Enjoy the Outdoors

07/19/15

In my blog, I have often mentioned how I absolutely enjoy being outdoors. It is what I look forward to on my days off especially because it gives me the opportunity to get out of my routine. Which is something I often search for, because doing the same thing at my job sometimes withers my spirit. As well as, doing homework and constantly having to prove myself at school in order to flourish towards a rewarding career can also be exhausting. My remedy is exploring the outdoors. Finding some kind of new adventure at a park close by, going on a hike, swimming at the river or lake, hanging up my hammock. (Oh, my dear hammock! I highly recommend to purchase one of these bad boys. If you have trouble having a reason to go outside, purchase a hammock and you will definitely have a reason. I guarantee it!) Any who, oh yes, the outdoors! My favorite season to be outdoors is during the fall. I love how definitely the heat simmers down averaging seventy degrees if not less. Preferably for me sixty to sixty-five degrees. These are the best temperatures, my opinion, to hike, camp, and hang up a hammock. I like how all that is needed is a sweater, comfy pants, and maybe a warm beverage and I am set up to enjoy the outdoors all jolly. Instead of the scorching summer heat and sometimes no way to just relax outdoors without having feeling of taking all your clothes off and even then still be burning up. The swarm of bug bites, attack after attack is also, a couple downs falls of the summer season. Nonetheless, I enjoy summer time, but I understand it is not attractive enough to spend some time outdoors. I am ready for fall though. Either way though, spend some time outdoors people, it is good for not just me, but you too.         

Arts and Crafts

07/19/15

A fun activity to do more often is arts and crafts. I love when I have some free time to do a quick project. Drawing and painting are my go-to activities when I have no worries in the world, like going to work or doing my homework. I wish arts and crafts was just as mandatory in school as math. I mean, it is essential to keep the creative juices flowing in that noggin we all have. Then again, if arts and crafts was mandatory in school, I bet all the fun would be sucked out of it. (Hmm… makes me wonder if maybe math used to actually be a fun activity for people, but since it became mandatory and intensive, all the fun was sucked out of it.) Back to the arts and crafts subject, I do believe people should try to develop their artistic skills more often. It is even therapeutic to just draw whatever comes to mind or just splash some color on a canvass here and there. Often I hear how people do not believe that they have a creative bone in their body. The reason I think is because they do not exercise their creative muscle. Just think, if one wishes to have strong arms, you do push-ups. If one wishes to be a math genius, you challenge yourself with tough math problems and solve them. If one wishes to be the next top chef, one cooks meal after meal until they have acquired their natural skills. Same goes with being creative, how can someone gain this ability? By doing arts and crafts! One could even be a musical artist, write, or any other thing that requires some creative sense. I encourage all of you to relinquish your creative juices and you will notice a spark lite up in yourself.      

Spending Time with Family and Friends

07/19/15

A vivacious thing for me and I know for many others on this Earth is to spend time with family and friends. These lovely group of people are what make my world go round. They are supportive, encouraging, goofy, and no doubt good company. I am often thankful to have these people in my life. Sometimes it seems that it is a given for people to have loving family and friends in their life. However, far more often than not there are plenty of people who do not have reliable, caring family and friends to flourish with. Some may get abandon, or abused, tragic accidents could happen, or major disagreement could occur that split family and friends up. These are situations that happen in the real world and I look upon them and can’t help but feel more grateful for my family and friends.  As the days keep flying by I make a strong effort when I am not working or doing school work to spend time with my love ones. Because in all honesty, one never knows when that may be the last time to see them. I make an effort to spend time with my mom as much as I can, because sadly I know she won’t live forever like I wish she could. I know it is a sad thought to think about, but I don’t think people ever do think about the subject. Imagine though, be open to thinking this thought, even if it is just rarely. The moments spent with loved ones will feel that much more valued. You may even second guess to bicker, ignore, or have a negative attitude with your family or friends because life can take them away more quickly than we could ever imagine. Appreciate the times spent with your family and friends people.

(Now, back away from the computer and go hang out with somebody you love.)    

A Good Work Ethic

07/19/15

I believe it is important to have a good work ethic. When I think of noble work, I correlate it with a positive attitude, a vigorous labor intensive effort, dedication, and willing to help others when needed. Luckily I am surrounded by people who are constantly proving these qualities. My mom is definitely a great role model to look up to when demonstrating a hard worker. Having eight kids and for the most part being a single mom raising all of us is a hard working task. For more than decades, she has held up a full-time job while being a full-time mom. Being the bread winner and cooking the bread at home. I know all of my siblings and I take notice of her valiant effort and appreciate her endlessly. We all are the hardest working individuals and in that I admire my siblings as well for walking in my mother’s shoes. From this lovely people is where I pick up the traits for a good worker. I’m sure anyone would like to work with someone who has a positive attitude instead of an atrocious attitude. It is also nice one your co-worker picks up their own weight if not more and go the extra mile. A hard working individual is always appreciated. It also takes dedication to keep striving and working another day. Often you may see people who just are not cut out to keep a job because they are not dedicated to do the work. Last but not least the willingness to help others when needed is also part of a good work ethic. It is nice when someone can work independently on their own, but even better when able to become a team player when needed. Besides two heads are better than one. These are just a few important traits of why I believe it is important to have a good work ethic.       

Final Blog Entry

07/19/15

This will be my final blog entry for my summer English class. What I discovered about my writing during the process of this project is that I am able to free write better than before we started this project. Too often I would overthink what I would write about, and I would second guess to translate my thoughts into words on a composition. Now I consider myself being an open water faucet with the ability to flow without blockage. On week four, my class and I were presented with a reading called “Freewriting” by Peter Elbow. This material certainly benefited me. I was able to understand that it is better to just continue writing without stopping. Even by going back and correcting a sentence that may not make sense or if there is nothing currently on my mind to write, I would just simply write that… “There is nothing currently to write about on my mind.” But soon after that, I end up writing about that very thing and the subject elaborates into something else that ties into the matter. Soon, without meaning to, I actually constructed a well thought out journal entry. I noticed now I am able to spin a web of words in a more vicarious thrill. Which is benefiting for me and my audience. My challenges, however, throughout this project was to keep up with writing seven journal entries in one week. One would think that would be an easy task. Since the minimum of words for an entry is three hundred and the subject can be about anything. I wish I would have disciplined myself more in this department, but now it is the last week of class and all I can hope to do is go the extra mile. Nonetheless, I hope that I able to show my audience that my writing has changed significantly over the summer. I will take these new skills into future writing projects.              

Handstand

One of the goals that I have set myself to do this year is to be able to do a handstand and hold it for as long as I can. Ultimately though, stay in a handstand for at least thirty seconds and go from there. As far as my arm strength goes, I have never been one of those girls with a strong pair of arms. I guess not as strong as I would like my strength to be, then again my arms are not a total set of noodles. However, I would like to be able to do a handstand because I would feel like a conqueror. I mean imagine being able to hold yourself up, upside down, and hold that position in a nice balance. I would feel strong. I would feel confident to conquer anything that life throws my way, because if I am able to hold myself up in any which way, well… there will be a triumphed warrior awakened. I don’t know if this may seem silly to you guys but you know, to each their own. I just feel that this is something I can gain some life lessons by accomplishing. To some it may sound insignificant, but I do believe that there are hidden life lessons in doing a handstand. There is much patients to gain as one grows stronger each day. Balance is also an essential component, of course, to be able to gracefully stand still on your hands. The ability to balance is also important in life. There is much to balance in between work, school, social life, and your inner being. All these aspect when steady, I believe, keep a nice established structure towards a happy living life. These are just a few things where I see hidden memos as I work on conquering a handstand. I hope to accomplish this goal by the end of the year. If not well… I will keep trying.         

Motorcycle Ride

07/14/15

A favorite past time of mine is going on a motorcycle ride. One of the best times is when the sun is setting. On an exquisite evening the sky stirs into colors of pink, blue, orange, and yellow. The sun is a big round orange sphere levitating over the Midwestern plains where we are cruising around. I usually enjoy this splendid view with my boyfriend who is driving the motorcycle while I hold onto him. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Moments like these I like to pause and take in how the present time can literally be a present. I pause and file the moment away into my memories, because simple things, like cruising on the motorcycle with my man are delightful experiences to look back on and smile. A smile that may be needed on a rainy day possibly. These are the thoughts that across my mind as I overlook the beautiful horizon and spend time with someone dear to me. I truly appreciate it and count my blessings.

Un-pause.

Of course, away from the city is also best to enjoy a nice ride and see the country side. Along the way there are cows, horses, a few donkeys, and maybe even a goat or two. The scenery is relaxing. There are plenty of windy roads as well to have some fun doing turns. Sometimes when we hit a steep turn my tummy fills with butterflies. The sensation almost feels like we are about to tip over, but honestly we are not even turning so abruptly. I also most likely am probably exaggerating the turns, but nonetheless the turns are fun.

The natural light is winding down and soon the fireflies start to twinkle in every direction. We both know it is time to go back home with a safe return.

 

Bleep Bloop Bop

07/14/15

Bleep bloop bop. Bleep bloop bop. Bleep bloop bop. I need to free write and catch up on my journal blog entries. Bleep bloop bop. Bleep bloop bop. I am brainstorming up a topic to keep my attention to write for three hundred words at least. As well as, not being a total bore to my audience. Let see, I will describe my surroundings. Gray blotchy tile floors, made up of tiny square, big squares, and rectangles. Big cylinder poles are scattered throughout the area to keep the infrastructure stable and support the second level of the building. Peculiar chairs are gathered by one another next to a coffee table. The chairs have tones of dark brown, tan, and beige, reminding me of a mix of coffee beans or just beans in general. People’s voices echo in the distance, but other than that the environment is calm, accommodating, and composed. My reason for being here is because I rather stay cool in an air conditioned building than hot boxed in a car. My other reason is because I am waiting. I’m waiting for someone who is attending their appointment to flourish in a potential career. Today I am accompanying my boyfriend to a doctor’s appointment. He has been looking into being an officer along the Mexico and U.S border. It is incredible all the different towns and driving he has had to do in order to be considered for a position. In some of my previous post, actually “Busy Bee, Busy Week” for example I was on another trip with him for this very job. He had to take a three hour long test. I did my homework for this class while waiting. Now he is taking a physical exam, and again I am waiting while doing my homework. Luckily I have access to Wi-Fi and I can accomplish more of my assignments with this amenity on a big comfy expresso colored chair.           

Sunny and 90 degrees

This week’s weekly forecast states that it will consecutively be 90 degree! Goodness that is too hot for me. On the bright side I will finally get to take a trip to the lake or hang at the pool. But, today I am hanging out inside just waiting for the clock to tick by until I have to go to work. After today though it will be my weekend! I wish I knew more spots to swim at. More rivers with hidden rope swings, or sandy lake spots instead of gravel or rocks. But I do have a keen to explore so I may stumble upon more stops this week if I choose. However, on my way to the lake, determined to layout and swim, and eat, my determination to find a new perfect spot withers away because I just want to arrive at my destination and have some fun. My jitters get the best of me. Nonetheless, the drive is also enjoyable, especially with great company. During this hot summer week I also hope to find some great scenery to hang my hammock up. I not sure if I’ll be able to bare the heat, but maybe if I get up early enough I can enjoy the cool morning breeze. Later in the afternoon when the sun is setting could also be a nice time to hang my hammock, but all the bugs seem to swarm out during that time. I usually get bit a handle full of times if not more. Well, no matter where there is a will, there is a way, and I will enjoy chilling in my hammock no matter what, it is so much fun to sway back and forth. I am still in the search of also finding a place to take a vacation. I preferably want to go somewhere with a beach!

Stay tuned!

Homework, Tortillas, Pizza

07/13/15

Let see… I have to catch up on my blog entries for my summer English class. Well, I am heating up some flour tortillas to satisfy my hunger momentarily as I do some homework. As I am flipping the tortillas over the heated stove it reminds me of a story from my first job where I worked at Papa Murphy’s. This pizza place was a take n’ bake gig so there were no ovens in the store. Until we got a new manager who gave us the privilege of keeping a small oven in the back of the store in cases when we would get hungry. No one had official lunch breaks, so most of the time people wouldn’t bring a lunch to work and would instead eat before or after work. If it was possible to eat during work, one would munch on one of our salads or a bag of croutons, but depending on how many people were working there was not a suitable time to just kick back and enjoy a meal at work. Any who, we had a manager that brought a small oven so we had a chance to actually bake a pizza at work and take turns to eat a slice. One night, it was towards closing time and my co-worker and I were really hungry from our work day, so we made a pizza. As it was time to take the pizza out, I was so hungry I guess I ended up just using my hands to get the pizza out of the oven. I know what you are thinking, OW! But on the contrary it didn’t hurt stabilizing the medium pizza on my finger tips and sliding it on top of the table that was not far at all from the oven. My co-worker could not believe that I just did what I did and in shock that I didn’t burn myself or squealed by the pain of the heat. I commented right after, “It must be my tortilla flipping fingers that helped me out”. We both busted up laughing and enjoyed our freshly baked pizza.

Boy, my tummy is rumbling for a slice now.        

Convo's with my Mom (Part II)

07/13/15

In my previous post, I indicated that I enjoy listening to my mom’s childhood stories. Here is another snippet into her childhood and one of my favorite memories of my sweet momma.

With all the rain we have been receiving I try to picture my mom and all of her many siblings playing in the rain. So free-spirited and worry free. She tells me quite often that since back then of course there wasn’t all this fascination with the external world of video games, social networks, smartphones and let alone the internet. The kiddos had to make up their own kind of fun. One way of enchanting fun was gathering everyone to play in the rain. All of her sisters would go out in the pouring rain and splash around in the puddles or get soaked under the cascading waterfall coming from the rain gutter. I can imagine hearing lots of laughter and funny squeals when it would thunder loudly. After lots of fun in the rain, my grandma would call everyone inside. Instructed them to dry off and get cozy while she poured them some hot chocolate to warm up. This sounded like a delightful day to me. I am fond of this story because it reminds me not to get caught up with all the latest gadgets and high tech communication. Instead I should stop in my tracks, enjoy the simple things in life, and partake in the fun.

You better believe I practice what I preach. Till this day, my mom and I go out and play in the rain together. We jump and splash in puddles, dance around, and act like silly children while enjoying the celestial bliss.           

Convo's with my Mom

One of my favorite past times is hanging out with my mom on the porch. Most of the time we like to go out in the morning and enjoy the breeze with our coffee, tea, or breakfast. We enjoy the comfortable silence of each other’s company as we sit back and ponder about life. My mom usually brings up the latest fusses at her work. I try to stop her as soon as she begins, because who wants to talk about work when one is relaxing? She agrees that it is not a favored topic, so we move on with the conversation. Usually when I am with my mom, I enjoy listening to her childhood stories. (You know, I feel like not too many kids ask about their parents or grandparents childhood. I wish I could listen to more tales of others in past generations). During my mom’s childhood, she lived in Mexico, things were very different then than they are now. Since her family was underprivileged, she didn’t have electricity for many, many years. They also used to have to walk a couple miles to get water to drink, cook, or wash their clothing. They would even have to walk several miles just to attend school, which sounded extra brutal because of the scorching heat. My grandpa would have a little farm and when it was time to prepare a live pig for dinner, my mom can remember her and my aunts would be as far away as they could so they didn’t have to hear the pigs squealing for their lives. Life during her adolescent years sounded so radical. It was the times when you truly had to work hard towards everyday life endeavors. I admire the hard work of past generation. It inspires me to work the extra mile because in this day and age we have it more easy than life used to be.        

Job

07/12/15

Oh lordy, I am having trouble searching for a new job that accommodates my schedule.

 I have been searching for a new one since I started this current job I have about a year ago. Yup, it has been a year since I have been wanting another job from the miserable one that I have at the moment. I have had some interviews and I have even been offered some good opportunities to transition to a different occupation, but my school schedule gets in the way of taking advantage of the opportunity. Since I attend school in the morning until the afternoon, I cannot make it to my job until at least 4pm. Most places that I know I would enjoy working at are more of an 8am – 5pm schedule or need someone in at noon or 1pm until 6pm and it just would not work out. Now the other dilemma is my rate of pay of course. I know I could get a job from 4pm to 9pm possibly at a food industry or some sort, but I would then have to get a downgrade in my pay rate because most of the time those jobs start at minimum wage or just a bit more than normal. I have worked hard to get the pay rate I am at today and I would not be fond of getting paid less. Not to mention my bills would cause me to live paycheck to paycheck.

Nonetheless, those are my two obstacles in finding a new job. My current employment is a nice college gig but I am just not happy. I don’t know about you guys, but I tend to not do an outstanding job when I am working in a bleak atmosphere.  I feel like I am not gaining any new set of skills that will potentially help me flourish in my future career. I hope to find an appealing new job soon.

Rain, Rain, Rain, and more Rain

It’s raining, it’s pouring, and the old man is snoring. It seems that it has been raining all summer to me. Day after day I wake up to a gloomy day and puddles scattered along my parking lot. My back porch is muddy along my steps. I’m actually a fan of the rain more than most people. I don’t mind the gloom and the sound of the trickles and pounds of water that clash with the pavement next to my bedroom window. However, I also would like it if all this rain would go away from at least a week or two. I have been wanting to take a dip in the pool or a have a sun kissed day at the lake.

It is just crazy all the immense amount of water that we have been receiving. Rivers were getting higher and higher. This past week the rivers ended up growing out of their banks and built massive amounts of water around the community. Damaging the homes of some people and businesses. Some streets were flooded and made it challenging for people to get around, in a few circumstances some civilians’ cars also became flooded.     

Nonetheless, I was eager to get out and explore a new hiking trail, regardless of the rain. My friend and I decided to drive out to Bennet Springs. We wanted to hike and see the natural cave/tunnel that resides in this state park. We also were scoping out a spot to hang our hammocks inside a gazebo to enjoy the rain outside, while playing music and drawing. In this area too though, the rain was ruthless. The river was really high and we tried three different ways to get across to the other side of the bank but the water was blocking our path in each direction. Even under our circumstances, my friend and I had a fun time exploring and getting to know a new place. The best part was hiking back to my car and it started raining. We sang and danced and the two of us were behaving like big goofballs. We will definitely make our way back to this nifty location. Hopefully it stops raining for a while so we can enjoy more of the scenery at Bennet Springs and I can also take a trip to the lake.  

              

(Rain, rain, go away, come on back another day.)

Cabin Fever

For weeks now the only thing on my mind is to travel. Adventure to a new path and explore a new place. I think about it so much that I want to spontaneously abandon all of my responsibilities and leave now. Except of course, I have a job I have to work and bills I have to pay. Working part time is eating away at me because I wish we had the same luxury to get paid vacation time off. I would totally trade to have a full time job but with school my schedule does not correlate to balance both, so I am stuck with a part time job and late hours to accommodate my schedule.   I also can’t afford to lose hours on my paycheck. However, I am starting, actually more like I have been convincing myself to stop worrying about money. I mean I hate centralizing my life over money but it is a means for staying afloat to afford life’s necessities.   Goodness, but I am getting miserable with this cabin fever. I know there are many spots to enjoy here around the Springfield area, but I want to discover a new place, road trip to a new state, or especially take a trip out the country.

Another thing that stops me from traveling is that I would like to enjoy it with someone else. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy my solitude more than a normal person, but of course road trips and going on an adventure is better with a companion. For some reason though I have trouble finding a devoted wanderlust traveler, like myself. Which I find hard to believe because left and right you hear people that have a wish to travel and experience new places. Why is it so hard for me to find someone who likes to try new things and get out of their comfort zone?

 

 

Well nonetheless, I believe it is time for me to get out of my comfort zone. For the past week I have been doing a bit of research and trying to put together a plan to cure this cabin fever of mine. I am taking a trip before I go back to school in the fall and for the moment I am not going to worry about money or if I don’t have company and instead go solo. I am a hard worker and I deserve a vacation. If it hurts me financially, oh well, it will only be temporarily.

 

If you guys have any favorite destination in any place in the U.S or Mexico, don’t hesitate to comment and I will take it into consideration. Hopefully in my next few blogs I reveal where I chose to explore.

Cherished Moment

Road trips are great for deep conversations, one of the best jam out sessions, and sweet silence while enjoying the scenery. Recently I went for a nice drive with my best friend to the lake. One of the things we hope to do this summer is find the perfect spot to hang our hammocks close to the water, swim and layout at Stockton Lake, MO. We have ventured to a couple spots that were enjoyable, but still in search for “the go to spot”. This day we drove out farther than normal, but we were determined to venture out. The drive to the lake holds much anticipation for my friend and me because we are eager to swim and cool off. However, the drive to Stockton is soothing and a nice get away from the city. We arrive at a spot and it was kosher for our liking. The best part in any of our lake trips is having a tasty tub of guacamole ready to dip into with our chips. It is a complimentary snack to a rewarding drive. Although it was a fun day at the lake, we are still in search for the perfect spot at Stockton Lake, but it was still a successful day nonetheless.

 On the way home we wasted no time to turn on the tunes. Driving back we were jamming our hearts out. In this moment I paused briefly taking in and appreciating all the mighty goofiness that was happening in this drive. I thought, man, this is the life, singing at the top of our lungs, in and out of tune, but constantly in sync. It was a moment cherished and filled with laughter. A moment that I know someday may not happen again so easily because my friend and I may be at other ends of the world, doing other things, living a different lifestyle, you never know. All I know is that I stop and appreciate a moment I am enjoying more often, and road trips are great moments to cherish.