CUTENESS FOR A CAUSE

So, Elise and I were in our Institute Class (Religious Class) the other day. I'm a total slacker and forgot how our Teacher got onto this subject... but we were talking about how blessed we are to live in a time where we have so much. But, there's also a lot of not-so-good things in the world.

Take the internet:
You have BLOGS (which make the world an awesome place), Family History Sites, Libraries, Email to keep in contact with loved ones... so much information at our fingertips.

But, on the down side... there's online predators, pornography, hackers, identity theft...

Those, yeah... those aren't so warm and fuzzy.

Our Teacher made a comment about this, how we are so blessed to have the internet and it helps so much with Family History (which is super important to us in our Religion) and that Family History Sistes are the second most viewed sites on the interent. COOL RIGHT?!

But, what is not so cool, is that Pornography is number one.

Lame Sauce.

So, Elise leans over to me and says, "We should link Family History Sites to our blogs to bump up the numbers."

Which, got me thinking...

Bloggers, yeah... we kinda have an influence. Not a big one, but... a little one. So, what's the point of having an influence if you aren't going to do your little part in making the world a better place?

So, I decided to be awesome.

So, I am now going to be doing, TWO awesome new things in the bloggy world.

Starting next week, I will be doing, Warm-Fuzzy Friday. Where I will post about something I did, recieved, or saw that gave me a Warm Fuzzy in my little heart. (It will also be a linky party, to challenge you to find Warm Fuzzies.)

BUT... that's not it!

I am now going to introduce to you....

CUTENESS FOR A CAUSE!

For $5 you can make a little difference, and get a little cuteness!

These items will be listed in my etsy shop, to help raise money for these organizations that personally mean something to me.

When you buy the PEARL STUDS...

The proceeds will be donated to The American Red Cross.

http://www.redcross.org/

When you buy the PINK ROSES...

The proceeds will be donated to The National Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation.

http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/

When you buy the AQUA ROSES...

The proceeds will go to CAPSA.

A local center for abused women and center that I volunteer at.

http://www.capsa.org/

So, if you feel so inclined to have a little cuteness...

and to donate to a cause...

CUTENESS FOR A CAUSE

items can be puchased in my etsy shop.

<center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageWannaBee?section_id=8049427"><img border="0" src="http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz259/nichellelora/cuteness2.jpg" /></a></center>  





Feel free to grab a button and spread the word!!!  mucho mucho love!-Nichelle

I dreamed a dream...

Tonight, I watched the 25th Anniversary Concert of Les Miserables with my Daddy.

P.S. Nick Jonas played Marius... it kinda threw me off... but it was cool...

Anyway... I love this song...



Let's just say I drove home crying, and haven't stopped all that much. Not just because I was in that show, and it became an emotional experience for the whole cast, but because I'm tired of life.

I'm sick of my life.

I know, I know... I could have it worse, but for me, it's tough.

I really don't know how much more I can take.

I mean, most 21year old have stresses like, what am I going to do after college, am I going to start a family, where am I going to live...

Nichelle's stresses are, is my paralyzed foot going to get worse? Will I have to have another surgery? Will I be able to physically get to school today, let alone finish college? When will I be able to walk normally again? When will I not feel completely alone again? Will anyone want to date someone with only one working leg? Forget marriage, let's just get someone who will stick around for a bit.

Is is normal for a 21 year old to have experienced all I have? To have the physically strength of a 50 year old? To already lose trust and faith in love. To be scared of life because of past experiences. To have suffered so much because of others mistakes. To be so afraid. To feel so defeated.

I know sometimes, I joke about my ex, and some, (my sister) will be mad at me for "not being over it"... but, he was my "love". The one I cared about more than myself. The one I gave everything too. I know that I shouldn't have. And I know he did horrible things while we were together, and that I shouldn't "miss" someone who, lied, stole and cheated on me, but in a sense I do. I don't hate, "Voldemort", to be honest, I love him. Loved. I don't know what it is now. I don't just stop. He'll always be what he was when I was blind by all the lies. As much I want to hate him, I know I can't. Possibly, maybe once there's someone I love more, he'll finally disappear completely. A much as I hate he was a part of my life, the fact is he was.

Now, keep in mind, I'm emotional. Keep in mind, I'll be better in the morning. But, these emotions are real. But, I don't need someone telling me I should be over it, or be concerned. I'm just venting. I'm just dealing with it the way I need to. I'm just getting it out, so I don't have to keep it in. I'm really okay. I have a lot to deal with, let me deal with it. Don't think I need to do it your way, let me do it mine. Let me be sad for my loses. It makes me realize what I do have. It's why I can get through this, it helps me see things as they are now, how I'm blessed. How I've gone through this, and even though I feel like I'm failing at life, I know that each day I can do better than the day before.

I'm an emotional girl. Things stick to me differently. I think my emotions are hard for others to understand.

Just, let me be me.

Let me be emotional when I need to be.

Right now, I need to be.


I thought my life would be so different.

I thought I'd be happier than I am now.

I thought I wouldn't have to deal with so much so soon. That my life wouldn't be this hard when I was thing young. I wasn't expecting a perfect life, but I was kinda expecting a life where I could walk normal. A life where people didn't judge me by a brace on my leg. A life where people treated me fairly and where they wouldn't make horrible mistakes that affected me and didn't do horrible things that would completely alter who I am and my life.

I thought I would make mistakes that would change me.
I didn't think others would have that right to make my life miserable.

I figured I'd stumble through my own problems, and use faith to get through it.
I didn't think I'd have to use my faith to lift myself up when I literally stumbled.

I knew that life would be hard, and things would change.
I didn't think that one day I wouldn't be able to move my foot.

I didn't think I'd reach over the year mark of being injured and have no progress.

I'm young. I'm healthy. I was suppose to be better by now.

I was suppose to be worrying about what to wear for my date on Friday.
Not calling and talking to physical therapists on Friday.

I thought I would have to figure out which boys would stick around.
Not find out that no boy is going to stick around.

I thought I'd be crying over break-ups at 21, not because of all of this.

I figured I'd make stupid mistakes and have to pay the price for those, not that I would have to deal with paying for the price of so many others mistakes.




I'm tired.
I want my foot to be better.
I want to ride a bike.
I want to walk on grass.
I don't want to have a handicap pass.
I don't want to be crying right now.
I want to feel safe.
I want to be happy.




I want the stress of school, and work, and boys.
Not the stress of doctors, pain and fear.

Hey... mean people....

If you leave a mean comment, I'm going to delete it.

That's all.

I don't mean to neglect this blog...

So... Sorry... I never post... but ya know... I'm busy...

Here on some things that have been on my mind:

* I'm tired of people asking if I'm better, and they are disappointed when I say no...

What am I suppose to do, eh?

* I want to run. Like, really run.

* I'm a complainy pants.

* I can't believe it's been a year...

* I want...uh NEED to get out of my rut.

* I think people need to not be so rude to me.

* I get depressed. Deal with it.

* I like being by myself at times, sometimes I just need to cry.

* I'm sick of guys who stop liking me after they realise I'm "broken".

* I'm NOT broken.

* Any boy would be lucky to have me, too bad they can't see that.

* I'm glad my foot isn't getting worse.

* I'm grateful my trial isn't very hard... but sometimes I just want it to end.

* I hate when people say, "They're lame,"

* I've noticed how much society ignores the needs of others, and how daily language and phrases can be really insulting without any mean intentions. It's crazy.

* Don't expect me to be perfect.

* I'm insecure.

* I'm confident.

* I've learned a lot, and overcomed more than I thought I would.

* I've had to learn to not rely on people again, they think it's easy now, but this stage is harder than any other one I've gone through, through this whole thing.

* I rely on my Savior.

* When people think I'm not doing enough, I remind myself that I'm doing all I can, cry, and keep going.

* I like who I am.

* I've got a lot about myself right now I can't stand, but I'm dealing with it.

* I feel bad that my family has to deal with me.

* Sometimes, I want to punch people in the face who are jerks.

* Sometimes, I wish I had one, true, best friend.

* I'm glad I have a gazillion friends.

* I'm tired all the time.

* I'm on depression medicine, and that weirds me out.

* I don't like being weak.

* Ice Cream fixes my problems.

* I'm glad I have a fast metabolism.

* I'm content with how my life is going be...

* Sometimes, I wish someone would just be there.

* I'm sick of people leaving me.

* I'm excited for the day, this is in the past...

My life is so hard right now,

I'm not sure how much more I can handle, but....

I wouldn't change my life for anything.



My "CHRISTMAS CARD" to you!

Well, it is nearing the end of 2010...

Needless to say, it's been pretty crazy.

I've

cried

laughed

smiled

but mostly I've prayed.

Prayed for strength to get through this year.

Prayed for strength to be positive.

Prayed for physical strength.

Prayed for my family who have sacrificed so much to help me.

Prayed for those who have blessed my life.

I'm sorry for the times I've been:

afraid

scared

insecure

terrified

emotional

But thank you for the times you've helped me to:

laugh

giggle

smile

rejoice

I appreciate those who call me their handicapable friend, gimp and pegleg.

It helps to poke fun at my situation.

And you know me... I LOVE laughing...

I'm not going to lie, this year has been terrifyingly hard but, here's the list of my accomplishments:

Broke 3 bones in my back.

Broke 8 ribs.

Dislocated my hip.

Punctured and deflated my lung.

Heal from the above in 3 weeks.

Survive a surgery with complications.

(BTW I had 4 surgeries this year... well if you count that I'm getting my wisdom teeth out next week, that will make 5)

Only miss one Sunday of Church the entire year.

Decided I wasn't going to let a paralyzed foot stop me.

I went from my wheelchair to my walker to crutches to cane in 2 months.

Went from cane to nothing in a couple weeks.

Made my toes twitch.

Went back to school.

Got a job.

But, my biggest accomplishment is learning how to walk with a paralyzed foot.

Just kidding, now I can JOG on it!

(I look like a fool, but I can jog)

Oh no, wait...

my biggest accomplishment is being able to swallow a handful of pills with a sip of water.

Serious.

I'm so incredibly good at taking pills now.

(Before my accident, I had a hard time swallowing one, so this is a big step for me)

Granted, now I'm only to a nerve pain pill and aspirin if I really need it. But back when I took 10 a day... let's just say, I should have a good medal.

I've tried to stay positive and happy.

I've tried to work hard and not let my body tell me what I can't do.

This year has been rough, but I'm glad I went through it.

I've learned a lot, and I'm grateful for it.

I never knew how many people loved me and cared.

I never knew.

So, thank you.

Thank you for your prayers and your thoughts.

Please, keep them coming.

I'm not done fighting yet.

I love you all.

I pray for you everyday.

Let's hope 2011 is less "exciting"...

With more love than I can ever express,

Nichelle

{aka Chelle}

{aka Belle}

{aka Nino}

Things you should know about me...

(This post is also on my craft blog...)






(Hahaha! This post is inspired by Little Miss Momma... if you don't blog stalk her... you should.)

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ME IF WE'RE GOING TO BE BFF'S!

I hate the sound of styrofoam. Eww. Gross.

Gives me the shivers.

I hate being the center of attention, but I'm not afraid to be.

I have a giagantor crush on these men:

Michael Buble

Jim Halpert

Jimmy Fallon

Gene Kelley

Patrick Dempsey

and "Manly" from Little House on the Prairie

I have different laughs.

One when I'm scared.

One when I'm happy.

One when I feel bad no one else is laughing at your joke.

I giggle when I'm uncomfortable.

I giggle when I'm hyper.

A 'medium' laugh when something is funny.

But then, when something REALLY tickles my funny bone...

My laugh is ridiculously loud.

I love animals, except cats, 'cause they (mostly) are icky & mean.

I love Billy Joel.

I'm destined to marry a massage therapist because my back is always in knots.

Pride and Prejudice.

I own 3 different DVD versions.

I own a hard copy and soft copy of the book.

I've read it at least 2 dozen times.

Most people think I'm out going, but I'm really shy.

I just force myself to be outgoing.

My pet peeve is when someone is picky about who they are nice to. If you want to be a nice person, be nice to everyone.

I love everyone. I love people.

Well, except for this one person, and his nickname is Voldemort.

I think people are mean to the color orange.

Oh, speaking of orange... If you ever say my hair is orange, in my mind I just punched you in the face.

My hair is RED.

I've started a food fight and a water fight at my

Church.

I don't get in trouble because people assume I'm innocent. (Ha)

My family knows better.

I refuse to watch scary movies.

When people get mad at me for listening to Christmas music early, I simply state I can't help it because I have Red Hair and Green Eyes and it's what I'm programmed to do.

I  LOVE, CHERISH ADORE my freckles.

I'm a sucker for a guy with a guitar around a campfire.

Sometimes, I cry when I watch a really cute commercial...

I've gotten a lot of torment for being a RED HEAD,

but it makes me who I am.

I LOVE new school supplies.

It's the only school supply shopping I get excited for.

I'm a worry-wart.

I didn't watch Nightmare Before Christmas until I was 20...

by choice.

I like bugs, and will stop you from killing one.

I'm obsessed with:

Disney Princesses

Picture Frames.

Reeses.

I think the most romantic place is in a giant field of tulips.

Apparently, I like talking about myself, because this list is getting kinda long...

 

What about you??!

Mucho LOVE and HAPPY Holidays!

-Nichelle

 

So.... Thanks.

So, I started blogging after my accident, to start to tell my story and journey about my recovery. And, I just wanted to say thanks to those who actually care enough to come and read my ramblings. Blogging has really been a good place for me to vent and open up. Which is kinda scary for me, because sometimes I don't really know who I'm opening up to... But, I think it's good for me. I've been hurt in the past, and it's healthy for me to find ways to become more of an open person again.

That's all. Short and sweet, but I truly mean it. I'm so very blessed to be such a cared about girl.

Love you.

I'm feeling like NOT being a bum today.

So, I've been kinda a bum. So, I'm sorry. I won't be little Miss Complain-y Pants.

This post is going to be short and sweet.

Quote of the Day:

If the grass is greener on the other side, maybe that’s because you’re not taking good care of your grass.

Scripture of the Day: Ether 12:4
4. Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.


Song of the Day: Heart of Life-John Mayer


Poem of the Day: The Oak Tree by Johnny Ray Ryder Jr .

A mighty wind blew night and day
It stole the oak tree's leaves away
Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark
Until the oak was tired and stark


But still the oak tree held its ground
While other trees fell all around
The weary wind gave up and spoke.
How can you still be standing Oak


The oak tree said, I know that you
Can break each branch of mine in two
Carry every leaf away
Shake my limbs, and make me sway


But I have roots stretched in the earth
Growing stronger since my birth
You'll never touch them, for you see
They are the deepest part of me


Until today, I wasn't sure
Of just how much I could endure
But now I've found, with thanks to you
I'm stronger than I ever knew

FAVIE DAY

So... I just got really depressed, and I needed to knock myself out of it. So I came here.

Earlier today, I was thinking about how many "favorites" happened today. It's nice how those little "tender mercies" come into your life. Now that I'm feeling pretty down, it may be good to remind myself of how I was blessed today. So... Here ya go my friends.

I wore my FAVIE shirt.

I actually got a lot of complements...

that's kinda FAVIE.

(Oh yeah, as you kinda can tell in the pic... I curled my hair. Curly hair is FAVIE. Especially in the winter, cause my hair goes pretty frizzy... that's not so FAVIE.)

I went to my FAVIE JOB.

This is what I did today. I made PAPER PENGUINS.

Yes. I know. My job rocks.

P.S. Aren't they cute?! I'm quite proud.

GIMME PAPER, GLUE and SCISSORS and I'm good to go!

Went to an IWA Meeting. (IWA is pretty much the ultimate FAVIE.)

(This pic is not from today... but these girls are amazing, I love our presidency. Sigh, heart, heart, heart heart.)

We started planning the next IWA dance.

LOVE.

Our theme is OLD HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR.

FAVIE. FAVIE!! FAVIE!!!

Me and some awesome friends planned our "HONKEN" date.

It's pretty much the coolest thing ever. Don't worry about it, just know it's a FAVIE.

Alrighty, I'll tell ya. HONKEN is our little name for Honey Chicken. You see, we eat Honey Chicken when  we (my 3 friends and I) have good boy stories to tell.

It's pretty much the coolest form of Girl Talk known in existence.

BTW: Honken girls are my most FAVIE girls.

FIREHOUSE PIZZERIA. Favie food.

My Bestie, took me to Firehouse for my "Birthday Dinner" today. (My birthday was is July... lol)

YUMMY IN MY TUMMY.

THIS REALLY HAPPENED.

You tie your straw wrapper in a knot and pull tight. If the knot doesn't stay that means someone is thinking about you. (Kinda silly... but still FAVIE.)

This hardly happens to me... BUT IT HAPPENED ON FAVIE DAY!

IWA Christmas Devotional.

Number A) IWA=FAVIE

Number B) Christmas=FAVIE

Number C) Devotionals/Inspiration=FAVIE.

'nuff said.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS.

After IWA my bestie took me for a ride to see Christmas Lights.

Don't I have AWESOME FRIENDS.

Lucky Gal=Me.

FRIENDS...

They are FAVIE.

This song was played on my way to school, in my bestie's car and on my way home.

Even though it's FREEZIN' outside, whenever I hear this song, it warms me from the inside out...

FAVIE!

I feel a little better now.

BUT:

I'm still overwhelmed about school.

I'm still scared because my foot isn't getting better.

I'm scared of being depressed.

I'm scared of this time of year... A year ago was the worst thing I've ever been through... (I'm not talking about the accident)

I keep having memories of "him"...

and I just want him to go away. He's done enough damage.

I'm scared I'm going to be alone forever.

I'm tired so maybe I'm being irrational.

But, right now...

I'm just plain ol' bummed.

But, like Annie always says,

THE SUN WILL COME OUT TOMORROW.

I'm really okay.

Or I WILL BE.

It's the little things that are holding me up right now.

So, thanks friends, for being there.

Thanks for listening.

And thanks for the quiet strength of so many of you.

If you wanna help me out, I'll accept flowers. ;) Just kidding... But seriously...

No. I just need a SMILE.

or a HUG.

so...

What's been a FAVIE of yours recently?

What are some of your TENDER MERCIES?

I'd love to feel inspired and uplifted...

Even a joke would be FABULOUS.

Thanks friends.

So... I'm about to be a little vunerable...

So I read this blog, Little Miss Momma and it's pretty much my favoritest blog in the entire world. I also want everything in her etsy shop... but anyway. She wrote this completely honest, heart wrenching, amazing post about secrets. It totally inspired me. She talked about something totally personal and just put it out there, not only to help others, but to help herself. She asked others to email in their "secrets" so I did. But, I figure, it might be good to share those feelings with you guys... So, here's what I sent...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, I read your post, and I wasn't going to share my secret... but then, I went and read your secret and felt like maybe I could. So, forgive me if this is hard to read, but I'm sure once I open this can of worms, my thoughts will be all over the place. My secret has to do with my current "trial".

January 4th of this year, I was in a sledding accident. Some friends and I went sledding, the guys decided to make a train. Me, being the social butterful I am, volunteered to jump in with the boys, they willing put me in the middle because a) this way I couldn't chicken out and break the chain, because they would hold on to me b) they promised it was the safest place. We started down the hill faster than anticipated, we couldn't react to anything, and my body was sling-shot forward and I was wrapped around a tree. I broke 3 bones in my back, 8 ribs, dislocated my hip and punctured/deflated/bruised one of my lungs. In all reality, I should've died, I should've been paralyzed, but I wasn't.

I actually was really grateful for this, is was a nice distraction from other things in my life that had hurt me. Don't get me wrong, I was sad to be bed ridden, and have to miss a semester of college, and wasn't looking forward to the long road of recovery, but I was grateful to have this to focus on instead of getting over my finace who cheated on me, stole money from me and left me. I was grateful to focus on something other than my mental recovery from something horrible from my childhood that I had just been confronted about. Having a postive attitude, and getting over these physical barriers, this, THIS I could handle.

But then, another twist to the story came. I had to go in to have surgery on my hip at the end of January. During surgery they accidentally cut my sciatic nerve, leaving the bottom half of my left leg paralyzed. Yep, you read that right, after escaping death and dodging becoming paralyzed, a surgical mistake left me with that fate, not the tree. At first it was really hard to handle, but I have so much support it's insane. I didn't know that this many people knew me, let alone cared. For the first couple months, I had so many visitors and support, it was amazing. I felt like I could conquer the world, and I slowly started adjusting to my new life. One day, I woke up and I was sick of using crutches, so I started using a cane. Then, I was sick of that, so I wobbled without it. Then, I got my brace, which makes it so you can hardly tell. I can't wear it all the time, but most people can't tell that anything is wrong with me. I got off my butt, I worked hard, and I started conquering this.

My secret is, now that the initial shock is over, and I have less support, this breaks me down. Even though, I'm a paralyzed person who can walk, I still feel inadequate. Everyone else's life has moved on, and mine is still stuck in this physically, emotionally, spiritually painful time in my life. I miss riding my bike. I miss running up the stairs. I miss wiggling my toes. No one thinks this is hard because of how much I can do now. But the truth is, it's harder now than it was during all my surgeries. It's harder now then when I couldn't touch my foot because the nerve pain was so severe. It's harder now, because I'm all alone in this. It's harder now, because people say how proud they are me, and I only see how much farther I have to go.

I'm glad I've been able to have a positive attitude, and I'm glad it's helped some people. I'm glad all the new people I meet don't know that anything is wrong. Unless my pant leg comes up and they see part of my brace and ask about it. I'm glad those who this effected, especially my close friends and family, aren't as scared anymore and can see my life is improving and almost normal again. I'm glad I'm alive.

But sometimes I just want someone to hold me while I cry and say, "This really sucks, doesn't it?"

My secret is, I'm not as strong as everyone perceive's me to be.

Sincerely,
Nichelle

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm scared to share stuff like this... but it's the honest truth.

Just be careful around me peeps... I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve...



.

Play. Snow. Nuns. Sleep.

"For this assignment you are requested to spend time playing."

Can I just say, I love my major. Why would I do something like Chemistry or Calculus (by the way... I scored super high on those on my ACT, so actually could of... but that's boring) when I could take classes about balancing your life and helping others... Yep. Life is awesome.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm way stressed. My body is worn out. I feel like I can't do anything, but life is good. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
IT'S SNOWING! It feels like Christmas! It's a weird feeling though, last time it snowed... well, you know... I almost died...

I love it. It means Christmas is coming,  but it is also getting me down. I feel I should be doing better in life than I am. I just... feel inadequate.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Also, boys suck. I don't think I'll ever be able to open up and date someone again. I talk about it, and I think about, and I think maybe I can... but I know if I ever get close I'll push them away...Stupid Voldemort.

I wish I could be a MORMON NUN. I would love that.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
But, I'm so very blessed. I just have to deal with all this crap for awhile. I'm sure it will get better... but I feel a little hopeless at the moment. I love life though. I'm very blessed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm ready for my foot to be better, but that won't happen soon... so i better deal with it...

I know I'm truly blessed... I'm just a little down... Well a lot down... I could use some happiness...

I'd write more...but I'm tired...

So, I made this bag...

This bag, yes, this one right here...

Well, you see... I made this bag.

I would like to give this bag away.

I would like to give this bag away to YOU.

Take another look, it's pretty cute...

But, you see...

There's a catch...

Let me explain.

So, I made this blog...

and in order to win my bag, you have to go to my blog.

So, if I were you, I would totally go to that blog... like... right NOW.

(http://vintagewannabee.blogspot.com/)

So, thus ended the blog post about the bag.

The End.

Thanks for your support!!!

MY CRAFT BLOG just hit 1000 views! AWESOME! Follow my blog, and once a get 'X' amount of followers (I haven't decided the number yet) I'll have a giveaway of one of my BAGS! Trust me, they're cute, you'll want it! P.S. I'm having tons of fun with the princess accessories... I think Giselle is next... :D (Sorry, I'm too busy to post everyday, but I'm trying!) THANKS GUYS!!!!

My bags are basically a smörgåsbord of my flowers on a handbag! It's so fun! I love showing my "purse-onality!"

IWA Tribute.

I just want my foot to get better, so I can leave and go on my mission!!! I'm suppose to be halfway done by now!!!! GAAAAAAA!!!

I don't understand, I don't understand why I've been more through this past year then most people go through in a lifetime. Not just my foot, but all the stuff I had to deal with before that. I just, I'm sick of it. I want/NEED a break. I'm at my wits end!!! BLAGH!

But, I am very blessed. Honestly, I'm so grateful for institute and IWA. Especially IWA...
*Kathy, you are such an inspired leader, and know exactly what I need.
*Jessie Ann Kingsford, you've been my best friend for the past 5 years, and I love you.
*Shantell... you just make me happy and make me want to be better.
*Kieley, you are perfect, and I look up to you so much. I think you are one of the best girls I know.
*Gwen, Lori, J.Black, Tasha, Erin, JoNeale, Tami, Kelsey... You girls ALWAYS make me laugh!
*AnnaLynne, Stephanie, Shauna, Kelci, Jenna, Rachel, Catherine, Dionne, Amanda, Karissa, Janika, Liz, Rachel, Megan, Chanel and Erika.... I don't understand how ALL of you can be sooooo AMAZING and BEAUTIFUL!
*Callista and Brenna, I love you both. You both bring so much happiness to others.
Hannah, Elizabeth, Jessica F., Lauren, Katie... I'm jealous of your beauty... but don't worry, I love you anyway.
*Caity and Kennedy I'm so glad you just joined our chapter!!
*Stephanie Aagard and Shannon Guymon, you girls are simply amazing and I look up to you soooooo much!
*I JUST LOVE ALL THE GIRLS IN MY CHAPTER!!!
*I'm so blessed to know all the other girls in IWA and our amazing I.C.!!!
* Janielle, you are my favoritest 2nd Counselor Buddy!!! P.S. Don't tell the other 2nd's... :) (Hannah, you are my favorite too.)
* ELISE!!!! I love you. You've helped me more than you will ever EVER know.  You are hands down, the 2nd reason I'm still sane right now. (#1 is my Savior... but... that's pretty dang good if you are number 2! GO ELISE!)

I'm not going to lie, life is kinda sucky right now.... but I'm so very blessed, and I know I'll get through it. Thank you for being patient with me. LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

(but right now, I love IWA a little more than the rest of you... Sorry!!! You're still favorite, I just have lots of favorites.)

YOU ALL ROCKETH MUCHLY!!! Loves.

Also, I wish it was Spring... and I wish I was in Holland right now....
FOREIGN MEN AND TULIPS!!!! (Or foreign men with two lips... tulips...) 
Just kidding... slightly.... AKA... I'm slightly kidding.

I'm so excited!!!

Click here to: GO TO MY CRAFT BLOG!!!

 I have a fun new project and I want your input!!!

Just hung out with a crazy lady.

So, while I was in my room... unable to fall asleep, this crazy lady came!!! Seriously, she was insane. She started getting Christmas decorations out! I was like, "Hey lady, that's not cool, don't you know that's not kosher!" Then the crazy lady was like, "Sheesh kid, it's been November for 3 hours!" I contemplated those wise and profound words, and before I knew it she had a nativity set up! I bargained with her and allowed her to set up a very limited amount of decorations. She whined a bit, and said, "But you have TWO WHOLE BINS FULL!!!" I persisted, "You cannot put them all out, only a couple things." She moaned and groaned, but I held my ground.

Don't believe me? I took pictures, you know, just in case you thought I was lying. Why would I lie? Santa's watching, duh.

FREE STUFF!!!!

My most amazing-est friend Elise is having a GIVE-A-WAY at her bloggity-blog... go to:


http://eliseypants.blogspot.com/

What you'll get:
"CSN has offered me a really cool deal (well, mostly YOU get the cool deal) where they're going to give one of my fabulous readers $35 to spend at any one of their 200 stores."


What ya gotta do:
Go to her cute amazing blog for instructions!!

SHE'S AMAZING AND I LOVE HER!!!!

Why I do what I do...

So, in my Social Work class, I had to do a Book Review. I really love this class, and I don't really consider this 'work'... LOVE IT. I don't know why you'd want to read my book review... But here it is...

I FEEL LIKE A DORK putting my "homework" on my blog, but I want you to know that I love helping people and I love my life right now. Seriously. Awesome.

I've been through some pretty tough things in my life, but I feel one of the reasons I have is so that I can bless others.

I'll highlight a few things... So you can skim through it!


While I was reading the assigned book, Days in the Lives of Social Workers, I was drawn to certain topics, or studies of Social Work. The areas that peaked my interest were Health Care Social Work, School Social Work, particularly Elementary School Social Work, Children, Youth and Family Social Work, especially Child Protective and Child Welfare Services, Criminal Justice and working with Victim Services and the impact Social Workers have on working in communities. I will discuss my feelings and personal views on a few of these topics that grabbed my attention and made me ponder and contemplate on my own views, thoughts and experiences, as I read them.

Health Care Social Work has a very special place in my life. This is the type of Social Work I would wish to be involved in. Last year, as I was wondering what direction to take my life and what career path to use, I decided to take a job at a Hospital. I knew that the direction I wanted to take my life would greatly involve people and assisting those in need. To what capacity and what way I was to do this, was still unknown to me, I could be anything from a Nurse to Social Worker, so I figured, what better way to see compassion in action then at a hospital? I worked in all departments of the hospital, from Surgical Unit to Medical Unit, Behavioral Unit to the Women’s Center. I enjoyed Women’s Center the best, and started out working in the Mother and Baby Unit of the Hospital and occasionally working in the Labor and Delivery Unit. As time went on and as the staff got to know me, I started learning all of the inner workings that made everything possible. After a few months, I was personally selected and asked to be permanently placed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit/Labor and Delivery Unit. This shocked and scared me, because this was the hardest Unit for my position, but accepted graciously with anticipation and excitement.

As I was reading Chapter 4, ‘Social Work in an Infertility Clinic’ in, Days in the Lives of Social Workers, I was quickly brought back to my memories at the hospital. For me, working in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and L&D (Labor and Delivery Unit) was a gigantic leap from working in the Mom/Babe (Mother/Baby Unit). I was able to witness (more observation then participation because of my lack of certification for certain tasks) first hand, the pain and sorrow side of the miracle of birth. Until working in these units, I never realized how many parents lost their children, or faced drastic medical futures and trials with their newborns. Seeing young newborns in the NICU fighting for their life was a hard thing to deal with at first, and I had to change my view and understanding. Luckily for me, the nurses loved explaining procedures to me and sharing their abundance of knowledge, quickly adding to my interest and empathy for what parents had to go through.

Another area of Health Care that I found interesting in the book, Days in the Lives of Social Workers was Chapter 1, ‘Social Work in the ER’. I’m not sure if this was the best story to start the book out with, because I remember thinking, “I’m not even a portion into the book, but I already feel overwhelmed for this Social Worker.” But as I kept reading his personal account of experiences in the ER, he truly was, ‘everyone’s best friend’, like he stated. I was drawn to how much this particular Social Worker could juggle in one day. I’ve always known Social Work to be a taxing and draining position, but to have a day documented brought me to new understanding. I was particularly drawn to the cases the Social Worker described when he had to help loved ones face death. Especially, when he was helping a family cope with the loss of a young child. I am amazed by what strength he has.

I loved reading Chapter 11, ‘Elementary School Social Work’ in Days in the Lives of Social Worker. Reading this chapter made me excited about becoming a Social Worker! As I was reading her account, I could see myself doing this type of job, and doing very well at it. I’ve always loved kids, I think it is built into my genetic coding, because I also have great connection with them and very easily create a bond with them. I loved reading her account and seeing how staff and student alike trusted her completely. She was constantly running around, but you could tell she was so compassionate about what she did, which is important and vital. Because of her desire to perform well and her love for her job, you could tell that is one of the main reasons why she was able to accomplish so much with the time and resources she had.

This book, had so many stories that tugged at my heart, and made me understand how many people need this type of work, and how much good comes from Social Workers as a whole and individually.

One area the grabbed my interest, was Part 9, Criminal Justice. I found this section very interesting. I knew that it would be hard for me and very unattractive at times, because of my past and my personal experiences with different types of abuse, but I knew it would be good for me to read and better understand. I feel this type of Social Work is extremely important, but I know that I couldn’t handle many parts of it. Enough that, I know I couldn’t handle being a Social Worker in this field. But to my surprise, more compassion came than I expected. I knew some would come, but I typically feel more for the victim because I can relate, but I realized more of the depths the offenders feel.

I had the hardest time with Chapter 34, Residential Treatment for Adolescent Sexual Offenders. I know that because of my own personal experiences, and the requirements of being the representative and Social Worker for a case like this (in reference to a Social Worker for a Sex Offender), I wouldn’t be cut out for it. This made me worry and start to wonder if I could handle all of the stress and the magnitude of commitment, strength, knowledge and many other skills that are required of Social Workers. I had to put the book down. I couldn’t keep going. But then I realized, for that very reason, I could do this job. I fight for what I believe. I love mankind and human rights. I have been a victim, but I’ve turned that into a strength, and what better way to use that strength then to help others. Of course there are going to be areas that are harder for me, of course there are aspects I better relate to, but the fact is that I have talents and abilities that others can’t. As I learn to develop the special skills that are required of Social Workers, I will already have a base and foundation that can be quickly molded into a power for good and strength in this profession.

This book has helped me realize and see my strengths and my personality in different Social Work environments. I have empathy, I have inner strength, I have compassion, I have experience, I have knowledge, I have drive, I have understand that is special and unique to me, what else could be better for an early Social Worker to learn? I have learned this because of this book, because of Days in the Lives of Social Workers.