Cinnamin Toast Crunch and a Spaceship?

What a post title, huh!

Today was my last day of my morning summer classes :)

THREE down, one to go...

I couldn't be more EXCITED. 

No more getting up at 6:00a.m.

No more 5 hours classes 4 days a week

No more crammed into muggy, tight-nit room, with a large spaceship

Yes, I said spaceship...

This is what sit RIGHT NEXT to the people at my table. 

This monstrosity takes up so much room and has been the butt of all our jokes this summer.

I mean really...who has a spaceship in their classroom?

I can't believe that I just have one more month of classes. 

After that, I will never take another class in my undergraduate college career. 

...It's such a great feeling :)

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As for the cinnamon crunch you might ask...

When I got home this afternoon, I was surprised to find a box of half eaten cereal on the floor

Here is what I found...

 can you see how the box is scrunched on the left side?

The "Oh no...you caught me" look

The final verdict: 

Harley & Chunk

GUILTY

Oh boys!

I think they might have a major tummy ache today : /

xoxo

-erinj0

The Pinterest Effect

It's about time I talk about this lovely new addiction I have...

Although sadly, I will never be able to afford some of the things on my pinterest "wishlist" a girl can wish and dream, can't she? 

The photo's I posted below are ones that give me inspiration

So here are some of my favorites♥

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- - - - - - -

 ******

Follow me on Pinterest here :)

If you haven't hopped on the pinterest train & would like to...

leave me a comment with you email & I'll send you an invitation!!

"To dream anything that you want to dream,

that is the beauty of the human mind.

To do anything that you want to do,

that is the strength of the human will.

To trust yourself, to test your limits,

that is the courage to succeed."

 

xoxo

-erinj0

Disgruntled Grandma & the "Amazing Bracelet"

As many of you all know - Wednesdays are the day I become a lovely chauffeur and take my grandmother to Organ class and where ever she may need to go after.

Well, here is a story about my recent experience I had this week while driving her home :)

Oh boy, get ready - 

BUT first, here is some background knowledge...

♥ photo credit

It all started with this little think called 'iRenew"  

Well, I am sure you have seen the silly late night infomercials of people in a shopping mall seemingly able to balance better after putting on this bracelet.

So, does it work?
Well, it bypassed all clinical trials, scientific studies, and a peer review process
WHY would this so called miracle bracelet do that if it claimed to be so life changing?



Also! It costs a whopping $19.95 per bracelet, plus $7.95 for shipping
(Oh yeah, and for another $7.95, they will send you another free bracelet)
REALLY? $7.95 for shipping this piece of plastic...

 Okay this magic bracelet claims that it can give you "healthier blood",  "greater flexibility", "inhanced balanced", "increased strength", and more...

There is NO supporting data whatsoever for this product, only "testimonials" that people are paid to give. Click here to watch the slowed-down version of their advertisement

I'll let you be the judge.

Now- let's get back to the good stuff,

Well this weekend, my gram took a tumble at a local store. She is ninety years old and lets face it, age is just catching up with her!
As I pulled up in her driveway after Organ, here's how the conversation  went down...

   


Gram:

"You know, when I fell this weekend, everyone made such a big deal about it. Rushing over to me and all. What do you guys think I do when I am home by myself?!"

Me:

"Well grandma, your leg started swelling and your walking was pretty unsteady."

Gram:

"Well, you know...did you ever get me that bracelet I asked you to look up. NO!"

Me:

"No, I didn't...I just know that it doesn't work and I don't want to waste your money on some scam. It doesn't really work, it's all psychological"

Gram:

"...When Erin, when I tried Sally's on at Organ, I could walk perfectly straight immediately after I put it on. I tried it! So, when you get your dear old grandma this bracelet, you will see how great I walk and wish you would have got this for me months ago like I asked."

*In my head, I am thinking...shoot, shooot, shoooooooooot. 

she STILL remembers this darn thing.

the guilt trip is so strong.I can feel it.

Sigh, it's time to give in...*

Me:

"Okay, I'll see what I can do then, Grandma."

**She then proceeds to get out of the passenger side door & as she steps out of the car, she stops, looks at me with strong determination... pretends she has the future bracelet on and gives me a wink...then looks intently at her front door... & attempts to walk in a perfectly straight line with complete balance to her front door**

Ooooo, grandma :)

Even though in my honest opinion, this bracelet is complete bogus and people are taking advantage of others asking SO much for a piece of plastic and metal...I think if I don't get her this bracelet by her next Organ class, I will get the wrath of Grandma.

I just have to remember, even if it is psychological...

if it helps her walk or "think" she is walking better, it's worth it!

♥photo credit

Do any of you have any stories like this?!

Enjoy your weekend♥

xoxo

-erinj0

Wordle

In class today, we learned about this little thing called wordle.

I.love.it & thought I'd share with you my creation

♥

Cool, huh?
It also makes for a unique 
computer background! :)

xoxo
-erinj0

The Longest Day of the Year

Today is the first day of summer, which means it is the longest day out of the year!

This means my post can be extra long ; )

Here is a glimpse into the past few days...
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Yesterday was when all my projects and homework were due. 

{Here is one project I made}

It is supposed to represent a "balance beam" with my four steps (the four black squares) that lead to living a balanced life. The black squares are actually chalkboard and my envision would be to check them off each week to ensure that I am incorporating family, friends, faith, and relaxation into my balanced life!

Over the weekend, I was busy spending quality time with my family who was in town from Florida :) It was really nice spending time together and one night, my aunt & I stayed in to do some budget friendly arts and crafts! Here is a tutorial of our project...

{Hand-made Clay Pens}

What you will need:

Oven-Bake Clay - Pens - Folded Poster Board - Cutting Tool - Wax Paper - Plastic Roller -Strong Hands :)

Step One
Roll one color of clay into a ball & then flatten it with a roller (try to get it as thin as you can)
**Repeat this step with another color clay**
Next, take the two pieces of flat clay and stack them on top of one another, cutting around the edges so that they are even.
Then take one end and roll the clay up (as if you were going to roll a rug to transport somewhere)

Step Two

Cut the clay into little pieces (as shown in the picture)

Step Three

Using pliers, pull the ink out of the pen

Step Four

Start taking the small clay pieces that you just cut & press them around the pen until the who pen case is covered...make sure the ink hole is not covered!
Then put the completed pens on the folded poster board

Step Five

 Place the folded poster board directly in the oven on 250degrees for 15minutes
(no cookie sheet or anything is needed...the poster board can actually sit right on the rack)

Step Six

Take the pens out of the oven & let cool for 5 minutes -
Once the pens have cooled, put the ink back into the pen
(You will never have to throw away the pen! You can just replace the ink )
You now have beautiful, handmade, creative pens to share :)

Overall, this past weekend/beginning of this week has been wonderful, spending time with my family! I don't get to see my aunt and uncle very often, so it's always a good time when the whole family is all together! 

Families are the compass that guide us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter.
-- Brad Henry

Hopefully I'll share some more things that I will be making over the summer
(I may not be artistic, but I like to tap in to my creative side & attempt things!)

What are some of your favorite arts and crafts?

xoxo
-erinj0

Hope for Kyli & Dustin♥

I posted last week about a couple named Dustin & Kyli who are in desperate need of medical care and are way over $100,000 in medical debt and cannot afford health care. Also - because of their pre-existing conditions & disability, they are frequently denied health care :(

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Dustin suffers from gastroparesis and is loosing weight at an unhealthy rapid rate & unable to keep food down...he is getting sicker by the minute. He also suffers from a condition known as EDS (Ehlers Danlos Syndrome) which is a defect in your collagen production that causes a multitude of symptoms. 

On top of ALL this, they both suffer from a form of Dysautonomia, known as POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)

If you would like to help, you can donate or bid on some wonderful items on the fund-raising page here...

"Hope for Kyli & Dustin"

ANY help you all could provide would be greatly appreciated :)

 (As a sufferer of POTS/Dysautonomia & EDS, I know how difficult these conditions can be. I am so blessed to still be covered under my mothers insurance, but due to pre-exisiting conditions that people suffer from, one day, I too will be in outrageous medical debt and only hope that if I was ever caught in a bind, I would have fellow friends that would help me out as well.)

If you do not wish to donate/make a bid
(as I know asking for money is a very difficult thing)...  

I (we) would greatly appreciate it if you could spread the word through a blog post, just to help get the word out! Any form of advertisement would be so incredibly beneficial and extremely appreciated :)

"I am only one, but I am one.  

 I cannot do everything, but I can do something.  

And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. "

~Edward Everett Hale

♥

xoxo

-erinj0

For more information on Dustin &

Kyli, please visit their youtube channel

The waters are rising

...and the nerves are setting in for locals around the Omaha (NE) and Council Bluffs (IA) Metro.

In case anyone hasn't heard, the Missouri River flooding is getting worse...causing more damage than anyone anticipated.

The effects of the Missouri river in our Downtown area (and all around us) are rapidly progressing. The waters keep rising and volunteers are working overtime to fill sandbags and keep local areas safe & dry.

 ♥ photo credit

Here is a look at our "typical" Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge 

(This connects Omaha (NE) and Council Bluffs (IA)

♥ photo credit

 & here is a picture of what the flooding has done...

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 ...

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I never would have guessed that Nebraska would ever have to deal with such flooding!
The scary part is that no one is covered through insurance. You see, insurance policies only cover natural disasters (things that could not be prevented). The problem: This flooding was essentially caused worsened by the Army Corps of Engineers who should have taken precautionary measures earlier on (knowing that the fluid buildup was increasing, due to large amounts of snow and rainfall) - hence, the devastation is man-made=not covered by insurance. 

These next three photographs are taken over the course of 13days, showing the slow...but progressing effects of this flood : /

May 29th, 2011

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June 5th, 2011

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 June 11th, 2011

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The College World Series (the biggest event in Nebraska every year) starts tomorrow and people are canceling their trips due to the flooding and interstate closings that keep occurring. We are praying that the flood gates hold and the College World Series will be able to function without any turnmoil.

Note: Last year - 336,076 fans attended the College World Series (that is only counting the people who actually purchased tickets) This number doesn't include all of the people who tailgate, walk around, and enjoy the game at local hangouts!


Stress is running high for people...
I pray that no more damage will be done
And all the levee's will hold : /
All we do is "hope"

xoxo
-erinj0

What's your excuse?

Do you let negative things in your life get to you? 

Everyone has challenges whether they are big or small. 

but what is really important... what will make the biggest impact on your life -

is how you tackle those challenges.

 --------------------

In class tonight, we learned about an inspirational man named, John Foppe.

Who is this man you might ask?

John Foppe is a motivational speaker who happened to be born with no arms. 

He has such a powerful way of capturing his audience and helping them realize their potential by assuring them that nothing impossible and you can accomplish anything you put your mind to with dedication and perseverance.

**and he practices what he preaches!**

 Take a look at this short 10 minute clip - 

It will open your eyes to all the possibilties that life holds for us and will make you look at life a little differently...or at least I hope it will :)

Anything is possible

 

How do you make the most of your life?

Don't let those little things get to you!

 xoxo

-erinj0

Versatile Blogger Award♥

It is crazy to say that in just a couple of months, I have met some pretty amazing people here in this blogging world. I was unsure about it at first, but am so glad that I stuck with it :)

My wonderful new friend Sarah, over at Sunlight After Rain gave me this award!

I just have to say that although I haven't known her for very long, I feel like it's been a lot longer! Our similarities are crazy and our love for Pinterest is quite the same. I am so thankful to have met a real, sincere, amazing friend via the blogging world :)

Now for my 5 facts ♥ 


O.N.E
I absolutely hate the heat. 
I think I am one of the few people who don't like summer, but the heat is so hard on my body and breathing, that I hate it : /

T.W.O
I love college football :) 
I also LOVE the College World Series (it is one of the best parts of summer!)
I have so many memories at the CWS, it's such an awesome time!!

T.H.R.E.E
I absolutely do not like the state of Texas, especially their sports teams.
For example: they are always disrespectful and rude when coming to the CWS.
**Note: I am not saying that I do not like the people from Texas**

F.O.U.R
As much as I complain, I actually love school and love to learn.
I am actually planning on going back right away to get my master degree :)

F.I.V.E
I always put other before myself. If there is anything I can do to help someone, I will do it.

**Please keep your eyes peeled towards the begninning of next week & save your pennies!**

I am working with fellow POTS/Dysautonomia friends to start an online auction to help out a couple who cannot afford health coverage anymore
(they are already in debt over $100,000 because of medical bills).

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 Now I would like to pass this award on to 5 other Blogs that I adore

Life After College
Courage is Everything
Far From the Mocking World
Taryn Leigh...
My Heart Stumbles

xoxo

-erinj0

Wee Bit Wednesday

...because all the cool kids are doing it 

I decided to link up with Leigh Ashley and participate :)

{1} 

how many times have you been a bridesmaid/maid of honor?

Sadly, none. I want so badly to be in a wedding.My family is so small & actually - I haven't even been to that many weddings in my lifetime

{2}  
what’s the last thing your do before you fall asleep at night?

I have to set my sleep timer on my televisionI sip on some herbal chamomile tea &usually have so many thoughts running through my mind, it's absolutely ridiculous.

{3} 

you just won your dream vacation, all expenses paid. where are you going?

Ireland. I have always wanted to go - someday my dream will come true ♥

{4}

what is your favorite outdoor activity?

Does playing yard games count? :) If not, going to a cabin and sitting around the fire is definitely one of my favorites!

{5} 

as a child, what did you want to “be when you grew up”? did you end up there?

Oh boy. It is important to remember that I am the most indecisive person - Even when I was little, my mind changed everyday. Some of my top favorites were as followed:nurseteacherdoctortherapist**I ended up as an (almost) teacher**
{6} what are 3 things your dream home would have that you don’t currently have?A window seat. A computer room or "scrapbook room" A house big enough to entertain friends :)

{7} 

what’s for dinner tonight?

Well since I don't cook, it's nothing quite too appetizing...Turkey sandwichgrapes and some yogurt. **how original, eh**  {8}  if someone stopped by your house unannounced on a typical Saturday night, what would they find you doing?Laying around, working on homework with my feet up, while drinking some tea and watching multiple seasons of Gilmore Girls or catching up on all of my DVR'd shows - If not that, then I would definitely be spending time with my lovely boy ♥

{9} 

what’s your average monthly water bill?

Well this is random. I live in a small apartment, so usually around $15.00?

{10} 

what do you do to relax?

Love music♥blogging :)eating some comfort foodand socializing with my friends!

xoxo

-erinj0

A look into the U.S. Healthare System...

When you think of The United States of America 
- what comes to mind?

"Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" 

Well, in order to have a life at all, one needs to be healthy.
In order to be happy, one needs to be healthy.
(Because you can't have a real "life" without being healthy...)

...and Liberty. Liberty involves a "right and/or privilege"

So the question is this. Is health care a right?

How can you DENY someone adequate health care when assistance is needed.
If you see an individual who is so sick they cannot function or lead a normal life - is it right to deny them the help they need.

It breaks my heart to see people not getting the services they need to live their life. 

For people suffering with preexisting conditions, getting insurance can be impossible or impossible due to the amount of money it may cost to attain health care.

We are discriminated against - we are denied a right. A right to health care. 

**I totally understand that some people feel that health care is NOT a right, but I totally, whole-heart-idly disagree**

Health care should be a right. No one should have to suffer - 

Please, watch this video of these two people I know (and love) who are suffering with Dysautonomia/POTS, EDS, and more...

Stand up for what is right. Spread Awareness. Let your Voice be Heard.

Thanks for listening 

♥

xoxo

-erinj0

Do you ever wonder...

...What is happening with our culture/society?

It truly saddens me to see young people participating in such forward behavior. By forward behavior, I am referring to the way they dress, act, and how the morals of these individuals. Now, I am totally fine with self-expression and people's own personal beliefs (whatever they may be) - but there is line that shouldn't be crossed.

When you walk down the street or see kiddo's in shorts so short, that you can see things you shouldn't be seeing...that's a problem no matter what your beliefs are. I am sorry, but no one cares to see you flaunt your stuff (whether you have it or not) and it really sends the wrong message. It seems that people are so caught up in their physical appearance that they loose focus on "just being a kid".

As I am sitting here, looking towards the future - I wonder just how different the world will be when we have kids that are in the tween-age.  I remember when boys had cooties and make-up wasn't worn until freshman year of high school. I remember when long biker shorts were "in" and we had pants with stirrups(yeah, I was that cool)...I remember when I would play street hockey, stay out late to play outside, and not worry about what I looked like... (sigh)I remember...

It's funny - I just had a conversation with my mom not all that long ago about this topic. I asked her, so...when I am your age (she's around 55ish), what will be considered "oldies music?" She looked at me and laughed. Her response "I hope not all that rap-crap". Think about it. What will our generation of "oldies" really be like thirty or so years from now?

I just see kids growing up SO fast. The time you have as a kid should be treasured. It is the best time in your life, where everything is carefree, without a worry in the world. Nothing is holding you back and you are free to take on the world. I hate seeing these youngsters worry about things like their weight and being perfect...

No matter how hard you try, life is never perfect. The imperfections are what make life and YOU, unique. Don't fall in someone elses' shadow - Being you, your unique self is what makes the world special - And always remember, the hardships make us stronger - and the beauty lies within.
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Embrace your inner child!

xoxo,
-erinj0

Friday Favorites!

Here are my Five Friday Favorites of the week :) 

{1}  

"Teacher Pens"

I love these pens (expressive is what they are called)
I color coordinate everything so they are perfect!

My planner is what get my by - It has my life in it & these pens are what mark it all up :)

{2}

"Luna Bars"

I absolutely love these bars (and larabars)

They have calcium, folic acid, vitamin D, and Iron

PLUS that are packed with protein & fiber - 

They run about 5g of fat per bar & are great meal replacements if you're on the go!

{3}

 "Scratch Tickets!"

 Ever since I turned 19 a couple years ago, I have become addicted. 

Well, not quite - but almost.

I love getting these (especially the Bingo/Word Find ones) when I am in the hospital :) 

...p.s, this time I won $8 dollars! 

*I doubled my money!*

{4}

"My Owls"

Just in case you are unaware, I have a slight obsession to owls...

I love collecting them & have a lot of different owl things throughout my apartment!

{5}

"Getting Cards in the Mail!"

I have an amazing Aunt who sends me cards monthly (sometimes more!) to keep me spirits high and make me laugh. She is so thoughtful & it really makes me smile to get "good" mail in your mailbox
♥
P.S...look how she even decorates the envelopes! It gets me every time :)

What are your Friday Favorites?


Have a good weekend :)

xoxo

-erinj0

P.S..

I had my appointment that I have 

been waiting 6 months for, yesterday!

If you would like to hear more, 

check out this page.

I am famous :)

Okay, so I'm not really famous.

But still. 

Lately, my family has been really into our genealogy and my Grandma just happens to mention that she has information about her parents tucked away somewhere (you're just telling us know Gram!)

After I initiated the information about my Grandpa's adoption, she immediately got the urge to learn more about our history and started rummaging through her things to try and find the records she had. As hours went by, she finally found her parents family tree that dates back to 1751!

We found some pretty cool stuff! Check out this excerpt...

My family was on the Ways & Means Committee during the Revolutionary Way

We knew Mrs. Abraham Lincoln!

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They sold their land and slaves to President George Washington! 

*This land is/was the present site of Mount Vernon

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(Mt. Vernon was the home and estate of George Washington)

it is now an educational tourist attraction, open seven days a week!

I can't believe how much information I can acquire through ancestry.com and even just by simple things like Google searches. While I am learning so much more information via my own researching and through the internet,  I only know for a fact that this paper is accurate. 

I won't post anymore about genealogy, but I thought this was pretty cool & just had to share!

Plus, I'm showing some history :)

xoxo

-erinj0