For Today...Something Unrehearsed

Today I am writing after a stressful night. I realized last night after talking to someone that my life isn't exactly where I want it to be. I am still falling short of my dreams and my ultimate goals. Unfortunately I am still up in the air when it comes to finishing my first leg of my university career which I was more than hoping to have finished by now. Everyone seems to want to tell me that I'm doing ok and that I'm better off than many others, but it just isn't enough for me at this moment. I want to have a fuller feeling of independence. To have the abillity to extend my reach to the stars and beyond. I have had so many dreams dashed up on the rocks of irony that it seems I can never piece them together...so instead i am melting them down and starting again. This time I will approach things in a seemingly more selfish way. This time no one will step on my toes or try to trip because I will swiftly move past them. This time I will turn a deaf ear to my nay sayers and will in turn listen to my own instincts and follow MY own ambitions and not someone else's expectations. "Its time to trust my instincts...close my eyes...and leap...Its time to try defying gravity." Old lyrics from Wicked...but they still do and always will hold true to my own story. I hope that my words can give hope to those who feel like they have lost all passion for life and living for their dreams. I feel like all those parts of me that were cast in darkness and strife are now able to breathe in the fresh air and find hope in the hopelessness. For all those who don't know what to do when you feel backed into the perverbial corner...just remember why you do what you do...remember your dreams...call back those passions that started you on your path to begin with. Only then will you start to achieve fulfillment in all you do.

I hope I have helped to shed light on all those dark places...not just in others, but in myself as well. Here's to a future filled with happiness and light!

TNWM

Words...The Double Edged Sword

Has someone ever told you something and no matter how seemingly insignificant it seems you can never seem to shake it? Does it still fill you dread and doubt at what was said even though intrinsically you know its not true? Well that is how words are....they cut a wound so deep that no amount of healing can ever truly patch up those scars. People really need to be more careful about what they say. No one truly realizes the impact they might have. Say for instance in my own life...I grew up hearing a lot of things such as how to be, how to act, how to dress, when I looked bad, or had maybe gained too much weight, and etc. Those things have never left my mind. Those words have left scars that affect my personality, my day to day life, and the way I react to others. Of course over the years I have been able to overcome most of my self-concious issues and find myself as the beautiful creation I was made to be, but not without a lot of struggle and help from my friends.

My words of advice are to those who have suffered and maybe are currently suffering from harsh or judgemental words. My words are simple: believe in yourself and believe that God has made every one of us in His image. The only imperfections are the ones others point out to make themselves feel better. Believe in yourselves, believe that you are unique, and love yourself no matter what. Only when you can come to accept yourself and your flaws, can you truly show the world the precious gems you really are.

"Through the pain comes love, through the struggle comes strength, and through words we can change the world." -- Me

Keep your heads held high and if you need to look for help remember...LOOK UP!! : )

TNWM

NEW BLOSSOM!!! Introducing My Beautiful Orchid

I have been raising a very special orchid plant. It really means alot to me and I have been careful to provide it the most special attention I can give. And it seems to have paid off! My orchid has a new blossom. I am so very proud of how well my plant seems to be doing.

They have opened up a nurturing nature inside of me and I am seeing the beautiful results of my work. Starting this garden was the best hobby I have ever had!!!

In other news, I am still continuing to eat healthy : ) EVEN THOUGH camp food is very difficult to digest...I am stilllll very active as the kids keep me on my toes playing soccer, kickball, and dodgeball. ANNND I have rediscovered my love of four square hahaha! These amazing kids have brought the child in me and I am rediscovering aspects of myself that seemed lost. They are teaching me as much as I am teaching them. Even though we have just started I already know I will dearly miss most of them. With kids like these, the future seems so much brighter. They are going to lead us into a more prosperous and hopefully more harmonious future.

TNWM

The Fun is Officially Begun!!!! GLI 2010

I am about to embark on my fourth summer at Northwood University as a Group Leader/Camp Counselor with the Global Language Institute (GLI). Despite the stuffy title, GLI is in fact one of the most amazing camp experiences of my life! Kids and teens come from all over the world to learn the English language....AND most importantly to have the time of their lives! I have been a part of children's camps since I myself was a camper starting in the 1st grade. They are important parts of kids lives as that is where they learn important life and social skills and garner memories they will keep the rest of their lives. This camp is very special to me because of the things I also learn. These students and campers have given me the opportunity to experience new cultures and learn new languages. I have a blast EVERY year and I hope the trend continues! More to come as the fun rolls along! VIVE LE GLI!!!!!

P.s. My plants are alllll doing well. Since I have to live on campus for the camp I simply took them with me : ) new pics and posts on them to come!!!!

TNWM

Just A Short Thought...

I just wanted to write and say that I am a very lucky man. Not everyone gets to experience the kind of love I am enjoying on a daily basis. I have my friends surrounding me and I so much love in my life. I am grateful for where I am and for what is in store for me. I can now say for certain that I am happy. I am now just merely awaiting the destiny I have yet to discover! Its very exciting and life is just one adventure after another. It is time to start enjoying it and finding my purpose in it!

TNWM

Growing Plants

I have always enjoyed walking in gardens. Plants and flowers have always had such a calming effect on me and I always enjoyed having them around. So I decided on creating my own garden and I wanted it to be a variety of plants that I have always found the most beautiful or interesting. I will introduce them each in their own separate blog piece so you have to be patient as I have begun a true garden and I have planted quite a few plants.

I thoroughly enjoy watching each and every one of them growing. I feel that my own personal growth is somehow connected to the growth of each and every one of these small beings. I have watched them grow from tiny seeds into the tall beautiful stalks that they have become. I am very excited for each and every one of them to flower and become the beautiful plants that I've envisioned them to be.

My first plant I want to introduce everyone to is the ever growing ever tall Sunflower!

So far this one is the fastest growing and most sturdy of all the plants. It started out as five seeds, but now they are five tall standing stalks! I am so proud of them as they grow. I can almost feel as if each has a name...but I won't know until they each have produced their flowers and find voices of their own. They are like my children and I care for each of them and love them like family. THAT I believe is the true secret to a successful garden. Fill the garden with love and it will grant you the peace and serenity required to live a more fulfilled and peaceful life. God put these plants here for us to enjoy...but also care for. It is a small service we can give back.

TNWM

Disney : The Magic NEVER Dies

Thursday July 8th I got the opportunity to once again to visit the wonderful world of Disney at the Magic Kingdom! It wasonce again a day to remember. I went with all my dear friends including one Elizabeth Demarco whom I have come to value dearly in my life. I met her when I was a scared freshman in college and we were in the same class and program. She was an immediate joy in my life and has been a great friend ever since. Well thursday she had to leave Florida for her home in New York because she has a better job waiting for her there. It was our last opportunity to share our one great joy of Disney one more time before she left.

The Magic Kingdom has always been one of my favorite places to visit because the moment you walk in it is pure MAGIC! There is a feeling about the place that is simply abuzz with pure excitement and adrenaline. The moment you see the magnificence of Cinderella's castle, you tend to forget what age you are and you revert back to the age where you were happiest and most innocent. Where all the little things were all that was needed to make you happy and get you all jittery with excitement. The sights, colors, sounds, smells, and people all make the experience worthwhile.

We rode all our favorite rides and ate at our favorite places. Another nice thing about this place is that you can constantly be making memories no matter where you go. As long as you are with special people, you can make as many memories as there are moments. And I was with some very special people : ) The moments I shared with the people there are ones that I will remember for my entire life.

Disney's magic will never die for me. I will continue to love every moment I spend there and with the people I go with. Disney continues to be a place of magic and wonder...a place where I know dreams come true...and a place where love is abundant...and where people can just be free to act like kids again.

And I will continue to seek more great times there in the future.

TNWM

An Original Poem: How I Love Thee, Oh Moon

Though the morning and days are fair,

There is one at night who rules the sky and air.

She has taken many names and forms in time,

And is often spoken of in nameless rhyme.

She has been called goddess, Luna, muse, and ruler of romantic love,

As she rules from her throne in the skies above.

She speaks not a word, but says so much,

As night after night her white rays we feel and touch.

At the setting of the sun,

When the day has over and done,

I await the rising of my fair moon,

This maiden that doth cause lovers to swoon.

From my mortal place on Earth I watch this sight,

And each time I am awed by this lady's light.

As she rises higher in her graceful dance,

I feel as though I am held in enraptured trance.

How I love thee, Oh moon...

But look, the day it starts too soon....

TNWM

Introducing the Newest Member of Our Cooking Family: Herbert Harold Sanders III

On 4th of July, we realized our true culinary dreams of a tasty 4th of July cookout could not be completed without on essential thing: a grill. So as we went to Walmart to complete our shopping list, Carrie and I stumbled upon the most beautiful of sights: a display of grills, charcoal, and lighter fluid. It was the closest to spotlight moment with heavenly music I've ever had!

We scoured the display trying to find something in our budget. Then, we saw it. A small size grill, with bun warmer, for a reasonable price! Of course we immediately picked it up to give it a new home where it would be well used! I built it and Carrie then dubbed the little guy Herbert Harold Sanders III. Isn't he wonderful?

Compact and small, yet large enough for our express cooking needs! I've been learning how to do all kinds of neat things with it like indirect and direct cooking. I've already tackled hand made burgers, hot dogs, and chicken. Next I want to try my hand at fish packs and grilled fruits and veggies! Or maybe a kabob! Many adventure with this little guy are in store...who knows what we'll grill up next!!!

TNWM

LOTS to catch up on...Starting with 4th of July ! : )

Well it has been a while since I have had sufficient time to write a post so I am gonna do a series of them so everyone is caught up with what has been going on! As I wrote in the title I'm going to start with our awesome 4th of July holiday!Although I was very saddened to hear that my entire family was up in my old hometown of Pittsburgh, including my older brother Josh I haven't seen in almost three years and my baby nephew (both below),

I decided I was still going to have a fun 4th with my other family made up of dear friends. We decorated the house with a couple of fun 4th decorations and then my lovely roomie Carrie and I went out to and bought all the ingredients needed for a small cook out! We had so many fun dishes including the YUMMMMMY jello pretzel salad, my fabulous cheddar bacon cheeseburgers and hot dogs, a watermelon, flag cookies, and corn on the cob! It was a yummy feast to behold and it was so nice to have a bunch of friends to enjoy it with! Not to mention my friend Anthony who put FAR too much lighter fluid in and almost caught us ALLLL on fire as the poor grill seemed to almost go down in a blaze of glory.

After dinner, we all decided to go watch the fireworks at the "4th On Flagler" celebration. We drove to the top of the Cityplace parking garage and it was pouring down rain, but the fireworks STILL went on as scheduled and it was such a beautiful display and we had a BLAST all watching from the cars or under umbrellas while blasting our favorite music.

AND THEN!!!! WE HAD OUR OWN FIREWORKS TO SET OFF!!! (Which might have gotten us in minor trouble, but WELL worth it!!!) check out the display!

All in all, this 4th is probably one of the best ones I've gotten to spend here in Florida. It was filled with fun, laughter, and friends. Who could ask for anything more?

The love that surrounds us keeps us whole. - Me

Well everyone that's all for this one! MORE to come today! TNWM

The Joys of the Kitchen

The kitchen is one of my favorite places in ANY house! Not only is one able to show off his culinary prowess, but late at night, the kitchen floor becomes a place of gathering, tea time, and deep meaningful talks with friends til ungodly hours of the morning. These moments are the ones I value and cherish the most.

First of all, I LOVE to cook if you couldn't tell by some of my recipe posts. Cooking calms me and also gives me my own creative outlet to explore new exotic tastes and allow myself to get lost in the scents and various aromas of different cuisines. Sometimes I act as though I am a chef on one of those Food Network shows and I "teach" my roomates how to do simple things in the kitchen! It is often a riot...OR there are the times I will make an entire meal acting like Julia Child and using her mannerisms, voices, and phrases. Cooking in and of itself is an artform and hobby for me and I LOVE it.

Also, I really enjoy kitchen clean up time. More often than not it is a task that is NOT at all amusing.....but when you can clean with friends you adore and roomates who are extremely fun, then it becomes a tast WORTH doing! We will put on fun dance music and just jam the night away to our various favorite artists and genres. It has become a tradition and MUST be done at least once a week! I can remember sometimes when I was a kid sometimes hearing music while doing dishes or my sister Amber and I would randomly break into song MUCH to the chagrin of my older brother Josh! Just the thought brings a smile to my face.

The kitchen is and always will be a place where memories are made and new good times are to be had. At this very moment I am watching my dear roomie Carrie "sweep dancing" to some R&B jams and we are all laughing about the day. Even though we all have different ways of running a kitchen...It all comes back to the fact that the kitchen is not just a tool...but a place of gathering where people can share interests and ideas and be fun and creative!

I love our Red kitchen and wouldn't trade it at the moment for any kitchen in the world! Even if there ARE dishes in the sink! HAHAHA

<3


TNWM

Moments...

In acting we learn a lot about moments. Moments are pieces in time that leave a lasting mark in someone's life. Sometimes we are so busy in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives that we don't notice these moments.

Moments can be found at the oddest of times. Sometimes it can be a friendly smile by a passerby. Your heart skipping a beat after a first kiss. Sometimes a moment can be found by yourself watering a plant or staring out the window at the pool. I experienced a moment today when I was on a walk with my dog Gizmo and I was watching a mom holding her baby while still blowing bubbles with her little curly haired blonde girl. The laughs and giggles just reminded me of how important it is to look for these moments and cherish them.

Sometimes moments are exactly what you need to get through the day. I want to remind everyone to live for these moments and maybe create some of your own along the way!

TNWM

A Simple, Inexpensive, DELICIOUS Recipe: Cottage Cheese and Bows

Today I am presenting to you one of my ALL time favorite dishes. It is simple, cheap, and quickly becomes a table favorite! It is called Cottage Cheese and Bows. The reason for the bows aspect is because of the use of the Farfalle noodle also known as a bowtie pasta.

You Will Need:

1 box of bowtie noodles
1 16 oz cottage cheese (large curdle suggested!)
and butter

Boil your noodles to al dente and then drain. Add as much butter as you like! I like to at least see them glisten and have some still sticking to the inside of the pot...YUM! Finally just add your cottage cheese, stir, and serve! I have also tried some variations on this recipe by adding mixed vegetables, but found i only like peas added with it.

Now, some look at me and say, "YUCK! Cottage cheese with noodles?!" I just nod my head and say "Don't knock it before you try it." It has been a family favorite for years! I remember eating it as a kid and being SO stuffed that like my brother Josh used to say i was "stuffed to the buff!" I can guarantee that your kids and family will ask for it again and again!

(A good suggested side is either a nice salad or some garlic bread or both!)

Bon Appetit!

TNWM