Thursday, July 23, 2015
Monday, July 20, 2015
So much can happen in a moment.
I think that's the worst title ever. Rules.... Sentences aren't titles... and you should never start a sentence with "so". LOL but I'm feeling a bit worn out as there's been so much happening lately. This Summer has been busy, full and fun. Lots of work.... lots of play. I've been tubing with friends, taken road trips to visit friends... been to a Bible conference, and then I've put in a lot of hours at work to make up for all the fun. I can't complain. Even now the clock seems to be ticking the time away from me and I have so much to accomplish today. Therefore I will share a few photos that will give you a picture of the events that have occurred lately:
My friend, Kay Lee had a birthday so we made sure to celebrate with lunch at Red Lobster, pedicures, tubing down a river and a movie!
I've been learning how to use my big, new Canon camera... but till I get adjusted I keep my powershot handy. :)
I went down to a Bible conference in Chicago with a bunch of friends! It was so much fun!!!
Some of my wonderful friends....
So my car broke down on the way home. A cop helped us out... we got a tow to a truck stop... where we waited for two hours till my dad could come pick up my car, and give us a ride home. Didn't get to bed till 2:30 AM!!!! =S
AND..... my cousin Julianne got married on Friday. Which also happened to be my Grammy's birthday. So it was a big celebration... and the wedding was planned in ONLY 48 hours, as the groom was visiting on leave from military and they decided to just get married!!
I was privileged with the responsibility of taking the photographs.... which proved to be tricky since we had a lot of evening sun and shadows.
I also had the opportunity of baking the cake.... with a little inspiration from a friend and the flowers they gave me to use, it turned out pretty nice for the short notice I had to prepare it and being that I'm not a professional cake baker. ;)
We'll see what the rest of the summer....
Late night snacks at IHOP!!!
AND..... my cousin Julianne got married on Friday. Which also happened to be my Grammy's birthday. So it was a big celebration... and the wedding was planned in ONLY 48 hours, as the groom was visiting on leave from military and they decided to just get married!!
My uncle, Julianne and my Grammy...
Roman & Julianne
My brother, Isaac, read some scriptures and spoke some words...
My daddy did the marrying. :)
We'll see what the rest of the summer....
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
When I can't speak it, I can write it.
Never in my life have I been great at speaking about serious matters. I'm kind of hot headed and either say nothing or get all fiery about things that require a lot of logic or emotion. Mostly because I have trouble putting my thoughts into words... which is why I love to write. I learned that if I can bypass my mouth, where my tongue gets all twisted and my face gets all red, the words can flow smoothly from my hands and I can make a blank page turn black in a matter of minutes.
When the opportunity to write for a local paper came up I looked into it and, in spite of my feelings of inadequacy, applied for the position. Writing in a journal.... no one sees that. Writing on a blog... few people read it and those who do are usually friends or relatives. To write in a paper where strangers have the ability to critique my work was a daunting prospect... and yet, exciting all the while.
Initially the paper was looking for someone from the homeschool community to write about homeschool events, etc. I replied too late and another fellow (whom I went to choir with during my years in school) got the spot. I offered my services as a journalist and to my surprise the editor took me up on my proposal! I was happy to have missed the first opportunity because honestly, I probably wouldn't have like being limited to writing about homeschooling. I have the freedom to write about whatever I choose, so long as the editor approves.
Thus far I have written four articles, "The First of April" - regarding the problems with April Fools Day pranks, "Roots" - about cultural legacies that are passed down through generations, "Our Farmers - Our Future: Celebrating National Dairy Month" - on the importance of the dairy industry, and "Why Movement Matters" - because being a couch potato just won't cut it anymore.
The paper produces an edition once a month and all of the journalist write on a volunteer basis. I've been offering an article since March of this year.... and it's been both invigorating and challenging to attempt to write articles worthy of the eyes of my community.
One of the things I'd always felt I'd struggle with, should I go to college, was producing long writing assignments and reports. Yet, for the paper, I am limited to 800 words or less.... and I often find myself needing to cut out a couple paragraphs before sending the final copy to the editor. It's good though, as the restriction allows me to say only what I mean.... and mean what I say. Luckily, I have my mom's help with editing my horrifying spelling and grammar and I also have my grandmothers opinions on occasion. They all have an impeccable taste for grammar and writing structure.
The paper that I write for is highly conservative and though it is not a Christian paper per say, it is run by Christians, so it is acceptable to mention a Bible passage or concept on occasion, which makes me glad.
Check out the website: The US and Eau Claire Journal
Though the paper does print a free edition on occasion it is a subscription that you have to pay for if you want to enjoy it in it's entirety. If you're interested in receiving the paper in your email or mailbox visit their subscription page. For the full 12 month package of the hard copies plus an e-subscription it's only $39. There are cheaper rates for partial deals... not bad rates, if you ask me.
I wish I could post every article that I write on my blog but that would defeat the purpose of writing for the paper, I suppose. That being said, I am going to share my most recent article, "Why Movement Matters", which was published in the free edition and therefore does not subtract from the paper. Note the amazing photo of beautiful, green leaves taken by my friend, Kacey. I am so thrilled that she contributed one of her incredible works to my article (though one of the downsides to photos that are printed in papers is that they are not as vibrant and clear as they should be). My writing skills have a long way to go and I am far from being an accomplished writer, but I hope that this opportunity to write for the public will speed me on my way. "Why Movement Matters" is not necessarily my most interesting article but I had fun learning about the topic and writing about it as well.
I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
When the opportunity to write for a local paper came up I looked into it and, in spite of my feelings of inadequacy, applied for the position. Writing in a journal.... no one sees that. Writing on a blog... few people read it and those who do are usually friends or relatives. To write in a paper where strangers have the ability to critique my work was a daunting prospect... and yet, exciting all the while.
Initially the paper was looking for someone from the homeschool community to write about homeschool events, etc. I replied too late and another fellow (whom I went to choir with during my years in school) got the spot. I offered my services as a journalist and to my surprise the editor took me up on my proposal! I was happy to have missed the first opportunity because honestly, I probably wouldn't have like being limited to writing about homeschooling. I have the freedom to write about whatever I choose, so long as the editor approves.
Thus far I have written four articles, "The First of April" - regarding the problems with April Fools Day pranks, "Roots" - about cultural legacies that are passed down through generations, "Our Farmers - Our Future: Celebrating National Dairy Month" - on the importance of the dairy industry, and "Why Movement Matters" - because being a couch potato just won't cut it anymore.
The paper produces an edition once a month and all of the journalist write on a volunteer basis. I've been offering an article since March of this year.... and it's been both invigorating and challenging to attempt to write articles worthy of the eyes of my community.
One of the things I'd always felt I'd struggle with, should I go to college, was producing long writing assignments and reports. Yet, for the paper, I am limited to 800 words or less.... and I often find myself needing to cut out a couple paragraphs before sending the final copy to the editor. It's good though, as the restriction allows me to say only what I mean.... and mean what I say. Luckily, I have my mom's help with editing my horrifying spelling and grammar and I also have my grandmothers opinions on occasion. They all have an impeccable taste for grammar and writing structure.
The paper that I write for is highly conservative and though it is not a Christian paper per say, it is run by Christians, so it is acceptable to mention a Bible passage or concept on occasion, which makes me glad.
Check out the website: The US and Eau Claire Journal
Though the paper does print a free edition on occasion it is a subscription that you have to pay for if you want to enjoy it in it's entirety. If you're interested in receiving the paper in your email or mailbox visit their subscription page. For the full 12 month package of the hard copies plus an e-subscription it's only $39. There are cheaper rates for partial deals... not bad rates, if you ask me.
Photo by Kacey Harasimowicz
I wish I could post every article that I write on my blog but that would defeat the purpose of writing for the paper, I suppose. That being said, I am going to share my most recent article, "Why Movement Matters", which was published in the free edition and therefore does not subtract from the paper. Note the amazing photo of beautiful, green leaves taken by my friend, Kacey. I am so thrilled that she contributed one of her incredible works to my article (though one of the downsides to photos that are printed in papers is that they are not as vibrant and clear as they should be). My writing skills have a long way to go and I am far from being an accomplished writer, but I hope that this opportunity to write for the public will speed me on my way. "Why Movement Matters" is not necessarily my most interesting article but I had fun learning about the topic and writing about it as well.
I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Why Movement Matters
In a
recent conversation with my aunt, the vice president at a health
clinic, she expressed her concern regarding her lack of exercise and
inactivity. She often puts in 70 hours of work per week, most of
which is done on a computer or sitting in meetings. I was reminded of
a Mayo Clinic ad that encouraged listeners to move for at least
15 minutes a day. Not lacking for activity, my first thought was, “I
wish I could rest for at least 15 minutes a day!”
Many
jobs today require hours of work with minimal exercise. Frequent
breaks, innovative seating, standing work stations, etc, can improve
some issues. Mental stress adds another element and these two
dimensions are often enough to throw us into our recliners at the end
of the day for some quality veg time. It is no wonder that there is a
serious rise in health issues partially stemming from inactive
lifestyles.
With
early Summer upon us we are likely to spend time being more active.
However, as the season progresses mowing the lawn becomes a chore,
weeding the garden becomes an overwhelming task, going for that hike
sounds like punishment and we almost wish we lived in the deep South
so that the norm would be killing time in a lawn chair, sipping on
sweet tea. We shouldn't succumb to the tyrannical forces of laziness
this year. While researchers are creating better work environments we
should do our part and be active once we are home. Get up and move;
stay mobile. Whether you prefer to be out-of-doors or in your abode
it is wise to continue movement and activity. According to
NDHealthFacts “External movement of the body is dependent on joints
and muscles and requires activities that work them continuously. …
To a large degree, the outward flexibility that a person possesses is
a mirror of their inner flexibility both physiologically and
psychologically. To ensure that the body can move freely and easily
requires movement in every plane and in various intensities as part
of everyday life.”
While
hitting the gym is beneficial it's better to find some pleasure in
the great outdoors. Professor Richard M. Ryan said,"Nature is
something within which we flourish, so having it be more a part of
our lives is critical, especially when we live and work in built
environments." That lush, green and natural environment, with a
little vitamin D to boot, can do a world of good for a person. A
study conducted by The Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry
discovered that, “...compared with exercising indoors, exercising
in natural environments was associated with greater feelings of
revitalization, increased energy and positive engagement, together
with decreases in tension, confusion, anger and depression.
Participants also reported greater enjoyment and satisfaction with
outdoor activity and stated that they were more likely to repeat the
activity at a later date.”
We
live in an age, and particularity in a country, were we are expected
to be intelligent and yet also allowed to be lazy. And by lazy, I
mean we spend more time being idle than any of the previous
generations. It's sort of an oxymoron to be an intelligent, lazy
person, isn't it? In chapter 4 of his book, Teaching with the Brain
in Mind - 2nd Edition, Eric Jensen wrote, “Amazingly,
the part of the brain that processes movement is the same part of the
brain that processes learning. … We learn to predict (think about)
our movements before we execute them (move) so that we control them
better …. This ability suggests that all motor activity is preceded
by quick thought processes that set goals, analyze variables, predict
outcomes, and execute movements.”
There
is no need for “exercise” to be a word that sounds demanding and
exhausting. It can be a positive reminder of the physical and mental
happiness that moving about can bring. So find something that you can
do to keep your body and your mind moving. Bike, jog, participate in
a race or marathon. Join a local sports team, be it casual or legit.
Go to the gym, swim, start a workout routine. Maybe you're not a
super sporty or athletic person? Learn to do the swing, waltz or
other forms of dance. Try zumba or yoga. Garden, for food or for fun.
Perhaps a little “hippie” could help; Earthing/Grounding, or what
average folk call walking barefoot outside, has been shown to have
some health benefits. Take a Saturday morning stroll through the
farmer's market in Eau Claire's lovely Phoenix Park. Discover a few
of the incredible local views while hiking with some friends.
Exercise doesn't have to mean obligation; it can mean adventure, too.
The
gist of it all? Keep it moving. Being more active more often is not a
matter to go home and sleep on. Eat well, sleep well and be
sprightly.
The
Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry. "Benefits of
outdoor exercise confirmed." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 5
February 2011.
.
Written for and published in The US and Eau Claire Journal, July Edition
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