Family; The Importance of It

     Family is the one thing that every single person has or has had before. We may not always know the people that brought us life, but we can feel them in our hearts; we know that they've been there and left a life-long impression which could have been good or bad. There is that one particular group of people in the world that we belong to, that loves us. The importance of family is more then we'd ever know, it's something we never really realize we have until it's missing or left behind. Though family is something usually thought of as people you are blood related to, I don't believe that in the slightest. Yes, we have the people we are related to that we care for and trust, but I've found that I trust more people that I'm not related to then ones I am. Whoever the people are that you care for and are cared for by, those are the ones that are considered family in our lives and should never, ever take them for granted. You never know, one day they could be here and then be gone. The next time you see someone that you consider to be your family, tell them that; don't ever waste the time you have with those special people in your life.

"Family is more than just DNA, it's about people who care and take care of each other."

My Favorite Celebrity Is....

     For those of you who have read some of my previous blogs, you may already know who my favorite celebrity is but I'm the kind of person who doesn't change their mind every day; so because of that, Michael Weatherly is still my favorite celebrity and I can't see that changing anytime soon.
     A few of the reasons that he is my favorite is not only for his looks, but because he can make you laugh extremely hard one second and then turn around and make you cry. In all the interviews I've seen of him, he always has a smile on his face and thoroughly seems to enjoy being there while graciously answering questions, not rushing to get out of there and get drunk.
     Surprisingly, someone this genuine and kind is also a fantastic actor. I say surprisingly because it usually turns out where a person will have a fantastic personality but poor acting skills, or vise versa, but in this case, he truly is the best of both worlds. Perhaps I'm biased because NCIS is my favorite show and forever will be, but I honestly believe that Michael is the best celebrity you'll find.

The Most Iconic Thing I've Seen Today

     Today's challenge is to take a picture of the most iconic thing I've seen all day. When I first saw this on the challenge list I was very curious to see just what would happen on August 2nd, thinking it'd be a magical day and maybe I'd see Obama riding across our street on a horse but nope, no such luck. Instead, I spent the majority of my day shopping (something I despise doing) at over twenty garage sales going throughout a whole town. With that said, nothing caught my eye that would interest any of you and what I chose probably won't either but it's the best I could come up with! After moving into our new house a month ago, we have been continuously filling up our garage with box after box until it was stuffed with boxes piling so as even the best mountain climbers would have difficulty reaching the top. Finally after unpacking 99% of our boxes, the movers came and took them away yesterday and today I had the privilege of taking the first picture of our car finally fitting in the garage! Though no one would call it iconic, I'd call it a miracle.

Spring Is Upon Us!

     Spring is right around the corner, and for some of us, upon us! This is that one season where the flowers are all beginning to wake up from their winter slumber and giving us their wonderful beauty. Many of us, like me, are unfortunately stuck inside most of this season finishing up school for the year and prepping for finals. We tend to forget just what a lovely day it is outside when we're cooped up inside in school sitting at our desks. If you have the ability, open the shades to let some sunshine in, or even open the window if it's warm enough! When you are stuck at a desk all day, try to spend some time outside. It will help you feel so much better, rejuvenated , and you might even get a tan! When you get off of school for the day you probably end up with homework or studying to do, but just remember to take a little bit of time to relax outside, letting the sun wake you up. So, over the next week "just stop to smell the roses."

Boston; A True Tragedy

     Every heart throughout the world has been touched by what has happened recently in Boston. As runners crossed the finish line two bombs just seconds apart went off killing 3 people and injuring nearly 200. These past few years shooting after shooting has affected so many people's lives, families, and souls. I won't go into the details of these shootings or the past bombing because I'm sure everyone has heard them multiple times. What I do want to talk about is what is on all of our minds: what are we supposed to do after something like this happens? How are we supposed to react?

     If you are anything like me then you probably just have to take a moment to really understand and realize what is going on. Once you've accessed the situation you'll often feel a desperate want to do something as well as wanting to catch the person who did that awful thing. If and when you are in a situation where you can't do anything except pray my only advice is just that, to pray. God is always right there when you need Him, just a prayer away. When you are scared, hurt, or maybe even just angry, bring it to God. Just remember these two things: 1. One person doesn't make the whole world a bad place. 2. One day doesn't make your whole life a mess.

     While I was writing this we already had the relief that "Suspect #1" had been killed and wasn't worrying us anymore and just a few moments ago "Suspect #2" was taken into custody. I believe that right now is a great time to bow your heads for a moment of thankfulness that this nightmare is over. I know for some, however, this isn't over but yet just the beginning for those who has a family member that was killed or injured. Please keep those people who are just beginning this new journey in your thoughts and prayers over the next few weeks as they will need all the support they can get.

Role Models in My Life

     Whether we know it or not, we all have a role model in our life. Personally, I have two. The first is my Grandma. She is the most amazing person I've ever known. She has gotten me through so many hard times while I've been growing up and I know I can come to her with anything. Even though she is always very busy, she still finds the time to e-mail me every day. Needless to say, she has taught me to be a better person and I know for sure I wouldn't be where I am without her to guide me here.
     Another of my role models is none other then Michael Weatherly. No, I don't know him, nor have I ever met him. But, I've taken the way he acts and the way he presents himself into consideration for the way I should carry myself. His humor is something I've tried to incorporate into myself as well as his personality. Michael is a guy I really admire and appreciate.
     Whoever your role model is, tell them and for my last thought, make sure your role model is someone worth looking up to.

Time Alone -- Peace and Quiet

     To everyone, down time is extremely important. That ten minutes in the morning before you get your day started or that twenty minutes before bed. Whatever spare time you have to yourself, it's that time you look forward to in the day. If you don't have any time, even five minutes to yourself during your day, then something needs to be tweaked. 

     Every single person needs a break, a time to themselves, a time without screens or screams. Just a few moments of complete silence to gather yourself and assess your day. If complete quiet sounds like torture to you, then grab a CD of classical music, something to calm yourself down. Even the most relaxed person in front of the TV doesn't know what it's like to have that time where you can just clear your brain. Over the rest of this week, do your best to find 10-15 minutes where you can just be yourself and find that calm, it'll really help you refresh and have a new perspective.