I've not written a blog in a while and I don't know why. I used to write a lot more, but since I've had a Facebook I just use that as my outlet the majority of the time. I keep saying I'm going to delete it, but I never do. Anywhooo, what I wanted to talk about today was North Carolina.
That's right, my beautiful, best of both worlds home state, N.C. As I've gotten older I've found it easier and easier to appreciate the beauty of this state. When I was younger, I never thought anything of it, but then I got into my preteen years and all of my friends constantly talked about leaving to college and going away to find new and better things. So, naturally I had the same thoughts. I thought in order to be worth anything, I had to leave. In high school, I truly believed that if I left North Carolina, my life would automatically become so much better. I enjoyed high school at first, but then I slowly I was drawn into a downward spiral of misery. (yeah, I know...so dramatic) Seriously, though. It was not fun near the end. I felt like all my friends had turned on me, and my heart had been broken multiple times. Woe is me, woe is me. All that jazz. Everyone thinks that THEY are the victim. (Later in life, I realized that maybe I could have been a little nicer to some people or made some better choices to make my high school experience a little more enjoyable)
That's beside the point, though. Everyone dreams of leaving and going off to college once they finish high school. In a small town, also, everyone knows what you're doing, where you're going and how successful you are. There's a lot of pressure there, whether you act like you care or not. It's always there, in the back of your mind. I got a scholarship in middle school to go to my local University, WCU, for free for two years. How could I turn down that offer? I knew it would help my parents out financially, and I knew that it would make my journey a lot simpler...but was it worth staying in this town for FOUR more years?? I fought this inner battle for the first year of my college career. I wanted to leave so bad and I would constantly complain about how much I despised Sylva, and North Carolina as a whole. It would get so bad to the point that I would break down and cry about being "stuck" here forever. It seemed like everyone in my high school class was moving on to bigger and greater things, and here I was at my local community college studying Gen. Ed. What could I say for myself? Basically, I felt pathetic.
I was also feeling a little of the after affects of high school and didn't really have very many friends I felt I could rely on. Maybe one, or two. I needed an escape.
The minute I stumbled across the Disney College Program and saw that I could live in Florida and work at Disney World (my favorite vacation spot ever), I jumped on it. Miraculously, I got in. I was so excited when I read the e-mail while sitting in my Economics class on a Tuesday afternoon, that I just got up and left it. I had finally achieved something!
The whole experience was fantastic. I loved every minute of my program and met some of the best people ever, and made lifelong friends. They understood me in a way that my friends from home never did. However, I felt myself becoming more and more homesick. Why was this happening?? How could I dream of leaving for so long, but then want to come back?
When I made it back home, I was so happy to see my family and a couple of my friends. I had a new appreciation for Sylva, even though I did love Florida and the time I spent there.
My dad loves to travel and we've been all over the United States (48/50 states to be exact) and Canada, and still North Carolina seems to be the most comfortable place to me. Maybe it's because it brings that feeling of "home". Or maybe it's the fact that we get all four seasons instead of just hot or just cold.
Anyway, I came back from Disney and continued my education and ended up graduating from SCC with an Associates in Arts degree (hey, it's something), and transferred to WCU to pursue a teaching degree. I'm currently here at WCU and I love it. I've got an amazing job with amazing bosses and coworkers. I've got an amazing family that is there for me no matter what. I re-met (we went to high school together) the man of my dreams and we're in a healthy, happy relationship. Everything is right in the world. And where am I? That's right, Sylva, North Carolina.
So what if everyone is off doing bigger things, and becoming super successful somewhere else. I have everything I'll ever need here. I don't plan on staying in Sylva, but I never want to live anywhere besides North Carolina again. I'll travel, and explore the world, but my first house will be built right here in North Carolina. Asheville, preferably. ;) Such a great city.
Every morning, when I wake up, I feel so blessed and thankful to live in such a beautiful place and I'll never take it for granted.
My main point:
If there's any teenagers (or whatever age) reading this that feel as if they HAVE to leave their home in order to make something of themselves, or be happier...try it out. I'm not speaking against that. I'm just saying, from experience, that it's not always your location that makes you unhappy. It's who you choose to love, befriend, and devote your life to. I devote my life to people who care as much about me as I do about them. I didn't do that when I was younger. You live, and you learn.
North Carolina is the most magical place in the world to me now that I know who I am. It was a black hole when I was younger only because I was confused and unsure of myself then.
Anyway,
No matter where you wander off to, don't forget where you come from and who you are. It just might be the place for you after all!
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Sunday, May 4, 2014
What Disney Means to Me
By now, I'd say it's very well known that I've got a Disney obsession. I talk about my experiences at Disney World all the time, I grew up with it, and I post endless quotes and lessons I've learned from Disney films throughout the years. My love for Disney is not solely based on their ability to make wonderful films. (although they do hehe) My love for Disney is more about my growth as an individual. It's been there for me since I was a tiny little baby.
When I was about one year old, my parents took my brother and I to Disney for the first time. (well...it was MY first time...Kris had been before already) People think mom and dad were crazy for taking a baby to a theme park. "What will they get out of it? It's just a waste of money." First of all..hello! You hardly ever have to pay entrance fees for a baby. AND they live off of bottles, not caviar. Also, the most important argument I have against that claim is that I had the time of my life. I swear I remember seeing the princesses and Mickey for the first time. I can almost hear the music in the air and the way my dad would hold me when we rode Peter Pan's Flight for the first time. We have pictures from that very trip where I am just grinning from ear to ear.
I may not remember every detail, but I know that ever since then, I've remembered our Disney trips every single year since. My parents, since we loved it SO much, continued to take us to Disney almost every single year. That would bring us to a total of about 19 or 20 times visiting Walt Disney World during my lifetime. (aside from the trillions of times I went while I worked there)
Needless to say, I was hooked. It was almost like heroine, but less dangerous. My parents, while taking us, grew to adore it as well. Since I more or less grew up with Disney, I saw much more than just a bunch of rides and people dressed up in animal costumes. I began to see a certain depth in the meaning behind the entire company. I wasn't one of those little girls that grew up longing for a prince to come sweep me off my feet (although that is what most people assume the movies do to little girls). I, instead, grew up noticing the strength of these girls who didn't necessarily have it easy their entire lives. Yes, most of them ended up with a prince in the end, but I saw that as them moving on with their lives and making something new for themselves. It's not that they needed a prince, they just wanted freedom, happiness and love. Something they'd never had before. I don't know why everyone talks about marriage as if it's so bad? Why do people get married? It's to share an adventure with someone they love and care about. Some say love holds you back from doing everything you want to do before you have to "grow up". Who says you have to stop having fun when you grow up? Why can't you and your partner have fun together? Why can't you travel together and live a full life together? There is nothing wrong with marriage. If you feel trapped in your marriage, you married the wrong person.
Anyhow...to get back on the subject, I grew up knowing there was more to life than meets the eye. I see the same purpose in my life, that I see in the Disney company. And that's hope, finding an essential goodness in all of us, trusting one another, happiness. and believing in the magic in the world. It's not going to be caused by pixie dust or a talking rabbit with a ticking clock...its the small things, like a kiss from someone you love, or when your baby talks for the first time and calls you "mama" or "dada". It's when you get into the college that you'd always dreamed of, or when you get those tiny bursts of excitement for no reason at all. That is the real magic of the world.
Life is not easy...but who says we can't make it fun? Disney represents feeding the child in all of us, and realizing that life is in fact just that: life. It's okay to have fun and it's essential to feel the magic of our every day lives. That's what Disney means to me.
Hope you enjoyed reading! I'm going to cut it off here since I could probably ramble on for about 20 more hours. There might be a part two...who knows.
BYEBYE. :)
When I was about one year old, my parents took my brother and I to Disney for the first time. (well...it was MY first time...Kris had been before already) People think mom and dad were crazy for taking a baby to a theme park. "What will they get out of it? It's just a waste of money." First of all..hello! You hardly ever have to pay entrance fees for a baby. AND they live off of bottles, not caviar. Also, the most important argument I have against that claim is that I had the time of my life. I swear I remember seeing the princesses and Mickey for the first time. I can almost hear the music in the air and the way my dad would hold me when we rode Peter Pan's Flight for the first time. We have pictures from that very trip where I am just grinning from ear to ear.
I may not remember every detail, but I know that ever since then, I've remembered our Disney trips every single year since. My parents, since we loved it SO much, continued to take us to Disney almost every single year. That would bring us to a total of about 19 or 20 times visiting Walt Disney World during my lifetime. (aside from the trillions of times I went while I worked there)
Needless to say, I was hooked. It was almost like heroine, but less dangerous. My parents, while taking us, grew to adore it as well. Since I more or less grew up with Disney, I saw much more than just a bunch of rides and people dressed up in animal costumes. I began to see a certain depth in the meaning behind the entire company. I wasn't one of those little girls that grew up longing for a prince to come sweep me off my feet (although that is what most people assume the movies do to little girls). I, instead, grew up noticing the strength of these girls who didn't necessarily have it easy their entire lives. Yes, most of them ended up with a prince in the end, but I saw that as them moving on with their lives and making something new for themselves. It's not that they needed a prince, they just wanted freedom, happiness and love. Something they'd never had before. I don't know why everyone talks about marriage as if it's so bad? Why do people get married? It's to share an adventure with someone they love and care about. Some say love holds you back from doing everything you want to do before you have to "grow up". Who says you have to stop having fun when you grow up? Why can't you and your partner have fun together? Why can't you travel together and live a full life together? There is nothing wrong with marriage. If you feel trapped in your marriage, you married the wrong person.
Anyhow...to get back on the subject, I grew up knowing there was more to life than meets the eye. I see the same purpose in my life, that I see in the Disney company. And that's hope, finding an essential goodness in all of us, trusting one another, happiness. and believing in the magic in the world. It's not going to be caused by pixie dust or a talking rabbit with a ticking clock...its the small things, like a kiss from someone you love, or when your baby talks for the first time and calls you "mama" or "dada". It's when you get into the college that you'd always dreamed of, or when you get those tiny bursts of excitement for no reason at all. That is the real magic of the world.
Life is not easy...but who says we can't make it fun? Disney represents feeding the child in all of us, and realizing that life is in fact just that: life. It's okay to have fun and it's essential to feel the magic of our every day lives. That's what Disney means to me.
Hope you enjoyed reading! I'm going to cut it off here since I could probably ramble on for about 20 more hours. There might be a part two...who knows.
BYEBYE. :)
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
My Favorite Quotes
So, I was listening to Colors of the Wind from Pocahontas, and one of my all time favorite quotes is in that song. So now I'm just going to copy down some of my favorite quotes in this entry. Mostly just for me, so I have them (and don't have to write them down and make my fingers hurt. Cough--lazy--cough).
So here they are!
First, the above mentioned quote from Pocahontas:
"You can own the Earth and still--all you'll own is earth until you can paint with all the colors of the wind"
Such a beautiful line.
Next, this one is from one of my favorite Hayao Myazaki films called Kiki's Delivery Service. I love it because I can relate so much to the character. She feels like an outsider, who can't seem to find her place. Every person goes through it at some point in their life. This particular quote is nothing special but always stuck out to me because the character, Osono, gives me hope that not everyone is going to be awful.
"Maybe I can find some others like Osono who will like me and accept me for who I am"
This next one is from Cinderella (classic!). Keep on dreamin'.
"No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing...the dream that wish will come true."
I recently read a book called The Fault in Our Stars. It was absolutely fantastic. Hazel, the main character, says this:
"I take quite a lot of pride in not knowing what's cool"
Me too, Hazel, me too.
Next, is a quote by Aristotle.
"The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but developing the capacity to enjoy less."
The Great Gatsby, one of my favorite books that was later turned into a movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio (swoon) is FILLED with incredible quotes. This happens to be one of them. Any girl who has ever felt hopeless, heartbroken or betrayed--you can relate:
"And I hope she'll be a fool--that's the best thing a girl in this world can be. A beautiful little fool. All the bright, precious things fade so fast...and they don't come back"
Okay...it's not necessarily the most happy quote, but it's still good.
And last but not least, the very last lines of King Kong:
"It was beauty who killed the beast"
So here they are!
First, the above mentioned quote from Pocahontas:
"You can own the Earth and still--all you'll own is earth until you can paint with all the colors of the wind"
Such a beautiful line.
Next, this one is from one of my favorite Hayao Myazaki films called Kiki's Delivery Service. I love it because I can relate so much to the character. She feels like an outsider, who can't seem to find her place. Every person goes through it at some point in their life. This particular quote is nothing special but always stuck out to me because the character, Osono, gives me hope that not everyone is going to be awful.
"Maybe I can find some others like Osono who will like me and accept me for who I am"
This next one is from Cinderella (classic!). Keep on dreamin'.
"No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing...the dream that wish will come true."
I recently read a book called The Fault in Our Stars. It was absolutely fantastic. Hazel, the main character, says this:
"I take quite a lot of pride in not knowing what's cool"
Me too, Hazel, me too.
Next, is a quote by Aristotle.
"The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but developing the capacity to enjoy less."
The Great Gatsby, one of my favorite books that was later turned into a movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio (swoon) is FILLED with incredible quotes. This happens to be one of them. Any girl who has ever felt hopeless, heartbroken or betrayed--you can relate:
"And I hope she'll be a fool--that's the best thing a girl in this world can be. A beautiful little fool. All the bright, precious things fade so fast...and they don't come back"
Okay...it's not necessarily the most happy quote, but it's still good.
And last but not least, the very last lines of King Kong:
"It was beauty who killed the beast"
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Welcome Back Me! Life Is Good.
I was sitting here browsing the web on my new laptop I recieved from my generous folks for Christmas, and I realized that I hadn't posted a blog in about four hundred million years. I probably should have read my last blog post so I knew exactly where to start with this one. I'm not sure what I've documented and what I haven't. Basically, all you need to know is that I am doing fantastic and life is great at the moment. I'm currently working for a blind lady (helping clean, take care of pets, run errands, etc.) It's honestly my favorite job I've ever had. It's even better than my job at Disney World, and that one came with free unlimited theme park entrance. I don't know, I've discovered that taking care of people really comes naturally to me. I have a lot of flaws, but one thing I can say about myself is that I have no problem putting others before myself. I like doing for others; it makes me feel amazing. So, that's how I'm currently earning some money. Who knows if I'll get a second job, but I'm not leaving this one anytime soon. I'm also going to school this next semester and it should be my last semester at SCC. Not sure how that'll work out though. I might end up having to take some of the classes during the summer since I have the tendency to overload myself and end up doing terrible in at least one class. I'm not the type that can just make straight As just like that. I have to study SUPER hard. (which, most of the time I don't have the motivation to do that) I've never been a fast learner. It takes a good amount of time for me to get something. It took 5 years for me to really understand algebra, and I still struggle with it. But thats alrright, I realize that and I just find things that I AM really good at and spend my extra time doing that so I don't feel as horrible about sucking at other things. PAINTING! I love to paint. That comes naturally to me even though I don't do it often. The thing that holds me back as an artist, is that I can't just paint. I have to have a perfect idea in my mind of what I want to paint/draw. I can't just sit down and do it, and see what happens. I'm not spontaneous enough for that. Artists, most the time, have to be at least a little spontaneous. That's usually how masterpieces are created. Same with music. I've not created a masterpiece, but painting and drawing does make me happy whenever I have the patience to do it.
Anyway, I feel like I'm just rambling and have absolutely no point. Dillon and I are doing great, as always, and our relationship is stronger now than ever. Our relationship progresses every day, and I'm very grateful for him and his amazing love for me. I'm glad we kind of put the marriage thing on hold for now, because it's giving us time to spend together and love each other before the struggles of life get in the way. The military isn't causing us to hurry anymore, so it's pretty nice to just not worry about a wedding or marriage or anything right now. I know he's the one I'm going to marry, but school is my number one priority at the moment. Let's get that done with first.
This blog originally started out as a cooking blog (because I was inspired by Julie and Julia), but I've not really held to that. I never really complete anything. It's pretty bad. But I will tell you that I've been cooking a whole heck of a lot more and learning a ton of things about cooking from the blind lady I take care of. She has taught me so much already, it's crazy. Dillon supports this hobby 100%, mainly because he gets to eat the stuff I make. Hahaha. Georgia (the woman I work for) taught me how to make boiled pork. Sounds like it'd be gross, but it's actually AMAZING. That stuff was seriously the best meat I'd ever tasted. I'll put the recipe on here once I cook it again for Dillon, but I gotta give Georgia all the credit.
Anyway, that's pretty much all that has been going on with me. Same old, same old. I've come to realize that same old same old isn't such a bad thing. I like stability. I also like traveling, though. Might be going to California again soon to see one of my best friends. Also, might be going to Europe in a few years. I'll keep you posted on that stuff, but for now I'm going to school and loving life!
Anyway, I feel like I'm just rambling and have absolutely no point. Dillon and I are doing great, as always, and our relationship is stronger now than ever. Our relationship progresses every day, and I'm very grateful for him and his amazing love for me. I'm glad we kind of put the marriage thing on hold for now, because it's giving us time to spend together and love each other before the struggles of life get in the way. The military isn't causing us to hurry anymore, so it's pretty nice to just not worry about a wedding or marriage or anything right now. I know he's the one I'm going to marry, but school is my number one priority at the moment. Let's get that done with first.
This blog originally started out as a cooking blog (because I was inspired by Julie and Julia), but I've not really held to that. I never really complete anything. It's pretty bad. But I will tell you that I've been cooking a whole heck of a lot more and learning a ton of things about cooking from the blind lady I take care of. She has taught me so much already, it's crazy. Dillon supports this hobby 100%, mainly because he gets to eat the stuff I make. Hahaha. Georgia (the woman I work for) taught me how to make boiled pork. Sounds like it'd be gross, but it's actually AMAZING. That stuff was seriously the best meat I'd ever tasted. I'll put the recipe on here once I cook it again for Dillon, but I gotta give Georgia all the credit.
Anyway, that's pretty much all that has been going on with me. Same old, same old. I've come to realize that same old same old isn't such a bad thing. I like stability. I also like traveling, though. Might be going to California again soon to see one of my best friends. Also, might be going to Europe in a few years. I'll keep you posted on that stuff, but for now I'm going to school and loving life!
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