"Race Against Breast Cancer"

                “Especially for You” is a fund for women diagnosed with breast cancer started by Mercy Women’s Center (branch of Mercy Medical Center) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on October 27^th of 1991 in dedication to the late Sandy Knight (who got taken due to breast cancer in July of 1991). 

                Sandy Knight’s story, being an employee of General Mills, was instrumental in General Mills becoming a supporter and sponsor to the race held each year in the city near Mercy Medical Center.  A 5k walk or run and a one mile walk or run is available for anyone interested in racing.  When people sign up for the event, they receive a t-shirt to be worn during the race, a number to be pinned on the t-shirt while racing in order to be identified, and food from the local General Mills such as cereal and fruit snacks.  All money raised goes to finances for local women’s mammograms, CAD technology, other exams, and office visits.  The men and women working are strictly volunteers and are helping out of the kindness of their hearts.  

                My volleyball team showed support of this organization and the whole cause by registering and participating in the race.  We felt that it was a great opportunity to bond with each other while fighting something much bigger than volleyball or any of us, even if we had to wake up early on a Sunday morning and dress for thirty degree weather. 

                While getting ready that morning, I yawned and thought to myself… “Why do I have to get up so early?”  After my mom told me to dress warm due to the frigid temperatures outside, I got on a sweatshirt, hat, two layers of gloves, two layers of socks, tennis shoes, a tiger-printed scarf, and two layers of sweatpants on the outside of my runner leggings.  Oh!  And how could I forget my long sleeve complementary t-shirt.  After I pinned my number (6506) on it with four bobby pins, I was ready to go! 

                Once I got there and we took pictures of all of us huddled together trying to keep warm, I had a crucial decision to make.  Do I race the 5k or one mile?  Do I run it or walk it?  After seeing all the people waiting in line for the starting gun to go off, I was inspired.  I would run the 5k!  And with what luck?  Two of my teammates were running it as well.  This would be fun.

                After the teary prayer session and an inspirational song sung by a local artist, I could finally answer the question I asked myself earlier that morning.  Cancer never sleeps.  There are tons of women out there with breast cancer that wake up EVERY morning with the disease.  They can’t just say… “I’m tired today.  I think I’ll “sleep in” from breast cancer.”  Thinking about this from the starting line all the way ‘til the finish, it drove me to keep pushing.  No matter how cold it was outside or how tired my legs were, I kept running… because that three mile run in the cold was nothing compared to their struggles.  I did it for the women with breast cancer. 

Source: http://www.especiallyforyourace.org/gear/default.htm  J (536)

My Personal Music Roots

                Something that brings me back.  The music that I was surrounded with as a child.  Back to when I was around five, riding in my older sister’s brand-new Honda Civic to the pool, listening to all the “hot songs.”  Looking back, I’d say that my sister had great taste in music.  I don’t know the reason that I still enjoy listening to those songs now; because of how timeless they are or because they were the first songs I was exposed to… or maybe it was that she constantly played them over and over and over?    

                The music back then was positive and real.  It was deep and had timeless lyrics.  The lyrics weren’t like today’s greatest rap hits.  They didn’t have obscenities, four letter words, or phrases that are degrading towards women.  They are classy and can be listened to for years to come.  Phrases and words weren’t repeated constantly for three and a half minutes either and called a “song.” 

Sure, they repeated the chorus some, but not every verse was the same.  It is hilarious because a few days ago, I ran across a Facebook group that was titled, “1)Say “Dale!” 2)Mumble three Spanish words. 3)List four cities. Congratulations, you just made yourself a Pitbull song.”  But it is so true.  Most (I SAID MOST!  So before all you diehard Indie rockers jump all over me…) artists today do not have any clue where to begin when wanting to write substance, and if they do they don’t want to because they know that 1)It won’t be played in the “clubs.” Or 2)No one will buy their album on iTunes. 

                I learned and knew so much about who the hottest artists were and what their best songs were.  PepperMartin could recite all the Enrique Iglesias songs… in español.  (Which probably inspired my desire to take Spanish as a foreign language in high school.  Thanks, Enrique!)

  I had some disputes with my sister over the lyrics as well.  Example: I argued that Shakira said “and that’s the dam*, my dear…” instead of “and that’s the deal, my dear.”  (Being five years old, I knew that profanity was naughty and shouldn’t be listened to by my older sister that was supposed to be a good influence on me.)  Hearing that song today, I laugh at myself.  Shakira didn’t cuss, silly!  That was just her Colombian diction.  It sparks so many memories of my sister and me in the car, dancing and singing along to the radio.

                Many of you may not remember these songs I’m talking about, but they were recorded in the late 1990’s early 2000’s.  The time period that is considered the greatest by many people in their late 20’s.  (My sister is almost 29.)  Usually I wish that I would be closer to my sister in age (closer than 12 years) for bonding reasons and what not, but in the music sense, I wouldn’t trade it.  It developed my love for music to what it is today, and for that, I am forever grateful.  Thank God for that time period… and Hanson!  Along with:

Christina Aguilera

Backstreet Boys

‘N Sync

Britney Spears

Destiny’s Child

J.LO (Jennifer Lopez)

Mariah Carey

Salt-n-Pepa

Shaggy

Celine Dion

LeAnn Rimes

Shania Twain

U2 (appreciated by Mizzay)

Tim McGraw

Faith Hill

Boyz II Men

Lee Ann Womack

Vanessa Carlton (below)

J (557)

Apparently McDonald's Can Get You to the Olympics!

                My turn for a little rant!  Let’s talk about the reasoning going behind the fact that McDonald’s is the “Official Restaurant of the Olympics!” 

                Whaaa?  Can someone explain this logic to me?  How can some of the most conditioned athletes in the world “eat” at McDonalds?  How can they even LOOK at McDonald’s and continue to train and eat healthy.  I sure couldn’t.  Subway, I could see... But McDonald’s!?  McDonald’s is the reason why people are NOT in the Olympics; not the reason why they ARE in the Olympics.  You don’t see Michael Phelps, world renowned swimmer, or Allyson Felix, track and field star, chomping on a Big Mac, do you?  Seriously.  If you do, take a picture.  I’m sure the world would love to see that contradiction.

                Don’t get me wrong!  I love the Olympics just like I love McDonalds and their dollar menu.  But the two simply don’t mix.  It would be like Burger King sponsoring the VEGSOC (Vegetarian Society).  “Come on!” 

                Somebody has yet to explain this “mind-blower” to me.  If you feel like you have a reasonable explanation, by all means, comment below!  I would love to hear your take on this mutiny. J (197)

"Friends with Shin Splints"

                There are steps of motivation that take place like almost anything when you decide to run.  Let’s just say that if you are a regular runner… I salute you!  And if you are an occasional runner… I still salute you!  Because I am what we call a “dreamer runner.”  I dream of the day where I can go out and run until my legs fall off.  I always wonder if those eReader commercials that you see on television are really possible.  You know?  The ones that star a track star in short shorts listening to long books such as Odyssey and Moby-Dick on his Nook, jogging across the country.  The ones that have me going, “Oh… I envy him!”

First, you must get into your “gear.”  If it’s cold, you need a sweatshirt and possibly some gloves and a stylish hat.  If it’s a quiet neighborhood, you need your iPod or MP3 player.  Dark outside?  No problem!  Sport your uncle’s neon, construction vest around.  You surely won’t get hit wearing that.  Some socks, I’m sure, would be greatly appreciated.  Oh!  And don’t forget about your running shoes that only weigh roughly 5 ounces. 

                You catch my drift when I say deciding to go out and run takes major discipline and motivation.  After you get on your outfit, you must call up a friend.  Why?  Because running with someone pushes you to run farther, faster, or both.  You say to yourself, “If he/she can do it… so can I!”  Or my personal favorite, “I don’t want them thinking I’m fat and out of shape!”  This step involves calling or texting them up.  I’m sure they’re dying to burn off those nasty creatures we call calories just like you are!

                While running, try and make conversation with your friend.  They say that if you talk with someone while walking or running, your stride becomes in step with their stride.  This helps you not even think about how little you have accomplished, or how far you have left.  Getting your mind off of running and onto something else helps your body forget that you’re even running and will get you to the finish line faster!  Who cares if you have to take a break every other word to gasp for air? 

                The running becomes effortless once you get out there.  The hard part is getting dressed and making plans with someone to help you out!  Don’t forget; you’re helping someone else out too!  Now if you’ll excuse me; I’m about to go on a 5k with my “BFF!”  J (425)

               

"You think you own whatever land you land on."- Pocahontas

As I was going through my favorite “Princesses” from all the Disney movies, I came to Pocahontas (1995).  Not the real one… the one that is a cartoon.  You know?  Disney took some historical facts out of the story, and fluffed it up with a forbidden romance.  Little girls everywhere wanted a John Smith when they grew up… Or at least, I did!  Humming all the songs that the Powhatan princess sang throughout the movie made me ask myself the question, “What would your life be like if you lived in that time period?” 

Yea… Go ahead!  Click out of my blog, sarcastically thinking to yourself, “Golly jee!  This is exactly what I want to do in my free time; read more essays that I would be given in A.P. U.S. History (Advanced Placement class).”  For the people that are still reading… Thank you!  I promise to make it painless and fun to read.  Hopefully it will spark an interest of the colonization of the Americas, like it did for me!  Enough to make me write this before I go to rent the movie.  (Which you should do as well, if you haven’t seen it!) 

                “What would your life be like if you lived in that time period?” Hmmmm… Well!  I would say that it depends on which “side” you’re on.  Would you be a European settler that is searching for a brand new life?  Or would you be a Native American wondering who to trust? 

                If you are a European settler; congratulations!  You have an extremely hard life ahead of you!  And you thought it would be easy…  Coming over to American may have given you religious freedom, freedom in general, more rights and equalities, a better social status, or more economical opportunities, but let’s not forget about the struggles.  Struggles like: not having as much funding as needed, being in unfamiliar land with unfamiliar diseases and environments, being under British (King and Parliament) control with no freedom of government or religion (That one backfired, eh?), fighting amongst yourselves over gold, land, and enemies, and the constantly asked question, “Are these people friendly?” 

                And if you picked to be a Native American; kudos to you!  Because this is the life that I would have chosen.  So what if I’m a “tad bit” partial due to my Cherokee ancestry?  (I secretly want to be Pocahontas and have friends like Meeko, Flit, and Grandmother Willow.)  There is the possibility of the “white people” becoming allies in their tribal battles.  Or what about the opportunities of trade?  Not that many pros for the Native Americans as you can see…  This is because it was mostly a negative thing for the so called “red skins.”  They had their land stripped away from them while they were executed and called “animals” and “savages.” 

                In knowing all of this, Thanksgiving seems a little “Polly Anna.”  Of course the relationship between these two groups weren’t always like this, and there are some exceptions with certain tribes in certain areas.  The Pilgrims and the Wampanoags were extremely lucky to have such a close bond as to share a meal together that would become a famous American Holiday. 

This conflict between the two different peoples was the result of misunderstandings.  None of the Native Americans understood what the settlers were going through, as none of the settlers understood the Native Americans’ side of things.  Now if you’ll excuse me; I’m going to kick my feet up with a bowl of popcorn and watch my favorite princess advocate for both her father and her lover.  My teacher, Mr. B, would be proud!  J (603)

Olive Garden vs. Red Lobster

                If your family is anything like my family, you have a serious debate and thirty minute contemplation on where to go out to eat.  “Where do you want to go to eat, Morgan?”  “I don’t care. (Secretly, I have a preference.) Wherever you think, dad.”  “What about you, mom?”  “Anything’s fine with me.”  “What are you hungry for?”

                Needless to say, it gets extremely exhausting.  I wish that people would just simply give me one of two options:  Olive Garden… or Red Lobster.  Plain and simple.  Seafood or Italian?  Endless supply of cheese biscuits or endless supply of breadsticks?  This reminds me of a comical line from the movie, Fired Up! (2009).  (Again… if you haven’t seen it, Google your nearest Family Video.)  I am specifically talking about the line in which Nick Brady (played by Eric Christian Olsen) is telling Shawn Colfax (played by Nick D’Agosto), “Bottomless breadsticks only keep you at the Olive Garden for so long, until at some point you look up and say 'Why the he** am I at the Olive Garden with all these fat people?’”

                Don’t even think about asking me which one my favorite is.  I will probably roundhouse kick you.  How can you ask such a question?  You can’t just make me choose!  They are both so good and tasty.  The “Soup, Salad, and Breadsticks” (buffet style) deal you get at Olive Garden is totally comparable to the “Pick 2” lunch special from Red Lobster. (In which, I would pick the Cocoanut Shrimp and the Shrimp Scampi.)  Just like their peach and strawberry teas are equally scrumptious.  “Just saying.”

                Ever notice how they are always close by each other or neighbors of one another?  This is because they are owned by the same company: Darden Restaurants, Inc.  Darden Restaurants, Inc. also owns the LongHorn Steakhouse chain.  This makes the decision a little easier, beings that I get more time to choose between the delicious sisters.  J (324)

(Insert Name Here),Homecoming? -(Insert Name Here)

***CAUTION: Turn back now if you despise “ranting sessions.”***

                Hopefully, you’re still with me after that viewer discretion advisory.  Let’s talk about a fairly relevant topic.  Homecoming.  The day everyone loves.  They are going to have a “fantabulous” night full of their date, pictures, friends, dancing, music, food, and, of course, the after party.

                NEIN!  Not the case!  Not everyone loves dances and social, school events that aren’t documented on their attendance records.  Sure… Homecoming can be (Notice I said “can be.”) a great time full of fun, excitement, and pure teenage-bliss.  There is a week full of whacky costume days followed by a (should be “shoe-in to win”) football game.  And how could we forget?  The dance itself.  Saturday night; where everyone shows up looking like they are Cinderella or Prince Charming… better yet, captain of the basketball team!

                “OMG.  Derek just asked me to Homecoming.  What should I say?”  “How did he ask you?”  “Over a text.”  “AWWWW!  Soooo cute and totally adorable.  Say “YES!””  This is just “swell,” and I’m sure you and “Derek” are going to have a grand time!  But what about the hooded outcast sitting in the corner of your Geometry class every day?  Do you think someone is asking him?  Or what about the girl that everyone picks on for being “nerdy” or “asking too many questions in class?”  Is someone interested enough in how she would look in a sparkling gown? 

                I’m not saying you return your dress, stay home, and don’t enjoy your high school years out of guilt, but have some consideration.  Don’t go to the bathroom and cry because your boyfriend (who is a “given” for a Homecoming/Prom date) didn’t ask you in the “cutest” way.  Or complain because you can’t get reservations at Red Lobster, so you’re forced to go to Olive Garden.  While you’re getting ready for a night of “grinding” and “provocative music,” they are at home wondering why they can’t get asked or why they can’t have fun too. 

                Some people would kill for a boy/girl to ask them to a dance of any kind!  They would feel so special inside; like someone likes them (maybe, even just as a friend) well enough to get their picture taken with them in front of the event backdrop near the door.  Something that means very little to you makes the world to others.  So try going out on a limb.  Change the status quo.  Ask someone new and different.  Get to know them.  Make someone’s night unforgettable.  Who knows?  You may end up marrying the person someday.  Happy Homecoming, JFK! J (433)