! I get to do the same tomorrow too! Too often we don't bother to think of those friends that we do not often get to talk to. Sometimes though, these are the friends that actually mean the most to us and would be there for us when all else fails. I feel like it's that way with a lot of my SAS friends too. We don't often see each other but I talk to some of them a few times a week. Some of them I haven't seen since I got off the ship but it just makes me realize that when I do get to see them it will be that much better. Anyways...I know this is short, but I'm tired so I'll try to write something longer tomorrow.

Gnighty night!!!

"A friend is someone who is there for you when he'd rather be anywhere else." 
- Len Wein - Sent by Paulo Louro

Travel Tuesday - Day 9 You're Going Where?

I think one of the hardest thing about traveling is deciding where to go. I know that sometimes that is the hardest thing for me to decide. This can be when you are visiting friends, deciding where to go when you are studying abroad, or simply deciding what to do when you are in a new place.

The most amazing thing is that everyone has a different idea of what they want to do and what they would like to do. For me, I look for things that are outside the box and different. I don't always want to do the most touristy things, a lot of times if I do do something touristy, I tend to go with someone that I know and learn about it from them. I think the most important thing that you could do is research and decide what you might want to do. I remember making checklists and reading things over and over before I decided what to do.

Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.
Miriam Beard

Manic Monday- Day 8

Spring Break!!! haha...even though it started on Friday, now it really feels like spring break because it's Monday and I didn't go to class. Today was a bit of a lazy day, I had to go to BJ's and do some shopping and return bottles, I also went to PetCo to pick up some things for our cats. I of course went to Starbucks...DELICIOUS!!!! Now, I'm helping my little brother with his religion project. I'm SO glad that I didn't have to do this project. It's a timeline of the Old Testament, maybe the New Testament too, I'm not really sure, but I have to help him copy everything over and it's a pain in the ass. That's what I get for having mildly better handwriting than anyone else in my family. Hooray!

So plans for the week...I'm not really sure. I'm hoping to see a lot of my friends that are also home for Spring Break because I feel like I never get to see anyone anymore. I don't know how much that will change come May when I graduate but we'll see. I'm thinking of going to Starbucks and camping out there one day this week so I can get my work done. I have to finish applications and work on school stuff, and read a book for my Holocaust class...well two actually. Tomorrow I'm spending the day with mom and we're going to go out east which will be fun and hopefully relaxing. I have no idea what we're doing but it should be interesting. Can't wait for life to get in the way!

You must do the things you think you cannot do.
Eleanor Roosevelt 

Song Sunday?

I have another idea for an "s" day. I'm not sure if either one will happen but my second idea is "song saturday/sunday." I love music and actually listening to music. I feel like often we just get caught up in the melody or sounds of the song but never really stop to listen to the lyrics. I always listen to the lyrics because I think you can get a whole other message that we wouldn't expect. Sometimes we can find something that we really like, and other times stuff that we hate. If we don't pay attention at all, we could listen to a song, mention that we like it, and then find out that the message is totally off. I think that I'll pick a song to share each week and talk about why I like it, what it means to me, and so on and so forth. I'll probably talk about parts of the lyrics and maybe post them. Sound like a plan? Great!

So for my first song, I'm choosing Fix You, by Coldplay.
This is one of my favorite songs of all time. It's a really simple song that I think packs a punch. I love listening to it because even though it is kind of sad, it has a really good message. I feel like when I get caught in those funks where I feel broken, this is the perfect song to listen to. One thing that I like is that the message talks about fixing someone who's broken. I always say that the best peopel in my life are the ones that I know will be able to "fix" me when I feel broken, This song is perfect in that sense. It packs a punch and also reminds me to be a better person when I'm having some problems. I love the chorus: "lights will guide you home, and ignite your bones, and I will try to fix you." For me, I feel like I get lost in the shuffle. Be it, I lost myself in all that I get involved in, or I feel like my friends don't notice or care about me in all they have going on. This song reminds me to slow down and breathe. It makes me realize that there is a way out and I don't need to feel so lost in the dark.  It also reminds me that I have the strength and power to continue on. This is such a simple song and I must play it at least 10 times a week. It's one of those songs that can apply to so many different people in your life. It can be your faith life and your relationship with God, this is one relationship that this song reminds me of. I have realized that with God, I can achieve great things but I have to be willing to be "fixed" and "guided home". It also makes me think of my friends and family.  I know that they will do anything for me and I need to be willing to rely on them especially in times of need.  I think that everyone should listen to this song at least once and I mean really listen to it, not just nod along to the beat and I hope that that's what people do with these songs that I post and to music in general.

Now, I decided to post the music video and some covers/versions of the song that I really like. I like listening to different versions of the same song because I think you get a different feel for it. You can notice a different cadence in the persons voice, notice where the infliction and stress is placed in the lyrics and other things.  Also, sometimes some parts are slowed down or sped up, or mashed up with other songs which changes the original song as well.  Even the different music videos can make a song totally different.

First: The original music video by Coldplay. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JI-o25K6B-E&ob=av2e
I like the music video because it's not as crazy and over done the way some music videos are. I think that it fits the song really well especially given that it starts off so simply and then goes in to Chris Martin and the band singing with a stadium full of people.

Second: The cover by Boyce Avenue ft. Tyler Ward. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9ETxBHYBAU
I usually have a Boyce Avenue playlist going when I'm studying or doing work. I know how they sound and I've heard most of their songs/their covers before so it makes for really good background music because I don't have to think and I can just keep it on in the background. I love many of the versions that Boyce Avenue does of all different songs from Coldplay to Eminen to Maroon 5. Each cover echoes the original but also carries with it a whole different set of originality.

Third: The same cover by Boyce Avenue but a totally different video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQVFGdmO5b8
This is the wedding video of Charles and Alli Trippy from CTFxC on Youtube. I love watching their daily vlogs and seeing their relationship grow and especially watching as they prepared for their wedding. Once this video came out, I was beyond excited. I told my best friend that I would love this as a wedding song and she told me I was crazy, a few days later I posted this video on her wall and she just accepted it. It was funny because she told me that she could totally understand why I would choose a song like this and that if fit me.  I love the way this video is done and how it takes the song to a whole other level.

Fourth: The Glee version of the song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCZdio3uN7o&feature=related
The episode that had this song in it was a super emotional episode, not to mention that Matthew Morrison has an amazing voice. I liked this version and the way they played it out.

That's it for this song day. Until Manic Monday...goodnight!!!

Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music.
Ronald Reagan

Sappy Sunday? - Day 7

So this totally is not going to stay as sappy sunday, I just have no idea what to choose. It's the "s" words, they're a pain in the ass to come up with something. Although, I kind of like the idea of sappy sundays. Maybe I'll share some ridiculous story about I don't know what...and that's how sundays will work. I'll decide something to write about, maybe from when I was a kid, or college or high school. I'm not sure yet. It's a work in progress.

So today was kind of an uneventful day. I spent some of the day cleaning before my parents come home from Vermont. Especially given that I had some friends over last night and we all hung out, I figure I should make sure the kitchen is clean. Also because mom always asks us to make sure the kitchen is clean before they come home. Other than that, I lounged about and didn't really do much. I ended up sleeping pretty late, Rob and Taylor spent the night so they wouldn't have to go home late last night and they slept in too. Dan and I went to St. Brigid's for mass tonight and then we went out to Baci's for dinner after. I loooove Baci's. It's one of my favorite restaurants and the food is really good and super hot too. I like getting to go to different restaurants but I haven't had the chance to go to Baci's in a few months so going there made me happy.

Now for a story about something...

well last night actually we were looking through our high school year book and I was looking at all the different people that signed it. One of them was from my friend Maureen and the first thing she wrote was "you suck at life..." which made me laugh hysterically because she went on to say that I used to drag her all around the school to talk to different teachers and hang out with a zillion people which was true. It made me laugh thinking back on it how I was almost always late to things because I would get caught talking to someone. As a matter of fact, this still happens a whole lot. I love hanging out with people and just having a good time. I always get stopped and strike up a conversation. I don't see anything wrong with that...although people waiting for me might. Oops haha

something saturday - day 6

So I have no idea what Saturday will be about. I attempted to look up "s" words but that seems kind of poor.

Anyways...friends are over, we're hanging out and it's time to have fun.

A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same.
Elbert Hubbard

Free Friday

So today was a bit of a slow day. I lounged around the house which was nice because I feel like I haven't had the chance to just lay out and relax for a long time. I do have a bunch of stuff to do this week but I it was nice to have spend the first day of break relaxing. Tonight I ended up babysitty for a couple of hours which was nice. We watched Barbie haha. It was fun!

So free friday...what to write about. O I know, I'm going to talk  about what the concert for a bit. So we had The Downtown Fiction, Mayday Parade and We the Kings come to our school which was a lot of fun I really enjoyed. I had so much fun! Especially because I got to work stage crew backstage. I had so much fun!!! The best part was that we got to hang out with all of the bands and work with them and their crew. I really enjoyed getting to "know" them and talk to them. It was cool to see all of the equipment and watch how everything gets set up. Talking to the bands and learning what their songs were about and why they did certain things was really interesting. It was cool to get their autographs and take a bunch of pictures. They were also soooo down to earth and just wanted to chill out with everyone. The cool thing was that their riders were so simple, like chips and salsa and nothing crazy.  It was different from last year when we had Travie McCoy and he wanted so much crap.  They didn't really care about anything and just wanted to have a good time. I was glad that I got this opportunity. I also got to talk to the our contact who works with different bands and colleges.  We had a chance to talk about different careers in the entertainment industry and how things work. I really enjoyed this because I'm still kind of figuring out what I want to do. After working the concert, I definitely want to look in to international marketing management again. I'm still interested in doing study abroad work but I really want to have a job that's a little bit crazy like me and also something that I love, so we'll see.

Tomorrow, I think I'm going to see Anne. I might have to work during the day, but I'm hoping I don't because I really want to hang out with Anne. Plus, we might go dress shopping which I'm really excited about because who doesn't like trying on dresses!?!?!?!? I'm def. babysitting tmrw night but I don't really want to have to during the day. O wellsies!

I don't go around regretting things that don't happen.
Virgil Thomson

Target Thursdays - Day 4

So I decided that on Thursdays I will write about something that I want to accomplish in my life. Be it someone I want to meet, something I want to do, a place I want to go. Anything really that will get me to some point. I think this will be cool because it will be a combination of a Leap List and a Bucket List. I've always had a sort of Bucket List in the back of my mind, but I also really like the idea of a Leap List. It's almost creating things that are more manageable and make a bit more sense instead of just long term things.

I think this first Thursday I am going to talk about keeping the blog. I feel like I have said over and over I'm going to keep this blog but I've never really stuck too it. This time, I really want to make it work. I think that by making each day mean something or having some sort of subject for each day, I'll actually be able to get somewhere. I think that this is important because it makes things easier. It's hard to say, I'm going to start a blog and talk everyday about whatever. This way, I have a guideline for myself. Sure, some days might not totally relate to the "intended" topic, but either way, it gives me something to write about.

It's been a bit insane to think about everything that I want to do in life and where I want to go when in reality, I really don't know what I want to do or where I want to go. I do think that starting somewhere is better than starting no where. I also think that by keeping this blog, I may gain a better understanding of myself and where I may one day want to be.

"This one step - choosing a goal and sticking to it - changes everything." Scott Reed 

Wonderful Wednesday - Day 3...again

So all in all, today was a pretty good day. It was a bit insane because so much was going on.

 I spent a lot of time at work researching different schools and their international programs. It was interesting to see how different programs and schools operated and what different things meant.  I liked getting to learn about it and see what what going on the thing that they did/do.  I really enjoy doing this sort of research even though sometimes it can be tedious.  All in all I liked getting to see what goes on with other schools and getting a glimpse in to what they do with their international students.

After leaving work I headed over to class where we spoke about corporations and their influence on the classroom and in schools.  It's crazy to think about what is happening to our schools and how where the line is.  I think that it is fine for corporations to donate money to schools and play a part but that if it is overwhelmingly involved, it may not be okay.

The Kony 2012 campaign was started today and I found out more about it and what the organization Invisible Children does and how it is glorified in some senses.  I think it is important to find out as much as you can about things before coming to a conclusion on it.

Wonderful wednesday!!! I have one more midterm tomorrow and then I'm done until after break! Hooray!!!!!!

Wonderful Wednesdays- Day 3(maybe...more later probably)

So I've decided that Wednesdays will be Wonderful Wednesdays. Since Wednesday is "Hump Day" I decided that I will write something positive on them, no matter how crappy my day is, I will come up with something happy to write about. This came out of no where to be honest. I had all sorts of ideas for Wednesday: wacky, wicked, worship, whatever...and nothing really seemed right. So, Wonderful it is! And that's something wonderful in and of itself...isn't it?

Wisdom begins in wonder. 
Socrates 

Travel Tuesday - day 2

Woah!!! So I got an e-mail today from my Global Ambassadors "boss" and it was all about creating connection across the globe and sharing our stories about studying abroad. I'm really excited because I'm going to write a blurb on how I ended up doing SAS and what it meant to me.

I think that one thing that is often overlooked when one is thinking about studying abroad is the connections you can make with people living in the country you will be going to. I am so happy to say that I have made close friends with people in other countries and I think that it is important too. I love talking to and hanging out with local people. I think that that was one of my favorite parts about Semester at Sea. It's awesome to think that one day when I travel and go back to places like India, I have friends there that I will want to go and visit.

Something that I think is super important is to dive in head first. Talk to locals...they know best after all! They're the ones that will teach you the cool phrases, the places to go that the travel books don't tell you about...what things are really like. You never know, these are people that may vouch for you and really show you around their city/country.  When we say where we are from, we are taking ownership of that place and must let ourselves open up to others about it.  In the same way, we must allow others to open up to us and show them their place.



“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
— Ben Franklin

Just another Manic Monday...and weekend

So I didn't have the chance to blog this weekend. It was so insane that I barely had any time to breath, but it was amazing nonetheless. Friday I went to work where I worked on some different organizing and updating some of our records. I also got to go to a meeting with my boss and a company that is looking in to working with the school.  It was really neat to learn all about the different things that they can offer the school and how they function as a company. It was an insider look in to how things work.  This was really useful because it gave me an idea of how things could work if I decide to pursue a career as a study abroad advisor.  It also gave me an idea in to working with different companies and traveling internationally.  I learned some key questions to ask and know what to look for in different programs which was kind of interesting. I also picked up certain questions that weren't asked but were interesting to me.  It was neat because my boss actually noticed and commented on the answer to my question. All in all, it was a good meeting.

This weekend, I definitely need to talk more about, Friday we had our Tunnel of Intolerance, followed by concert set up which went til super late.  We had concert set up again on Saturday and I also made dinner with one of my housemates and her best friend. We made chicken tacos, homemade mac & cheese and vegis and it was really good.

Sunday, I had to be up wicked early, (think 6:40) early in order to help work/get set up for the concert. I will def. talk more about the concert tomorrow.

Today I had my business midterm, I'll also be working this whole week and on Thursday I have my Holocaust midterm and I'll have work this whole week as well. So it's going to be super busy!!!

Toodles for now!

Believe you can and you're halfway there.
Theodore Roosevelt

New Idea - Day 1 restarted...again

Okay, so clearly, daily blogs aren't the easiest thing in the world. I guess at the time, it seems like it would be but now...not so much. So I've decided to create a new direction for what I want to do with these. I decided that each day of the week will have a theme where I will talk about a "specific" topic, although, all-in-all these topics can range very much.

So far I have:

Simple Sundays - Since Sundays are usually my catch-up days, I'll probably just put down a quote or talk about something I saw that I liked, nothing too crazy and these entries will probably be pretty short.
Manic Mondays- Mondays I'll talk about my plans for the week, what I have coming up, probably complain a little bit about the week...or just share thoughts about the insanity of what's going on.
Travel Tuesdays-On Tuesdays I'll share a story about something that happened while I was traveling, some tips that I learned from my travel experience, things about where I want to go...really anything that has to do with traveling.
Free Fridays- Fridays I'll write about whatever I feel like, these blogs might be short or long, and will be on whatever I feel like talking about in that moment.


So that leaves Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday...guess I have to start thinking about them, especially since tomorrow's the first Thursday.


“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”
 Jim Rohn

last post...11/11/11...next post..2/6/12

wow, i totally failed at this. quick recap, since my last post i:
celebrated a crazy thanksgiving
my little brother turned 15
celebrated christmas in vermont
went to new zealand and spent 3 weeks there
and started my final semester of college...AHHH!!!

now...i am working on applying for jobs and doing cover letters. tomorrow, i'm going to the UN and I have to be up at 6:30 so I'm going to bed and I'll work on writing a real blog tomorrow.

“If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place.”