The Connection Between Paul Offit and Jenny McCarthy

When I was creating a wish list for Christmas, I thought about including this new fitness program for the Nintendo Wii that features Jenny McCarthy. That got me thinking about other things she is known for, like speaking out about autism since her son has it. This then reminded me of Paul Offit, a doctor I have mentioned before on this blog.

Unlike Jenny McCarthy however, Paul Offit believes that vaccines do not cause autism and has a new book developing this idea. Sometimes my mom is concerned about the link between autism and vaccines since she works with children as part of her career, but I assure her that medical professionals like Paul Offit are researching all they can to determine more about autism and those who have it.

Steve Stevanovich & Destination Weddings

Because I am planning on getting married during September of next year, I have been looking up wedding venues for a beautiful place to have a ceremony and reception. My friend asked me if I was going to a destination wedding since my fiancee and I got engaged in Las Vegas instead of in our hometown of Kansas City. For fun, I was looking at Steve Stevanovich's blog about destination weddings for ideas and he certainly picked a lot of amazing places.

Steve Stevanovich mentions Utah and Japan, along with some other beautiful places around the world. While a destination wedding would be beautiful, I really want all my family and friends to be present so I'm not sure if having a destination wedding like Steve Stevanovich suggests would be such a good idea.

Non-profit work and Deven Parekh

Now that I'm out of college, I have a lot more free time to volunteer and do good in my community. Deven Parekh Insight Venture Partners does a lot of non-profit work for Publicolor, which helps bring art to struggling teenage students.

However, instead of working with art like Deven Parekh Insight Venture Partners, I think that I want to work prevent animal over-population in shelters across America. One of my New Year's Resolutions is to start volunteering in a local animal shelter. I have a lot of great marketing skills that might be good for building a website or writing descriptions about animals up for adoption.

Deven Parekh Insight Venture Partners is very inspirational because he is dedicated towards making the world a better place.

Ordering a Gown From Gina Penzarella

Since my boyfriend proposed to me on Thanksgiving weekend in front of the Belliago Fountains in Las Vegas this year, I have been on the hunt for the perfect wedding dress. I don't want to spend a lot of money but I still want my dress to be beautiful and something I will always treasure. While searching for gowns online, I found out about Gina Penzarella, who is a great bridal dress maker.

Besides making wedding gowns, Gina Penzarella also makes all different types of formal dresses and fancy dresses for prom for teenage girls. Her designs are great and she has been quite successful. Gina Penzarella also has a great dedication for protecting animals and is involved with Defenders of Wildlife and her local SPCA.

Ordering Online From 1-800Flowers

Since I wasn't going to be with my family on Christmas, I went to the website for 1-800 Flowers and perused their inventory to see if they had any Christmas bouquets I could send to my mom so she could put them on the dining room table for Christmas dinner. 1-800 Flowers had a great selection available, along with coupons and special deals just in time for the holidays.

Normally I would think that ordering online from a floral company like 1-800 Flowers would be expensive, but their prices were reasonable and were comparable to the prices that other local florist shops were charging for the bouquet and delivery. I can't believe that a lot of florist shops charge so much for flowers, especially around the holidays! I guess when it's winter, flowers are harder to come by, but they should have a lot more specials since Christmas has to be popular for table arrangements and other flowers.

Sak narwal Reminds Me of Missing Summer

Since winter has finally hit Kansas, there is starting to be a lot cold weather and snow and I've begun to think about all the things I miss most about the summer, when the weather is much better and there is more to do.

One of these things (which Sak Narwal's blog reminded me of) is fishing. Sak Narwal has a passion for fishing and I do too. I think fishing is very relaxing and it makes me feel less stressed out. Sometimes I feel bad for the fish, but since I am a compassionate fisherman like Sak Narwal, I usually put the fish back since I do not wish to eat them.

When I am fishing, I do it for sport, not for food. For this reason, I don't care very much if I catch any fish or not.

Doing Good like Deven Parekh

As I get more established in my industry, I would love to serve on board of non-profit and do-good organizations like Deven Parekh. He currently serves on the board of Publicolor, and I'm sure he enjoys every minute of it. Even though I don't live in a big city like Deven Parekh, I would like to find some more opportunities where I can learn more about volunteering and helping in causes that I care about.

Deven Parekh is involved with Publicolor because he cares about motivating teenagers, and I would like to find a women's issues organization or a non-profit that is helping shelter animals find homes. These are 2 causes that I care about deeply. Occasionally I donate money to animal shelters when they send me fund raising letters through the mail, but if I had more spare time, I would like to go to a local animal shelter and help feed and bathe animals that are waiting for new homes.

Great 1800 flowers coupon codes

When I am shopping for flowers for my friends and family, I like to go online first and see if there are any 1800 Flowers coupon codes that can possibly save me some money. I love giving flowers as a gift, but only if I can get a good deal and don't have to spend more than what I have budgeted for.

Now that it is getting colder, I can't grow my own flowers out on my patio. But no worries, I just go online and I can find a pretty bouquet and even have it delivered with extras, like a pretty vase. I can also have it delivered by someone else-- which saves me a lot of time.

Gift Baskets for the Holidays

Because the holidays are right around the corner, I couldn't think of a better gift for my close friends than some gift baskets. There are so many different varieties nowadays and I'm so lucky to be able to find just what I'm looking for online. There are baskets that have fruit, candy, chocolate, flowers, and more. I've tried to make my own basket before but they just aren't as good.

When I'm done updating my other blog and website, I will try to find the perfect gift basket for my friend Leighana at the 1800flowers gift baskets website. They have a lot to chose from and I can also get it delievered to her at work if I really want to make her day! I'm so excited!

Fields of Flowers

If there's one thing I've learned from my travels all over Missouri last month to see what October has to offer, I've learned that I never really appreciated the beauty of the outdoors, especially when it comes to Flowers. We drove past a sunflower field which was seriously breathtaking, and seeing all the fall leaves and how they changed into such beautiful colors has made me think about how flowers really brighten up a person's day.

For instance, even though my mom lives 120 miles away from me, I can still order flowers online from a website like 1-800 Flowers and have them delivered to her at work. She loves sunflowers too, maybe I'll go online right now and order some for her.

Getting a Dog From a Breeder Like Happiness is Pets

Since H has finally found a job, we are thinking seriously about getting a puppy. I miss my dog Charlie very much and it would be great to have a dog running around to keep us company. I visited the website of Happiness is Pets to learn more about buying a new puppy and what kind of puppy we should think about getting.

Happiness is Pets sells mixes like Puggles, and a poodle might be good to get because they don't shed as much as are good for people with allergies, like me. However, H really wants to get a mini dachshund but I've never had one of those before and I'm not sure if Happiness is Pets carries them. He wants to get a long-haired black and tan one. I guess we'll have to do some more research to decide if we're ready for a dog.

Fishing like Sak Narwal

Now that summer has come to a close and we're in Fall now, one thing I'm going to miss is being able to go fishing. I really wish I would have done more of this this summer. People like Sak Narwal who set aside time to enjoy fishing are people I envy. Fishing and reading good books are 2 things I really enjoy.

I think it would be awesome to go deep sea or salt water fishing, like Sak Narwal has done in the Florida Keys. Problem is, I would be scared if I caught a huge fish and wasn't strong enough to bring it in! I wouldn't want to accidentally let go and lose my fishing pole!

One thing that would be crazy to catch are sharks, which is what Sak Narwal does in Long Island. Some sharks are really cute and I would feel bad catching them! I would probably release them back to sea once I caught them.

Remodeling with K-Designers

H and I have been looking at houses to buy lately, especially since we are "adults" now and have good jobs. He wants to buy a expensive house in the suburbs but I was thinking that it might be nice to buy an older Victorian home and fix it up using a home remodeling company like K-Designers.

There are so many things to fix up in an old home and it's cheaper to do it after you purchase the house rather than buying a house brand new. For instance, since we have 3 cars, we want a 3 car garage and can easily get new garage doors from K-Designers if the house we buy needs new ones.

Another thing that we might need to replace in an older home are gutters. K-Designers offers these as well, and I'm sure they would give us an estimate before we decided to purchase our gutters from them.

Amos Tamam Update

I know I have written about Amos Tamam in the past, but I thought I'd write a quick blog post about what he's up to and what is going on in his life now. When I was writing about Amos Tamam before, he didn't have a website yet. Now, as I was surfing around online, looking up people who I have written about before in this blog, I stumbled across his website.

There are a lot of links on his website that have his online social media profiles, along with ZoomInfo and a lot of other information about his work with the taxi industry. Amos Tamam has done a lot of great work with digitizing the payment system in taxis, and he is bound to be successful for the long term.

RENEW International and Thier Website

While surfing online, I came across the website of RENEW International. They are a Roman Catholic ministry that does a lot of activities every year. Their website has a lot of interesting information about what they do in their organization. It is easy to navigate and the colors are very appealing. They use green as their main color and the tree in the menu shows hopefulness and grace.

RENEW International's website has their newsletter, press releases, an online store, and the website is fairly easy to navigate. However, in my opinion, the best part about their website is the 'About' section. It is very thorough and talks a lot about RENEW International and their ministry-- what's important to them, their mission, and their history. They have a deep religious faith and strength to their belief and convictions.

Summer Flowers

One of my favorite things about summer is all the Flowers that bloom. From sunflowers to wildflowers growing on the side of the highway, I'm just enamored with the color and the ability that flowers have to bring beauty into everyday life.

Since I just moved into my new apartment, I have discovered all of these vases I'd had in my old cabinets that I've never gotten a chance to use. Well that is no more! Since I have a beautiful apartment, I thought I'll make it even more beautiful by buying some flower arrangements and placing them in our bedroom and the guest bedroom.

My mom is visiting next weekend so we can see the musical Chicago and I'm sure she'll enjoy the fresh sunflowers I'm going to place in her room. Those are her favorite flower and they really make all the artwork in the guest bedroom POP!

Staying Late

I'm staying late at work today to make sure I'm all caught up on some projects. I like being caught up, but most of the time, I don't like staying late.

Does anyone else stay late at work a lot?

This Weekend

I can't believe that Mothers Day will already be here this Sunday! I will be visiting my mother in Manhattan and I'm going to be bring her some flowers. I've been thinking that tulips are a really pretty flower to give in the spring time. They come in so many different colors!

I might also send Mothers Day flowers to my grandma. She lives about 6 hours away from me and has had some trouble with her health lately. She is having a heart procedure on Friday for her pacemaker and I really hope that it goes okay. 

I've already sent her a card, but I think she would really enjoy getting some flowers while she is recovering in the hospital. It's not the best way to spend Mother's Day, but I'm sure that the flowers will certainly cheer her up. 

Go Royals!

The KC Royals are doing great this season! I watched/listened to the game online while I was surfing and watching TV, and I'm so glad they won tonight against the Twins. It went until the 11th inning! 

I definitely plan on going to more games this summer.

P.S. If anyone needs social media, blogging, or writing services, let me know. Visit my website.

Mother's Day Flowers Part 2

As Mothers Day continues to get closer and closer, I am still wondering what type of flowers I should buy my mom. Sunflowers are her favorite flower, like I mentioned in my previous post, but tulips are really pretty too, like these: 

Sometimes, even when it isn't Mother's Day, I go to the Farmer's Market near where I live and pick up some tulips for my mom and my self. They always seem to make any day a lot better!

In addition to flowers, we might go on a weekend trip for Mother's Day to Weston, MO, a cute small town about an hour away from where I live. They have a lot of old shops that would be fun to visit. Maybe I'll have the owner at the hotel put some tulips in our room before we get there!

Showing Appreciation With Mothers Day Flower Arrangements

I really like Mother's Day because it allows me to recognize my mom for every thing she does and how important she is to me. The best way to show this appreciation is a mothers day flower

 arrangement. 1800-Flowers.com is a great company that has a variety of cheerful, fun, and creative bouquets like the one above, which incorporates sunflowers, my mom's favorite flower.

On Mother's Day, I like to take my mom out to lunch with my brother. Besides a mothers day flower arrangment sent to her work beforehand (usually on a friday), we usually also get her another small gift, like a book she's been wanting to read or a few candles that smell like lilac or roses. 

Even though my mom really likes the beautiful flower arrangments that my brother and I send her, I think she just appreciates what we took the time to think of her and made her feel special on this day. I'm so grateful to have a wonderful mom. 

I love you, Mom!

New Social Media Sites

I just signed up to Tumblr and Extendr, and so far they are pretty cool. Apparently the hot new thing is the take out 'e' before r's in website names. Here are my profiles at those sites:

http://wonderwall7.tumblr.com/

http://wonderwall7.extendr.com/

Check them out, especially if you are into social media. They are the bee's knees!

April Fool's

I've never really liked April Fool's, and I'm usually all about the holidays that don't get much attention. I think it is because I am so gullible and usually believe things people tell me. 

One holiday I do enjoy, however, is May Day. Who doesn't like getting flowers from an unknown person?What a sweet idea. I know, it has links to the plague (at least the song 'ring around the rosie' does), but still, flowers make everything better.

Running with my dog

I know my dog is tired after we go running when his ears are no longer up and alert, but relaxed. He is panting and ready for some water. We push each other on, wanting not to disappoint one another and puss out before the other one does. I could have turned into the drive and up the hill towards the apartment complex, but I keep going, deciding to run the extra 15 minutes that will let me eat a fudge bar when I get home.
--
I'm so glad the weather is nice again. The only thing that makes winter tolerable is the light at the end of the tunnel- spring.

Staying Motivated

I'm having a hard time staying on track while staying on track with all my freelance writing assignments. I've actually done a stellar job today, completing 5 articles and a blog post. I think this mainly has to do with the fact that I limited my job browsing to an hour this morning (and stuck to it), as well as limited my web browsing throughout the day. I think consistently reminding myself to stay on track has been the best motivator so far.

In other news, I wish it was warmer outside. It is one of those days that is so sunny you want to be outside, but then once you step outside, you realize that it is FREEZING and you have to go back for your coat. Blargh.

Stimulus

I'm nervous about the bailout. I think when everyone was voting for Obama, they figured that he would be the one that would magically wave his wand and the economy would be fixed and everything would be just fine and dandy. Well it doesn't work that way. And now, Obama is going to be the scapegoat for the country's problems!

I love Obama, and I'm glad he is our president, but I am not completely sold on the Economic Stimulus package. This may be the only conservative part of me, but I don't really think giving away money is going to solve anything...it didn't work last year!

Eyeglasses

I love wearing my glasses. They are red, round, and have a cute secret leopard print on the inside. I started wearing glasses in 3rd grade, and got contacts in 7th grade. I can't believe I've been wearing glasses for so long, and it seems that my eyesight has been getting worse. I guess that happens as you get older.

I don't have vision insurance anymore, but I will probably need to get some within the next year in case I need to change my lens perscription. I've had this same pair of glasses for 2 years now.

Classic Rock

I've been listening to 101 The Fox lately while I've been working on the computer. I really really like it. I'm so glad that my dad introduced me to classic rock. ZZ Top, Steve Miller Band, and Aerosmith are some of my favorites. I also love Elvis, Queen, and the Beatles. I told you that I should have been born a boy!

I need to pick up my guitar again. I wish I had an electric one so I could rock out easier! But, I guess for now, Guitar Hero will have to suffice. :)

One Minute Writer: Giving a Toast

I've never been a very good public speaker. Even though my mom always says, "What's the worse that can happen?" my heart still begins to flutter and I stumble over my words when it comes time for my time to speak. I was in Forensics in high school- maybe that's where it started. Having your first public speaking event in front of other mean 9th graders isn't really the best experience.

I would have to say, though, that my worst public speaking experience was even later in high school. I had braces for 2 years and for about 9 months of that time, I also had an upper mouth piece that caused me to speak with a lisp because it was widening my jaw. Well, i won some award and had to give a speech at the meeting saying thanks. I thought I did ok until someone in the audience approached my mom and told her how brave she thought I was- she thought I was learning disabled because of the way I talked! She also spoke to me like I was a 5 year old. Talk about totally mortifying!

The Kingston Trio

Did I ever tell you that my uncle was/is in the Kingston Trio? They won the first country grammy EVER! Isn't that awesome? He's a great guy, I may tell more about him in my other blog, but for this blog, here are some links to listen to their music.

http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/song/Tom_Dooley/4641439

http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/song/Greenback_Dollar/2986282

It's folk music, and it just makes me happy. Who knew I would actually like it? :) Have a good day!

Reading

I taught myself how to read when I was 3. Yes. It's true. I was just as awesome then as I am now. Learning how to decipher the written word began my love story with books and writing. It is in my blood, I can't help but find empty notebooks and free blogs to fill with my thoughts and ideas. I hope I am always like this. I love being me.

Mondays

I'm actually having a good Monday for once. Who knew? But, I don't really want to go into detail about it, because I'm scared that it will jinx it. In fact, I'm just going to stop now. :) Maybe I'll write more later.

Improbabilities

Sometimes the world hands you a gift just at the exact moment you were expecting to fail. I moved to KC with no job but a 12 month apartment lease, and within a month I had 2 jobs and was on my feet. Crazy how taking a chance can make you grow by leaps and bounds. Having faith that 'everything will work out' actually has some validity, as it has worked for me every time so far.

I am sitting now in my living room, listening to H. stir in my bed because he woke up at 5 a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep until 10. Needless to say, I was sleeping that entire time so now I am awake. We both try to be quiet to accommodate each other, since I have an L shaped studio so there are no walls and doors except for the bathroom.

Valentine's Day was awesome, H got me a rose/lilly bouquet and we drank with our buddies in the evening. One told me he could put new brakes on my car for $50, when it usually costs around $150-200. So that's awesome. Being the 'cool' girlfriend has finally given me something back. ;)

Going home again

I never thought I would miss my hometown as much as I do. After going to college there, I couldn't wait to leave, and now there are some days where I just want to go breathe the Manhattan air again. It was a great place to grow up, but I've realized that I never would have learned to appreciate it if I hadn't left.

That's why visiting makes it so much more special.

What would you do?

If you could personally do one thing to improve the economy, what would it be?

If I could, I would buy more. But for now, I am trying to earn more so my credit card, car, and student loan debt would go away. I'm on a 2 year plan to get rid of my debt using my freelance writing income, but student loans will take quite a bit longer.

Anyway, the economy hasn't really affected me personally yet, which I consider very lucky. We'll see what happens in the future!

What would you do with an extra hour?

If I had one extra hour per day to do something, I would read more. I always told myself when I graduated that I would continuously be reading a book, now that I didn't have to do it for class. I have been doing pretty good, I've finished the entire Harry Potter series and the Twilight series. But I know that there is more writing that could be done, if I just made it more of a priority.

But some days, however, I think are long enough and don't need an extra hour. For example, all mondays. These should actually be made shorter, because Mondays are rarely good days and should be as short as possible. :)

1st Encounter

I shuffled into the common room, grateful to be able to spend some time out of my bleached and sterialized hospital bed. The IV makes me feel like jerky movements are a death wish; one false move and I envision the needle slicing through my veins and coming out the other side of my arm.

But those are not the things you are supposed to think about in hospitals. You are supposed to think about getting better, not the likelihood that something else will go horribly wrong in the safest place possible. But people seem to forget how many die in hospitals. It might as well be a shooting range.

The TV is on but no one is really watching; night envelops us all even though it is 2p.m. I hear the Divorce Court narrator come on; he tells the predicament of the twisted, bitter faces of the couple on the screen. Their love has morphed into a battle between power and revenge- and they wonder why we are so depressed here?

I see a woman reading on the window ledge. The sunlight floats in around her shoulders; she looks like a dimly lit neon sign which is about to die. Instead of the regulation hospital gown, she is wearing nurse scrub pants and a ZZ Top t-shirt.

She looks up and squints at me; whether it is from the sunlight or confusion, I'll never know. I look down at the crumpled outline of my body through the cheap guazy cotton and I know this is not the time or place to be hitting on women.

The IV stand and I meander over to the least dirty-looking chair. I pretend to read a Dr. Suess book I found in between the cushion and armrest. The crusties in my eyes make it hard to read. I put the book down, sigh, and realize it may be an eternity before I am out of this place.

No one is speaking or trying to make conversation. We each have set up clear walls made out of our own misery and self-deprication, and the nurses are the only ones I make eye contact with. They assume I am still sick from having my stomach pumped, so they don't hassle me to come eat lunch with everyone else. This makes me feel better than any drug could.

My life does not flash before my eyes as I drift to sleep in the paisley arm chair. 'Green Eggs and Ham' buries itself into the side of my leg, but I welcome the bruise from the pointed corners. At least it means I could still be alive.

Birthdays

I love birthdays. Even when they aren't mine. I like celebrating the day people came onto this earth, especially if they mean a lot to me. I feel thankful for their livelihood, I guess, because they make me happy.

Everyone deserves to have a good birthday. Maybe that's why we wrapped my co-worker's office supplies (like Jim did to Dwight in this season's office episode). We wanted her to smile, even when she had to unwrap every little thing because it was encased in polka dots and ribbon.

Pictures to come.

Today's 1 Minute Writer: Next

Question: What do you hope is around the next bend in the road?

Answer: I guess I kind of talked about this in my last post. But in the future, I hope that there's a charming victorian house with a huge backyard, another (or more) dog to adopt because I just can't say no, and some worldwide vacations to humble me even more about how lucky of a life I have.

I also hope to be nearly debt free in 5 years, along with having a stable savings account.

But, for the most part, I just hope that 'around the next bend', I am still just as happy as I am right now. :)

Whoo Hoo!

Can I have permission to geek out for a second? Can I just tell you how I'm totally turning into one of those people who "just freaking love life"? I am totally turning into someone who loves every second of every day, and I'm totally not used to it.

Besides H living in another city, I love KC. I like my full-time job (mostly my co-workers) and I love that I have a HUGE new freelance writing client that is going to allow me to pay off my looming credit card debt in 1.5 years (instead of 4)-- I am now able to triple the amount I can pay on my debt, and it just feels so....freeing. To have the satisfaction of knowing that you are working hard to make a better life for yourself, that everything you are doing will create new possibilities in the future...well...that's just beyond great.

OK, I will let my geek out come to a close. I just never thought I could feel as happy as I do now...what a great feeling. 

Good night everyone!

Today's 1 Minute Writer: Junk Drawer Items

I open my junk drawer, trying to find my Spiderman lunchbox, and I find my veggie peeler instead. A bird shaped handle, with the blade as the beak, I stare down at the utensil that was designed to make eating veggies fun. However, I have never used it. I've had it for 8 months, and it has sat in my drawer, as untainted as the day I recieved it, at my college graduation party.

I think that bird needs to fulfill its destiny. That is why I'm buying some veggies to peel when I go to the store tonight.

Today's 1-Minute Writer: Motivation @ Work

I am motivated at work because I really like the people I work with, the work that I do, and how easy my life is now that I only work full-time (and don't have to go to college anymore). 

Besides my day to day activities, I am motivated to do well at work because I want a successful career. I want to be known as someone who is a talented, dependable, and creative worker. Someone who everyone wants on their team. 

Drunk Quote #1

H's quote of the day (it was 3 a.m.): "Well I'm drunk and watching golf, so don't blame me for anything that happens. It's the Australian Open. I'm worldwide."

He also asked me to do his laundry if he gave me $5. LOL. I love him, even though he woke me up to ask me.

Other famous 'drunk' quotes by H:
"Well I love McDonald's and I love you, so I just thought I'd call."
"You need to relish in this. You're relish, and I'm ketchup, and he's mustard."

Fried Food Challenge

So I've remained loyal to the no fried food pledge (minus some tortilla chips and a few french fries, but no chicken nuggets, which I love), and I've lost 4 pounds this week! I ate normally besides the fried food ban, and worked out 3 times, also normal for me.

I'm amazed! That means I only have 13 pounds left to reach my goal weight- what I weighed in high school.

Losing those 4 pounds made me realize how simple changes in my diet can really help my lose the extra weight and stay healthy.

Valentine's Day

So, one of my favorite holidays is coming up- Valentine’s Day. I don’t know exactly why I like it so much, maybe it’s the valentine’s flowers I could potentially receive-- specifically the valentines roses that men usually give on this day.

I think too, red is one of my favorite colors and the theme of love is something nobody can hate. For some, it’s hard not to be bitter if they aren’t receiving valentine’s day gifts from a significant other, but even when I was single, I still enjoyed showing love to the important people in my life—I would send my mom a bouquet from 1-800 Flowers while she was work. I guess I just have a lot of love to give, and this is the perfect day to do it!

The Smell of Roses

A co-worker of mine has some lilies hanging on off her cubicle wall and the smell has wafted over to our section of the office. It smells terrific!

Lillies are definitely my favorite flower, but I also love long stem roses. They have such a classic scent that will never get old- maybe that’s why it’s the best seller at flower giants like 1-800 Flowers.

I do think that a dozen red roses are the most classic of all the rose bouquets, but pink roses are also great for friends, or as a congratulations bouquet. I think flowers are a classic gift- they are always appreciated, no matter what the occasion is.

Obama

I'm so elated that this is Obama's 2nd day in office. His inauguration speech was amazing, and I'm so proud of him and of our country for choosing to have hope instead of pessimism in their hearts.

I know that hope alone won't make our economy better or end the wars that are happening around the world, but (here comes the cheese) I believe that hope is the stepping stone towards taking the actions necessary to achieve greatness.

I think America has been humbled by our recent economy collapse and I only hope that when we begin to get "back on our feet", we don't forget the skrimping on gas and resources. I hope that we continue to conserve, recycle, and reuse, because that is the only way to keep our country and our earth sustainable.

Change in 2009

Whether or not you are a democrat or republican, this is a historic day for the United States of America. We are living history right now, and I am so glad that I am here to witness it!

All this 'change' has definitely inspired me to become the person I always wanted to be, and I am continuing on my path of eating healthy, exercising well, and doing the things I love the most (i.e. writing, photography, spending time with family and friends).

To see some more election coverage, check out: http://www.cnn.com/POLITICS/

To get inspired to stick to the changes you want to make, check out: http://www.stickk.com

United American Health Insurance

I’ve always been so confused about insurance. I don’t know if I’m just basically over-thinking it, and it’s not that complicated, or if it really is as hard as I think it is. After browsing the United American Health Insurance website, I was seeing all the different types of insurance out there.

United American Health Insurance has life insurance, medical insurance, and a few different others. I don’t have insurance with United American Health Insurance, but I think that’s it’s great they offer resources for people to get their questions answered. People can call the toll-free number or ask questions when UAHI representatives come to their office. This makes easier for everyone to understand insurance.

Amos Tamam's Taxi Invention

On New Year’s Eve, I got our taxi driver lost. I haven’t been in this city long, but I’m glad I had thought to get cash so I could give him a bigger tip. I know I’ve mentioned it before, Amos Tamam’s credit card machine in taxis hasn’t quite reached my city yet, so until then, I just have to remember to get cash.

We live in a time now though, that’s it’s so hard to remember to get cash. Amos Tamam was right on the money when he thought of a credit card machine in taxis, especially since people take them when they aren’t in the right mind to be driving. Amos Tamam was right on the “money"-- literally-- when he thought of credit card taxi machines. I’m sure taxi drivers will get more tips that way!

Choices from Shasta Pools

I think once I remodel that Victorian house I was talking about earlier, I don’t know if that would look good with a pool in the back, but I think that if I bought a less vintage or less unique house, I think a pool or hot tub would be great. Shasta Pools has a huge selection of pool designs and plans that are so fun too look through.

Shasta Pools has a lot of options that I’m sure would make the option of having a pool more affordable then I think. There’s only one drawback to having a pool, whether it’s from Shasta Pools or not- the maintenance of it. I would hate cleaning it every week! I’m sure that if I had enough money to have a pool, I could hire someone looking to make a little extra money to clean it for me.

Paul Offit's Vaccine Research

When I was a child, I dreaded going to the doctor to get my vaccinations. Even though I was really young, I still remember some of them- where I was, what the doctor looked like, and how much my arm hurt. I’m glad there are nice doctors like Paul Offit out there who are trying to research and make vaccines more understandable.

I know that kids must have them in order to go to school, but the dread of having a needle going into your arm is just terrifying. Paul Offit is doing a lot of research to find more effective vaccines. Who knows, maybe someday Paul Offit will figure out a vaccine that you only have to have once- without any boosters as you get older.

Remodeling with K-Designers

I have been looking at houses lately. Even though I can’t really afford one (yet), I really wish I could get one. Even a fixer-upper that could be remodeled could be nice—not spending money on the actual house and then using a good amount of money on a remodeling company like K-Designers might be worth it. K-Designers could take an old Victorian house and completely remodel it to exactly what I wanted.

I know that I could save a lot of money if I did some of the work by myself, but seeing as how I don’t have that kind of experience, I think I’d be a lot more comfortable having professionals like K-Designers do it.

Big Investments With Andrew Wilshire

I’ve always made sure the H knows that I absolutely cannot stand yellow gold. After reading the blog of Andrew Wilshire, I’ve learned a lot more about precious metals and how much they are worth. Even though I’ll never want a yellow gold engagement ring, no matter how much they’re worth, Andrew Wilshire has made me more interested in the value of precious metals.

I know that an engagement ring is an important investment, and that just makes it more overwhelming. Having a financial expert like Andrew Wilshire who knows about how to handle important investments like jewelry is important to have on hand. Being smart about big purchases is important!

Wangethi Mwangi and His African Food

Now that I’ve researched African music, I decided to look into African food as well. I happened to stumble upon Wangethi Mwangi’s blog about African food. Food in other countries is so different than food I’m used to. I’d like to branch out and try new things- Wangethi Mwangi’s blog has some easy African food recipes that seem pretty simple to make.

Most of Wangethi Mwangi’s recipes use either beans and/or corn. Since I like these two things, I’m sure I could give African food a try. I don’t know if there are any African restaurants nearby, so I might have to make it at home.

Nachshon Draiman's Tennis Blog

In my daydreams of Spring weather, I’ve been thinking about other activities that I’d like to do once I can be outside for an extended period of time and not have limbs freezing off. One of these activities that I tried in high school is tennis. I was reading Nachshon Draiman’s tennis blog, and it made me realize how much I wanted to try tennis again.

Nachshon Draiman talks about how tennis is as much of a mental sport as it is a physical one. You have to size up your opponent and mentally prepared yourself for the match. Nachshon Draiman also brings up a good point- tennis is a lot different than just running or jogging, and it would add variety to my workouts.

Consolidated Resorts in Hawaii

I really cannot get Consolidated Resorts out of my head, especially in this frigid weather. A trip to the Consolidated Resorts location in Hawaii would be great right about now! The long plane ride would definitely be worth all that beautiful sand, sun, and view! I wish I were rich enough that I could take my entire family to Consolidated Resorts in Kauai.

Wouldn’t Christmas be great there? White sand instead of white snow! I keep telling my mom we need to go on a cruise or some other fun vacation for a holiday. When I win the lottery, I will be sure to take my family on a great vacation- they all deserve it!

Mohammed Babangida

When I was deciding what I wanted to major in in college, law school crossed my mind for an insane second. But, law school takes a lot of time and an analytical mind, which I feel like I don’t have a lot of. Mohammed Babangida had the dedication to become a lawyer, and then Mohammed Babangida went on in life to accomplish a great many number of things.

I think that a law degree does several other things besides make you a lawyer. I think it definitely opens up a lot of doors. You can serve on a number of influential panels and committees on topics you care about (Mohammed Babangida does this), and use your experience and knowledge to get almost any job you want. Having a law degree also teaches you to think objectively and argue correctly to get what you want. This is a helpful perk!

Ideas from Tim Arel

I know I’ve mentioned him before, those out there in the blogosphere, but I think Tim Arel is definitely in the right business- condos and property management. Before, I mentioned that I looked up to Tim Arel because he was a property manager, but I really think I’d like to take it a step further and actually own some property. Because after a while, it just starts paying for itself.

I know there is always maintenance to do, but owning property can be very profitable. And with owner associations like ones Tim Arel is involved in, sometimes maintenance services come with paying the annual membership fee. And, if I didn’t want to rent it out, and I was really rich, a vacation home in Santa Fe or Mexico would suit me just fine.

Joseph Odindo's Musical Influence

I have realized that I have such a wide spectrum in taste of music. Joseph Odindo has a blog that talks about different types of African music, and after listening to some myself, I’m glad I found Joseph Odindo’s blog. The rhythms of the drums are soothing, yet powerful, and I can totally understand how music is such a vital component in so many people’s lives.

Music can make you feel things you’ve never felt before. Joseph Odindo claims that Africa was the birthplace of music, and I’m inclined to think he’s right. The drum rhythms and beats in most music can be traced back to origins of music they’ve been playing in Africa for hundreds of years.

Frank Hanna's words of wisdom

I know that even though I complain about money, and the debt that I’m in, I think that overall, I am pretty lucky. Frank Hanna once said, “money is a gift from God”, and I’m just starting to realize the truth of his words.

Frank Hanna also said, "our actions with money should incorporate wisdom, and not just reflexes." I believe that is so true! Frank Hanna believes that money should be respected, which is something I need to work on. My extra money should be going towards my looming debt that I worry about so much, not the new pair of shoes I don’t need.

I think I’m really going to start focusing on using my money towards debt. I’ve picked up some more freelance gigs, and I have 2 extra paychecks a year that would really help out in that department as well. I bet before I know it, I will be living a debt-free life!

American Tax Relief

As tax season comes around, it makes me more and more nervous. With 5 W-2’s and possibly some W-9’s in the mix as well, it will be difficult to do them myself. I also think about, what if I (or my tax preparer) messes up? What if the tax preparer finds a huge mistake I made last year?

I always worry about having to pay back taxes. I know there are places like American Tax Relief that are there if I mess up, but it is still always in the back of my mind.

When I was visiting the American Tax Relief website, I learned something I didn’t know. The IRS is willing to settle and compromise monies owed to them. American Tax Relief is doing a good service by helping people settle their debts against the government.

Yay!

So, I emailed my boss at about 11:30 last night and told him that I would be coming in late to work this morning because I was having trouble sleeping (which is very true). Wednesday, I woke up and it seriously felt like I hadn't even slept at all...and I was exhausted all day.

I have been thinking about it, and I believe that my exhaustedness lasts in cycles- and I am only 'awake' either during or right after my meal times. This has led me to deduce that the food I am eating is not sustaining my body for the entire day, making it impossible to maintain a consistent level of energy.

Anyway, I set my alarm for 8:10 a.m. this morning and went to bed. And what do you know, I woke up naturally at 7:57 a.m. Wake up without an alarm clock is seriously the best feeling in the world-- I'm never tired, and I'm instantly alert.

So, I have decided some action plans that I'm going to try to take to make my life a little less exhausting.

First, I am going to get a new alarm clock (Charlie ate my other one- what a coincidence) that wakes you up gradually- that may be less harsh than a traditional one, more like a natural 'wake up'. Secondly, I am banning myself from eating anything fried. It's been my deep dark secret for a long while, my love affair with chicken nuggets or anything with the word "breaded" in the description. I feel like now it's time to bring it to light, realize how disgusting it is, and come to terms with the fact that yes, my stomach is hurting because of what I just consumed (french fries, nachos, wings), not because I'm "just full".

We'll see how I do.

Writing

Sometimes I think that I'll never run out of words to say or write, and other times, I'm so completely at a loss for words and the beauty and possibility around me that I think I'll never be able to speak again. 

It is such a beautiful feeling, to think about your circumstances and feel hopeful for once, to know that you have the entire world at your feet and only you can do something about it.

New Year's Resolution

New Years resolutions are probably just as cliche as kissing your sweetheart at midnight, but I still end up making them. So this year, I've made 2 resolutions- to write more, both in my blogs and for extra income, and to start getting healthier.

I haven't picked up a waitressing shift at the restaurant I 'freelance' at for almost 2 months and this is because I have been doing ok with picking up enough 'freelance' writing jobs online to be fine financially. Of course, I'm still riding on my large income from my Yelp Scouting days because I got my last check in the beginning of December. It will definitely be interesting to see how it all pans out once I get into March, April, and so on.

As for my second resolution, it seems like every other week, New Years or not, I found myself making a resolution to be healthier. This year I've decided to try a new approach-- just being honest with myself. First, I will always drink pop. Yes, I'm aware of how unhealthy it is. But I'm also aware of how amazing it tastes. :)

I will also never give up my favorite foods, like cookies, Panda Express orange chicken, ice cream, etc. Sure, I don't have to have them every week, but I have found that I'm much for successful when I give into the random urges I have about once a week for something not-so-healthy than trying to ignore it by eating something else. I'd say about 90% of the time, I eat more calories in food that is 'healthier' instead of just eating what I wanted in the first place. Examples- 3 bags of 100-calorie pack Chips Ahoy cookie wafers instead of 1 regular-sized sugar cookie with milk (which is usually about 200 calories); or a small side of onion rings at Burger King (250 calories) instead of a larger salad (with dressing, can sometimes get up to 700 calories!). So, I'm making another "get healthy" resolution for 2009. But this time it includes eating in moderation, giving into my cravings (as long as they are for my favorite foods and are only about once per week), and exercising at least 3 times per week because of how great I feel afterwards.

We'll see how it goes.