ordinarily extraordinary

Hello, world! Let me start by apologizing for not posting any blogs last week. You know how you get so excited and have a plan for everything, but then life happens and you don't follow through? It isn't fun. I got discouraged last week for a number of reasons. Class assignments, exams, not blogging, and, of course, my impending future. Usually when I get overwhelmed, I do things that help me feel better like painting my nails or drinking a cut of tea. One of my favorite things to do to feel better is watch a Disney movie (the live-action Cinderella, Pocahontas, and Beauty and the Beast are my current go-to's...) I find everything about them inspiring and motivating, especially when life get's dark. From the character development to the story-line to the music, I always feel loads better after I watch a Disney movie. Here are my Top 5 most inspirational Disney songs: 1)  A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes - Cinderella How can I not start this list with the ...

Those who educate children well are more to be honored than they who produce them; for these only gave them life, those the art of living well.”  - Aristotle There’s always that one teacher. You know the one I’m talking about, he or she brings out the best in you. They push you to be the best you can be and understand that, sometimes, you’re best isn’t it “needs to be”. And they tell you that that’s okay, because it is. They stay after school with you and spend hours to make sure that you understand the material, no matter how “basic” it is. They break it down for you to understand, create little rhymes to help you remember. And most importantly, they don’t treat you like you’re stupid. Everyone has had that teacher. But I’ve been fortunate enough to have several. The early years of school are the most critical. You develop basic skills that are needed for the rest of your educational career, and the teachers you have are VERY important. My kindergarten teacher was th...

"They know just where I stand. It’s all a part of me, and that’s who I am…”  -Jessica Andrews, Who I Am My parents like to joke that it doesn't take much to amuse me. For once, I don’t disagree with them. I’m one of those people who finds humor in anything, whether it’s a joke my brother makes or a cat video. I’m one of those people who finds a reason to dance, whether it’s at a Zumba class or washing the dishes. I’m one of those people who see beauty in anything. I see beauty in nature because it is proof of God’s touch. I see beauty in the starry sky, in the shapes of the clouds, in the way water droplets rest on a rose, in the light that streams through the leaves. I see beauty in the women I surround myself with. I see beauty in the determination of my mom, in the calming presence of my favorite red-head, in the fun-sized energy of my future roommate, in the child-like joy of my oldest friend. I see beauty in the eyes of people when they talk about somethi...