Spring is in the air... Flowers are bloomed, trees are getting their leaves, the grass is getting greener.
I love Spring, even though Spring hates my allergies. Everything is renewed, and I always become to feel renewed inside. I realize life is so beautiful and that God has given us so many blessings.
I recently returned from my Spring Break cruise that departed from Charleston, SC. Me and a group of friends boarded the Carnival Fantasy and traveled to Key West and the Bahamas (Freeport & Nassau). It was a much needed trip to get away from the most stressful semester of my life and just relax. We ate good, rung up a nice bar tab, got tanned up, and met some crazy Bahamians who tried to sell us cocaine and/or overpriced stolen purses, ew.
I realized on my trip that the food alone was worth cruising again and it was nice not having my phone constantly! (except next time I'd like my boyfriend to be with me because that whole not talk for a week part was rough)
By the time I got back, there may be some crappy people in your life.... don't let them ruin anything for you. Brush them off and cherish those who are amazing. I have some pretty amazing and fun friends.
That's something I've realized more and more these past few months. God has placed some incredible people in my life. Let's be honest, college has been a struggle for me to find some good friends. I've had a few, some came and went, some are still around. But in the past few months, I have made new great friends and grown closer to older ones. That is such a blessing! And I'm so lucky.
I spent the weekend with the greatest boyfriend of all time. In order to delay my inevitable hunger and return to poor eating, we went to Chop House in Sevierville and caught up on our weeks. Sunday, I spent the morning with my newest bestie, whom I don't know how I ever lived without, getting food, catching up, & watching our boys play baseball. After the game I got taken on date TWO to O'Charley's. It was delish. Then, I got to drive the truck back for more friend time. Seems normal, but I was so grateful for this time and I don't think a smile left my face once.
This all seems like pretty normal stuff, but gosh it's amazing. I think it might be some weird high that I get from seeing the grass green up, but I see blessings in everything. I'm so blessed, we all are. I'm so grateful for the amazing people in my life right now and the amazing things God is doing in my life.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
An Economist View of the Birth Control Controversy
As an Econ major, I tend to look at new policies from that standpoint, as well as what aligns with my political views. This new birth control mandate is absolutely ridiculous. First of all, as a Catholic, I don't think it's fair to require Catholic organizations to provide coverage for something they are against. Nor is any organization going to be 100% Catholic, so the exception for them would ultimately be impossible....stupid, right?
Secondly, there are pills available for like $5/mo without insurance. They work just as good as more expensive brands. So I'm sorry.... I think if you REALLY can't afford the $5/mo then just stop having sex. Simple solution.
Now even worse is the extra couple thousand it is going to take away from everyone's salary, whether they use the birth control or not.
Here is a great article from the Wall Street Journal explaining an economic view of this bill.
"The Real Trouble with the Birth Control Mandate"
(Please take a moment and read it, it's only 3 pages)
I agree 100% with this article, and it's definitely a reason I want to teach Economics because obviously Americans don't understand the Economy. You aren't entitled, the government cannot just pay for everything for you with money from thin air. SOMEONE is going to pay for it. And that someone is eventually you and me, whether it's through higher taxes, lower wages, or higher prices for goods.
Listen, you spend money on an iPhone but you can't pay for birth control or just control yourself?! I understand it's 2012, but you probably shouldn't be sleeping around if you aren't ready for a child. Plain and simple. You never know what could happen; the pill doesn't work 100% of the time.
The article talks about the poor really being the only ones in need of this mandate, even though they aren't limiting the bill to only the poor. But it failed to mention there are organizations out there that will provide FREE birth control. So why don't those who can't afford birth control, take advantages of those places like Planned Parenthood. Because chances are, they don't have a job anyways and aren't benefiting from this stupid bill.
I'm all for women's rights and I don't think birth control is a sin, but step back for a minute and think of all the implications this one bill puts on society. It infringes on religious liberties, it is going to cost a crap ton, and we are all going to pay for it. The cost is higher in that scenario than it would be if you just saved some quarters and went and bought it yourself... or get this, just don't have sex. ((Gasp)), problem solved... no babies.
Secondly, there are pills available for like $5/mo without insurance. They work just as good as more expensive brands. So I'm sorry.... I think if you REALLY can't afford the $5/mo then just stop having sex. Simple solution.
Now even worse is the extra couple thousand it is going to take away from everyone's salary, whether they use the birth control or not.
Here is a great article from the Wall Street Journal explaining an economic view of this bill.
"The Real Trouble with the Birth Control Mandate"
(Please take a moment and read it, it's only 3 pages)
I agree 100% with this article, and it's definitely a reason I want to teach Economics because obviously Americans don't understand the Economy. You aren't entitled, the government cannot just pay for everything for you with money from thin air. SOMEONE is going to pay for it. And that someone is eventually you and me, whether it's through higher taxes, lower wages, or higher prices for goods.
Listen, you spend money on an iPhone but you can't pay for birth control or just control yourself?! I understand it's 2012, but you probably shouldn't be sleeping around if you aren't ready for a child. Plain and simple. You never know what could happen; the pill doesn't work 100% of the time.
The article talks about the poor really being the only ones in need of this mandate, even though they aren't limiting the bill to only the poor. But it failed to mention there are organizations out there that will provide FREE birth control. So why don't those who can't afford birth control, take advantages of those places like Planned Parenthood. Because chances are, they don't have a job anyways and aren't benefiting from this stupid bill.
I'm all for women's rights and I don't think birth control is a sin, but step back for a minute and think of all the implications this one bill puts on society. It infringes on religious liberties, it is going to cost a crap ton, and we are all going to pay for it. The cost is higher in that scenario than it would be if you just saved some quarters and went and bought it yourself... or get this, just don't have sex. ((Gasp)), problem solved... no babies.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Blessin's Y'all
I've been feeling extremely happy and blessed lately and it came to my realization we don't talk about and be thankful for our blessings enough. We're a culture of complainers, I'm just as guilty as the next. But c'mon y'all! Thank God for the good things!
I have wonderful people in my life right now. Some I can see being there for a very long time. I've been very lucky to make some new friends recently. And I just feel really blessed for that. There can never be enough love and laughter in one's life.
My family is so wonderful and everyday I feel more blessed to have mine. Plus, I am really thankful for my dogs, who I miss terribly. I mean look at that face, that is the face of love. (My other dog won't take pictures, he is an indian who fears the camera steals his soul... not lying)
Things just seem to be going right. They may be chaotic and stressful, but I'm seeing the light through it all. I may not get to spend lots of time with those I love, but there is still love there and that gets us through. We all still try. I don't know why I'm so positive lately, maybe because my future is finally coming into sight. But regardless, I want to stay this way. I want to keep thanking God, and finding the positives in life.
I have wonderful people in my life right now. Some I can see being there for a very long time. I've been very lucky to make some new friends recently. And I just feel really blessed for that. There can never be enough love and laughter in one's life.
My family is so wonderful and everyday I feel more blessed to have mine. Plus, I am really thankful for my dogs, who I miss terribly. I mean look at that face, that is the face of love. (My other dog won't take pictures, he is an indian who fears the camera steals his soul... not lying)
 | ||
| My Sunny Bunny |
Things just seem to be going right. They may be chaotic and stressful, but I'm seeing the light through it all. I may not get to spend lots of time with those I love, but there is still love there and that gets us through. We all still try. I don't know why I'm so positive lately, maybe because my future is finally coming into sight. But regardless, I want to stay this way. I want to keep thanking God, and finding the positives in life.
Strength
Strength is my word of the day for Day 2 of BodyRock's 30 Day Fitness Challenge.
Lisa-Marie encouraged everyone to choose a word to help them through the day. Her's was Inspire, mine was Strength. Strength is such a multifaceted word. Not only am I wanting to become physically strong, but mentally strong and persevering in all I do. Today, "Strength" will get me through.
Today's work out was overwhelming when first looking at it. I had no idea what some of the exercises were, nor do I want to buy that sand bag thing. I watched the video and about 6 minutes in she gives a break down of all the moves. Having a good memory really helps for this.
Today's Scores:
10 high knees/10 mountain climbers: 4.5
2 squat jump/2 push up/1 tuck: 4
Center to elbow/leg jump: 4
clean & press & squat & press x2: 5
5 tuck jump/ 5 half burpee squat hold: 3 (KILLER!)
Spider knee push up & straight leg: 9
Switch lunge & press: 30
2 side lunge/ 2 side punch/ 2 tuck: 11
10 squat/ 10 squat jump: 1
elbow to knee jump: 46
wide leg jump & push up: 8
Speed Run: full 50 seconds
So these numbers look low, but remember they are how many times I went through the whole rep in 50 seconds. It was definitely challenging but I have to admit I feel like this isn't going to transform me in 30 days. 12 minutes? My body should feel like jello and it doesn't. I'm skeptical. I may start a new workout soon and do them at the same time. But I chose this one for my lack of time.... oh well. I'll figure it out.
Lisa-Marie encouraged everyone to choose a word to help them through the day. Her's was Inspire, mine was Strength. Strength is such a multifaceted word. Not only am I wanting to become physically strong, but mentally strong and persevering in all I do. Today, "Strength" will get me through.
Today's work out was overwhelming when first looking at it. I had no idea what some of the exercises were, nor do I want to buy that sand bag thing. I watched the video and about 6 minutes in she gives a break down of all the moves. Having a good memory really helps for this.
Today's Scores:
10 high knees/10 mountain climbers: 4.5
2 squat jump/2 push up/1 tuck: 4
Center to elbow/leg jump: 4
clean & press & squat & press x2: 5
5 tuck jump/ 5 half burpee squat hold: 3 (KILLER!)
Spider knee push up & straight leg: 9
Switch lunge & press: 30
2 side lunge/ 2 side punch/ 2 tuck: 11
10 squat/ 10 squat jump: 1
elbow to knee jump: 46
wide leg jump & push up: 8
Speed Run: full 50 seconds
So these numbers look low, but remember they are how many times I went through the whole rep in 50 seconds. It was definitely challenging but I have to admit I feel like this isn't going to transform me in 30 days. 12 minutes? My body should feel like jello and it doesn't. I'm skeptical. I may start a new workout soon and do them at the same time. But I chose this one for my lack of time.... oh well. I'll figure it out.
Monday, February 6, 2012
BODYROCK 30 Day Challenge
We're all here to take chances, right? Join me in BODYROCK 's 30 day Challenge!
I'm 22 and in most circumstances, people would consider me healthy and fit. But I danced in the studio and competitively for a long time before college and to me, those were my fit days. I feel like every few months I am battling with losing a few lbs to stay in my clothes! Remember, I'm in college... I can't afford a new wardrobe. But I can't afford a pricey gym membership either.
I enjoy working out at big fancy gyms with big group classes. I feel like I'm held accountable and pushed much harder. As an old dancer, I'm used to doing things as a team. So working out on my own has always been a struggle for me.
I'm going on a cruise to the Bahamas on March 17th, and my goal is to look better. I'm NOT fat, so I don't want anyone getting annoyed with me on here, but we can all afford to become healthier.
So here is my challenge to you: Do this 30 day challenge with me. Day 1 is a fitness test. I didn't do as well as I thought which really put into perspective my need to get back in shape.
Go to the link above, and watch the vid. Instead of waiting to order the interval timer. There is a free app called "IntervalTimer". I suggest playing around with it first. (For this day, I set the number of sets to 7, countdown time: 00:00; Set Time: 1:00; Low Interval Time: 00:50; High Interval Time: 00:10; Rest Time: 00:00. It was confusing and that was the only way I got it to work)
My results:
Squat Jumps: 33Push Ups: 20
Burpees: 20
High Knees: 52
Switch Lunges: 30
Tuck Jumps: 19 (was dying by this point, I mean dyinggggg)
Straight Abs: 24
I'm 22 and in most circumstances, people would consider me healthy and fit. But I danced in the studio and competitively for a long time before college and to me, those were my fit days. I feel like every few months I am battling with losing a few lbs to stay in my clothes! Remember, I'm in college... I can't afford a new wardrobe. But I can't afford a pricey gym membership either.
I enjoy working out at big fancy gyms with big group classes. I feel like I'm held accountable and pushed much harder. As an old dancer, I'm used to doing things as a team. So working out on my own has always been a struggle for me.
I'm going on a cruise to the Bahamas on March 17th, and my goal is to look better. I'm NOT fat, so I don't want anyone getting annoyed with me on here, but we can all afford to become healthier.
So here is my challenge to you: Do this 30 day challenge with me. Day 1 is a fitness test. I didn't do as well as I thought which really put into perspective my need to get back in shape.
Go to the link above, and watch the vid. Instead of waiting to order the interval timer. There is a free app called "IntervalTimer". I suggest playing around with it first. (For this day, I set the number of sets to 7, countdown time: 00:00; Set Time: 1:00; Low Interval Time: 00:50; High Interval Time: 00:10; Rest Time: 00:00. It was confusing and that was the only way I got it to work)
My results:
Squat Jumps: 33Push Ups: 20
Burpees: 20
High Knees: 52
Switch Lunges: 30
Tuck Jumps: 19 (was dying by this point, I mean dyinggggg)
Straight Abs: 24
Welcome
Thanks for stopping by my blog. This is a new blog dedicated to everything going on in my world.
Life is about taking chances and that's what I try to do everyday. Even if you fail, you tried... and that is no failure.
In the future you'll find anything from talking about my faith, my political beliefs and thoughts, crafts, recipes, stories, and more over my crazy life.
Hope to see you back here soon.
Life is about taking chances and that's what I try to do everyday. Even if you fail, you tried... and that is no failure.
In the future you'll find anything from talking about my faith, my political beliefs and thoughts, crafts, recipes, stories, and more over my crazy life.
Hope to see you back here soon.
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