I couldn't help but share this story. I clicked on a link Ameera had on her g-chat, read the story and knew I had to pass it along.
Here is the link: http://www.newsweek.com/id/78158/page/1
It's a great story about a life not focused on material possessions or wealth, but simply being happy with what you have. I can always use a reminder like this to remind me to be thankful for every day, and all of the moments (not things) that bring a smile to my face.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Sonic Sweet Tea
So, I found myself homeworking yesterday afternoon and decided I could use some sweet tea. I begged Ryan to go with me, and he agreed to support the habit (or just appease me to get me to be quiet). We headed off to Sonic- it was definitely after 5. I proceeded to get my sweet tea, and it was back to study.
I went along my merry way- studying away until 10 at night, sipping my sweet tea. Since school started back up today, I was in bed by midnight.....
At 12:30 I found myself in my dark bedroom, staring at the ceiling... I couldn't sleep.... so I read my magazine... couldn't sleep.... got on facebook.... couldn't sleep.... read some blogs.... couldn't sleep. You get the picture- I couldn't fall asleep until about 3 a.m. Greeeeaaaat way to start off a Monday morning let me tell ya.
The moral of the story: since I seem to be immune to coffee- it appears as if I am not yet immune to all of the sugar found in Sonic's sweet tea, which prevented me from sleeping. Lesson learned, from now on, I'll just stick to my sweet tea in the afternoons.....
Sunday, March 21, 2010
On Psychics....
This past week I had the opportunity to go see a psychic. I was helping Ameera and Reno out with a story they are doing on psychics. And they asked if I would go get a reading done, so I figured why not? I wouldn't say I believe in psychics, but it was interesting to see what she had to say.
I was nervous going in- I wasn't sure what she would say- would she know some of deepest, darkest secrets? and Reno was filming the reading for the project. When I first walked in, she had me place my hands on top of hers, so she could read my energy. She said I was anxious and I was feeling sorry for myself. Interesting... I have been anxious lately- who wouldn't be? On top of looking for a job, my masters report, school and my internships- anxious is the word to describe how I feel. And yes, I probably was feeling a bit sorry for myself- I was feeling especially disgruntled about my lack of a spring break, so she hit my feelings right on the head....
Then, she did a past, present and future reading on me by using her cards. Thanks goodness she doesn't use the death card- I wasn't sure I was ready for that one. My past reading was very general, and thinking back, it could have applied to anyone. She said two things that were especially untrue in my case: she said I was coming out of a bad depression (especially far from the truth) and that I had a hard time trusting people (again, if you know me, you know I probably trust people too easily).
She was a bit eerily accurate in my present reading. She picked up on the fact that I don't feel quite right about the whole journalism thing. She said it. And yes, I do. It's hard to feel okay about a career where I might not be able to find a job, because there might not be any openings. So yes- I don't feel quite right about it, and she picked up on that right away. She also said that I am about to turn over a leaf in my life- again true, but very general. She knew I was a student, and that I would be graduating in May, so you could say that a new leaf will be turning over in my life soon. She also said there was anxiety in my present life- which as I mentioned before, is also true. But who isn't anxious? She picked up on the fact that there was a boy in my life- Ryan, and she was even able to do a mini reading on him- even though he wasn't there.
She picked up on the fact that Ryan is more sensitive then some of the others I have dated in the past. She even said he has been frustrated recently- and he has- he's been busy with school/work- but she said that things will improve for him soon. She also asked some pretty personal questions about our relationship....awwwwkward.
Then, she did my future reading. She said that I would be offered several jobs, but not to settle or take the first one. She said that all of my fears about the future would be assuaged, and that the tree card signified a new chapter in my life. True or not.. I'll take it.
Then, she said some things at the end that really surprised me. She said that I have good friends that are far away (yes I do), but she said I should sever ties with them-- ummm... I think not. I thought that was strange. My friends that are far away, are very near and dear to my heart, and there is a reason why we have kept in touch over the years... She also said I was a loner and preferred to be alone. Also an interesting interpretation, and very far from the truth. I love people and I love to be around people. I don't prefer to be by myself... ever.
After going to see her, my thoughts on psychics still haven't changed. While she did hit a few things right on the head, she was so wrong about some others- that I'm not convinced. Looking back, the things she said, could have applied to anyone. It was a fun experience, and one I wouldn't be against trying again. I think it's ok to go get a psychic reading every once in awhile for fun, but don't let it rule your life or help decide things for your future.
I was nervous going in- I wasn't sure what she would say- would she know some of deepest, darkest secrets? and Reno was filming the reading for the project. When I first walked in, she had me place my hands on top of hers, so she could read my energy. She said I was anxious and I was feeling sorry for myself. Interesting... I have been anxious lately- who wouldn't be? On top of looking for a job, my masters report, school and my internships- anxious is the word to describe how I feel. And yes, I probably was feeling a bit sorry for myself- I was feeling especially disgruntled about my lack of a spring break, so she hit my feelings right on the head....
Then, she did a past, present and future reading on me by using her cards. Thanks goodness she doesn't use the death card- I wasn't sure I was ready for that one. My past reading was very general, and thinking back, it could have applied to anyone. She said two things that were especially untrue in my case: she said I was coming out of a bad depression (especially far from the truth) and that I had a hard time trusting people (again, if you know me, you know I probably trust people too easily).
She was a bit eerily accurate in my present reading. She picked up on the fact that I don't feel quite right about the whole journalism thing. She said it. And yes, I do. It's hard to feel okay about a career where I might not be able to find a job, because there might not be any openings. So yes- I don't feel quite right about it, and she picked up on that right away. She also said that I am about to turn over a leaf in my life- again true, but very general. She knew I was a student, and that I would be graduating in May, so you could say that a new leaf will be turning over in my life soon. She also said there was anxiety in my present life- which as I mentioned before, is also true. But who isn't anxious? She picked up on the fact that there was a boy in my life- Ryan, and she was even able to do a mini reading on him- even though he wasn't there.
She picked up on the fact that Ryan is more sensitive then some of the others I have dated in the past. She even said he has been frustrated recently- and he has- he's been busy with school/work- but she said that things will improve for him soon. She also asked some pretty personal questions about our relationship....awwwwkward.
Then, she did my future reading. She said that I would be offered several jobs, but not to settle or take the first one. She said that all of my fears about the future would be assuaged, and that the tree card signified a new chapter in my life. True or not.. I'll take it.
Then, she said some things at the end that really surprised me. She said that I have good friends that are far away (yes I do), but she said I should sever ties with them-- ummm... I think not. I thought that was strange. My friends that are far away, are very near and dear to my heart, and there is a reason why we have kept in touch over the years... She also said I was a loner and preferred to be alone. Also an interesting interpretation, and very far from the truth. I love people and I love to be around people. I don't prefer to be by myself... ever.
After going to see her, my thoughts on psychics still haven't changed. While she did hit a few things right on the head, she was so wrong about some others- that I'm not convinced. Looking back, the things she said, could have applied to anyone. It was a fun experience, and one I wouldn't be against trying again. I think it's ok to go get a psychic reading every once in awhile for fun, but don't let it rule your life or help decide things for your future.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
On being a journalist
One of the great things about being a journalist is that you are always learning something new. In the process of learning new things about people and things, you also learn new things about yourself. I think one of my favorite parts is going out and meeting new people- people that I might not have met anywhere else. Another great thing about journalism is constantly learning about different beliefs and values people hold- that might challenge my previous mindset. Too often, we are so set in our own beliefs, that we have a hard time accepting there are other ways of thinking that are just as valid as our own.
That being said, I am working on a story about midwives. I'll admit, when I think about midwives and people who use them, I think.. wait for it.... hippies. I think about people who are adamantly opposed to modern medicine- for a variety of reasons. Well, I've been interviewing people who have used midwives to deliver their babies. One woman I met yesterday helped me change my mindset. She opened the door- and looked normal. She wasn't the hippie I was expecting. In fact, she is anything but. She is extremely well-educated and seemed pretty freakin' savvy about a lot of things. She turned to midwifery because through her research she found it was the best alternative for her. It was about being educated, and making an informed decision. Her decision wasn't about rebelling against modern medicine just because...it was about an extremely high c-section rate in Travis County, it was about her desire to have her baby naturally because she has a strong reaction to medication... it was about wanting to enjoy one of God's most precious gifts the natural way.
And there is nothing wrong with that....I found it's about making the best, most educated decision for yourself. And that is why I enjoy journalism- because it challenges my conventional wisdom every time I talk to someone new.
That being said, I am working on a story about midwives. I'll admit, when I think about midwives and people who use them, I think.. wait for it.... hippies. I think about people who are adamantly opposed to modern medicine- for a variety of reasons. Well, I've been interviewing people who have used midwives to deliver their babies. One woman I met yesterday helped me change my mindset. She opened the door- and looked normal. She wasn't the hippie I was expecting. In fact, she is anything but. She is extremely well-educated and seemed pretty freakin' savvy about a lot of things. She turned to midwifery because through her research she found it was the best alternative for her. It was about being educated, and making an informed decision. Her decision wasn't about rebelling against modern medicine just because...it was about an extremely high c-section rate in Travis County, it was about her desire to have her baby naturally because she has a strong reaction to medication... it was about wanting to enjoy one of God's most precious gifts the natural way.
And there is nothing wrong with that....I found it's about making the best, most educated decision for yourself. And that is why I enjoy journalism- because it challenges my conventional wisdom every time I talk to someone new.
Spring Break 2010
One of the perks of being a student should be the opportunity to have a spring break- right? Well, not in grad school, and especially not at UT. I kissed my spring break good-bye the minute I decided to graduate this May. In between working, a full class schedule, projects, applying for jobs and this little thing called my master's report.... spring break 2010 had no chance of happening. To look at it on the bright side, I have had the opportunity to enjoy 4 fabulous spring breaks at Baylor, and one great spring break on the beach last year. While I might not be headed to the beach this year, I am SO thankful to have a week to get work done. I'm getting a lot accomplished, and it feels good. So, in honor of spring break, here are some photos from the BEST spring break ever: Spring Break '08. Me + 5 of my great friends went on a cruise to Cozumel, Honduras and Progreso- and it was FAB!
Here's to the good ol' days, and even better ones to come.
Spring is (almost) Here
In honor of the upcoming spring season, I will share with you my latest obsession:
Pink+ OPI = a happy heart!
Monday, March 15, 2010
The Perfect Austin Weekend
Spring break officially started as of Friday when I submitted my super boring paper on Age and the Digital Divide. More on what I'm doing with my spring break in a post- coming soon! So, I decided to kick off my spring break by literally avoiding all things technology, work and school related. Since I've been in grad school- I have found it hard to escape my obsessive compulsive checking of email. Once I made the addition of the iPhone to my life- forget trying to escape- it's impossible. While I was ditching technology for the weekend, I decided it would be best to also give myself two glorious days off to rest my brain a little. With the perfect 75 degree weather in Austin this weekend- my two days off were PERFECT.
Okay, so I'll admit it- I couldn't completely rid myself of the computer/email. Saturday morning, I found myself catching up on my laundry, going for a run and- you guessed it- working. I had to get the April calendar submitted for austinwoman Magazine. That only took about an hour or so, and I had plans to meet the girls for brunch on South Congress. The SXSW festival is going on here in Austin- and I have been known to see a few celebs every time it's in town. Last year, I was actually on a plane with the entire cast of "I Love You, Man" including Paul Rudd. He and I shared a moment as I got on the plane- I swear....
So anyways.... as I drove through downtown, which by the way was PACKED-everyone and their mom decided they needed to be outside enjoying the weather, I was wondering who I might see this time. I met the girls for brunch at South Congress Cafe- known for their AMAZING brunch. While we waited (and I will let Ameera explain why we had to wait so long) we got to shop. We dropped by the boot store- and I developed a major case of boot envy, until I saw that most of them had a $500+ price tag on them... so not worth it.
Once we were finally seated- I decided I need a mimosa- after all, it's brunch right? So I enjoyed one of these:
Then... you guessed it... Kiera spotted someone famous: Chloe Sevigny. In case you don't know who she is- she was in "Boys Don't Cry." We were starstruck- and it was great.
After brunch, Ryan and I played a game of tennis- where I won, of course. Haha.
Sunday
So I woke up on Sunday at 11. I freaked out- thinking I had taken this whole- relaxing for my break thing too far. 11 is just too late to sleep in- even on a Sunday. Then, I realized it was daylight savings time, and didn't feel so bad. I could see the sun peeking in through my windows, and knew it was going to be another beautiful day. Austin has some great hiking trails, and I haven't taken advantage of any of them yet, so Ryan- his sister Jennifer and her friend Ann Marie, decided to go on a hike to Mt. Bonnell.
On the way there- Ryan made me a take a detour- and showed me Lance Armstrong's house ( Don't ask how Ryan knew where he lived)- it was HUGE, and I wanted it. We finally pulled up to the mountain- and it was packed. So we hiked up to the top- and by hike- I mean climbed a lot of stairs, and had a photo shoot:
Once we reached the top, we found some more trails- which looked like they went straight down... Greeeeaaat. So... I found myself trekking (straight) down the mountain, and then (straight) back up. I felt legit. Luckily... I didn't fall off.. you would be proud.
Once the hike was over, we decided to go eat some lunch on the lake- so we made our way to Cain& Abel's on the Lake. Yummm. I die for their Southwest Wrap- delish. I had my Baylor hat on, and some man thought it would be appropriate to keep yelling Sic 'em bears at me... funny- but there is a socially acceptable way to do... Yelling a sic 'em bears across the parking lot is not one of them. awk.... While we were waiting, my friend Esteban (or Steve) from Baylor study abroad in Spain, called me, and proceeded to tell me I almost plowed him over in the parking lot. Great.... he was leaving the restaurant, and I was on a mission for a parking space. Needless to say, it was great to catch up with him...
What a great weekend- as you can see- my technology fast is over. Back to work... and maybe a little shopping :) A girl's got to treat herself every once in awhile!!!
Okay, so I'll admit it- I couldn't completely rid myself of the computer/email. Saturday morning, I found myself catching up on my laundry, going for a run and- you guessed it- working. I had to get the April calendar submitted for austinwoman Magazine. That only took about an hour or so, and I had plans to meet the girls for brunch on South Congress. The SXSW festival is going on here in Austin- and I have been known to see a few celebs every time it's in town. Last year, I was actually on a plane with the entire cast of "I Love You, Man" including Paul Rudd. He and I shared a moment as I got on the plane- I swear....
Once we were finally seated- I decided I need a mimosa- after all, it's brunch right? So I enjoyed one of these:
After brunch, Ryan and I played a game of tennis- where I won, of course. Haha.
Sunday
So I woke up on Sunday at 11. I freaked out- thinking I had taken this whole- relaxing for my break thing too far. 11 is just too late to sleep in- even on a Sunday. Then, I realized it was daylight savings time, and didn't feel so bad. I could see the sun peeking in through my windows, and knew it was going to be another beautiful day. Austin has some great hiking trails, and I haven't taken advantage of any of them yet, so Ryan- his sister Jennifer and her friend Ann Marie, decided to go on a hike to Mt. Bonnell.
On the way there- Ryan made me a take a detour- and showed me Lance Armstrong's house ( Don't ask how Ryan knew where he lived)- it was HUGE, and I wanted it. We finally pulled up to the mountain- and it was packed. So we hiked up to the top- and by hike- I mean climbed a lot of stairs, and had a photo shoot:
Once the hike was over, we decided to go eat some lunch on the lake- so we made our way to Cain& Abel's on the Lake. Yummm. I die for their Southwest Wrap- delish. I had my Baylor hat on, and some man thought it would be appropriate to keep yelling Sic 'em bears at me... funny- but there is a socially acceptable way to do... Yelling a sic 'em bears across the parking lot is not one of them. awk.... While we were waiting, my friend Esteban (or Steve) from Baylor study abroad in Spain, called me, and proceeded to tell me I almost plowed him over in the parking lot. Great.... he was leaving the restaurant, and I was on a mission for a parking space. Needless to say, it was great to catch up with him...
What a great weekend- as you can see- my technology fast is over. Back to work... and maybe a little shopping :) A girl's got to treat herself every once in awhile!!!
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