Good days or bad days: This song fits!

Just for today
I will not worry what tomorrow will bring, no
I’m gonna try something new and walk through this day
Like I’ve got nothing to prove, yeah
Although I have the best intentions
I can't predict anyone's reactions
So I’ll just do my best
I'll put one foot in front of the other
Keep on moving forward
And let God do the rest

I don’t know what’s gonna happen
That’s alright with me
I open up my arms and I embrace the mystery
I don’t know what’s gonna happen
That’s alright with me
I open up my arms and I embrace the mystery

Just for today
I’m telling the truth like it's going out of style
I'm gonna swallow my pride and be who I am
And I don’t care who don’t like it, yeah
I feel the fear but I do it anyway
I won't let it stand in the way
I know what I must do
There’s no guarantee that it’ll be easy
But I know that it’ll be fulfilling
And it's time for me to show improve

It’s okay not to know
Exploration is how we grow
It’s ok to not have the answer
Cuz sometimes
It’s the question that matters

Best. Video. Ever.

I got goosebumps.

I got chills.

I cried.

I got inspired.

Enjoy!!

This Is The Stuff

I don't know if any of you read my Twitter feed, but lately a lot of my tweets have the hashtag

#ThisIsTheStuff

This is in reference to Francesca Battistelli's song "This Is The Stuff"

The song talks about the little, everyday things that go wrong, but you gotta look at the bigger picture.

The other day, the rain was pouring in Vandergrift. Aislinn and I went to pick up a big bag of dog food. Of course, we had to walk a couple of blocks, no umbrella, carrying this bag of dog food. #ThisIsTheStuff

A few days later, I had a bad day with people saying things about me behind my back. I had laundry to do, and was tired from working two jobs. It was just emotionally draining. #ThisIsTheStuff

Then, I got locked out of the house. I left my phone in the house because I was just going to get the mail. Aislinn left for New Castle and the neighbors weren't home. It took me over 20 minutes to wedge the window open, 5 to climb in. #ThisIsTheStuff.

Today, was Monday. Abby woke up, was hyper, and was more interested in her slinky than eating and getting ready. But then she got sick about 10 minutes before we had to leave for the bus. I got her feeling better, we pretty much ran to the bus stop. We missed it by that much! Aislinn drove us to her school and she was there on time. #ThisIsTheStuff

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. In fact, I'm laughing about it.

That's the whole point behind #ThisIsTheStuff.

So, what about your life says #ThisIsTheStuff?

Believe in yourselves. Dream. Try. Do good.

It all started with a 12 year old boy who simply wanted to go to a Phillies game with his big brother. Instead, his brother took his girlfriend, leaving him no choice but to move into the tree house.

Sound familiar?

Well, it should!! It's only the pilot to one of the greatest television shows ever to be made.

Still no clue?

Boy. Meets. World.

That's right. We meet Cory Matthews when he was merely an average 12 year old boy. Along with his best friend, Shawn, and who will soon become his longtime girlfriend and wife, Topanga, he conquers what is known as "the world". Now, it's not actually the world, but it's real life issues. Not the "real life issues" you see on Degrassi *blech* But the ones that even good people face. The ups and downs of love, the pain of divorce and loss, caring for people, when to hold on and when to let go, finding yourself...

Ya know what? That's only a few of the lessons that all seven seasons hold. I mean, it's like the crumbs in a box of cookies compared to the lessons I've learned from the most likeable and truly amazing characters. Period.

Now I am only going to share a few of the lessons that stuck with me.

First, the episode where Cory and Mr. Feeny trade places in the classroom. The lesson Cory gave on Anne Frank and prejudice is one I will never forget. Why? I'm not sure exactly. I remember the exact moment I saw that episode for the first time. I was seriously awestruck. I about 10 or 11, too, so that lesson was deep for me. While I was mature in that area, I still hadn't experienced the sort of circumstances they were talking about. And I'm not entirely sure, but I think it sparked my interest in the Holocaust. I loved learning about it, not because I had some sick fascination with concentration camps, but because it was an absolutely horrifying time in history. I remember in 7th grade, we had a Holocaust survivor come to our history class. He still had his tattoos, etc. It was just one of those things that stuck with me and I'm sure I will never forget.

Season two's end was nearing when Topanga needed a quote from Cory for the school yearbook. She quoted Frederick Perls, "You do your thing and I'll do mine...you are you and I am I...and, if in the end, we end up together, it's beautiful." Cory chooses this quote as well. This is the first sign of "love" from the infamous couple. Though neither one has admitted it yet, they're connection is stuff of fairy tales. I know that completely defies what I said before about "real life lessons that actual people go through" but everyone has their first crush, first kiss, first love...and these two people were lucky enough to have one person be all of those things. I'm still looking for my Cory. :)

Season three was an eventful year for the BMW gang. From the epic relationship that blossomed between Cory and Topanga, the painful breakup, the re-entering of the dating world, the reconciliation, etc. I think what I loved most about (and would love until the series finale) was this was where Eric's character really started to develop. He was starting to realize the importance of life. The plans he had for his life fell apart, so he went out to find himself. Eric was always my favorite character and this was cool for me to watch his character develop some slow, subtle depth.

Oh no! Topanga has to move to the dreaded Pittsburgh (haha!), leaving Cory behind in Philadelphia. This is not fair! But, no matter how many times I've seen these episodes, I still cry when Cory gets ready to walk out the door to drive to Pittsburgh, only to find Topanga standing there. *sigh* Young love! You have to admit, though, that this relationship puts even Ross & Rachel to shame. These two had a more mature relationship than they did, and they were in freakin' high school! But this taught me that if you want something bad enough, there's always a way to make it work.

"And Then There Was Shawn" was one of those "hit me like a ton of  bricks" episodes. After Cory and Topanga's breakup, there is a lot of tension in the gang. They end up in detention where one by one, they're killed off. A sort of parody of "Scream" and "I Know What You Did Last Summer", leaves us guessing who is the man behind the mask. Ya know what? Shawn was "taking out" the distractions to show Cory and Topanga that they're they only ones that matter in this situation.

I'll never forget the episode where they all spend their time at an art museum, mesmerized by Van Gogh's "Starry Night" That's always been my favorite painting but to see them caught in it's beauty and meaning was like going to a museum with my friends. Ya know, I grew up with these guys. They were my friends.

My favorite season, hands down, was season six. SO much stuff happened. It was by far the most emotional and relate able season. When the Matthews' youngest son is born, and put in intensive care, the gang comes together for a powerful lesson in what truly matters. We learn that Shawn is an amazing poet (much like his real life persona, Rider Strong...shout out to Ashley!) Shawn and Jack's dad dies from a heart attack, and though they guys never really knew him, it is a difficult time for them. Shawn does some soul searching on a road trip (much like Eric's journey of self-discovery.) Topanga and Cory have issues with their wedding, questioning whether or not they are making the right decision. This only intensifies when Topanga's parents announce their divorce. But, no matter what people say, Cory & Topanga do not have their parents relationship. They have a one of a kind love. But my favorite part (and I'm getting emotional just thinking about it) was Eric and his love for this boy named Tommy that he meets when he's playing Santa. Their relationship is amazing. I can't help but wonder what would have happened if Eric had adopted him. Don't get me wrong, the man Eric is in the series finale is an amazing person. But still...I think the writers could have done so much with those characters. But it was also an incredibly mature decision on Eric's part to put Tommy's need for a "real family" ahead of his own.

A powerful lesson on friendship is learned from the unsuspecting Eric. "Lose one friend; lose all friends; lose yourself" Yeah...the room is silent here, too.

But the season finale holds so much emotions. I mean, my friends were moving away! Cory, Topanga, Eric, and Shawn move to New York for their new life. To say I cry is an understatement. It's hard to say goodbye.

I often wonder what the BMW gang would be doing now.  In my "made for tv movie" reunion, Eric would be a teacher. Why? He had a great relationship with Mr. Feeny and I know he'd make a great one. Shawn has more of an artistic side so I always pictured him as a writer. Cory and Topanga are living the dream: Topanga's a lawyer and Cory is a successful businessman working to raise the little ones running around the house. Mr. Feeny is probably still teaching. He'll never die.

What's sad is that this insanely large post doesn't explain the countless lessons Mr. Feeny taught me. Let's face it: Mr. Feeny is like...Yoda. He kinda looks like him, too. :)

Class dismissed.

I am absolutely blown away by the way God is working.

I got a text message tonight from Abby's mom.

They want me back!!

Of course, I'm going back.

Did you not read my post where I went on and on about how much I missed Abby?

I'm still going to work at DQ.

I will have to talk to my boss to work out some of the hours for the summer

but I am beyond excited.

There are literally no words

and

all I want to do is cry and give thanks.

I've been so patient (and impatient),

frustrated, hurt, confused, and felt like I wasn't good enough.

But "Walk On The Water" by Britt Nicole changed my life and perspective.

I'm overwhelmed with gratitude and will not screw this up!!

Matthew 7:7-8

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."

Everyone knows the long road it's been just to find part-time work in this area. Well, after much prayer and the constant reciting of this verse last night, I got a phone call this morning. I start training at Dairy Queen (gross, but it's work!!) on Thursday. Heck yeah!!

Thank you everyone who has prayed. It's about time!!

"Tangled" Taught Me...

It's very hard to put an unconscious man in a closet.


Pub thugs can make cupcakes that are sublime!


If you dream of being on an island that you own, tanned and rested and alone, surrounded by enormous piles of money... your dream stinks.

Sweeping the floors, polishing, waxing, doing laundry, shining up, and sweeping again only takes 15 minutes.

 It takes three days to get paint.

 Struggling is pointless.


Birds will appear out of nowhere when you sing up to the sky.

Frog, Chameleon, nuance

Gunther does interior design

You can learn alot after being in one place for 18 years.

 Little girls like to braid hair

No matter what adults say, shoes are completely unnecessary.


Rapunzel's hair is 70 ft long.


Vladimir colects ceramic unicooooooorns.

Pascal randomly smiles at people.

''You were my new dream'' is the modern equivalent of ''I love you''.

Rapunzel can beat Pascal in a game of hide and seek 22 times in a row before Pascal gets bored


Rapunzels hair is worth 1000 crowns

The pan is mightier than the sword
A chameleon wont know the correct procedure to wearing a crown


Precious items that the King doesnt want stolen will be kept under a big openable window in the roof

The guards that guard precious items face away from them

 Some guards have hayfever

A horse that works for the Kings men can convince thugs to come to the castle to rescue a prisoner on death row

You can't remember a week of partying


An epiphany involving the sun means your a princess

 Eugene isn't freaking out, he's just very interested in the magical properties that Rapunzel's hair possesses.

Rapunzel never (NEVER) breaks a promise.

Rapunzel is stuck with that short haircut for the rest of her life

If your long lost daughter, who was blonde when she was born, returns to you with dark hair, you shouldn't question it


Rapunzel doesn't know how to hide things very well

Mother Gothel never used her youthful looks to attract a spouse

Townspeople will spontaneously break out into a dance number


Getting the king's daughter to fall in love with you is the best way to not get hanged

Eugene can get used to a view like this


Dropping from the ceiling to steal something was used in medieval times.

After a really long adventure, your dress is still not dirty

Mother Gothel has chains in her basement, beware!!!!

In the end, guys have a thing for short haired brunettes ;)
It's best to destroy the magical healing plant that could save millions of lives throughout the kingdom just to save 2 people.

The laterns are the best way to get your missing daughter back.

If slapping doesn't wake the guy up, a wet willy sure will!
Who needs a dog when you have Maximus the horse?

The old woman was important.
Men have fangs.
A fake reputation is all a man has.

A king and queen won't have any more children after their daughter goes missing for 18 years.

Rapunzel's tears can probably cure cancer.
Some horses know how to sword fight.

There isn't very much blood when you get stabbed in the stomach by a blade.

Flynn's dream stinks.

If you drink a potion made from a magic flower and you're pregnant, your baby will be born with magic hair.

A bunch of ruffians are all just dreamers.
The first man you have ever met will be the one you fall in love with.
She broke his smolder!

There's a lot of blood in that ruffian's mustache.
They never can get Flynn's nose right.

Healing hair does not grant super-strength.

"Rapunzel" is the sound people make when they sneeze.
Your mother is always just teasing.

Alan Menkin's still got it.

Horses are even better at parkour than people.
Mother Gothel loves you most.

People usually go looking for miracles when it's almost too late.
You can get a lot done before 7:15 in the morning.

You don't need barrettes if you have a slew of flowers instead.
Flynn knows not who you are, nor how he came to find you... really, he just wants to say hi.

Chameleons blush surprisingly well for cold-blooded animals.

Girls rejoice for men in their closets.

Horses will do anything for a girl on her birthday.

Flynn has a thing for brunettes.
The day you steal the tiara of a missing princess, circumstances will inevitably lead you to stumble upon its rightful owner and take her on a crazy road trip.

Flynn can get knocked unconscious several times with no permanent damage, but a knife to the gut is pretty much fatal.
Your mother is absolutely thrilled that you're dating a wanted criminal.
You get a lot of reading done when you don't go out.
Chameleons aren't nearly as good at hide-&-seek as you'd think.

You can't say "kill", but you can say "hang". I guess kids don't know that hanging leads to death.

First The Beast, then Flynn... Disney likes killing off the male leads for a little while.

If a guy swears that a girl begged him to marry her, he's lying.

You can tear a tower apart brick by brick, but you won't find the sack that's hidden under the staircase.

The second step to a man's heart is a frying pan to the face.
Chameleons make excellent ventriloquist dummies.

Cute today means giant eyes, slight buck teeth, pigeon toes, and upturned nose. Who knew?
The best part to reaching your dream is that you get to find a new dream.

Dudes with extra toes are just lookin' for love.

Castles have nice rooftop views.

A whooshy cape grants you the power of teleportation.

Royal guards are highly susceptible to headbutts.

When scared, it's okay to hide in your own hair.

Mimes won't tell you if they're happy.

Using a frying pan to fence with a horse is likely the strangest thing you've ever done.

Taking someone away from their true love, locking them in a tower for their entire life, and lying to them on a regular basis is fine as long as you make their favorite soup for them.
If your dream is to one day live in a castle, it helps to fall in love with a princess.
How did the King and Queen rule their kingdom... when they couldn't even speak?
You can tell a girl's not a natural blonde when she has brown eyebrows.
 
 
While I "borrowed" most of these from http://www.100thingsilearned.com/, I came up with some of them. The truth is, you know these are very important life lessons. So...can you add any?