Considering that I myself am an only child and have always babysat children with siblings, I've decided to blog about why having just one child is a blessing (and why I won't be bummed if I only have one), as well as why being an only child is the greatest thing ever:
1. We are not all spoiled. Most of the stuff I have bought the past few years has come out of my pocket. I know a lot about saving my money for things I want. It has never been easy, but instead of getting things because I am the one and only, I have become more thankful. Having one child will save you money if you bestow this discipline upon them
2. You never have the constant, "Mom, Johnny just touched me" or "Mom, Jenny won't leave me alone" or "Mom, Erin said I have a goofy nose." Never. Unless their friends are over. I know alone from babysitting that hearing the constant tattling gets old. Fast.
3. Your child will be convinced you've only had sex once. That's what I tell myself - and that it was a mistake.
4. Having just one kid will allow them to become in-tune with adult conversations. I've always known how to act around adults without another kid badgering me because of this.
5. Your child will ALWAYS know they are the favorite. ALWAYS. Example: my friends always ask their parents if they were held hostage with their siblings, and their parents could have just one child, who would it be? For me, I know that I am the only option.
6. You won't have to fight for love from your parents, nor will there be anyone to compete with.
7. Christmas will be the happiest day of the year. Along with birthdays. You know that every single gift under that tree Christmas morning has your name on it, and you do not have to fight with brother Billy over who got the better gifts.
8. Your parents can spend more money on getting you things you really want.
9. Your child can have imaginary siblings. I had them.
10. Instead of worrying about kids fighting over which movie they want to go see, your kid has their choice (and they won't get in a verbal argument with their sibling).
11. Your sanity levels will remain the same.
12. You never have to worry about them wrestling each other, nor will you have to worry about hatred among siblings boiling in the household.
13. They learn a lot about being alone - in a good way. I never have to be constantly entertained or doing things because I learned how to cope growing up. There are times I just want to be alone for hours, and there are days when I just do not want to see people.
14. You/your child learn a lot about independence.
15. You have the assurance that when your parents go out of town on business that they really talk you up. I apparently am the golden student according to what mine say. Plus, I never have to worry about a sibling's grades being higher than mine.
That's all I've got for now :)
Random thoughts and feelings about a plethora of subjects. Enjoy :)
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Pinterest Findings
A few months ago, I created my Pinterest account. Since then, it has been extremely helpful in deciding what I want to cook for dinner (whether it's in the slow cooker or on a whim), as well as giving me some amazing cleaning ideas. You can find the link to my Pinterest page here.
My utmost favorite pin was a cleaning solution that consisted of vinegar and lemon. Here is where you'll find the link to the cleaning solution. You have to scroll down half a page. but it is well worth it. I usually use it to clean my floors and bathroom (after I use 409 in the loo) for the refreshing smell and odor absorber. I usually add a few drops of lemon oils to enhance the smell (let's be honest - vinegar isn't the most appealing odor).
I personally did not strain mine, and I did not use just the peels. This go around (I'm currently letting my second solution soak for two weeks), I'm going to attempt to strain and use a different bottle. The prior time, I would just cut a lemon and try to get just the peels, but parts of the lemon were still in it, causing the pump to clog with the pump. Regardless, it's a good cleaner altogether, and you won't be sorry :)
The picture below is of my first attempt. It turned yellow over time. I let the solution soak for two weeks under the sink.
My utmost favorite pin was a cleaning solution that consisted of vinegar and lemon. Here is where you'll find the link to the cleaning solution. You have to scroll down half a page. but it is well worth it. I usually use it to clean my floors and bathroom (after I use 409 in the loo) for the refreshing smell and odor absorber. I usually add a few drops of lemon oils to enhance the smell (let's be honest - vinegar isn't the most appealing odor).
I personally did not strain mine, and I did not use just the peels. This go around (I'm currently letting my second solution soak for two weeks), I'm going to attempt to strain and use a different bottle. The prior time, I would just cut a lemon and try to get just the peels, but parts of the lemon were still in it, causing the pump to clog with the pump. Regardless, it's a good cleaner altogether, and you won't be sorry :)
The picture below is of my first attempt. It turned yellow over time. I let the solution soak for two weeks under the sink.
So that concludes this blog! Happy cleaning! :)
Monday, April 30, 2012
First Movie Review
I have never written a movie review, so I decided on a whim (and while avoiding doing homework) to write one. Friday night, I saw "The Five Year Engagement," a movie I was DYING to see. I love the movie Bridesmaids and love spending time with my close girlfriends watching and quoting the hilarious comedy. I figured it would be something along those lines, and the commercials make it look laugh-out-loud funny. I even thought I would cry from laughing so hard (example: "21 Jump Street" <-- HILARIOUS). For those who have seen it, they probably felt like me once the credits rolled, thinking what the heck was this about?
The movie started out precious and sweet. Tom proposed to Violet, and although she ruined the surprise prior to the thought-out proposal (seriously, guys need to take notes on this), it made the couple seem absolutely charming. Violet gets accepted into her dream program at the University of Michigan, and the couple has to move. Out of his love for her, Tom willingly gives up his job as a main chef at a nice restaurant in San Francisco in pursuit of his bride-to-be's dream.
Then the movie goes downhill. Fast.
Throughout their time in Michigan, the couple struggles finding an engagement date, scenes are dragged out beyond the norm and viewers are just ready for them to hurry up and roll the credits. After 90 minutes, I was wondering how much longer I would have to suffer through this. Violet is kissed by her professor, Tom hooks up with a coworker and the couple breaks up. Violet dates the professor, Tom ends up with some young, wild girl that I could hardly stand.
Alas. Violet's birthday comes along, and Tom calls. Realizing they made a mistake, Violet comes to San Francisco over the summer.
Then the movie goes uphill.
After realizing they need to just deal with their personal problems and get married, Violet proposes to Tom. Still carrying the ring in his taco ghettofab truck (aka an old ambulance), Violet rushes them at the park to decide a minister, the type of wedding, color tux he is going to wear and the final details. Before her flight leaves for Michigan so she can begin teaching in the fall, the couple is happily married, and everyone is glad this dragged-out movie is over.
The only question the viewer must ask is, what actually happened? Did she miss her flight, or did he move back?
We will never know.
The movie started out precious and sweet. Tom proposed to Violet, and although she ruined the surprise prior to the thought-out proposal (seriously, guys need to take notes on this), it made the couple seem absolutely charming. Violet gets accepted into her dream program at the University of Michigan, and the couple has to move. Out of his love for her, Tom willingly gives up his job as a main chef at a nice restaurant in San Francisco in pursuit of his bride-to-be's dream.
Then the movie goes downhill. Fast.
Throughout their time in Michigan, the couple struggles finding an engagement date, scenes are dragged out beyond the norm and viewers are just ready for them to hurry up and roll the credits. After 90 minutes, I was wondering how much longer I would have to suffer through this. Violet is kissed by her professor, Tom hooks up with a coworker and the couple breaks up. Violet dates the professor, Tom ends up with some young, wild girl that I could hardly stand.
Alas. Violet's birthday comes along, and Tom calls. Realizing they made a mistake, Violet comes to San Francisco over the summer.
Then the movie goes uphill.
After realizing they need to just deal with their personal problems and get married, Violet proposes to Tom. Still carrying the ring in his taco ghettofab truck (aka an old ambulance), Violet rushes them at the park to decide a minister, the type of wedding, color tux he is going to wear and the final details. Before her flight leaves for Michigan so she can begin teaching in the fall, the couple is happily married, and everyone is glad this dragged-out movie is over.
The only question the viewer must ask is, what actually happened? Did she miss her flight, or did he move back?
We will never know.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
My First Recipe
After months and months of attempting (and succeeding) at recipes on Pinterest, I finally have time to post one recipe! This is my absolute FAVORITE to cook, and I frequently make it (as in once a week). The original recipe is called Bucco Di Beppo's Spicy Chicken Rigatoni, however I have made this version to serve just one person. This edition of the recipe does not put the peas in the mix, nor do I add red pepper flakes. I'm from South Louisiana, hence my use of Tony Chachere's. This is what the final product looks like, and you get all of that flavor for just 11 Weight Watchers Points Plus.
Bucco Di Beppo's Spicy Chicken Rigatoni
(as skinnified by Sarah):
Ingredients:
-1 c. cooked rigatoni
-1 chicken breast
-1 tsp. vegetable oil
-Some shakes of Tony Chachere's
-1 dash of Kraft Italian Cheese Blend (parmesan, provolone and mozzarella)
-1/4 c. alfredo sauce
-1/4 c. tomato sauce
-1 tsp. minced garlic
-1 tsp. butter (I use Blue Bonnet Light)
Instructions:
1. Cut up the chicken breast and add some Tony's to it.
2. In a skillet, add the oil and garlic, then place the chicken in and cook until the meat is fully done.
3. In a sauce pan, pour the tomato sauce in first, then the alfredo and stir until it becomes thick. Add in the butter and stir until it completely melts.
4. Put the cooked rigatoni in a bowl, and pour most of the sauce over it. Add the chicken, and using a spatula, pour the remaining sauce over it. Top with the cheese, and enjoy :)
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
April
Spring has finally sprung (well, early down here in Louisiana), but this means baseball season is underway. Since the Sox collapse in September, life hasn't been the same. The first week of baseball was terrible, then right as they give fans hope of overcoming the Stankees, they collapse two games to Tampa Bay and the Rangers.
In other sporting news, the Bruins have done superb in the playoffs. I've discovered Milan Lucic has one heck of an arm when it comes to fights, and Thomas blows my mind with the saves he makes. The Pats have the easiest schedule thus far (hallelujah), and the bounty deal with the Saints is allowing me to get back at those who can't get over the spygate scandal with Belichick. That was how many years ago?
So let's move on to cooking news :)
I found a recipe on Pinterest for Bucca Di Beppo's Spicy Chicken Rigatoni. I cut out a lot of the oil, made the recipe just for one and did not add the peas. There were some other changes I made to the recipe (like subbing red pepper flakes for Tony Chachere's), but it came out really, really well.
I'll blog the recipe next time :)
In other sporting news, the Bruins have done superb in the playoffs. I've discovered Milan Lucic has one heck of an arm when it comes to fights, and Thomas blows my mind with the saves he makes. The Pats have the easiest schedule thus far (hallelujah), and the bounty deal with the Saints is allowing me to get back at those who can't get over the spygate scandal with Belichick. That was how many years ago?
So let's move on to cooking news :)
I found a recipe on Pinterest for Bucca Di Beppo's Spicy Chicken Rigatoni. I cut out a lot of the oil, made the recipe just for one and did not add the peas. There were some other changes I made to the recipe (like subbing red pepper flakes for Tony Chachere's), but it came out really, really well.
I'll blog the recipe next time :)
Friday, January 27, 2012
About to Start Cooking
I received a slow cooker this past Christmas and have used it almost every day (true story). I've never had a problem with enjoying cooking, but I'm always on the hunt for something new. I usually Google a recipe, look at my ingredients and what I like, then tweak it.
By tweak, I mean make healthier, tastier, substitute, etc.
Sometimes I wish the food came out better, other times, it's out of this world.
I'm going to use my slow cooker tomorrow and Sunday, so I will be posting recipes soon :)
Happy cooking!
By tweak, I mean make healthier, tastier, substitute, etc.
Sometimes I wish the food came out better, other times, it's out of this world.
I'm going to use my slow cooker tomorrow and Sunday, so I will be posting recipes soon :)
Happy cooking!
Monday, October 10, 2011
What Makes Love True
As an avid Tiffany & Co. fan, it's no surprise I have their apps on my iPhone and receive daily emails. Something as of late has caught my eye recently, though. They came out with a new campaign all about true love. It's filled with people's individual love stories and how they came to be.
Considering I've never been in love or anywhere near it, I'm always a slight skeptic as to what the definition of love is. I know when that right person comes along, I'll know. Until then, I'll have tear-stained cheeks from these sweet stories of old childhood sweethearts reconnected and people who never thought would fall in love that do.
Until I move to Boston and get established, I'm closed to finding love. And as crazy as that sounds, I have much self-improvement to be done.
Friday night, I saw What's Your Number. According to a lot of people I know who wouldn't see the movie, they would claim it's one of those trashy films that's all about sex and is garbage. Within the first five minutes of the movie, I knew it was set in Boston. And here's a spoiler - in the end, Annie chooses to stay in Boston over this mega loaded guy. Granted, there was another hot guy in the picture for her to go to, but the fact is she chose the city she loved. And what was it? Boston.
Though I graduate in May, I constantly worry about just getting there. If I opt not to go to grad school, my latest prayer is I can land a job that'll allow means for me to get up there, be able to live on something more than peanut butter sandwiches (no jelly).
Anyways, that's my Boston rant for the day. Thanks for reading :)
Considering I've never been in love or anywhere near it, I'm always a slight skeptic as to what the definition of love is. I know when that right person comes along, I'll know. Until then, I'll have tear-stained cheeks from these sweet stories of old childhood sweethearts reconnected and people who never thought would fall in love that do.
Until I move to Boston and get established, I'm closed to finding love. And as crazy as that sounds, I have much self-improvement to be done.
Friday night, I saw What's Your Number. According to a lot of people I know who wouldn't see the movie, they would claim it's one of those trashy films that's all about sex and is garbage. Within the first five minutes of the movie, I knew it was set in Boston. And here's a spoiler - in the end, Annie chooses to stay in Boston over this mega loaded guy. Granted, there was another hot guy in the picture for her to go to, but the fact is she chose the city she loved. And what was it? Boston.
Though I graduate in May, I constantly worry about just getting there. If I opt not to go to grad school, my latest prayer is I can land a job that'll allow means for me to get up there, be able to live on something more than peanut butter sandwiches (no jelly).
Anyways, that's my Boston rant for the day. Thanks for reading :)
Monday, August 15, 2011
Glorieta 2011
Every year, my church college group takes a trip out to New Mexico to join with 2,000 other college students in a Fuge-like camp. I'm always taught something new and refreshing, but I must say I learned the most this year.
This past school year, I made so many wrong decisions. I put my Christian walk on the backburner to do things that pleased me and made me feel content. I drank more than I expected, let others influence me in the wrong way and put God last. I knew some of the choices I made up till last week were wrong, yet I chose to look God in the eyes and say, "no," rather than taking responsibility and not falling under Satan's trap.
Since I've been home, I've apologized to God and others for my actions, found ways to better my walk with Christ and have made positive changes.
A main topic this week was marriage, dating and singleness. I got a ton of positive information on all three aspects and raised my standards with what I look for in a mate. I also was around people who have the exact views on dating as me. I have high standards and don't seek to settle. If I never find someone, I'll be happy knowing I have Jesus (though I really, really, really want someone to spend my life with).
Another thing that I learned to deal with is people's thoughts of me. I learned you can't have the world and Jesus. I let other friends influence me in negative ways, rather than not spending as much time around them and focusing on bettering myself. I realized I have to have people constantly building me up for His glory rather than shooting me down and causing me to stumble. So yeah, I know this sounds judgmental, but frankly, I don't care. Call me what you want - but I don't need people's approval to get through life.
I used to care what people thought of me and hated stepping on toes, but honestly, I don't care anymore.
I can't please everyone, nor should I try. If I lose friends, who cares? I have some of the best, godliest friends anyone could ask for who will be there for me regardless. I don't need the world's approval on things, nor do I care about their opinion on my life.
So, in lieu of my senior year, I'm going in as the Sarah who has her heart set on Boston and pleasing Him rather than others. I know friendships will probably end and I'll feel alone, but all I need is Jesus.
This past school year, I made so many wrong decisions. I put my Christian walk on the backburner to do things that pleased me and made me feel content. I drank more than I expected, let others influence me in the wrong way and put God last. I knew some of the choices I made up till last week were wrong, yet I chose to look God in the eyes and say, "no," rather than taking responsibility and not falling under Satan's trap.
Since I've been home, I've apologized to God and others for my actions, found ways to better my walk with Christ and have made positive changes.
A main topic this week was marriage, dating and singleness. I got a ton of positive information on all three aspects and raised my standards with what I look for in a mate. I also was around people who have the exact views on dating as me. I have high standards and don't seek to settle. If I never find someone, I'll be happy knowing I have Jesus (though I really, really, really want someone to spend my life with).
Another thing that I learned to deal with is people's thoughts of me. I learned you can't have the world and Jesus. I let other friends influence me in negative ways, rather than not spending as much time around them and focusing on bettering myself. I realized I have to have people constantly building me up for His glory rather than shooting me down and causing me to stumble. So yeah, I know this sounds judgmental, but frankly, I don't care. Call me what you want - but I don't need people's approval to get through life.
I used to care what people thought of me and hated stepping on toes, but honestly, I don't care anymore.
I can't please everyone, nor should I try. If I lose friends, who cares? I have some of the best, godliest friends anyone could ask for who will be there for me regardless. I don't need the world's approval on things, nor do I care about their opinion on my life.
So, in lieu of my senior year, I'm going in as the Sarah who has her heart set on Boston and pleasing Him rather than others. I know friendships will probably end and I'll feel alone, but all I need is Jesus.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Men
Here's to you, men.
So here's my confusion on men and why they call women "complicated" and can't seem to read us. Brace yourself...stuff's about to go down.
Honestly, men out there, women aren't as complicated as you think - genuine ones, at least. The good girls you want to marry and be all soccer-daddy with aren't on some other planet. My biggest pet peeve with today's men is how easily they settle. They find a girl they like (typically a size two girl with few morals) and try to make things work. Know what's wrong here? Men would go for the not so attractive thin girl in heels and a miniskirt over the curvaceous size 14 girl who's gorgeous and has standards.
Don't get me wrong...physical attraction is a big thing for me. That's the first thing you see, and for me, it doesn't matter what other people think of him - what do I think of him?
While the green is good and somewhat promising, I'd rather have that one guy who calls me the moment he gets off work, talks and isn't degrading to women. Finding a man like that is like finding a polar bear in Louisiana - nearly impossible.
So men...don't be so shallow, if you like a girl, tell her (chances are she digs you too) and if you feel things aren't going in the direction of a relationship, and she's dropping hints it is, tell her straight. Tell a girl the moment she hits the "friend zone" (I really loathe that term).
So that's my spiel. Man up and get the girl. Follow your dreams. Tell a girl immediately how you feel. Tell her if it changes. Otherwise, you'll be forced to settle and it'll be too late.
Okay...and my grand finale:
If you recently break up (guys and girls) don't find that "rebound" person. There are plenty of other ways to fill that void...someone to temporarily please you won't do it. Chances are one person will be hurt in the end. Speaking from my successful relationships, I'm not one to talk, but it's my opinion from the sidelines.
So here's my confusion on men and why they call women "complicated" and can't seem to read us. Brace yourself...stuff's about to go down.
Honestly, men out there, women aren't as complicated as you think - genuine ones, at least. The good girls you want to marry and be all soccer-daddy with aren't on some other planet. My biggest pet peeve with today's men is how easily they settle. They find a girl they like (typically a size two girl with few morals) and try to make things work. Know what's wrong here? Men would go for the not so attractive thin girl in heels and a miniskirt over the curvaceous size 14 girl who's gorgeous and has standards.
Don't get me wrong...physical attraction is a big thing for me. That's the first thing you see, and for me, it doesn't matter what other people think of him - what do I think of him?
While the green is good and somewhat promising, I'd rather have that one guy who calls me the moment he gets off work, talks and isn't degrading to women. Finding a man like that is like finding a polar bear in Louisiana - nearly impossible.
So men...don't be so shallow, if you like a girl, tell her (chances are she digs you too) and if you feel things aren't going in the direction of a relationship, and she's dropping hints it is, tell her straight. Tell a girl the moment she hits the "friend zone" (I really loathe that term).
So that's my spiel. Man up and get the girl. Follow your dreams. Tell a girl immediately how you feel. Tell her if it changes. Otherwise, you'll be forced to settle and it'll be too late.
Okay...and my grand finale:
If you recently break up (guys and girls) don't find that "rebound" person. There are plenty of other ways to fill that void...someone to temporarily please you won't do it. Chances are one person will be hurt in the end. Speaking from my successful relationships, I'm not one to talk, but it's my opinion from the sidelines.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
The Future
I've recently been give pep talks by my parents to start job hunting. It's hard to believe that this time next year, I'll be a Louisiana Tech alumna. Some of me is ready to make money and get in the real world, yet I find myself terrified of really growing up. No longer will I spend breaks and summers at home, I won't have my parents constantly reminding me to clean my room or ask me to clean house on my days off and if I immediately make it to Boston, I'll only be home twice a year due to air fare costs.
I'm a planner. I have everything written down on my calendar. I always have to-do lists going, and I love seeing them get checked off. While I pray daily that I can go through with my Boston plans, I'm scared of failure. I think that's why I've been scared of the idea of love - I'm a happy sappy person, but when a guy shows interest, I shy away instead of open up to the idea of it. I'm scared of falling in love with the wrong person, getting married and find myself mid-life lying awake at night, miserable.
I'm scared to get my heart broken and make mistakes I'll regret later. It's all of this combined that makes me amazed at the uncertainty in life. When I decided to go to Tech, I knew I was making the right choice. I needed to get away, and I love looking at all I've accomplished. I was reading my journal entries from senior year yesterday. I love how I wasn't sure of where I was going or if I love what I was going into. A senior at Tech now, still in the field of journalism, I know all the decisions I've made are correct. I hope the path my life continues to lead is one I'll look back on and feel proud of.
I'm a planner. I have everything written down on my calendar. I always have to-do lists going, and I love seeing them get checked off. While I pray daily that I can go through with my Boston plans, I'm scared of failure. I think that's why I've been scared of the idea of love - I'm a happy sappy person, but when a guy shows interest, I shy away instead of open up to the idea of it. I'm scared of falling in love with the wrong person, getting married and find myself mid-life lying awake at night, miserable.
I'm scared to get my heart broken and make mistakes I'll regret later. It's all of this combined that makes me amazed at the uncertainty in life. When I decided to go to Tech, I knew I was making the right choice. I needed to get away, and I love looking at all I've accomplished. I was reading my journal entries from senior year yesterday. I love how I wasn't sure of where I was going or if I love what I was going into. A senior at Tech now, still in the field of journalism, I know all the decisions I've made are correct. I hope the path my life continues to lead is one I'll look back on and feel proud of.
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