Day 1 - I am thankful for my amazing family. They are the best I could have ever hoped for.
Day 2 - I am thankful for a CAROLINA VICTORY against NC State! Go Tar Heels!
Day 3 - I am thankful for the amazing opportunities that I have been given - particularly my job now at the PlayMakers Box Office and my internship with Disney that starts in January.
Day 4 - I am thankful for my roommates - they really are the best!
Day 5 - I am thankful for thrift shopping and trading/buying used (but amazing) items - it's always a plus to save some money!
Day 6 - I am thankful for my voice and the ability to talk and sing.
Day 7 - I am thankful for the wonderful advice I am able to receive from people.
Day 8 - I am thankful for the volunteer work that I do to raise money for a good cause...even if it does involve cleaning the Dean Dome after a basketball game.
Day 9 - I am thankful for a relaxing day in by myself. Sometimes I need these to rest and focus on me for a change.
Day 10 - I'm thankful for God. Though I don't pray as often as I should I am working on my relationship with God. I am trying to make it stronger. I am trying to grow in my faith. I am trying to become a new and better person.
Day 11 - I'm thankful for the beautiful Fall weather - it's my favorite time of year!
Day 12 - I'm thankful for long nights of fun and laughter.
Day 13 - I am thankful that I never have to do another group project with fellow students again.
Day 14 - I am thankful for surprise birthday parties for friends and family. I love seeing their excitement upon entering the room.
Day 15 - I am thankful for Friday's. Friday's really are the best.
Day 16 - I am thankful for classes like "Wine & Design" who help me paint wonderful things!
Day 17 - I am thankful for etiquette dinners. I am also thankful for the fact that I was raised well enough to know how to act appropriately at these etiquette dinners.
Day 18 - I am thankful for study bibles and meditation - two things that really get my mind focused towards God.
Day 19 - I am thankful for NO MORE PAPERS in my undergraduate career! I turned in my last paper today at 26 pages.
Day 20 - I am thankful for old friends and getting to see them again. It's great to catch up and makes it seem like you haven't been apart for very long.
Day 21 - I am thankful for my EDUC 132 class and appreciate how much it has prepared me for my future.
Day 22 - I am thankful to be done with that darn presentation - I've been stressing out all week about it!
Day 23 - I am thankful for each and every experience I have gone through. They have made me learn and grow into the person I am today.
Day 24 - I am thankful for the success of my FINAL glee club concert! Even though everything was not necessarily spot on (*cough* choreography *cough*) it was still a wonderful end to my glee club career.
Day 25 - I am thankful for networking opportunities and meetings with (hopefully) future employers!
Day 26 - I am thankful for fresh hair cuts that make my hair feel so wonderful and soft.
Day 27 - I am thankful for breaks from school. Sometimes it's nice to just sit back and relax.
Day 28 - I am thankful for getting to come home for the holidays and getting to spend time with my family. My parents, my grandparents, and my siblings all together for fun! (Miss you, Jon! Wish you could have been home with us!)
Day 29 - I am thankful for my job. Even if it means I had to come home from my vacation early, it allows me to make my own money and be independent.
Day 30 - I am thankful for my wonderful father. I could not have asked for a better one. Happy Birthday, Dad! I love you!
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Friday, November 22, 2013
Dear X
Dear X,
It's been almost 1 year since I saw you last.
I wish things weren't the way they are today. I wish we could have salvaged a friendship. I wish you didn't avoid me every time I try to reach out to you. What happened to us?
You know, you were the first person I let into my heart since high school. There was this guy...I told you about him...he broke my heart. It took me 3 years to recover. The moment I met you I knew everything would be alright. I trusted you. I let you in. I opened my heart back up for the first time in 3 years...
We were happy, weren't we? Though only for a brief period of time...we were happy. I couldn't get enough of your voice...your touch. I felt my heart skip a beat every time you entered the room. I was falling for you...
I thought you felt the same.
It is alright that you didn't. I'm not angry that you didn't like me as much as I liked you. I'm not angry that you ended things between us.
I'm angry about how I reacted. I'm angry that I pushed you away. But most of all I'm angry that you won't come back. I'm angry that no matter how hard I try to reach out and show you that I've changed.. you refuse to give me a chance.
I want you back in my life. If not forever then at least long enough that I can talk to you. That I can see you face to face. That I can tell you I'm sorry for how I acted. I'm sorry for what I said to you. I'm sorry that I pushed you away.
One chance. That's all I'm asking for...
Sincerely,
Me
It's been almost 1 year since I saw you last.
I wish things weren't the way they are today. I wish we could have salvaged a friendship. I wish you didn't avoid me every time I try to reach out to you. What happened to us?
You know, you were the first person I let into my heart since high school. There was this guy...I told you about him...he broke my heart. It took me 3 years to recover. The moment I met you I knew everything would be alright. I trusted you. I let you in. I opened my heart back up for the first time in 3 years...
We were happy, weren't we? Though only for a brief period of time...we were happy. I couldn't get enough of your voice...your touch. I felt my heart skip a beat every time you entered the room. I was falling for you...
I thought you felt the same.
It is alright that you didn't. I'm not angry that you didn't like me as much as I liked you. I'm not angry that you ended things between us.
I'm angry about how I reacted. I'm angry that I pushed you away. But most of all I'm angry that you won't come back. I'm angry that no matter how hard I try to reach out and show you that I've changed.. you refuse to give me a chance.
I want you back in my life. If not forever then at least long enough that I can talk to you. That I can see you face to face. That I can tell you I'm sorry for how I acted. I'm sorry for what I said to you. I'm sorry that I pushed you away.
One chance. That's all I'm asking for...
Sincerely,
Me
Vegan Pledge - So much fail...
I kept up my vegan pledge for a solid 2 1/2 weeks. I ate 99% vegan and I did not miss or crave any of my old foods. I thought this was something I would be able to keep up...something I could consider maintaining for the rest of my life.
....then life got in the way.
Veganism is not, and may I repeat NOT, convenient. Going out to eat was constantly a struggle. Hanging out with friends was always a struggle. Not because they forced me to eat dairy and meat, but because vegan foods are not offered at many places.
I got tired of putting so much effort into my food...especially when I have had to be 100% focused on school since the end of the semester is coming up.
I still eat vegan foods 50% of the time...but I also eat whatever I want 50% of the time.
Therefore, I am not vegan.
I am not even vegetarian.
I tried, and I failed. Forgive me.
Maybe one day I will try again. Maybe when I have a job and I can afford to buy food. Maybe when I don't have to worry about school work 24/7 and actually have time to cook meals. Maybe when I have the time and energy to put the time and energy into veganism.
...yep.
Operation vegan pledge: Failed.
....then life got in the way.
Veganism is not, and may I repeat NOT, convenient. Going out to eat was constantly a struggle. Hanging out with friends was always a struggle. Not because they forced me to eat dairy and meat, but because vegan foods are not offered at many places.
I got tired of putting so much effort into my food...especially when I have had to be 100% focused on school since the end of the semester is coming up.
I still eat vegan foods 50% of the time...but I also eat whatever I want 50% of the time.
Therefore, I am not vegan.
I am not even vegetarian.
I tried, and I failed. Forgive me.
Maybe one day I will try again. Maybe when I have a job and I can afford to buy food. Maybe when I don't have to worry about school work 24/7 and actually have time to cook meals. Maybe when I have the time and energy to put the time and energy into veganism.
...yep.
Operation vegan pledge: Failed.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
The Vegan Pledge: Update - Week 1
Well, one week complete. It hasn't been too hard. I haven't had any major cravings for meet or dairy.
I obtained the list of acceptable foods to eat via the PETA website. All the foods listed are 99.9% vegan. Though most "real vegans" would not eat half of these foods, I decided that I would. The whole reason to go vegan, really, is for animal ethics...though other reasons may come into play. PETA believes that ruling out items that are 99.9% vegan would be telling producers that there is no market for these types of foods....however, in reality, foods that are 99.9% vegan are saving MANY more animals than foods are not vegan at all. There should be a market for these foods. If everybody eats foods that are 99.9% vegan there would be a significant reduction in animals harmed for unnecessary reasons.
Anyways - I've been eating a lot of the foods from this PETA list as well as 100% vegan foods. Here is what I have found...
Being vegan is not that difficult.
There are a lot more food choices that you can eat than you realize. (Oreo's are vegan!)
You will have cravings....my main one is cheese.
Vegan cheese does NOT taste the same as non-vegan cheese. I don't know if I will permanently be able to give up non-vegan cheese.
I'm not the biggest fan of tofu. The texture is just awful.
Vegan ice cream is acceptable...regular ice cream is better...but I could live with vegan ice cream.
Almond milk is delicious.
It takes effort when going out to eat - look at the menu before hand!
So yea, one week down...3 weeks to go. I don't think it will be too difficult. I haven't had any trouble this far. I am slowly but surely ruling out some foods over others, but there are still plenty of foods that I can eat that I enjoy. I made some vegan chili. It's pretty good...although, I think next time I will forgo the fake meat that I put in it.
That's all for now. I'll let you know if I run into any major challenges or if I break my streak and eat a cheeseburger. *GASP*
I obtained the list of acceptable foods to eat via the PETA website. All the foods listed are 99.9% vegan. Though most "real vegans" would not eat half of these foods, I decided that I would. The whole reason to go vegan, really, is for animal ethics...though other reasons may come into play. PETA believes that ruling out items that are 99.9% vegan would be telling producers that there is no market for these types of foods....however, in reality, foods that are 99.9% vegan are saving MANY more animals than foods are not vegan at all. There should be a market for these foods. If everybody eats foods that are 99.9% vegan there would be a significant reduction in animals harmed for unnecessary reasons.
Anyways - I've been eating a lot of the foods from this PETA list as well as 100% vegan foods. Here is what I have found...
Being vegan is not that difficult.
There are a lot more food choices that you can eat than you realize. (Oreo's are vegan!)
You will have cravings....my main one is cheese.
Vegan cheese does NOT taste the same as non-vegan cheese. I don't know if I will permanently be able to give up non-vegan cheese.
I'm not the biggest fan of tofu. The texture is just awful.
Vegan ice cream is acceptable...regular ice cream is better...but I could live with vegan ice cream.
Almond milk is delicious.
It takes effort when going out to eat - look at the menu before hand!
So yea, one week down...3 weeks to go. I don't think it will be too difficult. I haven't had any trouble this far. I am slowly but surely ruling out some foods over others, but there are still plenty of foods that I can eat that I enjoy. I made some vegan chili. It's pretty good...although, I think next time I will forgo the fake meat that I put in it.
That's all for now. I'll let you know if I run into any major challenges or if I break my streak and eat a cheeseburger. *GASP*
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Happy Halloween!
My last halloween as a college student...I don't know how I feel about this...
Everything is so bitter sweet.
On one hand, I am excited to move on with my life...on the other, I am going to miss college and all of my friends so much. HOWEVER - let me clarify - I am going to miss everything about college except for the classes and schoolwork. Haha.
Anyways, back to halloween!
This year, I was Minnie Mouse. I thought it was fitting since I will be leaving for Disney in a little over 2 months! So crazy!
There was actually a dress rehearsal scheduled for PlayMakers production of Metamorphoses on halloween, and all the PlayMakers staff are required to attend. Therefore, I spent the first part of my Halloween evening at PlayMakers watching the show, but that's ok because I got to see some of my fellow workers in their costumes!
(I am Minnie Mouse! Cute, right?)
After the show let out (a little after 9:00pm) I headed to the Battlehouse to hang out with some friends. They were hosting a "party on the lawn" kind of thing this year with Summit Church. But yea, I spent half of my night there and the other half on Franklin Street people viewing.
If you have never been to Franklin Street you should go at least once. There really are some creative costumes!
But, for the love of all things good, please do not bring young children. There are some costumes that should not even be seen by my 22 year old eyes...let alone a 6 year olds eyes.
So yea, Halloween was enjoyable. I met some cool kids, and I had a good time.
I'm just trying to do as much as I can in the little time I have left.
And on another note - here is a picture of me and my roommates (they're pretty great):
I HOPE EVERYBODY HAD A WONDERFUL AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Friday, November 1, 2013
My Vegan Pledge: Pre-Pledge
I am starting a 30-day Vegan Pledge beginning tomorrow, November 2, 2013.
A Little About the Pledge (from :
What’s the Vegan Pledge? I’m glad you asked! The Vegan Pledge started in the UK. Board members of Peace Advocacy Network brought the Pledge to Philly and with great success. Non-vegan people pledge to go vegan for 30 days with the Pledge program’s support. This support includes weekly meetings consisting of cooking classes, environmental and health speakers, a personal mentor (experienced vegans), social events for support, and an incredible care package to make 30 days of being vegan that much easier. - Peace Advocacy Network
My particular pledge is part of the Triangle Vegan Pledge. We meet once a week (on Saturdays) at the UNC Law School and I have a wonderful mentor named Sylvie to guide me throughout the pledge! She actually took part in the Triangle Vegan Pledge last year and has been vegan ever since!
I decided to make this pledge because I have been wanting to live a healthier lifestyle. My eating habits are awful - I eat anything and everything - and it's time I took control of that.
But literally, my diet is probably 50% sweets at the moment.
So healthy - I know.
I thought this pledge would be a good way to kickstart my health and push me into a healthier lifestyle.
I doubt I will come out fully vegan after this challenge, but I am definitely hoping to incorporate it into my lifestyle. I wouldn't mind eating half vegan and half (something like) pescetarian. I'm not completely sure yet, but regardless, I am hoping it will be healthier than what I eat now.
I will try to post updates throughout the challenge to let everybody know how I'm doing!
Feel free to visit http://triangleveganpledge.wordpress.com/ for more information and learn about getting involved in your own challenge!
A Little About the Pledge (from :
What’s the Vegan Pledge? I’m glad you asked! The Vegan Pledge started in the UK. Board members of Peace Advocacy Network brought the Pledge to Philly and with great success. Non-vegan people pledge to go vegan for 30 days with the Pledge program’s support. This support includes weekly meetings consisting of cooking classes, environmental and health speakers, a personal mentor (experienced vegans), social events for support, and an incredible care package to make 30 days of being vegan that much easier. - Peace Advocacy Network
My particular pledge is part of the Triangle Vegan Pledge. We meet once a week (on Saturdays) at the UNC Law School and I have a wonderful mentor named Sylvie to guide me throughout the pledge! She actually took part in the Triangle Vegan Pledge last year and has been vegan ever since!
I decided to make this pledge because I have been wanting to live a healthier lifestyle. My eating habits are awful - I eat anything and everything - and it's time I took control of that.
But literally, my diet is probably 50% sweets at the moment.
So healthy - I know.
I thought this pledge would be a good way to kickstart my health and push me into a healthier lifestyle.
I doubt I will come out fully vegan after this challenge, but I am definitely hoping to incorporate it into my lifestyle. I wouldn't mind eating half vegan and half (something like) pescetarian. I'm not completely sure yet, but regardless, I am hoping it will be healthier than what I eat now.
I will try to post updates throughout the challenge to let everybody know how I'm doing!
Feel free to visit http://triangleveganpledge.wordpress.com/ for more information and learn about getting involved in your own challenge!
Thursday, October 24, 2013
DREAMS REALLY DO COME TRUE!
HEAR YE! HEAR YE! I have exciting news!
I received the e-mail yesterday and......*drum roll please*......
I GOT AN OFFER TO BE A CHARACTER PERFORMER AT WALT DISNEY WORLD IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA!
I am beyond thrilled.
I do not find out what character I will be until I get down to Florida in January, but I am 99% sure that I will be a costumed character.
One thing I do know is I'm chipmunk height! Chip & Dale anyone?
This news could not have been anymore exciting. The Disney blog was updated yesterday morning that acceptance letters have started going out. Everybody was freaking out - and I mean everybody! (I am part of the "entertainment hopefuls" group on Facebook and I could feel the nerves projecting from my computer into myself)
I did not have my laptop with me all day, so I checked my email at work (around 3:15pm) and had received nothing. I wasn't feeling too confident at this point. You could say that I was a tad discouraged.
Well, when I received my laptop and checked my e-mail around 7:00pm THE EMAIL WAS THERE!
I read, "Congratulations on your new role!" and about had a heart attack. I immediately called my mom to let her know and I couldn't stop smiling.
I literally thought that I stood no chance. I was not 100% confident in my audition, and I heard they were only filling 125-150 spots out of roughly 2,000 people that auditioned.
I mean, what rational person would be 100% confident that they would receive a role?!?
Regardless, I am so blessed and lucky to have been given this role by Disney.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I cannot wait to begin my journey!
I received the e-mail yesterday and......*drum roll please*......
I GOT AN OFFER TO BE A CHARACTER PERFORMER AT WALT DISNEY WORLD IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA!
I am beyond thrilled.
I do not find out what character I will be until I get down to Florida in January, but I am 99% sure that I will be a costumed character.
One thing I do know is I'm chipmunk height! Chip & Dale anyone?
This news could not have been anymore exciting. The Disney blog was updated yesterday morning that acceptance letters have started going out. Everybody was freaking out - and I mean everybody! (I am part of the "entertainment hopefuls" group on Facebook and I could feel the nerves projecting from my computer into myself)
I did not have my laptop with me all day, so I checked my email at work (around 3:15pm) and had received nothing. I wasn't feeling too confident at this point. You could say that I was a tad discouraged.
Well, when I received my laptop and checked my e-mail around 7:00pm THE EMAIL WAS THERE!
I read, "Congratulations on your new role!" and about had a heart attack. I immediately called my mom to let her know and I couldn't stop smiling.
I literally thought that I stood no chance. I was not 100% confident in my audition, and I heard they were only filling 125-150 spots out of roughly 2,000 people that auditioned.
I mean, what rational person would be 100% confident that they would receive a role?!?
Regardless, I am so blessed and lucky to have been given this role by Disney.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I cannot wait to begin my journey!
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