Let the Games Begin...

Ok, I am usually a dedicated college sports fan; however, this football season I will be making an exception for the NFL, only because Armanti Edwards is playing. For those of you who have been living under a rock for the past 4 years...he has been THE carrying force for my college football team, Appalachian State University. Can't wait to watch him DO WORK for the Carolina Panthers!
http://www.catscratchreader.com/2010/7/11/1563947/panthers-paw-prints-armanti

Lower the Water Line

I was watching a TV show, If You Really Knew Me, that compared most people to an iceberg. An iceberg has a tip that sticks out of the water; however, most of it's body is underneath the water. Similarly to an iceberg, most people only show 10% of themselves (also called their "image"). The majority of the person (or the REAL person) is the 90% that stays hidden. In this TV show, high school students were encouraged to 'lower their water line' and show people their REAL self and their real feelings. As I watched these teens dig deep down inside to share their inner most opinions, feelings, and personalities, it was like a burden had been lifted. They were just being themselves and not caring who noticed.
I think we can all apply this lesson in our lives. Age does not make you grow out of the iceberg effect. Many people only show 10% because it is the safe way to be. It's the way to get along with everyone. Often times I am comfortable with only showing my 10% because it is the 'nice' thing to do. I try to get along with everyone and make everyone happy. However, I am cheating that other 90% of myself. I am who I am, and there is no need to hide that.
So, I am going to try to 'lower the water line' and embrace my individuality a little more every day. Of course there will be people who will disagree with me, but there will also be people that will love me even more. Of course I will make some people mad, but I will also bond with some. Of course I will be open and judged, but at the same time I will be confident because I will be REAL.
Will you 'lower your water line' too?

Feng Shui Your Life

Feng Shui: A Chinese art in which you balance or position objects based on the patterns of yin and yang, in order to have the flow of chi and positive and negative effects.

Many people feng shui their apartment or work place in order to create a balanced environment. Ideally it allows for the release of negative energy and the embrace of positive energy.

I think that instead of using feng shui in our homes and offices, we should feng shui our lives! The root of many people's problems come from an unbalanced life, not misplaced furniture. People usually put too much into one place or another, whether it be work, school, a relationship, etc. If we are a little top heavy in one area, that means we are neglecting other areas and causing stress, strain, or unhappiness. Therefore, we need some feng shui action!!!

This make take some time, so be patient. Also, everyone is different. So, find what is unbalanced and try to focus your energy on the areas you have been neglecting. For me, I think I am in just a clutter filled mess. Sometimes I realize that I need to remove some things from my life in order to focus on balancing the important things. Often times I get caught up in minor details, emotions, and stress. This of course tosses everything else off balance. If I focus on work, home, service, and genuine relationships, my life might be a little less claustrophobic.

So, my challenge to myself and you, feng shui your life!! Figure out what phase you are in and work towards a more balanced lifestyle...and then enjoy the happiness! :)

Rebel Without a Cause

This weekend my sisters and I put my mom on the spot. We asked her the following question: "If you got a call from jail and they said that one of your children had been arrested, which child would you assume that it was?" She said it would be me! HAHAHA.
I really don't think my mom would be surprised if I did get arrested. Often before I go on a trip with friends she jokingly tells me to call her if I need bail. That's me...a rebel without a cause. I guess that is what I get for being pretty sassy, outspoken, and one who lives life to the fullest (only somewhat testing the limits).
This has become somewhat of a family joke and hopefully, I will never have to use the all-so-famous one phone call to get a hold of my mother. In fact, she has warned me that if that ever does happen, she would leave me in there for the night. YIKES! :)

Addicted to technology

Hi, my name is Sarah and I am addicted to technology, specifically in the forms of Facebook and my Blackberry.
At what point in our lives have we been consumed by these technological dependencies? I will admit, I began using Facebook and my Blackberry in order to keep up with friends and family members. Great idea, right? However, gradually my keeping up with old friends and family turned into Facebook stalking and spending endless hours waiting for the newest gossip. My Blackberry, for convenience, turned into keeping it with me at all times and sleeping with it by my head. I am honestly not sure that I could go a whole day without these things. Um.... anyone seeing the problem yet?!?!
The sad reality is that I know I am not alone. I know that there are loads of people in the same boat with me..all up the creek without a paddle! While we are all sucked into our socially driven guilty pleasures, we are missing the sweet simple things called life. When is the last time you have taken a nice little walk outside, or sat down and had a face to face conversation with a favorite friend? When is the last time you sat in silence and just took in the moment? When is the last time that you read a book for an hour or two? Well, if you are like me, a big question mark is flashing in your head right now because I can't remember the last time I did these things. I am ashamed at that!!
So, as Eminem would say, I am on the road to recovery! I know some people who have completely deleted Facebook and downgraded to a basic phone because of their addiction. I will not be taking those extreme measures; however, I will be removing my face from the computer and phone more often. My inner self is yelling, GET A LIFE!! Yes ma'am! :)
If you are in this boat with me, let's go back to the basics!!! Laugh with people. Fall in love with something simple. Look for the little things. Learn something new. LIVE LIFE!