The End is Near

     Well... the fall semester is coming to an end. I have just about survived my first half of my first year of the college chapter in my life. It's been fun, hard, stressful, hysterical, momentous, moving, powerful, scary, disastrous, awesome, spiritual, earthly, etc. It's so crazy to look back and just know that not even an entire year ago, I was safe in high school, only worrying about the gas in my car so I can go to all of the places I need to go for my own leisure. I miss that. 

     This end also marks a beginning of a new time, a new semester. Things will be changing....

My roommate is moving out and commuting, so I either A: will be a loner or B: will have to meet someone new while also living with them. It can be fun but also irritating. Also, my schedule is going to be totally different next semester with more days off than on, which leaves more space for tons of activities!.... or just for more hours at work. 

     I feel that I am ready for this new step in college. More friends to meet, more surroundings I get to accommodate to, and more money to do things that I feel like doing..( not really gas worries since I'm part of the "no car" club on campus ). I'm just waiting for the guy to shoot the little gun and say "GO!"

     Or am I? I have a whole month of chilling! A whole month of no homework, no checking class sites for announcements, no writing extra credit essays, NOTHING! Just enjoying the sparkling lights of Christmas and the crazy strobe lights of the New Year. Oh yes... 

                                                                                    The new chapter will be great. 

Start Something That Matters

     So for the past couple of weeks I have been reading "Start Something That Matters" by TOMS Chief Shoe Giver, Blake Mycoskie. To say the least, it was an awesome read!! I was able to learn the great yet struggling beginning of TOMS and how they prosper now. What we, as the buyers, see are just awesome shoes that seem pretty easy to make, and we don't ever think of the hard work that goes behind the scenes... kind of like we see Santa but don't really think of all the hard work those poor little elves go through to put those smiles on our faces Christmas morning. 

     Even though learning about TOMS history was rather interesting, my favorite part was the rest of the book... how Blake talked about so many other small and large businesses and how they were able to succeed. It was great seeing that he wasn't just wanting to show his own earnings and lessons, but so many others. Also, it wasn't at all about us helping by joining TOMS or just by giving to charities but BEING those charities. The main goal was, as the title says, to start something that matters. I loved it! 

     By reading this pretty ballin step-by-step to making a difference, you can get all the information and thoughts that you need to start your very own business whether it be non or for-profit. Anyone can make a difference, Blake is just trying to pry that want out of us. 

     We can all help.. individually or even as a group!

     

     " A leader can create a company, but a community makes a movement." - Blake Mycoskie. 

     I encourage all who are reading this post to go and get this book now!! Even those who aren't reading this should read my mind from miles away and know that they should get this! I mean come on.. if you're wanting to start up a small movement, why not read the thoughts of a leader who has produced one of the biggest movements of all! 

Carpe Diem!

"Congratulations! You Are Part of the Books for Bloggers Program!...."

     So last night, I was on the computer, thinking about writing an essay that was due today..(I finished it don't worry) and I decided that checking my email would be more important.. and it was.
     As I heard the sweet ol' voice say to me, "You've got mail," I quickly clicked on the envelope that survived holding twelve emails without tearing. I went down the list of the usual mail... (so and so tagged you on Facebook, look at the deals on Hot Topic, Oh look Groupon has another great deal, someone is following you on Pinterest..) and so on.. until I came across an email that was from TOMS. I usually receive emails from TOMS headquarters because I signed up that I wanted notifications from them because I love them so I thought it was just a heads up about the new stock of TOMS that were in.. but I was wrong..
     It was a congratulatory email that was sent to me stating that I had won a spot in the Books For Bloggers Program for TOMS!! What is this? Well I'll tell you of course: It's a program for bloggers (duh) and what happens is TOMS will send me two copies of Blake's "Start Something That Matters" book for free! Then, I have to obviously read this marvelous book and then blog about it. After blogging about it's awesomeness that I will reveal to the world, I also have to advertise it on Amazon to get the word out.
     But wait.. what will you do with the other copy Karlye? Glad you asked you curious reader.... With the second copy, I will be hosting a contest on Twitter and/or Facebook, and whoever wins this contest that I conjure up myself will win the second copy for free.
     I'm just so stoked to have this opportunity to spread the word about starting something that matters. I think this book is going to inspire more and more people to give rather than receive. Also, the fact that I'm kind of working with TOMS is such a reward and a blessing. I never thought I would get the position but God proved me wrong.
     Okay.. I'm done bragging about my awesome accomplishment now :)

Don't Worry I Forgive You

     Apologies.... Way easier to think about than putting into action. We hate letting that guard down, showing our vulnerable side and saying that we are wrong. We hate to lose. We hate to submit. We always feel that it causes a weak spot in our being. But the good news is..... it's far from a sign of weakness.
     Today I visited a church to see my best friend sing her heart out for our Lord. It was amazing as always to be able to worship God freely. With her on stage though, was a man who troubled in the past.... troubled in ways that not only changed my judgement towards him but also hurt my heart a little. He was such a big part in my beginning stages of getting to know the Lord that I would have never guessed that he would stoop to such low levels.... and now he's back.
     I was upset to see him. Upset to see him singing for God after what he had done. However I did show courtesy and smile at him cause he of course saw me..( I mean I do have weird hair and wear very noticeable attire that surprises the normal human eyes).
     After the service was over, he seemed to find me. He made eye contact at me and I waved.. but he wanted more. He asked me over to where he was, away from the group of flannel and TOMS that I'm always around (aka best friends). As I went over there, I expected the usual.. "Hey how are you doing?, Wow it's been a while since we've seen each other., How's college?, Anything new?, I see your hair is different... that sort of small talk. I was wrong. He started off the conversation with "I'm sorry."
     I almost cried..the things that he had done I knew about but he didn't know that I knew. So I was shocked. He apologized for everything... he admitted to being in a bad spot and he feels awful that I looked up to him while he was in this dark... so dark... state of mind. He said, "If anything, I should have been the one looking up to you. Not the other way around." It was amazing to hear. I hugged him like the big bear he is and parted ways...
     See? Apologizing is so hard to do, but it's so beneficial to the relationships we make down Life Avenue. It strengthens bonds. It heals wounded hearts. It shows how truly strong someone is spiritually, emotionally and even physically.
     I challenge everyone (even myself) to think about who are people that we never apologized to because we were too worried about "strength". God will automatically put that specific person in your mind cause He's been waiting on you to do this. If not for that person, for Him, our Savior, our Lord. I prayed and the only one to come into my mind was myself. So it can be anyone that you need to re-link broken chains with  an apology. God is love, so show your God towards the friends, the family, and the enemies. Don't worry, they'll forgive you. :)

Till Death Do We Part... (seriously)

     This story is a romantic fairy tale many will enjoy, especially since Halloween is coming up this Monday, for this story is 100% real.
     Once upon a time, there were two college students: Zach and Karlye. They are close friends that just so happen to go to the same college and live about 4.5 minutes from each other. One day, Zach had invited Karlye to attend this well known haunted house with him. It was called, Thirteen Stories, and it was in Kennesaw, Georgia. Karlye gladly accepted, however she is absolutely terrified of haunted houses. She is a huge baby when it comes to anything haunted. Even petty ones made from preteens at a middle school freak her out, but she still wanted to go. She always has a good time with Zach so... why not? All day long, Karlye paced back and forth awaiting 6:30 to come when she and Zach would be departing for her doom. Zach, being the kind friend that he is, warned Karlye of what would be happening at this establishment. He sent her a waiver to put her at ease about getting hurt by being pushed out of a window or cut up by a chainsaw. She greatly appreciated it and obviously felt better about it. Zach also told her the result of this heart-racing evening..... death. Karlye and Zach were both going to die that night.
     What?! Karlye couldn't die tonight! There was so much she wanted to do! She mentioned to Zach that she had wanted to go to the UK before she died.. but there wasn't any time for her to fly out there and enjoy herself then come back! Fortunately, with the new teleporting device she had, she was able to pop there and pop back with plenty of time before 6:30. So she went to the UK, telling Zach about all of the wonderful things in a British accent..(well because the text messages were in the accent while she was there). When she came back, she totally forgot that she should have invited Zach!! So, she told him to go with her and off they teleported!
     So they hung out in the awesome UK.. all romantic style.. then went to the haunted house to die...
                                                                    The End
P.S. True story I have text messages to prove it.

God Gave Me Monday

     So I didn't have time to post a blog about my day yesterday because I was too busy enjoying it. My Monday was absolutely the bees' knees. So here's a detailed list of all of the awesomeness that occurred:

1. I woke up energized (doesn't usually happen as a college student)

2. As I walked outside to my first class, I soaked up the beautiful fall air that surrounded me. It was breath-taking how nature was cooperating with everything. Leaves were twirling as they fell gracefully towards the ground, the winds lightly passed by, stroking their fingers through my hair, the sun was warmly smiling. It was great. 

3. I was able to get out of my Chemistry Lab a whole hour early because I strategized with my partner to make the experiments finish faster. I hate that class so it was a blessing. 

4. I got a 10 out of 12 on the previous lab that I had feared that I failed. 

5. There was such a good feeling inside me all of the day. 

6. I received an unexpected call from my future boss, Eric, telling me that I got the job I've wanted forever!!! A spot on the staff of the most amazing store Urban Outfitters. 

7. With that over 60 people liked my "receiving the job" status on Facebook which is always so awesome to see all of the support and love I have around me. 

8. I was supposed to have a quiz in my Spanish class that I didn't study for and it turned out that she had moved it to Wednesday... score!!

9. To finish the day off, I got to share my beliefs religiously with a good pal of mine. I always get so excited about talking about God that I know he was taken aback because I just kept talking and talking about all of the good God has done. 

     So yeah, my day was getting better and better throughout the day. It was very obvious that God was chilling with me all day long. 

     And I know you, as the reader, is probably wondering why do I think everyone should know about my awesome day? It's not to be envious of me (even though the green is probably seeping through), but it's because everyone can have just as good days if not better than this! If one just starts the day off with a smile and a positive mindset, the world gives positive results. Happiness attracts happiness, positive attracts positive when it comes to life. As we live each day, all we think about is the negative of tomorrow. So let's all try to live in the present, accepting any opportunities that come our way and always having high spirits about them. God provides. All you have to do is ask and trust in Him... that He can take the issue into His hands and turn it into the greater good in your life. You might be surprised in what He can do, but I mean if we never became surprised by the Almighty God, there'd be no point. The things He has up His sleeves are endless, beyond the comprehension of our human-like minds. So... SURPRISE!!! God is awesome. 

You Are Who You Are

     Today I had the pleasure of meeting with a good friend of mine, Caitlin, and we discussed many subjects, as we always do. We talked about deeper things, funny things, annoying things, etc. One of the topics that stuck to me and left me thinking about life was when we talked about the "good ol' days" as people call them but in some cases the "lost ol' days." We talked about our thought processes in middle school and even early high school and how it has changed drastically over the years. Both she and I (and I'm sure majority of all society) were followers, desperate to be a part of that "popular" label. In the years of puberty arising, as well as acne sprouting, I felt that I was a leader, that I was a unique individual. When I look back now, I wasn't that at all. Sure, I was a leader in many ways and had a unique personality as do many others, however I was so obsessed with being able to be "cool." This mindset definitely led me into some dark places that weren't as "cool" as they were said to be.
     It wasn't until junior year when I started to find myself. I ventured out in many paths that ended up defining who I am today. I was led to God, who definitely led me to realizing that He was the real cool one, not the Hollister clothes and parties that surrounded my life. With this new spiritual healing, I was also led to my true love, music as well as several different arts and cultures. This also helped me cross paths with some amazing friends and inspirational figures in my life. I am so thankful for everything.
    Why am I giving a testimony you ask? Well, back to the Caitlin and Karlye conversation, it made me think about the new generations coming along, awaiting their new journeys called life. Hearing about certain people and watching them grow worry me. Are the upcoming generations more likely to fall under peer pressure than we were in the past? Are the monsters of bad decisions and negativity going to swallow them all whole? Or am I just not realizing that we were just as bad back then? Either way, I pray and hope that more and more pre-teens and teens will begin to find who they are. Find their true color. Find the clothes that they really like. Find the friends that will really influence them in the right direction and hold them accountable if they slip.
    Am I saying that I am done with finding myself and my journey is over? Heck no! I have so much more to discover about myself and the world around me. I am just hoping that the generations that are entering the middle and high school world will soon find themselves one way or another. Our world is a melting pot of endless amounts of faces, skin colors, personalities, likes, dislikes, shoe sizes, builds, desires, loves, and smiles. So why should we conform to a group? We were all made so uniquely and beautifully. We should shine what we have been given and not what we are envious of. Just accept it. You are who you are.