June 27, 2011

Lessons from Legally Blonde

It may sound stupid, but Legally Blonde inspires me.

Elle Woods is beautiful, intelligent, and successful. Sure, she is the exception, not the rule, but that doesn't matter to me. Movies aren't meant to be realistic, but that doesn't mean that they can't invoke something inside of you. The reason people in movies are so successful? They don't quit.

Here are some more lessons I learned from Legally Blonde:

1. Who cares what they say? I don't care what your mother, father, boyfriend, boss or advisor says, if you want something--pursue it with all that you have.

2. Research your facts. When you make people believe you actually care about them, they will listen.

3. You don't have to know it all...yet. If you want to accomplish something, teach yourself how to do it instead of waiting for someone to show you how to.

4. Never be rude to anyone. Everyone has something to contribute to your life. It is important to treat everyone with respect even if they're rude to you first. You never know--you may need their help someday,

June 24, 2011

Want to Change the World? Do it.

"So you want to start a revolution? Well, you know, we all want to change the world."

Yeah, that's a great thought, but what if we really did?




or come up with your own project! How can you help TODAY? How can you make a difference? How are you already helping out your community, state, country, or world? 

Need suggestions? Or have a suggestion? Leave a comment with your thoughts.


*I am a aware that the sound and video quality don't match up and I am looking into this. Thanks for being supportive, guys!

June 23, 2011

What I'm Eating (6/23)

Lately, I have been trying to step outside the box with my posts. I've been trying short posts, long posts, polls, tips, videos, lists, etc. Today, I am stealing an idea from my older brother. Every Sunday, he posts a blog about what he has been reading the past week. I've decided to do a spoof of that called "What I'm Eating," focusing on the interesting foods I've recently tried or want to try.

1)Al's Deli and Grill A small Mediterranean grill right off of UAB's campus in downtown Birmingham. We bought two gyros, a small fry and only spent about thirteen dollars! Best part? It's open 24/7!


2) Blue Diamond Almond Milk After reading an article in a magazine about the benefits of almond milk, I have wanted to try it. It is only 40 calories, and is about the same price as cow's milk. I chose "Vanilla, Unsweetened," and I really like it. Great for cereal, not so great by itself.



3)McDonald's Hot Fudge Sundae with Nuts Not exactly unusual, but it's definitely a must-have for summer!


4)Chicago Café's Italian Sub Salami, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers, mozzarella cheese, Italian dressing, all on French bread! One of my favorite lunch spots.


and lastly, a food I want to try


5) Linguine with Mussels I love mussels, I love linguine, so when I saw this on an episode of Instant Star, I couldn't help but crave it.


What foods have you tried this week? Have you come across a restaurant you like? What food are you dying to try? Or perhaps, it's the perfect time of year to eat your favorite food. If so, let me know!

June 16, 2011

You Don't Need Inspiration to Inspire

Write two paragraphs, delete one, decide the other one was better, and become frustrated again. Why is it that some days words fly from our fingertips and other times nothing comes to mind?

When I was thirteen, I first became aware that writing was "my thing." I was chubby, awkward, and lonely. In my free time, I began to write stories of places I'd rather be, things I'd rather experience; I'd wish myself away from the torture chamber that is middle school.

All my friends would read my stories, demanding for the next chapter...until the chapters stopped coming.

Not too long after realizing I was a writer, I realized that sometimes, there's just nothing to write about. Sometimes, you'll write and say nothing, nothing at all. The words will cover the page, but they mean nothing. Ahh...writers' block:/

To me, writing is like having a relationship with God. You don't do it because it's fun. You don't do it because it's easy. You don't do it because it makes you feel good. You do it because once you've experienced it, there isn't life outside of it.

When I get writer's block, I seek inspiration from myself. I'll look at my old blog posts, poems, stories, and remind myself that my words mean something. Even if most of my posts are mediocre, the few that touch have the power to touch makes the rest worthwhile. God has given me a gift to inspire, to encourage, and to push people to see, to want, to act. I can't just abandon that. I can't leave behind the something that creates the very fiber of my being.

In my mere eighteen years, I've learned that when you've lost your passion for life, you have to remind yourself what brought you that passion and seek it with all that you have. You have to dive in headfirst, even if you think you're no longer talented, or if you believe you're no longer wanted. Sometimes, the only thing left to do is just go, and keep going. Your passion, your drive--your fervor for life will come back and be stronger than ever.

Here are some practical tips to help you keep pushing through...
1. Don't over edit. If it's not working, it's not working. Erase and start over.

2. Walk away for twenty minutes, after you write your first draft. Doing it first will invoke more procrastination, but waiting will help your revising flow better. 

3. Sometimes you just need to click "post." That's part of the process, not everything can be said perfectly, but that doesn't mean it doesn't need to be said. 


*This was done as a part of the Creative Blocks segment by "Standing on Giants" http://thoughtsaboutnothing.com/creative-blocks-20-somethings/

June 12, 2011

Break My Broken Heart

"I will rise when He calls my name."

As much as I love these lyrics, I don't know if I have enough pride to rise right now, especially not in front of my Creator. The irony? It's because of my pride that I'm ashamed.

Lately, I have just thought I was awesome. I thought, Marissa, man, you're great. I should have been thinking, Marissa, man, you're blessed. At this moment, though, I don't feel very awesome. I feel ashamed. I feel ashamed that I haven't thought of the end. All I can think of is right now. What would feel good right now? What would be fun right now?

I read a book a few months ago called Under the Overpass. It's a nonfiction account of a young Christian who chooses to be on America's streets for about five months. In it, Mike (the main character) meets a Christian (which is rare on the streets) who is pained by his personal sin. He struggles with alcoholism, and he literally gets on his knees and cries out to the Lord, seeking redemption for his sin. Mike asks himself why doesn't his own sin pain him like that.

I, like Mike, don't struggle with addiction, but I wish I could see my sin as God sees it. I pray that when I sinned, I wouldn't make excuses. I wouldn't tell myself "God will understand" or "it's not as bad as"... I pray that when I sin, I will fall on my knees and seek reconciliation with my Lord. 

This is my prayer for you. This is my prayer for Mike. This is my prayer for myself. 


June 11, 2011

Clear the Wreckage from the Blast

Summer camps. Beach trips. New York City. Hawaii. California. 5Ks. Internships. Those are just some of the things I wish I was doing this summer. The thing is,  I had really big plans for this summer. I was going to become a part of a very prestigious program and start college early at my dream school. I have wanted this since my junior year of high school. It was unlike anything else my peers wanted.

My plan was going perfectly...until I didn't get in the program. 

You see, I had never wanted something so much in my entire life. It was a great program that was attached to scholarships, abroad opportunities, internships, and the chance to become proficient in a critical language. It was perfect. 

The day I got rejected (or well, days, because it took them a few days to get back to me), I was a nervous wreck. I didn't know what to want anymore. It was the first thing that was my own. My friends had academics, athletics, and an abundance of activities. I had invested so much time, effort, and heart. I wrote four different essays, hoping each one would win me a spot in the program.  

Right now, I can't help but feel an incredible loss. I can't help but wish things happened differently, but I made a promise to myself this summer. I promised that I wouldn't live in the past, even if the past was just yesterday. I promised to never stop going. I promised that I would no longer hold onto people things that have broken me.

I'm ready for my life to begin. 

I now realize that some things are out of your control. You can't make admissions counselors admit you. More importantly, though, you can't change the past. You just have to keep moving, and trust that God really has the best plan for you. Jeremiah+2911 

This fall, I am attending the University of Alabama-Birmingham, possibly the best public school in the state. I will have opportunities to study abroad, learn other languages, and explore big city culture. God has a reason for me to be here, and I've learned that despite what I think, His plan is so much better than mine. He wants me to explore all the opportunities in big city life that I wouldn't have received in Oxford. Think of all the different people, places, and circumstance that I can use to spread His love. Think of being surrounded by those people from other cultures, not just learning about them. 

What if our dreams could only come true if they changed?

June 10, 2011

To Rush or Not to Rush?

Being a recent high school graduate means that you have an easy conversation topic with anyone you meet. First, they congratulate you, then they ask what you're doing with your life and hoping you aspire to do more than keep your minimum wage job. They usually proceed to ask about your choice of major, and how you're going to pay for college. Usually the conversation ends there, except when you're dealing with your family...

There has been a lingering question among my parents and siblings, are you going to rush?

For those of you unfamiliar with the Greek system, Rush (formally called Recruitment) is a period of time when rushees (usually incoming freshman who want to be in sororities) sample each of the different chapters to see where they best fit. During the week, if a chapter wants you, you'll be invited to special events at that house. At the end of the week, if they've expressed interest in you, they'll give you a bid (an offer to join). You can either accept or deny a bid, and once accepted you become a pledge.

My brother was Greek. My sister was Greek. My mother wanted to go Greek (my sister and I told her she was too old for it). It'd be natural for me to go Greek as well, but I don't know...

I love the idea of being surrounded by about a hundred other girls who are there to support me. I love the idea of being able to share clothes with my sisters. I love the idea of formals, Greek Week, and other fun events. I love the idea of built-in friends, that I am connected to thousands of girls across the country. I love the idea of having alumni connections. I love the idea of being in an organization bound on tradition, philanthropy, and bonding. 

However, I don't fit in with any of the stereotypes that are associated with Greek life. I am not thin. I don't party. I don't have the energy to steal anyone's boyfriend. My family doesn't have a lot of money. Boys who wear visors make me want to vomit. I don't want someone to try to change me or slowly mold me into [insert letters here] ideal.*

I've always been an individual and thought that I would never be in a sorority. I thought those girls were superficial and petty, but now I watch my sister. I see her have cookouts with my dad, share secrets with her sisters, and get ready for formals. I don't want to look back on my college experience and regret not being a part of those things. 

This fall, I will get my first glimpse of Greek life during Rush. There I will decide whether or not I want to pledge any of the possible chapters. Maybe I'll find a group of girls who will exemplify the set of ideals I want in a sorority, and if not, I'll still meet a lot of people. People that could very well become close friends of mine.

Who knows, maybe I'll start a chapter of ADX? ;)

*I understand that these are indeed stereotypes, and not a representation of all Greeks. These can be a part of Greek life, but are not present in all chapters. I do not mean to offend any Greeks. 

June 9, 2011

Summer Lovin'

My favorite part about summer is that anything is possible. To me, there is nothing more beautiful than a summer night. The temperature is perfect, and the air holds an aura of "you're not going to live forever, just let go." It seems as if no rules apply. As if all the strains society hold on us, loosen a bit. Expectations drop and everyone is falling in love.

Sometimes, I wish that summer would last all year long (not the Godforsaken Alabama weather, but the attitude), but it would take the sentimental value out of summer. Nothing is special if it's easily accessible, kind of like Abercrombie. 

What are some songs that remind you of summer? What are some things you've done in summer that you would never do during the year? Have you ever had a summer romance?

I'd LOVE to hear back from you!

June 6, 2011

Redemption

Today, my sister she told me she wanted to go to Seminary. Six months ago those would have been the last words I would have expected to come out of her mouth. I would have expected her to say that maybe she wanted to move to New York to try to make is as a model, or Los Angelos and become an actor. Sure, she loves God; she's a great person, but she had never been concerned with difficult things. Things had always come easy for her.

My sister is beautiful. Most people think their older sisters are beautiful, but everyone thinks my sister is beautiful. She's thin, she's toned, and she knows how to work it. All my life I have been jealous of this jaw-dropping being because I got the short-end of the DNA stick, er, well strand.

Lately, though, things have been different. She's still beautiful, yes, but she's no longer shallow. She's thin, but no longer broken. She's working, but it's something much more substantial. (She's the only person I have known to get a job in their field BEFORE graduation.)

She and a very good friend of mine are launching a campaign called "Be Your Own." Be Your Own is short for "Be Your Own Prince Charming." It is dedicated to showing women around the world that they are worth something on their own. They are smart, beautiful, and strong, on their own. They don't need a man to save them. They don't need to wait on their lives to change. Whether it be a college graduate with a cruddy job in the suburbs, or a young women in Thailand selling her body to feed her children, Be Your Own is teaching women that they don't have to live like this. To describe it my sister said, "holding onto God can save you from misery, abuse,etc. You don't have to wait on a miracle...because it's already there."

That miracle is redemption. Redemption is about being able to be made new. Redemption is about no longer strapping yourself in bondage because God has so much more out there for you. I have seen my sister redeem herself through Christ and nothing has ever been more beautiful.

I wish my sister the best of luck in all her future endeavors, whether or not that is seminary. I encourage her to keep pushing, keep polishing, keep seeking His face in all that she does. I encourage her to be her own Prince Charming, and I am blessed watching her do so. Now, I see my sister as so much more than just a princess, but a reigning queen. One who's ready to take control and make changes in her own life and the lives on those around her. I could never be more proud.

Rhea Nicole, I love you.

June 4, 2011

Spring (or rather "Summer") Awakening

Summertime-- It invokes laziness, carefree attitudes, and lots of watermelon eating. Last week, I graduated high school and turned 18. On one hand, I'm excited about what it means to be eighteen. I'm excited to go to college. I'm excited to be a Mark representative (http://mgoins.mymarkstore.com/). At the same time, learning how to budget has been a terrifying experience. Thinking about paying for thousands of dollars towards my education is scary. Thinking about how hard it will be to get into law school is scary. The funny thing? Despite all this, I know I'm ready to grow up.


Summer is a time when our expectations change. We push ourselves socially, mentally, and sometimes even physically. Weight loss, reading, finding adventure--these are all very common things on a person's summer to-do list. This year, I have realized that I'm not going to live forever. I can't just keep put things off until next summer, or next year. I can't even wait until tomorrow. When my brother was in high school, a good friend of his died. At that point, he had realized all the experiences he had missed due to fear (see article here http://goinswriter.com/overcome-fear/). I don't want to wait for someone to die, or to have a near-death experience. I don't need a moment of enlightening to make me realize pretty soon I'll be out of this town. And my grandmother is getting old. And my little brother is growing up. Time is never going to stop ticking, but I can control whether or not the ticking is the beating of my heart, or a timer waiting for me to expire.




This summer, I'm going to tackle those things that I always said I would do. I'm going to take steps being the "me" I always wanted to be. Cheesy, I know, but hey, what if we only have until December 21, 2012?