Friday, May 28, 2010

Have a nice Memorial Weekend!

I hope you all have a wonderful long weekend! Today I get to finally have some time with my boy and I am puppy-sitting for my cousin this weekend. Also I am having a bonfire for my friends Sunday night! It is going to be a fun weekend. :) What are all of you up to in this beautiful weather?

Some pictures of the puppies and of my pets coming soon, but in the meantime from cuteoverload.com...

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Guest Post by Alexis Montgomery: Tips for College Grads


Post-Grad Planning In Uncertain Times


College has been going great, but you feel like you’ve barely settled in before the threat of graduation reared its ugly head. You’re supposed to be excited about sloughing off the bonds of institutionalized living, but if you’re being honest, you’re just not sure you’re ready to be out in the big, bad world. You need to establish a plan for after you graduate, but all you’ve come up with so far is “get a job” and “find an apartment”, neither of which seems to be magically materializing for you. So how can you form a real plan to get you through the coming days of life in the real world?


Well, unfortunately, you do have to find a job, and fast. The first and most important part of being an adult is paying your way, and it’s pretty hard to do without some form of gainful employment. But if you’re one of the many students who find yourself facing graduation with nary a job offer in sight, don’t despair. The outlook is not as bleak as you might think. Although our country is facing a recession, making new jobs scarce and the market competitive, there are still jobs to be had, if you’re willing to compromise. Having trouble finding an editing position despite the fact that you won an award with your senior film project? Well, you can always do what so many in the entertainment industry have done before you and opt for a night job as a waiter or bartender. But you just got out of college, you need a serious job! What these jobs can offer you is neither prestige nor good pay, but rather, free time to find another job. Since many offer flexible schedules, it leaves you open to go to job interviews during the day (when most of the real world does business) or try your hand at freelancing. There is a wealth of contract work available for those with the drive to seek it out. You can also look into internships, which could lead to more lucrative employment. The point is, it’s better to have a job for now and keep looking for something better than to end up living in your parent’s basement. And never underestimate the possible benefits of staying in contact with colleagues and friends. This network can become your best resource for finding a job in the future.


Another thing you will have to plan for, once you’ve got a job, is your finances. Those student loans you took out will soon return to bite you, so start budgeting immediately for what is sure to take a rather large chunk of your paycheck each month. Some careful planning in this area could save you a lot of aggravation in the future. If you’re not sure where to start with planning a budget, ask your career counselor. They can direct you to a service on campus to help you out or recommend outside financial planning firms that cater to college students. There are many resources at your disposal, especially while you’re still on campus, so find them and use them to your advantage.


Alexis Montgomery is a content writer for Online Degrees, where you can browse through various online degree programs to find a college that suits your needs.

Monday, May 24, 2010

My room!


As promised...a picture of my new room! :)

Coming soon...a guest post!

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Move: complete

So my big move is complete. The weird thing is that it doesn't really feel as weird as I thought it would. At least not yet, I guess. I suppose that would be because this has been my home for many years and I was only in my apartment for a few months. If I had stayed there, I think after a while it would have started to feel more like a real home and not just a temporary place. The one thing I love about moving is a fresh start. I changed my room around and it looks completely different and I love it.

I am basically all packed and have things put away because I cannot stand clutter and things out of place! Call me crazy...but I like being neat and organized. :)

That was a short update but maybe pictures to come next week...

Thursday, May 20, 2010

The Big Move: Tomorrow

Every day I am reminded of how fast time and life really does move. As I prepare to spend the last night in my apartment and move back home tomorrow, it really does feel strange that nine months in this new space have gone by so quickly. It seems like just yesterday I was begging for more responsibility, having to wait a year to even look at apartments, then finally looking and planning, signing the releases and buying cute new things. Then came move-in excitement and lots of mistakes (burning a piece of carpet with a chicken tender on fire or melting a cup that wasn't really supposed to go in the dishwasher...).

Now, I feel confident in myself. I can live in a different place than my parents and flourish. I can cook my own food, do my dishes, clean up after myself, do my laundry, plan my days...all on my own. This is what learning to be more independent is. Feeling confident in your own abilities even when you make mistakes along the way. My parents are always commenting how they see a change in me: a new confidence, a new maturity, a new independence. So even as I move back right where I started...I know (and my family knows) that I can handle my life on my own. I won't go back with any regrets or sadness because I know I will be on my own again one day. Perhaps a few months when I graduate, perhaps a year...I don't know for sure, but I know it will happen. And that thought makes everything feel better.

So for now, I will handle my move with grace and look at the positives. I will be able to save money. I will be closer to the places I go most. I will be able to re-organize my room. I won't have to deal with any roommate frustrations (although there always are parent frustrations, but that's another entry :P). I can't think about freedom or privacy I may lose, I will work to make it work where I am at in my life. That's all anyone can really do.

Any last minute advice about moving back in with the parental unit?

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Generation of Online

Click the picture to make it bigger for an interesting graph on social networking.

This post by Meg on Curls & Coffee really struck a chord with me. Please read it!

It talks about how with the start of social networking, texting, and all things online have become our only means of conversation. This is something I definitely struggle with. Isn't it easier to text someone all day than have a phone conversation? Isn't it easier to write out everything in a Facebook message than ask someone to meet for coffee? We're quickly becoming the generation that sits in our rooms by ourselves all day and talks to people only virtually.

I love Facebook and blogging and texting and social networking. I'm not sure I could ever give them up completely either. The thought of being somewhat addicted is a scary thought though. I never want to become someone who doesn't participate in the outside world or with real live people because I am too into the online world. I want to have that golden balance. Of keeping in touch with old friends online, but not letting it rule my life.

So as I challenge myself, I will challenge all of you. To spend some time calling a long-distance friend instead of texting all day. To spend less time on Facebook and more time with friends in person or being productive.

Now tell me, what do you think about social networking addiction?

Monday, May 17, 2010

How are you all doing today?


Today just a picture I find especially adorable. As always, found on f#$% yeah love.com. This one reminds me of my boy and I. I always look at him this way and he goes "Whatttt?" :]

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Dreams


Dreams are funny things, aren't they? They can be scary, funny, extremely weird or silly, or romantic. Dreams can be anything, especially things that can't even happen in real life. I've always wondered about dreams. Are they your subconsious telling you something you should know? Do they mean more than just moving images while we sleep? Or are they random thoughts that mean nothing in the grand scheme of life?

I tend to go with the thinking that dreams never mean absolutely nothing. But this leads me to overthink dreams that probably have little to do with my life. I love waking up and looking at dream decoder websites to find out what they say about the big or small things that happen in my dreams. It is always interesting to see what they say. For example, once I had a dream I found a rabbit in my closet and the website said that meant you are committed to someone.

I don't know about you but I will always love dreams and be very interested in their meanings. I love listening to people tell stories about dreams. Aren't they always a little crazy? We wonder where they thoughts seem to come from. At times dreams come from the last thing you think about before your head hits the pillow and other times you wonder why you dreamt about something so strange.
So what do you think about dreams? Insignificant or paths to something more?

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Don't Hold Grudges

First of all, I am back on the blogging train! Welcome to any new readers and I love the comments lately. Keep reading and commenting, friends. :) And be sure to follow me on Twitter and Facebook if you like my blog.

Now, let me admit something about my personal life. I am terrible at confrontations and will do almost anything to avoid them. I know, I know...certain confrontations are a part of life. I can handle them with people I am very close to and that is basically my parents and my boyfriend. And that's about it. I've always been terrible at friendship confrontations. But the other thing is, I let go of things easily. Just because I haven't talked to a friend because of a fall-out, doesn't mean I still "hate" him or her. If they came up to me and wanted to be friends again, chances are I would be okay with that...but I guess I am way too stubborn and nervous to dive back in.

The other thing that goes along with this are grudges. I know many people who have held grudges against me over stupid issues or have heard about other people's grudges. Grudges are such a waste of anyone's time and energy. Once something is done, it should be done. Grudges do nothing to the other person, but they stew inside you and poison your body.
So let things go. Chances are you'll feel much better.

What do you think about confrontations and grudges?

Monday, May 10, 2010

Scooby Dooby Doo, Where are You?


Most people that know me, know that I absolutely love Scooby Doo and everything about him and the show. Ever since I was little, I always loved watching that show and was obsessed with all things Scooby Doo. I was always frightened easily by scary things, but for some reason, the monsters and ghosts on the show never really scared me too much. I loved the adorable dog with a speech impediment, the other crazy characters, the silly villians, and the mystery. Even now, I still catch the show every once in a while and own some of the movies. I still love the original 1969 versions the best too. I love things like that. Things from your childhood that you never really outgrow. I guess that is always what Scooby Doo has been for me. Something I grew to love and never gave up. Something I will keep loving and eventually pass on to my kids one day. I am definitely a kid at heart and still love movies with that silly sense of humor and cute dogs. :)

What thing do you still love from your childhood?

Friday, May 7, 2010

Complaining about Raining


I'll be the first to admit that I don't really like rain. Most people say they do and yes I can agree with liking the calming sounds and pretty pictures that can come from rain...but rain itself: yuck!

I hate being caught in the rain and feeling like I look like a wet dog all day.

I hate driving in it and being so nervous my brakes won't work and I'll get caught in a muddy, wet accident.

I have bad memories associated with bad thunderstorms.

When it is rainy and gloomy out, no matter how much sleep I got, I feel tired and blah.

Someone please try to change my mind about rain. :)

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Free sponsorship!

After having a not so great turn out with a potential sponsor, I've decided to do free sponsorship for the month of May and then start out charging only $10 a month after that! I am definitely new to sponsorship, so I hope this is a good start for my little blog. I will be doing more things to get my blog's name out there and get YOU great advertising. This blog has grown more than I thought it ever would and I am confident it will continue. If you want more information or would like to get some advertising on my blog, please e-mail me at lrstewar@gmail.com. :)

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

I love Taking Care of You..

From F@#$ Yeah Love

First off, sorry everyone, I find myself less interested in the blogging world lately. Mostly because even though school ended, I am busier than ever...with more hours at work, more friends to hang out with, and more things to do...I am a busy bee. So please forgive me if I don't have many entries right now.

But I wanted to say...after a day of driving around my boyfriend on various errands because he lost his car keys, I realized that when you do things like that and it doesn't bother you, you know you love someone. When you realize that you care more about their happiness than your own, you may be in love. When he is stressed, I can't help but do anything I can to make him feel better. It is almost like it becomes a mission. I want to make sure he's always happy because I love that smile so much. Part of this comes from my personality...I am definitely a care-taker. I love to make people happy and make sure everyone is doing okay, so obviously I would definitely be this way with my boy.

What do you think? What do you do when you love someone?

Monday, May 3, 2010

Kids Re-enacting Popular Shows

If you are a fan of "The Hills" or "Jersey Shore" or even if you hate these shows...you'll find these videos hilarious and adorable. Here are little kids acting out versions of the mentioned shows. I love them and they will surely add a smile to your day. :)

http://www.popeater.com/2010/04/29/kids-the-hills-video/

http://www.babelgum.com/4022027/kids-reenact-mtvs-hit-series-jersey-shore.html