Blog Update

I know this thing has been a big mess. Completely random posts at completely random times. I intend to get back into blogging with the coming year. I do not only write/think about death even though it may seem like it from this blog. I have been writing a lot of poetry this year, and more so lately. That has been part of my reason for letting this go to waste.

I am alive and well and graduating from college in 2 weeks! I have many plans for the future so stay tuned.

One last note:  Don't take your life or loved ones for granted. Cherish the days you have on this Earth and the people you have them will.

| c.l.s | 2013

One loss is no more important than another

Something has been on my mind since the news of Paul Walker and his friend and driver of the vehicle, Roger Rodas. I have seen many posts in the social media world such as, "A celebrity dies and everyone makes such a big deal. What about all those children that die every day." Etc etc. I get what these people are trying to say... people die every day and no one talks about them or cares... soldiers, children, a mother, a father... but when a celebrity dies then it's national news and everyone in the world mourns. I get it.

First, I would like to say duh.

     ce·leb·ri·ty

     səˈlebrətē

     noun

1. a famous person.

     fa·mous

     ˈfāməs

     adjective

1. known about by many people.

A lot of people know of famous people. Of course, many people will have a reaction. That does NOT make their death any less important. A celebrity is a person too. They have family and loved ones just like each of you. Part of being famous means that you have an impact on others. Many people probably don't know Paul Walker (for example) personally; however, he might have impacted their lives in some way. I have many examples in my personal life (one that I'll share). There was a little boy by the name of Lane Goodwin. I never met this person, but his life impacted me in so many ways. The night he passed, I cried in bed, begging God for answers of why things like this happen. My heart ached. Death is sad for those left behind. People watch movies and celebrities and it feels like part of your life. You feel like you know them, even though you don't. It's part of it.

Second, (and I could be completely wrong about this) the people posting those things are probably trolls. I highly doubt you mourn the loss of every person on this planet that dies. It's impossible and you would be the most depressed person in this world if you did. We can't solve all of the problems in this world, nor can we stop death. There is still no cure for life, as far as I know. I think there are so many important issues out there with children being slaughtered and soldiers dying that have fought for their country. There are "regular" people that have died, and there could have been something extraordinary about them. It's awful. The media cannot report on everything (not that they always report on the important things either). Every time that I find something new about how someone is dying or has died, my heart aches for them. 

People post and are so public about celebrities because people know them. People can "relate." Naturally, most people aren't going to read the news and then post about a little boy dying in Africa. It's not the popular thing among people. It's a sad fact. We live in a world filled with sheep. People are afraid to step out from the pack. People are afraid of their own voice. They are more comfortable speaking with the group. I know this does not hold true for every person, but you tell me that this does not hold true for the masses and I'll call you on your bluff.

If you want people to know about the little boy that died in Africa then speak up. Let your voice be heard. Tell people about the little boy. You take the step. Don't bash people for mourning the loss of a celebrity. It's wrong. Like I said, I know what you're really trying to say when you're doing it. However, do so in a positive way. Educate yourself. Educate the people.

| c.l.s | 2013

R.I.P. Paul Walker and Roger Rodas and Tyreece Jordan Naicker (little boy in Africa).

May your loved ones find the strength to cope. <3

Happy Birthday Ashley

I got this picture off Ashley's Facebook. Her Mom shared it on her page and it's just a beautiful picture.  Seeing her face and really looking at this picture, just made me want to write something about the beautiful person she was and continues to be in Heaven.

     

     I met Ashley through sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta. I always thought she was so pretty. She was always such a sweet person as well. When I learned that she battling cancer, my heart went out to her. During the time that I spent around Ashley and was graced with her presence, I became amazed. That girl was amazing. She had a heart kinder that most ever encounter. Ashley was 100 percent a fighter. This girl lived life and didn't let cancer bring her down. It was impossible to have a bad attitude with her around. Her kindness was contagious. She always did such a good job with whatever she was doing. Her sweets were some of the most delicious around. You are really missing out if you never got the chance to experience them.

     

     I was never super good friends with Ashley, and we didn't really hang out or anything like that. Every time that I was around her though, she was just so nice to me. There is one moment that really sticks out when I think of Ashley. It was during Relay for Life 2011. Our sorority set up a booth, like most organizations in town. Ashley was mostly in charge of ours. Our theme was 'Curing cancer one CUPCAKE at a time.' We usually take shifts for selling the cupcakes and such. That night I spent pretty much the entire night at the stand selling. A lot of the time, I ran it almost by myself. Of course, there were others that helped at points and some volunteered to help but I was more than content selling them. I didn't want to leave the stand. I stayed there and didn't give my shift up. I actually stayed until we took everything down. If I remember correctly it was around 11 p.m. or midnight when we finished. I had one of the best times that night. I felt so accomplished. I also felt very proud. Ashley complimented me a few times on how good of a job I was doing, and honestly, it was the highlight of that night for me. I felt like I had made her proud. I don't know why I felt like that or why her being proud of me was even important to me, but it was and it's a memory that I'll always have. I never told anyone that or even told her. It has been something that has just stuck with me. I've decided to share that moment today since it's her birthday. Sadly, Ashley will never know the impact she has had on me, but the rest of you will. Maybe she is able to read this from Heaven. I sure hope she can. 

     Ashley was loved by so, so many people. The magnitude of people is just crazy to even think about. She impacted so many. I sure hope she knows how much of a blessing she was in the lives of so many. I wish I understood why people are taken from this Earth so soon, especially the good ones. I do believe that everything happens for a reason though, and she is no longer in pain. She has, once and for all, kicked cancer's ass. I'm sure she makes a beautiful angel. 

Dust off that piggy bank

     Americans, for the most part, do not save. We are more familiar with accumulating debt. Can't afford something? No worries, just put it on credit. I'm not saying this is a bad thing. It has its pros and cons, like anything else. I'm just stating that generally Americans are spenders, not savers. Growing up in a family of spenders, I've always been told to save my money by people like my Pawpaw. "You better make sure you're saving your money. You don't want to be like me one day having to dig change out of a bucket for gas." Okay those aren't exact quotes, but they are pretty accurate.

     At the beginning of this year I made a New Year's resolution. Well I made a few (that I have actually been doing since the beginning of the year still... crazy right?!), but there was one in particular that pertains to finance... save at least $1 per day for the year. Well I tweaked this a little bit into the year. I decided to do something in addition to the $1 per day, called the 52-week money challenge. This is how it goes:

There are 52 weeks in a year. So, whatever week you are on, that is how much money you save for that week. For example:
Week 1 - Save $1
Week 2 - Save $2
Week 3 - Save $3
...
Week 52 - Save $52
At the end of the year, you would end up with $1,378. Crazy right?!

     So if I'm already doing the $1 per day (365 days) and then I do the 52 week challenge as well, that would give me a total of $1,743 at the end of the year. That's almost $2,000 in one year!!! I am working really hard to save the designated amount of money for each day/week. So far I have done well.

     Okay, I got off on a tangent a little bit. The point is I started saving my money for once. That came in handy today. I've had a gas leak in my car for a while... yikes, I know. A little bit of laziness on my part for not getting it checked out sooner. I also didn't realize the seriousness of it. Well I took it to a mechanic today and turns out, my fuel pump needs to be replaced. Ugh almost $400. Well since I have been saving my money, I can actually afford to replace it. There is no added stress about what I'm going to do. It also feels good to be able to afford to pay for it and not have to ask my Dad for the money. Aw... I'm growing up, slowly. ha. It does suck that I have to take that money out of my savings since I planned on not touching it, BUT isn't that the point of a savings? Having money set aside for an emergency or for retirement and things of that nature. Well I consider this an emergency since my car could easily blow up.

     I encourage everyone to start saving their money, even if it is something as small as $1 a day or having a change jar. It could make life easier and less stressful. 

     I am definitely not a money expert, but if you have any questions about saving or would like some tips and additional information, then please ask away. I'll do the best to answer your questions. 

Strive to live debt free.

Big News!

     I have been working on something for the past week and I'm super excited because I just "released" it today... well technically yesterday since it is now past midnight. The name of my big news is 'Our Extraordinary Love'! I have created an e-mail, Facebook, and Blogger account. This all came about when I was having lunch with my Aunt on Mar 16, 2013. We were celebrating her birthday. This idea came out of nowhere and I told her... "how awesome would it be if I could travel the world, learning about people's love stories - real love stories, and share them with the rest of the world. that would be the ultimate job." It all spurred from there. Since then I have been working on this in every spare moment I get. 

     I graduate from college in December and have had no idea what I wanted to do with my life... until now. I think this would be super awesome. Granted, I have no idea how much this will take off or how I'm even going to do it, but I'm running with it and doing the best I can right now. I obviously can't afford to do the traveling part at the moment. So, in the mean time, I just want to get these love stories and share them on the blog and Facebook. Once things get up and going then I want to start a 'couple of the month' or something of that nature. I think that would be cool. Someone could get their love story featured for the world, hopefully, to see. My whole life, the only thing I have been sure of is my love for love. I've always felt like it was my passion, but I was always like "how can your passion be love... that doesn't even make sense." So I've just let it be and expressed myself by poetry, writing, buying little heart and love decor, taking pictures of anything that resembled love and hearts, etc. Like I mentioned earlier... when someone asked me what my dream job was, I couldn't give them an answer because I never had anything that I just felt so strongly / passionately about. My answer was always, "I just want to be rich." This [Our Extraordinary Love :-P] is something I feel strongly about. I don't care if someone doesn't like my idea. I don't care if people think it is stupid. I don't care if it doesn't make me rich. To me, it is important and it matters. 

     Love is such an important thing. I really do believe it is the foundation of happiness. You must love yourself and realize you are worth something extraordinary. You deserve to be loved in the most extraordinary way and that is what this is all about. I want to take these stories / pictures / videos and let the world see them. I want people to know that real love exists. It's still out there. People don't have to settle because they don't think they are worthy. People don't have to settle because they don't think there is such a love out there. In today's society, all we ever hear about is the negative side of things. Very rarely do we hear of those uplifting stories. It's sad that we get caught up in the drama and that's what people want to hear about and watch. I admit, I am guilty of that as well. I just want to bring some happiness into this world. I'm hoping that by hearing and sharing these stories, people will see that love needs to be nurtured. I want people to see that there are real people out there that go through trials and triumphs, and have stuck it out and are happy together. I realize I'm just one person with a dream; however, I am quite determined. I hope to inspire you to love more and then I hope you inspire someone else to love more and it just keeps on spreading like wildfire. Live an extraordinary life and not just a mediocre one. Out of all those sperm, you were the one that got 1st place. Don't waste your life. Do something extraordinary. Love in an extraordinary way.

If you have an extraordinary love story that you want to share... or you know someone that has one then please e-mail me at ourextraordinarylove@gmail.com.

*Disclaimer: If you send me your story, I will assume that I have permission to share it

You can also check out the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ourextraordinarylove.

and the Blogger page at http://ourextraordinarylove.blogspot.com/.

Manti Te'o - Not so Important News

We live in a world where people care more about fake girlfriends and celebrity slip-ups than real life problems such as poverty and starvation. A story has recently come out that involves Manti Te'o, linebacker for Notre Dame's football team. He is 21 years old and going on 22 in a couple days. Apparently he developed an online relationship with a girl by the name of Lennay Kekua, whom he never actually met in person. He was told that Kekua died of cancer on September 12, 2012. His grandmother had also died not long before Kekua was presumed to be dead. He publicly dedicated and played his games for the two women. So, his story began to gain public attention. On December 6, 2012, Te'o got a phone call stating that Kekua was alive. During this time Te'o was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, an award that an individual receives for being the best football player. 

So Te'o found out on December 6 that the situation was a hoax, but continued to go along with his story. I, personally, can completely understand what Te'o was going through. This star football player, who has been dating a made-up person, is about to go on national television and doesn't want to be embarrassed in front of the entire world. The whole situation has to be completely humiliating. Sure, he lied when he said that he had met her, but he didn't think people would understand his love for a women that he had actually never met. I am in no way condoning his lies; however, I can understand why he did it. Give the guy a break. Many people speculate whether Te'o actually planned the whole hoax and was part of it. Let me ask this, WHY DOES IT MATTER? Who cares if he did make it up? He's just a 21 year old guy in college that plays football. It has nothing to do with the fact that he was runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. That award is based on showing excellence in the skills as a football player, not whether or not this guy has a fake girlfriend. That is something called, HIS PERSONAL LIFE. This story wouldn't matter so much if everyone wasn't so worried about everyone else's life. 

Sources:

http://www.und.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/teo_manti00.html

http://abcnews.go.com/US/manti-teo-tells-katie-couric-briefly-lied-girlfriend/story?id=18290412

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/katie-couric-interview-manti-teo-notre-dame-football/story?id=18264401

New Year with a New Attitude

Today is the last day of 2012, in case you didn't know. I actually have to work tonight, but at least I get off work before midnight. I haven't had much time to reflect on the year and all that jazz, BUT with the coming of a new year, comes resolutions. It seems that the majority of people make resolutions just because and have no real intention of actually accomplishing them. There are also people that don't partake in the New Year's resolutions because "why do you need a new year in order to make a change in your life." Here's my philosophy on the whole subject... Yes, people can make a change at any point in life BUT sometimes it helps to start with the beginning of a new year. It just gives that fresh start feeling. I have been like most, in the sense that I make resolutions every year. They are not well thought out and I don't usually accomplish them. This year I decided to put a little thought into it.

New Year's Resolutions

WRITE EVERY DAY THIS YEAR

I want to try to write something every single day this year; just some little insight into how I am feeling for that day or what I have done. Just something. I've written a great deal throughout the years and find it very insightful or interesting to see how I was at that point in my life, and also how other people were... like how our relationship was and how it's changed, etc.

WRITE 1 THING I'M THANKFUL FOR EVERY DAY

I want to write down 1 thing that I am thankful for every day this year. I got the idea because of Thanksgiving. During the month of November, a lot of people post what they are thankful for. So I thought, why not have a whole year of thankfuls? If nothing else, it will give me at least 1 positive thing for that day to reflect upon. Hopefully it will also help me be more grateful for the life I live and not take it for granted.

SAVE AT LEAST $1 A DAY

Obviously, it can be hard to save money, especially in this day and age. I want to make a goal of saving at least $1 a day. It may seem like a very small amount, but there are some days when I stretch my money thin. So I figure, if I save $1 each day then that would give me $365 at the end of the year at the bare minimum. Of course, if I can afford to save more than $1 then I definitely will. $365 is way more than I've had any other year, by the end anyways. Americans seem to buy into consumerism and living with debt. Money also seems to be a huge issue and stress with many people. I am choosing to not be that person. I want to live debt free and actually have a savings. 

You may be thinking... that's it. That's your resolutions? And to answer your question... yes. Hopefully these things will help me to have a better attitude and outlook when things get crappy AND hopefully I'll be able to start saving money. They are definitely possible to accomplish and helpful. Be safe.

Hopefully you put a little thought into your resolutions, and if nothing else, strive to be a better person. Hope you have a very Happy New Year! 

I can't believe 2012 is about to come to an end. As every other year, it has been a year of ups and downs with many lessons. I can't wait to see what 2013 has in store for me. To a better year and actually accomplishing my new year's resolutions for once.

"Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one." - Brad Paisley

No Sew Fleece Blanket

Tis the time of the year for gift giving. Like most, I was unsure of what to get my boyfriend for Christmas. He had mentioned something about a blanket among the things he had suggested. I told him that I had no idea how to do one and told him to continue with suggestions. However, I thought the blanket idea was a great one. I looked around on the Internet and came upon ideas on Pinterest. I found a post that was really helpful in making the blanket on Wifessionals. 

This is a great project to do because you don't need a sewing machine and it doesn't take much time. 

Step 1:  Buy your fabric

I bought 2 pieces of fleece fabric online at Joann Fabric & Craft Stores. Most of the fabric I looked at was on sale, which is great because it can definitely get pricey. I bought 3 yards of each piece, camo and orange. (He loves hunting and orange is his favorite color.)

Step 2:  Layer your fabric

Make sure to have you soft sides facing outward. First, lay down the piece that will be used as the back. Then, lay down the other piece on top of it (again soft sides facing outward). Cut off any ugly edges or excess fabric and make sure both pieces are even. 

Step 3:  Cut out 5" x 5" squares at each corner

This step is important because it determines the length for the ties. You don't want them to be too short/long.

Step 4:  Cut 1" (width) strips around the entire blanket

The thicker your strips are, the harder it is to tie them together. I didn't have much room to work with... so many of my strips were different widths and didn't match up exactly with the 5" length. It definitely made the tying process a bit harder and not as neat.

Step 5:  Tie your 'flat' knots

Don't just tie a normal knot. Take a look at the 'knot tutorial' picture on the Wifessionals post because its really explanatory and I didn't take any pictures of this part. Once you look at the picture, its really easy to do. It makes the knots flatter and they look nice.

Step 6:  Wash your blanket & enjoy

I washed my blanket afterwards and it turned out great. The final look was a bit more rounded since not all of my cuts were equal. Not too bad for my first attempt at a no sew blanket, if I do say so myself.

My boyfriend loved his blanket. He already wants another one just to have. Haha.

I also made him honey cookies again. I used the same recipe as last year. You can find it here. The only differences to the recipe this year is that I used a mixer, which made a huge difference (for the better), and I drizzled honey on the tops right out of the oven. Personally, I thought they were much better than last year. Definitely check out the honey bee cookies recipe.

Hope everyone had a merry Christmas! I know I did.

Which way is up?

Interesting little tip I just learned. It seems like common sense but I would have never thought to do it.
If you ever find yourself buried in an avalanche and not sure which way is up, just spit. See which way the spit runs and then dig in the opposite direction. Ya know... because of gravity and all. Most people in that situation, sadly, tend to dig downward because they become so distraught and don't know which direction is which.
I personally found that very interesting and possibly lifesaving.
Another one... if you're in water and have the same direction problem, blow bubbles and swim up with them.  :-)

A Blind Man & Humanity

I have been meaning to write this post, but haven't really had the time. Hopefully I'll get all the facts correct.

I suppose it was a couple of weeks ago or so. I was studying in the library, when my boyfriend came in to tell me about something that had just happened. I can't really remember where he was headed, but he saw this guy, a blind guy, that had dropped his walking stick. The guy was trying to search around for his stick. Keep in mind, that this happened in the middle of campus. The guy was on his way to class. From what I was told, there were many people just standing around staring at the guy. My boyfriend said he just looked around at everyone standing there and decided to help the guy. He goes over and gets the stick for the guy and hands it to him. I guess the guy asked Clint (my boyfriend) if he would walk with him to class. Of course, Clint said sure. They talked on the way to the building. From what I remember, they guy has been blind most, if not all of his life. He lives on campus and uses some sort of tapping and counting with the stick to get around campus. I was told that he's a pretty fast walker. The guy also tells Clint how he can hear really well. That's not surprising because when you don't have one of your senses, the others are heightened. He said that he can hear people always talking about him and that it hurts his feelings. People usually don't know that he can hear them. He also said that he doesn't have many friends because people are scared of him, or whatever the reason be. Well they make it to the building and they guy says thanks and that he can make it the rest of the way. They then go their separate ways.

Okay... first, I am completely amazed. Yes, I didn't actually meet this guy and I wasn't there to experience this. However, I can imagine. I can't believe he can get around so well. I have never really known someone that has been blind their whole life so I don't really know what they go through. Obviously, simple tasks for people that can see would be hard for people that can't see. I'm amazed that he lives on campus and walks around by himself and goes to class, etc. I just think it's so great. We complain about the dumbest things in life and take so much for granted. This was just another eye opener for me.

Second, I am extremely disgusted, so much so that it's hard to put into words, with humanity. We supposedly live in the "Friendliest Town in America," yet people on campus can't take a second to help a person. People were just standing there looking at him and probably talking about him. It's just rude!! People need to stop being so self-centered and selfish. Try helping someone else for once. It could make their day or even their life. A simple act of kindness can go a very long way. I am tired of having to lower my expectations for people; people need to start raising their standards.

Next time you see someone in need, think of your father, mother, brother, sister, or someone that you are close to. Better yet, think of your child (born or unborn). How would you feel if this person was your child, frantically searching around on the ground? Would you want someone to just pass them by or laugh at them? I'm guessing no. Well then stand up and start doing something about it. Making the world a better place starts with you. If you want your children and grandchildren to grow up in a better or safe world, then YOU make it that way. Let's make kindness epidemic.

Lastly, thanks to Clint for helping this guy and being kind. I'm glad kindness isn't extinct yet.

Little boy gives $1,000 to his neighbor

Note:  This photo came from the article. 

This article touched my heart. I like to read the news and stay updated with things going on in the world. Most of the stuff I read is bad or about negative things going on. So when I run across something like this, I melt. I think it is just precious.

This 8 year old boy, Wyatt Erber, won $1,000 by doing a scavenger hunt. He already knew that if he won, he wanted to give the money to his neighbor, 2 year old Cara Kielty, to go towards helping with her cancer treatments. Cara is Wyatt's neighbor and Wyatt played with her brother, Connor, a lot. Wyatt understands what cancer is and "his heart sank" when he found out Cara had cancer.

I think this is beyond precious that an 8 year old boy can do such a big act of kindness. We can learn a lot from Wyatt. A thousand dollars is a lot of money, especially for a young child. He didn't even give a second thought to where he wanted that money to go. He just wanted to help Cara.

My prayers go to Cara and her family. I hope she gets the treatments needed and lives a long, happy life. My heart goes to Wyatt for being such a caring person.

Just remember, if an 8 year old child can do something like this, then anyone can open their hearts and stop being so greedy and/or hateful. Share a little love.

Source:  http://gma.yahoo.com/illinois-boy-wins-1-000-donates-money-neighbor-193745824--abc-news-wellness.html

All Campus Sing Champs & 22nd Bday!

Today is my 22nd birthday. I have been so busy because today was also the day for Sigma Alpha Iota's 54th Annual All Campus Sing at MSU. We (Alpha Gamma Delta) have been practicing like crazy. This year was also the first year that I have actually participated in the event. So, I was super nervous. We practiced at 5:30 a.m. so I have been up way too long, since it's almost midnight.

So like I said practice this morning and then class. Then I spent the rest of the day getting ready for All Campus Sing. It began at 4:30 p.m. I was nervous but shook it off. The moment we were standing in line waiting for our turn to go up, I got huge butterflies in my stomach. I was extremely nervous. I was originally worried about not making my turns correctly and falling. Then I was scared I would faint. Well they announce our name and out we go. It all happened so fast. It was like I blinked my eyes and it was over.

When they announced our name as the 1st place winners, I was in shock. I couldn't believe we actually won. We deserved it for sure, but still. I was soooo excited, still am. I'm so proud of my sorority sisters. I know that practices can sometimes be a pain but the ending to this little story was perfect. Winning definitely made my birthday complete :)

It's 11:51 p.m. I still haven't changed out of my All Campus Sing clothes. I dislike that this day has gone by so fast so I'm refusing to accept it just yet. Haha. I would definitely say the birthday was a success.

Here we are performing 'Just Dance'

If the video doesn't work you can go to the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dq7xkErcDoc&context=C4a494f6ADvjVQa1PpcFMvWPGM80c2ntV7TEeARI0yHHkqvldwdp0=

OR

Visit the link for the entire performance.
(Alpha Gamma Delta starts at 2hours 13min):
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/21948055

Prayers for Kaytryn

Yesterday I was notified that one of my sorority sisters had been in a car wreck and was being life-flighted to Vanderbilt. Kaytryn is my Alpha Gam grandlittle aka grandkiddo. We didn't know each other very well, but I have spent some time around her. She is so sweet.

She was by herself when she wrecked. She went to turn onto a road and another car couldn't avoid it and hit her. I was told that she is suffering with brain damage, a broken femur, pelvis, & sternum, and she has a punctured lung. I was also notified that she was put on life support this morning. It breaks my heart to hear such news. My heart goes out to her and her family. I really hope that she pulls through. She is so young and has so much life ahead of her. All we can do is pray and hope for the best. Miracles can happen and I hope Kaytryn receives one.

This is just another example that life is so short. You never know what could happen to you or anyone you know and love. Cherish everyone and let them know that they are loved. Don't ever wait or assume someone knows. Make sure to tell them. Also be nice to people... a simple smile or kind word could brighten a person's day.

If you read this, please pray for Kaytryn and her family. She needs all that she can get.

Source:  West Kentucky Star, Kentucky State Police



UPDATE   Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 6:02 p.m.
My little just texted me and told me that Kaytryn isn't getting any worse... She did clinch her fist, which is a good sign. However, she is still on life support. Please say a prayer for her. Thanks.

UPDATE   Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 7:44 p.m.
They're going to reset her broken bones tomorrow. She's stable enough to handle the surgery so hopefully everything goes according to plan.

UPDATE   Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 10:34 a.m.
We have a good update. She moved around last night in her sleep, and she moved her arm during her bath. She also bent her knee some too. She's going into surgery around noon today. The doctors are trying to promote movement in her eyes. The swelling in her brain has gone down. Tomorrow they will do an MRI and be able to determine how bad her brain damage is.  She is still on life support, feeding tube, breathing tube, and has multiple IV's. She also has something in her brain. So please continue to pray. She needs them all.

UPDATE   Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 6:42 p.m.
Kaytryn's family has posted a website to keep everyone updated on how she is doing:
Caring Bridge.
I will continue to post here as well. I failed to mention in the beginning that Kaytryn is in a coma and has been since the accident. There is still no word on how the surgery went. I will wait for an update. Keep praying.

Update from the Caring Bridge site:
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 2012 3:45 PM, CDT

[Prayers for Kaytryn


Friends,


Speaking for the entire Parrish family, your prayers are greatly appreciated and felt every moment. Many of you know, our beautiful Kaytryn was in a car accident Monday afternoon. She was life flighted to Vanderbilt Hospital and is suffering from severe brain trauma, a crushed pelvis, broken femur, and a punctured lung. She is currently in a coma and has not been conscious since the accident.


Today is a crucial day, the doctors have just taken her back to the surgery room to repair her pelvis and femur. Her vital signs are currently stable and an MRI will be done on Thursday to determine the extent of the damage.


Right now, prayer should be lifted to God for healing to her brain, pupil dilation, signs of improvement, a smooth surgical procedure, and a positive MRI report.


We have had so many friends and family reach out to us over the last few days, and we are so appreciative of all your support. We are so thankful for each and every one of you. There are so many people asking if there is anything they can do to help. We would just ask that you continue to lift Kaytryn up in prayer and ask God to put his healing hands on her. There is no better medicine than the power of prayer.


Matthew 21:12 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will recieve, if you have faith.]

UPDATE   Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 9:38 p.m.
The surgery went well. The doctor repaired her pelvis and femur. I think I may have been wrong about the broken sternum. Again, I am getting information from friends and now the family's website. Her brain also remained stable during the surgery. Tomorrow is the day for the MRI and the results should be in Friday for that. They have been trying to dilate her eyes, but she isn't responding to it. Pray for her recovery.

Update from the Caring Bridge site:

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 2012 8:07 PM, CDT

[Out of Surgery


Praise the Lord! Kaytryn is out of surgery, everything went well! The doctor was able to repair her pelvis and femur. They don't anticipate any future surgeries to repair broken bones. Her brain remained stable throughout the surgery.


We have overcome another hurdle, keep up the praying. We enjoy reading all your messages, they are keeping our spirits up during this very difficult time. Please continue to pray for healing of her brain.


"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." Psalm 121: 1-8]

UPDATE   Thursday, April 5, 2012 - 4:00 p.m.
Kaytryn was suppose to undergo many tests to determine her situation and how bad her brain damage is. I have yet to hear anything further really. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

Update from the Caring Bridge site:

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2012 10:45 AM, CDT

[Important Request


Today will be a crucial day for Kaytryn and family. She will be undergoing multiple tests to determine her situation. It will be a very emotional day for the family. We ask for expressions of support to be limited to well wishes and prayers. We will continue to post updates. We respectfully ask that hospital visitation be limited to immediate family members and clergy.


Thank you for your continued prayers and support.]

UPDATE   Thursday, April 5, 2012 - 5:25 p.m.
I still don't have much information except that the results came in and her status is pretty much the same as it has been. We just have to keep praying and hopefully we'll see improvements.

Update from the Caring Bridge site:

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2012 9:14 PM, CDT

[More Prayers Needed


We received the test results this afternoon. They were not what we were hoping for, but we are all still firm believers in God's miracles. Please keep the prayers and well wishes coming - they are truly inspirational to us. As requested earlier, please express support through well wishes and prayers. We respectfully continue to ask that hospital visitors are limited to family and clergy.


Again, thank you for your continued support and prayers. We will continue to post updates as they develop.]

UPDATE   Friday, April 6, 2012 - 3:10 p.m.
Still no change :(

Update from the Caring Bridge site:

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2012 3:10 PM, CDT

[Kaytryn has been surrounded by thirty five of her family members as she continues to recover from her surgeries. There has been little change in her condition and her neurological functions have remained the same; however, on this holy weekend, we are reminded of the divine acts that The Lord is capable of performing. Please continue to pray for her recovery and for strength for her family. We truly appreciate all of the love, support, generosity, and kindness that has been shared with our family during this difficult time.


We will continue to post updates when available. We continue to respectfully request that hospital visitors are limited to family and clergy.]

UPDATE   Friday, April 6, 2012 - 11:00 p.m.
She has a fever and high blood pressure tonight. Please pray that she starts to recover.

Update from the Caring Bridge site:

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2012 10:26 PM, CDT

[Important Prayer Request


Kaytryn has a fever and her blood pressure is elevated. We ask you to please pray for God to lower her fever and pressure.


Kelly and Mark want everyone to know how appreciative and helpful all of your kind words and prayers have been. The outpouring of love and support that you all have shared for Kaytryn is giving them the strength to make it though this difficult time.]

UPDATE   Saturday, April 7, 2012 - 1:00 p.m.

Update from the Caring Bridge site:

SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2012 12:04 PM, CDT

[Renewed Hope


Today's post comes to us directly from Kelly and Mark.


Praise be to our Father. This morning we prayed for hope in our despair. From the moment we walked into her room, we have been met with encouragement and hope. The doctors were terrific and encouraging today. They are being aggressive and honest. She is sitting up in a chair now. While we wait for change, the doctor reminded us that this is a long slow race and to be still and wait. Praise God today for hope. HE is alive. HE reigns forever. We love you all so dearly and can never say thank you enough for your prayers and support.


"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary."
Isaiah 40:28-31]

UPDATE   Saturday, April 7, 2012 - 6:00 p.m.
Kaytryn's fever and blood pressure went down. The reason for these two is because she caught pneumonia. They are treating her with antibiotics, but she is still not responsive.
Please keep this sweet girl in your prayers, as well as her family.

Update from the Caring Bridge site:

SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2012 5:44 PM, CDT

[We are very grateful for the response to our prayer request last night. Kaytryn's blood pressure and temperature normalized as of 3:00 a.m. this morning. We have been informed that the cause of the spike is pneumonia, which is common for patients in Kaytryn's situation. She is currently being treated with antibiotics. While Kaytryn has not yet been responsive, the hospital is aggressively working with her through physical and occupational therapy.


Kaytryn has yet to regain her consciousness; therefore, we continue to ask all to pray for God to restore Kaytryn's brain function.]

UPDATE   Monday, April 9, 2012 - 3:00 p.m.
It breaks my heart to write this. Kaytryn passed away yesterday. I was sitting in church yesterday morning and had the urge to check my phone. I saw where I had an email update from the Caring Bridge site. (I signed up for emails whenever there was a new journal entry posted on her condition.) Of course, I had to read it. So I read it and immediately my heart broke. I started bawling in the middle of church. I cried for the rest of service. I couldn't stop crying. The second I would be able to dry my eyes, the tears would start pouring again. I hate that Kaytryn was taken from us. It is so sad and tragic. I honestly thought she would pull through. Part of me just kept thinking that she has to make it. I wish I could have gotten to know her more. You never know when something tragic will happen.

I ask that you please pray for her family and friends. Kaytryn touched the lives of many. Please pray for her parents. I could not imagine losing a child. She may no longer be on this Earth with us, but she is in a better place and no longer hurting.

R.I.P. Kaytryn. You are dearly missed by many.

Update from the Caring Bridge site:

SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 2012 10:26 AM, CDT

[With broken and heavy hearts, we want to inform our dear friends and family that, on this holy day, the Lord has chosen to bring Kaytryn home to paradise. Kaytryn is, and will always be, a blessing to our family, and we are thankful for the precious time God gave us with her. Thank you for the prayers and support you have given us through this difficult time. We ask that you continue to lift our family up in prayer, especially Mark and Kelly.


"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know." John 14: 1-4


"And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, "Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise."" Luke 23: 42-43


Definition of paradise from the Greek translation: Place of bliss and rest between death and resurrection.]

Memorials & Funeral Arrangements
Monday, April 9, 2012 - 11:16 p.m.
Tonight we had a memorial for Kaytryn here in Murray. There were many beautiful words said and tears shed. Paige's note to Kaytryn broke my heart. The loss of a life is so sad. I feel that God always has a plan and although we may not understand, there is a reason. As I have already probably said, it is important to cherish each moment you have in life. Tomorrow is not promised. Learn from every lesson in life that you are given. I continue to send my thoughts and prayers to Kaytryn's family and loved ones. I pray that each person has understanding. I will be attending the visitation in Louisville and/or possibly the funeral.

Please just continue to pray for the Parrish's family and friends.

Update from the Caring Bridge site:

MONDAY, APRIL 9, 2012 3:38 PM, CDT

Family & Friends,


Visitation for our sweet Kaytryn will be Wednesday: 2pm-5pm & 6pm-9pm at Northeast Christian Church on Brownsboro Road, Prospect, KY.


Funeral Service will be held Thursday at 11:00 am at Northeast Christian Church, with burial to follow in Louisville Memorial Gardens Cemetery.


In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be sent to the Kaytryn Dianna Parrish Memorial Fund - PO Box 402, Sellersburg, IN 47172.

Rest In Peace Kaytryn Dianna Parrish ♥

Alabama Trip

I am currently on Spring Break from school. I traveled to Alabama to visit my Mom; however, I have been pretty sick the past couple days. Yesterday morning I had a fever of 100.9 and last night my fever was still about the same with a 100.5 temperature. I felt awful yesterday. I took a lot of medicine throughout the day and feel a little better today. Today has been rainy but my Mom and I got out anyway. We went to Oak Mountain State Park. It was a beautiful park, but it was quite rainy. We took my Aunt's dog with us because she was at work. We also walked to the top of Peavine Falls. It was a really pretty area. For dinner, we ate at Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant. The food was pretty good. I had a chicken quesadilla and rice; my mom had a steak fajita quesadilla. I leave in the morning to go visit my Dad and brothers before I have to head back to school sometime Sunday.

Death of a MSU Student

Yesterday was just another normal day... or so it started. I was running a little late for class because I wanted to fill out my March Madness Bracket before the games began. My first class begins at 9:30 a.m. So, I filled it out and started to head towards class. I caught up with my boyfriend and then he went to his class. My class was further across campus. I came upon the Fine Arts Building and the Library. Things seemed a little odd, but at the time I didn't think much of it. Police sirens started to go off... but only like the little beeping that basically means move out of the way. I started to cross the Quad, when I saw a police car coming down the sidewalk. I was really curious and began to wonder what was going on, but again, I was trying to get to class because I was running late. So I'm sitting in class and the professor was a tad late so I was on my phone. I then get a text from my boyfriend saying, "Somebody jumped out the window at fine arts. They are dead." I was in shock. It was very surreal. You see movies and sometimes hear of things, but this happened in my little town and at my college. Moments before I had just passed the location where the person was found dead. It is still very hard to believe, but it is a reality.

My thoughts were going crazy in class. It was very hard to concentrate. I had another class right after the one I was in. I called my mom and talked to her before class started. Once my 2nd class started, I had even more trouble paying attention. I was on my phone the entire time. I kept refreshing Facebook, waiting to see an article or who the person was. Finally, a name was released... Jacob Derting. I had no idea who the individual was, but I was very saddened. A life had been taken. Someone had lost a son, a brother, a friend. Classes were then canceled for the remainder of the day.

Yesterday was a very busy day for me. Emotions were very mixed. Murray State had won their first round in the tournament. Alpha Gam won sorority division and overall step show champions. So I was very happy, but at the same time, someone had died. So obviously I was saddened for the family and that someone was hurting so bad that they felt their only solution was death.

There is a reason I am writing this post.. I am a very hard-headed individual; however, I do feel that I am very open-minded. I really do try to understand and help others. I found myself talking to someone yesterday about suicide. Here is my general opinion and thoughts about it up to that conversation:

Suicide is a choice. An individual makes a decision to take their own life for whatever reason. Of course I feel sorry for the family and the individuals affected by the suicide. However, I would look down on the person or feel anger, in a sense, that someone would do something like that. I viewed suicide as a very selfish decision. I had no remorse for someone who could do such a thing.

Well, I spent most of last night reading all of the articles that were posted about the incident. I even read the forums online that I found where people were discussing it. It may seem really weird but I even found Jacob Derting on Facebook and looked at his page. Something in me just changed. I saw things in a new light. I guess I became more understanding. Here are my views now:

I still feel that an individual makes the decision to end their life. I still feel that it is a very selfish decision. In no way do I ever think it should be/is acceptable. I think people need to realize something. A person who commits suicide feels that death is their only option or it is the only thing that will take their pain away. Do you understand that statement? Don't just read it; understand it. Someone is hurting so bad that they would rather be dead. Once someone hits a state of depression so low, the way they see life becomes skewed. They lose the ability to take a step back and get a new perspective on the situation. They have lost all hope.

While reading the forums, a lot of people had the same views that I had previously had. They didn't feel sorry for the person and were very harsh. I think people need to start taking a step back. You never know what someone is going through, even people you know. We live in a society where people bash others and don't care how their actions affect the people around them. We see someone who is different from us, someone who looks weird, and the list can go on. People judge people every day. I am guilty as well.

Example: I saw someone just last night that looked weird. They had crazy hair, etc. From my perspective, they were a freak. When I caught myself saying that. I felt instant guilt. I have no right to judge someone. People have the right to be who they want to be. If they are not harming anyone else or themselves, then there is no reason why they shouldn't keep that right. So what if someone is different. You don't have to like everyone, but you should have respect. Don't make fun of people and don't make them feel weird and alone. Just be nice. It really is simple. 

Every individual is unique. Don't get me wrong, we don't live in a perfect society and there are some actual sickos out there in the world. I just think that people should stop being so quick to judge. You don't know what the person next to you or even what your best friend is going through. Watch your actions and words. Don't do things to hurt other people. Let those around you know that they are loved and be honest with them. If you are going through something, reach out for help. I promise you, there is someone that cares, there is someone that loves you. And don't you dare read this and say, "Oh well this doesn't apply to me" or "She doesn't know me, I really don't have anyone..." Because you are wrong. Don't feel alone. This can be a cruel world. One person can't take this world on by himself/herself. If you are reaching out and no one is listening, "scream louder." Make someone listen to you because you're important and your life matters.

I'll leave you guys with this... It went around Facebook a while back and I think it puts things into perspective. Your actions matter.
"The boy you punched in the hall today... committed suicide a few minutes ago.
That girl you called a slut in class today... she's a virgin.
The boy you called lame... he has to work every night to support his family.
That girl you pushed down the other day... she's already being abused at home.
That girl you called fat... she's starving herself.
The old man you made fun of because of the ugly scars... he fought for our country.
The boy you made fun of for crying... his mother is dying.
You think you know them. Guess what? You don't!
Take a stand against bullying."

Honey Bee Cookies Recipe

I originally found this recipe through my search for honey cookies on A Cozy Kitchen's website.

I wanted to make my boyfriend some type of sweet for Christmas because I love baking and I was on a budget; however, he is not very big on sweets. He absolutely loves honey so I thought a honey cookie would be perfect. I searched online for recipes, which was somewhat a pain because I don't really like honey as much so I didn't know what would be good. I found this recipe and read through the comments and figured I would give it a try since it seemed to be a favorite.

*NOTE*  The recipe 
originally called for 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda & all purpose flour instead of self-rising flour, but I substituted those for self-rising 
flour. I also added a tad bit more 
honey than the 
recipe called for.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Beat butter, brown sugar, honey, & egg together in a bowl until smooth. Make sure to scrape the sides.
Then, stir in remaining ingredients.


Grease or line a baking sheet. (I lined) Then drop spoon fulls onto it.

Bake about 7 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies start to brown a bit along the edges.  The cookies look a bit shiny and like they have tiny little "holes" in them.  Let them cool a bit and then enjoy. :)

Once mine were finished, I put them in a little bucket to somewhat resemble a beehive.

The cookies were a definite hit. He loved them and so did his family. I actually ended up making more over Christmas break for everyone. Oh and the name of the cookies made them extra special because "our song" is Honeybee by Blake Shelton.

21st Shot Book Page

For clarification... this is just one spread for the shot book. I did not put the shot book together so I only have pictures for my part.

For my friend's 21st birthday, some of her friends made pages to go in a shot book for her. I have seen many different ways to do shot books, but this was the first time I've ever made a page for one. I don't have step by step pictures so if you have any questions, feel free to ask if you need help making yours.

Once you have all the materials, you're ready to begin. Most scrapbook pages are 12x12. I didn't have any paper that size so I had to improvise. I also wanted it to be colorful.

Step 1:

I layered my pages how I wanted them and measured them to equal a 12x12 page size. On the 1st page the pink was layered over the blue, and on the 2nd page the blue was layered over the pink. The green strip was taped behind all the other pages. Finally, the dotted page was centered between the blue and pink pages. (I tend to pay attention to very minor detail so I wanted it to be symmetrical in a sense.)

Step 2:

I then taped the back of the pages so they would stay together. I glued all of those pages together really well.

Step 3:

I used the computer to write the saying, "Here's to you" "It's your scene" "Now push on through" "to SHOT 14" and printed it out.

Step 4:

I layered each piece of the quote on purple construction paper, which made a thick purple border. I layered an extra piece of green paper under the "14" in order to make it pop. Then glued everything together.

Step 5:

Using the computer, I chose 5 photos for the page and sized them down so they would fit. I then printed them out.

Step 6:

I layered coral/pink paper behind each of the photos, which made a thin border. Then I glued those together.

Step 7:

For the STFX area, I layered green and coral/pink paper & glued them together. I then used a black permenant marker to write the letters.
S = shot (being taken)
T = time (it was taken)
F = from (who bought the shot)
X = signature (this is where the birthday person signs their name)

Step 8 (Finally):

I arranged everything on the pages in an aesthetically pleasing way and glued everything down. And Wah-lah! There you have the finished piece.

Thanks for reading!