Three Blessings _ Week of 9.20.10

As I continue doing these three blessings every week, I've really come to realize, much of this comes from being with people, as well as hearing compliments on things I love, or enjoy doing. It's interesting to see what I choose at the end of the day. Try it, maybe you'll surprise yourself?

Monday

1. Seeing my 'sister'

     I've been friends with this girl since forever. We grew up together on my block, and although she's two years younger, we're still super close. She's like my little sister, we go to each other when we need help with our problems. Sometimes we don't see each other often, but we know we're always a phone call, or a few steps away. I love her, seriously. 

2. Talking to my brother

     Since my brother went to school in a different state, I can't just walk down the hallway to see him, but I do try to talk to him as often as I can. Monday I talked to him for pretty much an hour, about everything and anything. I miss him so much. 

3. Hearing I'm beautiful

     I don't know about you guys, but I love hearing I'm beautiful, not pretty, or sexy or hot, but beautiful. I think it's such a passionate, meaningful word, but yet not many guys use the word. When I heard I was, I wanted to break down, but I just smiled that smile that you give guys that do something sweet to you :]

Tuesday

1. Starting my new job

     What can I say? I LOVE it. I was a little hesitant and awkward at first, but it's so great! All I do is.... ICE CUPCAKES! It's the most fun, entertaining job, EVER. I have learned so much so far, and have tasted some really amazing cupcakes. LOVE IT!

2. Child Life class

     As always, I learned so much about my future career, after changing it a bunch of times. I cannot wait to use the skills I'm learning now, in an actual hospital. Advice is definitely needed.

3. Eggplant fries

     My dad grows eggplants in the backyard, but we have WAY TOO MANY. All my dad learned how to cook was eggplant parm, which don't get me wrong is delicious, but can be a little too much weeks on end. So, I looked up eggplant recipes and found an amazing one for eggplant fries. Let me just tell you, they were great and my dad is in love with them! ha

Wednesday

1. Lunch with a friend

     In between classes, I met up with a high school friend, who I'm still super close with for lunch. We ate and talked about pretty much everything and anything. It's great catching up with people you haven't been able to because life is just so chaotic. 

2. Great day at work

     Pretty much loved work. Each day I learn more and more about what I'm doing right, what I could be doing better, etc. It's so interesting to work with food, especially cupcakes. There are a million things you can create with a mixer ;]

3. B&N with my best friend

     Okay, so we might not get a lot of work done, okay so we don't get any work done, but we still enjoy each other's company and laugh at strangers. Is that bad? Oh well... it's too much fun to stop! It's just our place to relax, and rewind. 

Thursday

1. Carrie Underwood

     She honestly makes me so much happier. It's like her lyrics describe my life at any given day. She is not only beautiful, but an amazing singer too. I'm going to her concert in November and couldn't be more excited! My cousin is coming with and I've been preparing by listening to all of her cds, so we can sing together!

2. Making a new cupcake on accident

     So, in baking there is no such thing as a mistake... sort of. I iced a cupcake wrong, wrong in the fact that it was supposed to be a chocolate cupcake, not a vanilla one. So I ended up creating something new, that some people actually enjoyed. I was so worried I'd be reprimanded and yelled at, but they laughed and sold them anyways! It was a great feeling!

3. Eating a cupcake from work

     I'm not sure if I should admit this, but I had never tasted a cupcake at the place I work at before applying. I'm not saying that I didn't want to, but I just never had the chance. Therefore, when I was given the opportunity that night to try one, I jumped! They were delicious! I tried three flavors, and even brought them home to my parents to try with me! 

Friday

1. Seeing my brother for the first time in a month [seemed shorter!]

     I swear I thought only two weeks passed since I last saw him, but it was pretty much a month! A whole month! Boy was I excited. I gave him the biggest hug, and was so happy to see him. We quickly got back in the groove of our relationship, you know me punching him, him beating me up. haha oh brotherly sisterly love <3

2. Dinner with parents and brother

     First night we saw him, we were able to take him out to dinner off campus. It was quiet, but enjoyable. We caught up on everything and talked about the future weeks [he's coming home in a week!] I even gave him a late birthday present [okay, a really late birthday present considering his birthday was in July, but I just hadn't found the perfect gift]. It was so nice catching up and just talking. 

3. Feeling the cool fall air, with the mountains in view

     Pennsylvania is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in the United States. Walking out of the restaurant, you can see the mountains with the changing leaves, and feel the cool air. It was almost too beautiful to bare. It definitely made the night even better, and extremely peaceful.

Saturday

1. Sitting outside the hotel with my family

     The hotel was absolutely gorgeous. It looked like it could've been pulled out of Arizona, and place on the hills on Pennsylvania. I couldn't get enough of it. Although it was new, it was the fact that it was so serene that really made it worthwhile. You walk outside and there's huge comfy chairs surrounding a firepit, that was lit on every night. It was just perfect.

2. Toy Story 3

     GREAT MOVIE. SAD, BUT GREAT! If you haven't seen it, I suggest you do. However I do suggest that you don't let your kids watch it, because it's kind of scary if you're scared of creepy, bossy, mean toys, fires, and your favorite toys ever! Gosh I can't believe Andy is all grown up, seems like only yesterday he was getting Buzz for her birthday.

3. Going out with my brother & his friends

     My brother took me out around campus that night. It was incredibly enjoyable to experience what he had been experiencing for several weeks, and what I seem to be missing out on by not dorming. I will definitely be going back again!

Sunday

1. Flea market

     I got another great steal! $.50 for a book that was originally almost $14.00. I love buying books. This was especially special though, because I was with my whole family, looking at great finds most likely from people's attics and garages. 

2. Church

     Now I was never into church, and it was never enforced by my parents, but my brother ended up at a Jesuit school so it's in his daily activities. We decided to go with him, and it was surprisingly nice. I mean I was a little uncomfortable, but I realized everyone is there for the exact same thing. This older lady next to me must have been sick, but she was shaking, a lot. I felt so bad for her, I just wanted to hug her, but in my mind that's a little odd and I didn't want to scare her. I did a lot of praying that day as well... post to follow. 

3. Saying goodbye

     It was a blessing. I didn't cry this time like I cried the last two times. I knew my brother was truly happy there, and he was doing so well. He's growing up and I can't stop him, so all I can do is enjoy the ride, and be there to push him along the way. 

Ever think about your three blessings today?

Bargain Finds

So, I was searching Craig's List the other day when I came across a listing from my local library. It stated that they were collecting donations of books, in which they would sell for $1.00 for a hardcover & $.50 for paperback. It was on Saturday and Sunday [18th & 19th]. I missed Saturday's sale, so I went to Sunday's sale. My friend also works there, so that was a plus! When I arrived they told me I could fill a ShopRite plastic bag with books and get them ALL for ONLY $3.00! I was shocked, but super excited. At first I thought I wouldn't find any books, but boy did I find some great page turners!

Grill It Right - Better Homes & Gardens

5 Ingredient Grilling - Better Homes & Gardens

Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold

Belong to Me - Marisa de los Santos

The Secret Life of Bees - Sue Monk Kidd

The Girls from Ames - Jeffery Zaslow

Marley & Me - John Grogan

The Girl Most Likely To... - Susan Donovan

Yes, I got all of these books for $3.00! Two cookbooks for my daddy, and six books for myself! EIGHT BOOKS FOR THREE DOLLARS! I still cannot believe it because some of these books go for approximately $25.00 each.


You better bet that I will be writing reviews for all of these books... as soon as I can get started reading these books!

Fill In The Blank Friday _ 9.24.10

1. In the story of my life the actor who would play me would be….  Jennifer Aniston, well maybe in a couple of years. She is my absolute favorite actress, and I've been told we're a lot alike.

2. If I could change one thing about the world it would be…. no more judgements or assumptions about people that are different than you

3. Yesterday…. was filled with homework and work

4. My favorite comfort food is…. chocolate

5. My new favorite blog find is…. The Little Things We Do .. her blog posts are extremely enjoyable to read :]

6. If I could meet any blog friend (who I haven't met yet) in real life, I'd choose to meet…. I'm not exactly sure, although I've become 'acquaintances' with a lot of these women, I haven't gotten to know any of them well enough. 

7. My favorite breakfast food is…. cinnamon buns

You can play too at The Little Things We Do

things that have made me happy...

So here is the continuation of my three blessings for the past few days. I've decided I'm going to do 21 blessings for the week, that's three a day, but in one post this way it's easier for me and I don't have to post the same thing every day. 


Wednesday
1. Babysitting my little munchkins from my old daycare job 
     Although I gave their mom my phone number in case she ever needed a babysitting, I actually didn't expect her to call, but I'm SO happy she did. I got to see one of the little girls in my preschool class, and her little brother. She's in kindergarten now and is doing so well. I even helped her with homework. It was great spending a few hours with them; they're such well-behaved, happy children!


2. Winning $5.00 on a lottery ticket
     I showed up a little too early to the house where I was going to babysit, so I decided to stop at the local store to pick up lottery tickets. I spent $5.00 on two lottery tickets, and ended up winning $5.00 on one of them! I was a happy girl!


3. Finishing two papers for one class
     I hadn't expected to finish these papers, or maybe I did but I thought I'd be up way late. I finished one before I went babysitting. I got home from babysitting around 8:30 P.M and was able to finish the other one in about an hour. It was a great, accomplished feeling.


Thursday
1. Figuring out a group project
     In my cultural diversity and families class we were assigned to do a class project, in which we would design and develop a grant proposal based on diverse families. My group chose children with gay/lesbian parents. We were quick to come up with some great ideas on presentation styles and what our paper would consist of and it felt great to have some of that down on paper. 


2. Barnes & Noble with daddy
     We went to Barnes & Noble that night because I needed a self-help book for my psychology of adjustment class, in order to do a paper. While I looked at the self-help books, he was quick to head to the cookbook section, and I soon followed him after I found my book [after searching for rows and rows; I never knew how many problems people could actually have & write about!]. We looked at cookbooks, and bonded over small talk, and laughed about how much Rosetta Stone cost!


3. Late night talks with my best friend
     She came over later that night and we just talked, like we usually do, expressing all our emotions about certain things, whether it be boys, T.V shows, or school. We just have so much to talk about. I feel she is one of the few people that I can tell anything to. It's great having that feeling. 


Friday
1. Getting a new job
     Now I don't want to say too much about it, because I want it to last and tomorrow [Tuesday] is my first day! Just know it's something I have been really wanting to do, and learn how to do. I was so excited when I got that phone call and the emotions running through me at that time and even right now are so high! I cannot wait.


2. Movies with the girls
     Easy A. Hysterical. Girls Night Out. Go see it. You will not stop laughing. After Applebees, we caught the movie at 8:50 P.M, and even though we got out late, I'd say the $11.00 for the movie ticket was well worth it. 


3. Hearing the happiness in my daddy's voice
     I called my dad as soon as I got the job and I could just tell he was smiling as he told me how happy he was for me. Usually he expects phone calls with problems [something wrong with my car, etc] but this time it was something amazing, fantastic, and joyful. It's not only something that's going to make me happy, but it's also going to make my dad happy too :]


Saturday
1. Going to Chef Central with my daddy!
     It's seriously heaven for chefs and bakers. Yes, I am in love with this place and intend on going here every time I need something for my baking habit, obsession, love. It had everything & it even has classes that people can take! Talk about a fun place to meet people who like the same things as you!


2. Library Finds
     Post to follow :] Just know, I scored big time!


3. Hanging out with my best friend
     Seriously I cannot get enough of this girl! We went to Barnes & Noble to get some work done [ha, what else is new? that place is like my second home]. Then after we had dinner separately, we joined back up again to hit up Target, where I bought my dog a toy for $.27! yup you read that right, 27 cents! It was great! Then we TRIED to go to a local cafe, but got lost in process, only to show up when they were already closed! The ride itself was hysterical though, and I'm actually glad we didn't get to go to the cafe', hey there's always next time. 


Sunday
1. Farmer's market with daddy
     We go here every sunday and each week it gets better and better. We bought strawberries, honeydew, cantaloupe, and a peppers that were still on the branch! It was amazing! I had never seen something like that, and of course my dad couldn't pass it up! I love the farmer's market, especially compared to a grocery store, because you get everything for much cheaper and the people who sell the items grow it themselves!


2. Visiting and catching up with my cousin
     My cousin is turning thirty this upcoming month, so she's about 10 years older than me, but we were always close. At times we go weeks without talking, but when we do it's like we just jumped right back to where we used to be. She's seriously amazing and I look up to her, at times. We bought tickets to go see Carrie Underwood in November and I cannot wait! She also made me a bunch of CDs; she is seriously the greatest!


3. Baking Cupcakes
     LOVE IT - want to read more about it - visit my baking blog here




Hope your week was just as happy as mine!

wild flowers.

Picked while walking, given by a sweet boy, smelled by a girl in a big world. Both smiled. 

Little Earthquakes: Book Review

So I haven't had a book review in awhile, probably because life has been a little hectic with school. A couple of weeks ago I started reading Little Earthquakes by Jennifer Weiner, and every time I picked the book up, I didn't want to stop reading. It's a 400 something page book, but it definitely felt shorter. 


 Synopsis according to Borders:

Jennifer Weiner's richest, wittiest, most true-to-life novel yet tells the story of three very different women as they navigate one of life's most wonderful and perilous transitions: the journay of new motherhood. Becky is a plump, sexy chef who has a wonderfull husband and baby girl, a restaurant that received a citywide acclaim -- and the mother-in-law from hell. Kelly is an event planner who's struggling to balance her work and motherhood while dealing with unemployed husband who seems content to channel-surf for eight hours a day. Ayinde's basketball superstar husband breaks her trust at her most vulnerable moment, putting their new family even more in the public eye. Then, there's Lia, a Philadelphia native who has left her Hollywood career behind, along with her husband, and a tragic secret to start her life all over again.From prenatal yoga to postbirth sex,Little Earthquakesis a frank, funny, fiercely perceptive take on the comedies and tragedies of love and marriage.



My Review:
This book was everything I had hoped for and more. I had never read any of Jennifer Weiner's books, but while in Florida I picked up two of them. I can honestly say this book is worth the read. Every chapter describes the perspectives of Becky, Kelly, Ayinde, and Lia. The story also is split into months, and lasts for almost a year. Viewing the four women's lives in their eyes, as well as their friend's eyes made the story that much better. I love feeling as if I'm the character, and I'm going through everything that they are. This book just wasn't about four women having babies, it has a much deeper meaning. Reading this book made me realize that friends become friends through commonalities, in this case, being pregnant and attending a yoga class. Some friendships last a life time, while others fall through the cracks, but it's the friends that are there for you at a phone calls notice. Those that can come over in their pjs and feel right at home, baby puke and all. They're the ones you can go to the park, restaurant, or coffee house with and share stories, positive or negative, and always be smiling anyways. No matter what happened to these women over the years, they stuck together and helped each other throughout everything. Opening this book will lead to a whirlwind of emotion, and a world in which we are all too familiar with. 


My Rating: 5 stars - must read!

"Bye and bye, bye and bye,

My darling baby, don't you cry.

The moon is still above the hill. 

The soft clouds gather in the sky."

Fill In the Blank Friday

I have taken a break from posting my three blessings each day, while it is extremely essential to my class, I haven't found the time to actually post them, but I definitely will this weekend. 


To change it up a little, here's my fill in the blank friday. 

1.   When I get a day to myself I like to      find an enjoyable book, lay on the couch, and finish the book in one sitting, with some snacks :].

2.  High school was....      an experience I will never forget.

3.  A little dream I have is    to own my own bakery, specifically selling cupcakes.

4.  A big dream I have is    to be remembered   .

5.  If I could drive any car my pick would be    a BMW 650i Coupe.

6.  A time that I felt really and truly beautiful was     Prom -2008 - wearing that long, sleek black dress, hair done, makeup done, etc .

7.  Tomorrow I will....      will going to Barnes & Noble with my best friend to study and get homework done  . 

[via the little things we do]

just another day...

I'm extremely tired due to the fact that I've been reading all day for a bunch of classes. So tonight I'm making this post short, sweet, and to the point. 


3 blessings on this tuesday


1. Talking to My Brother On the Phone
     My brother has been at college since the end of August. He's only two hours away, so I can visit him anytime, but it's just a whole lot different than him being down the hall. I talk to him frequently, but tonight was the first night he called me. I was so excited to actually hear his voice. My little brother sounded different, but I knew it was him. We talked about everything from his relationship problem, to classes, to what was happening here at his home. It was great catching up and it made me realize he's really only a phone call away, and while I don't want to interrupt his intense studying, I think I might call him a lot more often now. It's been lonely in this house without him to make fun of our parents. haha


2. My Child Life Class
     Three Words. I LOVE IT. 


3. Getting More Accomplished Today, Than Yesterday
     Yes, I was quite down on myself yesterday for not doing anything, but believe me I learned my lesson! I procrastinated on reading and now I'm suffering the consequences of having to read late at night, and before class. This will not happen again. However, I am happy that I did more today than yesterday. Cheers! :]


I visited We Heart It to find a cute picture for tonight's post and this was the first one that popped up. I love it and it truly describes what everyone should know in this thing we call l.i.f.e.

[Via]

Day 7

Let me just say that I need a job, no not really for money, or benefits, or anything of that sort, but for myself! I am the kind of person that needs to be kept busy or else I go crazy. Today, for example, I was supposed to read for class, but instead I just sat there and stared at the words, and even took a 2 hour nap. Why? Because I only had class till 9:45 in the morning and I was home for the rest of the day with no where to go. This will not happen again. Tomorrow I have class at night, so therefore my whole morning will be sent doing homework and running errands for my mom. I feel really horrible about myself for not doing anything and pretty much wasting a day of my life. So even though I had a horrible day, there were some things during the day that made me quite happy. 


my.3.blessings.


1. Meeting New People
     This was the second time I had my nutrition class this semester. At the end of the not so interesting lecture, our professor broke us into groups and told us to answer 3 questions with 3 classmates about the chapter, however it wouldn't be graded [even though he collected it, hmm weird]. Anyways I had a guy and a girl in my group. After the quiz we were allowed to leave and I walked out talking to the girl about the class, walking away saying we'd see each other in class on Wednesday. I love meeting new people, especially those who can potentially be my friend, whether it just be for one class, or life. 


2. Family Dinner
     I love having family dinner, and I rarely have it. It used to be my brother, my mother, and I because my dad is always working, but now it's just my dad and I, since my brother's away at college and my mother works late. Thankfully my mom got off of work early tonight and my dad had prepared eggplant parm [his specialty]; I helped prepare the pasta :] My friend wound up coming over as well before we went and had a study date at Barnes and Noble. Dinner was great, and the conversation was peaceful. I love my family. 


3. Barnes & Noble Study Dates
     I love Barnes and Noble, whether I'm there for a book, to study, or to grab Starbucks, I just love it. I am fascinated by every person in there, and I always wonder what they're reading. Sitting there tonight with my friend, as we tried to study, I peeked at what everyone had in there hands. It's interesting, sometimes you wouldn't match the book or magazine to the person reading it. Try it some time. 


Hopefully I will get more things done tomorrow... 

day 6

Sitting here watching the Food Network, I am content. I can honestly say this was the most relaxing Sunday that I've had in awhile. It was raining all day, so no one wanted to go out and do much. I love this fall weather. It's not only perfect for cuddling and football, but also for soup and tea. I wore sweats and a sweatshirt all day; such a comfy outfit for lounging. 


my 3 blessings sunday


1. Homemade Lunch & Football
     After a trip to Walmart & Target with my parents, my dad and I decided to make lunch. Well he made lunch and I just set the table. He made burgers, with fresh tomatoes from the garden, and french fries! He made fresh french fries using potatoes from the market! They were so delicious! It was the perfect combination. Burger, fries, and football. I was loving it. 

2. Hearing Compliments About My Baking
     I made Whoopie Pies this weekend and I keep giving them to family members and friends, so that I can get my baking skills out there. I want as many people as I know to try them and give me their opinions, good or bad. So aside from my mother, father, and myself, I also gave them to my aunt, uncle, and cousins, Sal's family, and my aunt and two other uncles. All of the feedback was positive. My one uncle even suggested I open my own place, which is pretty much what I want to do in the future either before of after I graduate college & establish my career. I've heard compliments ranging from, they're so good to amazing. 


3. Food Network
     I love sitting here and watching the Food Network, especially Cupcake Wars! I am absolutely in love with that show. I want to visit all of these up and coming cupcake shops all around the country. I give them a lot of credit for even trying to win and those that actually win, I wonder how good that feels, to get your name out there at an event where celebrities or well-known people are. This show seriously makes me happy and it's an awesome way to end the quiet day. 

[Via]

This week will consist of class, homework, and a search for a job! 

Sept. 11th - Day 5

I cannot believe it's been 9 years since the September 11th attack on the WWTC. 9 years since I was in 6th grade in my history class [yea, coincidence?] listening to the principal come into the room and tell us what had happened. Everything happened in such an instant that I had no idea what was going on at the time. I hadn't realized the immensity of this occurrence, these terroristic attacks on my country. As other kids in the school left, I stayed... later finding out that my mom hadn't wanted to take my brother and I out of school because she deemed it unnecessary. We hadn't known anyone personally working in NYC and she didn't want to make us more confused and scared. I remember sitting in my Home Economics class at the end of the day watching the T.V my teacher had put on, with maybe 5 other kids, watching the news describing what had happened that morning. It was terrifying to say the least. 


Now 9 years later, our country may not be as close-knit and united as we were in those following days, but we do all agree on one thing, we are so proud and thankful for all the troops out there who have been fighting for us since that day, and even before that. 


So I just want to say thank you to our armed forces out on the battle field. I am forever grateful. 



9.11.01 always remember, never forget.



So my three blessings today are...


1. Spending Time with My Daddy
     We went to the Meadowlands Flea Market this morning and while I bought a pie pan, he bought himself a fryer pan. Aren't we so cute? I'm the baker of the family & he's the cook! We love to buy recipe books and try new things so the whole family can try them out! I love spending time with him, because we hadn't spent much time together when I was younger, and this time together is really enjoyable. 


2. Meeting Someone New
     While at the flea market, my dad and I met two people who are trying to start their own bakery/treat shop. Meg and Chris were there selling their finest assortment of cupcakes, cookies, and whoopie pies from their store without a store front, Dough Heads. They were so friendly and kind. My father and I bought the Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Marshmallow Filling. They were absolutely delicious, although they did need a glass of milk. 
     Afterwards, we went home. Surprisingly enough, weeks earlier my dad had bought me a Whoopie Pie Recipe book, and just like that I was on my way to making Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with Buttercream filling. I was so inspired by these two people at the flea market. They pretty much started with nothing; they don't even have their own storefront. If they can do it, so can I! If you'd like to see the recipe for the Whoopie Pie I made... click here. After I finished baking these & updating my other blog, I emailed Meg on her website, asking if I could be of any help in her kitchen once she got more established. Fingers Crossed.


3. Hearing People Compliment My Baking Skills
     Maybe it's just me, but I love when people love my baked goods. I always ask for the absolute truth, even though I may not like what people have to say, it will only make me a better baker in the end. Therefore, I learned to take criticism and make it constructive by working on my flaws, because you need to make mistakes in order to get better. However, today I got no complaints. About 8 people, including myself, tried my Whoopie Pies today, and everyone was absolutely in love with them! There was not one thing wrong with them. I was so happy, because I had never made them before and I tried extremely hard for them to be tasty. :]


Tomorrow I hope to get as much homework done as I can, since today was spent baking. Wish me luck!

4. Four. Quatro.

This whole 3 blessings a day thing is a lot harder than you may think. I mean even if you believe you're a happy person, and good things are always happening to you, it's a lot harder to think back during the course of the day and decipher which ones were the best. One lesson that it has taught me though is that you can't sit at home waiting for good things to come to you. One must get out there and make these good things happen. You only have one life to live, so grab it by the horns and control it, hopefully for the better. 


three blessings


1. Getting Extra Credit in a Course
     When teachers assign extra credit, I always, always do it because you never know what could happen with your grade, especially when the class is just beginning. This time I had to print out and bring in 4 articles and I'd get extra credit. I didn't have to read or challenge myself mentally. All i had to do was download, print, bring in. Simple as that. I feel better about myself, knowing I do all I can to receive excellent grades. 


2. Dinner with Daddy
     I really treasure the time that my father and I spend together. Although he was there for me when he was younger, we never really hung out because he was always working to support the family, and I was either doing homework or out being a teenager. It was tough, but now we're closer than ever. Dinners, talks, flea markets, and fresh fruit/vegetable markets are what our time together consists of and I wouldn't have it any other way. I love him, and I'm so thankful to have him in my life. 


3. These Breezy Fall Nights
     Okay, so maybe this happened to almost everyone from around the tri-state area, but it just puts me in a great mood. My girls and I grabbed drinks at a local cafe. Warm hot chocolate.... mmmm. It just warms my stomach, as well as my heart. We discussed boys [of course], life and our past experiences, as well as what's to come this fall. For example: ice skating, karaoke, and bonfires with smores. Tonight was the perfect night to have a bonfire. I expect our list to get longer, as our friendship becomes closer. 

As for this weekend, I will be getting as much homework done as possible, while hanging out and spending time with my family. I hope to also finish a book I've been reading and post a Book Review, but we'll see. Have a fantastic weekend! 

Day 3: Three Blessings

Nothing much has happened since my last post... just class, reading, and trying to get in a little time to relax and hang out with friends. I also applied to Mr. Cupcakes this morning [fingers crossed]. This no money nonsense is getting a little ridiculous if you ask me. The last time I didn't have a job I was 15 or 16 years old, I don't know how to do anything without a job! It's crazy. 


So anyways, here they are...


My Three Blessings [or three good things that happened to me today]


1. Mr. Cupcakes
     Walking into a cupcake cafe, and smelling the scents of red velvet, chocolate, and vanilla, I can't help but wonder how people hate cupcakes. They're delicious. As you can tell at my baking blog, I'm really interested in baking cupcakes of all different flavors. Therefore, I thought what better way than to work at a place that sells cupcakes! I've applied to two other places, not including Mr. Cupcakes, and I'm hoping to hear back from at least one! I get so excited and determined when trying to accomplish something in my life. Hope has been one of my best friends lately. 


2. Being Told I Look Good
     I don't usually hear this, oddly enough, in college. I mean everyone wears sweats and sweatshirts to class, not caring what one thinks of them. However, since I was going in to fill out an application, I wanted to look professional and older, since most people say I look between 14-16, but that's a whole other blog post. Therefore I wore a white tank top, a forest green cardigan jacket, denim jeans, and my new open toe black boots. A bunch of my girlfriends were complimenting me on my outfit, as well as my boots! I was loving it, obviously. Now if only I decided to use makeup.... hmmm.. maybe I'm catching on to something. 


3. Hanging Out and Catching Up With A Friend
     Now I haven't seen my one friend, who's like a sister to me, for months. We finally planned to hang out today and it was great catching up on life events over hot chocolate and a panini. There's something about a serene atmosphere, with calming music, and a warm beverage that makes me happy. I just can't help it. 


Today was a good day, and I think if I keep this up everyday, every single minute of every day will continue to be good, filled with happy, joyous moments. 

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Day 2: My Three Blessings

Today was such a busy day. I can't even believe I made it all the way through it without passing out in class. I had an 8:30 AM class this morning, so I was up by 7:20 AM. I battled through two classes, and then had a break from 11:15 AM to 1:00 PM; therefore my friend and I decided to hit up the gym on campus. We ended up working out for a good hour, even stopping to talk to a girl from our cohort classes freshman year, who we dearly missed. Afterwards, we grabbed a quick snack and were off to class again till 2:15 PM. I then met up with my other friend; one that I started getting close with last semester during two brutal Saturday morning classes. We discussed how we are now in the same major and decided to get lunch. After lunch we attended a Child Life Meeting. There, we discussed our problems and questions we had, and proposed ideas as to how to make this major work for us, whether it be with frequent workshops, or mentor programs. I even got to speak with my professor for the course I started last night. When I got home, I barely had any time to relax, before I was out of the house, chatting and studying with Alisa at Barnes and Noble. So here they are.. my three blessings...


1. Going to and Working Out at The Gym
     I have visited the gym on campus, which is free by the way, several times before. I just haven't gotten into the right state of mind to go once or twice every week for at least a whole semester. Things always come up, making me or my partner have to bail. I wish I had the guts to go by myself; maybe if I knew what to do at the gym, I'd go alone, but I'm kind of lost sometimes with all those big machines. So for now I grab a partner. It's amazing how good my body feels after I go to the gym. Even though I'm rather sweaty, I just feel so accomplished and fit after a nice workout. Hopefully this semester I will continue going to the gym.


2. Talking to and Hanging Out With My Friends and Family
     I just love being surrounded by people, especially those that I love. When I'm around these people all day, and then I go home and the house is quiet, I get kind of bummed out. I love being surrounded by chatter and laughter. It's just such a great fulfilling feeling [say that 10x's fast]. So today I surrounded myself with new and old friends, some made in new classes, others still along for this ride I call life, but there was laughter all day. Whether I was trying to get lunch with Bridget, at the gym with Hayley, in my Psych class introducing myself to a group without telling them my name, people watching at B&N with Alisa, or at home with my daddy, I was nonstop laughing all day. It's also always nice to talk to those you care about, but can't be with physically at the moment, through texts or phone calls. I'm sure you've experienced smiling when you receive a text message from that special someone, and you look around to see if any one noticed? :]


3. Child Life Meeting
     At this informal meeting, I met with many people who are going to be with me while I fulfill the requirements to become a child life specialist. Students, as well as professors, and department heads, were there to explain things that had been on my mind about my new major. We discussed workshops we could have, whether they are about the exams, cultural differences in hospitals, internships, professionalism, or mentorship. Like I said before, I also had a chance to talk one on one with my professor for Intro to Child Life. She was amazingly nice and so easy to talk to. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to meet these people and get a better understanding as to what my future has in store. I'm also grateful that Bridget has asked that she be my mentor, because she's one step ahead of me, and thinks she can really help me out. That is until we're competing for the same job ;]

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