Finding Courage in Fear

Today I have to help a friend take a major step in her life. I can no longer be the support that she needs and I must find the courage to say something. I could use all your prayers today as I make an unpopular suggestion that I hope will help her.

Source: thatshappy.blogspot.com via Hanna on Pinterest

On the bright side, it's Friday!

Have a wonderful weekend! XO

Witty Wednesday!

No additional words needed :)

Source: piccsy.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Diagnosis: Senioritis

It's back. I experienced this same feeling four years ago before I ended high school. The unfortunate, "I don't cares" and "I'll wait until tomorrows" have been used far too many times in the past few weeks. But here's the deal- my senioritis has kicked into full gear. I'm never really one to make excuses for school work, in fact, it's the other way around. I put off social opportunities for homework and extra studying... Have these days gone bye bye?

I guess admitting my "problem" is the first step... Right?

In lieu of my stage-5 lack of school motivation, here's one of my favorite John Mayer covers, "I Don't Need No Doctor". In fact, my brothers and I played this song for my family while we sat around a camp fire in California this weekend.

Enjoy!

PS- If there are any other seniors out there suffering from this "illness," maybe we can start a support group :)

HAPPY TUESDAY, XO!

Mindful Monday: The Dash

This weekend I attended my Uncle Ruben's funeral in California. I cannot explain to you the love shared between our family members and friends. I have never attended such a beautiful celebration of life.

In order to provide a tangible way to remember him, Uncle Ruben's kids printed and laminated bookmarks with photos and inspiration words. Printed on one side of the bookmark was a poem called, The Dash. This short poem has touched my heart and all I want to do is share it with everyone I meet.

This week [and hopefully for the rest of my life] I hope to focus on living my "dash" to its fullest. Please read the poem- I hope it inspires you to appreciate each breath you take.

Source: google.com via Shannon on Pinterest

HAPPY MONDAY, XO.

PS- I'm sorry I've been absent lately. Family has and will always be a top priority in my life, but I do have plenty to catch you all up on! Can't wait to start blogging on the regular again and reading all about what's going on in your lives!

Tactful Tuesday: My Grocery List

It's that time of the week- grocery shopping day! While some love going to the store, I have to admit that I don't. Lately I've realized that so many of my purchases go to waste due to last minute birthday celebrations, dinner at a friend's and last minute trips back to Phoenix, that keep me from cooking for myself.

Another thing I don't particularly like about the way I grocery shop is the fact that I always end up with way more carbohydrates in my pantry than anyone should ever have laying around. If you can relate to me at all, then you'll agree that easy, fast carbs are deadly! They make lazy snacking a cinch - my roommates can attest to the fact that sometimes when I don't feel like cooking I'll have three or four servings of Wheat Thins or Cheez-Its instead of a nutritious meal. Sounds gross I know, but it really does happen. Does anyone else think there's something addictive in snack foods because I have such a hard time eating the suggested serving size.

Anyway... In an attempt to spend more wisely and make smarter purchases, I've decided to keep items off my list that are unnecessary so that I don't find myself reaching into a box at dinner time or late at night. For those of you grocery shopping professionals, feel free to add healthy items to my list... Lord knows I need all the help I can get!

By the way, how cute is this DIY grocery list? I may have to start making some of these!

Source: ellinee.com via Leighanne on Pinterest

Even though I've been living in an apartment since June, I'm yet to master this grocery/cooking thing. I truly blame it on the fact that I lived in my sorority house for two years. We were fortunate enough to have a chefs that cooked all meals for us Monday-Friday... #firstworldproblems, anyone? Also, the fact that I'll be moving back in with my parents over summer isn't very motivational. I doubt that I'll be doing as much grocery shopping. But, I'm still going to give it a try until I graduate in just about a month and a half. So here goes nothing...

Grocery List:

Strawberries

Apples

Bananas

Avocados (If on sale)

Bell Peppers

Onion

Baby Carrots

Salsa Verde (For marinating chicken)

Turkey

Cheese

Special K cereal

Fat-free milk

Sandwich thins (I swear, I never use an entire loaf of bread!)

Frozen veggies

Pretzels (For some odd reason, I don't overindulge in pretzels like other snacks!)

Eggs

Black Beans

Coffee

This is a rather short list since I'm choosing to leave off those dangerous carbs. So as I mentioned before, please feel free to offer suggestions. Let's hope leaving those items off the list will actually keep me away from the snack isles in the store!

HAPPY TUESDAY, XO!

Mindful Monday: I'm Back!

Spring break is officially over. Although I'm sad I won't get to sleep in as long, or enjoy as much time with my family and friends, I'm excited to complete the undergraduate chapter of my life. YES, I am excited. While endings are bittersweet, I can't wait to see what the future has in store!

So this week, I'm going to keep the following in mind:

Source: Uploaded by user via Shannon on Pinterest

HAPPY MONDAY!

PS- I wanted to let you all know that I've been officially accepted into my higher and postsecondary education master's program. Thanks for all your kind words and prayers during the application process! xo

Earthly Loss, Heavenly Gain

We are obligated to lose loved ones, but it's never easy. Although we know that our life here on Earth is far from eternal, the pain of death stings like nothing else. While there is joy to be found in every situation, there must also be time for mourning.

Today I lost my Uncle Ruben. He was more than the creator of my nickname, "Shanni Pooh." He was the contagious carrier of happiness and love. I'm at a loss for words, while at the same time there are too many things whirling around in my mind.

I've been listening to this song to keep me calm. I will rejoice in the fact that we will meet again, "one sweet day."

I did not get to say goodbye in person, but I did get to spend the last few days in his home-state of California. I look forward to spending time with my family and celebrating his life. I've had an Earthly loss, but a heavenly gain.

Te quiero, Tío Ruben.

Sick Saturday

It happened- I got sick. I should have expected this because it was only a matter of time until my immune system decided to give me a reality check. My body has felt funny the entire week but I thought I'd taken enough Vitamin-C to combat it. But the timing is so wrong...

I had a philanthropic event planned for this morning that I no longer can attend. I've been wanting to volunteer with Special Olympics for years but there's no way I want to share this little bug with anyone else.

Source: google.com via Mary Catherine on Pinterest

Also, I'm supposed to leave for my spring break trip to Mission Beach this afternoon- we'll see if that happens. My dad says that when you fly with illnesses you're prone to ear infections... which doesn't some like fun.

Source: Uploaded by user via Brianna on Pinterest

Regardless, I'm trying to remain positive. Not only does everything happen for a reason, but also we are not able to control EVERYTHING in our lives- even when we try to!

Thank goodness I have a favorite quote from the The Enchiridion to remind me of that.

“There are things which are within our power, and there are things which are beyond our power.”

The words are simple, but sometimes that's just what the doctor ordered.

Have a great Saturday! XO

Pushing Through...

"It's not always rainbows and butterflies it's compromise that moves us along..." Maroon 5

Today I've received more unfortunate news, even though I thought I'd heard enough in the past week. All I can do is the following...

Source: piccsy.com via Shannon on Pinterest

22!

Today, I'm no longer 21 years old. I didn't think I'd be caught off guard by the whole "22" thing, but it does sound pretty weird to say. Instead of writing about my birthday plans, I thought I'd write 22 fun facts about the amazing woman who brought me into this world.

Meet my beautiful Mommy!

1. She is just barely 5'2''- You can see where I get my height [I'm wearing heels in this photo so it's not a true testament].

2. My mom is one of the best dancers! She competed on the TV show Dance Fever, during the 80s.

3. This woman was the most requested teacher at her school! She taught elementary education for 30 years.

4. She is one of seven kids.

5. She's a woman of God.

6. Need advice or support- I think I call my mom three times a day for encouragement.

7. Her favorite wine is Asti Spumante.

8. Early riser- she wakes up at 5 a.m. everyday to have her coffee and read.

9. Soon after having me she then carried around twins for 9 months!

10. Bargain shopper- I swear she always gets the best deals.

11. One of the best Mexican food cooks around!

12. She'd prefer to have a glass of wine and go to bed early, rather than go out on the town!

13. We have the same middle name- Marie.

14. Not a fan of text messaging- She'd much rather use email or talk on the phone.

15. She loves turtle candies.

16. Mom is a sucker for Lifetime movies.

17. She gets jealous when I call my dad more than her... :)

18. She calls me "mija".

19. My mom gives everyone the benefit of the doubt.

20. She is one of the most sacrificial people I know. My mom [and dad] have always put us first. They work so hard to make sure we are happy.

21. Mommy claims I was her birthday present... She got to leave the hospital with me on her birthday, March 9.

22. She is one of my best friends. She's taught me to seek what makes my heart happy, live passionately and help others. I LOVE YOU, MOMMY!

Just Some Words

Dear Research Paper on Tao of Leadership,

This is how I feel about you...

Source: boozebagbettygoestorehab.blogspot.com via Shannon on Pinterest

I hope I can find some reliable sources about you so I can get you done early and celebrate my birthday tomorrow... I will conquer you.

Sincerely,

Shannon Marie

Mindful Monday: Being Average

I'm the shoot for the moon kind of girl- I strive for excellence. Often, I am slow to try new things, out of fear that I will be nothing but average. Pretty lame, right? But I guess they say admitting is the first step.

As many of you know, yesterday I took my GRE. If you're like any of my caring friends, you're probably about to ask how I did? And of course I am so grateful for my supportive sorority sisters and best friends, it was a little embarrassing to say, "I'm an average test taker." But that is truly what my score reflects. Receiving an "okay" score doesn't mean I won't get into grad school, and it certainly doesn't make me a bad student. It does mean that test taking is not my strength. I am proud to admit- BEING AVERAGE IS OKAY!

This weekend I came along a quote on Pinterest... obviously. But, it really did open my eyes to a few things.

Source: etsy.com via Shannon on Pinterest

If I may create another quote out of this it would say, "You can try anything, but you can't do everything well." For all my peer perfectionists out there, remember this! We can strive for excellence, but we can't focus on the outcome so much so that it keeps us from maintaining our sanity.

May you all be mindful of accepting your mediocrity, when necessary!

Also, before the week escapes me again- haven't the days been flying by?- I want to thank Bessie over at Bravoe Runway for sending me Harvey Price: Ageless fragrance that I won in her recent giveaway! It was so fun to get a package in the mail and I'm excited to wear it to work this morning.

Have a HAPPY MONDAY! xo

Happy 21st To...

My first Chi Omega little sister, Lexi!

Despite all my studying, I was able to sneak out for an hour and a half to celebrate Lexi's 21st birthday! She has a HUGE job interview today with an incredible company so she didn't stay out too long to celebrate- lucky for me!

Sending her lots of love & good luck today with her interview. :)

PS- I do apologize if I'm MIA until after Sunday (my GRE test day). I'm stressing and trying to cram for this test as continue my regular school work. I'll have lots of catching up to do on your blogs, but I can't wait to read about what's been going on in your lives!

PPS- Today is the first day of March! I cannot believe this year is flying by. Honestly, my birthday is six days away and I didn't even realize it! So crazy!

HAPPY THURSDAY! xo