Tuesday, February 28, 2012

LEAP DAY

Tomorrow is the leap day! I'm not going to write a whole blog post on it right now, but just a quick point that I always think is funny.

People born on the leap day only have birthdays every 4 years! I think that would be so cool!

Some things you can't change

Lately, I have been having these mood swings. Not like in an extreme, medical situation way, but more of a stressed out way. For half of the day, I will be feeling great and positive and on top of the world, like I normally feel.

But the other half of the day, I will be sad and stressed and think I can't do anything. No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to prevent these sad phases. I realize that one of the classes I'm in is making me feel like this. I love all of my other classes, so I know it's this one and the work associated with it.

Because of this class, I actually miss having real homework, like reading and essays. And I miss tests. And I miss knowing exactly what I need to be doing each day. I can't wait for this class to be over.

I hate who I turn into when I think about it. So I've decided (and hopefully I can follow through) that I am not going to worry about this class. Whatever happens, happens.

I've heard that only one person has failed it before. And that's even after hearing the horror stories of how people don't turn in their work and get bad grades on every story.

So I'm just hoping that even if I turn into one of the horror stories, I will pass this class. Without worrying or caring anymore.

Wish me luck!

Monday, February 27, 2012

You know you go to zumba too often when...


  • The instructor knows your favorite songs. And makes sure to play at least one of them during the class.
  • The instructor doesn't have to call out moves because you already know them. 
  • You don't need an instructor because you know all the moves and start dancing before she can get to the front of the room. 
  • You have friends that you see only at zumba class.
  • You notice that you can move your hips like a normal person now... well sort of. 
Last semester, I went to zumba twice a week and I'm doing the same this semester. I even have to go during the short time between classes on Thursdays. I'm in love and I'm not afraid to show it!

This is my favorite dance in the class. The instructor plays it almost every class and laughs when I get so excited to dance to it. I don't even know what they are saying or what the song means, but the dance is awesome. And it took me basically all semester to even figure out what this song was. Now that I know, I'll never forget it!

Half of my heart's got a grip on the situation


Oh, Monday

Of course I wake up this morning and it's dreary outside. But at least it's not cold- trying to be positive lately. 


Do you ever notice how hard it is to be positive after complaining and putting yourself down so much? Lately, I've been super stressed about one of my classes and it's bringing me down. I'm doubting my abilities, my major, and the possibility of passing this class. 


Every time I begin to feel ok about the class, something happens to bring my mood straight back down. It's unfortunate and I absolutely can't wait for this class to be over. 


So as my Monday motivation- something that I absolutely need- here's a quote. 


There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills.
Buddha




I realize that this quote is not very motivational. But that's the point! Doubt is terrible. Don't doubt yourself because doubt is poison. Believe in yourself. Believe that things will work out in the end. Because if we don't believe that, how else will we make it through? 

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Brotherhood!

For APO, we have something called the Brotherhood Award. Each week, someone gives this award to someone else, either for something they have done or just for being a great person!



Last week, my good friend (or I guess you would say my brother, since we are a co-ed fraternity) gave it to me. And this week, I gave it to another one of my good friends.




It's really nice to be able to go up there and make someone else happy by saying nice things about them. And it was great to hear what my friends thought about me last week!




Everyone signs the back too! There is my name at the bottom!

Every day

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Lost love



For all sad words of tongue and pen, the saddest are those "It might have been".

John Greenleaf Whittier

We could run away


10k!

This morning, I woke up dark and early to run the Cowtown 10k... see what I did there? Dark and early, not bright and early. Don't hate me because I'm corny.



But it was really dark out and I thought for one second about just staying in bed. That feeling quickly passed though. I got there right on time and only had to stand at the starting line for a few minutes before the race started.

It was under 40 degrees, but for some reason it didn't feel that cold to me. I could see my breath the entire race though.

I had so much fun! Since I lost my iPod and have been having a crazy couple of weeks, I haven't run outside much. Today, I didn't even realize I didn't have an iPod until 2 miles in. And I was really enjoying the scenery and passing people. Oh, did I pass people.

I was planning on taking the race pretty easy, but I got too competitive. Once I started passing people, I just wanted to pass more. The entire race I was passing people- there had to be hundreds!



I did 9 minute mile pace and faster the whole race. I was sore and tired, but it felt wonderful and I'm so proud of myself. It's been a while since I've ran that much.

Plus I went to Body Pump after, so I will be even more sore later today and tomorrow. Totally worth it though!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Busy bee

I've been writing a lot lately! This reporting class is killing me with the amount of work involved, so when I got the chance to write two opinion articles this week, I jumped on it.

I love getting to just write, without stopping to double check facts or quotes. Writing my own opinion eliminates the need for all of that. And let me just tell you, that is a beautiful thing.

One article I wrote is about interviewing early. I learned a few things about why you should interview during college to prepare for interviewing for jobs after graduation.

I just finished writing another one about Super PACs. If you don't know what these are, then you aren't a politics nerd like I am, which is completely fine! I'll post the article when it gets published because everything about them is explained in there. Including my opinion on them :) Fun stuff.

Also, today is Ash Wednesday, a.k.a the beginning of no desserts for Lent. Boooooo. Why do I always do this? Oh yeah, because I seem to get addicted to sugar each year. And it always seems to be right before Lent, when I realize that I need to stop eating so much sugar, so I give it all up for Lent.

Today wasn't bad because I fasted all day and by the time I ate after the sun went down, I was craving healthy food. So let's hope that continues! Also, it's the first day. Wait a week to see if I'm having withdrawals- I really hope I'm not!

Here's a song we sang at Mass today. It's been stuck in my head since. But it's catchy and beautiful. Take a listen and happy beginning to Lent/Hump Day/Second to last Wednesday in February!



Change

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Ash Wesdnesay

Tomorrow is the first day of Lent. Going to a Christian university means that a good amount of people participate, including me. It's really interesting to see what people choose to give up and if they succeed or not.

I'm giving up desserts- except chocolate milk! I know that I'm not supposed to make exceptions, but I've been drinking chocolate milk after Body Pump because it really helps my muscles. Plus, it's not really dessert, right? But I'm going to compromise by trying out healthier ways to make chocolate milk. I looked up a few recipes today and I was happily surprised by what I found. I'll have to see how they turn out :)

Also, I am going to read my Lenten book every day. My church gives out this tiny black book that has a short, one paragraph reading every day with a reflection. Last year, I kept forgetting to read it. But this year I am going to remember the real reason that I am giving something up and participating and I think reading this book will help.

And last, but not least, I have to fast tomorrow. I've never participated in fasting for Lent before. I was too young and then I got in the habit of not doing it because I was a runner. Tomorrow I will try it though! I think I will be fine if I just keep drinking a lot during the day.

Hope everyone enjoyed Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday. I know I definitely pigged out and enjoyed some traditional Mardi Gras music at lunch today. It was a great day- super stoked that this week is going ten times better than last week!

Stay strong

Monday, February 20, 2012

Be careful what you wish for

I'm obsessed


First of all, I've been listening to this song on repeat all night. Secondly, I love Taylor Swift's voice- I wish I sounded like her. And last, but certainly not least, I am so excited for The Hunger Games!

The movie comes out March 23rd. I will be there! And you can be assured that I will learn all of the words to this song and sing it constantly until then.

Oooooo.... Oooooo
Oooooo.... Oooooo
Just close your eyes,
You'll be alright.
Come morning light,
You and I'll be safe and sound.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Stunning

Check out this website. There are some beautiful pictures on there that will amaze you!

Part of it is supposed to be motivation to go out and take pictures before/at dawn. I think that everyone should go at least once and sit outside or do something in the early morning. Running during a sunrise is beautiful. But I'm sure walking, sitting out with a coffee, or just admiring everything around you would be wonderful too.

Dawn is such a perfect time of day. You don't want to get up, but you make yourself. And then after you get up, you're glad you did. It's peaceful to know that you are awake before the rest of the world (I know that's not necessarily true, but it feels like it!), almost as if you need to be quiet to avoid waking everyone up. Then you get to start your day before anyone else, feeling completely accomplished by 8 a.m.

Try it one time- I promise you won't regret it.

Every Kid Needs a Pet



Every kid NEEDS a pet 
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Give me a sense of humor, Lord, 
Give me the grace to see a joke, 
To get some humor out of life,
And pass it on to other folks. 


 

Enjoy

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Remember

Start living now. Stop saving the good china for that special occasion. Stop withholding your love until that special person materializes. Every day you are alive is a special occasion. Every minute, every breath, is a gift from God.
Mary Manin Morrissey

Friday, February 17, 2012

My oh my

Needless to say, this has been a crazy week. And I did not enjoy it- not even one bit. It's sad to say, but this has made me question whether I have what it takes to be a journalist. I get too stressed out! Which is weird because I don't usually get that stressed out. Things are different now.



I found out this week that I am a really bad stress eater. And I stress out more when I don't have time to work out. So today, I tried to eat a little bit better and I went on the fastest run ever. I hadn't truly worked out in two days, which is a long time for me! So when I went out to run, I just kept pushing myself. It was wonderful and just what I needed!


So goals for next week? Eat healthy, don't stress eat (especially if I'm not hungry), exercise, and take some time each day to do nothing, even if it's just sitting down for 2 minutes.

But considering I got some bad news tonight about an article I was working on an immediately ate a package of fruit snacks... we'll see how this goes.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

TCU Drug Bust

Very disappointed in the few people that do something wrong and are selfish enough to not care what it means for the rest of TCU. If these people cared about the rest of our school or even had an ounce of respect for themselves, they wouldn't be involved in the drug business. Going to TCU is the opportunity of a lifetime. Heck, going to college in general is a great opportunity. And to waste it like that is a disgrace.

I'm proud of how TCU handled the situation. We, as a school, don't endorse this. And I'm glad that we are showing everyone that.

Cheesy Pick Up Line?

Your smile is your best accessory.



That may be a cheesy pick up line... or it may be the saying on my Dove chocolate today :)

I like it! So that's my quote for today. Smiling at someone can spread joy and cheer really well- it can brighten someone's day and make them want to cheer up others too.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

He loves me, he loves me not

Happy Valentine's Day y'all!



I love love love Valentine's Day, but my problem is that other peoples' negative attitudes about it can bring me down quickly. Working at Hallmark this morning definitely put me in the Valentine's mood. Of course if someone is coming in to buy stuff on the actual holiday, then they like it and don't want to forget about it/have someone they love to give stuff too.





It was so nice to see people getting candy and cards and being so meticulous to make sure they got the perfect gift! But when I got back to campus, it was a different story...



First of all, nobody in my hall really gave Valentine's Day cards. Last year, almost every girl in my hall had cute little valentines to hand out. This year, only my roommate and I and one other girl in the hall gave out cards. And I'm the only one who gave out candy. Boo Valentine's haters.



And if people aren't getting flowers or are single, then they are super depressing and negative too! Why can't we just enjoy the day, be happy for ourselves, and smile to make others happy? That's my plan. And it's been working so far. I'm having a good day. I have plans for later, which I am so excited for- I'll tell y'all about them later :)

So please just enjoy the day... and if you really hate it, don't complain to others. Just keep to yourself if you aren't going to cheer up. Thanks!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Life's greatest happiness is to be convinced we are loved. 
Victor Hugo


Love is the flower you've got to let grow.
John Lennon


If you have only one smile in you give it to the people you love.
Maya Angelou

Monday, February 13, 2012

What did you say?

One of my favorite parts of the Star Telegram right now is the chance for locals to get published in the newspaper through the stuff that they put on Facebook, Twitter or in response to the articles on the websites.

Today, the comments featured were about the number of suicides at TCU. Of course, that's a tough topic, but one of the comments that they put was just rude and I don't believe should have ever been published.

He said that TCU is not a Christian school and if you aren't in a fraternity or sorority, then you have no social life. So he can see why people would be unhappy and commit suicide.

No, TCU is not that much of a Christian university- many students are Christian, but I wouldn't classify the whole school as Christian. And yes, most of the student population is in a fraternity or a sorority.

But that cause and effect relationship is so far from realistic and true that it's not even funny. Do you see me laughing? I happen to know many people who aren't in frats/sororities who still have a bunch of friends and a social life. And I also know people who aren't Christian, but they definitely do not bring down this school. If anything, variety in beliefs is a good thing!

That person should have though a little more clearly before posting such a rude comment. And if he knew anything, he would know that the most recent suicide was by a very popular and involved girl. Not some anti-Christian loner.

And jeers to the editors for publishing that. Yes, he made the comment. But no, it shouldn't have been broadcast to all of the readers. Including TCU students.

If we were a movie

Why can't my life be like a movie?!

Everything seems to work out perfectly in the end of movies and unfortunately, real life is nothing like that. Boo.



For example, why can't I be like Elle Woods in Legally Blonde? Be the complete underdog, become all motivated to do better, and then be the best at what I do? Watch Me Shine is going to be the soundtrack to my life now.

Or can I please be Becky Fuller in Morning Glory? A job in television in New York City? Count me in! And the Natasha Bedingfield song can be my song when this happens.

Monte Carlo anyone? Go on a trip to Paris, end up in Monte Carlo, pull a Lizzie McGuire and impersonate a famous person, and meet cute boys along the way? Oh my, I wish.

Basically any Nicholas Sparks book/movie love story would do also. I want a Noah- as in someone who is completely in love with me and is super romantic!

Also, Clueless. I want a closet just like hers. And all of the clothes from The Devil Wears Prada. And the job of a lifetime that allows me to work anywhere else after.

Another writer/journalist movie character I want to be. Sophie from Letters to Juliet. Or Skeeter from The Help.

There are so many more I bet, but these are the ones I think of right now. I really wish my life could be like a combination of these movies! Can't blame me for dreaming.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Yoga, tea, music, homework

That basically describes my morning... beside the giant breakfast I also ate.

But it is so cold in Texas this weekend that I have no motivation to go outside! My plan was to go for a long run this morning, but once again my hatred of the cold prevented me from doing so. Hence, the yoga. And big breakfast.

Surprisingly, I've gotten a lot done! I have two tests this coming week and I want to be as prepared as possible. Good grades = happy Mariah.

And I've been listening to a lot of music this morning too. Of course, the Whitney Houston music in memory of her. R.I.P Whitney. She was still young! I'm sure the Grammy's tonight will turn into more of a commemoration than awards ceremony now.


Then I discovered the Demi Lovato album. I've listened to some of her music before, but never bought an entire album or been a mega fan. This album, Unbroken, is good though! There is a huge variety of music with lots of different artists featured.

I've been listening to it on Youtube, but I may need to invest in the album on iTunes. We'll see. I am a poor college student. But it's only 6.99 today!

Hope everyone stays warm and enjoys the rest of Sunday! What do y'all have planned for today? And what do you do to stay warm during these cold spells?

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Relax and rejuvinate

So the blog post isn't exactly what I did today... but it would have been nice! I woke up early to run and go to Body Pump, which was a great workout! But I rushed out to go get breakfast and shower because I thought I had work today.

Thought being the key word.

I got a call from my boss saying that I could take the day off if I wanted to because nobody was coming into the story. Cold day in Texas= every takes refuge. So I decided to get some homework and volunteering done. I went to Barnes and Noble/Starbucks to do homework and got a lot done!


I got an awesome Luna Bar for my lunch/snack. And a skinny caramel latter, but that was terrible. It didn't taste like caramel at all and the coffee flavor wasn't strong enough. The Luna Bar was filling and so tasty though!

Then I volunteered with APO making those tie blankets for kids. It was fun- I've never made one of those before! When I was heading back to my room, I ran into a friend who transferred out of TCU last semester. It was such ironic timing that right when I decided to come back he was walking up to the dorm!


Needless to say, I had a nice conversation with him. I think tonight will be my relaxation night. I'm planning on grabbing dinner with a friend, doing homework, and maybe watching some tv with a few friends. But we'll see! I'm very go with the flow today.

Monte Carlo

Last night was girl's night! So much fun.

I went to dinner with two of my friends and we just ate and talked forever! It's nice to find people that you can talk to about anything and never run out of things to say. We are a sort of eclectic group of girls, but we fit together perfectly!



After that, we watched Monte Carlo, that movie with Selena Gomez, Leighton Meester, and Katie Cassidy. The premise is that Selena's character has just graduated from a high school that she despises and can't wait to get away. She has been saving up for 4 years to take a trip to Paris with her best friend, Katie Cassidy's character, before she heads to college at NYU. Katie's character and Leighton Meester's character went to high school together and graduated before Selena. But Leighton and Selena are new stepsisters and their parents decide Leighton has to go on the trip because Katie isn't trustworthy enough.

I'm using their real names because I think that's easier than switching up names... and it's easier to picture them if you haven't seen the movie!



Anyways, they get to Paris and are on a terrible bus tour that leaves them behind. Selena gets mistaken for this rich heiress and they get flown to Monte Carlo for a benefit auction. Selena pretends to be this girl and they all have a great trip, meeting cute boys from all over the world, and having the time of their lives.

Now I won't spoil the end, because there is a whole other side to the plot that I haven't told you yet. I told you the more interesting part with cute boys :)



I know it's a typical teenage girl movie, but I thought it was great! It made me want to travel and see the world. And find one of the romances that they find in the movie. And it was a relax-and-don't-use-your-brain movie, which we all need sometimes!

I definitely recommend this movie. And for reference, it's a little like the Lizzie McGuire movie, with the whole impersonating a famous person because you look just like them thing.

So if you are having a girl's night soon, check it out! And be prepared to look up tickets to Monte Carlo after... just like I did last night... don't judge.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Downward Dog

Today has been wonderful! Absolutely wonderful.

Every time I walk around campus here, I am so happy and thankful that I get to be here. I love it so much! I can't imagine being anywhere else. Even on days when I have to wake up early for work, run around to meetings when I get back to campus, go to two long classes, and don't have time for a full workout, I am still happy with how my life is going.

Tonight, instead of running, I did yoga. I decided I'm going to start back up on that again- I used to do yoga every day! But I got out of that habit, which is bad because it really helped my running. So my goal is to do yoga every day for the next two weeks and see how much of a difference it makes.



And I think the relaxation will help my mind too. My mind is always running and I need to just stop and take a breather.

Very random post, I know. But just wanted to say that I'm happy! And so in love with my life right now. Things couldn't be better.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Keep up the good work!

Whoaaaa.........



Today has been a productive day! I think after taking a lazy day, I was really motivated to do things that would a) make me feel better and b) actually accomplish something, which in turn leads to a) again.

Yesterday actually wasn't too bad until the end. I went to both jobs and class and Student Government. Those things took up all of my day until 6:15. After that, everything went downhill. Lazy night, I guess.

But today was great! I love getting everything done that I need to get done. It makes me feel better to know that I am using my time efficiently. Like I just made a new resume! Yay for being professional! And I went to the library, like I said I needed to. And I've went to class, done homework, had dinner with a friend, and sent out a bunch of emails.

Don't be too intimidated by me. Just kidding!

Hope y'all are having good days/nights too!

Inspire me!

Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures. 
-Henry Ward Beecher


Good Morning online world! I woke up bright and early to get in a 2 hour workout. Between Body Pump and lots of cardio, I feel like my day is off to a great start. 


Just have to make it through 3 classes and then I'm done. Shouldn't be too hard, right? Except at some point during the day, I have to go to the library... boo. The split feelings on the library is amazing to me! Some people spend all of their time there. And others have no clue where it is. 


I do in fact know where the library is, I just don't enjoy going there. I'd rather study in the rec, cafeteria, anywhere in the dorm, or at a cafe nearby, like Cafe Brazil or Panera. The library is too crowded, with people pretending to study but really searching Facebook. Or people trying to study as a group but not getting anything done. If I can manage it, I avoid doing homework in the library. 


I think the only time I enjoyed going there was at the beginning of this semester. I went to the library when I got to school early- it was so quiet and peaceful. 


But I'll be brave and face the library today! Besides, I only need to get some information from one research book. Hopefully it won't take too long. 


Have a wonderful day y'all!

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Think Positive!

There seem to be only two ways to view Valentine's Day: wonderfully because you have a significant other or like it's the worst day in the world because you are single. But I think that's a horrible way to view it! Being single doesn't mean that Valentine's Day needs to be torturous. I LOVE Valentine's Day... and yes, I'm single.



What could I possibly love?
1. Cards! After working at Hallmark for so long, I think Valentine's Day cards are the best. 
2. Decorations! The reds and pinks. The hearts. The flowers. They make me happy!
3. Candy... duh. 
4. Exchanging cards and candy with girls in my hall. We did this last year and I loved it, so I already bought cards and candy for this year too!
5. Girl's Night with my other single girl friends. 
6. Spending some time to celebrate me! Last year, I went out for a 6 mile run as my gift to myself on Valentine's Day. It reminded me that I'm strong and can do anything! 

Yesterday at work, I was talking to this 80-year-old lady who was telling me that she had been single for 37 years now after getting divorced. And instead of complaining, she was saying how great it was! Every day, she can do whatever she wants to do because her life is all about her- not taking care of someone else. She said that she keeps busy by going out with friends. She goes to yoga and strength classes. She goes shopping. She doesn't have to cook 3 meals a day for a husband. And she doesn't have to worry about fitting in everything, because all of her time is hers. 

At a time when I'm worrying about being single, this really opened my eyes! No, I don't think being single is a bad thing. But it worries me when girls my age are getting engaged or are in serious relationships- and I'm not. 

Being single gives me time to do things that are important to me. So instead of dreading Valentine's Day and thinking about all of my past relationships that went wrong/ended suddenly, I'm going to have a wonderful Valentine's Day. 

I'm going to be the one person that doesn't fit into the stereotype of being single and hating Valentine's Day. Just wait and see :)