Let That Be Enough

Guilty Pleasure

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 22:16:23 -0400

Guilty pleasure:

Yes. I do listen to Kanye…Macklemore…Drake….Ludacris…Chris Brown…Lil Wayne…etc…but mostly Kanye…because listening to dirty rap makes all the stress melt away.

No, I don’t find them incredible inspirations or their lyrics to be things I would want my little siblings or even future children to be singing on the ride home from school.

It just reminds me of the people who would blast it in their cars with the windows down, all in an attempt to push me out of my comfort zones and produce “the cackle” out of me.

Basically, it’s loud and the beats drown out all the other junk floating around in my head.

And no, I’m not pulling the wannabe rapper card….you pick a song…and there’s a 90% chance I can either recite it to you or have it stored in my repertoire within a thirty-minute span on a treadmill.

Now, ask me a science or math question and…actually, go ask my boyfriend.

[This has been a public service announcement brought to you by my procrastination mixed with perhaps a bit of ADHD. Thank you.]

rockerlights: Call your girlfriend (Robyn cover) - Lennon and...

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 21:42:59 -0400

rockerlights:

Call your girlfriend (Robyn cover) - Lennon and Maisy Stella

I love this song and this is one of the best covers of it I’ve heard. Regardless of their age, this girls are incredibly talented. They have amazing voices and great hand-and-eye (and voice) coordination.

I WANT MY CHILDREN TO BE LIKE THEM.

Little creations: Part 4

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 19:51:00 -0400

“Just remember, tattoos are permanent. They’re with you forever.”

“Exactly.”

Little creations: Part 3

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 19:49:34 -0400

Little creations: Part 2

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 19:48:23 -0400

Little creations: Part 1

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 19:47:18 -0400

abbyroad93: allcreatures: This koala joey was found abandoned...

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 22:09:05 -0400

Jamie Hanson/Newspix / Rex Features

Jamie Hanson/Newspix / Rex Features

abbyroad93:

allcreatures:

This koala joey was found abandoned beside a road in Brisbane, Australia last month. Named after the man who discovered him, Raymond was dehydrated and skinny, and weighed just 260g. It is believed his mother was either been hit by a car or was too ill to care for the 2-3-month-old. Initially, carers feared that Raymond wouldn’t survive because he weighed so little and wouldn’t feed properly. Julie Zyzniewski, who is looking after him, says: He had to be coaxed to feed. He was frail and his future was uncertain. Suddenly, one day he decided life wasn’t so bad and he has been absolutely powering along ever since.

Now, Raymond spends his days sitting at Julie’s desk, where she is able to feed him his diet of special bottle formula every three hours. According to Julie she is fortunate that her boss Paulette Jones has a soft spot for wildlife.

Pictures: Jamie Hanson/Newspix / Rex Features (Photos and captions)

audrey though…

Photo

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 22:07:31 -0400

“At every photo shoot, they want to make me sexy, put on loads...

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 22:05:28 -0400

“At every photo shoot, they want to make me sexy, put on loads of makeup, make me look like a rock chick. It just felt like I was being pushed to be something I wasn’t: ‘Oh, look at Hermione, she’s all grown up now!’ But that’s just not me. I don’t get my flash out. I mean, I wear mini-dresses, but I try to do it tastefully. You don’t want to see too much. I hate seeing big, huge cleavage. My reaction is, Put it away! If it’s too much, it’s just vulgar. I think it’s so much sexier to be understated. It’s more intriguing to be sexy in a less obvious way.”

- Emma Watson

My Apologies

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 10:12:50 -0500

To whom it may concern:

I would like to take this minute to semi-formally apologize to everyone and everything that I have disappointed here within the past three or so months. Unfortunately, I am a human being.

I do not have wings that help me to fly faster to destinations. I walk. I get distracted. I say hello to literally every person that I see because I am a firm believer in trying to make someone else’s day wonderful if you have the opportunity.

I don’t have a Einstein or Michelangelo like brain that allows me to retain and create immaculate pieces of science or art that blows your mind and makes you question how I haven’t graduated early or why I’m not thrilled to go to grad school. I am average. I am a hard worker, but I get tired. I get confused. I get overwhelmed. And there are days that I want to stop and run far far away and start over. However, I do consider myself a bit creative and like exploring things in my own time and way…mostly through painting, reading, writing and music.

I am not an athlete or fitness guru. I walk to the gym, in the cold and get on the stupid bike, blasting awful rap music and ride like the Wicked Witch of the West taking off with Todo. This does help me feel better. I would like to believe that I can feel my anxiety-stricken toxins melting away.

I like food, especially coffee and chocolate. I won’t deny that on occasion, I would love to look like the beautiful models I see in ads. But nine times out of ten, I will choose to get the coffee in order to wake my brain up and to eat the 1am Taco Bell, all in the name of friendship and merriment.

I love people…but I need sabbaticals too. Rarely do I ever hit this wall, but there are days when all I want to do is be by myself. I don’t always want the responsibility of having to take care of everyone, make sure everyone is happy, go above and beyond and beyond just to make sure that I have done everything I physically can…all before I just crash.

Come home and cry for no reason.

Realizing I haven’t had a restful night’s sleep in weeks.

Wondering why it feels like despite everything I do, it’s never enough.

…

Monday…and partially Tuesday was that demolition.

Today…is my day of rest.

Just like the failed browser window or message from the worn-down barista.

“We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fORAPkfVV_A

You see things. You keep quiet about them. And you understand....

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 09:37:23 -0500

You see things. You keep quiet about them. And you understand. You’re a wallflower.

FAVORITE MOVIE EVER.

Expecto Patronum

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 12:45:04 -0500

Give me a word, any word, and I’ll show you how that word is Greek…well, not necessarily. Unfortunately I’m still a little behind in my Greek vocabulary than where I would like to be; although I do remember a few phrases shared between my best friend and I in passing.

I wanted to explore a word today, walking into this entry unknowing of what I would stumble upon. Instead of Greek, I chose Latin, more specifically, a common phrase that a few wizarding friends of mine would delight in.

“Expecto Patronum,” roughly translated meaning “I await the protector.”

Because of my lack of Harry Potter viewing as a kid, I’m a bit behind in the magical phenomenon that swept the nation ten or so years ago. After watching the movies and having my mind blown away by the detail and plot that J.K Rowling conjured up, I found the need to do a little research before I tried to tackle adapting a phrase to apply to my every day life.

Expecto Patronum (Patronus Charm)

Pronunciation: /ɛksˈpɛktoʊ pəˈtroʊnəm/eks-pek-toh pə-troh-nəmDescription: Conjures an incarnation of the caster’s innermost positive feelings, such as joy or hope, known as a Patronus. A Patronus is conjured as a protector, and is a weapon rather than a predator of souls: Patronuses shield their conjurors from Dementors or Lethifolds, and can even drive them away. They are also used amongst the Order of the Phoenix to send messages.^[9] According to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the Charm is the only known defensive spell against Lethifolds.Seen/mentioned: First seen in Prisoner of Azkaban when a Dementor appears in the Hogwarts Express, and Hermione says that Remus Lupin repelled the Dementor by casting a silvery object from his wand. Harry’s corporeal Patronus first appears in a Quidditch game, and other characters throughout the rest of the series use it.
Personally, when I here this line, I just picture Harry shouting this as he points his wand into the sky and continues his defeat against Voldemort. (Disclaimer, as stated above, I never read the books-although I will be embarking on reliving a missed childhood this summer-so I apologize for any confused points or statements made.) I wasn’t really aware of the significance that it’s the ultimate ‘Good vs. Evil’ phrase. I really liked the above explanation of the idea of digging up a person’s most cheerful and faithful memories in order to protect themselves.
How often are we the cause of our own negative attitude? We blame our circumstances, the “stupid” people we come in contact with, whether our coffee is warm or tasty enough, if we run into a counter for the third time in twenty minutes, the condition of the weather, the people who take advantage or make fun of our good spirits, and just about anything and anyone but ourselves. The truth is, we’re the only one who can answer the question, “How is your day going?” We have no one to frame but ourselves.
This has been quite a hot topic this week. I’ve had many conversations with the people that seem to see through my confusion, anxiety and frustration, about how I’ve been “off” this week with absolutely no reason as to why. I’ve been blessed with incredible friends and family. A brother who has been away from me for eight years. An education that is hopefully going to help support me for the rest of my life. A job that was laid into my lap, allows me to work with one of my best friends, and relieves some of my financial worry. And an incredible boyfriend who continues to exceed every expectation of what I would hope for in someone that I want to spend the rest of my life with.
So why do we continue to worry or allow the little, mundane occurrences dictate the way in which we live? Simple. We make the choice.
Consider what your day COULD be like if you chose to be happy. If you chose to allow positive memories to shed light-when you want to scream about your car having no heat or the bruise you got from ramming your thigh into the chip warmer-how would this affect the thoughts you think or the words you speak?
If you truly can’t think of any optimistic recollections, I’ll throw you a few unforgettable bones.
Romans 8:1-2 “Therefore there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…the law of the spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”Romans 6:4 “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Romans 5:1-2 “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.”
This week, I’m going to push myself to make the choice that will leave me smiling and filled up. Perhaps you’ll do the same. After all, when two or more come together with a common hope, I believe there is something positive to be said.
Expecto Patronum.

Libre.

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 11:13:58 -0500

Libre. Translated from Spanish to English, Free. When defined in today’s culture, we get the following:

a : having the legal and political rights of a citizen

b : enjoying civil and political liberty <free citizens>

c : enjoying political independence or freedom from outside domination

d : enjoying personal freedom : not subject to the control or domination of another

a : not determined by anything beyond its own nature or being : choosing or capable of choosing for itself

b : determined by the choice of the actor or performer <freeactions>

c : made, done, or given voluntarily or spontaneously

a : relieved from or lacking something and especially something unpleasant or burdensome <free from pain> <a speech free of political rhetoric> —often used in combination<error-free>

b : not bound, confined, or detained by force

a : not obstructed, restricted, or impeded <free to leave>

b : not being used or occupied <waved with his free hand>

c : not hampered or restricted in its normal operation

a : not fastened <the free end of the rope>

b : not confined to a particular position or place <in twelve-tone music, no note is wholly free for it must hold its place in the series — J. L. Stewart>

c : capable of moving or turning in any direction <a free particle>

Being free, the idea that one is not bound by anything that has tormented them, whether it is their past, their present, or their future. They are not under control by another person or thing. They are able to choose for themselves what type of path they want to take in life. They are able to go wherever they want in life and not have to look back with any sense of regret.

Digging deeper, what does it mean for a soul to be free? I believe that it is different for every person. For those who aren’t into a particular spirituality, it could simply mean taking a deep breath and breathing out all of the toxins that are the cause of their anxieties. For others, it could be taking a long drive away from the world and then screaming at the top of their lungs until they collapse on the ground. While I have participated in both of these activities, the two kinds of freedom that I identify most with both come from a particular yet indescribable source.

2 Corinthians 5:17 “This means that anyone who is in Christ is a NEW creation. The old life is gone, a NEW life has begun!”

2 Corinthians 12:8-10 “Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time He said, ‘My GRACE is sufficient enough. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

1 Corinthians 10:13 “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will NOT allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can ENDURE.”

Galatians 2:20 “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ LIVES in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who LOVED me and gave himself for me.”

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s MASTERPIECE. He has created us ANEW in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”

Philippians 3:7-8 “I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the INFINITE value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake, I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ…”

Philippians 4:6-7 “Don’t worry about anything, instead PRAY about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for what He has done. Then you will experience God’s PEACE, which exceeds anything we can understand. His PEACE will guard your HEARTS and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Colossians 3:1-3 “Since you have been raised to a NEW life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not of the earth. For you died to this life, and your REAL life is hidden with Christ in God.”

1 Timothy 4:10 “This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our HOPE is in the LIVING God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.”

Hebrews 11:1 “FAITH is the confidence that what we HOPE for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”

Alright, so I know what you are all wondering. “What’s it like? How is it having him home? Is it everything you hoped for?”

Indescribable.

Never in my life have I been through a more physically, mentally, and emotionally draining challenge in my life. A thousand and fourteen NO’s that led to harsh words and thoughts against something that they call government over there. 8 years. A few lawyers, attorneys, and government officials. 4 phone calls that I’ll never be able to erase from my mind-whether good or bad. 3 letters to a lost mother who chose to walk away but later saw the light through a family who chose to LOVE. Countless nights of tears shed and sleep lost and asking God why. Many people who couldn’t keep believing, including myself at times, but never my mother. 1 boy, who struck our hearts in inexplainable ways from the moment that we met him. 1 boy, who prayed from his corner of the world and waited while we were praying at the dinner table for him to come home. And 1 Almighty Creator, who chose to bless our persistence and our family and allowed them to bring my brother home.

When I chose to accept Christ in my heart, I became free. When He chose to push my faith and finally bring my brother home, I became free again. I am free. Forever and always. Yo soy libre. Para siempre y siempre. Libre.

Homework.

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 12:51:50 -0500

Once in a blue moon, while completing an assignment, I stumble across a piece of work that I think, “Hm..that’s not too bad. Let’s blog that.” So, here it is. Happy Wednesday World.

“I chose to respond to this topic because I can relate to it because I am a divorce kid. Just a disclaimer, in the case of my own parents, I wouldn’t change their situation because of events that happened and because of the two families that I have grown to love so much. I believe that nearly every marriage is worth fighting for. I believe that problems people face, whether it be the death of a child, finances or arguments about different personalities, can be worked out if both parties are willing to give it a try. The problem with people today is that we live in somewhat of a fairytale world. We have been taught that once we fall in love, the hard part is over. We have found our prince charming or rescued the damsel in distress from her crazy family or whatever else she was trying to run away from. To celebrate our love, we had a gigantic party to signify our new beginning and went to a beautiful continent where we didn’t have to work or think for a week. The truth is that the hardest part is just beginning. Although man and woman were created for each other, we contain many distinct differences that cause us to clash and to put it bluntly, drive each other nuts. Ultimately what I have come to the conclusion of consists of two things: people are afraid of change and people aren’t willing to really fight for what they really want when there is an easier way out. My first real heartbreak occurred my senior year of high school. It was a month before my senior prom as I sat on porch crying while I was broken up with by someone who was a year younger than me and just pulled this shindig out of flat nowhere. I was told that he just wasn’t ready to be with someone who was going away to college, fifteen minutes down the road might I add, and that I deserved someone much better. A few points to consider, I’m sure he was fearful of the changes that I would be going through, five months in advance, wasn’t willing to give it a chance or make that big of a commitment, and already had a prom date in mind who had liked him for years. I’ll admit, he was absolutely right. I did deserve and eventually found someone who is everything that I could ask for and more in a person. He’s very loving, intelligent and mature. He shares the same values as me and has honestly made me happier in the year that I have been dating him then I have ever been. While he may be perfect for me, by no means are we perfect people. We spent half of our relationship apart as he studied abroad and then traveled overseas with a best friend. We disagree on things, and we frustrate each other, but we choose to make it work every day. I recently completed a book on the study by Dr. Gary Chapman called “The Five Love Languages.” His idea behind struggling marriages is that couples don’t know how to love each other in the way that best suits their personality. The five basic ways that people feel loved are through physical touch, quality time, receiving gifts, words of affirmation and acts of service. What most people don’t know is that their partner often exhibits a love language that is different from their own; therefore creating a challenge because people tend to do what makes them feel loved and hope that it does the same for their partner. This was perhaps one of the most interesting books that I have read and would recommend it to any couple who is struggling or even just curious about what their love languages are and how they can better love each other. Point being, whether it’s taking the love languages test, getting marriage counseling, going on a second honeymoon or seeking other forms of counsel, I believe that people should put a higher value in dating as well as marriage. We aren’t forced to date or get married; so if you are making the choice to spend your time getting to know someone, make it matter or make it end. Find the person that you were meant to be with or get lost in living your own life and let them find you. I am a firm believer that true love will always find it’s way back for those who are willing to travel the journey to find it.”

Beautiful.

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 22:55:18 -0500

Beautiful.

There is no time (Created during exam week 2012)

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 20:34:07 -0500

There is no time for even thinking about reflection because it is always and undoubtedly accompanied with tears.

There is no time for sleep because there is work to be done and time that is running out.

There is no time for daydreams and wishes because the focus is currently and forcibly set to standards.

There is no time for focusing on friendships because we are told to hush and keep our heads down, buried in the books that we will most likely forget about in less than twenty-four hours.

There is no time for relaxing or breathing because our switch is turned ON.

There is no time for picking up pieces, fighting for control or preparing for what’s next because life never stops and waits for you to get yourself back together.

There is no time…

Yet, we choose to accept what we have and laugh. We try. We push through ninety-six hours. We hold onto what is to come. We fight the good fight. We finish the race. -2 Timothy 4:7

Glitter

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 20:24:38 -0500

Glitter

absolutely.

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 20:24:09 -0500

absolutely.

Beautiful day.

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 20:21:12 -0500

Beautiful day.

Photo

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 20:19:48 -0500