Back in Action...almost

So I haven't written on this particular blog in awhile, but no worries, I've been blogging over at Wordpress for my public relations applications class.

I will be back to general-interest blogging in a few weeks after school gets out, but I'll be revamping my style: I won't be writing motivational posts. I will be discussing specific thoughts that come to mind over the summer. For example, I'll be commenting on books I'm reading, movies I'm watching, my experience with P90X (which I'm pumped about), Cleveland sports, life in Conneaut, Ohio, and whatever else seems to interest me at the time.

What is the point of writing about random things? Well here is the deal: I plan to become a journalist and the best practice is actually to just write. I'm going to share my experiences so I can find my niche and discover my target audience. The best blogs are focused on a specific topic that the author is knowledgeable about, but to be honest, I have no idea what I'm knowledgeable about. So therefore I'll just be rambling exactly like I am now, which proves to me its time to stop writing.

So I'll see you back here on May 10th! Get excited

#3 Treasure Hunt.

My family are what I like to say, "Brand-minded." Instead of trying the new dish at the local family diner, Beef and Beer, my parents always opt for the chain restaurants. Looking for bargains at garage sales just isn't in my genes. Although that item of choice may cost more at Wal-mart, my family believes its a safer bet.

Yesterday, however, I denied my family traditions and stepped foot inside of a flea market. In other words, I raided other people's trash on the search for hidden treasures.

The atmosphere of the flea market reminded me of a county fair. I was surrounded by gigantic pickup trucks, redneck men wearing cowboy hats, canopy tents, and carts selling almost every kind of fried food imaginable. Somehow, I became pulled in.

I wanted to buy literally EVERYTHING! I was overwhelmed by the amount of random items. I thought to myself "this painting would look great in my bathroom" (if I had one, of course), and "that tropical plant would be a wonderful addition to the front porch." I ended up purchasing the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy for just $10. In addition, after 3 years of searching, I stumbled across the film, Serendipity.

After leaving the flea market extremely satisfied, I thought of a grand entertainment idea - Treasure hunt. First, I would find a friend, or even a date, to accompany me to the flea market. Then, each with $20 in hand we would split up and buy things for each other. Afterwards, my partner and I would share our gifts, and our adventures, with each other.

Get creative.

#2 "Can I Take That Guy's Order?"

At least once a week I endulge in the American Dream: fast food. I am a typical college student, so dollar menus are my best friend, and it so happens that Lakeland, Florida contains almost every fast food chain under the sun. Eighty-nine cent beef burritos at Taco Bell and my personal favorite, Wendy's $1 chocolate Frosty, are weekly bargains in my limited budget.

Being a positive person, however, I tend to look at the brighter side of things. Someday, I will have a great paying job (hopefully!) and I will be able to afford more than just the simple pleasures offered on the dollar menu. Someday, I will be able to afford combo meals for my entire family.

One day I will do the unthinkable. I will not only pay for my personal order, but I will pay for the order of the car behind me. It may not be the most admirable act of kindness, such as going on a missions trip, but for some reason it is something I've always wanted to do.

I might not get praise for this action, but does every kind act we do have to be advertised to the public? Maybe the person behind us barely has enough money to get by. Maybe a McDonald's meal is all they have or can afford. Maybe the person behind us really needs a new coat, but they need this meal in order to survive.

"But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:3-4

#1. Follow the Dream

I will start my bucket list off with my biggest wish: Watching the Cleveland Indians play in every American League stadium.

Throughout my life I have been enthralled with the game of BASEBALL. As a young child I learned to read by reciting the biographies on the backs of baseball cards. My notebooks were full of random lists that ranked the top players in the league in statistics ranging from batting average to passed balls. During this time, I fell deeply in love with the Cleveland Indians. My wardrobe consisted of Omar Vizquel t-shirts and Chief Wahoo hats. Roberto Alomar posters were plastered around my bedroom. Tribe Time, the pregame show, became my favorite television program. I even quit dance lessons in preschool to devote my free time to perfecting the game, or art, of teeball.

My passion for the game deepened when I took my first step into Jacobs Field (now Progressive Field). I agree with my theology professor in that "stepping into a baseball stadium becomes almost a spiritual experience. Its like you can sense that God is hovering over the place." A baseball stadium just overwhelms every one of the senses.

It is my dream to visit Fenway's Green Monster in Boston, grab a hot dog at Yankee Stadium, or observe the crazy dome ceiling in Tampa's Tropicana Field. From Seattle to Baltimore, I want to experience it all.

One down, 13 to go :)

I've been to Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. What's your favorite park or your favorite story?

and yes...the above photograph what taken by your's truly!

Focus.

In my opinion, there should be no reason why we should be bored in this life. There is so much to do and so much to see. If we do encounter boredom, most likely it is because we are too lazy to get out and explore or too afraid to take a risk and try something new.

As I write, I will share with you things I've always wanted to do, places I've always wanted to go, and other interesting tidbits I stumble upon.

In addition, I love to tell stories. It just so happens I love to hear stories as well. As I share my adventures/dreams, feel free to share yours.

Embrace It.

What do we live for? If we are honest with ourselves, as we age, every aspect of life becomes so systematic, almost mundane. We groan as the alarm goes off, and finally, after hitting snooze for the third time, we gather up just enough energy to brush our teeth, grab a cup of coffee, and head off to the job we loathe. After being ordered around for a couple of hours we travel home, eat dinner, take care of the necessary household tasks, then fall asleep to the voice of David Letterman coming from the television set. Predictable.

Seriously...

Is this all life has become?

Is this what life was meant to be?

Sometimes I feel like my life is a to-do list. Sadly, my agenda happens to contain the same events each day. Its so simple. Wash. Rinse. Repeat. Actually, its too simple.

I don't believe, however, that life was meant to be predictable. I don't believe I am supposed to be so stuck in routine that I start walking through life half asleep.

Remember when life used to be an adventure? Remember the childlike spirit that lived deep inside of us? We'd explore the backyard, make forts in the living room, and annoy our parents with a series of seemingly unending questions. Most importantly, we did what we loved.

"They" say that there comes a point in our lives where we need to grow up. Of course there are things that we need to take care of as adults bills to pay, family to take care of, etc. But does that mean we need to just throw away our deepest desires? I really don't think it does.

We only get one shot at this life. The wonderful thing about it, however, is that everyday we always have the opportunity for a fresh start. It's time to start over. Its time to embrace life.

"That little bit of sadness in the mornings you spoke of? I think I know what it is. Perhaps you're not doing what you're supposed to be doing"
- M. Night Shyamalan's Unbreakable