I've Got Sunshine On a Cloudy Day

So it's time to reflect, once again. While the last few hours of 2011 wind down, many television shows count down the most memorable moments, sights, sounds, and stories of the year while people come together to toast to a new year, a new beginning. We often take time to look back on the tragedies that have touched so many over the past year, we look at saddening and moving images which are yelling more than 1,000 words out to us as we look in disbelief. It was a year of terrible weather, natural disasters, and history in the making, and it's these events that usually make the headlines during year-end reflections. It's easier, as it is with many things in life, to look at the negative, to look back on these disasters and sad times. However, we can turn some of the bad and sad into good when we reflect and remember those we have lost; their pictures of happier days bringing warm memories back to us. A year seems to go by very quickly, and it's refreshing to look back

    Kelly Rae Roberts

The red candle is burning in the back of my room and here I am, laying comfortably in my big-girl bed, surrounded by a plethora of pillows and even a few stuffed animals, while being warmed by the lamp on my nightstand. It's just me and my somewhat trusty, slowly fading laptop. Sometimes that's all it takes to make me happy. Sometimes. Sometimes I would prefer not to be alone but I suppose right now is as good a time as any to update my blog. I have referred to this blog as my sanity, my stress reliever, and an electronic version of myself and my emotions. Whether it's a cheesy picture or a cliche quote that I've posted, I've posted them because I like them and they reflect who I am and what I like. Some of my friends say I have a unique personality and a fun taste in my interior, or exterior, decorations. Much of this is considered to be "so Luz" which in itself is quite original; an originality I am very proud of. This mixture of fashionista, apple-green

I didn't think I could do it. I sat on my yoga mat and stared at the instructor with a slight sense of wonder. I could feel that my head was tilting to one side as the confusion raced around in my brain. I was perplexed. "How did she do that?" I thought, and as she softly explained that it was our turn to the try the tripod, no one moved. I wasn't the only one with a crooked head overflowing with thoughts of doubt, amazement, and shyness. I continued sitting still, just the same way everyone else did. The woman next to me finally moved and was successful at the tripod while the rest of us watched. I remembered how that woman had once told me that she's been doing yoga for 12 years so I assumed she'd done that pose many, many times before. I've only done yoga for a year so how could my body possibly balance like that? Almost as quickly as I was doubting myself, the instructor gave us another chance. Those infamous words came to my mind as I straightened my

The great Michael Jordan once said, "some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, and others make it happen." When I came across this quote last night, I had a certain pang in my heart. I thought, that's me. The one that wants it to happen. And I was instantly let down and disappointed with myself. In the life of a 24 year old girl, I have created many dreams and ambitions for myself, knowing that everything in time works itself out, and some of these things I do make happen, but many others remain a distant dream, or just a good conversation starter; they seem to remain things that I only wish would happen. Some of these goals of mine have been to run a half marathon or even a few road races, to spend my free time volunteering and helping people in need, visit certain big cities, to write a book, to write and illustrate a children's book, and to ultimately become an English teacher. My dream and desire to have a blog that depicts different aspects of m

I wish I wasn't falling asleep to the groaning sound of the neighbor's generator. I actually wish I was falling asleep to the beautiful sound of nothingness, to the absolute sound of silence that Mother Nature seemed to grant over us in the past few days. Silence, darkness, and chilling cold air surrounded me. As eerie as it felt to drive from one end of Cheshire clear to the other without seeing a single welcoming light, it was also peaceful, and it was bright. The stars seemed to glisten brighter than I've ever seen them. I had yet another reality check and moment of pure gratitude, when I was reminded that despite being without electricity, I was not without food, family, and my home. Things can always, always be worse. It was a time to cleanse my soul. Before I snuck off to my warm, welcoming bed, I opened the front door and saw an abundance of stars twinkling above me. Stars were shining that I've never seen before, that have never been brighter than the light poll

JAMES MORRISON "One Life" When I was a young boy I was living for the moment The world was wide open I had every choice But with so many choices I just didn’t know what to do now All I say is just forget it If you tell me I’ll regret it Just let it be what it is Cause it’s so easy to say If I knew yesterday what I know today Where would I be tomorrow I won’t let my soul slide away I’d do whatever it takes Cause this time’s only borrowed I got one life, one life, one life And I’m gonna live it I got one life, one life, one life And I’m gonna live it right My daddy sat me down He said “Son, it’s probably time to start making some plans” And I said “No, not right now” With so many choices I just didn’t know what to do now All I say is just forget it If you tell me I’ll regret it Just let it be what it is Cause it’s so easy to say If I knew yesterday what I know today Where would I be tomorrow I won’t let my soul slide away I’d d

If it were possible to spend a day in the life of someone else, I would have quite the conversations with myself about who to choose. I would even have an extreme number of finalists and in that selection I would include singer and songwriter Mat Kearney. I have a recent obsession with Mat though I discovered his musical talents a number of years ago. His newest CD has been in my car on random for weeks. I listen to it at least twice a day; on my way to work, and on my way home from work. I have a windy commute through foliage filled narrow roads that are all too perfect as the sun rises in my rear view mirror. I'm only on the crammed highway for a short while, so most of the drive is in fact enjoyable. Listening to the distinct voice of Mat Kearney makes it that much more enjoyable, but the best part is listening to his lyrics. Everyday as I listen to his music, I untangle some of his words that I thought I knew, and figure out what he's really saying.  If I could sp

 

The Fourth Annual Life Lessons Essay Contest  Find out how to enter Real Simple ’s yearly contest.  When did you first understand the meaning of love? Maybe you were a child, witnessing a generous act by your father or mother. Maybe the lesson came later, as you grappled with the challenges of being a friend, a spouse, or a parent yourself. Whatever made you understand love—and yourself—better, tell us about it. Inspired by a seemingly perfect day at the beach this past summer, I read the rules and procedures for this contest and decided I had nothing to lose. Below is the final copy, after many, many tweeks, edits, and revisions.  The Road Home  At age 24 and a half I know I still have a vast majority of life’s experiences ahead of me. I have had my fair share of incredible opportunities and experiences and I have been inspired first hand by the people around me. I

Recently I've taken up yoga and soon thereafter took a severe liking to the entire concept of it. I took yoga back in high school but that was a one time deal and didn't start again until about seven months ago. I immediately pictured myself become a hippie yoga-girl, smelling of incense and being constantly aware of my breathing deeply and properly. During the rough months of this past winter yoga kept me going, kept me alive and warm. Going twice a week, by myself, while the instructor played some of my favorite songs by my favorite artists- I nearly lost it when she started one class with "American Baby Intro", one of my faves- really gave me a chance to focus on me and only me. That sounds like a rude, selfish thing to say, but when much of my energy was exerted on making other people happy, it was time to focus on myself. Yoga allowed me to clear my mind for at least the time being, it allowed me to put down my cell phone, lay still, and treat my body well. The

"It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge." -Albert Einstein So far, so good. It's been five school days and almost as many "snow" days to begin my first real world j-o-b. I run around the school like a little duckling, trying to find my way around while carrying my map and my schedule. Similar to the first day of high school, except that the other kids around me are much younger than I. Teaching has been my passion for more years than I can remember. It is with sincere thanks that I offer to Mrs. Lockwood and Mr. Schaefer for really and truly inspiring me throughout years of my own education, through my own schooling. I remember sixth grade fondly. It was undoubtedly the most fun I've ever had in school. After a tough fifth grade teacher, I was thrilled to see that I had Mrs. Lockwood the following year. I had class with some of my closest friends that I met a few years prior, and the memories of us togethe

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." -Confucius  I find it fatefully fitting that these words of wisdom and inspiration are on the top of the webpage for the new school I will be a part of in just a few days. I clicked on "Principal's Message" as I decided to check up on my new school shortly after I was hired, and a smile crept across my face. After those endless applications that haunted me and kept me restless for the majority of my summer, I have landed my first full-time teaching position. The feelings I described when I was offered the position down in Virginia were the exact opposite I felt when I was offered this position in the small Connecticut town. I am excited, thrilled even. I am relieved. I am ready. I am ready to see the gleaming faces of the young children that will look up to me as their teacher, tutor, and as a role model. I am ready to learn from my fellow staff and experienced teachers in the building while I deve

Over the past few months I have learned to train my brain and my thoughts within my brain to stay positive. I'll be the first one to tell you that not knowing the next step in one's life is although at times exhilarating, most definitely unsettling and, to say the least, stressful. There have been studies done and polls taken which show that people need some sort of stress in their lives to keep moving, to keep on keeping on. If we strolled down Easy Street at all times with no curves or bumps or detour signs, nothing would get done and even the most motivated and driven people would become lazy and comfortable in their own daily rituals. I personally enjoy reading motivational books written by people that have overcome a wide range of adversity. I enjoy reading inspirational and thought-provoking quotations written by people, in some cases, hundreds of years ago before many of the stressors in my life ever even existed, but that still stand so true no matter the time, era, or

...And sorry I could not travel both, And be one traveler, long I stood." There are many times in our lives when we are faced with a complex decision. Along with the decision that is weighing us down comes the option to make a last call, a final answer. Often times a tough decision can be simple- should I wear jeans or a dress? Should I eat cereal or pancakes? Should we leave at nine or at ten? However, as we grow up and move more towards adulthood (and I suppose I shouldn't refer to the subject as "we", as I am only trying to justify with myself) I am often times faced with more extreme, important decisions. The time has crept up to me again and I am faced with an overwhelmingly emotional decision. The decision could possibly be between my head and my heart, or my wants and my needs, but regardless of what the circumstances are, Juminy Cricket is telling me no. Jiminy is telling me that something else will come about- that it will all work out just

"Ah! There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort." -Jane Austen  Today I was pleasantly and welcomely reminded just how beautiful the New England summer scenery is. To begin, today was one of those picturesque days. This morning the skies dawned a clear, brightly blazing blue which carried through the entire afternoon and even into this evening. As I sit here now I can see the start of the sunset- hues of pink, violet, purple and yellow are swiftly flowing across the northwest sky. The trip to the beach today was instantly refreshing and put my racing mind at ease. I wasn't exactly thrilled about my return to Cheshire after living so independently in the big metropolis that is New York for a few years. I knew I had to keep an open mind to all things that came my way, and I made sure to think positively about everything that was Cheshire. Recently, I've been reminded just how sweet home really is. Connecticut is thought of as a quiet, quaint little sta

I can spend hours looking at greeting cards and picking out the perfect card for the perfect person. Recently, when I was at Trader Joe's, I picked up this card but had no intentions to give it to anyone. To me it was a perfect reminder of how I should live my life everyday. Just yesterday I put it in a frame and hung it next to the door of my bedroom so that I can read it everyday on my way out. The card reads as follows: Embrace change Take the journey back to your self Love with abandon Speak of your gratitude Wear yellow shoes Unleash your creative spirit Dance in the moonlight Be positive Believe in healing Share your inner light Surprise yourself and do the thing you didn't think you could Live as if you've only been given one chance. All of these statements ring so true in my life even more now than when I bought the card a few weeks ago. I start my mornings reading a quote about winning the day, and I start my day with these pieces of advice from the

The words of Mahatma Gahdhi ring true in my mind seemingly more now than ever. During this time of transition in my life when I go from being independent and responsible for myself in every aspect of life to sharing everything and moving into someone else's home, it becomes a world of difference. I should take this down time to look back on how hard I've worked over the past six years in school. I should enjoy the uncertainty of my life and not worry about little things. I appreciate the bonding time with my mom and close-by friends while relaxing and doing the little things that I love while I have the time. I might consider this time my fear of the unknown- unknown of where I will be working, unknown of where I will be living, and unknown of how close or far away I will be from home. That being said, I am trying to change the small area of the world that I roam. Most importantly my concern is to include positive thinking into all that I do. I firmly believe that if you think

3 things I want to do this summer while living at home: 1.) Volunteer 2.) Ride my bike 3.) Work out A LOT. ("It's too hot" will not be an excuse...)

I was not a regular, daily watcher of the Oprah Winfrey show. She has been on air since before I was born so she is an icon and a role model to my generation and the generations surrounding me. If I was ever home at 4pm on a week day during high school I would watch, depending on who she had on her show that day. Through college it was the same. I didn't have to watch but sometimes it was a nice background noise to my homework, studying, or chatting with friends. I watched Oprah rarely. I am not one of those people whose life has changed because of Oprah. I have not been touched personally by something she has done, though I do admire her strength and power across our world. With all the free time have had lately I decided to watch her farewell show today. Oprah is a true inspiration. As an aspiring teacher it is amazing to watch the things she has done for those less fortunate around the world by allowing them to have the education that they deserve. I believe she has provided s

So today was finally my last day at work. It was nice, sad, bittersweet. I didn't apply for any jobs today because I was at work until 5:30, then I came home, changed, cleaned my room, made some dinner, and of course called my mom. The commencement speaker at graduation the other day said he makes sure to call his mom for 5 minutes a day and it's the best 5 minutes of his day. My mom won't let me live it down now! But luckily I called her today and it was for even more than 5 minutes. Anyway, the real world and the unemployed is nice but I guess I get bored easily. But if I had homework or a paper to do, I would be procrastinating anyway! It's a funny thing how it all comes together. Some would advise me to travel, relax, read, enjoy, hike, bike, or write. Of all those I am a fan of the majority of them and if I had a bike with me in Queens I would enjoy all of them. But not in this weather. All I want to do is curl up in my sweats, read a good book, watch a sad movie,

So here it is. The end of the first day of life with a Master's degree. I guess I have now entered the real world and the life of the unemployed. (Actually, the amount of work I still have to complete is sickening. I just want to be done. But what's the harm in going to work for a few more days when I would otherwise have nothing else to do?) Yesterday was a fabulous rainy day. I felt so proud and independent. Although I didn't even hear my own name called as I walked across that stage, I still walked across that state, shook my dean's hand, smiled, and walked back to my seat carefully so as not to slip in the rain and mud. It was certainly a day for my proud mom to enjoy, and for the rest of my friends and family to celebrate with. The goodbyes are coming, but for now I'm going to enjoy the beautiful bouquet of orange flowers on our kitchen table. Life post-St. John's will be a sure adjustment, but one that I am anxiously awaiting...

There is something so peaceful about the rain. There is something even more peaceful about how quiet it makes the city, allowing people to run away and hide until the sun says peekaboo. I love the rain and the comforting feeling that comes with it. Perhaps the comforting feeling is from the sweats I will always wear if it rains, or my soft blankets that surround me while I curl up in bed and listen to the pitter-patter on my window. My hair will always promise to be frizzy in the rain, but during the days that these showers promise flowers, I'll take the frizz.

I took this photo on a sunny fall day in the East Village, NYC. There might be no better way to spend a Sunday morning than in the quiet peace of the East Village. New York City has an infinite amount of secrets, tucked back in the quiet corners that you wouldn't think to look. I was able to explore some of these secrets on a blistery but spring-like day with a close friend. The people seemed so unique, the thick rimmed, large glasses seem to be the "it" item of the year (I'm so up on my fashion!) The parks seemed to be scenes from movies, though inviting and exciting once I entered. Very artistic and seemingly status quo. It was a fresh reminder of the fact that I do love New York and its quirky aspects and hidden treasures.

I just ran into a few someone's today Someone's that I never really knew And I used to think how I had them all so figured out But no, none of it's true 'cause I never knew you and now the truth of it is, is I wanna be like you So hello, good friend, I wanna be next to you For my head, for my heart, for what's true So I'm burning the thoughts of the things that I once said Because you tore down the walls that the world has put inside my head And I just get sick of the things that we think, we think we know And no, none of it's true 'cause I never knew you and now the truth of it is, is I wanna be like you So hello, good friend, I wanna be next to you For my head, for my heart, for what's true So take me and save me and change me and then make me And embrace me and then brave my heart for you No, no, 'cause I can't go on without you And it's time for something new oh oh And no, none of it's true 'cause I

Usually stories don't start out with a conclusion. As an English major I know that narrative stories start with a beginning, work their way up to a climax, and then fall to a conclusion. But this story that I'm about to tell begins with a conclusion. I have come to the conclusion that my life, as Liz, as the young woman I have become, has been the definition of average. Not average in a bad way. Just average as in average, social norm, status quo. My life has been amazing; I am grateful to have the opportunities that have come to me, or rather that I have worked hard to achieve. I have traveled the world, I have made lifelong friends, and I have received an education that lands me a top spot in the group of the educated population in our country. I have a mother that has supported the decisions I have made, the chances I have taken, and the roads I have walked. My sister is especially close to me emotionally and factually, being that we were born two minutes apart on that cold

Let's be serious, I was attracted to this bottle because of the color and the name. Green Fin White Table Wine in a green bottle with a green top. I was hesitant because I'm particular about white wine especially since I like things sweet. I figured if I didn't like the taste I could always cook with it so for $3.99 at the Trader Joe's Wine Shop in Union Square I couldn't refuse. I was very pleasantly surprised! I absolutely loved this wine! I can't wait to go back because I will be purchasing this again. It was not overly sweet but it was not overly dry either. It was a nice color and it is made from organic grapes! Overall I'm very happy I bought this wine and I will buy it again!

People come into our lives and people go. Some go far, far away. Some go away for good. Some leave footprints and others leave daggers, broken pieces. Some people leave loyalty, love, peace, knowledge, even fear or pride. Some people leave irreplaceable memories, some leave heartache we wish we could never remember. Some leave us smiles and warm hugs that we can always feel. People come into our lives and people go. And some people come back into our lives. Perhaps these are the people that always give us butterflies no matter how many times we see them. Perhaps these are the people that we can't quite let go of no matter how hard we try. Perhaps these are the people that we can recall the exact moment we met- where we were, what we were wearing, doing, saying. Whether it was "love at first sight" in the high school auditorium, a celebrity lookalike passing by, a random meeting on a dark street by a police car, or a one on one awkward hello in the school gym. Some peopl

I was the lucky recipient of a random act of kindness the other day. Yes people hold the door for me and say "bless you" when I sneeze. But when my friends and I were out to dinner, an anonymous donor wished to pay a portion of our bill. It took us all by surprise. We could not figure out why it was us they had decided to help. After being taken aback and quietly thinking for a few moments, we decided it was because we are good people and good things happen to good people. It taught me a lesson though- not only did I say special prayers for them and thank them and wish good things to happen to them, but I learned it's time to pass it on. To pay it forward. When someone preforms a random act of kindness and you witness it, it means the only way to keep the peace in this world is to keep it going strong. Kindness. Pass it on.

I believe that to go from lovers to friends might be one of the hardest things a girl can do. Devoting time and love to someone special everyday is fun, fulfilling, and heartwarming. But like they say, all good things must come to an end. It's okay. I tell myself this is for the better and I know I will be just fine. You hold each other for the last time, not wanting to let go. You cry together and wipe each others tears away hoping the pain won't last long. All the memories flash before you, making your heart smile while simultaneously causing heartache. I liked our time together. I loved the things we did have in common and enjoyed learning about the uncommon interests of each other. I liked how he made me laugh and I liked hearing his laugh. I liked how he made me feel. I liked his family and their kindness and welcoming arms. Maybe it was wasted love, maybe it was one-sided, maybe it was not love at all. I don't want to dwell on the good. Those glorydays and the