Weekend Therapy

Lately I've been thinking a lot about my life and certain characteristics that need desperate improvements. I've always been the type of person who believed that if someone didn't agree with certain behaviors of mine then that's that person's problem because I'm not going to be the one to change. Talk about being narrow minded right? Of course that kind of thinking wont get me anywhere in life, it'll just bring forth failure of communication, understanding and being closed off towards others. I've also noticed that in arguments, mainly between my parents and even with my boyfriend, I get very defensive, shut down, and put that wall up. Re-reading what I wrote sounds child like don't you think? If I want to have an equal adult-like relationship with these people then I need to demonstrate that as well, otherwise I wont get that kind of respect.

To everyone who reads this it may sound like basic 101 kind of stuff, but if this behavior was learned at a young age then it will be a hardder habit to break. It may be hard, but its not impossible I think if I learned how to do something I'm sure I can unlearn it as well. It'll definitely be challenging- but if my own characteristics are going to negatively influence my future and present relationships then this is something that I need to correct. My boyfriend has always challenged me with this thought, "If people don't feel the need to improve themselves then how will they grow?" He's definitely right!! And I admit that I can be a stubborn young lady who wants to remain the same only because it's comfortable for me, but what challenge does that bring forth- how will my thoughts expand and how will I grow intellectually if I'm stagnant.

How many of you have tried to talk to people who just WONT see your view because they're stuck in their ways? It's frustrating when you can't get through to them huh? Well I don't want to be that kind of person, I want to be able to accept what you have to say with an open heart and mind to give you a fair opportunity, so you may do the same for me.

Well... this weekend Aug. 21st -23rd I'll be heading out to Laguna Beach to a retreat for my internship. It sounds nice, but these retreats are intense. It's 2 full days of group and individual therapy. I'm interning for a Group Leader position at Cal State Fullerton University. I'm a Human Service major and my goal is to become a therapist or youth counselor for abused children or children with eating disorders..

In a sense I will be training to be like a group therapist, but I can't call myself a "therapist" because I'm not liscenced hence why I'm applying for the "Group Leader" position. haha. Anyway, this retreat will definitely put me on the right track to help me focus on what I talked about in this blog. So I'm definitely happy to attend but I know when I come back I'll be emotionally exhausted! :) Well can't dwell on that!
Anyway have a great weekend! :)

I kneel down before the shallow waters, to reveal my own reflection. Just a mere window of the soul, is all that my eye's can be detecting. For what all that I consume, is not all that there is. We must look beneath the visual shell, for that is where we live. Reach deep my friend, and you shall find much more than you conceive. For who or what we may become, exist inside of thee.
Inside Of Thee by Robert Hensel

Just One Of Those Days...

Have you ever had one of those days when your sleep was interrupted from the most pleasant sleep you've experienced in the longest time and knew there after your day was going down hill because of it? ZZZZzzzz

Have you ever had one of those days you woke up feeling BLAH and didn't care what you looked like and hoped that no one was going to notice? Yet right as you walk into work your closest co-worker just stares at you and says, "You are one HOT mess!"

Have you ever had one of those days when you take everything out on your <3boyfriend<3 even though he's trying to be patient and understanding to you, but during the heat of the moment you can't see that because your mind is fogged & consumed about how bad your day has been thus far?

Ever thought that nothing could get worse then what the day has brought forth-yet it ALWAYS does!





<-- Poor kid, I feel his pain....hehe (it sucks but it's kinda funny too)

Now after a long day like this, don't you feel like you just need to laugh extrememly hard to take all the stress away?

<--- haha I love this cat! :D


Who else has pathetically suffered from a day like this?! -Haha :D

A Souvenir Made in Chicago

Entering my first plane ride from out of state with the love of my life! Here's the view from where I was sitting...

Photos taken by Priscilla Martinez

So... I couldn't have imagined a better vacation then I did. The plane ride itself was just breath taking. Being in a plane with loved ones is the most fun I've ever had! Card games were being played and our laughter just filled the plane-**good times**. And remember in my last blog I was hoping to get a window seat? Well it worked out to my advantage and I was able to see the endless blue sky, the white cotton clouds and each states land and how it differed from state to state. I would have to say that I have never seen a greener piece of land like Milwaukee and Illinois in my life. Sure, California has its beautiful places but they’re so distant from where I live; so during my trip I was able to appreciate Chicago’s land that much more. :) Chicago’s sweet "picture perfect" Bungalow style homes (well at least the one I stayed in) were surrounded by leafy weeping willows and gorgeous tall Elm Trees which made the streets itself look so rich and gorgeous- I loved it!

Rick and I @ the Planetarium Navy Pier

Science Museum Architecture boat tour
Photos taken by Priscilla Martinez

There's just so much to do in the third most largest city! I would definitely recommend wearing comfortable shoes or sandals because you'll be doing a lot of walking. Although I was super tired after one day of walking, I would have to say that it was the best part because that's how I was able to see every skyline, shop, bus stop, train, restaurant, park and person. And it's always very nice being able to hold hands and experience new adventures with the person you love most.

Fun places to go & see that I recommend would be:

The Navy Pier * Architecture Boat Tour* The Science Museum* Shedd Aquarium* Willis Tower* The Planetarium* The Bean* Millennium Park* Grant Park* Buckingham Fountain* * Giordano's (famous for their deep dish pizza)* And I'm sure there's a lot more! :)

At Millennium Park

Lastly, for all those romatics out there...haha jk Well, I must say that this trip brought Rick and I closer together. We've been together for four years now, but each time we venture out we always learn something new about each other which makes our relationship fun and exciting. We had so much fun in the city that it was hard to say "goodbye" to all our family and new friends. But there was a moment from Chicago, one that I will keep as my personal souvenir, was when Rick and I walked hand in hand around the quiet neighborhood with just the crickets playing their soft tunes,while the wind blowing sofltly through the trees and the stars shinning from the sky- I caught him staring at me and though there were no words spoken, I knew his eyes were telling me just how much he loved me. I really am blessed to have him in my life. And as we walked together that night we exchanged our thoughts about life and what our future will be like; I'll keep those details burried in my heart... ;)

So that was my trip... pleasant in every way; I hope the next time you venture on your vacation you will have just as good of a time. <3<3>

Just A Quickie!

Hey All!

I finally arrived back to California from Chicago. I apologize for not being able to write anything within the past week, but trust me I was busy just about every minute of every day! I'm hoping to download all my pictures tonight so I can post a blog by tomorrow!

Just a quick note!
I had a WONDERFUL time! ;)

What Should I Bring?

It's official, ONE more day until I strut my way into the LA airport and into a plane that will fly me away from California to the gorgeous city of Chicago. I really hope I get a window seat; nothing could be better than having a view of fluffy white clouds, the rays of sunshine and a scenic view of all the states down below. Of course I'm still not exactly sure how our seats will be arranged, but I'm sure I'll have an enjoyable flight either way.

Well as excited as I am for the trip and flight to Chicago, there's one thing that I'm NOT so thrilled about- PACKING! Ayeyaeye....it always seems to happen where I forget to pack something that I desperately need or an item that is terribly useless. I think this photo above describes exactly what my room will look like during my packing process (which will be today). Geez, if my room looks like this can you imagine what my brain will look like- not a pretty picture. Any packing tips on important items to pack?

BTW to all you fashion gals out there, does this look like Chicago material? I bought two round hats very similiar to these and a few outfits of these colors? Is this something I need to put back in the closest or is this attire suitable to strut downtown? Please give me your honest feedback! I don't want to look foolish. ;)

<3 THANKS <3