The long overdue update of the new graduate that is accepting the idea of growing up...maybe.

Family, Friends, Stalkers,Acquaintances Hello! 

So May 17th I graduated! First in the family on my moms side to do so! Yippy! 

Graduation was awesome, the ceremony shook my bones and allowed me to fasten my seatbelt for the next chapter in life.    

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.

Below is my extensive list of shananigins. 

              ~Men in suits are as delightful as a dark piece of the finest quality of chocolate. 

~You will win some and lose some. And that's okay. 

~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

~I've learned when professors attempt to scare you about an exam you'll fail especially if you haven't started studying.

~I've learned that college drivers are still idiots

~Parking lots on campus are as scary as a racetrack with no race car

~The gym on campus is where a lot of jersey shore individuals congregate

~college boys still smell

~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.

~Most girls wear yoga pants.  Daily.  Never fails.

~I've learned my hair can go 4 days without a washing especially during midterms/finals

~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.

~The first few weeks of school you can hardly find a seat in class not to fret week three the class is empty.

~Parties will never meet the satisfaction as they did my college years.  And that's fine liver replacements aren't cheap.

~Being late to class sucks, but the price you pay for college makes it okay.

~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. 

~ 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.

~I have gone through enough paper to have sadly killed a forest

~Managed to go through 6 phones in 4 years

~accumulated enough parking tickets on campus to make a mural for my wall of all the tickets.

 And with my undergrad complete, and the random goodness college filled my life with, I wouldn't have done it any other way!

Next you may ask.

well... 

Completing currently my last pre-req for nursing school. Amen.

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.

Fingers crossed

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. 

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!   

P.S. Getting the itch to travel, stay tuned! 

Fall, 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. 

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. 

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....

Fall also means I gain weight, I smile larger, and I roll around in leaf piles.

This Fall I get to spend with Jorge Verde, the father, the mastermind behind my goofball of a self. 

...................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.

George is_______blank______________. 

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.....

.....

.....

.......

I

I'd like to fill that blank in myself.

My D

      A

      D

runs his own damn race, is the best at whatever he sets his mind to whether 

abalone diving or choosing the restaurant to take me out to on our weekly father 

daughter dates. He is the champ of all chimpanzees, he teaches me to reach for 

the stars, he defines strength better than any bodybuilder, and impossible 

isn't in his vocabulary.

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.

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. 

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 my dad is ALL of the above. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In closing, Fall brings stress, but stress is a simple speed bump to climb right on over. 

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.

 really. 

hear me out.

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.

okay so accept. 

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.

Being stressed and claiming you are stressed will only lead you to be more stressed...

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...

embrace the challenge.....

                what is expected of you, was given to you for a reason.

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.

I promise.

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. 

          

What is luck to you?

Blogging to me is my outlet source...I write my blogs because someone or something has influenced me to do so

most of the time.

THIS BLOG, I can thank a 3 year old.

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.....

and,

Not to many intellectual conversations. 

One day I was stumped. Inspired. And well even more giddy for the children that absorb my life.

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.

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. 

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.

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...

Nick states, "OHHH Carissa is that a band-aid on your finger"

I told him no...it was a gold ring that is super special to me. 

Nicks eyebrows crinkled. He said, "that thing on your thumb, is that a ring too?"

I often forget since it doesn't come off, but quickly I said yup Nick two rings indeed!!!

Not but a few seconds later Nick nailed it, "Man, Carissa, TWO? TWO rings, my Carissa you are so so so lucky."

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...

LUCK

LUCK

LUCKY? 

I smiled at Nick, "Yes Nick I am super duper lucky to have TWO whole rings."

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.

~ this is what I've collected ~

Luck in my mind is a cluster of some of the best qualities life has to offer, all in one. 

I don’t believe in luck to be blunt.  I believe in endless happiness, thoughtful ways to give your own hand.

I believe in karma, or a derivative of making this world a better more beautiful happy blissful place.

I believe in fairness, smiles, compassion, desire, strength, thought, and the list goes on.

As Holly Harrison shared with me, “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.”

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.

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.

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.
 You can see it coming, least I can. 
Luck is a melting pot of the entire picture. 
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...

LUCK.

I say life is about direction. 

What direction do you wish to lead your life to find that pot of gold?

What direction makes you rejoice in cartwheels?

What direction makes you feel your own definition of luck?

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”.

2 golden rings showed me the mindset I want to have and most importantly the mindset I choose to have.

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. 

.....I get it.....

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. 


WRONG.


AGAIN.

This blog I guess you can say is proof that your elders kinda know what they are talking about. 

Or..as you age in general, some things you finally just GET. 

...at 21 years young....

I get why smiling is the most important first impression.

I get why kids are not to be had until marriage, and until after the age of 23 at least. 

I get why my job is babysitting. To help me understand the earlier statement.

I get why my mom made me pay for my own gas, it isn't cheap, yet a pretty crucial resource.

I get why you should make your bed after you wake up, makes climbing into it that evening much more fun.

I get that saying NO isn't a bad thing.

I get why being clean is mandatory. To present yourself the way you dream of people remembering you.

I get why organization is key to a successful week.

I get why my mom would stress about having my lunch packed the night before, mornings are never a good time for lunch packing.

I get why nutrition is essential, you have one body, one life. 

I get why exercise was mandatory in grade school, obesity kills.

I get why a glass of wine is good for the soul, as well as bubble baths.

I get why compliments are so hard to give, and even more difficult to accept. 

I get why my mom likes to wear black on black. It's classy, appealing, and suitable for any occasion. 

I get why I am obsessed with rearranging my room, change keeps you young.

I get why people put flowers in living areas, adding life to any space gives you something to smile about.

I get why clarity in any state is always good.

I get that honesty is NOT a game.

I get that words can hurt, actions hurt more.

I get smiling after tears help. a lot.

I get running away from problems should never be an option.

I get that my priorities might not be yours, and thats okay.

I get that friends are a great thing, and best friends are the irreplaceable things. 

I get that dishes should never pile up, dishwashers are awesome, and unloading will never not suck.

I get that laundry should never pile, your clothes are apart of you, hang them. 

I get that ironing is something people notice, un-ironed things people notice too.   

I get that most TV is trash.

I get that most music is trash.

I get that your choices can make or break you. 

I get that sunscreen does work.

I get that being on time really does matter, and may I add says a lot about your character.

I get rules made for driving are to be followed, DEATH is on the line each time you start your vehicle.

I get that trying hard is different from trying.

I get that Kindergarden was the best grade, because you will never get an allotted time for naps. ever. again. 

I get that making people happy feels good, but happiness within your own heart is what really matters.     

I get that the world isn't out to get me.

I get that I am the creature of my complications.

I get that accomplishing your dreams is very possible.

I get that most things aren't impossible.

I get that I have a love/hate relationship for my telephone, we live in a world that's hard to live without them.

I get that internet makes my life way to simple.

I get that children laughing makes me smile so large.

I get that snowcones make the world go around.

I get that coffee is my crack.

I get what respect means. Being respectful to others, yourself, and your surroundings isn't easy. 

I get that you sometimes treat the ones you love the most, the worst. 

I get that grandparents won't be alive forever. call them.

I get that pets are family. 

I get that meeting new people opens endless doors.

I get that religion, regardless what your faith is, having a foundation helps those maintain a structural life. 

I get that a stern handshake says a lot, a lousy handshake says more.

I get that karma does come around.

I get that good food, and great company is fabulous.

I get pouting will get me no where.

I get that surrounding yourself with negativity is like going to prison.

I get that changing a diaper isn't gross, it's a talent.

I get that kisses, from a dog or a human are super special.

I get that hugs make a person's day.

I get that wearing bright colors, makes your day feel brighter.

I get wearing matching bra and panties adds a pep in your step for the day. 

I get the word "Hate" shouldn't me a word.

I get over the top dramatic people are a different species. 

I get it isn't all about looks, yes I wasted half my high school years in front of a mirror.

I get that the kind of car you drive means NOTHING. 

I get that being the best you can be, will get you places.

I get that traveling can change your life.

I get that Loving someone/something is a feeling most can't describe. 

I get that there is danger, and crime,the world sadly isn't rainbows and popsicles.

I get that it's okay to have a bad day.

I get mistakes happen.

I get mistakes that you learn from, are mistakes you won't do again.

I get that having a clean home is as cool as getting a new wardrobe.

I get being a good listener is something to strive towards. 

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.

I get that my elders were right.

I get that momma does know best.

I get that life isn't easy,but understanding some of the small things that make up life... helps.

Greatly.  

In celebration of Momma's Day, I cant help but to share.

I have to brag, bragging that my mom deserves fully.

My mom.

Is beautiful from tip to toe.

The most generous, warm, sympathetic, loving, bold women I know.


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.

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'.

A mother that makes me the happiest daughter on Earth.

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.

I thank you for my freckles, my hump nose, my height, my big feet, and my big chubby cheeks.

I honor you in the way you have raised me to be the lady I attempt to be=)

CHEERS

To the women that has my entire heart, that is states away but only a phone call away to save the day!

I love you momma llama, more then all the fish in the sea....

Hope your Mother's Day was rewarding, for you are nothing short of Perfect !!!

Spring Break took me to the beautiful country of Italy.

Traveling around the country seems to be my cup of tea or my peace of mind. As I fasten my seatbelt 9.10.11.12.13.14.15 hours of travel is cake.

This trip we had a small layover in Paris, France(poor us) ha. 
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. 

Last leg ahead of us, next stop would be Florence, Italy! Oh man were we excited, after that small taste of Paris.

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.

This time.
My imaginary clip took toll.

I imagined pasta. loads of pasta. meatballs. rich food forcing the pounds on.
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. 

Matter of fact my imagination was met. 

One slight bummer, my suitcase decided to take an alternative route and head to Berlin, not 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. 

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.

Cute tour guide, dont chya think?

next morning, Florence skies woke me.

Italia.
                   BOLD
                                 HEART-DROPPING 
                                                                        STRIKING 
                                                                                               
Italia.

stole my heart.

Cole insisted that we have "cultural days", days in which we had to Italianize ourselves. 
Cole sat Jenni and I down and made it rather clear how you can pick out an American in a crowd---
 -talk obnoxiously loud, wear Northface anything, have big purses with strap 
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. 

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.

I....

I was one of them.

I am a proud American, and like any country we all have our stereotypes and ways we present ourselves.   

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. 


but seriously

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.

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. 

Duomo!

Siena!

Italy has taught me 3 things, or maybe has helped enhance 3 things within my life. Regardless.

one. Having zero sense of time.

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 sloooow 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.

two. Company.

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 hip 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! 

three. The weight.

As pictured above, sights in Italy were nothing 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. 

Lastly, my trip was ended with a smile

the only way to end such an adventure.