I think I ll go with happiness.

In high school, many of the kids in my grade were pushed extremely hard by their parents. They were pressured into taking the hardest classes, summer classes, practice SAT classes...since middle school. Their parents pushed them this hard, because they wanted them to get into the best universities. Generally their parents dream for them was to pursue medicine. A lot of these kids were my good friends at one time or another, and they would tell me they were only going to do medicine because it pays well, not because they honestly wanted to help people. I learned from my friends that their parents instilled their love of money into their kids. This was very sad to me at the time. They were pretty condesending to me, because I was planning on going to culinary school. They felt like culinary school was something below them, because they had been breed for the best universities. I wanted to pursue baking because I love it, I think about food all the time, and I think food brings a lot of beauty and happiness to the world...or it at least does to mine. No one was supportive of this dream of mine, everyone (including my parents) pushed me to go to a big school with a "real" major.

After switching from Nutrition, to a sort of outlandish major of Photography, I have never been happier. For as much as I enjoy nutrition, the science classes were too hard for me. The only thing I did last semester was study for my three science classes, and no matter how hard I studied and went to tutoring, I only made F's or D's on the tests. This was stressful, and really discouraging. I realized no matter how much I loved Nutrition, I was dreading the rest of my time at collage. I thought I had some talent and potential in art, and wanted try my hand at it. I love it. Everyone who knows me, knows how much I love being an art major.

I have no idea what I am going to do with a degree in art. Maybe I ll still go to culinary school? I really have no idea, but I like not knowing.

I have a lot of things I like (like cleaning, dog walking, yoga, nutrition, and babysitting), and if I have a few jobs where I get to do a little of everything I like. I'm totally fine with that. I don't know if that is realistic, but I don't know if being a photographer is either.

I have had a very comfortable upbringing and am used to a very high standard of living. Over the past year, I have realized that money can not and does not bring happiness. What makes me happy, is enjoying life, my relationships, my talents, and the comfort of knowing the Creator of this world loves me and cares for me, not how much money or stuff I have.

Reading this verse comforts me:

Luke 12:22-

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well."

Taking this literally, requires a lot of faith. I hope the more I trust God the more I'll start living out this verse.

three quick things....

1. Ate breakfast on the floor with Buddy. I think I may love her a bit extra in the mornings.

2. I wore my rain boots all day, and it turned out to be a beautiful sunny day, instead of stormy. I got a lot of weird looks.

3. I got to see Jeff in his swearing and smoking role. He was a bad cop. He was really very good.

spring romance

How come it seems like every spring everyone seems to be falling in love? I have noticed that every spring since high school, people get into relationships more so, than any other time of the year. Maybe it's the flowers, or butterflies, or early morning bird songs, or the allergies, maybe its the emerging of warmth from after a cold spell? Whatever is it, there must be something in the air, that makes people want to be with one another.

This has been true in the past for me, but none more so than this particular spring. I seemed to have found myself in a bit of a whirlwind romance. Sudden, unexpected, and very very lovely...

The earth is not a cold dead place

I saw so much life and joy in Austin in the past day. Especially on my walk by the river.

A man just sitting by himself gazing at the water. - seeing someone just enjoy their own company and enjoying nature is fantastic

A couple took a break from canoeing to snag a quick kiss. - this was especially beautiful to happen upon to see.

Turtles came together to all sun bathe in a big group.

The wildflowers were breathtaking. And I am serious, they made me stop and think of nothing else but their beauty, and the Creator who made them.

Danger added to the mix ...

It's fun pretending you are in high school again.

sweet whispers

I didn't realize how... in the middle of a crowded room, everyone can melt away, for just a second, as sweet compliments are whispered in your ear.

Vegetarian

I have been a happy and proud Vegetarian for almost a week.

I had been thinking about going Veg for almost a year, (and I was a vegetarian many many years ago) but more and more recently I have realized how much I don't enjoy meat.

I decided after talking to Billy last week to make it official. I have been reading more into it, and I can't be happier with my decision. Learning about meat plants, and how they raise animals, and what they do to them is really very awful and terrible. And since I don't like meat all that much, animals would be killed and tortured for me... to not enjoy eating them.

I am a pescatarian, so I will eat fish. I will also eat meat if it is organic or free range, because the animals who are raised for it, are treated humanly.

Reading into what happens at meat plants, and a great book called Skinny Bitch. I don't want to just avoid eating meat. I want to be a LOT more conscious of eating more natural and organic things. It's better for my health and body. And when I eat like I do back home, I feel more energized and healthier.

What I see at Common grounds...

...The most adorable squirrel being extrodinarily brave, searching for nuts. He is doing a great job of finding a lot, and burrying them lots of crazy places. I love watching squirrels hide nuts. After digging a hole and putting the nut in it, they pat over the dirt very carefully, while looking around. As if they are very inconspicuous.

...A girl just ran into her old friend and told her she was engaged. Girls get to excited about this. It's funny to watch.

...Some guy is rocking out to the music on his head phones.

...A lady is just sitting enjoying the sun and her book, with her pet parrot on her shoulder.

...The same parrot then got dropped off on his stand. He proceeded to bob his head up and down, ruffle all his feathers, eat a piece of fruit, hang on his food bowl by his beak, and try to nibble on some rocks. Eric and I dared to pet his unexpectedly rough feathers. This parrot was my favorite part of the day. He gave me a great laugh.

...Micheal, Eric, and Jerry! Three of the greats, whom I don't see nearly as much as I should.

...John and his yellow lab.

...A mom and daughter catching up over coffee.

...lots of studying.

...Ben Dudster and Tommy!

I need to remember how bad my allergies are when I am outside and take my medicine for them! All my sneezing and itchiness is awful!