Upon going to Rider University's graduation this past Friday, I reflected back on the past year.

A year ago I was in that cap and gown listening to the speeches telling me I could go and do anything I wanted to do. There were endless possibilities.

Today I sit here, two part-time jobs and not where I envisioned the year after I graduated college. It is both frustrating and disheartening that I have not found a full time job. But at the same time I still try to be confident and know that I will do great things one day. It's coming. It has to. I am talented and I have a passion for what I do. There is an ultimate plan for where I am going and I just have to remember that everyday. 

At the same time, I have come a long way from a year ago in my personal life. After graduation, I entered a home without my mom that was a struggle for the first few months. Many tears were shed and many days it just seemed too much. I wouldn't say I have healed, I don't think I will ever completely heal but there is some peace now. 

I have been able to let go of my anger and remind myself everyday that even though my mom isn't here today, I had her for a wonderful 22 years. Those years were the best years and she was wonderful to me and made me who I am. Some children don't even get to have their mom for that long. The relationship with my mom was one of the best. She was my best friend that I told everything and she helped me with so much and I know many daughters still don't have that relationship with their mom. Being able to remember my mom and all those great memories I am very thankful for.

My relationship with Brian has grown immensely in a year. We have managed the long distance very well. Through emails, texts and of course phone calls we are still able to connect with each other. Some days it seems tough but then the next day we are both reminded of what we have and how special it is. He has held me up and helped me through the past year and past few years. I know that our relationship will still continue to grow and our laughter will still be there. I can't wait to see what the future has for us.

A wonderful addition to my life has been Lily.  Yes I am going to talk about my cat. She's a joy and a terror sometimes but definitely keeps me company. Plus, she makes me smile with just how odd she can be sometimes.

Friendships have strengthened and weakened this past year. There are those that have withstood the distance and time. Others just didn't seem to be able to stand the new life I have to live. Every one I am thankful for and have helped me through various parts of my life. Growing up is acknowledging that sometimes everyone isn't friends and THAT IS OK. Greek life teaches us to love each other and get along with each and be all roses and peaches. Real life, people aren't friends sometimes because their lives don't mesh or their personalities. There are no rules saying everyone have to be bff with each other. You be bff with the ones that get you through the hard times and help you enjoy the good times. Not the ones you see and talk to maybe once a year. Knowing this helps you grow and let go. That is what I have done. 

A year ago I didn't see myself here. But here is where I have ended up and I am going through it day by day. It's called a journey for a reason right?

-Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.- John F. Kennedy

Mix it up

I want to make this more fun. 

I take a lot of pictures so I want to start documenting life in pictures and posting on here everything I do. Maybe it might be boring but I do feel I will enjoy that. And you can listen to me ramble about everyday happenings. But your life is what you make it. And even if I'm doing something boring but I make it exciting, it is exciting.

Correct? Correct.

Anyway, I am currently watching a segment called "From plane to fabulous" on the Today Show. It's about looking glamorous on a plane. Here are my thoughts. 

I haven't been on a long plane ride in awhile. However, I do recall how uncomfortable those seats can be. Hence the sweatpants or yoga pants I always choose to wear on a plane ride. The point they are making is that you can still glam these up. Wrap a scarf around your neck, wear a tighter, bright colored shirt and nice cover up. 

This I can do. I get it, just because you are wearing the comfy pants doesn't mean you have to look drab. Easy way to brighten your day by dressing up. Or if you are on this particular airline they are showing, Virgin America, you can curl your hair right on the flight. That's right. They apparently have outlets right at the seat to blow dry and style your hair. Get on the plane with one hairstyle and come off with a totally different one. Now that's convenient.

Next time, there will pictures. Hopefully.

-Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritation and resentments slip away, and a sunny spirit takes their place.-Mark Twain

My Annoyance today.

The word 'like'

Seems silly, right?

But no, no it is not silly. This word has started to take over words and speech and it is starting to get to me. I am by no means leaving myself out of this because I have caught myself using 'like' too many times in one sentence.

It's as if 'like' is taking over words we used to use frequently but now for some unknown reason replace with 'like'. Or we just throw 'like' in between words for some unknown reason.

For example: (Here's a hypothetical conversation) So like yesterday, I went to the office to get my paper that like needed grading, but the paper wasn't there so I went to the secretary and was like "Do you know where my paper is that was graded?" and she's like, "No, I haven't seen any papers in there today." Well now what I am supposed to do because that paper was like the only thing I had for research and it's like so frustrating that she said it would be there and it's not.

WAY.TOO.MANY.LIKES.

Granted, I just made that up, but I assure you it is the way people talk on a regular basis.

Here is the fixed version:

So yesterday, I went to the office to get my paper that needed grading, but the paper wasn't there so I went to the secretary and said "Do you know where my paper is that was graded?" and she said, "No, I haven't seen any papers in there today." Well now what I am supposed to do because that paper was the only thing I had for research and it's so frustrating that she said it would be there and it's not.

A few changes but it instantly sounds slightly more educated. In that sentence above 'like' replaced the word said and was just added whilly nilly, as they say. I just hate to see smart people talking in this way and sounding so not smart.

Many people do this my age and around my age. But once you realize you are doing it, it is easier to catch. A month ago I noticed I was one of the 'like' users. I caught myself using it 4 or more times in one sentence. ONE SENTENCE!

I knew it was time to remedy the situation. 

Therefore, every time I started to use 'like', I would stop in the conversation and replace it with the appropriate word. It caused and still does cause me to speak slower sometimes. But eventually I know I will wean myself off of 'like.' And I will feel so much better about my speaking because when I realized how many times I was saying 'like' I thought about how people probably heard me when I talked and it made me cringe.

I am begging you to stop using 'like' so darn much. Only when comparing should like be used. I would like for the word 'like' to go back to its normal vocabulary. Please and thank you. 

-Do not be surprised when those who ignore the rules of grammar also ignore the law. After all, the law is just so much grammar. -Robert Brault

Earth Day!

Well happy Earth Day everyone!

Some people say how weird this day is and don't really acknowledge it. And I say to them, well why the heck not?

We are on Earth. We live here. If it wasn't for Earth, where would we be. Every one of us gets a birthday so why not celebrate the Earth too?

Earth Day is actually 40 years old today. It all started with a US Senator. So thank you US Senator for making a day when we all think about this great place we live and what we can do to help it stay so beautiful and wonderful. 

That's what Earth day is. To think about those environmental issues that go on around us all day, everyday. It is a day when we can say, what can I do to help make the Earth better?

I recycle. You should recycle. There isn't a good reason not to. Just put a bin next to your garbage and its very simple. It saves the planet. 

If you can, walk instead of drive. Unfortunately, I am far away from any type of store or socialization so I am forced to get in the car to get places. But if you are close to the post office, walk there a couple days a week instead of releasing the gas into the air.

Clotheslines are a good investment too. I'm a country girl and grew up with the clothesline during the warmer months. Turns out its good for the electric bill and the carbon footprint.

Something cute I found was "green" dates. Here are a few they suggested.

• Go to the market
• Pick up garbage, especially something that can be recycled 
• Go canoeing
• Take a romantic stroll under the stars

For more ideas it's all right here!

So please do at least one "green" activity today to help preserve this planet we call home.

-There is hope if people will begin to awaken that spiritual part of themselves, that heartfelt knowledge that we are caretakers of this planet-Brooke Medicine Eagle