Ya'll will never guess what I am eating at this very moment. I'll even give you a little hint... It is dirt cheap and made with ingredients that 2017 World Spelling Bee Champ would misspell. "Can you use Disodium Guanylate in a sentence please?"
Well if you guessed Ramen Noodles, then you are tonight's winner! There is just something about Ramen Noodles and homework. I know its a college thing, but it helps to satisfy those late night cravings when homework is the size of Mt. Everest. While the midnight oil is being burned tonight, but I am ready to conquer this mountain! If someone asked me why I went to college, the obvious reason is to attain a higher education. In my case and I would be willing to bet every other students case, we end up leaving college learning so much more. The tests that stress me out, staying up very late to get all my assignments finished, and that one professor who seems to drive me insane, all amount to one thing, forgotten. In a year from now, I won't remember what test kept me up or what that passive aggressive professor said, but I will for sure remember the gem of a lesson I learned because of those situations. Honestly, SOME my favorite moments of college have been the difficult ones. Through those situations, I I see how beautiful the confusion can be and I even get to see how beautiful others hearts are. Even on days like today, I felt like I was taking two steps forward, but three steps back most of the day. After almost running out of gas, realizing my wallet was left at home and forgetting that my test today was being proctored in another building on campus, I looked back on my day and between the frustration, I laughed with friends a little harder than normal and my heart smiled a little brighter. (Yes, I had several "duh" moments today) It just proves the curve balls life throws us don't have to define our day. Those little hiccups weren't going to steal my joy and learning how to keep my joy in moments like that has been the best lesson to learn. So I encourage you to go conquer the day with your joy! Nothing can take that away because it belongs to you, not the moments of chaos. Let's all take a moment and do happy dance right now... (Insert the Macarena here) We conquered another day!! I sometimes get overwhelmed with my to do list. Okay, you got me, its more than just sometimes. You know what though, I am learning each task is actually an adventure waiting to be captured. Who said becoming an adult has to be boring. For example, think about trips made to Wal Mart. Well... let's be honest, having a relaxing trip to Wal Mart is like trying to bathe that one eyed, stray cat hanging around your house. That would be some adventure and maybe a trip to the hospital. Before I rush off to finish cramming for a test tomorrow, I want to share this gold nugget I learned today, with all my sweet readers. Today in class, my professor gave us a progress report and suggestions on our blogs. Most of these tips were helpful with the structure, but one particular point he brought up really hit home with me. He instructed us to type in detail, our audience and who they are, so we could better write for them. After the sweet comments and overwhelming support from friends on social media and friends who stopped to tell me in person, I realized something beautiful. My blog isn't the one to be celebrated, but the people in my life who support and celebrate me! Through the diversity of my support, several women, who hold meaningful lives and care for others, took time to reach out to me, brightening my day. This really got me thinking... I haven't really taken a huge amount of reflection through the years, but because of strong, inspiring ladies who work tireless to provide for their family and support others around them, I have been able to grow with amazing examples to follow and use as a guide. This blog has opened my eyes to the abundance of Wonder Women in my life. I do want to thank my selfless mother for teaching me how to appreciate and love others, because she has set an amazing example of what a strong woman looks like. YOU ARE MY ROCK JEN-JEN!! But to all my dedicated mothers, young women, and caring ladies out there, keep up the heart! I would be here all night if I started writing a list of women who have impacted my life, even in the slightest. But I have seen ladies, regardless of age or experience, bring so much nurture and joy to those around them. So if you ever ask yourself, what can I do for my family, co-workers, fellow classmates or an stranger on the street, YOU GO SISTER!! You never know when that small gesture of love will be multiplied through the life of others. Through casual conversations at work and school, relationships with mentors, and those soft shoulders to cry on, ladies in life my have taught me to be selfless, but have passion that a fire department couldn't put out. Keep that chin up buttercup! This is a picture of my new favorite tee shirt I just bought the other day, and it just confirms my appreciation for all the ladies! Guys, go bear hug all the amazing ladies in your life! Ladies, continue to build and grow others with that incredible heart and keep being Wonder Woman. (The world can never can have too many!)
So here is to all the strong women... May we know them, may we be them, and may we raise them! Cheers! Wow. What a day. There seriously is something about Monday's. Monday should be spelled H.U.S.T.L.E. because I cannot recall a Monday that was boring and dull, especially since I've started college. You see, I have this love/hate relationship with Monday. There is a part of me that loves Mondays because I can start off the week with a really productive day, but then sometimes, I just want to put Monday in a box and send it on a slow boat to China. I know ya'll know exactly what I'm talking about! Today was one of those love/hate days. Class, test, homework, class, work, meeting, workout, and now here I am. Even though it seemed like nonstop today, I really enjoyed the controlled chaos. The day goes by faster of course, but more importantly, I felt accomplished. That is how I wish every single week would all start, accomplished and motivated for the upcoming days. So today, chaos was a total win for me. Even through this fine Monday, a huge opportunity has knocked on my door and I am ready to let it in with open arms! I have the opportunity to help finish my college credit by studying abroad! TO ROME, ITALY!!! OH MY GOODNESS. We will spend 10 full days in March exploring Rome and all its beauty. To add more sugar to this already sweet opportunity, the Pope will be in Rome for Palm Sunday and I get to participate in mass. WITH THE POPE. Of course we will see all the major historical sites in Rome, but I will lay my eyes on the original "Last Supper" painting. THE LAST SUPPER. Someone please pinch me because this is too good to be true. Now I know what you're thinking, "you can travel to Italy anytime you want and especially when you have a big girl job with regular income." Just think about it. I will share this experience with some awesome classmates, travel around Rome with my professors who know the city well, and learn the culture and history through a class before we go. This study abroad trip will have me prepared to soak up Rome and it's beauty! Don't forget all that wonderful, mouth watering, authentic Italian food I will devour. Its going to be amazing. Now I just have to save, save, save because traveling is not cheap, especially on a college budget. Goodness, it will be worth every single penny. You know what they say, "When in Rome..." Ahhh, I love you Monday. I hope these pictures get you all as excited as I am!!!
Sundays are always wonderful. Think about all those sweet country songs... Sunday mornings singing in the choir at church, afternoons spent with family, and finishing up the day taking a fishing pole down to the pond. That is a recipe for a hit country song! (Watch out Nashville) As corny as it seems, there is just a certain type of peace you get after a really good Sunday! Normally when someone is expecting a little addition to their family, I am always excited. There is just a little more excitement when it is someone you love dearly. My heart is so full that I can sit back and watch these people I call family, blossom and spread love into others lives.
Let me just tell ya'll what I did this morning... Someone please say "bless your heart", because this would be a good time for that. I started my day by getting ready for work, and majority of my Saturdays are spent working. I always try to make a good effort to look stylish by doing my hair & makeup, wearing the right stack of bracelets, and pretty much the whole shebang! When I get ready for class, work, or whatever else, there is a crucial point I reach that either makes or breaks me. At this point of the process, I better have my outfit and hair or makeup done. If I don't have something accomplished at the half way point, there is probably a pretty good chance, I will be late. Ladies, I know I am not the only one in this struggle! Sometimes you're just not feeling it that day or if you're like me, you have a million things running around in your head, making it tough to focus. It just happens! This morning was going great, except I had a million little ideas flying around in my head while getting ready. (Yes, I was talking to myself the whole time.) I looked at the clock and I knew I was at that crucial point! Time to kick it in high gear! Thankfully, I almost finished my makeup and lacked doing my hair. The only thing that stood between me and staying on time, was spraying my setting spray. Setting spray keeps your makeup in place all day! Its a life saver! I grabbed the bottle, closed my eyes and went to town spraying. As I opened my eyes, I realized I just sprayed my whole, fresh face with heat protection spray for your hair!! HEAT PROTECTION SPRAY. *cue the squealing. It really didn't set me back that much, but I started laughing so hard, I thought I would cry. I rushed off to finish getting ready and off to work! I am pretty sure I laughed the whole way to work. It just proves no matter how busy I may be or the silliest things I do, I still have enough time to laugh off the pressure. If I can't laugh at myself, then no one can! It really was a good Saturday! My face is pretty oily right now, but at least I got a good laugh! The bottle on the right is my setting spray and the LARGE pink bottle is for my hair. Bless my heart.
This Friday most definitely felt like a Monday. Jesus and coffee from Espresso 41 really got me through the day. (Thank you to my roommate, Callie for that coffee. You are my lifesaver) I blinked and BAM! the day was over.
So where to begin... Blogs are everywhere and about everything. Did you know you can read several blogs about sweaters for cats?! Google it. I dare you. As silly as that might seem, blogs are a fantastic way to view the world with a different pair of glasses.
One of my professors (my favorite by the way) assigned our class to write a blog for 30 straight days. We could chose any topic or theme, while keeping it professional. Of course my brain started skipping a million different directions with several, crazy ideas. If you were to combine The Pioneer Woman, Joanna Gaines, CrossFit, glitter, college life, and chocolate cake, you would have a glimpse of my thought process. Maybe the cat sweater idea was a safer option. I will admit, I am very quick to orchestrate big, exciting ideas that even Martha Stuart wouldn't plan. I've always heard to shoot for the moon and land on the stars! I will also admit I am a procrastinator. I knew I couldn't film my own cooking show as a video blog, everyday for 30 days, because I would put Food Network out of business. Just kidding, I would never get that done. Reality sat in and after working through some thoughts, I created "Ramen Noodles for the Soul." I want the readers of my blog to see college through my eyes and heart. College can be stressful and demanding, but beautiful and unique for everyone. My experience so far has been more than just history papers, but life lessons, spontaneous trips, and some of the best food ever. I cannot wait to share my story with you all. Now I am going to celebrate my first blog post by baking the best chocolate chip cookies EVER. Click the box to below for the recipe to make your taste buds sing! Happy Baking!! |
AuthorFood fanatic. People Person. Trying to prepare for the "real world" and enjoying the blessings along the way. ArchivesCategories |