The Pen is Mightier than the Sword

It's SUNDAY!!!! A day of relaxation, reflection, and rejuvenation!! I enjoy my lazy Sunday afternoons so much more than most people because (bragging rights again) I don't work Mondays anymore: ) :) :)

To me, Sunday serves as that frequent reminder to us all that we have completed another week. The time certainly flies in the life of a busy worker bee---as you hustle and bustle to complete all necessary tasks before the week's end. But, before you know it, there is Sunday again allowing you to kick up your feet, clip coupons, watch movies, and do whatever it is that makes you happy.



For me, my Sunday activity of choice has become writing again. Now, trust me, I'm not all:



"And as imagination bodies forth the forms of things unknown, the poet's pen turns them to shapes, and gives to airy nothings a local habitation and a name" (Shakespeare).

I'm more like:




"Wow! Glad I wrote that down...now I remember what I did ten months ago!" (Chapo).


Written word is a memory. Operating as a literary scrapbook, the words remind you of where you've been and what you've accomplished. One such memory occurred to me this morning as I looked over my writing from an English course at Tallahassee Community College during my Freshmen year of schooling.

Holding what I thought my life would be. Haha

In the assignment, I discussed with the teacher where it was I saw myself in ten years. Re-reading it, at about the five year mark, I hate to tell my Freshmen self most of the crap I thought I'd have accomplished by then probably aint gonna happen. Sorry self!

Within my essay, I wanted to be married (check), have money stowed away (....mmm debatable), stay friends with all my hometown buddies (people changed...so did I), travel to Europe (I'd love to but we'll see), and live in my hometown close to my family for the rest of my life(probably can't/won't happen for several reasons).

I had almost forgotten about all the goals I had at that age. My essay brought back the recollection so vividly--it was like I was that 18 year old kid all over again---naivete and all.

I love my life now, and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. If I could go back and have a discussion with Freshmen Eliz it would probably go a little something like this: "Eliz...you think you have it figured out. You don't. In reality...you have nothing figured out. But I promise you this...you could never, in your most imaginative day, dream of the adventures you will encounter moving forward. What you will encounter in growing up will far exceed the silly goals you have now. The failures you incur will beat the buns off, in experience, the victories you think you need now. So go with it, enjoy life, and don't forget to write everything down!"

Living my own, personal fairy tale life

And so another weekend has come to an (almost) close. As a working professional,working forty hours per week, your work week can feel a little something like this.





Since I don't work Monday's (insert your jealousy here), Tuesday through Thursday serve in my imagination as an incredibly annoying person you simply can't avoid. Tuesday is that horrible lady at the grocery store who knows (to the exact penny) how much produce prices have escalated in the last year and feels the dire need to share with you this worrisome phenomena. Wednesday is the rambling gentlemen at the doctors office that discusses with you, at length, his upcoming foot surgery. Thursday is the only slightly tolerable child of a fellow patron who screams from the time you arrive to get your "relaxing" pedicure at the salon until two hours later when you finally (mercifully) depart. Just like the inevitable and frequent run-ins we ALL have with tediously vexing individuals, Tuesday through Thursday continue to make their unwelcome appearances in a working professional's life---exasperating us all (even if just a little) each and every time.



Just when you think you can't take the the monotony of Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, a new character arrives with a valiant rescue for your tired soul. In my imagination, Friday serves as the white knight in shining armor. Riding on their trusty steed, the knight finally rescues you from the sure desperation you are beginning to feel with a promise of a new start. And a new start you get! From the time you leave your workplace at (hopefully) 5:00 PM, the time is YOURS to enjoy. You dress however you like, go wherever you'd like to go, and do whatever you'd enjoy to do.



HOORAY!!!



I have been fortunate enough, at certain points in my lifetime, to not be required to working a forty hour work week. It was glorious at first.....amazing even. However, over time, you begin to miss those frustrating characters. Without horrible Tuesday sharing her produce facts, how do you know which fruits and vegetable to buy? Minus Wednesday, you may miss an entertaining story to share with your friends. And, lets face it, if you plan on having children, Thursday is probably just a small glimmer of our own embarrassing, momentarily needling careers as parents. Furthermore, without Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday ever so slightly trying your patience---how do you even begin to appreciate Friday for the greatness it bestows to those tolerantly awaiting it's arrival?

I'm fortunate enough to work a job I enjoy most of the time. I like the company I work for, I have co-workers who make me laugh throughout most of the work-week and that makes a professional atmosphere a little (or A LOT) more fun, and I'm even lucky enough to have my own spacious work-space. However,even in these (the truly best of) circumstances,you can often catch me staring out the window, dreamily, near my cubicle. Be certain that I am waiting to hear the hoof-prints of that trusty steed---that hero Friday on his way to deliver the weekend as I patiently work away :)

I would like to begin by saying....HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!!!! I hope that you all enjoyed the much-needed break from the work-week as much as I did! My July 4th memories are listed below!! July 4th, 2012 basically consisted of myself and my husband (yes it is going to take a while to get used to that word) attending a backyard BBQ with his co-workers. Did I mention there were delicious bratwursts involved? Because there were....and let's just say his co-workers really know how to show a gal an amazing fourth of July feast. We all had such a great time just talking about life in general. Then, we retired to there pool where we all swam (or in my case lazily floated) around. Later that evening, we were still being incredibly lazy. We had really planned to get up at some point and attend a fireworks show in the area. But....in accordance with us being slugs...that didn't really happen. So instead, we ended up settling for bringing some cold beers out to our yard and sitting on some dirty towels---hoping for some type of a show. And y'all....a SHOW WE GOT!!!!!! It started slowly around our neighborhood at first---one firework, then two, then the next neighbor and so on and so forth. The fireworks looked INCREDIBLE reflecting around the lake. We watched in amazement as mosquitos tore us apart (and we both have the bites to prove it). The festivities didn't stop until about 1:00 in the morning. I'm guessing the citizens of our neighborhood had better luck getting vacation days from work the following day. And that was my 4th of July....just a regular day that comes each year and reminds us what a great country we live in.

It has seriously been FOREVER since I last posted. Ohhh excuses...let me count thy ways 1) I got MARRIED!!!!!!!! That's right....you heard it here first...I'm a NEWLY WED!!!! As of March 17, 2012 I am a wife to my wonderful husband of 2 months now (whheewww time flies when you are having FUN!) In regards to the event I can tell you, without bias, that the day was beautiful, our families were overjoyed, and nobody left hungry. I listed a few pics below for everyone to check out

Yes...indeed...it was a gorgeous affair. But after all the hustle and bustle of getting everything accomplished we need to do (a small miracle for the two of us) BEFORE the big day---we were feeling a little like this Needless to say....it ended just in time for us to make a tidy escape to the beautiful Gatlinburg mountains. 2) I've been decorating my house!!!! We moved to a rental home in a small, country city on the outskirts of town. So far....I'm LOVING it. Though the house leaves much to be desired....it's right on the water. The sunsets are incredible and so is the small feel of the place. On the weekends, I can get anywhere in ten minutes without having to cross any intersections or highways. Plus, I get to see these in my yard all the time. 3) I recently had a schedule change, which I am loving, but most days I'm not home very often. So, all in all, everything is going great! Just working hard and playing hard! In other recent news. my husband and I just planned and booked a random get-away to Savannah, GA. I can't wait to blog about it and put up pictures! I have missed my blog so much and I can't wait to get back into my hobby ; ) Thanks for staying tuned.

Florist....Check : )

It is forever a joke in my repertoire to suggest that my large, Alford family is "more than a family....it's a civilization." After all,we do pride ourselves for the annual head-count we perform at every Thanksgiving celebration. Last year I'm pretty sure the count was at an astounding 62(?!). I'm proud to say our number consistently grows larger each year. This is kinda what we look like to outsiders...

Throughout my entire life in Tallahassee, I can recall spending almost every Saturday morning with my family. Every new house, birth of a child, visit of an out-of-town relative, birthday, or holiday in our family was treated like a huge celebration--as we all sat around telling old stories and filling each other in on what was new in our respective lives. Oh..yah...and repeating Andy Griffith lines. My family is obsessed...with Andy Griffith. Upon episode request, they can quote dialogue like most of us can recite the pledge of allegiance--simply and undeterred.

After I moved, I kind of felt that kindred family-closeness missing. I mean...don't get me wrong...my fiancee is awesome. Together we make up our own little family and that's really special too. But losing that big family aspect, everyone talking over each other and laughing uproariously, really just felt amiss. Through the years, I get a little sad when I hear about family gatherings I miss out on or birthday celebrations I can't attend. Sometimes I feel like I've lost the civilization I lived within for so many years---and it's hard to adjust.
Lately, though, some pretty big things have been happening in my life which have taken my mind off of temporary home-sickness. Undoubtedly, the number one most important thing is that I'm getting married to the love of my life on March 17, 2012.

This joyous news, of course, also comes with some slight difficulties. I am now in the throws of selecting a caterer, a photgrapher, and of course an officiant. However, my family has really rallied around to help me do whatever I need. My dad has been helpful and hilarious---eliciting a hand gestures code for the level of completion to which wedding tasks have been accomplished.

Perhaps the best news I have recieved is that my Aunt has offered to be my Florist. As a Botany major and an amazing horticoloist, I was really hoping she would do my floral arrangements. When asked, she heartily agreed and I almost cried with delight. I know it might sound strange, but in simply agreeing to be my Florist--my Aunt made me come to a huge epiphany. No matter where I am, or what I miss, I will always be an Alford. My family loves me, and will continue to do no matter where I am. Perhaps, sometimes, feeling homesick should not be regarded as missing your family. Perhaps, instead, we should regard it as looking forward to the next time we will once again return to our homes for visits--and relish in what we've so long missed. Perhaps, if anything, this makes us feel more fortunate than ever for the people that will be there for us any time....and any place.

Mirror Mirror On the Wall....I'm Not the Fairest of Them All

First let me begin by saying I've been ridiculously lazy about contributing to my blog. This can be explained by several "things"....i.e. excuses which can be found below

*Working 40-50 hours a week at a difficult job

*Getting engaged : ) : ) : ) : ) : )

* Planning for a wedding

*Saving every penny for the aforementioned wedding

*Preparing my life/career path for the future

*Readying myself to re-enter school


I know...I know...excuses are lame!! But what can I say? I really have been one busy lady. On a side note I cannot wait to marry the man of my dreams. Jon and I are soo psyched to wed next year, March, 17 2012!!! As of now, we have an incredible venue, a definite date, a semi-permanent guest list, and a possible wedding dress. We're trucking along just fine together and not losing sight of the most important aspect of the wedding---the fact that we are marrying each other : )

I'm so happy with the place my life is in now---I'm completley and totally blessed in my love life, with the love of an awesome, compassionate family, and with the great amount of love and respect I have for myself. Yet, today I was forced to reflect on a time, within my life, when things I was not as blessed.

Today, my memory was jarred back to my late teenage years. At eighteen years old, I had already moved out of my parents home and into my own townhome, I drove a nice SUV, and I was working a job full time, earning much of my own money. A life like that, blessed with so many material blessings, can often lead a young person to believe they have it all "figured out." And I was certainly no exception to the rule. Looking back on that time, I feel like I often forgot the people who always seemed to be there from me---my family and true friends. It often never occurred to me that my supportive family were the main reason I had many of the things I did.

I would love to sugar-coat my old self and say that I was going through a "phase" or "still figuring myself out"....but the truth is that I was just plain selfish. I, like most eighteen year old teens, was always number one in my own mind.

There is a country song that is called "If I Could Write a Letter To Me." It regards an adult man wanting to prepare his teenage self for all the challenges and life-lessons he will certainly face. Whenever I hear the lyrics I always think: "ah what a beautiful concept...I wish I could've told myself so many things back then!!"



Almost everyone goes through things that they would sooner like to forget as they mature. I realize that making mistakes is a learning process. My advice ,then, is clearly not to make mistakes--- but to listen to the wise advice of others who may in fact know "better." When I think of all the good advice, the life-lessons, the insightful quotes I ignored from my parents...I have to roll my eyes in horror.


Consider the source of your information and hear what people who love you are saying. If you never leave your teenage,ignorant habits BEHIND.....then you'll never BEGIN your adult,receptive life.

Hypocrisy; The Nonsensical Nature of Human Behavior

Don't let the title of this blog post fool you....this is not an intellectual study about the human psyche or an incredibly accurate insight into behaviors. Instead, this is just a simple girl (moi) wondering aloud: WTH is up with how we act?!!

As human beings, we are instinctivley geared to view ourselves as "good" people. Even serial killer Ted Bundy built a defense case entirely upon his own self-image---boasting upon his personal successes and triumphs. Due to this strange truth, the vast majority of the human race cannot detect their own,personal shortcomings.

I especially love seeing people littering from vehicles that say "Save the Earth" and watching Jersey Shore castmates preach against precarious STD's. But, perhaps more irritating than these global conundrums, are watching the everyday situations which never cease to amaze me. I will not bore you with one million examples here, as we know how many exist. But, we can all readily admit that it is very plausible to say people are blind to themselves. We can also most likely agree that most humans are all too-willing to point out the personality flaws in others that they cannot recognize in themselves.

So, what I propose is this. Before speaking---look inward. It is harder to look in the mirror than it is to look at the masses.

One Delicious Corn Cup...Comin' Right Up!

First news first.....I GOT A JOB!!!!!!! Last week, at a business consultant firm for Automotive dealerships, I was hired on as a junior training consultant. For the next 90 days, I will be training and learning the ropes at this communications-centered job. In three words....I....AM..PSYCHED!





However, with the prospect of work comes the extensive challenge in finding cheap, easy, quick, AND healthy recipes. I am going to share with you one healthy snack recipe, which is also inexpensive to recreate.

MEXICAN CORN CUP

This Mexican appetizer was featured on a recipe of a Food Network show it is the

perfect side dish for a small lunch and operates in place of more unhealthy side items such as: fries, chips, coleslaw, etc. This side item is valued at around 150 calories.

INGREDIENTS

* One cleaned, damp ear of corn

* Tsp. reduced fat butter

* Tsp. reduced fat sour cream OR mayonnaise

* 1/4 cup queso fresco, feta, OR mozzerella cheese

* Pinch of chilli powder

* One slice lime (optional)

DIRECTIONS

* Wrap damp ear in wax paper and twist ends. Microwave for two minutes.

* With sharp knife, remove corn kernels on plate.

* Transfer loose kernels to small cup

* Atop corn kernels with one tsp sour cream, one tsp butter, 1/4 cup cheese, and a pinch of chilli powder. If desired, add a drizzle of lime juice on top.

VOILA....ENJOY!

Five Great De-Stressers

In last weeks post, I discussed my absolute resolve to live me life in the here and now. Though it sounds a wonderful ambition, the actual follow-through is a weee bit difficult. When you are a life-long stresser, taking the time to "enjoy the moment" dosnt exactly come naturally.

However, I am absolutley and totally determined to change the course of my health and happiness---and begin enjoying the everyday gifts life so often presents us with. As such, I am examining what hobbies, activities, food choices, etc make me happy and allow me to "mellow" (if only temporarily ; )

These are five great things, I have noticed this week alone, that help calm the extreme chaos that IS my stress level. I really hope others will enjoy these quick de-stress tips : )

1) Cooking. I have always sucked at cooking....and "sucked" is putting it lightly. But lately, with the extra time of unemployment on my hands, cooking has become quite the daily task. I've found that I really enjoy the time it takes to prepare different dishes---adding your own seasonings and garnishes. Lately, I've even gone so far as to branch out and create my own recipes. I've reinvinted all the fatty, yummy, salty cravings I have and fashioned them into equally satisfying, yet healthy meals. For instance, a bleu burger craving last week gave birth to my turkey and onion fat free cream cheese/bleu spread burger. And I'd be lying to you if I said it wasnt just as good. I can't wait to blog new recipes as I continue to create them!!
2)Excercise. Just 30 minutes of cardio really helps me get out of my own head. I love mixing up my everyday exercise routine by throwing in a random round of kickboxing, riding the eliptical, or going out for an evening jog. On busier days, if I dont have the time or energy to exercise, I force myself to get my heart rate up by doing such constructive tasks as dusting expediently, sweeping the floors, and doing the dishes standing up. I feel so much better about my health and my productivity if I exercise at least once every day.
3)Rental DVD's and Movie Stop Movies. What did people ever do before RedBox? Thanks to ever-changing technology, movies are so easily accessible these days! I mean, what is more economical than spending one dollar to RENT a movie, or three dollars to OWN one??!! Sometimes after a healthy dinner, there is truly nothing better than curling up on the couch and watching a new story unfurl. Getting lost in the fantasy of a fictional story can be wayyy overrated and I highly recommend it. Some extra tips for movie fanatics are as follows: a) Movie Stop often runs specials which can include $2 used movies and buy two get the third free! If you hit the store at those peek times, you can save yourself a bundle b) Research your movie choices before you rent/buy them! I know it sounds cheap, but every penny counts! Make sure your movie choice is exactly what you want.
4) Chipolte lunches with friends. Spending time with friends can sometimes be tricky, due to "hang out" options. Meeting with friends can be intimidating to those on a budget, looking to diet, or wanting something a bit different. Chipolte is the answer to all those concerns. The very filling rice bowls range from $6 to $8, while rank at a surprisingly low 700-800 calories. In addition, the bowls are always DELICIOUS and fresh---made with yummy vegetables and healthy lime rice. I love eating there with my friends and knowing that my investment is DEFINITLEY worth it. Not to mention, a visit with a friggin friend (especifically MY Chipolte friend) is ALWAYS awesome : ) Trust me....no matter how bad your day is...it cna be fixed with Chipolte.
5) A half glass of white wine with dinner. My personal reccomendation is the $3 bottle from Wal-Mart. They give you a great bang for your buck, and the wine is pretty dang good! I enjoy slowly drinking a small glass with dinner and enjoying the "cool down" from the rest of the day.

I can't wait to start blogging some pictures of the aforementioned recipes and show you guys what I"ve been up to : ) Until then, happy blogging!

Come On Get Happy!

I had a pretty serious epiphany one day last week.


Last Friday, at around 4 PM, I found myself sitting on the couch watching Oprah and gorging on yummy, unhealthy snacks. I realize that the aforementioned scenario, to most of my readers, probably sounds like a relaxing day off from participating in their grueling, hard-working lives. But, alas, to me it has become quite the normal, everday monotony of existence. Thus is the life of searching endlessly for a job post-college and having business slow down at your work-place.

As I was sitting on the couch, and as Oprah had spoken her final farewells, I thought to myself: "wow! when I have a job....I really won't be bored like this!" The thought cheered me up for a milisecond, then disappeared like a high-flying balloon into the air. It was at this very moment, that I began recollecting all my "if onlys" and "when that happens," and was very disappointed in the results.



When I was in high school, I thought the key to my happiness lied in going to college. When in College, I dreamed of moving and finding my independence. And when I had finally moved to Orlando, nothing sounded like it would complete me more than College graduation. So here I find myself: a high-school passee, Orlando resident, Bachelors recipient....still waiting for that "next thing" (which in this case is a job).

High School....CHECK!

Move...CHECK

GRADUATE COLLEGE...CHECK

WHICH LEAVES THE INEVITABLE QUESTION: NOW WHAT??!!

Being a "next goal" person isnt all bad. In fact, I"m pretty sure the good parts are what trap people into the mentality. Having my eye on the current prize has always helped me keep ambitious and sharp. It's what has helped me win awards at my professional positions, and maitain good grades in difficult classes. I enjoy the challenge of completing a difficult task-at-hand......if only to quickly move onto the next. But the bad side of the thing is that you truly RISK missing out on the awesome scenery between goals A and B--and sometimes that isnt worth it.

I spoke with someone on the phone the other day that made me realize the long-term affects of over-zealous "next thing" attitude. The conversation was painful, and upsetting---but it also made me come to terms with who I want to be. What I realized is: I DONT want to hurt the feelings of people who are closest to me only to get what I want, I DONT want to miss out on what's happening right now, and I certainly DONT want to "next thing" my life away.

On New Years Eve I made a resolution to slow down and really enjoy the small things in life that may only happen once--like having the time to grill outside in the fall air with my boyfriend. Yet, this particular phone conversation made me more determined than ever to follow through with enjoying MY life...no matter what "goal" I have left to finish.

This is my song today

THIS IS MY SONG TODAY

Ho Hum Ho Hum...the Boredom Life For Me

So this week, instead of doing a post that's all insight(y) and poignant, I decided to go in a whole nother' direction and tell my readers about what is going on in my life. Think news channel bulletins but without the over hair-sprayed anchors and the awkward weather broadcasts.

FIRST AND FOREMOST.......I HAVE INTERNET!!!! That's right...you heard me...I....HAVE....INTERNET!! After a month of going without, my boyfriend and I finally conceeded and ordered an internet package from the service "Clear." The bill is pretty low, the service is efficient, and most importantly.....I can reclaim socializing with my interwebs peoples and interview for jobs once more!!! I had really gotten exceptionally tired of drudging my little cold butt down to our apartment office only to be even more frozen in that ice-box they call a computer center. HARUMPH!! Not to mention, some of the folks that shared the small, public computer space with me were sometimes rather...er...distracting. I almost gave Mr. Fed-Ex Delivery dude a huge peck on the cheek for delivering me sweet FREEDOM in the form of a USB : )
(I was almost as excited, upon opening my internet package, as the kid seen below. I repeat....ALMOST)


SECONDLY............my body is completley and totally defying me these days. I mean seriously! Its as if God accidentally gave me the head of a 23 year old and the body of an EIGHTY-THREE year old. They say the almighty one dosn't make mistakes.....so I'm thinking he's more of a practical jokes man. It's gotten to the point where, when incurring a minor ache, I immediatley want to warn my friends of impending dooms-day weather. THAT bad! I'm seriously not complaining here. On the contrary, its sometimes hilarious to just dictate how horrid my body luck actually is.

The first case in point to defend the aformentioned argument is that my hair....is going pretty grey. They say a woman's hair is her crown, but if that's so...my crown is pretty friggin rusted. I'm guessing my new hair-dont has something to do with my completley INSANE stress levels seeing as I've been greying since the tender age of 18. In only one, eensie years time, I'm going to have to start dying my "crown" frequently. Hellooooo salon costs! Luckily, I'm already on a first name basis with my stylist, Cheryl, at Hair Cuttery and she hooks me up everytime. If only the toll collectors here in Orlando were as friendly as my local cosmetologist...I could save myself the big bucks ; )

Also, I get these odd and mysterious illnesses that WILL NOT die! I don't know why my body betrays me so, but alas its true. First, last month, there was the annoying and ridiculous throaty cough which tickled the back of my throat CONSISTENTLY when speaking. Then, later on, I attained terrible heart pains. And lastly, operating as the cherry on my bacteria-covered sunday, this past month I've been having stomach issues.

Third of all, the job search is going. I would not say its going great....or that its going bad....its mostly just going. So far, I've had four interview offers....all of which are slightly off-base for me in some strange reason, i.e. commissions based jobs or weekend hours (eliminating ever visiting my family...in Tallahassee). I basically keep sending out resumes online, and physically. It gets tiring....but I know there are lots of people who have things FAR......FAR worse for them than I do, and I definitley count my blessings at having such a supportive family and boyfriend to help me when the chips are down.

Lastly, my anniversary with Jono is on Saturday. I can't believe we've already hit the four year mark. I am very proud ,regarding how far we have come ,within both ourselves, and our relationship over the past, few years.

Oh yeah..and I've also decided to do this thing wherein I share a song that I'm digging during the week on my blogsite. This week it's Keri Hilson "Pretty Girl Rock" Say what you want...but I'm exhausted about hearing negative messages regarding being a woman.


So that's it......expect plenty more blogs from me now that I have the interwebs again : )

It's The Hap-Happiest Season of All

I feel like it's almost a right of passage that Christmas becomes less life-altering every year. I mean...not to be all "bah humbug" or anything but it really seems like the holidays bring about entirely different feelings from me with each passing year.

Remember when you were a little person, and Christmas was basically the highlight of your life? You didn't know how to tell time, find your address, or write your name...but by-golly you knew exactly how many miliseconds would expire until Santa would surely shoot down your chimney and deliver your toys and goodys. And forget sleep on Christmas Eve. No, no...as a young child you are WAY more preoccupied with hearing the "clatter" of Santa's reindeer and sled and wondering if your home-made burnt cookies were to the big guy's satisfaction.

Then, during your adolesence, you slowly begin to realize that you should probably be personally gifting your loved ones. Enter the hideous home-made tidings you make for your parents and siblings because allowance is only so limited. Some of my personal "creations" included: a half knitted scarf, popsicle ornaments, orange glitter body spray, a "windchime" made of yarn...dont ask, and a package of discounted, decaff coffee (which I was certain was perfect for my mother, and right for my piggy bank). On a side note, I also created some truly "unique" (my mothers word) pots and bowls for my parents birthdays and such in my special area classes, but for now lets just discuss my scarring CHRISTMAS gifts.

Only later in your life, upon entering the workforce, do you finally discover that you should probably purchase people gifts that they might actually use. And so the pressure begins. During your teenage years, you want so many things...that it seems only natural that you would buy nice gifts for others in return. I remember trying so hard to purchase thoughtful gifts in a timely and affordable manner. After all, highschoolers only have an hour break for lunch at MOST and (most generally) a limited choice of work-places. For me, this time of the year was when I felt the most pressured---like what I had to offer my family just wasn't good enough.

Enter my most favorite phase of life. Now, in my twenties, I find that Christmas time is the most rewarding holiday for a different reason all together. No longer do I stay awake with "visions of sugar plums" or listening for Santas sled. Instead, I stay awake catching up with my little sister and mother. No longer do I invest my time and energy slaving away at gifts that most likely will get thrown away upon sight. Instead, I purchase or create small but thoughtful gifts I know others will like. And finally, I no longer have lofty purchases I desire for Christmas. At this age, you just appreciate that your family is there to help you, love you, and nurture you all year round. It is truly the gift that keeps on giving.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Quotable Quotes

So I am home...

Arguably, there is no better feeling than arriving in your hometown, sleeping in your childhood bed, and being around the family that reared you from birth. There is truly something poetic about coming home from another town--and feeling like you never really left it in the first place.

I took this afternoon to relax, and enjoy my father's new home in Tallahassee---complete with all the fixtures of a grand old house (sunroom, crown molding, fireplace, etc). Perhaps the most interesting thing about this house is the overflow of books all over the place. My love of Literature was not passed down to me by osmosis, but by my own father who reads almost daily.

While enjoying the sun streaming through plantation shutters, and relaxing in a comfortable guest bed---I located an interesting read. Either my father, or stepmother own a book entitled The 2548 Best Things Anyone Ever Said. This fascinating read, filled with legendary quotes and antecodtes, is probably one of the coolest finds I have ever come across. There is something so special about seeing so many moments in time, so many epiphanies gathered together.

Here are some of my favorite lines:

"He who laughs....lasts"---Mary Pettibone Poole

"My work is done, why wait?"--suicide note left by Kodak founder George Eastman

"In Literature, as in love, we are astonished at what is chosen by others"---Andre Maurois

"Laugh, and the world laughs with you. Snore...and you sleep alone" ---Anthony Burgess

"The only normal people are the ones you don't know very well"--Joe Ancis

"Love is being stupid together"--Paul Valery

"I think the world is run by 'C' students"--Al McGuire



HOPE YOU ENJOYED : )

Stubborn As a Mule...

Yep.....I'm not moving on my ideas. Sorry pardner....

Close friends will tell you that I have always had my own ideas. Sometimes my thoughts are popular, brilliant, soaring beliefs that are creative, efficient, and helpful. Other times though, my mental wanderings are simply idiotic "flops" that should have died somewhere in the logical thought process....but instead made it ALL the way to my vocal chords (sigh). For a good example of this, here is this little mental gem I stupidly stated: "Astroturf is like sod in that you lay it in your yard in pieces....except that it dosnt grow!" Yes....my ideas are quite interesting little "soundbites" for all of those involved. But even the most ridiculous of ideas have not stopped me from having my own thoughts and ideas, and believing in them most zealously.

IDEA: "YES ELIZ! SAY THIS!!!!!"

My parents have referred to me as "stubborn," due to the aforementioned reasons, for as long as I can remember. At an early age, when most kids were playing on the playground, I read books from the Library---certain that this is what I would do for the rest of my life. I got teased, harassed, and tempted to play pretty much on a daily basis. Yet, I stuck it out in the Library day after day because I just knew reading would be so much more important to me than playing later in my life. Aside becoming BFF's with the librarian (Mrs. Wheeler...with her awesome book recommendations) I ended up teaching myself an amazing work-ethic, and a love for Literature that would never die. In fact, English Literature became my collegiate major---although the books did eventually upgrade from the likes of "The Burning Questions of Bingo Brown."
Bingo's "burning" questions were less than anticipated.

From that point forward, I became so stubborn I was sometimes a force to be reckoned with. I still feel so sorry for my childhood neighbor friends, whom I continually made play dress up day after day if I was to play with them at all. As if my eight year old time was so darn valuable.... But somewhere inside me I just believed that my ideas were right for me, and would eventually lead me in the right direction.

In highschool, I avoided drugs and drinking--not so much because I was a snob. But more so because that stuff just didnt have a place in my life. "I was happy," I thought to myself, "so why do I need that?" It seemed like a legitamite, reasonable thought, so I listened to my inner ramblings. I managed to go all four years with nary a drink or drug trial--an amazing feat at that age. But my own ideas spoke much louder to me than anyone elses voice. It struck me, sometime around this age, that the person I most worried about dissapointing was myself. This has stayed the case ever since.

Finally, I provide you with a hilarious antitode about how my stubborness has aided me thoroughly. Upon working at Tropical Smoothie, purple visor and all, it became my opening professional duty to set up the patio umbrellas. However, I soon decided that this was a pointless task. You see, the umbrellas were heavy and cumbersome...and I weighed all of 146 pounds. To add, the umbrellas were tedious to bolt into their holsters, and were therefore dangerous in windy weather. Furthermore, no customers EVER sat on the patio--as I worked at Tropical Smoothie during the Fall months. Therefore, after one painful month of setting up said umbrellas, I mentally decided that this was a professional task I could safely "blow off." The owner of the operation, though, was not satisfied with my "no umbrella" policy, and came in several times to "show me" how it was done. I guess as a nice man, he wanted to give me the option to pretend I didnt know how. Ghosts were undoubtedly setting it up for the first four weeks....; ) I would watch him show me this demo time after time, thinking to myself "yah no." THIS IS HOW LOUD MY INNER VOICE SPEAKS...I RISK JOBS OVER STUPID UMBRELLAS PEOPLE!!! I left all the umbrella madness at work, for one week, to visit my boyfriend out of town. When I came back, my manager, whom I had confided about my anti-umbrella policy, was smiling from ear to ear. Aparently,upon my absence, an umbrella had flown across a busy street, and had landed in the road and caused traffic-blockages. This, of course, was DUE TO WINDY WEATHER. It was therefore considered a "danger" and we did not have to resume putting them up until Summer. My manger at the time laughed hysetrically whilst telling me this. He said his first reaction was not to panic when alerted of said-runaway-umbrella...but instead to laugh and mentally think "I've GOT to tell Elizabeth about this."

Above is how my mind envisioned umbrellas

Some people call me close-minded, and maybe I am a little. But more so than that, I believe that my ideas, the crazy ones and all, lead me to where I need to be. I believe it's my personal ideas that tell me what I want out of life, and what I dont (like umbrellas). I don't push my ideas down other peoples throats, but I know what is right for me. I wish more people would learn to drown out what other people are saying, and harness in on their own thoughts. It's so important to listen to yourself, listen to what you want, and forget the rest.