What's Your Anthem?

I took a short drive to a nearby town to grab some hot tea and get some writing done. I was in dire need of a break from radio music, so I looked through the CD collection that was stashed in the console of my parents’ car. I was a little bit skeptical after the first one read, “Dad’s Songs” and the second choice was “Now 14.” The next CD read, “Goob,” a shortened version of my sister’s nickname. This could get interesting.

It was as if my sister was reading my mind. The CD was a mixture of acoustic rock from a few years ago. While a lot of it was pretty depressing (Hinder… Sarah, really?), much of it was just what I wanted to hear. I belted out the lyrics and may have even closed my eyes a few times. Good thing I’ve driven that Iowa highway countless times.

It is always interesting to see how people put together their own mix of songs on a CD. You can really tell a lot about people and what is going on in their lives by what’s pumping on their iPod. It is a simple pleasure of mine to flip through old CDs. I always find myself saying, “What was I thinking?”

The last song that played before I reached The Coffee Attic was “Stand” by Rascal Flatts. I’m not afraid to say that I am a fan. I found myself really listening to the lyrics.

“You might bend, till you break

Cause its all you can take

On your knees you look up

Decide you’ve had enough

You get mad, you get strong

Wipe your hands, shake it off

Then you stand”

The truth is, we don’t know why things happen; we don’t know what is going to happen next. All we can do is look up and move forward.

“Life’s like a novel

With the end ripped out

The edge of a cannon

With only one way down”

This brought me back to this quote: “It isn’t what happens that matters. It’s how we handle it.” I hate to say it, but attitude is everything. It’s time to take matters into your own hands – control what you can.

So, is this my anthem? Different songs speak to me during different times of my life. On my drive for that hot cup of tea, this was my anthem. What is yours?

Motivation Monday

Good Monday morning blogging world! So, I've been thinking (don't run away) I would like to jumpstart my Mondays with a little motivation. Today will be the first of many "Motivation Monday" posts. Yay!

Over the weekend, I had some good chats with my mom about my future. She knows how stuck I am, and the uncertainty of the future can be scary and overwhelming. She reminded me that this is a "opportunity time." I am going to take this information and move forward.

I was on the golf team throughout high school. You meet a lot of different girls throughout the conference while you walk the course and putt around. One of these girls shared advice with me that she received from her dad, "As long as the ball goes forward, not backwards, then you are doing alright." I think about that from time to time. Move forward.

Be good to yourself.

Get over it.

Be curious. Take chances. 

Every little bit helps. 

I'm taking this exit. Please join me!

Simple.

On this Saturday morning, I have one simple thought for you:

And don't you forget it.

Prayin' for Daylight

Lately I've been having trouble sleeping. This is not to say that I am not tired, because I am; however, for some reason my mind is working overtime.

This morning as I woke up way too early, I began to think about the problems of being up in the middle of the night.

My mind goes tick, tick, tick. Not only am I generally thinking about problems and situations that I can't control, but what can I really do about them at 3 a.m.? One thought leads to another and to another. All of a sudden, I am caught up in a senseless "situation" that I have pondered up in 20 minutes. Trying to remember if my black tank top is clean soon turns into wondering where I will be five years from now. Stupid, I know. Mind, please shut off!

Frustrations. The longer I stay up, the more frustrated I become. I remember one time when I was in middle school I couldn't sleep. I stayed up crying, which made the situation worse. I remember getting all worked up about how tired I was going to be if I didn't sleep. It is just so frustrating when all you want is a solid eight hours, and it turns out to be a jolted five or six.

Loneliness. The dark, quiet nights are lonely. There is no better way to say it.

The daytime seems much more sensible. I have much more control over my mind. Next time I find myself staring into the darkness, I will start prayin' for daylight... just like Rascal Flatts tells me to.

Lounge Wear

Of course it is important to pay attention to your outfit as you head out on a Friday night. Daily school and work clothes can also be fun to put together and accessorize, but have you ever really looked at your lounge wear style?

Generally, I look a tad on the sloppy side as I head to bed (I say this as I realize that I slept with my shorts on backwards last night). When I head to the store I try to step it up. I throw on yoga pants and a track jacket, and I attempt to fluff my hair. In other words, I would like to think I am 'presentable'.

Today I have a pretty lengthy "to-do" list that includes some cleaning and running around town; therefore, it may have to be a lounge wear day.

I recently purchased the most amazing sweatpants by Under Armour...

Then there is always my trusted UNI sweatshirt...

And the best little shoes I've ever purchased: UGG moccasins...

I plan on being productive and comfy today. Time to start crossing items off my list!

We All Get It

I have a special treat for you today. I ran across a website that showcases thousands of quotes and things teenagers do and say. The best part is, we all get it. Enjoy!

Now I just make imaginary lists in the middle of the night. 

Dodgeball will always be insanely competitive.

Shake your booty :-)

We were so sneaky!

Cramming at its finest.

Maybe we should have just started with Dad?

It's too bad that not everyone gets sarcasm. 

My Allie Cat

Happy birthday to my Allie Cat! She's an amazing listener and friend, and more recently, an incredible mom and soon to be mom! There are so many exciting things happening in her life, and I am ecstatic to be a part of them :-)

I met Allie in our college Personal Wellness class. We had a few mutual friends, so we decided to be sit-up partners. It was nice to have a real reason to get my butt to class. After all, Personal Wellness can be a bit of a joke. Allie and I checked our BMI's and walked around campus together, chatting and learning more about one another. It didn't take long before we were meeting up outside of class.

Allie soon became my roommate, along with two other girls. We loved our apartment and still talk freely about our memories and experiences that took place within those walls. It was such a special time that we all cherish very much.

The early days :-)

We tried to relive the old days... we were in bed early. 

Katherine and Adam's rehearsal dinner... putting down some serious Scratch cupcakes. Incredibly yummy!

Bridesmaids with our favorite little one, Allie and Jake's Izabella.

My favorite girls. 

Allie is one of the easiest people for me to talk to; she is not quick to judge and always offers support. She is a wonderful friend to me that I place in a very special part of my heart. I am proud of her as a friend, wife, and mother. I love you, Allie Cat :-)

What You See, Not What You Get

Recently I decided to take a break from Facebook. I realized that I was spending too much time sifting through people's pages and pictures, many of which I knew very little about. The status updates and vacation pictures were making me crabby and uneasy. Why was I putting myself through this for no reason? I decided to take charge and put an end to my Facebook agony.

I started doing a little bit of research about social media and its affects on people's lives. I found an article in Real Simple magazine that put things into perspective for me.

Interpretation. It's impossible to really know what people are thinking and feeling by way of their status updates. As we read through our "friends'" statuses, we can never really be sure if that person means what they post. Are they trying to exaggerate? Are they seeking attention? The article suggests that some people are sharing to overcompensate for something that they are missing in their real life. If we tell our "friends" that we are happy, then maybe it will come true. Overall, I see a lot of people seeking attention.

Think before you type. If you would not post on national television, then you should not post on Facebook, essentially it's the same thing. This includes the overwhelming vulgar comments that you wouldn't want your grandma to read.

"Although 91 percent of respondents said that social media made them feel more connected, on 29 percent said that it made them happier." This is where I found myself. I was only feeling bitter about what I was seeing. I watched "friends" post happy (perhaps exaggerated) updates, and while I was happy for those that matter to me, I was sick of the bragging. It was becoming an unhealthy habit. The world wide web can be a very lonely place.

I'm not a total downer. I see the importance of being connected, and I also think it can be quite fun. There are a lot of tools and resources that can be used through social media. I just want to caution y'all by saying what you see may not be what you get.

Nerdy Nelly

As you all know, I am a real, licensed English teacher :-) I also know what some of you are thinking about that: nerd. I realize that being an English teacher is not as cool as the sporty P.E. teacher or the sharp Global Studies dude down the hall, but I can assure you that literature is cool... well, at least to me.

I ran across a website dedicated to nerd quirks. I just have to share a few with you...

Haven't we all been there? At least a little smirk on your face?? Come on, people. Books make us smile. 

I am so weird about having a "heading" on each assignment. This is probably why it drives me crazy when students neglect to put their names on papers. I'm not a mind reader. 

One time I literally bought a textbook for fun. It was about how women have changed society. Ha... talk about nerdy.

Doesn't everyone?

Come on teachers. How hard is it to erase the entire whiteboard?

I generally ask people about what they are reading and why. Books really do tell you a lot about a person. 

I hate when Word tells me a sentence is a fragment. I know that... I'm using it for effect. 

Yes, yes, yes.

I'm still sad that Borders closed. I have to travel an extra 10 minutes for the closest book store :-(

Again, doesn't everyone?

There is nothing wrong with a little bit of organization. In fact, we teach students to organize folders and title each of their documents. You would be surprised at how many don't know to do this.

I know many of you can relate to this quirks, so don't make me feel like I am the only Nerdy Nelly. Happy weekend :-)

I've Gone Mad

My family loves to play games. My closet is full of board games that are fun for all ages. I took some to college with me for “parties,” and some reside in my parents’ closet waiting to be pulled out on holidays or boring Saturday nights. 

One of my all-time favorite games is Mad Gab. I remember playing it with one of my best friends in high school for a good two hours straight – just the two of us giggling at each other on her living room couch. Now, I’ve been told that I am quite good at the game. I can handle that compliment, and I will say that I do not memorize the cards. I have a lot of time on my hands, but I’m not pathetic.

I was very excited to see that you are able to play Mad Gab online. I used this tactic with my students. They absolutely love the silly sounds and phrases that pop out while shouting at one another. It can get a little bit wild, but it is totally worth it.

I have also realized that students love Mad Libs. Any time they can come up with ridiculous sentences and place familiar names and places into a story makes them laugh – there is nothing better than laughter from students.

If you feel like going mad, snatch up some friends and play Mad Gab, or scoop up a Mad Libs and giggle your brains out. 

The Good Kind of Push-Up

I had to stop by Kwik Star on my way home from the gym to grab a couple of bananas for my morning smoothie yesterday. I glanced down to the freezer filled with yummy looking ice cream treats. I smiled a bit when I recognized a familiar childhood treat…

I remember how much fun it was to gradually enjoy that orange ice cream on a hot summer day. We used to have the Schwan’s man stop by our house. Looking back, I don’t remember too many healthy treats that came from that big truck. I do recall getting very excited about the ice cream drumsticks that Mom let us purchase every once in a while. The best part of those little suckers was the chocolate surprise that sat at the bottom of the sugar cone. Yummy in my tummy.

As I get older, when I hear “push-up” it doesn’t mean the same thing. I automatically think of sore arms from these babies…

Just to set the record straight, the good kind of push-up will always be the orange treat that melts in my mouth. 

Phone Challenge

I've mentioned before how much love I have for the Today Show. Even as it rolls into the fourth hour, I'm prepared to be entertained.

Hoda and Kathie Lee crack me up during "The Scoop." It's no secret that they love the booze and have no problem sharing that with the world. On today's show, they mentioned a 'phone challenge' that some people are participating in. Here's the idea: when you go out to dinner with friends, everyone places their phone in the center of the table. Whoever reaches for their phone first has to pick up the bill.

People are constantly on their phones, checking Facebook, text messaging their best friends, seeing if it's going to snow, pretending to be 'busy,' and the list goes on and on. While not being on your cell phone for a few hours seems easy, we forget how addicted we are to these devices. There is so much information right at our fingertips.

In one of my Communication classes in college, we talked about technology addition. I remember my professor suggesting that when someone is texting, emailing, or even talking on the phone while they are supposed to be paying attention to you it implies that someone/something else is more important. When I am talking to a friend and they are texting, I am likely to assume that the person on the phone matters more than what I am saying.

I am not very good at this myself. There are times that I feel like I have to get out an email before focusing on my friends across the table. Face-time is so important. Interacting with friends in social settings makes me feel revitalized, and I need this to establish balance in my life. I love the idea of this phone challenge; however, I don't see my friends and I participating. If anything, this has made me more aware of my phone usage. Can't I wait until after a conversation to check my Twitter feed?

I Want One of These

I was so happy to be home to catch Ellen this afternoon. I am never disappointed when I turn it on. I just couldn't get enough of the entertainment, so I checked out a few more clips on YouTube. 

After watching this clip, I decided I want one of these (cute, little, dancing boy)...

Some day I will dance like Ellen. 

In Need of Inspiration

I saw this video at church one Sunday. I was thrilled to have found it while searching around YouTube. It is impossible not to be moved by this video. If you are in need of inspiration, this is for you...

Use your gifts today...

Earmuff it for Me

I'm beginning to think I'm either old, deaf, or both. Last night I was out with some friends, and we couldn't hear anything. I realize that bars are loud, full of people and music. Obviously I don't go out for peace and quiet, but I would like to hear the person two feet in front of me. We spent a lot of time yelling, "Huh?" throughout the night.

Clearly this did not stop us from having a great time. We just simply shouted our way through it. Maybe next time I will bring some plugs, or even find a different environment. But, who am I kidding? All of the excitement is at the bars with all of the ruckus. I would be lying if I said I was never a part of the loud shouts and shrills. I have a tendency to get really excited on a Friday night :-)

I started thinking about this clip from Old School:

I guess I'd better just earmuff it and keep having fun :-)

I'm Packing

No, I did not buy a gun, and I am not carrying any sort of weapon. I realized today that I have a case of over packing. I left yesterday at 4:00 to stay with in Des Moines for one night, and guess how many bags I brought. Four. And a purse. Completely unnecessary.

Now let me justify this absurdity. Of course I need a bag with clothes, hair supplies, and shoes (yes, that’s plural). It’s just so hard to know what I will feel like wearing tomorrow. I hate planning that out; therefore, I over pack in hopes that one option will look good to me.

I also brought a bag with my book, laptop, and planner. I don’t know why I think I have to bring “activities” to fill up my time when I go places, but really, you just never know. I have already used my laptop (right now) and read my book. So, there.

My gym bag. I always have this on hand. I never know if I will have to opportunity to run or workout, and in this case, I was able to hit up the gym after breakfast. A quick and dirty workout, but it’s better than nothing, right?

My last bag was packed with good intentions, but is still sitting in my car. I had a change of clothes for last night, but I just wasn’t feeling it once I arrived last night. There is a comforting feeling knowing that it is there if I needed it.

Even when I go home for the night I tend to over pack, which is silly because my sister pretty much has anything I would ever need. I just hate forgetting something and feeling unprepared; however, I don’t think it’s necessary to bring four t-shirts and six pairs of socks for two days. I guess I’m always prepared to share :-) 

My Lip Gloss is Poppin'

It always happens. I go out with a couple of girlfriends; one girl puts on lip gloss and it’s a chain reaction. “Can I borrow some of that?” There is something magical about the shimmers and various colors of lip gloss.

The other day I reached into my purse to grab a sheer-colored lip gloss; however, each time I pulled out a tube of lip gloss it was the wrong shade. I realized that I had five different colors in one purse alone. Whoa… maybe a little bit unnecessary?

I just can’t help myself. I. Love. Lip gloss.

I thought I would share some of my favorite lip accessories:

Clinique Full Potential Lips Plump and Shine. This stuff is legit. It is a little bit on the sticky side, but it really makes your lips pop; they plump out as soon as this touches your lips.

Clinique Long Last Glosswear. This is by fair my favorite lip gloss. There are so many great shades, and they all seem to be just perfect. My favorite is Air Kiss.

Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss. These my not have the same quality as Clinique; however, they are tons of shades and textures. I have so many different colors floating around in all of my purses, bags, and totes. Maybe I have a problem?

Bath and Body Works Sheer Lip Gloss. You can really get a good bang for your buck with these puppies. They also have organic and SPF options. These lean a little bit more toward lip protection and not just plumping and showing off.

Blistex. The best of the best. I cannot get enough of this stuff. It is the best chapstick, and I’m not afraid to say it. While lip gloss is more fun, there is nothing worse than having chapped lips. When in doubt, Blistex baby.

Pucker up people… it’s going to be a good day. 

Sports Movie Buff

Last night I rented the movie Moneyball with one of my friends. It is based on a true story of the 2002 Oakland Athletics season. The story is also documented in Michael Lewis's book Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game. Brad Pitt's character is very intriguing. I also loved the way that his character and Jonah Hill's character played off one another. Overall, I would highly recommend this movie to everyone - it's even family friendly :-)

I realized as I drove home that I really like sports movies. Many of them are based on true stories that give me goosebumps.

Case in point: Rudy. No one thought that Rudy could make the Norte Dame football team, let alone actually play. I can't help but smile from ear to ear when the crowd chants, "Rudy. Rudy. Rudy."

Over Christmas break years ago, my family went to Miracle. I loved every minute of it. The movie is based on the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team as they work to defeat the seemingly unstoppable Russian squad. Knowing this is a part of history makes the story that much sweeter.

The Blind Side. I love Sandra Bullock, and she is awesome in this film. This movie is based on the story of Michael Oher, who is taken in by an amazing family, the Touhys. The gave him a home and a second chance. Michael Oher overcame and worked his way to the NFL. It's definitely a feel-good flick.

My favorite movie in the whole entire world: Little Giants. The best way to describe its glory is to leave you with epic quotes from the movie.

"Spike's in hell. Spike's in pee-wee hell."

"Why do you do this to me fellas? I cut your nails, wash you, put gloves on you when you're cold..."

"How'd I do coach?"
"I don't know son. I don't have a sundial."

"That's right, Spike. The Icebox is gonna defrost you!"

"My mom says the pads you gave me weren't enough."

Strength