Sending Postcards from Space Camp

I've been on this train of thought for awhile now; I'll try not to make it too long.. Lately, I have discovered I have been extremely selfish. All these years, months, weeks, etc. I've been thinking these bad things have been happening to me and that I am self destructive just because that's the way the cookie crumbles. I have recently realized though, that I am completely wrong. Growing up, I have been taking these bad things that have happened or the "bad" choices I have made much more personally than I should have. Now, that I've had some time to see how situations play out, I have come to realize that these things really did all have happy endings - just not for myself yet. After having some time for situations to play out, I have realized that the gut choices I have made, have actually made other people happy! (Even my subconscious is trying to please everyone!) Prime example: a few years ago I broke up with my first boyfriend ever that I actua...

It's no secret that my goal in life is to travel the world. Since I was a child, there has been nothing more that I've wanted to than see the world, learn everything, and make a difference in someone's life. A few months ago, I was able to kick start that dream by traveling to Africa and doing some volunteer work. When I was a freshman / sophomore in college, I did some local volunteer work at a community center. So the volunteering part was nothing new for me. However, I was expecting a life-altering, touch my soul experience; that's not what I got. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved the work I did and I certainly adored the children I was able to meet. (I feel extremely selfish for feeling this way, but) I don't feel like I had a very great impact while I was volunteering. I know I'm not going to single-handedly change the world, but I feel like I could make a significant difference in just ONE person's life. I know this is an extremely selfish w...

Last year, I decided I am done with resolutions. They're silly & pointless and almost never actually get completed. However, that is not to be mistaken for a little reflection. I think December/ January is the perfect time to actually step back & take a look at yourself. Really look at yourself. Who you are as a person, your contributions to society & others in your life, the people you surround yourself with. In December, you have an entire year of fresh experiences to think about and a whole new year to look forward to! Does what you remember make you feel good about yourself? Then make a change! Confused? Stop trying to convince yourself of things you don't truly believe. Happy? Then, go you! Keep being you :) This year, I feel a little of all those things. So I've decided, I'm going to stop feeling sorry for myself & bring back the parts of me & my life that make me happy! (As well as get rid of a few that don't.) I've never been one to...

Uff-duh! Finally got all of my stuff transferred over from Tumblr (what a tedious process, why did I do that?!). Now, time to stop bugging everyone & to go back to my extremely boring life. If, for some crazy reason you're actually reading these things, don't worry. I'll keep you all filled in ;) Baadaye!

It’s getting to be that time of the year again for (uh-oh) New Year’s Resolutions! Last year, I had quite the list. Which, unfortunately, I ended up putting off, but for a good reason! I decided to take the trip of a lifetime to volunteer in Tanzania Africa. So I had to prioritize. Which, in the end, was actually very beneficial! Because for this year, I’ve decided I am going to boycott “New Year’s Resolutions”. For my lifestyle (and poor lifestyle as a college student), I’ve decided it would be best for me to just give up on the whole resolutions thing. In exchange however, to complete my list! I’ve been pretty good at choosing things that are already on my list as my resolutions, but they’re not always plausible for that year. So my new goal will just be to complete  at least  one thing on my list. I know, you’re thinking “Oh Chels, you’re taking the easy way out!”, but this really isn’t the case. My list is actually pretty crazy and some things can be expensive! So ...

All my kids watching The Lion King (for the first time). These children have made all the difference in this trip for me. I have absolutely loved everything about this trip, but my class has made the most significant impact on my life. Just being able to spend time with them everyday and getting to know them and their way of life, made me so happy! Most people would think this would end up being a harrowing experience, but I think it has been much more beneficial than anything for me. It’s true that these children have almost nothing (and that does make me very sad) however, these children also have so much more than most people I know in my life: These kids are so grateful and happy for EVERYTHING that they have. No matter if it’s being able to go to school, a new pair of shoes, or just having a family around. All things we as Americans take for granted every single day of our lives. I am definitely not excluded from this! I turn into an absolute wretch if I don’t eat for ...

I’ve never gotten on the “Tom’s Shoes” bandwagon since I first heard of them. Of course I, being the cynical, doubting person that I am, didn’t believe this cause was actually working. Once again, my cynical self, was proved wrong. I actually got to see Tom’s shoes in action! A woman from the Red Cross came in to my school one day to get an attendance list and about a week later she came back with BOXES of shoes! All of my children (that were there the first day) got a brand new pair of shoes! Needless to say, I was a little overwhelmed with joy that I was again proven wrong about something so great! My children were so happy & that really is the best part of my day :)

"Every man’s life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another."