Laze Craze

Several of you who are reading this blog may take this personally because you have been doing it for the last few hours, days, weeks, or even months. Prior to owning a personal computer, I used to be far more mobile. Now, as I am seemingly attached to my electronic device, the better part of my days are spent sitting down and playing with my laptop, sitting down and submitting assignments from my lap top,  or looking for the latest news scare while also sprawled across my bed like my body has lost movement.

Although there was a dangerous storm in the greater part of the bay area today, I was fed up with this routine and decided to get out. I found a dance studio in the city, which upon arriving was nowhere to be found but that is besides the point,and decided I was going to at least take advantage of the fact I am still able bodied. Now, I came close to getting into several major accidents, so please avoid driving through storms even if you are feeling half of the urge I was.

Over the holidays I was visiting with my father and preparing to add a new piece to the blog you may be currently reading, and he pointed out that all I ever do now is engage in cyber activity while sitting on my behind. As much as I itched to produce a counter argument, I couldn't for the life of me. Yes, ever since I left for college, the majority of my time is spent on the internet and it is disgusting. For anyone enrolled in any modern college program at the moment, I am sure the blackboard systems have your mind permanently tunned into thinking something is due, at least this is the case for me. Anyways, my physique has suffered from these choices as has my taste for primary exploration so I decided we must quit this!

Also during the holidays I spent several hours driving around San Francisco looking for a dance class, when I stopped at a Starbucks to refuel with 12oz of pure sugar before driving home. When I walked in I was not only very wet, but cherry as well. Already understanding that there is a lack of customer service quality in my native State, I was shocked by the amount of customers who were not only accompanied by their computers but completely engaged with them. And the worst part? Some of them may have been sitting there for several hours straight. .

Without a doubt,  I could wake up in the morning, begin working on a project and never move until bedtime if it was called for. All the while, I would be isolated, anti-social, and forcing my joints to adjust to sitting still for long hours. Trust me, there is so much more to still see while we are alive, and explore as well. Let's end the Laze Craze and do something away from our handy notebooks, offices, desks, bedrooms, or whatever other space you occupy for entirely too long. ;)

Solidify your Schedule

A close family members birthday recently passed, and as any normal family member would do, I placed plans to go dancing aside in order to attend this particular persons birthday dinner. As I was getting ready to walk out of the door in order to meet some friends, who were providing transportation, this family member said "you know what, I am too tired and I don't think I want to go anymore." Bam! Those words seriously put a blow to my little heart. Earlier in the day, I had looked for a dance class in the city, which has been on my to-do list for months as well as a college I had recently applied to. Instead of looking at my school and exploring a new choreographer and studio, I waited on someone who had their own agenda.

Now don't get me wrong, eating at Rustic ( a new restaurant at Francis Ford Coppola's Winery) was a memorable experience. I was inspired to continue my own film making ambitions and got to catch up with a few old girlfriends. However, the entire time I was sitting there all I could think was "wouldn't you rather be dancing right now? or hanging out with mom?" Trust me, I felt bad not living in my moment and was well aware I was going against the rules of a healthy lifestyle but I just could not get past how I changed my entire day for the 3rd TIME, for my mothers birthday!  A mother who I have been absent from for almost a year.

While my girlfriends are preparing to go to a Rage-ea bar I am not legally permitted to enter, I am sitting on my bedroom floor, reminding myself of a lesson I should have known long ago; Everyone else has their own agenda, so stick to yours. True friends and loved ones are always understanding, but if you do not go out of your way to do what makes you happy, no one else will bother; even if it is your mom.

So next time you are moving steadily on your path, only make stops you are assured will be beneficial. Otherwise, you might miss an important appointment... or dance class ;)

Rolling back in Time

I realize that not all women are fans of curling their tresses, but I on the other hand am obsessed with it. I think the curler gives everyones hair the extra bounce and volume it needs to look that much sexier( pardon the inappropriate language.) My roommate at school asked if I would curl her hair one night, and although she was concerned her hair would be too short at first, the end result was amazing. I did the same for a different friend on her 21st birthday and the curls not only made her new highlights look amazing, but had her as the center of attention, which she should have been considering the occasion.

Anyways, the trend became an everyday habit for me to a point where my hair was in serious danger. Although I managed to find a combo of the perfect products and hair tools, a more conventional way to keep the curls in was required. One day, as I was browsing the aisles at target (something I advise you all to avoid!) I came across a set of old fashion sponge rollers for a relatively inexpensive price. I grabbed a couple of sets and decided I was going to experiment, 1940's style, that evening. After about an hour of tedious hair rolling, which may have been beneficial for the toning in my arms, I was finished and peacefully rested as the sponge curlers only added to the cushion of my pillow.

When I awoke the next morning,, I took the curlers out and "vwala!" perfect spirals. Not only was this kinder to my hair, but it also enabled me to start my day sooner because no time needed to be spent doing my hair. Soon after I made this discovery, I left for college and took them with me. A woman I was staying with a night prior to moving into my dorms told me how much she enjoyed seeing a young girl using curlers. And to be honest, I felt cute just doing it ( I am also completely too happy of an individual, so you may the same immediate pleasure from seeing your head full of pink sponges.)

Anyways, I had curled my hair earlier and it looked wonderful before the rain reached it, the only solution I had to the issue: why my curlers of course. So next time you are feeling flirty and want to style your hair without damaging it. Roolllll back to the days hair styling was done without heat and use some curlers. Oh, and when you are all finished, don't forget to "Winc".

Channeling Christmas Chaos

Begin that christmas is alive and well, hopefully reaching it's conclusion by the time I post this, I have seen friends and family memebers stressing themselves out to make sure all of the gifts on their lists' are crossed off. Yesterday, I was on a hike when my mother called me asking if I wanted to join her to shop for my nephews. As difficult as this was, I had to politely decline as I was enjoying a peaceful mountain top, listening to the latest rain run to the bottom by way of a small stream. The best part? I was away from traffic, obligation, and the smell of the food court at the mall.

My sister suggested that I write a piece about the holidays, as she has too been frantically in and out of the house, visiting with old friends and making sure to catch up with the new before they leave town again. My only personal suggestions is to enjoy home or wherever it is you are spending the holiday, close to freinds and family, because this is what the season is about. Some activities I prefer to engage in outside of shopping include baking, listening to carols, and a nice run or hike to escape the madness.These activities are far more relaxing and enjoyable then buying buying buying and going from one store to the next, which unfortunately is a trend that has consumed the spirit of Christmas.

Another thing we all need to understand; friends or family will not like you less for staying within your means when it comes to gifts. In my family, gift giving is always a competition, as is receiving, but this usually causes chaos. If someone does have a problem with what you are giving them, I have some advice; don't buy them a gift again, and then delete them from your address book for this is no true friend. We can not all afford to go overboard on the holidays so be simple and thoughtful when giving gifts.

Among presents I had not been expecting, was a notebook and pens as well as my favortie movie from childhood. My sister got these for me and although she probably did not spend more then 10 dollars it was seriously the most thoughtful gift I have recieved in several years. Another valuable present was an itunes gift card, which will be put to use quickly and inhanses the value of object I already own.

Anyways, this is my way of saying cut the crap ( which are the unecessary overexpensive gifts some of us find useless/ family fueds) and cut the stress. Although it is christmas day, I put aside 30 minutes for a great run outdoors and it earased any ill or overwhelmed feelings.

Being at peace; this is the true spirit of Christmas. Enjoy the holidays and do not forget to "Winc". ;)

Toodles!

Parental Profile

Okay, so I have a problem letting my parents and their own personal issues overshadow me. I know for a fact I am not the only young woman with the problem because a good majority of my friends come from homes with divorced parents, parents who are alcoholics, and parents who a simply d-motivated individuals. So as I was in my mothers home, an entire story above her and heard she and my father arguing for at least 30 minutes before I decided I needed to do something. I was on the verge of letting their issues completely consume me (and although at the time I am trying to act strong so I can encourage my fellow women to do the same) I cracked before I calmed down. 

For me, it sort of went in the sequence of going down stairs, telling my mom to stop taking crap from someone who has been emotionally abusive for 30 years, and then taking her self phone to help her. (this was all out of love just so you know). After I placed her phone in her room and attempted to encourage her to quit these habits, I went outside to my car, turned the keys, and called one of my good friends. This friend told me I was more then welcomed to come over and get away from the madness at home but then I acknowledged several different facts. 1. Petaluma was going to take a lot of gas and if I was going to drive that far I might as well go all the way to the city. 2. My mom had been doing this to herself for years, if I think my being upset about it is going to change anything now, I am wrong 3. I managed to stress myself out, ruin my make-up, and almost eat a candy bar. It just would not have been worth it.

So now that I managed to calm down and control my resentful attitude towards my parents, I thought it would be an appropriate time to write. We can not be bound by our parents. Period. We were born into the world by them, but that being the big curse it is now days (I am a joking) we owe ourselves equally as much as we owe them. Since I was a little girl, I have always clung to my mother and been there to pat her back when she was sad, but now that I am becoming my own woman, it is time to leave that in the past. One person's burdens are enough to carry, but two will bring you to a point where even standing up straight seems impossible.

So now I am making sure all of you know we can not hide behind our parents profile. It may be solid and dark, but behind it there is a colorful you with a life and experience completely different from theirs. I know it gets hard at times to look in a separate direction or onto a higher road then those who raised you, but it is possible and you can do it! Make your own profile stand out now. Free To Be! (those are the key words of the day) 

Sweet "Eskate"

I have been frantically running around trying to figure my life out the past year and I needed an escape when I came home to visit. I contacted a friend who attends the same University as me, and we decided to get together and do something aside from partying, too intoxicated to remember or care what happened.

I was shy to admit it at first, but when he asked what I would like to do, I told him I wanted to do something active... like maybe ice skating? To my surprise not only was he happily willing to join but he admitted his love for ice skating, which not only made me comfortable but excited as well. He offered to pick me on and we were soon on our way to the ice skating rink.

Ice skating can be scary, but once you get the balance together, there is something therapeutic about being able to stabilize your body while skating freely across a floor of ice. So while we skated, we talked about school, and both of our choices, as well as his up coming venture to Chili. Oh, and the child who had face planted in the rink every time we completed a circle. (I really was concerned for his, he was even rubbing his head after a spill.)

None the less, it was one of the sweeter activities I had decided to do in the last few months. With so few places that are fresh, happy, and over flowing with people drinking hot cocoa, this was definitely a sweet e"skate". So I am encouraging other ladies to get with a friend, boyfriend, or new acquaintance and clear your head with a little ice skating session. Just remember to watch out for the small children, who I guarantee will be decorating the floor of the rink. Oh, and do't forget a "Winc" ;) (It rhymed and I couldn't help myself)

Three Thorough Boyfriends (this is all you pri ;) )

After going to the mall to pay a cell phone bill, which I am starting to think is a complete waste of money, me and a friend visiting from college had a talk about the empty spaces in our lives. She is dealing with boyfriend problems as well as a difficult journey to self discovery. After we purchased a tasty fat filed cinnabon, I explained my identical tribulations and suggested a few life fillers that are working for me right now. Although I have spent about 7 years trying to fill all of my empty voids with boys, after I broke away from my real passions which include dancing, academics, and doing stupid things with my friends, the act is getting old. SO, I am proposing you pick three things which make you absolutely happy in order to fill your own voids and here are a few suggestions...

 Pick a hobby. I like to think of hobbies as the activities that make you happiest in life. Some of us grew up, consumed by extracurricular activities and find this easier to identify with then others. Unfortunately, not everyone took the time to be dedicated to hobbies because we have managed to be consumed with our parents or friends issues and this can be dentrimental to our growth. Well, the habit must be broken eventually and I think trying new things is a good place to start.

Next, spend quality time at school or work. When we put energy into these areas, we get better grades, promotions, and progress without even noticing. It is okay to put yourself before others, trust me the majority of Americans are doing the same and for those who say they put others before them always are lying.

Last, occupy your time with good friends who reflect your likes and values. I know as we grow older, many of us feel a need to act "cool", but being cool is overrated. When we groom ourselves constantly, try to dress up to please others, and paint our nails so the boy in our communications class will think highly of us (which I have done), then we are not being true. (I was happy when my toe nails were painted like the rainbow, thank you very much!) Back to my point, good friends reflect a good you! So surround yourself with genuine personalities and yours will blossom.

Who needs a boyfriend while all of these good things are going on anyways? Go on a few dates, put yourself first, and all will be well. ;)