random rantings

Sometimes my brain goes crazy with random thoughts and it won't shut up until I tell them to someone... Soooo HELLO blog, my little cyber writing space that I keep neglecting!

So first off, I've started at Ferris State University this semester, and I'm enrolled in a program called Integrative Studies.  What, you might ask, is integrative studies?  Well, I wasn't too sure either, up until yesterday.  All I knew was that it's good for people who have loads of credits, work full-time, and have families.  A.K.A., me.  I finally was able to meet with a school counselor yesterday and basically what she told me is that I can take ANY classes I want.  The only requirements are that they're 300-level or higher, and I need about 30 to graduate (finally) with my bachelor's degree.  I'm beyond happy.  I'm going to take all the English and writing and Philosophy and Psychology I can!

Unrelated, I find it quite amusing to hear people try and use the word "feminist" as an insult.  I mean really... can you please just do your homework and find out what the word truly means and stands for? K thanks.  Also, it may not come as a surprise to find out I HATE catcalling.  Never do I find it flattering.  It is always obtrusive and obnoxious and uncomfortable.  Today while I was pumping gas, some sleezy dirt bags decided to make some comments that I didn't much care for... I'm still contemplating calling the company they work for (Walk-A-Bout Lawn Care - they were getting out of the company truck) and complaining.

Next up on tonight's list of thoughts... I've discovered I'm quite good at making banana bread.  I've also discovered that it's really easy to make.  This makes me happy, because banana bread is ace.

Ahh, this one may sound like an echo of thoughts of voiced before... but dang, Harry Potter is awesome.  I'm in the middle of re-reading the series (which I haven't done, in order, for a few years now), and I almost forgot how it has a way of just sucking me out of real life and pulling me into that world.

Coming soon (maybe): fresh ink!!!  It's been over a year (almost two, actually) since I've gotten a tattoo and I can almost literally feel my skin itching for more.  I'm sure it's a real addiction.

Last but not least... I really, really want to start finding/making time for more yoga in my life!  I want to practice it in as many forms as possible.  It's so relaxing but it's also strengthening and some of it really feels like a good workout.

Well, I think that covers everything tonight.

Ciao!

-teddy x

Been Struggling

Alright, alright, I know I've been majorly slacking in the blogging area the past couple weeks -- things have been pretty crazy!  I don't really have that much time to post now, but I figured something short is better than nothing at all.

So.

Here are some things that have gone on, are going on now, or are soon to be going on in life:

1.  Tom is coming to visit!  September 14 to 28.  I'm so excited!!

2.  School started this week, which now applies to my work as well as my academics, since this year I'm employed by a college.  Definitely a change of pace from the summer semester, and it's great.  Things were getting so slow at the end there that it was almost too much to bear.  Much, much busier now!

3.  Got 100% on my first ever FSU assignment... Granted it was only a short post introducing yourself but hey, gotta start somewhere, right?

4.  Blonde is happening!!  Going on Saturday to get my hair done and hopefully lightening the rest up!

5.  I have officially decided to gear my education in the direction of becoming a professor.  English, possibly/probably.  Ya know what would be awesome though?  If I had just gone with that idea when I first had it at about 16, instead of being incredibly indecisive for the past (at least) 5 years. 

6.  I will be going to Atlanta in November for my birthday!  Well, not actually for my birthday.  But I'll be there on my birthday.  I'm going with my friend/co-worker, Marcia.  We're both on something called the Access Services Team at the Library and we're going to a conference in ATL for Access Services Team members. I've heard there's an awesome aquarium there!!

7.  Everything at my new place is finally settling down and looking good.  Just a few last boxes to unpack and some more decorating ideas I want to get in place.

8.  I'm re-reading Harry Potter... Okay this really isn't that exciting.  If you know me, there's probably a 50/50 chance that at any point in time I'm reading a Harry Potter book.  However, I haven't actually re-read the entire series, in order, in years.  On book 3 now!

I feel like I'm forgetting something but whatever it is, I'm sure I'll remember it as soon as I post this.

Also, I know I still need to take some proper pictures of my apartment and post them... Coming soon!!

-teddy x

10 Things I Believe In

I think it's really important for people to have solid belief systems.  Being confident in what you believe in and what you stand for has a strong affect on your daily life.  It gives you the ability to more easily make decisions and it helps you learn more about who exactly you are . . . because I think everyone struggles with that at least a little bit.

So, that being said, here are ten things I believe in:

1.  Reading . . . reading reading reading.  I could say it over a million times.  Ever since I learned how to read, it's been one of my favorite activities to partake in.  I honestly don't even know how to respond to people when they say things like "I hate reading", or "I don't read".  Actually I just usually want to ask, "wtf is wrong with you????!"  But alas, I refrain.  I must admit, the older I get the more busy I get the more tired I am and the less I read.  I've been making more of a conscious effort to fit more reading time into my schedule, though.  So many good things can come from it!

(Infographic found here)

2.  Driving with the windows down and singing really, really loud.  Unless you're my mother. Then it's just embarrassing.  But let's be real.  Doing this never fails to cheer you up or make you feel better or give you a laugh, etc.  What harm can be done?  This was most definitely a prominent activity of my teenage years but I will not deny that it still happens . . . on a sort of frequent basis.  No shame here.

3.  Indulging in your comfort foods.  Okay, so I try not to get carried away with this one (and I suggest you don't either unless your comfort food is kale), but I totally think everyone should allow themselves a chocolate bar late at night or a slice of pizza for breakfast every once in awhile.  

4.  Health and fitness.  I know, I know, this ever so slightly contrasts with number three of my list, but it's still something I believe in!  I really never cared about health or fitness until after I had Ari.  My nine months of pregnancy basically consisted of eating whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, whilst sitting in front of the TV.  There was also a lot of sleeping involved.  Having a bun in the oven is hard work, man.  However, after Ari was born, I was so absolutely, ridiculously out of shape that it was disgusting.  I lost the 60 pounds I put on (yes, 60 whole pounds -- and I weigh about 120 normally) within the first six months, but I could barely walk up stairs without getting winded.  I think Ari was about a year old when I made a New Year's Resolution (something I really never do) to start working out and to start paying attention to my eating habits.  I have my good times and I have my bad times, but overall I have come a long ways from where I was.  

5.  Terrible jokes.  I am totally one of those people who laughs for way too long at the stupidest jokes.  They are my favorite!  I should create a journal full of them so that when I start having dinner parties (because I plan to start having dinner parties) I can get it out and tell people amazing jokes. 

For example: 

Q:  What does a nosy pepper do?   

A:  Gets jalapeño business

HILARIOUS RIGHT?

6.  Doing what you want to do.  So this one seems fairly straightforward, doesn't it?  Well, I suppose it is.  But I feel like it deserves mentioning because I think a lot of people don't actually do what they want to do.  I think that many people are either afraid of what other people will think or how they'll react, or what will happen if they do something out of their comfort zone.  Mr. Twain once wisely said, "Why not go out on a limb?  That's where the fruit is."  Truth.  Don't be scared to branch out and do whatever it may be that you want to do, even if it seems like the craziest, most far-fetched idea ever . . . Unless it involves hurting other people, then maybe you shouldn't.

7.   Traveling.  Alright, I'll admit this one isn't too creative.  And that it can also be not very doable when you're low on expendable income or free time or whatever.  But honestly, if you have the chance, do it.  I have a friend right now who's traveling in Europe for about six months.  On his own.  And he's like 22.  SO JEALOUS.  Now that I have a kid and am unable to up and leave whenever I please, every time I have friends who talk to me about maybe doing this or that, I tell them that they absolutely should go.  And also, one day, I'm going to quit my job and travel the world and take photos and see cool people and animals.

8.  Starting sentences with "and" and "but".  HUGE no-no according to English teachers around the world (at least to all the ones during my 13 years of Catholic schooling).  However, I think it can really emphasize an idea or point, and as much of a grammar-Nazi as I am, by all means, break the rules and start a sentence with "and" or "but".  I bet you'll feel better after.

9.  Working hard.   Sometimes, on days when you're really tired or really bummed out about something, having to work hard can suck.  In my opinion though, when you work hard doing something you (at least somewhat) enjoy, it can be very gratifying.  It gives you a sense of accomplishment and makes you feel productive.  I went through a period of unemployment this past winter (and it kept snowing and snowing and snowing), and I just felt very trapped and bored.  Working hard doesn't necessarily mean at a job, either.  It can be working hard on your hobbies or working hard to learn something new, etc.  

10.  Being nice.  Sounds simple.  Isn't always that easy.  But if everyone could just try really hard to be nice to each other, there would probably be a lot more rainbows and butterflies and unicorns, etcetera, in the world, and less anger and fighting.

What are some things you believe in?

-teddy x