tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6182579055735300442024-02-20T22:32:45.396-08:00Life on a Cliff...Carissa Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184801815238302103noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618257905573530044.post-27208187026280557192016-03-13T14:38:00.002-07:002016-03-13T18:38:10.257-07:00The Magical idea that may be so far fetch that it's.... perfect.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Sky high flying back to the Midwest. I could explain how this doesn't excite me even the slightest BUT I have exhausted that sentence. I had one phenomenal Spring Break. Thankfully spring break was awarded just as I was about to break emotionally and physically with school and the stresses that come with. </div>
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California never fails when all I need is a smile and unconditional love and fun. I didn't do much this break besides sit in rooms with my favorites, typically with a glass of vino in hand. It was needed, it was amazing, and summer break is in </div>
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short</div>
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short</div>
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weeks. </div>
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I can do this. </div>
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Upon my week of relaxation I brainstormed this idea that is nothing shy of magical. So magical I had to share. </div>
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Lets discuss <b><i>Society.</i></b></div>
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For me Society is this huge object/item/thing/human standing on a stage screaming at me the way I should and shouldn't do life. This sort of idea that we as creatures on Earth have to do X, Y, and Z, and some ridiculous idea they call a timeline when this and that must be done. Not only doing X, Y, and Z, but completing them in a way that <b>others</b> have said that they need to be checked off. This may seem so wrong as you read this, but it's exactly how we all do life. </div>
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I have to do my homework, I have to work today, I have to work out, I have to do laundry. Company is coming over I have to clean my house. I have to get into this school by this date. I have to be successful by this date, I have to call that person. I have to, I have to , I have to. When really life can look different with a simple twist of the way we word our words. Hear me out.</div>
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I find myself as a nursing student complaining of the endless hours of homework that I can't seem to get ahead. It's killing me, it brings out my worst dramatic self blah blah blah, it exhausting, its true but its never going to change so heres my change. Instead of voicing I have to do my 4 million hours of homework ugh I hate this. Why not step back realize I've wanted to be right where I am for years, I have longed to be in nursing school. Im here and now its time to shine and take the 4 million hours of homework and do them, complete them, and complain less. It's easy for me to say now for this first week back I feel refreshed but I think with anything in life you need to realize you don't <b>have to</b> work or work out. You CHOSE to because you want that challenge, no? Life is full of decisions we put on our plate individually, handpicked even....think about it. WE need to complain less. </div>
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We all work, we all complain about it, no one actually loves what takes them away from time with loved ones or takes you away from your goose feather comforter and plush mattress. But this can be viewed differently as well. For myself working for a company totally online, the freedom of setting my own hours, balancing work with school. My goal is to look at work as I get to earn some easy cash by styling people online that want MY opinion on what to put on their body to start their day, how cool... all while I am in my Pjs, and in the comfort of my home. Work has a new meaning, I picked this "work" I love it. Why did I ever complain? It pays rent each month too, also feeds me, and gives me money for plane tickets home, man thats awesome. </div>
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When school does end and work becomes a big girl job as Nurse Carissa, I hope to keep this mentality. This is my dream, and any dream shouldn't fall under the negative word that society hounds on us...<i>work. </i></div>
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Working out, I hate it. Instead the negativity, set a challenge, voice I am going to sweat so much that after this hour of intensity I will feel rejuvenated and less stressed, have a great looking temple I mean you only get one, and hey I will even fit into my pants. </div>
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Folding laundry who jumps up and says hell yes laundry? But having this idea of man I love these clothes, they keep me warm, they look great on me, and they are reusable, durable, and are a necessity. Laundry folding isn't that bad after all. </div>
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7 hour clinicals starting back up twice a week, zero pay, makes for a long ass day, waking up at 4am to deal with things that are negative, unpleasant, disturbing, and a challenge. Looking through a new set of lens, I am excited to offer myself for 7 hours to people in a place of need much greater than myself. I get to give MY skills, MY knowledge, MY smile to help someones shitty day a tiny bit better, waking up at 4am isn't that bad after all. </div>
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Our list of complaints will never end. <i>But </i>I do believe that our complaints can be voiced and looked at in a way thats much more pleasant to hear and see. Not to mention the act of doing these daily tasks will be much more rewarding. </div>
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Remember many of our complaints are our own decisions, Spring Break showed me this magical lesson. I think that 7 weeks in between myself and summer is a great time to implement positive projections and actions. Live the life you have molded for yourself. </div>
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For a great nighttime read I must recommend two life changing reads. </div>
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Spark Joy by Marie Kondo- a book that takes you down a path of decluttering your home and life.</div>
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The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz- a book about a way of living much greater than I can even begin to explain.</div>
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Happy Spring. It's going to be the best one yet. The power of your own voice is amazing, give this magical idea a go, what's there to lose?</div>
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Carissa Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184801815238302103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618257905573530044.post-46692045292969182402015-09-25T21:30:00.003-07:002015-09-25T21:53:12.834-07:00Hi I am Carissa, I'll be your student nurse...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Entering the doors at 5:30am of my first day on the floor as a Student Nurse. Ready to work magic. Be a superstar. Heal everyone. In all honestly I put my scrubs on like I had done it a million and one times and I was ready.<br />
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I thought.<br />
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I was assigned a few patients. Duties were to overlook, assess, and aid for the next 6 hours. I gathered names, chart info, anddddd then my nerves kicked in...<br />
I was just about to enter my very first patients room. Without someone holding my hand.. this was my time to shine.<br />
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Shinning was far from what I did.<br />
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Knock,Knock.<br />
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No response...entering slowly, grabbing gloves<br />
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I froze.<br />
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There laid my <i>first</i> patient.<br />
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Female<br />
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frail, elderly, unconscious, nonverbal, catheter, oxygen tubes,cold.....and her husband near overlooking her with tears flooding his face.<br />
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Hi.<br />
ummm<br />
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I'm Carissa......<br />
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my eyes filled up, my heart was racing much faster than my own patients....<br />
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I was standing before the most dreaded day of this man's life. The nearing death of his wife.<br />
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I couldn't find words.... I knew all I was in there to do, is to check in, and "move/rotate" my patient every 2 hours.<br />
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After what seemed like days, I finally told the husband what I needed to do. He stepped out of the room before I could say anymore, he couldn't. I couldn't. Another student and I began to rotate her, to avoid bed sores. In reality this was the last task that I wished to do, for all I wanted to do was to crawl into her bed, hold her tight, rip out my own heart and give it to her.<br />
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I had this wave of <i>something</i> flash before me. As I am holding her head. Dead weight. Keeping her oxygen tube and catheter tube stable as my classmate slowly rotates the rest of her body, dozens of pillows around her. She has no idea. I fought tears, her head in my palm. I was having the hardest time.<br />
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This energy filled the room slowly...assuring me I was there for all the right reasons. This rush that felt so important slowly allowed me to breathe.<br />
She was repositioned. She was delicate, beautiful, she was dying.<br />
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Taking off my gloves backing out of the room one baby step at a time...one single tear streamed down my face, glancing at my watch...whispering I would be back in less than 2 hours to do as assigned again.....<br />
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I knew her husband would be behind me as I exited the room. He was. I hugged him. Firmly. Attempted to tell him what I did.<br />
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I couldn't.<br />
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He knew. I knew.<br />
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There was nothing much more.<br />
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I allowed him to enter her room closing the door behind him. Helplessly I stood, blankly stared at my classmate.<br />
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Welcome to day one on the floor.<br />
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Nursing has a whole new meaning.<br />
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Day 1.<br />
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She passed an hour and a half later....just minutes before I was due back.<br />
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It was the heaviest my heart has felt in quite some time as she flatlined. Slow motion we all did our parts.<br />
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A death right before my eyes, of a stranger that I felt I knew a lifetime.<br />
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Taking my scrubs off after my first shift was much hard to do. I felt like the job wasn't over, the story wasn't finished. I wanted to take the husband out for some coffee. 2439 questions unanswered.<br />
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Death.<br />
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What a small, 5 lettered word, that completes everyone's lifelong story.<br />
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I don't think I've done much since then. Thursday was a long, rewarding, yet unsettling day.<br />
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I cant get Thursday off my mind.<br />
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Indiana is growing on me.<br />
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Becoming a nurse is absorbing me.<br />
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<b><i>Day 1 </i></b>will always be with me.<br />
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Carissa Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184801815238302103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618257905573530044.post-11962333380253011182015-08-24T21:25:00.002-07:002015-08-24T21:31:09.033-07:00Indiana, where there is nothing, and nothing is okay.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Welcome to the Wild wild Midwest...</div>
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Fireflies flickering in between the Chinese Elms, debating to grab a jar to catch them and reminisce my childhood or to catch the suckers barehand and smear the bug juice and pretend I am at a rave with neon paint on.</div>
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The midwest sounded very unsettling as Dad and I landed 2 weeks ago. With our first stop at White Castle, and our order totaling 3 dollars I knew this culture shock was just beginning. </div>
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Having the Green side of the fam dear and near is such a treat. You never realize how great family is till they are right under your nose, the Greens always allow for a hoot of a time.</div>
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Before I could really allow myself to panic about this whole midwest thing, I forced Holly to come spend the night with me, my first night at my new apartment, and she was here in under 2 hours. THAT is lovely. Long distance friendships should be illegal, never can escape them. Holly calmed the storm, and overnight I was ready for this next leap.</div>
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Last Monday I entered the doors of Saint Elizabeth Nursing school. Surrounded by worried faces, and tumbling stomachs. I was sweating and eager to hear how screwed I was. </div>
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Nonetheless day one was pleasant, information overload, but pleasant. Met a friend, didn't burst into tears, was reissued scrubs that fit...first pair were more on the gangster-swag side.</div>
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It was a happy day.</div>
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Indiana in whole is a lot like getting lost in a corn maze. Small country roads, and tons of tall tall cornstalks making every dang road look exactly the same. The massive windmills in every pasture don't help much either. The men are gentleman, the girls all looking for a farmer. The food is weak, the wine is weaker. </div>
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But I am happy. </div>
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My home is cozy and a huge DIY project success. </div>
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My roommate is rad and supports my endless desire to decorate and organize. She even allows me to continue to share my tradition of drinking out of mason jars like my previous roommates and I did, so far two thumbs up.</div>
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My forever dream to be a nurse is finally here. Its time to shine. </div>
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I texted Holly the night before my very first day, saying "tomorrow is the day"</div>
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She set reality in quickly saying before you know you will be sending me the same text the night before you graduate. </div>
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It's true.</div>
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As much of a anti-school person I am, I am excited. The wait is over.</div>
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This past weekend was "moving" to say the least. In short, flew to Texas for a convention of a product I have been a full believer in from day one...Zeal. Its my hangover cure, as well as my daily dose of amazingness. Natural energy, loaded with vitamins, sways illness, just amazing. </div>
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Nonetheless the company itself is a Christian believing company, that always ends their 3 day conventions on Sunday with a day of worship. To be honest...I had a lot on my mind. Homework piled up to my ears, and I had no desire to be there nor knew why I was entering the walls of this faith overload when ultimately I was lost in my homework, my thoughts, my financial overload form starting this not so cheap school, my career path, and bottomline...lost in my faith.</div>
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As the service commenced, my head was bowed, my anxiety was high, and tears began to stream from my eyeballs. Why? I wasn't sure. In the amount of 2.34 seconds before I could wipe my tears a man tapped me on the shoulder and asked me to follow him for a moment. I was then surrounded by him and his wife all in tears, as they grabbed my hand and placed something in my hand and looked into my eyes with a beam of faith and slowly said...."We don't know who you are, what your name is, or why you out of 3,000 people in this room,but we were called to give this to you for whatever stress or reason that may be in your way....and know, that He will help you."</div>
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What was placed in my palm was a rectangular piece of paper with a dollar amount much larger than I can even grasp.</div>
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The thing is, its not about this money that will now make things glide smoothly this first semester, but it was an act of something greater than kindness...I'd like to call it faith.</div>
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The power of One.</div>
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Man.</div>
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The weather fanatics of Indiana tell me winter is nearing, and that almost has me more scared than nursing school itself. Taking suggestions for brands of warm warm winter wear. </div>
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Yours truly the temporary Midwestern</div>
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Carissa Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184801815238302103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618257905573530044.post-53758720121204150852015-06-06T11:14:00.002-07:002015-06-06T11:14:38.816-07:006 days of happiness...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Since we last met, I've attempted to sort through the 6 weeks since the last blog, highlighting 6 of my happiest days!<br />
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May 2nd<br />
I was running around in the rain in Paris, France with Tobin my friend from high school. We climbed all the way up to the Eiffel Tower via steps, and it was exhilarating! I felt not only like a huge tourist this day, but an accomplished tourist, and there is a BIG difference.<br />
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May 7th<br />
London, England I met up with some Brits(my favorite breed) I had met in Asia, they gave me the local VIP tour, not only was it unlike anything I expected of the busy city of London, but it convinced me to extend my 4 night stay to an 8 night stay. I could have stayed all month. London indeed has it going on. One stop I do see myself becoming a resident of in the nearish future.<br />
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May 8th<br />
Also in London, I met up with an old high school friend, Kyle, and we went and saw the Matilda show. Not only was my inner child released but it was an awesome production, and we may have been the oldest "kids" there. With the British twist, it added to the fun! Later, We dared to get lost on the "tube" system, once we heard Notting Hill, we exited! It was by far my favorite neighborhood in London. The area was full of life, colorful, and nothing but great vibes. With a quick stop at the real estate window, my dreams were crushed, for I will NEVER be able to afford a fence in this area of London let alone a home. With that said, it still was a magical discovery that I can't wait to revisit. <br />
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May 10th<br />
Mother's Day, why is this one of my favorite days you may ask? Well..... I sent my mom a beautiful bouquet of flowers, so stoked to hear that they arrived. I figured it was the least I could do for the lady as I gallivant around the globe. This day was my favorite because it showed me the true beauty of my mom, when miles away can really be humbling. Mom received the flowers. They were dead. Slimy. Mushy. And quite possibly the worst thing a mother could get on Mother's Day. I was so bummed. I failed. I couldn't even drive over and at least take the lady to lunch. I wasn't happy with ProFlowers.com. BUT this day turned bright quickly, mom without hesitation thanked me, sent her love, and simply said, "it was the thought that counts". She was right, and millions of miles away, on HER day, she managed to make my day one of my favorites. <br />
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May 14th<br />
Edinburgh, Scotland was a treat. The best from high school, Cole, studied in Edinburgh. Therefore I had not only the most warming places to stay all arranged by Cole himself, but I clicked with Hester and Sianan perfectly. I am convinced that enjoying a city throughly is easily done when you have great <i><b>local</b></i> tour guides. On this very day I spent a large amount of time taking in the surreal view from Hester's apartment. IT WAS LIKE NOTHING IVE EVER SEEN BEFORE. Imagine waking up in a new city, in a comfy bed(non hostel), in a old vintage flat with curtains of a deep red that expand from ceiling to floor, beyond those stand three equally as large windows that extend out into the most majestic view overlooking Edinburgh. Perfect times a million is what I was working with here. The feel of Hester's humble abode, the record player spitting out some solid tunes, and my eyes on complete overload. THIS. WAS. ONE.HAPPY. HAPPY.DAY.<br />
I also entered the doors of the "Scotland Whiskey Experience", which after the ample amounts of tastes, I was another sort of happy. Nonetheless this day was simple, yet so very happy.<br />
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May 21nd<br />
Dublin, Ireland I was chatting it up in my dorm, then these two girls popped their heads around the corner.....Carissa? Was probably the coolest thing. Traveling for this long, haven't ran into someone from my travels unintentionally....and bam, these girls I met in Paris weeks prior were in my very dorm in Dublin. I was happy, and a round of Guinness was in order.<br />
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May 25th<br />
Moghegno, Switzerland were the Vosti Family originated.(another wonderful high school friend) This happy day, really was a full week. I was spoiled in the most quaint village with the population of something under 500. I took way too many pictures of the homes that completed this village that date back easily hundreds of years ago. I pretended to understand Italian, and adored everyone that attempted to talk to me, even my friend's 90 year old aunt with he coolest cat alive. I know, I hate catz. I ate my croissant that was delivered fresh that morning by the butchers wife that lived across the street. I was waved to by every person, for a visitor in town, gets around quickly. I soaked in my every move. I ate too much cheese, swiss chocolate, and wine. I said, woah, wow, ahh, every two minutes. happy.<br />
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Lagging behind makes it quite impossible to catch up in the blog world. Sharing 6 of my happiest day gives ya a good feel......only 4 weeks left to go. Chat soon!<br />
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Carissa Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184801815238302103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618257905573530044.post-48996418305918747102015-04-28T02:48:00.000-07:002015-04-28T02:58:26.762-07:00Takin a breather...and the unplanned run-in to the Middle East.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Every blog I start with a smile. A large, cheesy, grin. It helps me write, I hope through my writing my smile is shared. I have been lagging on the blog ever since I reached Europe. Ill blame the adorable cafes that make for a perfect environment for my favorite hobby of them all.people watching. Ill attempt to fill you in. I have now clocked in just a week or two over 4 months on the go. My passport is filled with stamps, my Eurail train pass is filled with destination after destination. Yet I have this major <u>fear</u> of missing some incredible city or some small village Pinterest forgot to show me, or that one day I slept in and potentially missed the best morning stroll through the local market. This fear has been on my <b><i>ass </i></b>for the past couple of weeks. Untillll my Mom and Pete came to visit me in Madrid. The pace was finally slowed down, and I have finally came to terms to pipe down my obsession with picturesque alleyways, architecture, and landscape for it was getting out of hand. I personally was able to take a breather and have mom do my laundry and feed me as I sipped wine on a couch, and didn't do much more. It sounds boring, but it was perfect. I needed it. My body needed it. After the relaxation sensation, I was soon picking up speed. I have managed to explore 9 mind baffling countries thus far in Europe, and personally I don't have a way to express to you my experiences. I will say...daily I am catching myself lost in a land of questions unanswered, my history game constantly being tested, and my curiosity killing me. The most popular asked question is my favorite place.....my answer changes every time I'm asked, and I am okay with that:) </div>
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Fast forwarding.....<br />
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While in Spain, I forced myself to make an itinerary. I had a list of places I still insist on seeing, and no plans as to what was next after Madrid. Last minute Mom, Pete, and I checked off one of mom's bucket list destinations. The overwhelmingly beautiful island of Mallorca, right of the coast of Spain. It was nothing shy of lovely, and my radical pal Tobin from high school is teaching there so it was a nice transition of kissing the parents goodbye, and hanging with Tobin whom did a great job taking me to the coolest spots on the island. I loved being with a great friend and didn't really want to leave that sense of comfort. SO I flew to Israel to continue on the comfort.<br />
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.....Israel.....<br />
Was never on my itinerary, and honestly I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I figured a camel wouldn't be waiting on my arrival to tour me around, but in all seriousness I wasn't at all educated on the Middle East. My super sweet dear friend Zoe was waiting at Tel Aviv airport with open arms and the biggest smile. I ran to her instantly with questions of everything my eyes were already being drowned with. Culture uniqueness was in full swing my friends. I don't wish to tell you about my every move in Israel, but I will tell you a few special highlights.<br />
Zoe and I went to high school together, she welcomed me to her "new life" as a recent new immigrant to Israel. She has accepted the challenge of learning Hebrew and is rocking it! She took me not only to the Dead Sea where we slathered mud on one other, but she took me to the Western Wall in Jerusalem which was powerful, the massive highly entertaining market with a local shouting two for one strawberries like a broken record, AND to the most quaint dining places where our series of chats over large amounts of fresh, crisp, local cuisine was consumed. Zoe is a walking history book, every step we took date and facts filled the air. She's amazing. I was lost most of the time, trying to avoid dog crap, control my stares at the many religious ways of identity, and to keep myself engaged with Zoe's enlightening stories. This stop, country number 15, was special.<br />
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I did complete my itinerary for the remainder of my adventure, as I promised myself. 2 months left and I am attempting to keep clear of the <i>fear</i> of missing that perfect picture, or that small town that will be very hard to reach, becasue <b>that </b>isn't what it's about. Day by day I am living in the moment, another cliché sentence, looky there. But it's true. This world is something else. I tell myself that daily, yet daily I'm in awe. Next stop is France. Bordeaux to be exact. Sending my love to....Trader Joes, I really miss grocery shopping with you. To Lady my car, that I miss driving. To Lins, Mads, Chris that I miss living with. To my Dad I miss our weekly lunches.<br />
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2 months..lets see what kinda <i>crazy</i> I can create.<br />
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Carissa Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184801815238302103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618257905573530044.post-11104862917882767202015-03-13T15:08:00.001-07:002015-03-13T15:08:54.251-07:00Wanderlust <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Okay okay heres the sitch, I think its 26 mesquite bites on my left leg,and 44 on my right leg, no wait those are bedbugs. I have successfully sweated so much that I could be mistaken for a wet canine. I have ran out of toilet paper in times most inconvenience, my backpack is heavy oh so gotta sit down to hike that bad boy on my back heavy. I've bravely ate the most blistering chili,spicy,hot,curry. Yet I have had the most rockin' three months thus far. I wont lie I think of home. I think of 'merica. I think of cookie butter from Trader Joe's. I think of a nice dinner with dad and his finest cooking, perhaps a steak with some grilled veggies and endless Napa Valley wine. Man my bed, I think of my bed with my Bed Bath and Beyond down comforter you can hide a body in. WOW<br />
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but the adventure continues.<br />
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Last time I left you I was entering Cambodia. I adore Cambodia. Quick recap. Cambodia was shut down as a country for three years 1975-1978. Due to this horrific, rat of a man that somehow justified the act of killing his own people. Probably my saddest day of travel... Visiting the Cambodian Killing Camp. Walking the same very path of the people of this fragile country, while listening to the history and break down via "tour on tape". I fought back tears, and watched my every step for there were bones and clothing remnants that weather has naturally brought to the surface over the years. This place was a shithole, made me angry, crushed my smile, and made me wonder how the hell can one mans demand kill 25% of his country. Closing it down in less then a weeks time, and banning the existence of Cambodia for three whole years. Simmer on that. Heavy. Waking up one day to a cluster of disaster. Loaded up by the car loads to be killed in the most unpleasant ways. This day I wish to never revisit. Upon entrance, stands a tower of the millions of skulls found/dug up, as a memorial of this time in history. Something no eye should have to see. Cambodia is indeed a 3rd world country<br />
and my God what a stand of ovation I give to this lands recovery. Cambodians age 40 and older most likely were apart of this hardship, I just cannot even wrap my brain around this one.<br />
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Onto more colorful things.<br />
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We finished our trip right back in Thailand where it all began two months ago.This time in the southern islands. Oh la la. We made it to two islands, both highly stimulating, and quite the way to wrap up SE Asia. One of my last days was spent snorkeling with majestic colorful fishes, attempting to stay afloat, and keeping Jen near to point out all the neat creatures we could spot. The blue blue blue water was like a personal show, the jellyfish danced for us and refrained from stinging. The fish ate rice from my hand, and nibbled on my toes. The warm water and aggravation of Jen's inability to capture a fish concluded our Southeast Asia trek.<br />
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As I sit in row 39 of 40 in route to Rome, Italy. Southeast Asia was spectacular. We covered Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Though I can't say it was all showers of skittles, it was an incredible 2 months of education, confirmation, and happiness. I left SE Asia with a smile. I have confirmed that I still want to be a nurse, and follow through with nursing school when I return. I have added villages to my endless list of places I want to revisit once I am that nurse. Lastly, I have found this piece of me that I didn't know existed....<br />
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....<br />
You alway strive as human to be this sort of person, or that sort of person, or to be super good at this hobby, or to have the coolest this or that. This far in my travels I think I have figured out the life I wish to lead for myself and those of my surroundings.<br />
This is silly.<br />
This is really far fetched.<br />
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<b>But</b><br />
this is really the meat of my last two months. Something about traveling here in SE Asia has morphed this concrete idea of who I want Carissa to be like,act like, live by. Maybe it was the huge cultural impressions, or the many other trillion backpackers from all over the globe influencing me slightly, or maybe it was the many quiet moments I had to gather my own thoughts, organize these suckers, and prioritize my being in a way that made this trip of course memorable and self fulfilling. Not exclaiming to be the new Buddha of Asia, nor the girl that goes and travels and comes back this "holy hell she's so different" of a person, nor do I really need to explain myself.....but I can explain one thing. When given moments of peace, silence, ability to be lost in thought with zero distraction, I have experienced some of my happiest days. Days crystal clear of confusion. I am overbearing with happiness. Traveling is about seeing the unseen, doing the coolest things to tell mom and dad, taking that super eye appealing picture, but what I have found is that traveling is <i>this, this </i>happiness that's constantly running through me. It's toxic, it's fun, it's something I hope to carry through my day to day life when the adventure is over. This is simple, what am I thinking? I know. You have to agree everyday is an adventure whether stuck in the most boring lecture, or lost in the jungle in fear of a monkey snatching your sunglasses. Sometimes life is so busy we forget the main motives, like happiness. THIS is what traveling has unraveled for me. <br />
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I am the antsiest on the plane<br />
I am ready to be cold<br />
I am ready to feel clean<br />
I am ready to continue on the adventure<br />
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Okay okay the wine cart is coming.<br />
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Uh and Jen has her blanket on her head....We are flying AirIndia, I gotta go. </div>
Carissa Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184801815238302103noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618257905573530044.post-38226495270704772492015-02-24T19:50:00.000-08:002015-02-24T19:50:39.848-08:00My true love....Vietnam.<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Americans in Vietnam added a twist to our trip. Everywhere I have ever gone in this world, Americans were loved. Always. We were favored, trusted, and never thought of as evil. Entering Vietnam quickly changed this view. We soon learned to claim to be Canadian, where from in Canada that was the least of our worries. Anything to keep us from getting the "oh you are Americans" look. </div>
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With that being said, Vietnam has been a favorite thus far. Vietnam is beautiful and I instantly fell in love with the country despise I couldn't be my own nationality from time to time. But how can I be upset, Americans had totally destroyed Vietnam in the war, so I just had to be mindful of that. </div>
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My one an only topics I wish to cover in this blog is my favorite town. </div>
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Hoi An. </div>
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<i>"An <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ancient Town that is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site."</span></i></div>
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Hoi An was majestic, all the buildings are painted this mustard yellow color. Each store/shop/mart/restaurant had its own uniqueness of design whether some rustic shutters, a immaculate arch way, or some colorful flowers that forced you to snap a picture. This town was gold. It made me smile. It held history within these yellow stone walls that made you question Hoi An's history. This town ran along the Mekong River, many evenings Jen and I would sit on a rooftop bar and just soak it all in. Not to mention the most precious elderly people would be waiting to canoe you down the river for a dollar a person. It was romantic in its own way. Coincidently we spent Valentines Day here, and I was truly in love with traveling at this point. So it made for a Valentine's Day I won't forget. On the other side of Hoi An was the South China Sea, that you could take a bicycle out for the day and spend your day beachside. </div>
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Now. </div>
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Let me express to you this bike ride. </div>
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Maybe my heart was just so full from this town already, but this bike ride was excellent. We roamed through some small villages getting waved at by the local children, them shouting HELLO in their best English accents, we ran into some lost cows that seemed just as happy as us, we biked though the most lush green field of nothing that I have ever seen. We peddled and peddled and I never wanted this day to end. I was beaming with joy and even more in admiration for this city. </div>
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Hoi An is a place to see, put it on your bucket list. </div>
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They are known for their tailor work, you could show them some Pinterest picture of this romper you've been dying to find, in half a day it was made for you for a great price and fits oh you know, perfectly. </div>
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Maybe I was so head over heels for this place because is was so vastly different from the rest of Vietnam. Maybe because here I could be an American, maybe because I smiled the entire 5 days, maybe because we were sharing our time with two girls we've met from New Zealand that we equally adore, maybe because I got clothing made that fit my tall ass self perfectly, maybe because it was the buy one get one drinks, or maybe the pure beauty of this simple slow pace romantic history enriched city. </div>
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Vietnam has a special spot in my heart, the many hardships this country has endured due to us "horrible Americans" puts life into a different perspective. A perspective I have never thought of. </div>
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Tata for now Vietnam. I'll be back. </div>
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Carissa Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184801815238302103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618257905573530044.post-39536073352169416592015-02-07T05:42:00.000-08:002015-02-07T07:14:09.271-08:00Lovely Lavish Laos!Friends here from Laos, missing home, slightly, but not coming home yet mom. Sorry.<br />
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Laos at it's slow pace, calm way of living, and aside from 1/3 of this country still covered with Unexploded Ordinance from Vietnam War, and the frequent beaming stares we get from the small school aged girls, Jen and I enjoyed our time here.<br />
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We realized that many, okay most of our days were spent in pure laughter. We hit up a few tourist sights, but in all honestly we were totally fine with gallivanting around doing much of nothing.We laughed so hard over the many differences that this culture shared with us. The laughter was so great that I felt compelled for my Laos blog to share our giggles. <br />
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Upon arrival our first laugh was of course how our squatting game is A+. Small holes in the ground are no longer a fear, and just a laugh over releasing the main vein. We finally figured out what the spray hose next to the toilet is for. AKA "bum gun". Pluming in most of Asia is either A. non-existent or B. hardly existing. SO bum gums are used to wash off after your duty is done so that you don't need toilet paper for most sewage systems cant handle toilet paper. Jen and I cant say we've been the best about this, hell we steal every roll of toilet paper we lay eyes on, but we can say we haven't had any overflows so we are two thumbs up thus far.<br />
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Ladyboys. Are a real thing. Ladyboys pass us, Jen and I look at each other and quickly assure our self that they are indeed cuter then us. Do we go and high five them?<br />
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Mealtime is getting FUN my friends, we are getting adventurous and ordering a variety of things YET it never fails when we find a dish we like and we go to order it again it is never. I repeat. never. the same. Frustrating at first, but now has us laughing. If you think you are going to get your dishes all at the same time, wishful thinking. The dishes come out approximately 5-10 minutes apart. We always order chicken as the meat choice with our dishes, and Im convinced I have digested more then just "<i>chicken</i>". Which leads me to, if you have a food allergy, may peace be with you. No such thing of what the heck it means when you say, no peanuts, or no dairy.<br />
We also have this sick obsession or maybe addiction to these fruit shakes that are every direction that you look. My favorite COCONUT, cannot get enough. With that being said, they use ICE,some more then others. And each damn good delicious shake is a HUGE risk. And now has turned into a gambling game of "oooo this ones great, not to icey" or "ohhhhh no, pretty icey" or my favorite when Jen ordered her most recent one, and we took it to the pool and she was instantly in fetal position, and as Im looking at her wondering if she's going to make it. She says, "but its soooooo goood" Like I said, sick obsession.<br />
The wait staff here typically don't speak the best of English, so when we go to order something they just scribble something down and walk away, which is also reassuring that they probably just made up what you will be eating for this meal. Which could lead to why we never get the same thing. You know double dipping? That happens for every dish/shake. A big lick of the spoon to taste it while it's being made, then another lick and dip right back into the dish before it's served. It's like a cooking law in order to be a good cook/shake maker, you gotta double dip. Oh well. when in Asia.<br />
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My ultimate favorite laugh is <i>the</i> infamous Elephant pants. Hear me out. Most touristy places all sell the same items. Therefore most backpackers have a lot of the same purchases. The one in particular is these flowy, thin material, many colors,originated for females, elephant print pants. They cost somewhere around 4 US dollars. I personally own a pair. Hard to pass up, lil tank tucked into these babies an you have an easy outfit. Outfits are hard to come up with when backpacking, if its on the bottom of the bag you just simply aren't wearing it. back on topic. There is something so freaking comical, when you see a pack of 15 Chinese/Korean/Asian <b><span style="font-size: large;">male</span></b> tourist coming your way, all wearing a different colored elephant pant. Not to be stereotyping but its seriously hilarious. One maybe because the pants scream female to me. The sheer, thin,girl cut of these pants just aren't doing it for them. Or two do they not know? Or three do these men know how much of a laugh they are giving the female backpacking population. If its the latter option, then keep the elephant pants a coming. <br />
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Jen and I have decided we make a good team for traveling with one another. We like to leave our cell phones in our rooms and go on dinner dates. We love reacting the many hilarious things that we have encountered. We often gather around the "Southeast Asia on a Budget" book together in preparations of the following day or the next destination. Because backpacking takes work, organization, and is more planning then any "I want to travel" human can imagine. Promise you.<br />
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Im thankful for Jen as my right hand lady, we are having the most joyful time we can possibly imagine. We are meeting incredible people from all over this beautiful world. I personally am learning more about our world then I did my numerous of years in history classes. I love the English accent. Canadians are indeed so damn nice, say "eh" way too much, Netherland folks know how to have a riot of a time and can keep up with Americans humor, Germans can drink, lots. Australians have an undying love for their country. And the list continues. Traveling is an experience in itself, and meeting people so different from you makes the experience that much more humbling.<br />
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Tomorrow we fly to Vietnam, nerves are high, but Vietnam we are coming for you.<br />
PS. Vietnam is known for the many seamstress' aka you can have anything you can imagine custom made for you. Hellooooo tall girls dream.<br />
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.over n out. Carissa Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184801815238302103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618257905573530044.post-37905579207646981822015-01-26T18:56:00.001-08:002015-01-26T19:12:25.215-08:00Sawat dii!<br />
Greetings!<br />
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Before coming to Thailand please promise me two things...you will practice squatting/hovering over a hole, and you will bring a Costco size package of toilet paper with you? If you can answer yes to both of these questions then Thailand awaits you.<br />
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But really The Land of Pad Thai....and land of no toliet paper.<br />
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We started in <span style="font-size: x-large;">Bangkok</span>. Overrated. Moving on.<br />
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With two short nights there we scurried on out. The city is large, highly populated, and just simply spoke about a little to highly.<br />
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To escape the city we went a few miles outside of Bangkok where we enjoyed playing with kitties. Large 10 month old tigers, that had the hair on my neck standing straight up, but the cats were precious after all, and if you could get past the size of one paw being the size of your head then you were even able to enjoy the furry guys.<br />
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After, WHICH was really neat....We boarded our long tail boat aka boat very close to the water and if you are like myself you'd immediately search for life vests. Not to worry. There wasn't one onboard. But hey, the floating market was radical!!!!! Imagine going grocery shopping, you write your list and you get on your long tail and there you go floating down the highly packed river, everyone on boats, selling everything from clothing to local fruits. The sight was fascinating. I was wide-eyed the entire time, just thinking of life/grocery shopping in that way.<br />
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Headed up north our next pit-stop, <span style="font-size: x-large;">Chiang Mai</span>.Yes I love this place. Yes I want to return. Yes. Yes. Yes.<br />
I was told by one of the moms I sat for that we must go to Chiang Mai, this small, not as busy, slower pace, touristy hub was perfect. The town has this adorable "old city" where we stayed, that is actually a moated area. The small area within the moat is all walkable, very cozy feel, and the area left a smile on our faces. Not to forget here they are known for this noodle coconut soup called Khao Soi. Woowers, wish I could have mailed you people some. Couldn't get enough.<br />
We did a day tour our second day here and we covered it all. Ready.<br />
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-Visited the Long Neck Village, which is a refugee area for these women and their families as they escaped Myanmar(Burma), where they are sadly shoot still to this day. These women cannot leave the village and make all income from us tourists. What I saw was hard to believe. One this small village, the schoolhouse the size of an Americans "walk-in" closet. AND Lord have mercy these peoples necks. Was crazy, we bought some goods and I said a lil prayer. This world defines beauty in the most unreal ways. Fun fact they start wearing necks rings at age 4(females) and add a ring every 3 years. SOOO I would have 7 rings, now thats a thought.<br />
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-Elephant show, where a baby elephant indeed lifted me up over his head. Strong beebee.<br />
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-Rode a large few ton elephant through the jungle terrain. FUN! Especially when our guide insisted singing Justin Beeb the entire time. (what we get for saying we are Americans, oh well)<br />
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-Hung with some Cobras, and other killing snakes. Scary and the men putting on the show made us scream more then once. They would say tit okay tit okay si si downnnn miss amurika. Which we clearly translated to "Its okay sit sit down Miss America". But when these fools are kissing King Cobras that can have you dead in 30 minutes it was hard to sit down.<br />
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-We rafted down a river. Okay we sat on a bamboo raft and watched the gentleman meander us down the river.<br />
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We went back to our room, and since it was my birthday eve we hit the town. Had a lovely time chugging the local beer(Leo/Chang) and danced our night away.<br />
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druuuuuummmmroooolllllll<br />
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Woke up, and it was indeed the day of Birth. We headed to the countryside of Chiang Mai, to our <i>Treehouse</i>.<br />
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On the way we made a stop at the "sticky waterfall". Was pretty cool the waterfall itself had ample amounts of calcium in the water making the waterfall not only beautiful but easier then normal to climb, even when barefoot. Pretty neat.<br />
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Back to the <i>Treehouse</i>....Couldn't have picked a more remarkable place. We slept in a treehouse! With a toilet, a shower, lil living room, and a bedroom. As I climbed up into our home for the night we couldn't get over it. We felt like children. IT WAS PERFECT! Had some amazing food, and ended the birthday with a bottle of champagne as we listened to the nature that surrounded us.<br />
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Next <span style="font-size: x-large;">Pai</span> getting here was well, interesting. Our driver was either wasted, texting, or had a lead foot that would NOT give up. This 4 hour zig zag journey in a mini van with about 12 others, was a ride from Hell. We laughed, and we were shouting in the back, and held on with both hands.<br />
Pai is this small small small hippy town, that was filled with dreadlocks, baggy clothes, and reggae music. We relaxed and tried to stay outta the way, we didn't exactly fit in. We hung for two nights visited the street markets, gallivanted around, and relaxed at a pool. We had the itch to carry on and I must have ate something that the tum didn't like sooo we woke up super early to catch our bus and not to long before the national anthem was blaring over the streets load speakers I lost my marbles, completely. As Im dealing with that I am also crossing my fingers we wouldn't have the same bus driver.<br />
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++we didd't, we just had his brother+++<br />
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Leaving Pai was equallyy Hell.<br />
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Lastly we finally made it to our last stop in Thailand, <span style="font-size: x-large;">Chiang Rai</span> here we visited the breathtaking white temple. A man devoted his life making this temple of all white, was quite the sight. <br />
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And thennnn we witnessed a Monk (age 54 ish)using a selfie stick. Taking a selfie.<br />
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And we left.<br />
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Now we just crossed the boarder into Laos, getting adjusted for the evening on our 12 hours bus ride to <span style="font-size: x-large;">Luang Prabang, Laos</span>.<br />
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Let's do this.<br />
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Oh yea the busses are "expected" to break down. Casual.<br />
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<br />Carissa Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184801815238302103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618257905573530044.post-52790986924121519542015-01-13T21:05:00.000-08:002015-01-13T21:43:24.739-08:00Kiwi LandN Zed. New Zealand. Land of Kiwis.<br />
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rubbish means trash.<br />
crisp means chips.<br />
sweet as means cool<br />
jandals means flip flops<br />
motorway means highway<br />
gutted means lost for emotions, lost for words<br />
stubbies means VERY short men shorts<br />
takeaway means togo<br />
andddd Kiwis are what the native folks prefer to be called also is their national bird.<br />
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After being surrounded by a new vocab list when I didn't think it was even possible for we all speak perfect English, I was wrong. Was fun. Rubbish is fun to say, so is jandals!<br />
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New Zealand was divine. As I was talking to Hannah on our last day, I was lost on how to explain this country, so work with me here.<br />
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Picture your favorite artist sitting on a large plot of land, this land being NZ. This land is like an artists masterpiece drawn so perfectly using the most beautiful colored paints, pencils, markers, crayons, water colors. This land seems as if the ocean was poured perfectly around two large masses of land(North and South Island)The water was blue, deep, clean, fresh blue. The mountains were covered in sheer moss that seems as comfy and plush as my bed back home, the mountains were so tall that clouds could only reach midway, each mountain looks like someone spent decades chiseling each collision of Earth's plates into the most picture perfect mountain I could only dream of. The greenery was endlessly lush in every direction you looked, the perfect shaped leaves, the most gorgeous bark, the purest of waterfalls crash down leaving mist against your skin.<br />
This land is breathtaking, and brought endless moments of stares of awe. I found myself frequently having to put down my camera for I couldn't capture what was being seen.<br />
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Amongst the beauty, there is safety. HOLY COW. What a uplifting change. New Zealand feels so safe, not because laws are crazy intense or cops are enforcing at every corner, because I saw maybe 4 cops the entirety of my time here. This country is peaceful, no ugly, no rude, no horrible terrifying news, and genuinely freaking pleasant people to be surrounded by.<br />
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America worries about the most peculiar things, when I step back and think its the many idiots that have ruined our once before relaxed country. WELL if you need a refresher, head over to New Zealand. Every way we would look, we easily followed up with "this would never be allowed in America" such as<br />
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-no rail guards on anything, not along bridges that drop off into the ocean, none for street cable cars to instruct you to keep back, etc<br />
-open container is fine<br />
-driving with a beer responsibly is fine<br />
-STOP signs are to harsh, here they say "Give way"<br />
-parallel parking can be hard, who cares if you aren't right by the curb<br />
-no signs saying not to litter, you know just not to<br />
-a car crash is indeed an accident and is resolved with a sorry and a payment if needed<br />
-no security when flying domestic, just walk up to your gate and welcome aboard.<br />
<br />
I swear I could have 100 bucks taped to my back and no one would attempt to take it.<br />
You may think, well they are just asking for something to happen. Which isn't the case. Call me naive, you just gotta experience it for yourself.<br />
The list is endless, the happiness here is visible. I have always been told, Never trust anyone, but here that rule doesn't apply.<br />
<br />
It made exploring so carefree and such a joy, hard to explain.<br />
<i>two big thumbs up.</i><br />
<br />
.....<br />
<br />
While we were here we packed our time with adventure after adventure, traveling from the north tip of the North Island to the south most tip of the South Island!<br />
<br />
Sheepville had me again in awe for my father dear used to be a rather impressive sheep sheerer himself so I was quite enthralled. From watching how sheep are sheered and how the oh so intelligent sheep dogs get these fur balls to round up and literally can force them into any direction within seconds and by applying death stares and standing at certain angles. Just awesomeness all around. Sheep industry here is like the wine making industry in California. huge deal.<br />
<br />
We stopped at any water we saw, considering we were 100% surrounded by the deep blue it wasn't hard to take millions of pictures while constantly pointing "look at that" "woah look wow" <br />
<br />
We got to enjoy the Haka dance, which is a traditional ancestral war cry, dance or challenge from the Māori people of New Zealand. It is a posture dance performed by a group, with vigorous movements and stamping of the feet with rhythmically shouted accompaniment. And today is incorporated before the New Zealand Rugby team competes/ goes to war. Note to self, dont ask a local, " What is the haka?"<br />
<br />
Milford Sound. google it. WOW, about all I can say. Breathtaking cruise tour we took in the great discovery of Milford Sound. When bored just look at google images. You wont be wasting your time. promise.<br />
<br />
Visited SkyCity in Auckland, viewing he city from way tooooo high up, watching brave folks plunge off the top of the building, no thanks.<br />
<br />
Went to the coolest concert in the towns botanic gardens of Wellington, then once sunset it transformed into a brightly lighted magical plant wonderland. Also interesting how a New Zealander can sing these American songs perfectly, yet when they speak they have such a thick accent. Talent.<br />
<br />
In Queenstown we enjoyed the nightlife <b>fully</b>, and had our share of fun by riding these gravity controlled "luges" down the mountain side, was a complete release of our inner child, Hannah and I didn't want to leave. <br />
<br />
And last but most certainly not least, we ate, and ate, and ate a lot. So much food and such good food at that, and so thankful for stretchy pants:)<br />
<br />
If I haven't convinced you to add New Zealand to your bucket list, then I'll try now....DO IT!<br />
<br />
takin' off shortly, next stop <span style="font-size: x-large;">Bangkok</span><br />
Jen are you ready?(and Alicia for a short period) Happiness overload...<br />
Carissa Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184801815238302103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618257905573530044.post-29519865814067442372015-01-03T00:50:00.000-08:002015-01-03T18:17:12.721-08:00The journey has begun! our flight to Fiji was a breeze, we departed pretty late so shortly after take off I was a snoozin' pup. Dad found a poker game on the individual TV screens we each had and was content for the duration of the flight. He also told me each time he "whooped ass" on the game, which was nothing shy of every 30 minutes. As the lights trickled on in the main cabin and we had been traveling for almost 11 hours, breakfast was being served ,and we were minutes from landing.<br />
<br />
........<br />
<br />
<br />
BULAAAA! First word Dad and I heard as we exited the plane, entering the wonderful island of Fiji. At first I was convinced they said Ebola and started to panic. Not to mention the Ebola form we had to fill out on the plane a few minutes prior. They smiled when they said BULA and never said it quietly so I had mixed emotions. Ebola or are they greeting us? Soon learned it was simply them greeting us. Essentially hello and farewell. We quickly fetched our rental car and were soon on our way. First impression I was reminded of Sri Lanka welcoming folks, humid as hell, and the tropical blue within sight.<br />
<br />
In fact this country was a lot like Sri Lanka actually, minus the language barrier and the strict dress code that Sri Lanka has, so the memories began to fill my mind. It was relaxing and made me happy.<br />
Fiji is poor, very poor, everyone runs around without shoes and lives in shacks some with electricity some do without. The average wage is 4 Fiji dollars an hour/aka 2 american dollars. PER HOUR. nuts.Makes you think. The people were happy, so damn happy it made me sulk in the numerous pity parties we americans have weekly, hell daily.<br />
<br />
Children always catching my eye, here had me hooked. The family dynamic/parenting of the kiddos was one for the books.Children 3 or 4 years of age (shoeless) running around their village waving to us white folk like we were celebrities. I was really on the edge of my seat when we drove past this river bank, black as mud and these tiny humans again nothing shy of 4, cannon balling off the 15 foot bridge. No parents, no shoes, no swimsuits. The kids run around like monkeys so wild and free made me feel like I was living the life of the Jungle Book right before my eyes. Kinda loved it, was so stress free.<br />
<br />
We stayed two nights in local hotels, nothing fancy and that was okay. The second night we travelled to the other side of the island were we spent new year and had a great firework show literally above our heads. As we drove through all the villages, my favorite part was when we stopped at a coconut hut and each got a coconut and chatted with the locals for a few minutes. So enlightening, such good english, and such hard workers. They shared with us about their families, their many kids, which coconut trees they prefer to climb and so on. I was avoiding questions about myself, what was I going to say "oh yea just some american girl traveling the world, thanks for your coconut that I'm sure took you a great deal of time to climb up a 30 foot tree and fetch for me", then to only gather cents for this coconut. man. Spoiled at its finest. I enjoyed the heck out of that coconut and Dad gave the men all his American change he had on him. They beamed with joy and we carried on. <br />
<br />
The last two nights we stayed at an over the top holy moly exquisite resort beach front, yet spoiled again, but the fare was too good and having air condition was a huge plus. But the resort was seriously too nice. We enjoyed live entertainment, lots of wine, and excellent food.<br />
The last evening we took a small adventure, Dad drove around and we explored. We found this gravel road that took us past a cremation venue and we had the oh so pleasant joy seeing a cremation take place, mind you its nothing like the states, very visual, but thats what we get for exploring....not but a few feet ahead we found this oasis of a place that was just magical. This local resort that wasnt high class and just lovely. Ocean front and cheap messages, we helped ourself to an hour long message for 20 bucks. score! The best part was the lil hut for the message was literally feet away from the ocean and the misuse had me strip down and had no problem helping, slightly odd considering there was no privacy, and everyone staying at that resort had a great view of my transparent bod, but I got over it and was knocked out minute 3.<br />
<br />
Woke up this morning, packed up, and ready to head out. Dad had a little stomach episode this morning that had me freaking out so was it Ebola or Bula, now was the question.<br />
<img src="webkit-fake-url://20356532-6c4d-47a0-9066-1ccf8caa54af/imagejpeg" /><br />
<br />
Luckily it past quickly and now we are an hour away from landing in New Zealand.<br />
<br />
Oh and Dad is at it again ''whoopin ass" at that poker game.<br />
<br />
till we meet again.<br />
ps having trouble uploading photos,bare with meCarissa Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184801815238302103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618257905573530044.post-43459162386146739972014-12-19T11:53:00.002-08:002014-12-19T11:59:24.641-08:00The craziest time of the year! <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Tis' the season to personally partake in throwing back some hot chocolate with little snowman marshmallows, enjoying some Christmas colored M&Ms, a few home baked goods, and of course one or two of the holiday seasons must try Shocktop collection of beer that is simplify divine. </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">This Christmas season is a bit of a hot mess wonderland. This week I closed down shop in the big ol capital city of Sacramento. Last day of work was yesterday and as I kissed my beloved babies goodbye, I know ill be in touch, and this is simply a see you later. </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Had a roaring last night out with the best of best friends that Sacramento brought to me as well as my high school friends that came to Sac to help celebrate. Now its time to pull the curtains and buckle up for take off.</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Literally. </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Headed to the ranch today for one last kiss from momma bear before the adventure of my life. This Christmas Santa is bringing me tennis shoes, leggings, a backpack, and a map. </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" />
<span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px;">Packing for this 6 month journey was nothing but a mess. My room was a wreck till this morning at 4am when I was forced to leave my bed, and California at that. I have no idea if what I packed will suffice. BUT it is what it is now.</span></span><br />
<br />
and so it begins....<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">After Tejas, My dad and I take off for Fiji, beyond excited! New years will be in the great tropical island of pinapples and rainforest terrain, bring it.</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Then a hop over to New Zealand, where my dear college friend, Hannah will be joining me! Last minute additions are always a treat:)</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Thennnnnnnn mid January I leave my dad and Hannah for Bangkok, where Jen the travel partner and I take on the world!</span><br />
<br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">The levels of excitement aren't even bearable. Will be updating frequently, stay tuned!</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" />Carissa Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184801815238302103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618257905573530044.post-90167820651390312112014-11-02T17:58:00.001-08:002014-11-02T17:58:08.919-08:00holy cow.
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hi Friendlings!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Much to recap.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Much to be thankful for.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Much news to share.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Much to little time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life has been full, delightful, plentiful, exciting, and
assuring. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have been working. HARD. Two jobs every day. One at the
infant unit at the preschool, which I love, and hardly love. Bittersweet
relationship. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some days I have 7 infants to my two hands, those days are
hard, long, and allow me to go bald. Some days I have 2 infants those days I
wish I could take them home with me like a “rent a baby”. Infants are tiny,
microscopic to some, and seriously the most interesting stage of development. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Infancy-pure of the pure the most dependent of dependent,
and the most life fulfilling that one can feel. Least how my emotions run.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have learned patience, I have learned the coolest
swaddling bundling body bouncing shhhing soothing rhythm possible, for that I
call myself the infant whisperer, and I think I deserve a name tag with that
title under it. BUT that’s just my opinion.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I deal with stress and anxiety and uncertainty, and mothers
that ask me questions that make my down earth carefree self completely <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">stressed</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The way the parents talk to me, with such trust with their
most prized possession is rewarding. I love feeling so loved with each of the 7
tiny people. I feel spending 40 hours a week with some of these babies has me
feeling like their second mom. I can hardly take a bathroom break without
completely chaos when I return. They are attached, as am I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The feeling of a 3 or 10 month old
recognizing you before the cognitive development of speech is in play is heart
warming, and oh so something to smile about. It’s all about the tiny souls you
leave your impact on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love the relationship I have with all 7 of the infant’s
parents. Each so unique, from parenting style to those “cool” parents, to those
“how are you a parent” style. I learn a lot from them and remember a lot to add
to my book of NEVERS. Parenting is hard, I question if I’m even cut out for the
job one day. Currently that answer is HELL no. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a cat n’ mouse race. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love my job, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">but</i>
I love what my future has on hold…….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-----<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently was accepted into Nursing School, something I have
dreamt of for years, a dream I chased after and tripped over time, and time
again. And finally I won the race. Nursing school student August 2015 count me
in! It’s hard to reach over your shoulder and pat yourself on the back after what’s
in your mind failure time and time again. This time was rewarding and such a
breath of fresh air. Still can’t stop from grinning. So<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
See ya in 10 months Saint Elizabeth’s School of Nursing
Lafayette, Indiana!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
……<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
……..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
………<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have always made one promise to myself <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
………<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
……..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
……<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and now its time to follow through.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before nursing school, I insisted I must travel, and travel
extensively before I entered the accelerated life of nursing school, then my
career starring at me, then marriage yanking at my leg, then children running
around with snotty noses.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So with that I am working hard like mentioned before.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 24.0pt;">Because</span> this December
I am embarking on a 5-6 month journey.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Crazy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With my backpack, passport, Jen whom I traveled to Sri Lanka
with, and an adventurous heart we are ready for take off.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have destinations we wish to reach yet no specific path
we must follow. We want the wind to carry us wherever it may take us. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We want adventure, safety, culture, adrenaline, pizazz, and
a book full of memories. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The tentative itinerary<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~3 weeks with my dad hitting up Australia, New Zealand, Xmas
islands, Fiji<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~Lil flight over to Bangkok to meet up with Jen in mid
January. 2 months in Asia<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~Skip on over to Europe 2 months here as well, with hopes of
anyone and everyone coming to visit, mom and Pete already on check with this
idea<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~Then final potential stop to the UK for 3 week-1 month.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Its nuts, makes my mom pick her nails, but it’s a must, and
we cant wait to set sail.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lots to come.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh and its Fall my favorite time of the year, so much bliss,
grab some pumpkin spiced anything and enjoy it with some great company.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Til’ we meet again<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Carissa Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184801815238302103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618257905573530044.post-32352485667864375792014-07-07T18:06:00.000-07:002014-07-07T18:21:38.101-07:00The long overdue update of the new graduate that is accepting the idea of growing up...maybe.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<div class="thread-body" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1404777808683_2065" style="background-color: white; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27px; margin-right: 27px; margin-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: inherit; width: auto;"></span><br />
<div class="body undoreset" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1404777808683_2225" style="background-color: inherit; display: table; font-family: monospace; padding-left: 0px; padding-top: 12px; width: auto; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: inherit; width: auto;">
</span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">Family, Friends, Stalkers,Acquaintances Hello! </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">So May 17th I graduated! First in the family on my moms side to do so! Yippy! </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">Graduation was awesome, the ceremony shook my bones and allowed me to fasten my seatbelt for the next chapter in life. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7fOiyNz6CBJP38WAfb7LVJWkYf03Gja_xQTQ2KxYBoPtnEZALFplWTq_l3rA6f1xUCvN0ujIA7UR8jETHX0WrTSyA1eYjH2am-yfMwYy903IxWVfq_0oEim-6eaFVBs5u0fG5SPiGI0/s1600/10390521_10152832592853574_7717318730281944531_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7fOiyNz6CBJP38WAfb7LVJWkYf03Gja_xQTQ2KxYBoPtnEZALFplWTq_l3rA6f1xUCvN0ujIA7UR8jETHX0WrTSyA1eYjH2am-yfMwYy903IxWVfq_0oEim-6eaFVBs5u0fG5SPiGI0/s1600/10390521_10152832592853574_7717318730281944531_n.jpg" height="320" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">Over the course of my 4 years of college, aside from the degree I was earning,Bachelors of Childhood Development and pre- nursing, I collected a list of the things I've gained/experienced/thought while in college.</span></div>
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<div>
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">Below is my <i>extensive</i> list of shananigins. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br /></span></div>
</span><br />
<div class="body undoreset" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1404778608291_2818" style="background-color: inherit; display: table; font-family: monospace; padding-left: 0px; padding-top: 12px; text-align: center; width: auto; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /> ~Men in suits are as delightful as a dark piece of the finest quality of chocolate. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">~You will win some and lose some. And that's okay. </span></div>
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<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">~I've learned that a 6 page paper can be knocked out in 2 hours especially if it's due at midnight and it's 10pm<br /><br />~I've learned when professors attempt to scare you about an exam you'll fail especially if you haven't started studying.<br /><br />~I've learned that college drivers are still idiots<br /><br />~Parking lots on campus are as scary as a racetrack with no race car<br /><br />~The gym on campus is where a lot of jersey shore individuals congregate<br /><br />~college boys still smell<br /><br />~Even though you are attending an English speaking public school, sometimes you are stuck with a professor that's knows 17 words of English, that's when you know your semester will be a hoot.<br /><br />~Most girls wear yoga pants. Daily. Never fails.<br /><br />~I've learned my hair can go 4 days without a washing especially during midterms/finals<br /><br />~The people within your major will be great for the vast majority of the time, then there will be the selected few that make you become a marathon runner when you catch a glimpse of them nearing you.<br /><br />~The first few weeks of school you can hardly find a seat in class not to fret week three the class is empty.<br /><br />~Parties will never meet the satisfaction as they did my college years. And that's fine liver replacements aren't cheap.<br /><br />~Being late to class sucks, but the price you pay for college makes it okay.<br /><br />~Being part of an organization. For myself the Greek system, amplified my connections, social outings, and poured me with the best of friends my college years could give. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: x-small;">~ my printer purchased 4 years ago, has remained in Chinese characters/language for the duration of its existence. no idea how to fix it. But it prints so well that learning how to read Chinese has crossed my mind.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: x-small;">~I have gone through enough paper to have sadly killed a forest</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: x-small;">~Managed to go through 6 phones in 4 years</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: x-small;">~accumulated enough parking tickets on campus to make a mural for my wall of all the tickets.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><b>And with my undergrad complete, and the random goodness college filled my life with, I wouldn't have done it any other way!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">Next you may ask.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">well... </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">Completing currently my last pre-req for nursing school. Amen.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">Hoping to score this awesome paid internship at UC Davis Medical Center within the next few weeks. I would be working in the Infusion pediatric unit, and I'd be one happy girl doing so.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><i>Fingers crossed</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">Ideally Id like to fill this year I am taking off from school (before RN school)with the most I possibly can. Build my resume, and gain experience. One step at a time, but I'll get there. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">Lots to come, excited where this graduated life takes me. Thanks to all the support of the past 4 years. Mom, Dad, Pete mucho thanks! <b> </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">P.S. Getting the itch to travel, stay tuned! </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Carissa Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184801815238302103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618257905573530044.post-34187432502934194472013-10-26T15:29:00.001-07:002013-10-26T15:29:01.939-07:00Fall, Father, and Freakin' Stress As I sip my favorite Pumpkin Spice coffee, I kick my feet up and rejoice about the best season of them all. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Fall time is so ridiculously pretty I find myself hardly paying attention to the car in front of me for the surroundings of warm color tones distract me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Fall time means I am almost to Christmas break for school, I almost get to wear the largest infinity scarfs that I can get a hold of, and I almost turn a new year older....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Fall also means I gain weight, I smile larger, and I roll around in leaf piles.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This Fall I get to spend with Jorge Verde, the father, the mastermind behind my goofball of a self. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
...................1 1/2 years ago I decided to attend Sacramento State, which put me a lil skip away from my daddieo. The idea was alright at first, being close to a parent wasn't always in the definition of "college life" BUT here I am today to explore my happiness that my father showers on me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
George is_______blank______________. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have, over the years, had numerous amounts of people go on and on about my dad, which warms my heart, as well as reminds me what my dad means to me. Many have plenty of parts of speech that could fill in this blank, arranging from a wide variety of words.....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
.....</div>
<div>
.....</div>
<div>
.......</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I</div>
<div>
I'd like to fill that blank in myself.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My D</div>
<div>
A</div>
<div>
D</div>
<div>
runs his own damn race, is the best at whatever he sets his mind to whether </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
abalone diving or choosing the restaurant to take me out to on our weekly father </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
daughter dates. He is <i>the </i>champ of all chimpanzees, he teaches me to reach for </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
the stars, he defines strength better than any bodybuilder, and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">impossible </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
isn't in his vocabulary.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sometimes I question myself how someone can take each problem/situation and flip the tables for a great laughing matter, I long to realize like my dad the simplicity to life, I want to never be afraid for adventure, I hope when I am over the age of 60 I have the endless desire to chase the wind.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As I get older I aspire to find a man that leads a life that my father lives. I hope the man of dreams resembles my father in the ways above. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I wish I could stand before the world and show the true definition of genuine, caring, giving, loving, strong, daring, adventurous, courageous, positive, happy, and funny as hell....because <i>my dad is ALL of the above</i>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In closing, Fall brings stress, but stress is a simple speed bump to climb right on over. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Luckily I am half of my father and, stressing is one of those things I try to realize as something that sneaks up on you but really is one of the most minor inconveniences.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
really. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
hear me out.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Most people that are "stressed" to me are important people that have been given a load of responsibilities to tackle for someone thought they could tackle the given tasks. Perhaps you are a student, a CEO, a parent, a friend, a spouse, a caregiver, a stripper for all get out. YOU WILL HAVE STRESS.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
okay so accept. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
life was handed to you on a platter of stress for someone believed in you to give YOU the amount of responsibility they know you are capable of.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Being stressed and claiming you are stressed will only lead you to be more stressed...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
make a list, get it done, then enjoy a massive glass of vino afterwards. speaking on behalf of myself and all you college folk, stress will never ever go away and quite frankly the amount of stress my parents have encountered from my 21 years of existence will be far more stress to swallow then any assignment ever given in school...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
embrace the challenge.....</div>
<div>
what is expected of you, was given to you for a reason.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
the degree, the job promotion, the awesome kids you raise, the person you become will be worth that platter of stress that was handed to you time after time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i>I promise.</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
With Fall in full throttle, I wish the happiest Holidays, may everyone take a moment to enjoy their surroundings, lighten the mood, and smile... life is nothing but beautiful. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
Carissa Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184801815238302103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618257905573530044.post-72995731592047306182013-08-09T17:21:00.002-07:002013-08-09T17:21:57.639-07:00<h2>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">What is luck to you?</span></span></h2>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Blogging to me is my outlet source...I write my blogs because someone or something has influenced me to do so</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">most of the time.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">THIS BLOG, I can thank a 3 year old.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As many of you know, my life is highly consumed with little fingers, tiny laughs, germs galore, many story times, 1001 games of hide-n-seek.....</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and,</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Not</i> to many intellectual conversations. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One day I was stumped. Inspired. And well even more giddy for the children that absorb my life.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One little boy (Nick), age 3. This particular boy never misses an opportunity to comment my hair, outfit, hairy legs, my eye color, my spotted skin, AND this time my jewelry.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Everyday I wear this gold ring on my left hand, that to a kid may look like a gold band-aid,or maybe just to a 3 year old it did. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To start the ring is special to me for I bought it with a few of my good friends, yet it turns my finger green half the time. It's special.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Nick asked me a few days ago out of the blue, while his TV show was on. He turned and looked at me almost as if he'd been waiting for the perfect moment...</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Nick states, "OHHH Carissa is that a band-aid on your finger"</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I told him no...it was a gold ring that is super special to me. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Nicks eyebrows crinkled. He said, "that thing on your thumb, is that a ring too?"</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I often forget since it doesn't come off, but quickly I said yup Nick two rings indeed!!!</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Not but a few seconds later Nick nailed it, "Man, Carissa, TWO? TWO rings, my Carissa you are so so so lucky."</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">First I didn't have an idea of what to say to Nick, I looked at my hand with two scraps of metal, one around my thumb, one around my index finder. I was thinking...</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">LUCK</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">LUCK</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">LUCKY? </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I smiled at Nick, "Yes Nick I am super duper lucky to have TWO whole rings."</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The conversation ended, and heck Nick probably doesn't even recall the conversation at this point, but this one stuck with me. Left me thinking.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">~ <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i>this is what I've collected ~</i></span></span></span></h3>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">Luck
in my mind is a cluster of some of the best qualities life has to offer, all in one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">I
don’t believe in luck to be blunt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
believe in endless happiness, thoughtful ways to give your own hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">I
believe in karma, or a derivative of making this world a better more beautiful
happy blissful place. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">I believe in fairness, smiles, compassion, desire, strength, thought, and the list goes on.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">As
Holly Harrison shared with me,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> “Good or bad, something extraordinary or tragic
people claim it as luck because it is such a different situation than their
everyday life…When really life is full of all kinds of jolts and twists and
upside down spins. We’re just to in routine to realize it’s coming.”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">I
run my life from sun up to sun down in a mindset that makes others tired. I
think running with the unexpected bring more of the reward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">Life
isn’t about luck, life isn’t a game of “knocking on wood” to save yourself from
anything bad. Or "just my luck". Life is what you bring to the table. Life is what makes your
heart beat to its own rhythm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
</i></span><i><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">Luck
to me…. Is deciphered with my own actions, your own ways of living. Luck
isn’t a token that’s tossed your way when you least expect it, to save you one last time....OR to really screw it all up.</span><span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';"> You can see it coming, least I can. </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">Luck
is a melting pot of the entire picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">There
is no scale on the spectrum of a lucky life, nor does wealth matter, nor does location. Yet some may disagree with me, claiming life is all about...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i><div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';"><br /></span></div>
</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">LUCK.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">I
say life is about direction. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">What
direction do you wish to lead your life to find that pot of gold?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">What
direction makes you rejoice in cartwheels?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">What
direction makes you feel your own definition of luck?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">Materialistically speaking 2 golden rings ARE lucky, 2 is clearly more appealing then 1... to a 3 year old,
but to my 21 year old self…2 golden rings made ME explore my idea of “luck”.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">2 golden rings
showed me the mindset I want to have and most importantly the mindset I choose
to have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">To
me it was a lesson taught by a 3 year old, to show myself what LUCK is defined
within my heart....and not just what I have to "show-off" my luck, because in the end that's not what matters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Carissa Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184801815238302103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618257905573530044.post-6242135082312726382013-05-20T13:05:00.000-07:002013-05-20T13:05:44.927-07:00<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">.....I get it.....</span></h3>
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I don't know how many times I recently have found myself smiling or crying all in the sense of finally understanding. My mom, father, step-father, and many others have pounded the endless comment in my head "You'll understand one day". That one day, I thought would never come. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">WRONG.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">AGAIN.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This blog I guess you can say is proof that your elders <i>kinda </i>know what they are talking about. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Or..as you age in general, some things you finally just GET. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">...at 21 years young....</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get why smiling is the most important first impression.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get why kids are not to be had until marriage, and until after the age of 23 at least. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get why my job is babysitting. To help me understand the earlier statement.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get why my mom made me pay for my own gas, it isn't cheap, yet a pretty crucial resource.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get why you should make your bed after you wake up, makes climbing into it that evening much more fun.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that saying NO isn't a bad thing.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get why being clean is mandatory. To present yourself the way you dream of people remembering you.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get why organization is key to a successful week.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get why my mom would stress about having my lunch packed the night before, mornings are never a good time for lunch packing.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get why nutrition is essential, you have one body, one life. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get why exercise was mandatory in grade school, obesity kills.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get why a glass of wine is good for the soul, as well as bubble baths.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get why compliments are so hard to give, and even more difficult to accept. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get why my mom likes to wear black on black. It's classy, appealing, and suitable for any occasion. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get why I am obsessed with rearranging my room, change keeps you young.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get why people put flowers in living areas, adding life to any space gives you something to smile about.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get why clarity in any state is always good.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that honesty is NOT a game.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that words can hurt, actions hurt more.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get smiling after tears help. a lot.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get running away from problems should never be an option.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that my priorities might not be yours, and thats okay.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that friends are a great thing, and best friends are the irreplaceable things. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that dishes should never pile up, dishwashers are awesome, and unloading will never not suck.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that laundry should never pile, your clothes are apart of you, hang them. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that ironing is something people notice, un-ironed things people notice too. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that most TV is trash.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that most music is trash.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that your choices can make or break you. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that sunscreen does work.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that being on time really does matter, and may I add says a lot about your character.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get rules made for driving are to be followed, DEATH is on the line each time you start your vehicle.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that trying hard is different from trying.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that Kindergarden was the best grade, because you will never get an allotted time for naps. ever. again. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that making people happy feels good, but happiness within your own heart is what really matters. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that the world isn't out to get me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that I am the creature of my complications.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that accomplishing your dreams is very possible.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that most things aren't impossible.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that I have a love/hate relationship for my telephone, we live in a world that's hard to live without them.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that internet makes my life way to simple.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that children laughing makes me smile so large.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that snowcones make the world go around.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that coffee is my crack.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get what respect means. Being respectful to others, yourself, and your surroundings isn't easy. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that you sometimes treat the ones you love the most, the worst. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that grandparents won't be alive forever. call them.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that pets are family. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that meeting new people opens endless doors.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that religion, regardless what your faith is, having a foundation helps those maintain a structural life. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that a stern handshake says a lot, a lousy handshake says more.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that karma does come around.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that good food, and great company is fabulous.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get pouting will get me no where.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that surrounding yourself with negativity is like going to prison.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that changing a diaper isn't gross, it's a talent.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that kisses, from a dog or a human are super special.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that hugs make a person's day.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that wearing bright colors, makes your day feel brighter.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get wearing matching bra and panties adds a pep in your step for the day. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get the word "Hate" shouldn't me a word.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get over the top dramatic people are a different species. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get it isn't all about looks, yes I wasted half my high school years in front of a mirror.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that the kind of car you drive means NOTHING. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that being the best you can be, will get you places.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that traveling can change your life.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that Loving someone/something is a feeling most can't describe. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that there is danger, and crime,the world sadly isn't rainbows and popsicles.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that it's okay to have a bad day.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get mistakes happen.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get mistakes that you learn from, are mistakes you won't do again.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that having a clean home is as cool as getting a new wardrobe.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get being a good listener is something to strive towards. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that I am 21 years young, and that this is only 1/4 of what I'm bound to get as I venture through life.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that my elders were right.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that momma does know best.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I get that life isn't easy,but understanding some of the small things that make up life... helps.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Greatly. </i></span>Carissa Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184801815238302103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618257905573530044.post-1055241968022890932013-05-12T21:36:00.001-07:002013-05-12T21:52:41.581-07:00In celebration of Momma's Day, I cant help but to share.<br />
<br />
I have to brag, bragging that my mom deserves fully.<br />
<br />
My mom.<br />
<br />
Is beautiful from tip to toe.<br />
<br />
The most generous, warm, sympathetic, loving, bold women I know.<br />
<br />
<br />
I was blessed with my mom 21 years ago. 21 years ago my mom took on the role of being the best idol one could ask for.<br />
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On January 20, 1992 I was given the greatest gift. A mother that pours endless love. A mother that puts my life before her own. A mother that runs in circles to make ME happy. A mother that has listened to endless sob stories and still loves unconditionally. A mother that leaves a smile everywhere she goes. A mother that makes the rough times a time of learning. A mother that understand the definition of a 'good person'.<br />
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A mother that makes me the happiest daughter on Earth.<br />
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To my mom, may I recognize your hard word, dedication, and love you forever share. Never a day I forget your qualities that I strive to perfect by the time I am a momma.<br />
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I thank you for my freckles, my hump nose, my height, my big feet, and my big chubby cheeks.<br />
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I honor you in the way you have raised me to be the lady I attempt to be=)<br />
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<i>CHEERS</i><br />
<br />
To the women that has my entire heart, that is states away but only a phone call away to save the day!<br />
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I love you momma llama, more then all the fish in the sea....<br />
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Hope your Mother's Day was rewarding, for you are nothing short of Perfect !!!Carissa Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184801815238302103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618257905573530044.post-70810297092580717802013-04-04T14:35:00.000-07:002013-04-04T14:35:06.660-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Spring Break took me to the beautiful country of Italy.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Traveling around the country seems to be my cup of tea <i>or </i>my peace of mind. As I fasten my seatbelt 9.10.11.12.13.14.15 hours of travel is cake.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This trip we had a small layover in Paris, France(poor us) ha. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">By small I mean a 3 hour layover. We landed I grabbed Jenni's hand and we darted for the first train we saw, keeping our fingers crossed it would be the one that took us to the Eiffel Tower. With Jenni's knowledge, and myself giving her my trust we were on our way. We made it with just enough time to snap a picture and set back to the airport. Was worth the anxiety, if I say so myself. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Last leg ahead of us, next stop would be Florence, Italy! Oh man were we excited, after that small taste of Paris.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As many scramble with anxiety and fear of flying, I find myself closing my eyes kicking back ,and surrounding my thought process with an imaginary clip of the endless adventures I hope to immerse myself in upon arrival.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This time.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My imaginary clip took toll.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I imagined pasta. loads of pasta. meatballs. rich food forcing the pounds on.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I imagined buildings that reach the sky, cobble stone roads, small arch ways making be feel like a princess of ancient times running around trying to find my prince, churches so beautiful you can only stare, Italian fashion that makes me smile, Italian men that make me smile...more, the imagination went wild. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Matter of fact my imagination was met. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One slight bummer, my suitcase decided to take an alternative route and head to Berlin, <i>not</i> to worry Cole and I are the same size, thank the fashion gods for smaller then normal males, or maybe just fashionable men:) I was dressed well for the two days my suitcase was vacationing. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3HTaOeENjkSe7Ax01pJUOpICWEz8F3nH_rdfYZGt6UNEzr3AnjL8k-CMz88OA5UDoF7qx4ciMvSTnFVBqWr0SBq6SYBdQkU1XDZnzPzsBmIQGX4aS0vahOfSgX9RNTNkgFGQaZIwdTE/s1600/IMG_4874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3HTaOeENjkSe7Ax01pJUOpICWEz8F3nH_rdfYZGt6UNEzr3AnjL8k-CMz88OA5UDoF7qx4ciMvSTnFVBqWr0SBq6SYBdQkU1XDZnzPzsBmIQGX4aS0vahOfSgX9RNTNkgFGQaZIwdTE/s320/IMG_4874.JPG" width="239" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Landing in Florence we were directed by THE Cole Westerland, to take the bus to the train station to meet up with our tour guide for the week. So we did.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Cute tour guide, dont chya think?</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">next morning, Florence skies woke me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Italia.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> BOLD</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> HEART-DROPPING </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> STRIKING </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Italia.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">stole my <i>heart.</i></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></i>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cole insisted that we have "cultural days", days in which we had to Italianize ourselves. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cole sat Jenni and I down and made it rather clear how you can pick out an American in a crowd---</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> -talk obnoxiously loud, wear Northface anything, have big purses with strap </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">across the chest, leggings, baggy jeans, baseball caps, t-shits, backpacks, bad posture, pearl earrings, lots of University apparel, AND my favorite girls posing with their hand on the hip. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This called for a good laughing, and he was right, Americans are rather noticeable, after the American 101 lesson, it seemed like us Americans had a fat sign pasted to our forehead stating "Hey look at me, I'm American", obviousness at its finest.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I....</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was one of them.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am a proud American, and like any country we all have our stereotypes and ways we present ourselves. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Italians you see wear parkas, sweatpants, sneakers, and scarves as a typical everyday outfit. Italians also have a color palette of brown, blue, grey, and black. The men also have this hair thing going on thats like "hey, lets shave the sides of my head damn near bald, and keep this toupee of a style for the top of your head" SOME pulled it off, others shall wear a hat for the remainder of their existence. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">but seriously</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Italy was insanely gorgeous, I found it hard to remember to take my phone places to take pictures because seeing these sights in person was way more important, and the actual feel couldn't be captured. So I tired my best. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">While in Italy we visited Viterbo, Siena, Pisa for 20 minutes due to taking an incorrect train, and Florence where we stayed majority of the time. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duomo!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siena!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Italy has taught me 3 things, or maybe has helped enhance 3 things within my life. Regardless. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>one.</b> Having zero sense of time.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I never knew what time it was, nor did I care, everyone was late(hours late) and that was okay. I enjoyed the pace of life due to the absence of time. The pace in Italy was <i>sloooow</i> which gave me time each day to really absorb my surroundings, take in every aspect, whether the architecture or the bowl of carbs in front of me.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>two. </b>Company.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Beside my dearest friend Cole, who don't get me wrong as filled my heart more with this endless friendship that tickles my toes each time we reunite. The company in Italy was "real". By this, I am reminded of a evening we hung in a local coffee shop, where we had "aperitivo" in other words a cocktail, and appetizer....This older hip dressed man with a pup(everyone has a pooch with them, especially the elder) this man was a musician, and even though he spoke broken english, we chatted as a group the meaning of doing something you love. Yes, this conversation comes up a lot, but this time it was different. This <i>hip</i> older man used so much enthusiasm, hand motions, the largest smiles, the cutest dog, and entertained even me the non italian speaking individual on his views of enjoying what you do for the love of it, not the money it brings. It was pure, exciting, and nothing like I experienced before in random company if you will. Ideally it was a small encounter that opened a massive understanding to me. There is company. and. There is "real" company! </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>three. </b>The weight.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> As pictured above, sights in Italy were <i>nothing</i> like those you see in America or even other countries. Italy has an architectural design that is jaw dropping, eye widening, and as Cole states faint worthy. Yes people have fainted seeing such sights, such as the Duomo. The weight of this land, this country, this adventure, these landmarks, was insane. I stood at the top of the highest point in Florence over looking the entire city....weight was all I could feel. I was this little human, standing on this platform, over looking the most breathtaking piece of land my eyes have seen this far. Pictures don't do justice, but fill the void. The weight sent chills down my spine, and I have yet to understand the beauty of this land I was surrounded by. The weight has forced me to want more, to travel more, to see more, to feel the weight elsewhere, to understand our Earth. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lastly, my trip was ended with a smile</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the only way to end such an adventure. </span></span></div>
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Carissa Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184801815238302103noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618257905573530044.post-51915631020715217852013-02-10T17:42:00.000-08:002013-02-10T17:42:51.009-08:00<h2>
Step by Step...</h2>
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life has been going, full throttle at that.</div>
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Stepping into a new semester, a new home, a new year, a new me. I am happy.</div>
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The holidays rested me up for a whole handful of NEW.</div>
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I turned 21 and had an extremely wonderful 21st party, 1920's themed, it was a success! Then Vegas with a few of my old roommates from Santa Barbara, was a well rounded 21st if I say so myself!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I chose to move out of my three bedroom two bath house and upgrade per say to a 5 bedroom house with 4 other roommates instead of 2 others. May I say I am thrilled I did. Old neighborhood wasn't working out so much, those of you that remember teardrop old man next door, cat lady on the other side, and ideally not the place for me. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So I have moved closer to campus with girls that are excellently great! I have a larger room, newly remodeled house, and GUESS WHAT? College age neighbors</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I AM OVERLY FILLED WITH JOY! </span></div>
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This semester is important, as I should always do good... this semester I need to excel. My educational goal is to become a Nurse, to help those that can't themselves, to travel this world and aide the sick, to give my knowledge in a field I can't get enough of. </div>
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My plan....</div>
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Currently I am on track to complete my bachelors degree in Childhood Development in a bit over a year from now. This sounds lovely, BUT isn't the goal I have for myself.</div>
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I have applied for this next Fall 2013 to many nursing schools all over the face of our country. Im talking from TCU in Texas all the way to MSOE in Milwaukee. </div>
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I will, I will get into Nursing school.</div>
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The competition is killer, has me laying awake all hours of the night making</div>
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Plan B</div>
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............C</div>
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................D</div>
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..................EFG</div>
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its exhausting.</div>
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its my future.</div>
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why must it be so hard?</div>
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<i>Step by Step I will get there.</i></div>
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SO as of now, I complete my bachelors degree UNLESS I get into a nursing school come Fall then I will transfer once more and be finished in 2 years. Now if I don't hear from a nursing school, after completion of my bachelors degree I will apply to advanced nursing programs(14 months) throughout the country and cross my fingers once more. </div>
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This is life, no rush as my mom says, but I'm a girl with a plan, a plan that has me twisted with frustration. </div>
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My time will come, and then I shall shine.</div>
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WORK, or for me <i>PLAY...</i></div>
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I have a 6 family operation here in Sacramento, California. And let me tell you all it's setting off. I work daily. Yes, every single day! I work/play hard and love what I do. </div>
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Families 1-4, are all best friends each family has 2 kids. This occupies me Monday-Thursday. I learn a lot. Or should I say I get tested a lot.</div>
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My Patience level</div>
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My Respect level</div>
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My Tolerance level</div>
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My Discipline level</div>
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....all things I never really focused on. </div>
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Families 5 and 6 are sporadic and tend to fall on weekends if they aren't taken by families 1-4. </div>
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I learn the tedious yet meaningful attributes of little ones. I run 573 miles per minute and cannot get enough. I wake up at the crack of dawn to either babysit then school, or school then babysit. </div>
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I tend to dream of children games or how that Childhood Development lecture can apply to my kiddos. I'm learning hands on in my eyes.</div>
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On top of this multi-family operation I have become a Certified Instructor for this after school program for Elementary aged children. I work with two different schools, once a week per school for only an 1 1/2 hours at a time. Monday mom is the owner and got me onboard. I enjoy it. The program is called Early Engineers, this structure of program is to power the imagination of youngsters by applying a mini lesson of a type of structure maybe a car or a pagoda(Asian cultures building...this was last weeks) </div>
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Once the lesson is displayed they are given the proper building pieces and are sent to work. The kids love it! I love watching the minds of K-2nd graders work diligently, and successfully. </div>
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With the good, comes a not so good. <i>One</i> of the schools is in the cuts or lets be direct the HOOD of Sacramento. This school is work, and going through three gates of security, multiple questioning, ID badge and paperwork I'm allowed on campus.</div>
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Stomach churning issue is <b>THIS IS A ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PEOPLE. </b></div>
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Once entering the classroom I was urgently ushered to close the curtains over the windows that surround the entire class, I asked why....my answer was "honey we've had instances, and it's an after school program we have to take precaution."</div>
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So last Thursday I was shaking and barely made it through the class, especially when told by a 6 year old " miss your ass is in my way" or "miss you have to help me build or I will tell my brother...he is in a gang! " I didn't know if this was going to exactly work! </div>
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I kept my cool, and only peed my pants a tiny bit. </div>
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I have decided that this school was given to me to teach because I can handle it! I wrote down rules, bought some prizes and this Thursday I will have a classroom full of 13 unprivileged elementary kids ready to show respect as well as have respect in a learning environment. </div>
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And that is that! </div>
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Made it back to Tejas for a good ol weekend with the folks as well as the pups. It was needed.</div>
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Mom also turned 30 so it was kind of a big deal! Many laughs, a spa day(with a male therapist my same age...twas interesting), nails, food food food, and some quality bonding. </div>
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Bliss. </div>
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Mom has me on a great new thing called Zeal, Highly recommend to all. Mom has had many health issues that all never seemed to be cured unless meds and multiple pain killers were taken. Its a powder substance thats to be taken with water daily, its delicious and a days worth of all your vitamins and energy needed, naturally. </div>
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Mom has been using Zeal for a few months and is on zero medication and no longer popping pain killers. Health being a primary key to my major this had me jumping with joy, totally AWESOME! Get on the Zeal bus today:)</div>
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Life can only be lived once therefore I try to live mine in a way that leaves fingerprints. </div>
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I love being the girl in the local Starbucks that babysits for 4 best friends, I like being the girl that has reviews on Care.com that make me cry happy tears, I love being that girl that will speak up for a group of shy girls in class.</div>
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As any human, we feed off compliments, but as I Step into this new vamped, energized new year. I realize that some of the biggest compliments are those you don't hear. The ones that make eyebrows raise and people applaud. I started life here in Sacramento, California this past August in a rut, in a hole that buried me. </div>
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Slowly.</div>
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Step by step, I am making a difference in my community,and each day that ends I proudly pat my back because the BEST recognition to me is the silent kind that really squeezes your heart! </div>
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It's a challenge.</div>
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The reward though is endless. I see the good in those surrounding me, I see the bad in others, I feel it is my job (such as the unfortunate elementary school)to make a change. </div>
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I can.</div>
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I will.</div>
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Step by Step. </div>
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Carissa Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184801815238302103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618257905573530044.post-92001438677636993652012-11-14T14:17:00.000-08:002012-11-14T14:24:09.061-08:00One carton of large eggs cracked on the ground.<br />
Flour thrown on top.<br />
Feathers added to the mess.<br />
Then me laying "starfish style" in the catastrophe.<br />
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This is my mind, my thoughts, my formation of a sentence, my unease of my surroundings.<br />
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When I gladly would love to throw my hands in the air and just give up, I laugh.<br />
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To laugh?<br />
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The idea that hurts my stomach, twists my mind, turns my frown, and sends bursts of happiness through my veins.<br />
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<i>To laugh.</i><br />
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When I laugh, many times my laughter is shared with her...<br />
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When I laugh, many don't understand why, for my humor is her...<br />
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When I laugh, my imagination runs through a field of the craziest stories one can ever tell.<br />
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<i>Her </i>is my ELITE friend.<br />
<br />
She,<br />
<br />
>Calls me from four states away, daily<br />
>Texts me more then AT&T should allow<br />
>Puts unrealistic theories into a scientific compound medicated contraption and makes me swallow<br />
>Holds my hand with my every move<br />
>Erases the evil, ugly, hate, pain, fear, and simply replaces with a picture of delighted nonsense<br />
>Masters the minds that I cannot figure out<br />
>Educates me<br />
>Tells me I'm perfect<br />
>Makes me believe in dreams<br />
>Tells me running with the wolves is acceptable<br />
>Forces me to push for my aspirations<br />
>Acknowledges my mistakes, and comes up with Plan B<br />
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>>>>>She,<br />
understands <i>to laugh. </i><br />
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Honestly, She understand me, how I function, how to get me to listen, how to unravel the stubborn that lives deep inside.<br />
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I tell everyone that will listen about this incredible soul that one day will discover the medication needed to cure the blind. The pharmacist that will have the whole town talking, the girl that is accurate, precise, persistent, compelling, courageous, responsible, mindful, brilliant, beautiful, and my MATCHLESS friend. <br />
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Her name is Holly.<br />
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She has held me together over the years in a transition of life that is much like a carton of eggs smothered on the ground.<br />
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To me....<br />
<i>To laugh, </i>couldn't be more clearly understood then by HER.<br />
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<i><br /></i>Carissa Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184801815238302103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618257905573530044.post-5473212721381891032012-09-26T17:13:00.000-07:002012-09-26T17:13:21.997-07:00Hello from Sac town!<br />
<br />
May this blog reminisce of the word <b><i>Today! </i></b><br />
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Today, I stand in the middle of my fifth week of school at Sacramento State University.<br />
<br />
ahhh<br />
<br />
Today, I found out I have a B+ in Medical Physiology which is a big deal people! Lets hope to keep it that way until the Final!<br />
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Today, I found out I suck at history, politics, government, you know anything that is pretty important for life or for my government class. A struggle, nicely put. Okay this class is kicking my ass! But one day at a time, like most things in life, and the job will be done.<br />
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Today, I got a call from the Football Director, asking me to come in to interview for the position titled "Assistant of the Football Recruitment Committee"! I wanted to scream HELL YES, into the phone... Then he proceeded, "I'm hesitant to bring a girl into this position for last girl was distracted with the football players themselves and we had to let her go"<br />
Quick on my feet I said, "No boys, only books for this girl" The cheesy comment, and assertive behavior got me the interview I suppose!<br />
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Today, I have been awarded an Internship on campus called the "Green Army". Which basically is a student spirit group to spread awareness of Sport games, and anything Sac State has to offer for the students. I also get to ride in the "Green Army" bus which is pretty rad!<br />
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Today, I have finally made my first friend, her name unsure of, but whatever day 1 of friendship its okay to have forgotten. right?<br />
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Sacramento State is a commuter school, which is the pits, 5pm and this place looks like a desert, and myself left to be social without a soul in sight. It was a struggle. It remains a struggle. Everyone lives 45minutes or more away, most live with their parents still.<br />
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Then there is me.<br />
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Social life I have always had a A+ in, this adjustment is hard.<br />
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I wake up and walk out of my house to young families herding their youngsters into the car for school, 89 year olds watering their grass and waving their frail arm in the air shouting "have a good day!".<br />
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I wave back, crinkle my nose.<br />
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It's cute?<br />
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This IS my home now.<br />
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It's odd, this isn't the college life I adapted to when living in Santa Barbara.<br />
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So Today, I thought...<br />
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What am I good at? How can I make money? How can I meet people?<br />
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So here.</div>
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My business card. Carissa's Ciddy Care. Once these bad boys arrive, I hope to walk house to house and spread the word that I live in the neighborhood and I KNOW you have children so let me watch your kids! </div>
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As I wait, I began to stalk houses that have children, like a creep, I have jotted down the house numbers that have youngsters. First I thought it wouldn't be easy, but when the kids are DARTING at me as I drive by while I'm on my way to my 8am classes, I think "hey easy after all"</div>
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And maybe just maybe I can teach these kids a lesson or two of <i>Looking both ways before crossing the street!</i></div>
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I want to get my face known in the neighborhood, so like the goober I am, when I leave my house...</div>
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My windows remain down</div>
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I wave at everything that moves</div>
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I listen to tasteful music</div>
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I smile</div>
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I drive slow</div>
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I make complete stops at all stop signs</div>
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So other then the mass amount of bird crap smothered on my car </div>
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<i>I think I'm doing good.</i></div>
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Today, I chose to stay here in Sacramento for the first weekend, I chose to try and have a social life in the town I reside. The past weekends I have ran away from my loneliness to</div>
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Santa Barbara</div>
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Chico</div>
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Saint Helena</div>
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But Today, I chose to give Sac a try this weekend. </div>
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Today, I understood the excitement on my fathers face as we meet weekly for our lunch date.</div>
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It's fun.</div>
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It's relaxing.</div>
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It's interesting that my 60 something year old father's day is amplified but simply <i>having lunch with his baby. </i></div>
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<i>WOW.</i></div>
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Until Today, I didn't understand a good conversation. A time to unwind, nourish the body with good food and company. </div>
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Today, I smiled when my dad hugged me and said "See ya next week" As I grow, I understand the goodness of a parent. The wholesome they can add to a child's life.</div>
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Today, like everyday I think of my mom.</div>
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Everyday without hesitation I talk to my mom. My best friend, the reason I have hope for my future. </div>
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Today, I miss my mom, my mommy, my momma llama, my Cher. I miss eating like a horse, and laughing at her goofy attributes that she adds to life! </div>
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Today, I have made a countdown.. A way I have found that keeps me alive, to look forward to the good. The great. The moments that leave memories.</div>
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*one week from Today, is Hannah's Birthday, one of my dearest friends that sadly lives miles from me. It's her 21st birthday soon. Soon we shall obviously be reunited.</div>
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*three weeks from Today, is Alicia a former roommate of mine, 21st as well. So looks like a trip to Santa Barbara is in the plan to reunite with the b-day girl and my old Happy House of Santa Barbara California! </div>
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*seven weeks from Today, Home, for turkey day! Then I get to see my Mom, my Pete, my Holly, my Al, and my pups! Thankfully! </div>
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*ten weeks from Today, Christmas break begins. Which marks the end of the semester AND awards me with a wonderful cruise with my dad to the Caribbean.</div>
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~Not to shabby of a life~</div>
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In closing Today, I have been reminded of the small things.</div>
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The things that make me smile.</div>
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Somethings that many of us forget.</div>
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Today, I list my small happy things! </div>
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A happy text from my closest friends.</div>
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A smile from my professor for a job well done.</div>
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A piece of gum to stimulate my mind throughout 8am class.</div>
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A extra 5 dollars found while doing laundry.</div>
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A reason so smile.</div>
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A electric toothbrush.</div>
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A desire to make small moves, striving towards big outcomes.</div>
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A heart that's okay with giving.</div>
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A hand that's okay with lending.</div>
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A upbringing that constantly wants me to thank my parents.</div>
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A extra scoop of coffee grounds, to add to my pep for the day. </div>
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A tiny handful of candy corn, since its almost Halloween.</div>
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A deep breath.</div>
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A tear, a small happy tear, that signifies, even alone, in this new place, new school, new lifestyle, new adventures, new faces...</div>
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<i>It will all be okay.</i></div>
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Today has blessed me. What has <b>TODAY</b> brought you?Carissa Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184801815238302103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618257905573530044.post-82783407033560520402012-08-26T17:49:00.000-07:002012-08-26T17:49:47.435-07:00Summer has ended.<br />
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Memories of the unthinkable. Adventures one only dream of. Places visited that left visuals planted. Moments I wont forget. Summer 2012, thank you!<br />
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After Sri Lanka, it was all about good company, late nights, BBQ's, big smiles, sunshine, and relaxing!<br />
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I did just that, Hannah(one of my dearest friends I met in Santa Barbara) and Holly(my best friend from Texas) coordinated to both come and hang with me in Northern California for a week or so. TIME OF MY LIFE.<br />
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We covered it all.<br />
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Wine tasting.<br />
San Francisco.<br />
Gorgeous Valley Views.<br />
Touristy things.<br />
Shopping.<br />
Late night chitchats.<br />
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~and~<br />
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Spending time with each other!<br />
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Summer has hit the spot, was filled with some of the people I hold closest to my heart. </div>
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This summer was unique, for myself it was important. Each year I come home I realize we've become one step closer to reaching graduation, entering grad school, having a career, a spouse, a family. To me that is frightening. Summer time is a reward for an accomplished year, as well as a stepping stone to the next level. </div>
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That's huge! </div>
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Not to long before we reunite and one's become engaged, married, awarded a killer spot in their career, has started a family, falls off the face of the earth, becomes the next Albert Einstein and the list goes on. </div>
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Trembling.</div>
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Yet thrilling. </div>
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Where will each of you be next summer?</div>
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SHOCKINGLY! I am now a Sacramento Hornet. Last minute change of plans landed me back in California. I welcome myself to California State University, Sacramento. Yeee.<br />
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My thoughts and feelings now are much of that uneasy, unsure, and anxiousness level. Lots of change in such a short time has me going 3977339 miles an hour. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzI3OV3RGHxYhrtspvmRguhZMFTncJIXlmPEujCnRfFMNy756nsxMmd_KTu1vcprSmtKN0iEHP59jPkDu78KwKeWsvCzis4k3n9Z7I8ZFJilb6ZUcg5F3vyQB-5MfNc2wlIe6PtsuBxwU/s1600/IMG_2071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzI3OV3RGHxYhrtspvmRguhZMFTncJIXlmPEujCnRfFMNy756nsxMmd_KTu1vcprSmtKN0iEHP59jPkDu78KwKeWsvCzis4k3n9Z7I8ZFJilb6ZUcg5F3vyQB-5MfNc2wlIe6PtsuBxwU/s320/IMG_2071.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Representing:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
The thought of not having a house full of roommates, having my own room, plethora of parking, spotless house(not apartment).<br />
<br />
I have entered the life of an "adult" whatever that may mean.<br />
<br />
I'm in a neighborhood with all ages, even 89 year olds. In a city that caters to more then just a college town.<br />
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I have forcefully grown up over night.</div>
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And.<br />
that.<br />
scares.<br />
me.<br />
to.<br />
death....</div>
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<div>
Monday I'm thrown onto campus, a large campus with 28,000 students, classes to find, times to meet, and life on the line.</div>
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I'm terrified for this is real, no more time to screw around, the clock starts now. </div>
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<div>
I am excited more that nervous-excited, but excited. I will be honest, I have melted a few times for the factor of fear has hit me...hard. </div>
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<div>
I like the "new" I enjoy change, that is why I attended 3 high schools, but college, is scary!</div>
<div>
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One step at a time.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
So Home, three bedroom two bath house, and 3 housemates total, not 8. </div>
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Real life, big girl life is getting well, "real". </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nwtluPzcCaw_DgPddI9DN_0tD8TdJ9xr7HZTymbpgzm2NMik6BQnYx_p_zdAYYIHfMNnMGkltYBJuF1kv09ygzgFHdHjPCRi6BWpPDCywAmYTgPXj2uLTC4gJguMlFADbhBzLXIKMI4/s1600/IMG_2089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nwtluPzcCaw_DgPddI9DN_0tD8TdJ9xr7HZTymbpgzm2NMik6BQnYx_p_zdAYYIHfMNnMGkltYBJuF1kv09ygzgFHdHjPCRi6BWpPDCywAmYTgPXj2uLTC4gJguMlFADbhBzLXIKMI4/s640/IMG_2089.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute&Cozy Casa!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Big change from the vastly beautiful Santa Barbara, California that I dearly miss, but like my momma said "It's time, adulthood welcomes you". Shivering while typing this, it's all settling in<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i>slowly. </i></div>
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Carissa Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184801815238302103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618257905573530044.post-4471592246172855652012-07-18T22:42:00.000-07:002012-07-18T22:42:53.941-07:00<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery";">My journey has came to an end, I can’t
believe 4 weeks ago I was just arriving to Sri Lanka. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvYtbO-Hhsnk4kWQitDRAR2YD9wHigyE9Szx41q0sXK0xP41nCrR5PuRn-FmstXh30-KQU8k_-FqJ7mOSgFgRpdWlkZ4_b5GF-sxKfOyu7byI-n20xbll6gSfQmX22QbwP6sbV4WXBFU/s1600/IMG_0593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvYtbO-Hhsnk4kWQitDRAR2YD9wHigyE9Szx41q0sXK0xP41nCrR5PuRn-FmstXh30-KQU8k_-FqJ7mOSgFgRpdWlkZ4_b5GF-sxKfOyu7byI-n20xbll6gSfQmX22QbwP6sbV4WXBFU/s640/IMG_0593.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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..................</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery";">First things first, I finished my fourth
week at the children’s orphanage, and have completely poured my heart out to as
many of the children as possible. I have never felt a feeling like I did at the
orphanage. These children truly warmed my heart. I divided my days at the
orphanage with the babies in the morning, and the toddlers for a short while in the afternoon. I’ve shed many tears, for I pray that each and every one of them
will receive a family to be loved unconditionally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">Obviously I got attached, too attached for my liking. If I were out of school, financial stable, I would hands down, without question have brought home a dumpling or two.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">The feeling of entering a Children’s Home all 80+ eyes glazing on you, the feeling is indescribable. I have never encountered the feeling of “love” in such a way. I woke up each morning in a rush to get to the orphanage. I loved entering the home with screams of “Sister, Sister,” the babies smiling from ear to ear with arms dangling in the air to be the first to be held, being tugged on, hung on, and swung on. I could see in the children’s eyes this twinkle of happiness that someone was here to hold, play, and love on each of them!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkyk3aWpoJj3aNe4W0GFMA33a6j6XWcqyxroGf8CbPih3BBaOZhKnSFKR6MaL70_tkaOs9zNO6w3NcbmxweqZD_eUuN4FkVvR6B2Xbx0JMvD_NF_zcsY8q3KzTR0rtlWunUHLaRzshvk/s1600/IMG_0547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkyk3aWpoJj3aNe4W0GFMA33a6j6XWcqyxroGf8CbPih3BBaOZhKnSFKR6MaL70_tkaOs9zNO6w3NcbmxweqZD_eUuN4FkVvR6B2Xbx0JMvD_NF_zcsY8q3KzTR0rtlWunUHLaRzshvk/s400/IMG_0547.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">Leaving was difficult, harder then I could ever imagined. I cried as I held the youngest ones, praying 6 families, just 6 would take these tiny toots home and love, as each one deserves. I told each of the 6 (5 girls, 1 boy) how special they were, how pretty or handsome, I reminded them I would love them forever. Yet my words mean nothing, I could feel each ones tiny hand latch on tightly as a tear trickled down my face. I had been there for ones first step, taught two to clap, one to army crawl, and my favorite....one to blow kisses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPhNtxjknalRMnaKL0IfFiap53GlPH1g059gjvwFDfUUxnKegL3-ed1PUps0s139OgxONOZ5GK976ZlVPYqDj_Ezi_zj798RkH8SgvGt_o8ji7Uiuc3JYtQ23WHRkZhrVxJOgnn-C3Ig/s1600/IMG_0583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPhNtxjknalRMnaKL0IfFiap53GlPH1g059gjvwFDfUUxnKegL3-ed1PUps0s139OgxONOZ5GK976ZlVPYqDj_Ezi_zj798RkH8SgvGt_o8ji7Uiuc3JYtQ23WHRkZhrVxJOgnn-C3Ig/s200/IMG_0583.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJR_aXItCtF_AVkThdIF8RzLjvLWGNKeXWTsYLxqLImSjxIhx0wZxrbtsVUY4SreL3v8RDV-ruozMq0LaldmIhIx_7A0YtoMpPkGkh2VnCzvpxx-2c3w89t2GjYzdwNSnWHmHWhhN7tY/s1600/IMG_0584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJR_aXItCtF_AVkThdIF8RzLjvLWGNKeXWTsYLxqLImSjxIhx0wZxrbtsVUY4SreL3v8RDV-ruozMq0LaldmIhIx_7A0YtoMpPkGkh2VnCzvpxx-2c3w89t2GjYzdwNSnWHmHWhhN7tY/s200/IMG_0584.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">Astonishing feeling, being the first to witness such big steps, I felt like for 2 weeks I was the mommy to 6 babies, and I couldn’t have asked for a better task.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMvNl-xliy4bCR07wzsH68MZGS1BMIDSq4_w4H16OZJBMP-Goa8WFgCiACO3n_U8V8Fn2tobIWzKVICV5D-tmLm9eosRKvQr8vutmsQSEp6VtxkSPmEBr4lgLePEh7k97csJJK1OegdQ/s1600/IMG_3232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMvNl-xliy4bCR07wzsH68MZGS1BMIDSq4_w4H16OZJBMP-Goa8WFgCiACO3n_U8V8Fn2tobIWzKVICV5D-tmLm9eosRKvQr8vutmsQSEp6VtxkSPmEBr4lgLePEh7k97csJJK1OegdQ/s200/IMG_3232.jpg" width="149" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">I made a poster, a collection of all my favorite snaps of the babies over the 2 week period to give to the nursery. I thought, “If I were a orphan, I’d like to see pictures of myself when I grew old”, So I did just that. Turned out beautiful, all the staff was in awe!<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">For the Toddlers~ Before I left, I sat on the ground, eye-level, and hugged all 24 of them at once, tickling, laughing, and loving one last time. Their caregivers told them what was going on(how it was my last day to play), the smiles turned into frowns, unsure how to express their sadness, we all just remained hugging. I left by high fiving each one, the American “happy” way to leave toddlers I suppose!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">I was teary-eyed, headed to the van to head back to the house, then I was stopped by the oldest orphan at the home, age 17, she handed me a bracelet, a letter, and a firm hug, she paused, stepped back and said “Sister, the Children’s Home will never forget you, I hope you don’t forget us, I wrote you a letter, and would love to hear back.” I smiled, crocodile tears filled my eyes, and I told her “You each have a special place in my heart, I’d love to be your pen pal, and make sure where ever life takes you, you reach for the stars, for you are one special girl.” She nodded and smiled, she hit my soft spot, she ended my time at the orphanage in such a remarkable way. She’s enlightened me fully.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Ultimately, my heart has been crammed with the most precious, inspiring, loving, and tender children, I’m thankful for my time allowed, and the act “to love” has just reached a whole new level.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">As I make my way back to the States, I recap of my time in Sri Lanka. I did it!!! We did it!!! Jen and I could agree that we have reached an understanding to life that has greatly benefited us. We have encountered some of the most eye-opening moments thus far in our 20 years of life, we have touched individuals in a way that brings only the biggest smile to our face, and most importantly…. We feel accomplished, more than satisfied. We left Sri Lanka in a positive manner. Friends were made, relationships were built, love was shared, and it all happened with a smile and from the goodness of our hearts. I could not have asked for a more surreal 3<sup>rd</sup> world experience!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">Venturing back was dreaded, the sound of China and long lay overs didn’t sound to appealing. But. This time it seemed different. Reaching America, home sweet home, was enough of a reward to complain. Despite the awful food, traveling home was all right. The first non-rice, curry, or noodle meal with the fam was grater than taste-buds can describe. I couldn’t be happier after my hot shower, and to be in my mommas arms, telling her of my adventures, and starting to stir up my thoughts for my next voyage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">The Sri Lanka Excursion has ended. I’m so very blessed for a safe and sound time in Lanka land, as well as a safe return to the home land.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 11pt;">~till next time~</span><span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';"><span> </span></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Carissa Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184801815238302103noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618257905573530044.post-56257484195214303402012-07-02T11:52:00.001-07:002012-07-02T11:52:59.532-07:00<br />
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Officially halfway
through our journey! Closing in on our second week, I finished my week with the
school children, teaching English went surprising well. Wish I would have known
that the grade10 knows English rather well as soon as you pull out some candy!
Ha. Such great kids with so little, that made me believe they had the world
with the constant smiles on their faces! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSB9VigkLLp9E4omn03-SYXe3a6oMLj6PxutewONkWF3h-q3_TYNFNvT_7ZZa1ghwekwIyBZkXiwYSGV4L3fMwU50vnbsbPWbtINVel2W_s1V89UodhRt28y3CKCwNG_3cEoSDPeUxTAE/s1600/IMG_2968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSB9VigkLLp9E4omn03-SYXe3a6oMLj6PxutewONkWF3h-q3_TYNFNvT_7ZZa1ghwekwIyBZkXiwYSGV4L3fMwU50vnbsbPWbtINVel2W_s1V89UodhRt28y3CKCwNG_3cEoSDPeUxTAE/s320/IMG_2968.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls that never took their eyes off us! </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMZT2oV1ln0ksYNWTA4qvUWjstptVwUP1wyj-bse8Gfa75auUx5z1cN3aRILDA8iegJPAxIWvQqpqXxTZV5K160cdQtQDSGISYv0p5w8Cmb38RjsPSoD7xkOc_ZxOtPVeA4UM171FfrQ/s1600/IMG_2948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMZT2oV1ln0ksYNWTA4qvUWjstptVwUP1wyj-bse8Gfa75auUx5z1cN3aRILDA8iegJPAxIWvQqpqXxTZV5K160cdQtQDSGISYv0p5w8Cmb38RjsPSoD7xkOc_ZxOtPVeA4UM171FfrQ/s320/IMG_2948.JPG" width="320" /></a>It was a change for
sure going from Science nonstop for Nursing, to some basic English, eased my
mind. The school children are precious; I of course had my favorites and also
had some lil poops that I adored just as much. The school has no idea that Jen
and I are raising money for them, I can hardly wait to purchase the school
their first computer, or a fan or two, maybe even an endless supply of pencils,
or paper towels!<br />
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(Huge thanks to the family and friends that have donated, words can't thank you enough!)<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are the older boys(15 years old!), AKA our boyfriends, they claimed. If you cant tell, "show offs" for the camera! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trouble-makers! </td></tr>
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One of the clearest
statements that have been made to me while teaching is understanding the
definition of “beauty”. In the US, this has to do with the materialistic aspect
such as makeup, clothing brand, your hair style, does he/she have money, is her
hair curled perfectly, is he wearing an expensive cologne, and the list goes
on. In Sri Lanka, “beauty” means when I’m drenched in sweat, have mosquitoes
bites from head to toe that have been scratched raw, a huge canker sore on my
lip(due to the spice intake), no makeup, sunburnt nose, stains on my clothing,
hair that is greased back, and a smile on my face. According to the school kids
“tech you bootiful” I have never been slapped harder. Those many hours of
getting ready, trying to look the cutest, trying on outfit after outfit,
attempting to wear what society screams for. Beauty should identify that smile
on your face, the heart that your are pouring to your surroundings. Beauty is
expressed from the inside out, beauty has a new meaning, or maybe a meaning I
never understood. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The week at the grade
school went quick, too quick. I debated staying my third week BUT Norangela
announced that the Children’s Orphanage is in dire need of someone with the
slightest bit of knowledge about infants. The orphanage has many infants and they
have reached out to Norangela requesting Jen and I. Jen’s in love with the
school kids and will more then likely stay with them the remainder of the trip,
I don’t blame her! But for me, I think my last two weeks are going to be spent
with infants, infants left in dumps, left on the side of the roads, infants
unwanted. Those of you that know me, know I am more then content cradling a
small bundle of life for hours. I have been called. So, my third and fourth
week will be at the orphanage caring for the small, innocent lumps of love. Can
hardly wait! <o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s hard to believe
this trip is half accomplished. I feel I have so much to see, so much to do, so
much to give. This country constantly reminds me to be happy, to love, TO DREAM.
I was riding in the tuk-tuk the other day and looked at Jen “You know what the
greatest quality a human can have?” I told her, “To Dream”. I have never had
the time to step back and identify the meaning, or what it fully entails. So I
suppose a 2 ½ hour tuk-tuk ride did the trick. I went silent. I gathered my
surroundings. As a mule is next to me lugging thousands of pounds of bulk up a
curvy road, while raining. I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">thought</i>.
To Dream. I began with dreams that I had the night before, or the dreams I had
wanting to visit a 3<sup>rd</sup> world country, or dreams of becoming a Nurse.
But I’m talking much more simple. To Dream. To close your eyes, to step into a
unknown place, to absorb, to recognize, to gather your senses, to expand. I
closed my eyes and I dream of life, being the planner I am, I dream of a
family, a job, a car, a house. I then notice I’m back on the materialistic
route of “dream”. Moment and tears later I hit it. <i>To dream.</i> To let go of your
issues, to wrap your mind in something that makes you smile uncontrollably, to
allow tears that are freefalling. I felt it! To Dream, to me is THE, or one of
the greatest gifts I have been given. I find dreaming a necessity. I found
dreaming was something that I was able to come in touch with while in Sri
Lanka. I understand that dreams can stretch from world peace to that happy
tickle in the pit of your heart. I Dream. I live in a Dream, and I simply
can’t define my favorite relax time more clearly. “To Dream is to Live, as Live
is to Life” Dreaming has identified my growth, has made me eager to advance my
dreams, to hope an spread my very own dreams furthermore. I encourage it, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">To Dream</span></i><span style="font-size: 20pt;">. </span>Try it, it’s free, rewarding, and
indescribable. <o:p></o:p><br />
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We are allowed to take one long weekend to explore the country, so this past week/weekend we took Thursday-Tuesday off! We went and saw the famous Kandy Dancers in “Kandy” a popular tourist
town, pretty neat!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ventured to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage!<o:p></o:p></div>
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OKAY firstly, Elephants are incredible animals, and I have never stood so close to such a large form of life. We spent an entire day with these guys, truly the best zoo experience I’ve encountered. When I say "zoo", in reality I mean an open jungle with rocks as gating and a few fences that can easily be stepped over by an elephant. But hey look at this….Inches away, petting, talking, kissing, and feeding these big guys. I don’t think much more needs to be said. The pictures say it all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rodger the blind fellow, due to hunters.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elephant crossing:) </td></tr>
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Next stop of the weekend was in Mirissa, a small excluded beach where we stayed a night, the weather was rather rainy WHICH was awesome, played in the rain like little kids, dove in the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean, felt incredible.<br />
Lastly, we made our final stop of the weekend in Galle, one of the largest cities in Sri Lanka....was beautiful. I felt as if I were in a movie, and sure didn't feel like I was in a 3rd world country. Lots of tourists, many cute shops, somewhat American food, and I was happy to end our long weekend with such a city! (but I must add bats attempted to attack us, ants invaded our hotel bed, and there was random hammer banging in the middle of the night) HEY still my favorite city!<br />
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In two weeks…</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve gained a hint of
color, okay more freckles.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve done loads of
laundry, by hand. Getting good at it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve finally pooed,
after two weeks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve learned to
bargain, since most "up" their prices for tourist. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve began my craves
for American food, anything but rice and curry. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve learned the Sri
Lanka way to dance, (simply sway back and forth)<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve drank so many
coconuts, can’t seem to get enough.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve ate about 14 million ants, seems to always be in our food, good protein. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve gained some
tolerance to spice, and gained 4 canker sores.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve learned some of
the key Singhalese words, like food, and thank you. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve learned the perfect way to scratch a
sketter bite without breaking skin.<br />
I've reminded myself how blessed I have it back home!<br />
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-Wishing all the best! Xo <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>Carissa Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184801815238302103noreply@blogger.com1