Thongs

Thongs.  There are two kinds of these beauties; one for your feet and one for your butt (preferably the butts of females).  Funny that either way, they are in stinky places.  Well, both are not meant for all uses. 

When it comes to feet-thongs (better known as flip flops), please only wear these lovelies in the summer time and not when working out, in places with falling objects, or when you tell someone you're willing to help with labor (as in hard labor).  I love flip flops and count down the months until my toes will see the sun again (only 4 weeks for me...Costa Rica, what what!!!!).  Be responsible with your feet thongs, you don't want injured feet!!

SO pretty:)  I recommend Havaianas!

What about butt thongs?  Many hate them, I've heard them referred to as butt-floss and other mean things (everyone has feelings, people), but I also know many who love them.  I do however think you should NEVER wear them while working out.  Ohh how uncomfortable.  Sleeping isn't recommended for these lovelies either.  Also, be responsible with pant height/thong height ratio please (we've all been guilty). 

OH NOOOOO!!!

 Either way, be responsible with your thong usage. 

It's worth the risk

I'm in my car a lot, traveling to various locations, and lately I've been hearing a few songs that I absolutely love!

Tain "Marry Me" is such a beautiful song :) but seriously...listen to it. 

I think I love it so much because us humans so rarely take risks in life.  We like to travel the road MOST traveled because it is what's safe.  Take a risk.  Say I love you.  Get a new job.  Make a decision in life that will make you happy.  Better yet, make one that could make lots of people happy. 

I Can't Wait....

for a summer filled with this:

who wouldn't...I mean seriously!!!

Planned Parenthood

Lucky for me, I was able to both meet and hear the President and CEO of Central and Southeast Michigan Planned Parenthood speak on Monday.  Saying she was an incredible speaker would be quite the understatement.  I have long supported this organization (willing to accept backlash) because they are unafraid to support the women that so many other health clinics turn away. 

Did you know that 95% of the services rendered at PP are healthy-women exams such as pap smears, gyn exams, breast exams, pre-natal care?  Did you know that they will never turn away a woman OR man who walks in their doors looking for pregnancy or STD testing or even both?  Did you know that PP has an educational component that teaches TRUE (accurate) information about pregnancy, contraception, abortion and female-body care? 

I recognize that so many people are passionately against abortion and this right that women have.  I myself am not a huge fan; BUT I would much rather women have a safe place to go to like PP than to have to turn to back alley/coat hanger/dangerous methods.  I can't convince everyone to believe what I believe, but I can support a movement that will keep women safe! 




Every woman who seeks an abortion does so for her own personal reason.  HER reason is NOT political; it's personal and very well thought through.  Abortion is not something to take lightly, and isn't taken lightly because of the required counseling and questioning.  What are your reasons for supporting anti-choice or pro-choice movements?  Is it wise to say "never"?   

The Fight

So if you keep track of my blog, you know that I'm doing the Biggest Loser challenge....six weeks with Bob. 

yeah yeah...so what you have a body to die for

Well...as I'm into week 3 now (which means I now have to do workout 1 and 2) Bob and I aren't getting along.  I used to enjoy his jokes about weights not being heavy enough, or making fun of the people on the video...but now...it's like the jokes are mocking me!  What a mean guy, that Bob!

This is what he looks like when he yells at me that I'm not trying hard enough

Workout 2 has some weird things.  Jump pushups, courtsey lunges, and other mean things.  Needless to say, I'm sore.  It's like my muscles went in the washing machines...

... I wonder if that would feel good?

Weekend Number Three

So, you're probably anxious to hear about my exciting travels for this weekend, right?

Well I did no such traveling, and it was incredibly low key.  Though I love going away to see people and get away from Ann Arbor, I really do love just being home in my amazingly warm and cozy bed, doing countless hours of reading.  Actually I don't like the reading part because it was all for school.  Blehh.

Friday was fun; I got to have dinner with a friend I hadn't seen in awhile.  We tried to go to Palio, but it was crazy busy.  Instead we went to BWW and had deliciousness.  I also won a bet which is always exciting :)

Saturday was busy...I got to hang out with three little boys that I love alot...

So stinkin cute!

Today, I woke up early to play with babies at the nursery, though only one baby showed it was a delight.  I got to rock baby Lucy to sleep and enjoy her company. 

I hope you had a great weekend :)

A little bit country..

Check out this song...what girls heart wouldn't melt if sung this? 

Soo cute!  I happen to really love country music.  On the way to and from Pittsburgh, Yeha had to suffer through some country tunes...mostly because there were so few stations to choose from. 

I've always wondered if I could survive a country girl.  I love animals (actually only dogs and horses really), I love the outdoors (though I'm allergic to everything outside) and I love front porches (though they freak me out because of all the bugs and critters that have access to you).  So yeah, I think I would love being a country girl...

actually in all seriousness, I've spent lots of time in the country in Ohio on my grandparents' farm in Chillicothe.  It's beautiful...and I like that I have experienced it yet don't have to on a daily basis.  I really do like shoes, paved roads, nice smells and clothing stores that are not TSC. 

The Pittsburgh Post!

Here it is friends...the tale of my time in Pittsburgh....

I told you I drove...

So Yeha and I drove there.  It took 5 hours.  There was lots of toll roading and very boring stops.

When we got there Friday, we were tired.  So...we watched Mama Mia!!  It was Yeha's first time.  I think she loved it, but maybe she doesn't know it yet....Mama mia, here we go again, my my how could I resist loving you.....

Saturday, we woke up (super late) and went to see where Brigitte goes to school.  It was incredible.  Though we didn't see Harry, Ron or Hermione, I know they were there..

SEE!!!!! Told you... ps..they so cute!

We studied lots on Saturday as well, and watched some of the Pittsburgh Steelers game at a Restaurant, and went up the Duquesne Incline on Mount Washington. It was incredible. 

I went to the Steelers game..but had awful seats..

Sunday, we went to Church, went shopping (yay good sales!) and went to Starbucks and studied for 4 hours so I could write my 7 papers! The end!

SO CUTEEE

 LOVE YOU YEHA AND BRIGITTEEE

Patience

patience, friends, patience.  I know you are anxiously awaiting my post on Pittsburgh..but I have yet to upload my photos (the sign of a non-techy).  I promise it will be coming soon!

In the mean time, let's talk about the exciting things in my life currently.

1.  I am a part time student (by one credit).  This means my parent's saved a bit of money!  The best part is that I still have all of the benefits of a full-time student because of the new health bill that requires health insurance companies to offer health insurance benefits to the children of the policy holders until the age of 25, even if they are not in school (oh to think that part time means "not in school"). 

2.  I have class only 2 days a week.  What this means is that I have TONS of time to work (so hire me!). 

3. I am graduating in 3 months.

4. I get done with the semester on the last day of classes...no finals.  wooohooo...this means I get 2 weeks to party before graduating!! YAY!!

Have fun people!!!

Oppression

In advance, please forgive me for this overly academic post.  I have written seven papers in the last 24 hours, and though they were only around 2 pages each...it was still 7 papers.

Six of the papers were responses to readings for a class I am currently taking.  It is a required Women's Studies course on Feminist Theory.  The class is dense, to say the least.  I was dreading taking it, but I just finished reading some life changing articles.  It is kind of funny because when people learn that I am a feminist, their responses are unpredictable.  Some freak out, some applaud, some are ambivalent.  To me, being a feminist means that I do not support oppression, and will never support inequality.

I love that Pink did this!

Today at church a woman mentioned that she felt the place of a woman was in the house.  Let me say that her opinion in no way represented that of the church's or the congregation.  When she said this, though, I cringed.  Women are capable of anything they want to do, just like men are.  Black women are capable of anything white women can do.  And the list goes on. 

As a social worker, I look forward to facing these inequalities head on.  I also recognize that it will be incredibly difficult to fight against long-standing views of so many.  At the end of the day, each person is entitled to their own beliefs, but if you ever ask me what I belief to be true, my answer will be love and equality!

New Year Resolutions

To say I dislike New Year Resolutions would be putting it lightly.  I don't like them because they are cliche, people NEVER stick to them (sorry if you're one of few who does), and plus...it's saying (in my mind) that oh  I can do whatever in December because come January, that goes away and I get to re create myself.  I am all for re creating, but at the same time, don't pig out on Christmas dinner in order to have more weight to lose in January.  Idk...it's so bizarre!

You could say, however, that I have several goals for this year.  I love goals.  They motivate me, and I change them often.  I started my Allergen-free diet back in October, and I'm still going strong!!! I seriously have NOT broken the rules (minus one thing of cheesecake filling).  I have added chicken back into my diet...so now I eat veggies, fruit, chicken, red meat, pork, rice, potatoes.  Yay!  My goal is to keep working some new foods in, but to stay strict with gluten, corn and dairy. 

Exercise.  So I started this biggest loser DVD this summer, but then got in a car accident and couldn't finish the challenge.  Well I started it again (because I have lots of time).  It's SO hard but SO fun and I love it!  I am a week in, and have five more to go!

Relationships.  I am continuing to focus on my friendships...trying to pour more into them to solidify them.  It's always challenging..but so fun.

Fun.  I have resolved myself to dedicate this semester to fun.  I'm super excited about that.  And while I REALLY need to be making money (I have a job...but not enough) I am also trying to allow myself to have fun before I become a completely broke grad student next year.  Oh the joys!

Blog Mind

I wanted to have a blog a LONG time before getting one, and this is why:  Everywhere I go, I think of how to write about the experiences I am having at the time.  I wouldn't consider myself a writer, but I write in my mind...I write the scene, the people and the scripts into the full storyline.  Bizarre, right?  Well that's what my mind does. 

                    How I feel...

Now that I have a blog, I go through life thinking of all the topics I want to write about on my blog...it's nuts!!  I love it though :)  And am so excited that people have joined me in this journey, whether you hate my political ideals or my craziness or not, I hope you enjoy being a part of this ride I am on right now!  I think it's funny, too, that blogs are open to the whole world, really.  I read LOTS of blogs..and love them...but rarely "follow" them, so they have no clue I'm reading (and loving their blog).  Now that I have a blog...I want to know who my readers are, so don't feel weird about "following" or commenting...I do it lots now!!

Maybe one day I will accomplish a "small" goal of mine and put some of my thoughts into a book...we'll see! 

I'll leave you with a picture from my last night adventures....

Can we be friends?

There are A LOT of popular people in this country.  From celebrities to politicians to supermodels, there are some highly sought after people in this world!  Most of them are of no interest to me (aside from their babies, dresses and accessories).  There are, however, a few that I would love to be friends with.

1.  Oprah is a phenomenon.  Seriously.  Everyone knows who Oprah is, but I would love to actually get to know her, and not just her interviewer-self.  What does she actually believe in?  It is hard to tell.  I want to learn from her amazing success and her trials.  Basically, I think Oprah would love me, as well.  Seriously.  My life is at least a little bit (barely) interesting and maybe she would help me accomplish some of my passions and dreams :)  I can see it now...

yeah...she would love me...

2. Bill Maher.  I love his desire to get the word out about the rational left.  I say rational because I truly believe the left is more rational (guns, not supporting the less fortunate, wanting to keep troops in dangers way, not wanting to play a role in social justice in the world....all examples of some right winged views).  Also, I love the fact that Maher doesn't care if he is PC.  He states his  opinion at the risk of ridicule and shame.  This is something I'm learning.  I am a liberal democrat...I do not support the right winged agenda...and yes I still believe in Jesus.  I would love to sit and pick Maher's brain...about politics, about what he has seen and so much more.

3. Jim Tressel.  Not only has he been couching one of the best football teams in the nation for several years now, but he also is the most poised person...EVER.  The man keeps it ALL under control.  Like touchdowns...no emotion.  Fumble...rarely emotion.  It's incredible!! I would love to ask him about his blood pressure and his infamous sweater vests :)

4.  Angelina Jolie.  The woman is hot.  Seriously.  She's got an amazing man by her side (sorry Jen) and a beautiful family.  I want to learn about her social actions...what has she done through the UN?  What does she think needs done first?  I would also love to play with her babies :) 

There are a lot more I'm sure.  But life sure would be interesting if I could spend some time with these pretty sweet people.  By the way, excuse any controversial-ity on my blog.  It's mine..so it has to express my views and opinions :)  I accept any opinions though, but I'll keep sticking to mine :)  

Be careful in the snow!

Half Masted

While enjoying a great meal at George's (see yesterday's post), my sister and I were struck by the news that was on the TV by us.  A shooting?  At an event with an Arizona congresswoman?  Really?  I felt frustrated, upset, hurt and emotional.  This tragedy affected so many people, families and communities around the country, and I am fearful about the fact that there are such intense extremists and radicalism in our nation.  From Glenn Beck, Palin and privatized militia...where will the line be drawn?  Will it just be ignored?  This isn't republican vs democrat because I do not believe Palin (or the Tea Party) represent Republicans.  This is about intense ideas, scary ideas influencing our citizens.  No one but the shooter is to blame for what happened Saturday, but at the same time, when there are lists of political "threats" that are available to the public, is that now dangerous? Was that responsible?

To read an amazing blog on the tragedy, click here.  Adrienne is an activist in many areas.  She is controversial, she herself tends to have some extreme views on things, but she has an amazing story and great insight.

I walked on campus today, and saw the half-masted flag.  I asked my mother if it was for the shooting, and she said yes.  I was struck with a sense of beauty from this.  All around the country today, flags were raised only half way.  We were only half as joyful today, we were only half as whole today as we have lost people, important people, including an amazing little girl.  This world is horribly broken, yet today, our nation stood by one another in acknowledging the fact that it will take time to adjust to life without loved ones lost. 

A canoe is safest in the air

Welcome home!  Said to me, of course, because I am the one who has been away all weekend...for great reason!  I went to visit my sister in Indianapolis...which by the way, is an awesome city!!  We had a lot of fun, ate a lot, shopped some and went out last night in Broad Ripple.  I'm glad I got to go and can't wait for the next visit!

At Brother's Last night!

Best view of the trip:  Downtown!

Best Night Club: NOT Tru nightclub.  Seriously.  It was EMPTY at 11pm.  There was a colts game going on though, so maybe that's why :)

Best laugh: There were SO many.  We did, however, see a canoe on a lift in a frozen pond.  It was SO ridiculous..and hilarious!

Best Food:  Well we ate ALOT...but seriously...we had two amazing meals!  At George's and the Castleton Grill.  They were delicious!

Best news of the night (last night): NOT that there was a huge NFL game going on...we didn't get to eat at BW's. 

Weirdest connection to a stranger:  A guy we talked to is best friends with Justin Sharpe...the son of the people who made our houseboat :)

and now for more pictures...

Cute little Spanish restaurant downtown

Downtown downtown

The BW's we were supposed to eat at

Hard Rock downtown!

She's so cute

precioso

This is where I slept.  It was so comfy.  And my sister is really nice so she made sure I had enough blankets and spared a pillow for the night for me!!


I LOVE her apartment!!!

Weekends Away!

Boy oh boy oh boy!!  Second semester of my senior (final) year as an undergrad is underway...and I am getting so excited about some of the things I have to look forward to!  Though I am excited to be in Ann Arbor with friends, I am also going to be gone lots on the weekends doing fun things...and I am more than excited.  I crave adventure...and this always me to taste it a bit :)

Indianapolis!

This weekend (in a couple hours) I am off to Indianapolis to visit my sister...she's pretty great!  I am excited to see her new place and get to know the city a bit more.  Looks pretty nice to me...

Me, Denise, Brigitte from LT 09!

Next weekend I am off again!!  This time to Pittsburgh to visit my friend Brigitte.  Luckily that drive won't be so lonely because Yeha is coming with me....yayy!!  I am so excited to hang out with Brigitte and to get to go around Pittsburgh! 

February will prove to be fun as well!! Two boat shows and Spring Break...I simply can't wait :)

A win...and some worries

Way to go buckeyes!!!  I hope you all watched the BCS Sugar Bowl last night...It was quite a game; from crazy touchdowns to bad injuries and everything in between.  Pryor showed up last night prepared, and boy did he look good!  After all of the drama surrounding the players these past few weeks, people were unsure how the boys would look...but they did great in the first half.  They struggled quite a bit in the second...but were able to stop the Arkansas offense even with 3rd and 4th string defensive players.  Quite a task, too.  At the end of the day, this win was the first for OSU against the SEC and the first (I could be wrong) for the Big Ten against the SEC this bowl season.

I was SO excited watching the game! With my gluten free beer in hand I watched the game in my freezing cold house (DTE sucks).  My room mates thought I was nuts...but I loved it.  Why? Well one, I'm a buckeye aficionado, but two, it allowed me to step away from my own worries for a few hours.  I have a list of things I'm worried about.  I'll share some of them...

• Where the heck am I going to Grad School?
• How the hell am I going to pay for it?
• Will I EVER have money?
• Will I be happy in Social Work?  
• Will I find a good guy?  Will I get to have babies?
• What will life be like so far from friends next year?

Life.   It's full of worries and full of decisions and life changes.  It's exciting, it's stressful, it's painful.  Regardless, it goes on.  

That day was a happy one :)

The Holiday's at OSU

...were I'm assuming, not so pleasant.  Scandal after scandal broke out surrounding Quarterback Pryor and 4 other players (including Posey, one of my favs).  The players have been suspended for the first 5 games of the season next year...but are allowed (likely because of money) to play in the bowl TONIGHT.  The University is fighting the suspensions, claiming they're a bit harsh, but nonetheless, the boys are in trouble.

Why is it, though, that OSU is constantly targeted?  They have an amazing athletic (check out their basketball team this year...they're nearly unstoppable) and great academics.  The make millions of dollars for the league and are honestly one of few teams that is ever able to show up from the Big Ten.  All I know is that if the NCAA is going to crack down on stupid rules then they should crack down on them within every team. 

As I watch the game tonight, I will be hoping for a win (of course).  As I was just accepted into the OSU Social Grad Program, I am hoping to see what the bucks have to offer, at least on screen.  For now I leave you with

O-H

Don't Worry, Be Happy!

Ok people, I read the news this morning.  (ie, I read all of the headlines on CNN and MSNBC)  Why do people read the news?  It's rather absurd!!  The best/most informational part was reading about ways to jumpstart my metabolism so I don't die from obesity and how 1/3 of infants are obese by 9 months.  Damn.  I wouldn't call the news uplifting by any means.  At least I have healthcare until I'm 25 now...no matter what!!! (as long as my father/mother does that is...thank God and thank Obama for that one children!)

You may have thought this was cute...now it's pathological.

Can I just say, too, that there is an article about "Loose "C"hristians" who believe the end of times is coming in May 2011.  What the hell are loose Christians and who the hell cares?!  Why are we SO obsessed with living in the future when we've been called to live in the present.  Check the article out.  It's also on yahoo and CNN, but here it is on MSNBC.  The subtitle of the article reads

'A lot of people might think, 'The end's coming, let's go party.' But we're commanded by God to warn people' 

I think I'd be out partying...to some extent.  Traveling, not studying.  Houseboating, not working!  When did we become so terrified of the future or the what ifs?  Maybe it's because despite countless efforts, we are still only comfortable with people who look, act and think like us.  As for me, I'll continue my adventure...an adventure of love, excitement, trial/error, and never giving up!  

Be happy, friends, be happy....

...we only have until May! lol

 

 

Happy New Year!!

Wow...it's 2011.  What a crazy thing to think that I have now lived in 2 millenniums, 2 centuries and 4 decades.  So weird. 

This year will surely bring good things.  I will be graduating from U of M in April and will hopefully (if I get accepted) be going to grad school in the fall.  Also, my little brother is finishing up middle school in June, this is the first full year my sister has been on her own working in her own place, and we will all get to enjoy our houseboat SO SO much this summer.  I really am excited for 2011!!

To look forward to:  graduation, better health, continued friendships, a great summer

In Michigan...it's never too early to fantasize about summer!!!!!

Happy new year, friends.  May it be a great one for all of you!