I Can't Enjoy This Sunset Because I'm Too Busy Trying to Take a Photo...

I recently saw this quote online: "I can't enjoy this sunset because I am too busy trying to take a great picture of it to put on Facebook".

I think of this often in my generation. We are so connected and have our lives so intertwined with social media and acceptance that this line becomes a blur.

I've gone to concerts and desperately tried to take a good photo or video. Will I look at these photos or videos again after uploading them to Facebook? Will other people take the time to watch the whole video or view all of the blurry photos? Most likely, no.

So why do we reject the real world because we are trying to put it in our digital one? Why are we so obsessed with preserving our memories digitally that we don't actually enjoy making these memories?

We crave approval from others and the digital medium makes it very easy to want and get approval. Don't you feel happier when you get comments or likes on things you share on Facebook? Do you ever get disappointed when no one comments or likes your newest photo? This doesn't make the photo any less beautiful or the status any less clever, but you feel that way.

So I am trying to take a step back and enjoy the moments I have and remember I don't need to preserve everything. My brain will do that for me. It is very nice to look back at Facebook photos and remember certain things from birthday parties or events, but it is also nice to talk with friends and be nostalgic about the same events.

The next time you are enjoying a concert or a sunset or anything... remember that you don't need to struggle to capture it. Simply sit and enjoy it and be in the moment. Remember that your digital life isn't everything; your real life is.

What do you think about this topic?

The Real Scoop on Working From Home

A lot of people ask me exactly what I do for work and sometimes it is hard to explain. I am a marketing coordinator and freelance writer. I have about eight clients, ranging from a non-profit organization to a women's online magazine to a tool and die shop, but not all are active at the same time. Any given day I have ongoing projects that require more than one day of work, such as helping create a new website for a non-profit organization and new projects, such as creating an email newsletter for a client to send out for that month. Here are some common misconceptions and truths about working from home...

Yes, I regularly work in my pajamas. Most days I wake up without an alarm, unless I have something scheduled like a phone call or meeting. I get up and check my emails and to-do lists for the day, grab some breakfast and get working. Some days I stay in my pajamas for a short time and sometimes I stay in them until the afternoon when I realize, well, I should probably change. :)

Just because I work at home, doesn't mean I can do whatever I want, whenever I want. Yes, it is great because it allows me to grab lunch with a friend or take a few hours off for a haircut or appointment and finish my work later that night, but it doesn't mean I can do whatever I want. I regularly have phone or in person meetings and I am now up to a full-time load of work. Things have got to get done so I can't just skip out whenever I feel like it, just like a normal job.

Just like any job, there are upsides and downsides. The upsides are working in my pjs, being able to have more freedom over my schedule than a 9-5 job, the flexibility and change of pace of working with different companies from my home office, etc. The downsides are that often clients expect you to work more than 9-5. I sometimes get "urgent requests" late at night or on weekends, no matter how much I try to put those time periods off limits for working.

I am considered a contract worker. I am not a full-time or part-time worker with any company. I am a contract worker that gets paid by the hour with no benefits or taxes taken out. Right now this isn't too much of a problem. I pay my taxes quarterly. I can still be under my parent's health care benefits, so that works out. Eventually I will have to get my own benefits and hopefully I will be making enough profits so that benefits and taxes won't be too much to handle.

Still, no matter what annoyances come up, I have to realize how much I love working from home and having a flexible schedule.

Anyone have any questions about working from home or what I do on a daily basis?

Are you a Hoarder?

Every once in a while, I find myself wanting to get rid of things. I tend to collect way too much makeup, clothes and accessories and sometimes I just wish I could have a minimalist wardrobe. Yet, when I should actually be paring down such collections, I pause.

You know... that foundation I haven't used in a year, what if I suddenly want to use it and I got rid of it? What if I need it? I think back to times such as this one: the time I got rid of a camouflage shirt I never wore, only to find myself needing a camo shirt for spirit week in high school. My head thinks back to these times and wonders, well what if I will need that one day?

I read a minimalist blog now and then and they discuss these same feelings. When they were purging their stuff, they had the same urge to keep things. I think we all do. Do I really need 10 tubes of lip gloss when I rarely ever wear it at all? Definitely not. Do I think twice before throwing it away or giving it to a friend? Definitely. WHY?

We get attached to the things we own. Hoarders have this philosophy: well I might need it one day. But really, will you? Will you need the things you hold on to for years, never touching? Probably not. Even if you find yourself needed that camo shirt, chances are you can borrow one from someone else or just buy a new one for cheap.

I definitely admire those that dive head first into minimalism and have very little clutter. My new goal is to get rid of items I never use such as clothes that don't fit well and I never wear, makeup I never use, etc. I want to look at the things I own very carefully and ask myself a few questions.

Have I used this in the past year?
For clothes, does it have stains or holes that suggest I should toss it?
Do I really need it or like it anymore?
Can someone else use it on a regular basis instead of just sitting at my house collecting dust?

What do you think? Do you need to organize and get rid of things in your home? Any suggestions for me?

Exclusive Interview with LaToya from Real World St. Thomas

LaToya Jackson from The Real World St. Thomas graciously answered some questions about being on the Real World! She is so sweet and hilarious... here's what she had to say about the Real World and life afterwards! Check out her video or simply read what she had to say. Trust me, you'll want to watch the video!




1. What made you decide to audition for the Real World?

I was mainly influenced by a former co-worker of mines, that worked with me at a local news station. Along with that friends and family always told me about how fun, funny, and full of personality I am, and how they could one day see me on t.v.  When I found out that the real world was holding a casting call  in Richmond VA. I thought to myself hmmm... why not try it out to see exactly how far this personality of mines could take me. And ehhh whata ya know... It landed me on MTV!

2. Can you give us any behind the scenes information or a sneak peek of what is to come in the upcoming episodes?

There is soo much more to look forward to on this season. We did so much, and had so much fun in 3 months, it almost sucks that it all have to be compressed into 1 hr episodes.  What  people don't know is that a couple of the episodes (1 and 4) were comprised of one day worth o footage. Everything you saw happened in each episode took place in an entire day. That goes to show how much went down on Hassle Island.

3. Do you regret anything you did while filming?

No, i have no regrets about anything I did. But I do have regrets about a few things that I DIDN'T do. I wish I spent more time perfecting my kayaking skills, and application of sunblock. Unfortunately I came home with really ugly tan lines.

4. What was the best part of being in St. Thomas with the roommates and what was the worst?

Personally, the best part of being in St, Thomas in my opinion was its atmosphere. The scenery was AMAZING! Everyday there were huge cruise ships that line the docks. Perfect sunny weather, white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and people coming  and going from all walks of life made me feel like i was in paradise. Even the rainy days were perfect. I would say the worst part would be the "island time". It's an old saying that goes "everyone in St. Thomas lives on island time", a much slower and relax pace of living and working. Unfortunately for me, I do everything fast. Eat, sleep, walk, and talk, so that was something that took a very long time for me to get adjusted too.

5. How has being on the show changed your life since you left St. Thomas?

Since leaving St. Thomas my lifestyle hasn't changed too drastically. I'm still the same person, with the same routines, family and friends. Only difference now  is that I've added an experience of a lifetime that has brought forth lots of attention locally and nationally.

6. Besides your own season, what was one of your favorite seasons of RW?

After 27 seasons I must say my all time favorite is Real World Back to Vegas. They were great cast that definitely kept things interesting and entertaining, but I must add that the competition is tough.... Because Real World St. Thomas, we are  planning on taking that title as favorite season.

Be sure to follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook! Thank you so much LaToya for this exclusive interview - you are awesome!

Follow on Twitter and Instagram @LaToyaJMTV
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/

LaToya-J-Real-World-St-Thomas/
199811160147094

Tunes I'm Lovin' Tuesday!

Today's tune is a cover! I randomly found her on Youtube and am obsessed with all of her covers. She has a beautiful voice! What do you think?

"Pumped Up Kicks" (Cover) - Jayme Dee

 

Why Rush Growing Up?

Ever since I can remember, I wanted to move on to the next stage of life. In elementary school, I was excited for middle school. In middle school, I wanted to go to high school. In high school, I wanted to go to college. In college, I couldn't wait to graduate and start making money. Now I just want to slow down.

I see a lot of my friends still rushing growing up. They trade going out and having fun with friends for buying houses and nights in with boyfriends. Sure, growing up is inevitable. You can't be Peter Pan and not pay bills or have a job or get your own place. But I see too many people rushing to get married, have babies and get all... domestic.

I think your twenties is about exploring, having fun and figuring life out. You don't have to have your dream job right after college. Right now, I just wish life could slow down a bit. I almost regret going through school so fast and wanting the next thing and the next thing. Maybe we just need to slow down and enjoy being young. Enjoy getting to spend time with your friends. Going out and having adventures. Being a little bit irresponsible now and again. Laughing more than you worry.

I think I am at the point where I see people trying to be 30 something instead of 20 something and wonder if they will regret it later in life. I wonder if they wish they spent more time having fun. All I can do is go my own way and enjoy my life. I want to be young and fun and enjoy the time I have now.

We all have to grow up sometime. Why rush it?

Movie Review: The Amazing Spiderman

First of all, Happy 4th of July! I am going to The Detroit Tigers game tonight for free with some friends - so excited! :)

Let me first say I rarely go see movies at midnight. I normally can't stay awake until 3 am! But, I was really excited for the new Spiderman series. I love the last ones and Spiderman is definitely my favorite comic book character. I was extra excited because I absolutely adore Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. They were wonderful together and it is no surprise they are dating in real life.

The only downfall of the movie was that it was pretty similar to the last ones that really didn't come out that long ago. So you pretty much knew what was going to happen if you've seen the other Spiderman movie. Peter Parker lives with his aunt and uncle, Peter gets bit by a radioactive spider, Uncle Ben dies and Peter seeks revenge as Spiderman, there's a mad scientist who accidentally turns himself into an evil creature, they fight, Spiderman prevails. Pretty much the same story.

I still loved it. The greatest thing about those movies is that it has something for everyone. It has lots of action, adventure, drama, romance, sad parts, funny parts, you name it.

Dr. Connor's Lizard Man was pretty creepy and I loved the subtle differences, like the fact it was Gwen Stacy instead of Mary Jane Watson. Andrew Garfield was great as Peter Parker. His awkwardness was adorable and funny. I can't wait for the sequel... you know it is coming!

What do you think? Have you seen it yet and if you haven't, do you plan on seeing it? Let me know your thoughts!

Tunes I'm Lovin' Tuesday and Giveaway Winners!

Thanks for the birthday wishes yesterday! Today we have two things to get to... the tune I'm lovin' and the giveaway winners for the free eyeglasses!

Today's tune is one of my favorite Coldplay songs. They played it in the new "The Amazing Spiderman" movie I saw last night and it reminded me how much I loved the song. (Review of movie to come!)


"'Til Kingdom Come" - Coldplay

 

Now onto the winners.... congrats! I emailed Firmoo and they should be contacting you about your prize! :)

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'm 23!

Today is my birthday! I celebrated with friends this past Saturday... here's some pictures! Today I get to spend the day with my boy at the beach then my family is coming over. I'm also seeing "The Amazing Spiderman" tonight at midnight - should be really fun! 

Movie Review: Jeff Who Lives At Home

I wanted to see this movie in theaters but never made it. So the other night, I was just relaxing and decided to rent it on my own. I am a big fan of Jason Segel and I like Ed Helms, so I wanted to see it just because of that. At first, the movie was a little odd and I wasn't quite sure where it was going.

It talked a lot about signs (also, yes, the movie "Signs") and fate. Jason Segel's character, Jeff, is 30-years-old and still lives in his mother's basement. In the beginning he smokes pot and talks a lot about signs. He keeps receiving these so-called signs about "Kevin". A wrong number asking for Kevin, a kid named Kevin wearing a jersey that says Kevin, Kevin's Kandy truck, etc. I found this amusing because my boyfriend's name is Kevin. ;)

Intertwined with the story is Pat, Jeff's brother (Ed Helms) who buys a Porsche without his wife's permission and it goes on to show their dysfunctional relationship. It also shares the story of their mother (Susan Sarandon) at her work, receiving messages from a "secret admirer".

Of course at the end, all of these signs and stories come together. I loved the end. It was just the right amount of emotion and left me feeling really good at the end of watching it. I just love that feeling when you watch a movie and feel like you're alive after you watch it.

Definitely recommend this movie! It was nice and short as well - an indie classic.