My Life of Eating, Sleeping, and Breathing School

Hello! If you were wondering, I am indeed alive and well. Classes and student teaching have taken over my life. I'm so engulfed in school that I even had a dream that one of my students was driving me around in a minivan as I was racing to get somewhere (where, I do not remember). My blogging skills have deteriorated, but I am updating you on things that have gone on since October, so bear with me as my mind flits around from topic to topic.

Student Teaching
My first semester of student teaching has gone incredibly well. Of course, there have been times when my lesson plans didn't quite go as planned, or the students were off the chain, but overall, I couldn't be happier at my placement. I truly enjoy each and every one of my students, all 33 of them! The ones whom I thought would be the most trouble have turned out to be some of my favorites, and I can tell that as much as I'm having an effect on them, they're also affecting me in so many positive ways. They are all a challenge in their own way, and to me, it's enticing to try to motivate every single student while meeting his or her needs. It is definitely the hardest thing I've ever done, though! My mentor teacher really helps me out and sets me up for success. It is difficult to teach in your own way in someone else's classroom, when you want to try to switch things up, but you don't want to cross boundaries or stray from what the children know. Finding a happy medium is an art in student teaching. Hopefully I'll get there soon. Starting in January, I'll slowly start taking over each subject, then in April I'll have full command of the classroom for the whole month. I'm nervous, but also excited! Also, since I'm in a Catholic school, we go to church every Friday. I have to say, it's quite nice. I think I've gone to church more this semester than I have in the past six years combined.

I've noticed that a lot of people I talk to don't know what student teaching is. Basically, it's an unpaid internship. I'm there 4 full days a week, and I am teaching, grading, and planning, all while attending grad school, and working on the side. It's a lot of work, but I don't even notice that I don't get paid (until it's time to spend money), so I really must be enjoying it.

Grad School
All I can really say about grad school is that this month long break could not have come soon enough. I think I've managed to hold on to my 4.0 GPA (woo!), but my motivation for grad school classes and their subsequent work went right out the window around October. I just want to teach and have that be the only work I need to do! But hey, I'm half way through my grad program, and to me, that is a success in itself.

Life
While I've been in school, I have kept my job at Seidman, only working weekends and some evenings. Right now, our floor is at half capacity, so I actually have a lot of time to get my schoolwork done, for which I am incredibly thankful.

Alyse moved to Florida in August (boo) to be with her boyfriend. She's always wanted to move somewhere warm, and she finally had a reason to actually do it. I now have a second closet, and a second room to store things. Thanks, Alyse! She's coming home in a couple of days, and I'm excited to see her and do all of the things we used to do together (aka eat Dunkin' Donuts and Taco Bell). We're going to go visit her in February as well. I hope I see an alligator!

About a month ago, I sat in on a webinar with the DC Public Schools about why I should go work for them. I was already interested in working there, but this webinar helped to make their goals as a district more clear. They have gone through a complete revamping of their school district and are looking for innovative and motivated teachers (I like to think I fit the bill). They also pay their teachers pretty darn well, not that that's why we go into teaching. Their hiring process for the 2016-2017 school year starts January 6th, so I'll be applying for jobs quite soon! I'm also going to look at surrounding districts and private schools because, of course, Adam lives there and has a full-time job now! So, as it seems, I should be moving to the DC area in the summer of 2016!

I really don't have too much more to talk about. I'm going to sign up to volunteer for the Republican National Convention, which, if you haven't heard, is coming to Cleveland this summer. If you know me, you know that I am one of the proudest Clevelanders around, so even though I'm a Democrat,  I want to volunteer with the RNC so I can show everyone else what's up! If I'm not in DC by then, my mom and I will be showing off the city together.

Christmas is three days away and I still have most of my gifts to wrap, so this is it for me. Hopefully I'll have more things to write about (and more time to write), in the following weeks. I foresee a dry spell again, but hey, I'm working here.

If you have things you want to hear about, leave them in the comments. Have a Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays!

Every Single Update You Have Ever Wanted from Me

I have been in such a blogging slump. I haven't felt like writing one thing, and believe me, a lot has happened since December! So instead of writing four different posts, I'm just going to skim over each event that has gone on in my life, in sequential order, not necessarily order of greatness. Here we go!

1. I GOT IN TO FREAKING GRAD SCHOOL! Ok, so I haven't updated in a long time about what I was applying to grad school for. Last time I mentioned it, it was Child Life. After taking a class in child life, I felt that it wasn't for me. For the better part of two and a half years, I have been moaning, groaning, and lamenting over not getting in to grad school for speech pathology. The American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) has a journal called The ASHA Leader, which I get every month. They had an issue dedicated to the troubles of low admittance to grad programs; it explained that there aren't enough Ph.D level professors in the field to teach classes, as well as a lack of clinical placements for every student. The profession is growing at a crazy rate, and there are too many undergrad students to admit to programs that don't have enough higher level people running them. In that case, mediocre grades do not cut it, and only the top whatever percent can be lucky enough to go into a field that they love.

After this realization (more like acceptance), I decided to apply to an accelerated Early Childhood Education program at Ursuline College. It's called the Masters Apprenticeship Program and it takes place over one year, starting at the end of May. I'll take core classes during the summer, and starting in the fall I'll begin observing in the classroom, and about halfway through I'll start student teaching. It's incredibly intensive, but I'm ready to get going on my life. I was absolutely elated that I got in. I had a feeling that I would, but after so much rejection from speech graduate programs, I was almost jaded. Finally, I realized that it wasn't me, but it was just the system. I hope to become a reading teacher, or a reading specialist. Each time I think about that, I get a little sad that I'm not becoming an SLP, but maybe one day I can go back to school, once there is enough staff, and once I've proved that I can obtain a masters degree. Literacy is my second passion after all, so I know I'll be happy. I will definitely write updates about my graduate program and my progress, that's for sure!

2. I went out of the country for the first time in my life! The week before Christmas, I embarked on a Central American cruise with Adam and his parents. We were on a Royal Caribbean ship, The Navigator of the Seas, and we made port in Honduras, Belize, and Mexico! I went snorkeling, climbed Mayan ruins, and rode an ATV for the first time in my life! The trip was so fun, and I can't wait to go on my next cruise in March! I have more pictures, if you'd like me to post them, let me know!

Leaving Honduras!

Altun Ha Mayan Ruins!

3. I've started going to rowing classes at Ride and Workout in Lakewood! I'm not sure how many of you watch House of Cards (if you don't, you absolutely should), but Frank, the main character, works out not only by running, but he uses a rowing machine. The cool thing about the machine he uses is that there's actually water in it! I came upon Ride and Workout after a friend kept posting about how awesome the rowing classes were. I decided to buy a January Jump Start package, and upon my arrival my first day, I was elated to find that the rowers were exactly like the one in House of Cards! I've never used a regular rower, and I don't think I ever will. The whooshing of the water with each row makes the experience that much more enjoyable. There is teamwork in the classes, as if you're all actually rowing a boat together, and the workout makes you feel incredibly powerful. Now I know why Kate Middleton does it! I'm going to keep going, paying class by class, and hopefully I can make it a routine to at least go once a week. I also signed up for a spin class this week, so we'll see how it goes!

This is the rower we use. It's got 18 gallons of water in it!

4. I bought a new car! Well, I leased a new car. Tommy (my 2003 Mazda Protege), was rusting out pretty badly on the bottom, so my car guy told me it was time to start shopping. Thanks to my grandpa's employee discount at Chevy, I got a great deal on a 2015 Chevy Cruze! It's dark blue (blue ray metallic), it doesn't shake when I drive over 60 mph, and I'm so much more confident in it! I just want to drive it around everywhere. I've driven it for almost two weeks, and I only had to put gas in it just yesterday! I decided to name him Johnny (please separate him from Manziel), because I liked having a car whose name ended in the "e" sound. I'm a happy gal!

I'll take better pictures once the snow is gone and the salt is all washed off. This one showcases Tommy and Johnny.

Based on everything that has gone on in the past couple of months, 2015 is going to be a great year for me. If you're friends with me on Facebooks, you've probably already seen all of this; sorry not sorry! I plan to keep the updates coming and welcome any suggestions for future posts! Until next time!

Apathy for Exercise

My name is Katie and I have a problem: I hate working out. Ok, I don't actually hate it, but I can't get into a routine, and I loathe that I can't do that. I find myself often getting bored while working out, and wondering when I should just be done and go back home. I also have a problem with figuring out what time I like working out best, leading to the aforementioned problem of not having a routine. Help me.

Here are some factors to take into account when trying to assist me in my pursuit of health:

1. I am a breakfast eater. I eat first thing when I wake up, and if I try to do any laborious activities before eating, such as climbing stairs or running, I start to feel lightheaded. I gotta have my pops!

2. My work hours can be inconsistent. I either start at 7 am or 3 pm, hindering a consistent routine.

3. I get bored quite quickly with exercising. Apathy all over the place.

4. I'm interested in group exercise, but not necessarily the price. I've tried, and would like to continue to do, yoga and pure barre.

5. My eating habits aren't necessarily conducive to losing weight. I have a sweet tooth out the wazoo. My portion sizes for meals are appropriate, but it's like I have a bottomless pit of a stomach when it comes to sweets.

I've gained nearly 15 pounds since graduating college, thanks to not dancing 2 or more times a week as well as having a job where I sit for up to 12 hours a day. I also can't say that I'm the most active of people on my days off (damn you, Netflix!) I want to get back into shape, but I am so apathetic about the actual exercising process that I just don't know where to start.

What kind of routine do you have that you have adapted into your life?  What helps you stay on track? Will you be my workout buddy?

Fan Requests (AKA Marshall Requests)

In my last post, I answered 5 of 101 Thought Provoking Questions. So here are some fan request questions from that same list. Enjoy!

28. What brings you down the most often? Probably the fact that I'm still living in my childhood bedroom, working a part time job that isn't my dream job and not really getting anywhere at the moment. The fact that I can never get into grad school for speech therapy (as it were) because the process is disgustingly competitive, and because I networked in all the wrong places. I can hook you up with swing dancers all over the world, but I can't hook myself up with some connections to write me letters of recommendation for grad school. Wow that was dark.

36. If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be? Not everything will come as easily to you as you think it will. You've got to figure out how to study, work hard on applications, and put in extra effort in classes. Also, don't do your hair like that in middle and high school. And don't wear all black all the time just because you're in stage crew.

46. Do the people you love most know how much you love them? I sure hope they do. I try to tell them, and show them how much I love them. It's kind of weird, because my family isn't much of a hugging, say "I love you" all the time kind of family. Even though we don't verbalize it often, I think they still know.

82. In one word, what is standing between you and your biggest goal? I'm trying to decide between "grades" and "institution." Also, "money."

99. What do you enjoy doing over and over again? With my lack of going out dancing, I've found that I truly love going to a dance after months and rediscovering how much I love it and how the music and moves still flow right through me. I may get a little rusty, but that muscle memory is still there. It happens almost every time I go dancing, since I've been taking breaks from it so often. I also enjoy going to Kelley's Island over and over again. It's not the most exciting place on Earth, but I truly love it.

Sorry that a majority of this post revolved around my inability to get into grad school for speech, but I suppose that's how it panned out. In my next post, I'll actually be addressing that exact topic! Now it's time for me to go back and forth with myself, trying to decide if I should go swing dancing tonight. Until next time, friends. 

Me too, Ryan. Me too.

Thought Provoking Questions

A website that I subscribe to sends me an email every Sunday called "Sunday Inspiration." In it are about 15-20 links for interesting articles, advice columns, and things to try. One of the links from today was called "101 Thought Provoking Questions." I opened it and immediately realized that I had found the cure to my blog writers block. I've got a few updates to give you guys, but I'll do that in another post. For now, I decided that I'm going to answer a few of these thought provoking questions (no not all 101!).

12. Have you made any recent acts of kindness? This one actually just happened yesterday. I was taking the Rapid to meet some friends downtown for the Tribe game (winners!). They were doing track work between my stop and the next, so we had to take a bus between the two. I ran into some out-of-towners who were also heading to the game, and they had no idea where to go/what to do. I basically took them under my wing and rode with them all the way downtown, then showed them how to get to the stadium. 

65. What makes life easier? Being happy, and not stressing so much about the little things. You've got to focus on the little things that make you content, instead of the little things that bring you down, and take them in. A sense of humor also helps, a lot. 

71. When was the last time you tried something new? On Thursday, I went to the gym with my sister and her boyfriend Nick. I ran on the treadmill for 2 miles, and Nick and Alyse did strength training. After my run, Alyse called me over and asked if I would bench press just the bar. I figured I haven't before, so why not? You wouldn't think a bar would weigh that much, but after that run, I was so worn out! My arms were shaky, and I was lifting so unevenly. Needless to say, I don't think I'll be benchpressing again any time soon.

81. If you could choose to have no more challenges or obstacles in life, would you? This one is hard, because it would be great if life would go exactly as I wanted it to. If I could get straight in to grad school, have enough money to pay my loans, anything. Yeah, life would be easier, but I don't think I would really learn much. I think my sense of responsibility and even my sense of empathy wouldn't be what it is. The challenges suck, but as cliche as this sounds, they really have made me who I am.

87. What could you pay more attention to in life? I think I could pay more attention to detail. I like to get my work done quickly, and I'm so sure of myself that I figure it's all right and I can turn it right in. As I've learned lately, that's not always the case. In my job, I pay a lot of attention to detail, but in my own work, I tend to slack on that part. I also think I need to pay more attention to what people tell me. I feel like I'm a good listener, but my retention isn't quite up to par. Oh, and nature. I think I've been taking nature for granted over the past 14 years. My papa used to take us hiking, fishing, and just experiencing life outside. I don't really do that anymore, and I've almost lost my appreciation for it (besides flowers of course).

These were just the few questions that I felt calling to me. If you see any on the list that you want me to answer, feel free to comment on this post with the number and the question! Now, I challenge you to answer some, or all of them, about yourself. Share your answers in the comments, and I'll be posting again soon!

Flippy Floppies

This post is going to be about literal, and metaphorical flippy floppies. First, for the literal: My cousin got me hooked on these flip flops called "Sanuks." They are made of recycled yoga mats (or beer koozies for men), and they are the second most comfortable things I have ever worn in my life (behind Ugg boots). I would never usually think about spending over $30 on a pair of flip flops, but trust me, they're worth it. And they're super cute too! Definitely try them out, they're a staple for a quick trip out the door!

Ok, now on to the metaphorical flippy floppies, or more accurately, my flip flopping. A few posts ago, I decided that I was going to take the reins of my future and stop relying on the mean system that is higher education, and make a different path for myself in the field of Child Life. Um, yeah, I take that back. I'm about halfway into my child life class, and I am NOT feeling it. With speech, I was so incredibly interested and excited to learn, and I realized that I just can't let it go anymore. I find myself caring absolutely nothing about my class, and it really is a shame. I don't really know what I'm going to do, or how I'm going to do it, but I am back to being determined to become an SLP.

I think I originally arrived at this decision when the head of the department told me I would have to go to grad school for child life. I figure, if I need to go to grad school, why not just apply to something that I really really really want to do? True, child life might not be as competitive, but I just don't want to do it. I'm proud of myself for trying it, but I now know that it's just not for me.

I'd like to get a good grade in the class so that I can have one more positive thing to add to applications in the fall, so hopefully I can achieve that. I'm kind of freaking out about who will write me letters of recommendation, since I'm far enough out of Wooster that my relationships with professors have kind of dissipated. I'm also really nervous that they don't really have faith in me, since it's been such a hard road. I'll definitely need to look for new connections this time around.

Now, you may be thinking to yourself, "Katie, what in the world are you going to do for the next year to enhance your applications?" and I'm honestly asking myself the exact same thing. I'm kicking myself for not taking the City Year interview senior year when I had the chance, and instead choosing the safe secretary route. But hey, hindsight is 20/20, and I'm apparently having a lot of that lately. I am going to apply to City Year again, and I'm also going to continue seeking out and applying for SLPA jobs in the DC area. I had thought about volunteering abroad, but I'm a homebody and the idea completely freaks me out. I also don't know which volunteer programs are best, or most legitimate so I feel lost at the same time.

In the interim, I was suggested by someone at work to fill in for a maternity leave (full-time) position in the fall, so I'm going to be shadowing for that. It's nice to get some recognition and to finally be making full-time pay, but again, it's not the job I crave. I am absolutely grateful for the opportunity, though, so I'm going to take advantage. I also might apply to an editing job in DC, because I like editing and it would get me closer to SLPA opportunities.

So, in conclusion, I'm going back to speech. If you have any leads on SLPA jobs, or "early language intervention" jobs, please please please keep me in mind. I am always open to suggestions from current SLPs, grad students, or adults in any field. Prayers, thoughts, and general support are always welcomed, and much, much appreciated. I'm kind of scared to be diverting myself back to this route of pain and rejection, but I am completely positive it is the one on which I belong, and I'm coming back swinging. 

A Bump in the Road

So, where we left off in our story, our glamorous heroine was well on her way to starting the post-bacc program in Child Life at the University of Akron. She went on to her first class, Direct Experiences in the Hospital, and was excited about the volunteer experiences that would follow, when her professor stated "The undergraduate program for child life has been canceled." *ENTER ROAD BLOCK AND RECORD SCRATCH* HEH?!

Turns out, child life is going to be one of those fields, such as speech pathology, that will require a master's degree in the not so distant future. It will also not require an undergraduate major in child life, therefore, higher learning institutions across America are getting rid of the program. I was searching for classes to take in the fall for the post-bacc program, and I was barely able to find any that I needed, so I decided to meet with the head of the program for some academic advising. We came to the conclusion that instead of take 50 something credits for a post-bacc program, it would be more "bang for my buck" to go the master's route, take less credits, and come out with more in the long run. I am agreeable.

The only problem is that this means I need to apply to the graduate program and wait an entire school year to be able to start classes; that is, if I even get accepted to the graduate school (a task in which I have had notoriously terrible luck in the past). This realization got me pretty down in the dumps, feeling "some typa way" if you will. As I'm sure I've vocalized in the past, I just want to get going with my career. I have had it up to about here with living at home, working a part time job that isn't that fulfilling to me, seemingly aging so fast that I'm this much closer to a retirement home consisting of a cardboard box (or more likely, my parents' house).

I was thinking about applying to some speech programs for the spring, but none of the schools that I want to attend accept for spring. So here I am, back where I started, bummed out and frustrated. I decided to go on a bike ride, after Adam talked me down from my bad mood, and I'm much more sensible about it. I'm going to continue taking my classes, since they're prerequisites for the child life masters program. I'm also going to continue my volunteering at Rainbow after my course is over. I want to stand out, and prove that I'm more than just my GPA, that I'm determined and ready to commit to a graduate program and a career. 

Another thing that I feel like I need in the interim is a full time job. It was mentioned to me last week that someone had brought up my name as a suggestion for a maternity leave fill-in for three months this fall in another department. I have no idea who suggested me, but ego-boost much?! The job is presumably full time, so I'm going to meet with someone from the department, hopefully soon, to figure out if it's a good fit. I'm kind of excited about it, because it's a mini-promotion, at least in my mind. I'll miss my floor, but I'll visit, and I'm sure the 3 months would go by oh so quickly.

Just like I want this next year to go by quickly. But I know I shouldn't want that. I need to live day to day, without worrying too much about the future. My career can wait; it will come. Moving out can wait; it will come. I need to make every day count. I'm going to do just that, and figure out why exactly the Universe put this little (somewhat frustrating, but manageable) road bump in front of me.

I made this the background on my computer, to remind me that doors are opening for me, and I just need to find them.

P.S. I'm doing very well in my classes so far. I intend to keep it up :)

My Views on Objectification

So, this blogger over at The Honest Badger has this kind of beef with Robin Thicke regarding his new song and music video "Blurred Lines." The lyrics are suggestive in a college frat boy kind of way, and the women are scantily clad in the video (and in the unrated version, topless and wearing nude thongs). She describes it as a "disgusting display of misogynism" (I'm getting the squiggly red line, so is misogyny the proper term?). While I agree that it's not the best representation of women, here's why I'm not going to throw stones in my glass house.

1. Robin Thicke is known for his sex mantra. Ever since he changed his stage name from just "Thicke," Robin's been all about the ladies. I'm pretty sure on most of his albums, a majority of the songs revolve around sex, pleasuring women, and crooning beautiful sexy things. He's got a theme, and it works for his beautiful self. Just like Taylor Swift is known for writing songs about being a young woman, while also playfully bashing her ex-boyfriends, it works for her and she sticks to it. You go girl!

2. As you can see from that previous bullet-number-point, I objectify him. Robin's got beautiful blue eyes, great style, and a sexy voice. I also objectify many celebrity males (and females), mainly Ryan Gosling and Justin Timberlake. I've never had an intelligent conversation with either of them, and I don't know their personalities in real life, but I definitely have topless photos of them on my laptop wallpaper, my phone, and maybe taped to the wall inside of my closet. And I would totally bang either, or both, of them if the opportunity presented itself (at least in my mind, I would).

Most, if not all, of the women I know, self-declared feminists and non-declared feminists alike, have objectified both celebrities and non-celebrities (male and female) based on their looks alone. Now, I know that we as women aren't equally represented in society and are often objectified and expected to be sexy and look our best, and therefore it's so degrading; but my argument is, do we not do the same?! Do we not ogle at Ryan Gosling's six pack abs, beautiful arms, and great style while making disgusted faces at Kevin Federline's beer gut and wife beater tank tops? I am in no way saying that it is more acceptable for men to objectify women, but what I am saying is that both sexes do it. Men just do it more publicly and sometimes to their advantage (like making hit songs of the summer). Therefore, it's time for the women to take note and do the same! Unless you're looking to shift the focus of the entertainment business from sex to smarts, which realistically would just be too big of a battle, and honestly, ain't nobody (me) got time for that.

The Big Bang Theory has both!

To some people. I probably sound ignorant, anti-feminist, and all for a male driven society in which the women stay home and the men provide; my views are quite the contrary, but this is how my mind works. It's the entertainment business; with every Playboy magazine out there, there's also Playgirl. For every "Blurred Lines," there's a "How Many Licks?" by Lil Kim. "Blurred Lines" doesn't and shouldn't compromise my, or any other woman's, personal drive and ability to be a strong independent woman out in society, so I'm not going to make a big deal out of it. That's not to say I don't care, but I kind of....don't care.

If there's anything my liberal arts education has taught me, it's to think independently. Yes, I think women and men should be represented equally. Yes, I think women are more objectified in media than men. No, I don't think there's anything I can personally do about it. Heterosexual men think women are sexy, and heterosexual women think men are sexy; it's a fact of life. And because I believe that, I live my life as a confident woman who respects herself and enjoys the entertainment business for its face value. I wouldn't call it ignorant or idiotic, just a lifestyle choice that I feel works for me.

Now, feel free to objectify, without judgement, the men whom I also objectify on the daily (but it's your choice):

Ryan!

Justin!

Adam!

Zac!

Francisco!

Team Pride vs. Trashiness

I'm a pretty big Indians fan. I love the game of baseball and I go to dozens of games a year. One of the things I love about Adam is that he's got an equal love for baseball and for his respective team, the Detroit Tigers.
Adam and I like to try to go to games together when our teams play each other. We went to two games just last week when the Tigers were here in Cleveland, and the experience was.... less than enjoyable.

Detroit Tigers at Cleveland, summer 2012

Of course we're going to wear gear for our respective teams; I had my Tribe shirt and hat on, and Adam wore his Tigers hat and Justin Verlander jersey.We were in our beloved spot on the homerun porch with some friends, and during both games Adam continuously endured jeering and disrespect from Cleveland fans whom I used to believe were classy. Now, I know that in Cleveland we've got a bit of a jaded spirit from not winning a baseball world series since 1948, but that by no means legitimizes your choice to bad mouth fans of the opposing team who are there to do the same thing that you're doing; WATCHING BASEBALL AND SUPPORTING HIS OR HER TEAM.

I've been to my fair share of Indians games in Detroit, and never once have I been disrespected based on the logo that is sewn onto my baseball cap. Who knows if it's because I'm a female, or because I wasn't being that raucous, but I can say that at this point, Detroit's got more class than Cleveland when it comes to having opposing fans in their home stadium. I'm not proud of that, and frankly, I'm embarrassed. When I have to turn around and give you the death glare because you just viciously yelled "Go back to F***ING MICHIGAN," amongst other things, at my boyfriend who has not said one damn word to you, we've got a problem. No, you've got a problem. You're an ignorant asshole who doesn't have the decency to accept other peoples' understandable love of their own sports teams. And based on that, I can only assume that you're probably a racist as well. Honestly, you're doing a disservice to the team by claiming to represent them. I could go on and on about these lame excuses for fans, but I don't want to get any more riled up than I am. It just makes me so mad, and is probably one of my biggest pet peeves.

Contrary to the assholes that we endured, there were also a good handful of fans that would jokingly poke at Adam, then start up conversations about lineups and players. It's a nice change of pace, and that's what I like to see; Good sportsmanship and camaraderie. We're all there for the same reason. We love baseball, it's America's past time and we all grew up on it. We love our teams, and we come out to support them no matter their wins or losses.

So next time that you're at your local sports game, accept the fans from the opposing teams and make them feel welcomed. Show them how great our city can be, and how inviting and CLASSY Cleveland (usually) is.

Unless it's a guy wearing a Lebron James Heat jersey. Get him the hell out of there.

22 Things Happy People Do Differently

I'm typically known as a happy person. I've never really been able to explain why, besides having a supportive family and boyfriend, but this guy Kris here, he hit the nail on the head. I have no idea who he is, but I'm about to follow his blog.



22 Things Happy People Do Differently

After reading this, I think I might write a  post about things I do differently since I'm happy. I like that idea.

My Problem with Faith

So, if most of you know me, you know of my traumatic sort of run-in with the Christian faith and "God" during the summer of 2010. I won't really go into it, but at the time, I felt like God was against me or something, and to this day I feel like I have never truly recovered. I was never really one who was active with my faith, or in church. For a few years, I even doubted a higher power. I don't know what brought me back, and I truly don't even know where I really stand. All I know is, that in the end, I am most comfortable in the Catholic church, where I was raised.

Sometimes when I see my friends who are more active in their faith, most often identifying themselves as "Christians," I feel like I'm missing something. But it's not something that I necessarily strive for, or feel that I need for that matter. It's just a weird feeling. The togetherness during evangelical get-aways and camps just seems so fun and uniting. I'm not an evangelical person whatsoever, nor do I want to be. I kind of just want that connection. But it's hard to build a connection with others spiritually when you feel weird even praying by yourself. When you feel like you want to go to church, but you're not getting fulfillment. When you decide one day to go to an evangelical type service, and you are so uncomfortable, almost to the point of tears, but you so want to fit in.

When I'm around self-proclaimed "Christians" in a group together, there's just something emanating from them. I have no idea what it is, but sometimes, I want to be able to give it off too. The bond between them that is so outwardly present is magnetic. On the other hand, sometimes it is repellent. Sometimes I see and understand their drive to say "Welcome, I am so glad that you're here," and other times I see it as "Hi, look what we have and you don't." Sometimes I feel like I want to have it, but in a way (in my mind) it's comparable to "This iPhone is a lot cooler and modern than that brick of a phone you have, even though they do the same thing," and I envy it for a minute, then I'm back to my normal life. My life where I live by the morality that is taught in the bible, even if I don't credit the bible or my faith for my morals. I still function on kindness and caring, giving and loving.

I don't really know what I'm getting at. This is something that pops up in my mind every now and then, and usually ends up getting on my nerves for a few minutes. I guess this is really just a personal battle, maybe even a rant. A rant about which I don't even know why I'm getting so emotional as I write it.

This isn't a jab at Evangelical Christians, all the ones that I know are very nice, and some are very good friends. I just felt the need to write my feelings.