Dove Chocolate Challenge Day # 61 "Take time to dream." PROMISES Messages

Hey! :)

 Today was an awesome day! It was definitely a load of fun! :)

I'm really tired, and it's almost 3 o'clock in the morning, so I'm gonna make this short, okay? :)

I just got back from a Girl's night out with the Joels' Place girls! We had 17 tickets to go see the Barlow Girl and Mali Music concert, and those guys rocked! And then, afterwards, we drove to Denny's and has some super delicious food, and met some new friends...and right now, we are hanging out at Heather's house and watching Iron Man 2 to top off the night (I don't think I'll make it through this movie, and lol, I don't think I'll make it home either, I think that I'm just going to crash on the couch here). Yep.

But yes, I got a lot of encouragement today from a few people, people that I didn't even know, and they hit it right on the spot, basically, one guy came up to me and said that I should hold on to my dreams, not give up hope, and that things are going to start happening, things are right around the corner. His words were, "you will have peace and favor, don't give up, have patience, and what you've been waiting for is right around the corner."

I didn't even know the guy, we've met once, but it was vague, but it was just an encouragment to hear him say that because he wasn't the only one that said that to me, two others relayed the same message, different people.

Well guys, I think it's time for me to dream, and dream high and hard, to dream without limitations.

Well,

Off to finishing Girl's night I go (I will probably fall asleep).

-Love Your Fellow Chocolatier

P.S., I believe that  good things are in store, and I believe that you too need to hold your head up high, good things are yet to come. :)

Dove Chocolate Challenge Day # 60 "Go confident in the direction of your dreams." PROMISES Messages

Hey ya'll!!! :)

Today has been pretty fun! I dressed up in a costume for work today! (Not sure what you want to call me, an elf, a fairie, or Tinkerbell...lol, I've been called all three).
But the kids at Joel's Place say that I remind them of Legolas from Lord of the Rings! :)

Every year at Joel's Place we have a huge Bon Fire for Holloween. Because Holloween is on Sunday this year, and Joel's Place is closed on Sundays, we had our annual Bon Fire today! And it was a BLAST! It's always fun to have fire and ice! Literally! Fire + Snow = AWESOMENESS!!! :D

Well, to end on a short note, one of my dreams (one of my biggest dreams), is to be in The Hobbit! I sent in a resume to them a few weeks ago! So we shall see what happens. I know that it's a far chance because I'm an unknown and unrepresented actor, but I can't help but dream of that 2% possibility! If it's there then it's there! And tell you what, I am a dreamer! I would love to be an elf in The Hobbit, that is my dream. :)

Well guys,

I better get back to work!

Ta-Ta for now!

Have a Happy and Spooky weekend! :)

-Love Your Fellow Chocolatier!


P.S., here are a few pics of my costume! (My friend made it, and I added the elf ears and false lashes!). FUN!!! :D

Dove Chocolate Challenge Day # 59 "Go ahead, have another :-)" PROMISES Messages

Hey friends!

Today's quote was simple and simple can be, go ahead, have another...and so I did just that, I reached into that little bag grabbed another chocolate, and it was sure yummy. :)

I've gone through all of the Dove Chocolate flavors so far, and I'm starting to run low on quotes (uh-oh). Dear Dove, if you read this, please put some new quotes in a bag and send them my way. This will be very much appreciated. :)

Right now I'm going through the peanut butter filled Dove Chocolates, yum. I think that these are my favorite so far.

Well, that's about it today, just short and simple. :)

Talk to you later!

-Your Fellow Chocolatier

P.S., are there any Christmas seasonal Doves such as chocolate mint? Maybe? If not, let's hope for some. :)

Dove Chocolate Challenge Day # 58 "Take time to feel the sun on your face." PROMISES Messages

Hey there!

This is quite funny to me, but I am going to take today's quote quite literally. As you may or may not know, I live in Alaska, and right now we are in our beginning stages of winter. And what Alaska is famous for is it's long 24/7 sunshine in the summer, and it's loooong and drawn out darkness in the winter. We are currently headed for the latter. Although the Northern Lights are beautiful around this time of year, I've got to say that I dearly miss the sunshine. I miss seeing the sun's face and when it does come out to show, it only says hello only but for a little while, and that dear friends, is when I need to take the time to feel the sun on my face...Because you know, it's easy to get lost in your to dos of the day and not take some time to truly enjoy the sunshine, after all, it's only around for such a short time anyway.

Well guys, I suppose that the above is my Winter's resolution, *take time to feel sun* (big note to self).

All the while...it's only getting darker and darker, by mid December we'll only have 5 hours of sunlight in a day (if the sun chooses to shine that day), it might just be light outside with a lot of overcast...which is the regular look of the sky in the winter time here in Alaska (no wonder they refer to Alaska in all of the Twilight books) lol. But of course, when the sun does choose come out, everything brightens up a gazillion times because not only is the sun shining, but the snow reflects the sunshine, and it becomes simply blinding, yet beautiful all the same, and yes, you can totally get sun burnt even in the winter, you can get really sun burnt. In fact, I know of a few people who particulary like to sun bathe in the snow...yes...it actually happens. No joke.

Well anyway, that's another story to be told,

Off to snooze & schmooz I go,


Come back around tomorrow!


-Your Sun Shine missing Fellow Chocolatier


P.S., I hope after reading this you are appreciating your sunshine in your neck of the woods! :)

Here are two version of a song I happen to like quite a lot, and I think it's very fitting. :)

Dove Chocolate Challenge Day # 57 "Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go." PROMISES Messages

 

 Today was normal day. 

It wasn't stressful, slow, adventurous, or anything of that sort, it was just normal. And you know what? I think I enjoyed it. It was good to just have a normal paced day after having a couple of stressful days in a row. :)

Today's quote happens to remind me of a youth event I'm organizing, we are trying to make this event an annual event, it's first time happening was in May of 2009, and the community really enjoyed it, so we are going for event # 2, but it's been hard, because the entire event is fundraised, requires tons of volunteer work, and hundreds of hours, as well as lots and lots of logistics. This youth event usually takes anywhere from 6 months to a year to plan, and right now it's set for January 28th and 29th, and we've been planning it for awhile now, a year probably, and yet we're still in the beginning process of it. Everytime we gain some ground, we seem to immediately lose it because of some obstacle, and it's just been hard. Sometimes, infact, many times, I just want to give up...but deep down inside of me, I'm not willing to let go, I can't. And I know that if I keep holding on, it will happen, although it will take a lot of sacrifice of time, it's still absolutely worth it. And as I'm talking about this event, my dream of acting in a major film seems almost impossible. I am working on building up my resume right now, and you know what? I am making a lot of progress, but my dream of acting in a major motion picture sometimes just seems impossible. But just the same, deep down I know that it's not impossible, that it takes a little bit of holding on to, it takes a little faith and a little hope, and all I gotta do is hold my head up high and realize that there are many possibilites and opportunities that lay ahead of me.

Well guys,

I am a dreamer,

And all I want to say is don't give up on your dreams, don't let others tear them apart, and don't let the fear of uncertainty pry your hands open to let go of them. Hold on tightly.

Love you guys,

-Your Fellow Chocolatier

P.S., I know I've said this before, but I have to say it again, shoot for the moon, and even if you miss you'll land upon the stars.*

And my most favorite quote of all; ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE IF YOU BELIEVE

Dove Chocolate Challenge Day # 56 "Don't go where the road leads, rather go where there is no road and make a trail." PROMISES Messages

 
Oh boy.

Today was an extremely stressful day. And I am just ready to go to bed. Yep. And on top of that, the computer is tweaking out, so I think I will keep this blog short. I even feel like I'm coming down with something, I hope not.

Well...I've been cleaning the house like a mad woman for the past 3 hours. And I think I'm gettin' somewhere. The thing I like about cleaning is that cleaning is a thing with results, you can see your results immediately, and it's sorta gratifying I must admit. Unlike working out, eating healthy, making a paycheck, memorizing lines for a play, or even this blog, all of the above mentioned take time in order for results to show. But cleaning, is immediate, and wonderful, because it gives you a sense of accomplishment, as well as a clear mind because now you're able to think clearly instead of having a cluttered mind being distracted by all that's wrong with the scene you're in.

Well, anyway, I feel like I've just made a trail in the house where there was no trail. lol.

Actually, on a more serious note, I come from a deep Russian background, and there are many things that were taught to be wrong, that actually aren't, like getting your ears pierced (which I got about 2 months ago for the first time in my life, at 21), and other little sort of meaningless things that have too much stock put into them by my culture. But anyway...that's actually not the point, the point is that I am pursuing a different path than my stereotype. And in a way, I hold that up high, kinda of with pride, but not a self-centered type of pride, but more of a trail blazer type of pride. I am hard core pursuing acting right now...and I remember when I was little I used to question why there weren't any Russian actors our there in Hollywood. It made me very curious, and kind of upset all at the same time (I mean, there are so many Russian immigrants living in America and such, and it just always kinda of bothered me that nobody would pursue acting). Well, a great deal I believe why many Russians don't act is because of Hollywood is usually portrayed in a negative light, and often contradicts Russian faith, but you see, I believe in God, and I see no reason at all how acting can actually contradict faith, in fact, I believe that it only empowers it. I think that many times we as human beings like to label something wrong or right. I will name one extreme example; "the t.v. is the devil / evil." How do we come to such a conclusion? We like to generalize and stereotype, and just put things in to categories and boxes and we never allow the creativity and freedom to flow out of any outlet, we somehow minimize what can be maximized. Anyway, the point is that anything can be good or evil, based upon the intent and the motivation of the person's heart, or the misuse of something that was meant for good, or created for good. A t.v. can be either used for "good" or "evil," depending on the viewer and what they choose to watch and fill their heads with. And so is the internet, porn or not, and so are dates, getting to know the person vs. just wanting to sleep with them. Anyway..everything has a purpose and a reason, and anything can be used for good of evil. Ever heard of the quote that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder?" Well...so is choosing to use something for the better or the worse, that too is in the eye of the beholder.

So my dear friends, I am choosing a path that is considered maybe an unwise dream, or unappropriate, or whatever, you fill in the blanks, but I tell you this, it's all in the eye of the beholder, and in my eyes, acting is an enriching testimony, it's a way to bring captivating stories and character to life to change a person's mind for the better, to make the audience aware of a situation, of a story, of a trouble, of a happiness, to make them aware of themselves. Acting is meant as an encouragement, it's all about relaying a message. Now whether some actors use it for the not so good side of things, well...it's their choice. And how they spend their power of influence on our present day culture, again, it's only their choice, they will answer one day for the poor or not so poor decisions that they have made. But as for me, I plan on using my influence the better side of things, and I hope that I will be able to have the power to influence people's thoughts for the better. I hope to tell a captiviating story that will change somebody's future. I hope to be a voice in this nation, on this earth, in this generation. When there are voicing saying that you need to look cool to fit in, I want to be the voice saying you look cool by being yourself. When girls are listening to a voice that says you need to weigh 100 pounds to be considered beautiful and that they have to fit those gosh darn skinny jeans, I want to be the voice that tells them it's okay to be different than the cultural consideration of norm, it's okay to have curves like the rest of the world, and it's okay to eat food and not be worried about all of the calories, and that it's okay not to fit those stupid skinny jeans afterall. They're out of style anyway. And who really cares about the "current style" anyway, you don't have to follow a stupid trend? Create your own, be the trendsetter, be the one that makes the trail. I want to be a positive voice out here in this world. I have made up my mind to do so, and nobodys gonna stop me unless I die.

Well guys,

That's that.

I'm checking out for today,


Shalom :) That means peace.


Love ya'll!

-Your very determined Fellow Chocolatier


P.S., What kind of trail do you want to create? (Leave me a message, I'd like to know).  :)

Dove Chocolate Challenge Day # 55 "Success is getting what you want, and happiness is wanting what you get." PROMISES Messages

Hmm....success is getting what you want, and happiness is wanting what you get. This is a circular theory. :)

But nevertheless I agree, it's like saying "want what you have."

To me, success = being thankful for my blessings. I am alive, I have people who love me, and I have a lot of blessings to be thankful for. I can go off on a rant right now about all of my blessings, naming them one by one, but I'm not going to do that.

But I will however tell you what I'm doing right now, I am sitting here with my husband (Yay! He's home! It's good to have him home right now), :) and we are just relaxing, spending time together, about to be drinking tea and we are having a movie night, watching George Lopez and maybe a movie of our choice in a little bit. And this my dears is my blessing today, quality time with my husband and wonderful green tea in a warm house. I wouldn't want to spend it in any other way. Oh, and I ate my Dove Chocolate of the day of course. ;)

And did I mention that we had a date night today?  We went to Dennys! Yeah! You know..you still gotta go on dates with your hubby or wife even when you're married. :) It keeps the relationship alive. :) You don't just stop romancing your significant other just because you're now married and you have them.

Well, good night guys!

-Love Your Fellow Chocolatier :)

We might play Skip Bo, fun game! Ever played it? (Recommended game!)   :)

So yes, success is getting what you want, and happiness is wanting what you get...what are you wanting? (Thankful for?)

Dove Chocolate Challenge Day # 54 "Smile when you want to, cry when you need to, laugh whenever possible!" PROMISES Messages

Hey guys!

I am going bonkers right now! I am at work and the kids are driving me crazy! Gaaahhhh!!! lol. Oh boy... :)

The whole pack just went out the door, but they won't be gone for long. One of the kids bought an entire bottle of ready whip and is eating it, running around with it, just going absolutely crazy. And then there are a bunch of kids chasing that kid trying to steal his ready whip bottle. And they succeeded...and now...the bunch of them just grabbed a pair of scissors from the art room and ran outside to pop the ready whip bottle open (to pop a hole in it), and they've also succeeded in doing that (so now they're running around, sucking the whip cream out of the wholes they poked in the ready whip bottle)...ahhhh...kids.

And just two seconds ago a stampede of kids marched through the front desk back into the youth center because they've had enough of the cold outside. LOL. Tell you what...I work in a VERY interesting place.

So yes, I am getting quite a good laugh out of the randomness of the kids today, actually, I get quite a good laught from them everyday. They are just so funny! And all of them are very unique and are very much their own person with unique personalities. So it happens to be that I actually quote today's quotte very often. Very often indeed, but more in my own words of course. So yes, I am a firm believer that you should smile when ou want to, cry when you need to, and laugh whenever possible!

Well guys and dolls,

I am logging out for the day, this is the earliest blog I've written so far, but it has to be, I no longer have a computer to blog from except for down time that I have at work or if I'm borrowing a friend's.

Anyway,

I hope you have a happy rest of the night!

Sincerely with Love,

Your Fellow Chocolatier

P.S., Ahhh :) Finally peace and quiet, the kids just left the front office. I enjoy the quiet moments in life, as you can tell. :)

Dove Chocolate Challenge Day # 53 "Seek out small indulgences for yourself." PROMISES Messages

Hey guys!

I'm over here at Heather's studio just chillen and hanging out. :)

Today was a pretty faaaassst day. It just kinda went before my eyes. The kids were bezerk at Joel's Place today, they were driving me nuts! lol! Oh my gosh, you have no idea. lol. Joel's Place has a strong population of boys, that happen to drive me craaaaaazzzzaaaaayyy!!! Must be a full moon out today. They were bouncing off the walls! **Note to self** never sell them energy drinks at this time of the month or before the end of the day...they go crazyyy!!! My goodness! LOL!

Anyway, today was pretty good. I enjoyed today. I couldn't really get any work done today at work besides just signing kids in and yelling at them to not do this or stop that or this, and besides selling them concessions, I was pretty much not doing anything else. Well, that's a lie, I had a lot of conversations with a bunch of them, just seeing how their weeks gone. It's fun to chat with them I must admit. And is just good to see them. I love those kids.  :)

Today I was planning on going home and cleaning, but then in the middle of the day I decided to go out of my "plan" and comfort zone and to just home here to Heather's studio at the end of the day and just simply chill with her. My schedule and my life can always be busy and it usually always is, but if I don't make anytime for my friends and family, then it'll never happen.  You've just gotta chuck all plans aside sometimes and just make time for the people that you love. I just want to live my life you know? It's like everyday you wake up with $86,400 in your bank account, but the rules are that you are the only one who can spend that money, and at the end of the day whatever money that isn't spent is wasted, and then the next day you wake up with the same $86,400 fresh for that day, but the other rule is that at any time, the bank can at any point stop giving you that money, and it will be without notice, so you should spend it the best you could. What would you do if that was you? What would you do with that $86,400? Well, the truth is that you do have the $$, and that $$ is time! Every single day when you wake up you have 86,000 seconds in a day to spend just as you want, you're the only one who decides how you will spend your time, and you can either spend all of those 86,000 on yourself or you can disperse and spend that time on your family, friends, and even strangers. I mean, you can't spend all of that $86,4000 (86,4000 seconds) on yourself could you? So yeah, my point is that you should spend your time wisely and lavish that time on others than yourself. :)

Today, my small little indulgent is spending quality time with Heather. And you know what? I am fond of that girl, she is a pretty amazing friend to have.  :) I am happy to be here at the studio with her,  eating chocolate, listening to music, blogging, chatting, and soon to be painting the studio (she currently has a mask on and is painting). So, now I am going to get off line and go spend some time with my friend! Yeah!

Well, today was a good day! I hope your day wasn't bad either! :)

Love you guys!

Good night guys and God bless!

-Your Fellow Chocolatier :)

P.S., another one of my indulgences today was playing the yahoo "Text Twist" game at work when I couldn't get much done today because I was always out of my seat doing other stuff.

Anyway :)

Dove Chocolate Challenge Day # 52 "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." PROMISES Messages

Hey guys!

 This quote rings true for me today.

I was a bit dissapointed today and I was chatting with Brian about how I just feel like everything is at a stand still, like I'm not getting anywhere. It's like everything I touch comes to a hault. I was so discouraged about a youth event I'm planning, about pursuing my acting career, and about a t.v. show that a couple of us are planning for...that I just kinda saw no future for anything...It's frustrating when that happens. Ever get that feeling like life is going nowhere fast? lol. Maybe I'm just being dramatic. (I also think that the cold weather up here is making life a little more slower and peaceful..afterall I live in Alaska, and you know, I really should be enjoying this stand still moment cause I get tierd fast when things move much too quick...so I guess this is a nice break). Like my friend Heather said today, even in the times when we aren't working (meaning on the show), the resting period is still valuable because even then we are still learning.

But anyway, after talking with Brian, and after him listening to all of my complaints, hopes, dreams and wishes, he picked up my Dove Chocolate wrapper (which I ate earlier today and didn't remember what it was, and he smiled and just said, "I like this one," because today's quote happens to be the perfect encouragement for me. Even though things look like they're going nowhere fast, the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

And so, there ya have it, a little piece of encouragement printed on a silver wrapper, encasing a delicious little chocolate surprise called a Dove Promise.

Thanks Dove!

Well guys,

I am peacin' out.

Hope you've had a great day, and be encouraged! Keep your head high! And aim for your dreams!

And my favorite 3rd grade quote is "reach for the moon, but even if you miss, you'll land upon the stars."

Good night guys and dolls! :)

Dove Chocolate Challenge Day # 51 "Push yourself to do one thing a week outside your comfort zone." PROMISES Messages

Hey ya'll!

 I can't believe it's already been 50 whole days since I started this blog! That's amazing!

I ran out of Dove Chocolates yesterday, so when I went to the store today, I was looking for some and I was kinda bummed because I thought that I had tried all of them already, but then to my surprise I found the peanut butter filled Dove Chocolates, and they are amazing! (Plus, every bag has a different set of quotes, so I have noticed).

Well, today was a pretty good day. I've just spent the last hour looking up casting calls for Russian actors (since I'm Russian), and I've kinda been putting off blogging for awhile today, but I just need to go ahead an jot everything down. It's actually hard for me to start blogging, but once I start, it's a breeze.

I am up wayyyy past my bedtime. So this should be fairly short.

But I think one think that I can truly do that is out of my comfort zone every week is approach people about the causes that are important to me and make them aware of them. These are the things that fire me up; 1). Suicide 2). Youth Homelessness 3). Human Trafficking 4). Mixed messages in the media, sex, unhealthy images for girls to live up to, and so on and so on. These things make me mad and sad, and since I work at a youth center, even though I'm just the front desk admin, I can still make my voice be heard through conversation with the youth. Some of them aren't even aware of some things such as human trafficking, and some of them are all to familiar with things such as the unhealthy things they see in the media. And I know that I can go out of my way and make time each week to really truly and honestly see how the youth are doing. I don't just need to work there, but I need to actually be available to them if they have any questions, needs, concerns, or if they just want to talk about their day. I want to be there for them.

Punching the clock is one thing, but being there for young people that are having a tough time is another.

Well guys,

That's that.

Basically, I want to make it a point to truly go out of my way even if I am busy during work, to pause and engage in a conversation with the young people that we serve, so that they will know that they are cared for and loved, and that they are important. I want them to know that there are people that care about them and that there are people that want to know how their day went.

I guess the message really isn't about the causes that I'm fond of or what not, but it's about being there for others. That's what I want to do that I don't see myself doing much of right now, I really want to clear our my schedule, even as busy as it is, and I want to be there for others. I guess that is my outside your comfort zone thing.

Well guys,

Off to bed I go

Nighty night

-Your Fellow Chocolatier

P.S., what's one thing you can do to get out of your comfort zone once a week?

Dove Chocolate Challenge Day # 50 "Women are like fine wine - they get better with age." Nadia / Englewood, NJ

Although I am in my early twenties, I believe that this saying is compeletly true.

Do you remember when you were 16 years old and when you heard that somebody was thirty, that they were really old? It's funny now that I'm in my early twenties, 30 really isn't that old at all, infact, it's fairly young. And even 40 doesn't even seem that bad either. Time passes quickly, tell you what.

I mean, look at the great women of our age right now, take for instance; Sandra Bullock, Cameron Diaz, Demi Moore, Madonna, Condolisa Rice, Julian Moore, just to name a few, and off course, we can't forget our dear Merly Streep and even more so, Betty White. I mean, some of these ladies are in their forties, and some above, but they are great nonetheless. They've actually become pretty iconic. But it only just goes to show ya that women really are like fine wine - they get better with age.

I can name one woman in particular that has aged beautifully with age, and that would be my Grandma Nadia. She is the most endearing woman I've ever met. She is so kind, smart, wity, friendly, hospitable, knowledgeable, and patient. She is 76 years old, and just has joy radiating off of her. She has strong faith, and she loves like no other, and she is an amazing cook by the way. But yes, this woman, this woman who is dear to my heart, is a testament that women truly do get better with age. My grandma has seen a lot, she's seen wars, seen the first radios, t.vs, cars, airplanes, and she has raised 7 kids. She and my grandpa had the remarkable gift of celebrating their golden wedding of 50 years, and they've lived together for 55 years. This woman, this dear and beautiful woman has a well of wisdom stored up in her, and she has the sweetest smile, the most twinkling eyes I've ever seen, and the most generous heart. She is a lover, she loves people, and she really loves her children and her grand kids. She is an amazing grandma, and being able to watch her change and grow older in the past couple of years has been a true testament in itself that women really get better with age.

When I was 16, I moved out of my parent's house from California and I moved up to Alaska to live with my grandma. My aunt from Philly also move to take care of her. And so it began, for a whole entire year of living with these amazing women. It was just us girls. Over the course of that year, (I called it my internship), I've learned more about life than I possibly could have imagined and I was taught so many invaluable things. That entire year reminded me of the movie, "Little Women," it was just a very unique time, and I would never trade it for anything. So to me, my grandma is more like a mom. I love her and tell her everything, she is my dearest friend. She is someone I can rely on no matter what.

Well anyway, one thing I will always remember about my grandma is her contagious laugh. When she laughs you can't help but laugh with her. And when she smiles, you just can't help but smiling back at those twinkling eyes coming behind the creases. We live in Alaska, so in the summer time we get 24/7 sunshine, which is great for growing gardens. The vegetables are monstorous in Alaska. Maybe next summer I'll take a picture of one of my grandma's cabages and post it one here..those things are huge! Well anyway, every summer, my grandma tends to her half an acre gardens, and when everything is in bloom, it is beautiful. One of my favorite things to do is to go around picking fresh snap peas of the vine and eating them on the spot. It's delicious! One thing my grandma always has is her sun flowers, those things just brighten up the garden with color and they've just become her staple in her garden. Anyway..every summer grandma tends to her gardens and takes walks down the road and back up. Because she's out in the sun so much, she gets really tan, and so she begins to look like a Native Alaskan. And it's funny because she has her salt and pepper gray hair and then every summer the sun bleaches the front strip of her hair a super oober bright (the x-men girl's hair) and so she ends up looking like a true Native Alaskan. The look suits her very well, and it's all funny to me because people end up asking me if I'm native or not because of my grandma. :) And of course, I'm not, I'm whiter than sour cream. lol.

But anyway, I just love her love for life, her love for people and I have never seen a woman love her family so much as I have seen my grandma love her's. One day, I hope to be just like her, a women who has aged like fine wine.


Well guys,

Off to bed I go. It's late. :)


Have a happy sleep!

-Love Your Fellow Chocolatier


P.S., Who are the women that have a special place in your life? I would also like to give a shout out to my sister, my mom, and my Aunt Tammy, Aunt Sveta, Aunt Nadia, Aunt Theo, Aunt Vera, and Grandma Paulette. Those women are amazing as well. :)

Dove Chocolate Challenge Day # 49 "A hug is a great gift - one size fits all." Vera / Alexandria, VA

Today was pretty chill. Brian and I woke up early and drove from Delta to Fairbanks. The Richardson Hwy was pretty clear at first, and the air ourside was crisp. It was still dark when we left. When we left at 6:30am, we stopped by the gas station and local grocery store and stalked up on some yummy food; pizza stick, chicken strips, egg & sausage muffin, beef jerkey, a mango rock star, and some orange juice. Anyway, we just kind of stoked up on snacks (with me, heavier the food is, the more awake I am, the lighter the food is, the more easily I am able to fall asleep, plus, protein is a good kick off start for the day). I know that the chicken strips aren't necessarily the breakfast type of food, but I liked it anyway. :) Yum.

The trip from Delta to Fairbanks takes two hours, and we left early to try and make it to Brian's early morning class but half way through the trip light flurries of snow started falling from the sky, and then they just got thicker and thicker. Now the road from Delta to Fairbanks is a very windy and mountainous road, so we actually slowed down quite a bit, made it to Fairbanks and we ended up missing Brian's class because we took and extra hour to drive. Good thing we made it safe though, I really don't like driving on fresh snow, especially not on that road, but it was beautiful nonetheless.

When we got home, we just crashed and slept in until about one in the afternoon and then I got ready for work. That's pretty much today. The drive, work, and then home. Oh, and of course our trip to Barnes and Noble at the end of the day. Tell you what, I am really fond of that place. :) It's the easiest place for me to do homework, even the bad roads can't stop me (and it was super snowy when I left work tonight). But oh how I love the snow when it's freshly fallen. It's so light, flurry, fluffy, and it covers everything with white, making everything around it glow and I love it when the sky turns bright because of the reflection of the snow. So beautiful.

Anyway...when Brian and I came home at the end of the day, we just spent time together. We just hugged, and just simply talked about our day today. And you know, just that one simple hug, made the whole day entirely different, it made it entirely better than it had been all day. And today was a chill day, but that hug, that greatest gift of all, made my day. I love hugs. And I got a lotta hugs this weekend form my family, and from my grandma, I love my grandma's hugs. :) You know...the human touch is so powerful. Hugs are a powerful tool of communication. When I was in high school, I never hugged anyone for the longest time. Actually, I just really kept my distance, and even my best friend and I of ten years didn't really hug either. But then...I met some people along the road that were huggers, and I got converted. A hug, like a smile, can lift your mood, cause you to smile, make you feel better, and lift your spirits. A hug is a tiny non-verbal form of encouragement and comfort, and I can use those things quite often. Can't you? :)
Well guys,

Today has been a good day, and tonight has been very cozy and
chill, it looks like a winter wonderland outside, and I'm ready to drink some soothing
tea and go to bed.

K, good night friends!

Have a peaceful sleep and give out your hugs freely tomorrow, especially to your loved ones! Hugs are priceless little gifts. :)

-Love your Fellow Chocolatier :)

P.S., Haha, maybe to leave on a slightly funny note, (this is a repost of my facebook status) NEVER...I REPEAT, NEVER EVER HAVE FOOD IN YOUR MOUTH WHILE SNEEZING OR BLOWING YOUR NOSE. I just had a piece of bell pepper shoot straight up my nose from my throat...needless to say, that wasn't a very pleasant experience....I never even knew food can get stuck up your nose! It took it 15 minutes to come out! Sick!  So yeah...that's what happened today...

Anyway, haha,

Goodnight guys!

Dove Chocolate Challenge Day # 48 "Believe you can and go for it!" Janet / Atlanta, GA

 (Will post pictures up soon, forgot camera cord at home, so not pics of the day this weekend).

Hi guys,

 I've had an okay day. Kinda lame actually. Most of the day was pretty good but right now everything is just FRUSTRATING! Ugh! Had a spat, we were supposed to leave back home about over an hour ago, at 7pm., but the guys (my husband, his dad, and some other guy), are still working. The deal was to work until 7pm and then leave...but that's obviously not happening. I am frustrated because I do not feel comfortable driving late a night, I know it's only 8pm right now, but in Alaska, it's dark! And where we're driving, if there isn't another car in sight, there will be no lights out! No lamp posts, no street lights, no nothin'! It's a scary ride home, especially since it's icy, (there's black ice out), extremely dark tonight, and there's huge animals that we've got to watch for, i.e. moose and such. So I'm really not having fun right now. I am extremely frustrated. Because it means that we're going to stay here another night. I like staying with family, but sometimes, enough is enough. Plus, Brian has class early in the morning. Which, I don't think is going to happen. He volunteered to drive, I'm sorry to say but my husband is not the best driver in the world, counting he did wreck my car last week while trying to drive in the dark. I trust his driving somewhat in the day time, but no way jose am I going to trust his driving at night. Nope. Not happening. I guess we'll have to call it another night and stay here. I still have to break the news to him that we're doing just that (he thinks we're going to home tonight), but I tell you what, that's certainly not the case right now. A.) He is extremely tierd and he'll probably fall asleep behind the wheel, or he will be unattentive (he usually can't see moose at night, which is REALLY bad). B.) I am extremely exhausted myself, I am not up to being a sleepy driver either, especially because you have to strain your eyes twice as much in the dark, it's colder at night (if an accident happens, we're screwed), moose are harder to see (instead of just seeing their body in the daylight, you can only tell if a moose is out by the reflections of their eyes on your headlights at night), and I'm really not up for driving right now. I already have a little bit of anxiety, no need to make it worse.

SO! With all that to say, I don't think we're going tonight. Men...why don't they ever listen to me? Oh well...I love my husband anyway. I was kinda steaming mad because I kept getting brushed off by the guys, and by my husband, and while I walked inside there was a message on t.v. about forgiveness, about how we're supposed to forgive people not only when they ask for forgiveness, but also when they don't, infact, forgiveness is not about the other person feeling gulity and apologising to you (they may never come to that point), and forgiveness shouldn't happen only when the other person is asking you to forgive them, but forgiveness is a conscious choice to make in the middle of a situation when even nobody has approached you to ask your for your forgiveness. Also forgiveness doesn't mean that you "forget" everything that happened. Who made that crap up? You only forgive when you forget? No way! Then the only time I can forget is if you give me a labatomy! But the more accurate view is forgive and LET GO. You have truly forgiven when you can look back at a painful memory and in return that memory is no longer painful, but remains just a memory, and experience, but without pain attached, that is when you have truly forgiven. So yeah, hate to burst your buble, but that "forgive and forget" crap is not real. There's even scientific evidence for this! For real! But anyway...

Then, I was sorta paying attention to the t.v., but in reality I was more mad than anything, and was just sorta glancing at it to pass time. So then I tried to call a few people that could talk some sense into the guys, but needless to say, I couldn't get a hold of a n y b o d y! And so then I called around and got my grandma's work phone and called her up to let her know what was going on and to see if she could talk some sense into the men. And so I called grandma (Brian's grandma), and so we started talking, she kinda calmed me down, and she just talked some sense into me, and made the situation light. She did say that marriage wasn't easy, and that we have to learn to live with each other and with each other's decision (I mean, it wouldn't be good to drive back home, it's a two hour drive by the way, and be huffin n puffin' mad at each other, that would only cause true trouble, and possibly an accident), but that we should have grace on each other and that it takes time to learn how to deal with each other, even years, and so she told me that she still has to learn to deal with grandpa, sometimes she just has to shut up and not say anything (and I guess in some situations not adding more stress with words is the best way to go), and well, basically she set me straight, let me know that the roads are safe tonight (my aunt is driving back up here as we speak, so she said the roads are great), and that fighting about something isn't a worthwhile thing to do, and she let me know that even though they may not have done right by their decision, that I just need to forgive and let go.

So yeah, there ya go. Forgiveness mentioned twice...and I just thought to myself, God, you are funny. Grandma also said that sometimes God puts things into your way to test ya, so I guess this is one of my tests. Hope I pass.  ;)

Anyway...basically, what I got out of this is that it takes a lot of grace and forgiveness towards each other, and basically, that's what a marriage leans upon. That's how a marriage survives. Gah, not exactly what my ears want to hear, but it's life, and it's truth. We have to allow enough grace into our lives everyday to put up with each other's crap, because we are people, simple human beigns that make mistakes daily. And ya know what? I'm not perfect, and neither is my hubby, but we sure do love each other, even though sometimes it certainly may not seem like it. And the truth is that nobody is perfect, and that's precisely why we need to have grace towards each other. Lately, the words, grace, love, forgiveness, compassion, faith, hope, freedom, and community have been ringing through my ears, and I think that they've become my favorite words, I could practiacally talk about them all day. And I think they're my favorite words because these things don't come naturally, but they stem out of conscious choice made me and you.

So yeah, that's that.

That's what's rollin' around in my little brain.

And you know what? When I started out writing this blog, I was still quite steaming mad, but as I got through it, I think that I've come to a peaceful place and I am now ready to forgive my husband. Yep. Now it's not even a big deal anymore. If I have to drive tonight, and if he has to be my spotter, than so be it, we'll take is slow all the way 'till we get home, and if we decide that it's better off staying here for the night (if I can talk him into it), then that would be pretty cool with me too.

Well, anyway,


I can't say nighty night right now, lol, because for the very first time I'm actually not blogging right before bed.
I'm blogging about 4 hours early. But, I will say have a peacefuly night! And I'm going to go get on my nook (yeah! So cool! A friend bought me one and surprised me with it! It was very sweet!) and I'm going to read the assigned novel reading material for my Russian Literature class! Score! I'm doing my homework early and not the night before! Rock on! :P

Well,

Peace and Chicken Grease,

Love ya'lls!


-Love Your Fellow Chocolatier

P.S., Everyone needs to get a blog or journal or something like that because it's theraputic! Or if you're the artsy type, go buy a sketch book and sketch your feelings!!! It's great! :) Haha, thanks for being my captive audience! ;) You guys rock! :)

P.P.S., I couldn't believe that I could forgive my husband right away, but I had a little spark of hope and it happened, and it's possible, and YOU witnessed it through my writing! :) So that is how today's quote fits in with my day, "Believe you can - and go for it!"

Dove Chocolate Challenge Day # 47 "Live life for the experiences, not for possessions." Mary / Bayonne, NJ

Hey guys!

 Today was a pretty great day! I woke up around 2pm...I went to bed at 2am...so a good 12 hours of sleep. (I know, I can't even believe I slept thaaat long, it's amazing). I've been having trouble falling asleep lately, thus the late night blogging, but yesterday, I slept peacefully. I think it's because I'm in a very quiet environment, visiting family and all.

Today's original plan was to do homework, all day (don't like last minute homework attempts...they suck). But today turned out qutie a bit different than what I have planned, quite a bit different actually. :)

I went and visited my grandma today! She taught me how to knit! Yeah! And well, here's a comment I posted on facebook (no need to re-translate):

My granny taught me how to knit today! :D And then Nina, grandma, and I worked out to Insanity! Grandma was keeping up pretty good for awhile! She lasted around 1/2 an hour at her own pace! #itwassomuchfun!! And now, I'm chillen...watching the Goofy Movie. I feel like a kid all over again. Fun times.

 

So yeah! I had a blaaaaaast today! And today's quote happens to be quite a good one. "Live life for the experiences (oh I definitely did!), not for possessions (I agree, it's better to spend your time experiences life's joys than to just live life to gain "stuff," which you'll have to give away at end of your life anyway, can't take it with you, you know? AND, At the end of my life I would rather I'm pretty sure that on my death bed my only wish would be to spend more time with the people I love rather than to wish I had more stuff along the way). Anyway...just food for thought. :)

 

Well guys,

 

Nighty night!

 

 

Love your Fellow Chocolatier

 

P.S., Live life for the experiences every moment that you can! :)

Dove Chocolate Challenge Day # 46 "Remember, mistakes make life interesting." Nancy / Burgoon, OH

Hey blogspot fam!

Is this quote as true as ever! Today...I definitely made lots of mistakes...some I'm not particularly proud of. Actually, I'm not proud of any of them. You know those days that are full of stupid problems and the root of them happens to be linked back to you and and your attitude? Well, that's how it was for me today. I could've avoided some things, but instead, I put up a bad attitude, and things went even more sour. But the point was that it was my choice. I could've controlled me, because that's the only person I can control, but I chose not to. But there was a turn around, I decided to ask for forgiveness, because that was what was right. Even though my heart wasn't agreeing with my head, I decided to do what was right. And you know what? I'm glad that I did. And now, everything is okay, just fine and dandy again. Infact, maybe even better. :)

Today was a learning experience, and I don't regret one bit of it. I was able to learn from today, and today's quote happens to be very fitting of today.

Remember, mistakes make life interesting.

Sleep tight,

Your Fellow Chocolatier


P.S., before I opened my Dove Promise today, I wrote this on facebook;  "Life is funny. Sometimes we make bigger problems out of things than they ought to be. <<<<<<<speaking of myself. :) Lord have mercy. lol. Oh jeez. I admitt, I am a problem maker sometimes, not proud of it, but I am willing to admit it. At least tomorrow is full of new mercies, grace, and opportunities. So I am looking forward to a new day." :)

Dove Chocolate Challenge Day # 45 "There are new opportunities around every corner!" Toby / Santa Monica, CA

Hey ya'll! :)

There truly are new opportunites around every corner! I love it! :) It's da truth. ;)

Today...I was VERY bummed...the beginning of the day was pretty great, but then in the middle of the day..two things happened one after the other, totally unrelated except that their timing pretty much matched. And it sucked. It did. I felt helpless, and kinda stuck. These two things happen to be a major part of my life right now, one is an event I am planning, and the other is an acting gig. Anyway...turns out that after getting the part, and after a little tiny miscommunication, I might not be able to get it afterall, and the event I've been working on might come to a hault, and we might need to start from scratch...again (we've been starting from scratch for over a year and a half now)...and everytime we get to a good point...something always seems to creep in...(and this event usually takes anywhere from 5-year to plan). And the acting thing just bummed me out, because I've been really looking forward to it, a lot. Bummer.

But...that's okay. I cried a little, just because I felt tierd of trying, and now I'm okay. (Again, not complaining, just honestly trying to let you know how my day went). But you know when you've been really looking forward to something or have been working on something for a loooong time, and then all of a sudden you're work is vanished and your opportunity has been snuffed out? That's how it just feels like, hopeless.

But you know...I know better. Deep down, I know better. I know that this IS NOT the end of the world, and that life will go on proceeding, and that things will be OKAY.   :) Things will be okay! You hear?! :)

So when I opened my Dove Chocolate Promise quote today, it came to me at a very opportune time, exactly right when I needed it. Coincidence? Maybe not. :) You know there's a saying that goes like this; "Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous." -unknown author.

So, I am definitely encouraged by today's quote, and I am certainly looking forward to the new opportunites that are lying ahead of me around the corner! What fun!

I still may be bummed now, but I will be okay, and everything will be okay. No need to worry. This reminds me of that child hood phrase we all know so well, "hakuna mattata." ;)
Well guys,

It has been a pleasure,

Be good. Get rest. Don't snore. :)

Love ya'll!

-Your Fellow Chocolatier

I think I want to take some corners, I'm ready for new opportunities, how about you? :)

Dove Chocolate Challenge Day # 44 "Shoe shopping is therapy." Nyesha / Charlotte, NC

(picture will be downloaded soon).

Shoe shopping! Well... :) When I read today's quote all I thought was how the heck am I going to do this? You see...I'm not a shoe shopper. Sorry to dissapoint you. :) You might also like to note that I live in Alaska, so shoe shopping is out of the question most of the time. :)

BUT...I am a jackets, pants, t-shirts, hats, scarfs and earrings type of shopper. :) I know, HA! That's a bit more than just the single "shoe shopper" title. lol! :)

But mind you, I only shop for those things sparingly, but yes, as a girl, I do get a rush from shopping (which is euphoric and yet very dangerous feeling all at the same time...it all depends on where you allow it to take you). Most of the time I don't have $$ so it's all right. ;) lol! I think it's an easy forumal for debt. But yeah, shopping does give people a rush, it's a sort of power I suppose. You want something, and then you are able to get it, you purchase it, and it is forever yours. Shopping gives a feeling of ownership, control, and it fulfills desires. Now this may be tricky...(the filling your desires part..I'm a firm believer in that the eyes never satisfy the soul, monkey see, monkey do (or in this case, monkey see, monkey want). So on this aspect, yes, shopping is extremely dangerous. Otherwise, when you have money and you have the opportunity to buy something that you really like, your euphoric hormones (aka endorphins) kick in and your mood gets elevated, (same thing happens when we eat chocolate and when we exercise). :) Two very good things for your health I might add. ;) So yes, I believe that shopping is therautic, it is a sort of therapy, as long as it doesn't become hypnotic. :)

Well guys,

Off to tra-la-la-la land I go!

I feel like I can't even thing right now, my brain is crammed and it yearns for rest. So sleep is calling my name. :)


Good night dear ones!

-P.S., What is your therapy? What do you like to do that soothes you or gives you a sense of elevation? It may even be shoe shopping! Please do let me know, feel free to comment below. :)

-P.P.S., Of course, I think the best therapy is friendship. :) That's the highest one of all, atleast I would like to think so. :)

Oh, and hahaha! Speaking of therapy, this blog happens to be very theraputic for me! :) I find myself being able to communicate more clearly and much more easily. I feel like I am expressing myself and my thoughts better than I ever have before (I've always had trouble expressing myself through speech), but this seems to slow things down for me and really realize my thought process, my desires, my dreams, and my frustrations. This little blog of mine is real true therapy for me. :)

Express Yourself.

Dove Chocolate Challenge Day # 43 "Make plans, but allow for changes." Sylvie / Jenkintown, PA

Make Plans, but allow for changes. :) Hmmm...

What do you think? I think this is a pretty age old wisdom type of quote. I think making plans but allowing for change along the way to happen is probably the best way to live, and it's probably the most stress-free way to live. If we fear the unexpected, then we are doomed, but if we gladly accept and allow change to happen, then it may even lead down a road more pleasant than the one we had planned in the first place. It's funny, I know I feel like I'm repeating myself, and I probably am, but this quote pops up into mind, "the only constant in life is change," and it's true... Change can be challenging at time and yet change can we wonderful, I guess it's all in the eye of the beholder, but either way, change brings opportunity, even in the most saddest situations. Joy brings peace and grief brings reformation. There's always a way out, and there's always the flipped coin of the story. Door is closed you say? Well then, let's open the windows! It's high time to let some fresh air in! :)

I think that when we are flexible and are able to bend to the wind of change, we become better for it, we become smarter, healthier, happier, because we're not stuck on the shoulda, coulda, woulda been, but we are then infact starring into the face of the present. We are then truly living, when we allow change to takes it's place, but when we are rigid to life's changes, we are easily broken, easily battered, hurt, injured, cut down, and it will take awhile to heal back up and grow back to our first natural state. Example: Have you ever noticed how wheat fields move with the wind? Wheat never moves against the wind, it always moves in the direction of the wind, and when it does, it creates a beautiful ocean-like effect. It's quite mezmerising to watch! But imagine if the wheat was stiff, so rigid, that when the wind blew against it, it wouldn't dare try to budge out of place. Guess what would happen to it? The stock of the wheat would break and it would just lay useless on the ground where it can no longer be harvested, and if the remaining of the stock did manage to grow, it wouldn't grow back to it's full potential, that's why it's important for the wheat to move ever so gently with the wind, allowing the wind to carry it in the direction it chooses...

Now, I'm not saying that you should leave your life to luck, that's not what I'm saying at all. But what I am saying is that we need to be flexible enough to let change take it place in our lives when it needs to, and sometimes it needs to happen even when we don't feel like it should or are when we're not ready for it. The key point is to allows change to happen, and to simply go from there, to make the best of it. And when the uncontollable winds of change blow on our lives (basically things that YOU have NO control of), then just go with the flow of the wint and make the best of it). AS LONG AS IT IS HEALTHY, the only time I would say it is okay to be rigid and let the wind of change break you is when the wind trys to compromise you. And when it comes to that point, then don't let it, better to be broken then compromised. Compromise in this definition means to let something occur that you can not stand with, uphold, or defies your moral values, and it simply isn't who you are. But other than that, go with it. :)

Hope this all made sense and I hope the wheat metaphor helped.

Well guys,

Off to bed I shall trallop. :)

Sweet Dreams!

Love your Fellow Chocolatier

P.S., It's good to find a couple of people to lean on when the winds of life blow your way in order to keep flexible enough but not until the point of breaking, and in order to have a shoulder to lean on to help in stormy winds and someone to keep you accountable. :)

Dove Chocolate Challenge Day # 42 "Laugh everyday - it's like inner jogging." Michelle / Winder, GA

Hey there!

 Well..today...I haven't been laughing much probably because it was such a busy day and most of the time I was super sleepy. But I did get a couple of good laughs in today. I should make it a point to laugh more often, it's good for my health (and yours!). :)

When Brian came home today, safely, I might add, he said "so how do you like your car being remodeled?" (Speaking of the car accident yesterday..he slid off the road and flipped the car, read yesterday's blog to find out more). And we just had a good laugh about it. Glad he is safe! :) And the car is okay too. It's okay to laugh. :)

Oh, and lately we've been making it a point to make funny faces at each other and laugh together. And it's been fun. I really like this practice, I think we'll keep it around. :)

Well,

Attached are some funny videos, scroll down and have a happy laugh!


Nighty night!



-Your Joyful Fellow Chocolatier :)


P.S, here they are; (watch if you have time). :) They'll be sure to make ya smile! :)

Dove Chocolate Challenge Day # 41 "Compromise is a sign of strength not weakness." Christine / Suitland, MD

Today was a loooong day.

Brian was supposed to come home today just a couple of hours ago, but he had a slight detour.
By the time he should've been home, I get a phone call from him and the first thing he said was, "how much do you like the driver's side of the door?" ...and I said, "Wha? Did you get in a car accident?" No, not a car accident.. but pretty close though, he flipped the car on it's driver side into a 10 foot ditch. I'm glad he is okay. That's all that matters. It's a bummer that we have to fix the car now, but it would've been horrific if something happened to Brian. So I am glad he is okay. It snowed today, so the roads froze over and were as slippery as a frog's snot on a frosted door nob (Brian likes to say that), so he slid off the road. He had to climb out of the passenger's side of the door. He said that he never realized how heavy those doors are until they came under the pressure of gravity. Boy, I'm glad he's safe. I miss him. I kinda scolded him, (he was driving in the dark), so tomorrow I made him promise to me that he would drive in the day time, slowly, without music blasting, and with the four wheel drive on.

So yeah. That's what's up.

Today's quote reminds me of giving because when you compromise, you give in a little, and it's team effort. When two people compromise (sacrifice their own wants and desires for the benefit of another), a beautiful thing unwinds in a relationship called service. When two people serve each other, love on each other, and bend over for each other, there is nothing that can get inbetween them. And you know, that's how marriage is supposed to be, a life of serving each other. And that's how friendships are supposed to be as well, you want to look out for the benefit of the other person, you keep them in mind before yourself. So as the quote goes, "compromise is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness," and in the context of serving others, compromise is a beautiful thing.

Well guys,

Those are my thoughts.


Hope you've had a wonderful and safe day!

Sweet dreams!

-Your Fellow Chocolatier

P.S., I am so thankful that Brian is okay! I love you! And I believe he has had divine protection, because you have  no idea how many little crosses I see on the side of that road, and some distances are shorter than 10 feet. Thank God another cross was not added tonight, that's all I have to say.

I told Brian to be careful driving tomorrow, because I want to have this;

Dove Chocolate Challenge Day # 40 "Be who you are - originals are much more valuable." Pam / Centennial, CO

Hey guys!

 Wow! Today was a clumsy day! Anything that can go wrong went wrong. Brian went on a trip to help out some family members this weekend, so he took the car, which leaves me without a car because we only have one.

So, for the start of the day, there was tons of confusion. I joined the Fairbanks Frontier Choir called the "Sweet Adelines," it's a women's barbershop choir. It's tons of fun. Right now we're gearing up for the Christmas season, so yes, we are rehersing Christmas songs at the moment. (I <3 Christmas!).

Well...so today since I don't have the car, one of the ladies from choir was going to pick me up. I woke up late, so I missed her call at 9am, she left me a message, it was kinda vague, and then I called her back as soon as I checked it. I too couldn't get a hold of her so I left her a message instead. I stood outside by the bus stop, my head was REALLY cold because I forgot my hat, and it was super windy today! A chilly type of windy! Buuurrrrr!!! So then, after 15 minutes I decided to head back to the house because I could not find her anywhere. Thankfully, Brian overslept and was just getting ready for Delta, so he dropped me off at rehersal. I felt bad though, cause I didn't know if she showed up or was waiting for me anywhere. Turns out, she was. I later saw her at choir rehersal and she let me know that she drove around the campus twice, walked through a couple of places, waited for about 15-20 minutes, and then drove to choir rehersal. I apologised to her for the miscommunication. It turns out that she had also sent me an e-mail letting me know that she couldn't pick me up at 11:15 like she said because she had a hair appointment and she couldn't reschedule it, so she would come pick me up at 10:40 instead. Oops! I didn't read the e-mail. So I apologised again, she didn't mind it at all, she was glad I was at rehersal, we hugged and went on with our day.

BUT, that's certainly not the end but only the beginning to my clumsiness...I had to leave choir rehersal 1/2 early to walk to the Fairbanks River Front Theater for an acting audition for the play called, The Miracle Worker, a play based on Helen Keller's life. I overestimated the walking distance from the church we were in for hehersal to the theater. I thought it was only a few blocks, it was more than a mile, maybe two. It was okay at first, but then it just became cold so quickly. A few blocks in, I was clenching to my pea coat and my hands felt like ice. I couldn't feel my nose, I'm sure it was red as Rudolph's. Good thing I left early, because by the time I actually got there it was 10 minutes before the audition started. It was a pretty fun audition I'd say. I enjoyed it. I hope I get the part, but if I don't, it was still worth the experience. :) Trying to build up my acting resume, ya know? :)

Then I called Mark, and he was super nice to go out of his day to pick me up and drop me off at home. I also didn't eat anything at all until 4pm, so I was pretty hungry, and exhausted. I was extermely sleepy, so I called into work to see what time I was coming in for sure, and it ended up being earlier than I thought. I had to come in at 5pm instead of 6pm like I thought...so that cut my nap time down to 15 minutes. It was definitely a power nap, and I'm surprised I actually fell asleep because usually when I take a nap I'm only slightly dazed but pretty much awake the whole time. But today, I was out like a light bulb because of how tierd of was. OH! That reminds me, and not only did my day begin clumsy when I was awake, but also when I was asleep! I went to bed at 5am...today, I'm going to try to go to sleep right after I get done with this blog, (it's 1am right now), and so I was supposed to wake up a drive to the airport at 7am to go see my aunt off that has come to visit from Russia. Needless to say...that didn't happen. My grandma called my phone to let me know that I was in town, but I was dead asleep, and aparently forgot that she leaves at 7:40 and set my alarm for 8am. Boy oh boy...(shakes head). So yeah, I missed saying goodbye to my aunt which I only get to see every 5 or so years. I was bummed, and grogy..so I went back to bed, and when I woke up again, it was 11:50, only 20 minutes before Patricia was supposed to pick me up for choir. (Twenty minutes isn't enought for me! It takes me 30-45 minutes to get ready alone, and then add food and the time it takes to do all that). So, I hurried like a crazy person and I didn't even eat. ...and then as you already know, the miscommunication happened between me and Patricia.

Well, let's forward a bit, when Mark dropped me off from Theater rehersal, I ate a little, took the 15 minute nap, got dressed, forgot to wear my hat...again...and went to go wait at the bus station to go to work. I called into work, and the girl that works opposite of me told me that she would sit in for me, I let her know that I would be there around 5:45 ...the bus as a new route...so I ended up going around the entire town, only to make a loop around and show up at work at 6:45 ..yeah. An hour late. I know. I definitely met some interesting people on the city bus. There are some weird people that ride the bus. But I love people, so it's all interesting to me. I guess I am what you would call a people watcher. I ended up sitting next to a man who was a musician and he had a walking disability. He was super cool, we talked the entire time, he asked me what I was majoring in school, I let him know that I was majoring in music and film, and he turned out to be a musician himself and he knew a couple of the same people as I did, so we got to talking and it was fun. It's good to meet kind people on strange trips. :) And then..of course there was that one guy behind us that kept talking super loud on the phone to his buddy about evolutinon, alien invasion, and stuff like that. I mean...whoa! It was crazy! He was talking super crazy! I'm not even sure there was somebody talking to him on the phone, it kinda sounded like he just wanted us to hear what he was saying! And it was just crazy talk. Something like out of a movie. I'm pretty sure he was even making up words, he was so loud that the music man and I couldn't hear each other at times. So yeah..that was pretty much my day.

Oh, and then when I got to Joel's Place, the boy were acting especially ornery today and were super rascally. Oh. My. Gosh. They were goin' nuts! And they were all around me! It drove me crazy! But I was polite the whole time. I love having them around, but sometimes..too much it too much. LOL!!!

So, after 6 hours of ALL THAT...I got a ride home from Emma, our program director, when I came home I was making some food, and I spilled milk on my boots. Bummer. And the day ended with a warm green tea bath. A very soothing, much needed, much wanted bath. And now I am here finishing up my story, and will hit the snoozer, after I tell Brian good night on the phone of course. Gotta check up with the man.

ANYWAY...after saying all that, I have one more point. I promise, it will be short and sweet. Today's quote, "Be who you are - originals are much more valuable," reigns true. You see, I am kind of a clumsy person, and today prooved it. I'm not always smooth, always smart, and I don't always say or do the right things, but I am chiefly myself. I am not anybody else, and I can't be. And it's quite a sad thing when we feel the need to do something, say something, be something that others expect us to be or want us to be, because then, we are only doing a diservice to ourselves. You won't enjoy life if you don't live it from the real perspective our yourself. You won't enjoy life if you're always trying to measure up to everybody else's standards and expectations, and you certainly won't enjoy life by trying to look cool in front of other and by trying to please others. That is called "the fear of man," it's when you're so worried about what others think that you try to conform to their ideals. But I tell you this, don't conform to their ideals, don't worry about what they are going to think or say, have your own standards, and live up to your expectations, not others. Be you. Be yourself. And it is truly okay to be just you. Like that guy on the bus, even though he was talking all crazy, he was totally and completely himself. Totally. So be you, and you know what? WHO CARES IF OTHERS LIKE IT OR NOT. OH WELL!!!

You know, theres a saying that goes like this, "those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." So yeah. I think that says it in itself. JUST BE YOU.

Well guys,

Of to tra-la-la-la land I go.

Good night!


-Your uniquely own Fellow Chocolatier


P.S., I like you just the way that you are, and I give you permission to just be you! (You don't even need my permission, or anybody's for a matter of fact!). Originals are much more valuable. ;)

Dove Chocolate Challenge Day # 39 "Make it happen every day." Richard / Glendale, CA

Make it happen everyday...the question is make what happen? My thought on it are this; you take the initiative to make whatever happen each that otherwise would not have happened if you did not apply yourself to accomplish it, whether it's doing homework, taking time to reconnect with a long lost friend, or making the choice to forgive somebody even though you are puffed in in anger or hurt. Usually taking initiative on one thing or another require sacrifice on the part of the initiator. In order to accomplish what you want to accomplish, you'll have to give up something that you would rather be doing instead of what you are taking the extra effort to do.

So this, is what I call "making it happen everyday." It's my definition anyway. :)

I would say that today was a day full of initiative and making things happen for me. I worked on a fundraising letter (and finished it) that I was supposed to have worked on and finished weeks ago. I started a much needed conversation today with a much needed pesron and was able to explain things to them to get them to understand something in my life that had happened a while ago but still affects me to this day. I took the time to go to THIRST, a quarterly faith based youth meeting and grabbed one of the Joel's Place kids along (she was super depressed and going to THIRST was very uplifting to her, so she said). Brian and I took the time to hang out with Mark, (he invited us over and cooked some delicious dinner! Yum!) and it was our much needed hang out time with him. And, I made it a point to connect with some of the most rascally boys at Joel's Place and tell them a story that they kept asking me to tell them, and we shared funny youtube videos together, they showed me some pretty cool videos, and I showed them some neat ones in return. And most importantly of all the rest is that I took the initiative to forgive my husband for something that happened today that really made me mad, I was angry. I don't get angry very often. It was more of a saddness and frustration  type of anger, but in the moment I was the most hot and angry at him, I knew then that I just needed to forgive, and at the moment it didn't seem like such a great and flattering option, because honestly...I just wanted to wallow in my anger. But I chose to forgive my husband and put my anger aside. I must admit even now while I'm writing I still have pangs of sadness striking through my brain. But I am alright, I think it's just a combination of being tierd, staying up late until right now, and having to go through a loooong day, nevertheless it was a pretty good day. That is one thing that I am very proud of, the fact that we have made it a golden rule in our relationship to never let the sun go down on our anger. We have made it a promise and a point to always work things out and not go to sleep until we do. At times when one of us hits the couch, the other will come pester or sweet talk the other one until we get up and go to bed, forgive each other, talk it out, and continue with life.

I am thankful for my husband, and I am thankful that he too makes it a point to do this. He's a good guy.

Well,

Anyway...overall, it was a good day.

And now, it's time for a close.

Good night ya'll!


-Your very sleepy Fellow Chocolatier


P.S., What do you plan to tackle and initiate today?

Dove Chocolate Challenge Day # 38 "Trust your instincts." Jenna / New Rochelle, NY

Hey ya'lls! :)

 You know, I fogot to mention yesterday that it snowed! :) And when I woke up this morning, as I opened the blinds, I saw snow sprinkled all over the ground. It was just beautiful, a new season, a new change.

But the snow melted about an hour later, by the time it was time for me to walk to class it only looked like it had rained.

It's actually quite surprising right now because the ground lays barren without any snow whatsoever this late into fall time in Alaska. This is quite unusual. We're having a long fall by Alaska's standard. Usually fall lasts abour 2-3 weeks, but now it's going on it's 5th week, which is amazing! (And I LOVE Alaska's Fall time, it is a b s o l u t e l y breathtaking!).

So, I went shopping today, I actually went and looked at stuff yesterday and saved it for today. Bentley Mall, the mall in Fairbanks, has got to be the smallest mall in the world. It's about as big as safe way, if not smaller. 10-15 stores in it. I mean, really, this mall is really smallll. I grew up in California where it'll take you almost a full day to get through one mall, but over here, you'll be able to walk back and forth 5 times in fifteen minutes. I was kinda shocked when I moved here to find that this was "the" mall. It was just too funny to me. But nonetheless, I am quite quaint with our litte shopping mall. Anyway, I don't shop very often, infact, maybe twice or three times a year, but when I shop, I shop. :) I'm just your average girl, I like me some shoppin'. ;)

So, I didn't have much of a budget, but I did find some very cute, and comforable clothes that I really liked. To me, that is a rare find when something is both cute and comfortable, especially pants. So, I'm one of those inbetween people, I am a size 4 when it comes to pants, and most of the time stores will only carry either a size 5 which is slightly too big on me, looks baggy, and then they will also have a size 3, which is too small on me. Only on rare occasions do they actually carry a size 4, which is very rare. I've only seen that happen a handful of times. So today, I found a perfect pair of pants! They were kinda spendy (less than $50 bucks, which in reality is not bad at all for a great pair of jeans), but they had it all, the looks, the comfort, and the fit! Yeah! And I bought a shirt and a jacket. I'm a jeans and t-shirt type of gal. :) So yeah, great finds, BUT, it turned out that I overestimated what I had in the bank and I had to choose between the three...I hate choosing. Especially when I find super rare finds that score high in the comfort and looks category. Bummer. Then I'm just stuck debating which is better, which I really need at the moment, what I can do without, and maybe what I can buy later, if it's not already too late and sold out. But you see, dividends are coming out soon (actually they came out today) in Alaska. And when people get their dividends, let's just say that things run out pretty gosh darn quick around here. And right now we still have some leigh way, but by the time saturday rolls around, people will be running around like crazy, shopping and stocking up on stuff. It's a busy sales season for us Alaskans when those dividends are hashed out. So, with that in mind, and with all of the great finds I found starring at me in the face today, I made the bold decision of purchasing all three items. And you know what? I'm glad I did, my instinct was to buy them because I remember somebody telling me once that "if you see something you really like, and you see yourself wearing it all the time, get it while you can, because by the time you come around to actually buying it later, it will be gone, and you'll probably never see it again, and then you'll just simply regret not buying it."  ...Now hold on, I know this kinda even sounds like a crazy formula for shopaholics and debt, but it can be a wise thing if you use it with caution. You gotta know how to handle it. I must admit that I used to be kinda care free with my shopping, but I've learned to handle my money well in the past two years (thanks to my husband and to the fact that I have to choose between food and clothes most of the time, which I choose food). You can only buy so much when you're starting out on your own like we have, and while being a college student. So yeah. I don't shop much. But when I do, I take time out to shop, drive around to different stores, pick the best deals, and then buy them. I am what you might call a quote unquote "smart shopper," I must admit that I learned this secret trade from my sister in law. She is the best smart shopper I have ever met in my life! This woman devotes entire days to shopping when she shops and she goes from sunrise to sunset, literally. This lady is a madddd shopper (meaning good). She will drive around everywhere, find the best bargains, put those items on hold, go to other stores, find great or even better deals, and at the end of the day she comes back to those stores and buys what she put on hold if she still wanted it, unless she's found something better, and she saves a bunch of money doing it! She buys really good quality stuff at a below bargain price. She just knows how to do it, she has an eye for it, and she knows all the best spots. She is what I would call a devoted shopper. Once a couple of years ago, I took the liberty of going shopping with her...tell you what! At the end of the day...I was exhausted!!!  But I never found greater deals and bargains in my life! It was awesome! She is the one who offered the advice to me by the way.

Well anyway,

Today, I trusted my instints to buy something that I didn't really have the $$ for, but I did have some spare change at home, so I'm actually all good, I didn't overspend like I thought I did, I wasn't worried cause I knew I had it in the back of my mind). Yeah..I don't think I would have bought it if I didn't have anything in the bank at all, I'm not a fan of debt, but I do very much dislike the feeling of letting go of something that I truly and really like. But I guess that's pretty healthy too. Ya know what I mean? If I can say no in those type of cirumstances, that means that I will never have to write debt a certificate of divorce, cause I'll never be married to it. At least I hope I won't be. Have been okay so far, but I'm pretty sure everybody gets into some type of debt in their life. So we'll see what this life's journey will bring my way. But I'm pretty keen on not having any. :) That's probably why I don't actually shop that much. I try to make it a point to stay away from stores when I don't have the $$ to buy anything. Because I too quickly get attached to things if I see them, I guess this is part of the shopper complex, and it's a fine line to walk on between being debt free and not. The question is, will I be okay if I live another day, another week, without it? And I find that if I want to buy something really bad, and I take the liberty to put it on hold to buy for the next day instead of in that moment, or just come back to look at it later, the feeling of wanting whatever that thing is flees, simply fades away, and the desire to want it no longer rules over me or floats around in my mind. Most times, It's just a tasty thing at them moment, a lure, a temptation of a sort, you know?

Brian laughs at me everytime I tell him that, "this is it, this is that one thing, it's rare that I find things that fit me and that I actually like, If I don't buy it now, it'll be too late." And his response while chuckling is, "you'll always find something you like into every store you go to." And this is very true. (That's why I make it a point to stay away from the clothing sections of certain stores when I shop for food or for other needed items). Eyes are a wandering thing, they never satisfy the soul. The more we see, the more we want, that is my conclusion. And the key is to find that happy balance of being satistfied with what you've got and knowing how to handle things in the right way when they come atcha.

Well ladies and gents,

This concludes my epic journey of the day,

and to you I wish a good night.



-Your gut instinct following Fellow Chocolatier

P.S., What are some of your stories of following your instincts? Please do let me know. :)

P.P.S, a thought occured, I was talking about dividends and how some people in Alaska got them today which will cause a huge shopping spree on the weekend, but I forgot to mention that others will recieve theirs in late October. I am with the latter. So that's why I am still the broke college student today and I decided to buy the stuff I bought today because I knew that it defintiely would not have been around by the time I actually recieved my divdend. Anyway...don't know if that was very necessary to say or not. lol. Thought I'd point of a little left out detail....?? 

-Goodnight!