Entry #5: WALL-E

Let me first begin by saying that I love this movie! I cry every time I see it, and if you have not seen it yet, I highly recommend doing so soon! It is incredible to me how the makers of this movie hit the nail right on the head. In the clip, the people of the town are completely surrounded by technology. Unable to think, act or do as one wishes, everything is done for them. Each person is in their own little world, not even acknowledging the others that are next to them or even what is going on around them. Everyone is overweight and unable to control themselves. When the guy falls off the chair, he is unable to even stand on his own. This is a very sad, yet eye awakening moment. The town featured in Wall-E, there is no physical activity, no games, no playing with children, no physical or emotional interaction with others.

Think about it. Doesn't it seem that this is the direction America is headed with the technology that is at our finger tips? People no longer need to go to the store to buy something, it can be ordered online and mailed to one's house. Outdoor activities are now replaced with video gaming. Meeting with work and other individuals are now able to be conducted online via a camera on a computer. The face to face interaction I slowly but surely being replaced.

I find it interesting that Pixar decided to demonstrate love and emotions more through the robots, Wall-E and Eva, than through the "humans" depicted in this film. Wall-E was not going to give up on Eva, yet, they are only robots. Robots programmed by humans, but show more human feelings. It may seem absurd, but this isn't completely impossible to happen in the future. Technology is a great thing, and has opened doors that no one even knew possible. But, sometime, the good old fashioned way of doing things, just makes more sense. The children of society need to know how to interact with children and adults alike, and not be raised with a computer screen constantly being their closest friend.

 

"I don't want to Survive...I want to Live!" -Captain Wall-E

Entry #4: Halloween at Disneyland

It's that time of year again! The weather is changing, the fall smells are among us, and the Halloween decorations are out! I LOVE this time of year! Pumpkin flavored everything and the talk of what this year's Halloween costume will entail. I am a big fan of Halloween and as you know, I am a big fan of Disney too! What better way than to celebrate Halloween at Disneyland!!! Two worlds collide into the perfect treat.

I do have one small problem with this, ok, maybe one big problem with this. Many of you know already that a trip to Disney is not cheap, but you can do it on a budget. It takes lots of planning, but there are ways to cut down the cost. If you are planning a trip to "The Happiest Place on Earth" during Halloween, there are some things you need to be aware of.

The Disneyland Resort becomes very strict around Halloween time. Disney decorates to the nines and even has a Mickey's not so spooky trick or treat available on certain nights. However, what most aren't aware of is that you must purchase a separate ticket for this event, and the price of that ticket increases the closer you get to your travel dates. This part of the equation just gets under my skin. I see charging for the special ticket, but raising the price every week. Come on Disney, we all know you're not strapped for cash! The thing is, people buy them, so Disney will continue with this practice. Also, the guests who have regular admission on the day of the special event, are escorted out of the park early afternoon to let the other event crowds in. Costumes is where Disney becomes very strict. Adults are not allowed to dress up as Disney characters so as not to impersonate a Disney employee. No face masks or heavy makeup allowed either. The kiddos can dress in Disney attire, but no masks. If an adult is caught impersonating a character, you will immediately be escorted out of Disneyland. I like this rule, but every costume I own is Disney! What girl doesn't want to dress like a Disney princess? I will sign a waiver to not impersonate a Disney character, but let me where what I want. Disney already got my money from me buying the costume.

I don't want to discourage anyone from visiting the park on such a fun occasion, just be prepared, read the stipulations, and follow the rules! I do hope to engage in this adventure again sometime! Disney knows how to throw a party, and a Halloween one is no exception!

"Just because I can not see it, doesn't mean I can't believe it!" - Jack Skellington

Entry #3: Technology Today

Not a day goes by that this topic is not argued. We can even narrow that day down to hours and the hours into minutes. Is technology ruining the people we are today, and the future that lies ahead? Or, is technology opening doors for the next generation, creating thing that are unimaginable? Most would say a little bit of both, but which is more important? The future, or the now?

While watching the video below, I noticed tears swelling in my eyes. Partly because I was able to connect with what the gentleman was saying. It was as if he was talking to me. And partly because his story is so true. I see it every day.

A family sits down for dinner, a night out of the house with no distractions such as television, laundry or visitors stopping by. Yet, they really aren't together even though they are all sitting next to one another. You see, the parents are both looking at their cell phones, the oldest child is listening to music on an ipod, and the youngest is watching a movie on a tablet. As I approach the table and introduce myself and go into my spiel about the specials and new items, only the parents actually acknowledge that I am standing there and speaking to them. They may continue to look at me while I am speaking, or they may continue to listen, but not without looking at their phone. Wow. What an eye opener. They can't even listen to what I have to say for two minutes.

This seems to be the norm. While I do use my cell phone very regularly, I really try and not have it out while I am ordering coffee or food. I don't have it out if I am in line at the grocery store, and I especially don't let my child have my phone if we are out to eat. I truthfully believe that technology is there to help make things easier in life and more accessible, however, there is a time and place for the use of such devices. Where do we differentiate a real moment shared with people that are physically with you, and a moment that you share with hundreds, but all alone. I want my daughter to grow up knowing that I was there to see all that is important to her through my eyes, and not through a screen. That moment will mean more to her than any amount of likes on Facebook! I'm not saying that the ability to share these events with others who can't physically be there is a bad thing, because it's not, but some things need to be shared with the ones that are with you at that moment, in that moment. And these moments need to be treasured and priceless! 

 

Just think about the moments that are important and special to you...was there technologies that had taken away the magic of it all?

Entry #2: A Dream Come True

Have you ever had a vision, or a goal that you have always wanted to accomplish, but was pretty sure you were thinking crazy at the time, yet, you did it anyways? Sure you have! We all have. Risk taking, its a thrill! The fear of failing, but instead, basking in the accomplishment of success!

I am in search of that feeling. I want to know that I accomplished something difficult, and I want the chance to say, " I did that! " So...I signed up for the Disney Tinkerbell 10K Run which is being hosted along with 5 other runs, including a half marathon, being held over 3 days. The half marathon will have to come later in life! But for now, the 10K. I will finish and receive my medal!

Health and Fitness are a big part of everyone's life, whether you make it a priority or not is up to you, and only you! Not a day goes by that you don't hear a commercial on the TV or radio advertising a gym, or the newest diet pill. Even on the front page of Yahoo is always an article about exercising or eating healthier. While all this information is great and works for some, it is not for everyone. That is why I suggest looking into running. Now, you don't have to be a current athlete to become a runner, you can begin at any stage in life. Just put one foot in front of the other and keep going. With every run, increase your distance, which in turn, will increase your stamina. There is something about having the open road or trail, the smell and taste of the outside air, with the heat from the sun on your skin that makes you feel great to be alive!

Signing up for a fun run is a great way to begin running. They are held all over the country, have thousands that attend, and is just a great time! There is so much motivation and encouragement from the other runners, new and old, that help you to cross the finish line! What a great feeling of accomplishment!

So, what are you waiting for? Get out and go for a run! 
Remember, its not about where you start, or the distance you have gone...its about where you end up, and the road you have traveled! Good Luck!
            https://usroadrunning.com/runners.php                              http://www.rundisney.com/

Entry #1: Anything goes...

Blogging isn't for everyone, and that is ok! Being a blogger requires lots of time, creativity, thick skin for sensitive topics, a sense of yourself and most of all, a positive outlook on your blog! Sure, anyone can learn to blog and become successful with the blogging world, and may even have a new found escape for all that is inside ones mind.
I believe blogging is a really cool tool on the scene of social media. There is an endless amount of possibilities and directions that one may take their blog. Whether being strictly for friends and family, or for reaching audiences far across the world, it is all up to you! Anything goes! For me personally, I am a very crafty and creative person. I love decorating and refinishing projects, making old things new again, and making things beautiful!
Blogging can be looked at as the same sort of thing. Decorating your page the way you want, making old topics new again, and bringing light to matters that are important and beautiful to yourself, and sharing this all with the world! How cool is that! Knowing that your opinions and hard work are noticed across the world is a pretty big deal!

One of my favorite blogs I came across was Pintester. Let me begin by saying, I LOVE PINTEREST! I have spent many of hours scrolling and pinning items from this site, and Sonja is the Pintester. She tests pins she sees on the site and reports back on her accomplishments and failures! Awesome! Finally, someone who has the time to waste trying everything I don't have time for! I will be cross referencing all my pins now through Sonja's blog! And for this, I thank her!
http://pintester.com/

I came across a blog that I wanted to like, then I read something that put me into a rage. The blog, People I Want to Punch in the Throat, caught my attention immediately. I laughed at the title because I have said the exact words before when angry. Upon reading some of her posts, I noticed that she discusses many controversial topics. And while I can respect others opinions, I like to state mine too! However, I find myself getting very emotional, and mostly angry about the amount of stupidity in the world, and how stupid some people really are! I don't like letting things bother me that I can not change, but, if people would be more open minded, I think I wouldn't let my blood get to the boiling point! I am particularly speaking of the blog entry about the 9 year old who accidentally shot an instructor here in Arizona a few weeks back. Your opinion? I happily stated my opinion on the blog comments section.
http://www.peopleiwanttopunchinthethroat.com/p/contact-me.html

 

 

Alright, now I don't know about you, but, I am all about finding the best and most efficient ways to create things, clean, bake, fix and so on...well, here you go! Lifehacker! Little known tricks for everything in every day life that you may be unaware of. Now, while I love the idea of this site, I am curious of where this information is coming from? How credible is it? One particular post was how to clean your gadgets without ruining them. I would like to think there was some testing done previously, but there is no information on if there was.
My favorite hacks are the ones that have to do with cooking. For instance, do you know how to remove the yolk of an egg with a water bottle? Fascinating I tell you!
http://lifehacker.com/

*Remember... Mistakes are proof that you are trying!*

And so, it begins...

Hello, and Welcome. First time here in a long time. A few years back, I was an avid Blogger. Before I registered for school, before I began working two jobs. I had begun blogging to keep my family posted and up to date with my daughters growth, and my Mother-in-law, who at the time was watching my daughter, was able to also keep me posted on the daily activities and milestones she met. I never really missed anything!

I am a wife of 12 years now, a mother to a beautiful 7 year old daughter, who I swear is going on 20! She is the love of my life and my little twin. I enjoy her company and the sweet little things that innocent kids say. Their brains work in such an amazing way! The time I have with her is very important to me because I know that all too soon, she will be grown, and I will have the memories of her being this age now.

Fast forward a few years, and I am back! I didn't see this in my future, but lets do it!

I am currently only taking the one hybrid class at GCC, ENG 101, and when this class is complete, I will be taking two more eight week classes, math and sociology. I am currently working towards my AA and am hoping to be graduating in a little more than two more years. So close, yet so far! Baby steps I have to keep reminding myself.

While I am exhausted most of the time, I love a challenge and like taking on new and exciting things. The newest addition to my list is running. My sister, Melanie, got me started after she and our mom ran their first 5k. I was bummed they left me out! So we all signed up for another race, and I was hooked. Now, I am not claiming to be a "runner", but I do run, in short spurts, very short spurts! I throw in some jogging, dancing, skipping, walking, sprinting, and the occasional leap, but I get out and complete every race I have signed up for. The feeling of finishing is amazing, and not just because they give you snacks at the end! The energy the other runners elude, the motivation from the music the DJ's play, and we can not forget the costumes, it's just all so exhilarating. I highly recommend completing one race before you die! It won't kill you!

Just a couple of the races Melanie and I have ran.

 

 

Now, I think we need to address a very serious issue with me, my love for Disney and all that has been and ever will be Disney. My earliest family vacation memories are all Disney. I carry this tradition on to my daughter. No matter what the case, my parents always made the yearly trip a reality for my sister and I! And I will stop at nothing to enjoy the Disney magic at least once a year! Mother's Day weekend, May 2015, Melanie and I along with our Mom and a few friends and family, will be partaking in the Disneyland Tinkerbell Half Marathon weekend. This is one of the biggest races that Disney hosts, and a dream of mine that I absolutely can not wait to come true!

 

 

And now, it's time to say T.T.F.N. Ta Ta For Now!