Don't give your name, you don't have one

Time-lapse of the past [source]

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I am amazed at the human mind. We make decisions, sometimes without even realizing, that effect our whole being just by putting us in a certain mood. I feel like just making the smallest change in your attitude can turn around your mood and furthermore your outlook. This may just be taken as becoming a more positive person, but this change can make us learn more, work harder, and become better people.

This revelation came as I was starting the required reading (only two days before school). Reality is Broken, by Jane McGonigal, is all about video games and things I thought didn't apply to me. Now, only one chapter in, I am completely hooked.

I started with a negative attitude having the typical "games are a waste of time and talent" attitude. Then, as I was half reading her first pages, I decided to open my mind and listen to what she was saying. After all, I have the amazing opportunity to meet her during new student orientation. (And anyone who is motivated and educated enough to finish an original book with 350 pages of a new idea is worth meeting and listening to.) And now, I am loving this book. Isn't life amazing?

[amazon]

Oh hey, Irene.

Well, things have been a little wild in the mix of this hurricane. My entire county is under mandatory evacuation so I'm in the awesome town of Charlottesville, Virginia. Although I'm praying for everyone at home (and our house!), there are some definite upsides to this evacuation. My family is here with me in a hotel and we got to sight see today!

Charlottesville is a beautiful, beautiful town. We visited Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take pictures inside, but here are some I took of the exterior and grounds surrounding. If I knew history was so interesting, maybe I wouldn't have slept through it for my four years of high school.

Definitely a must visit place. I also love what I picked up in the gift store (they sell everything from furniture to silverware to jewelry to chapstick- all of which I wanted). I purchased lavender soap bars, a few antique looking postcards, and rose powder.

EDIT::

Here is a link to Ralph Lauren's shade of Monticello yellow, inspired by the dining room. The pictures show just one of the amazing rooms.

Recent Obsessions

Day 6

Rain, rain, you can stay.

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You have got to love a day when you can test out your new rain boots and tromp through the mud till your heart is content.

It is day 6. Well, almost Day 7. Of what you ask?

Well.

I've become a vegetarian. I was originally planning to be vegan in a week, but my mother has other plans for me. I feel healthier, happier and I hope I can stick to the change and make it happen. Although, it's kind of a hard switch to make on its own, let alone when you have your mother trying to force chicken down your throat. So here's to hoping and helping the animals we unnecessarily and cruelly murder everyday.