Violence Is Never The Answer

(http://www.energy941.com/pray-for-manchester/)

Hey guys,

I wasn't sure what to say about what happened in Manchester at Ariana Grande's concert.  I saw my friends posting about it on Facebook that night and I wasn't sure what happened, so I was googling about it and read the very sad news. The first thing that quickly came to my mind is Christina Grimmie and that we lost another young lady who had her whole life ahead of her. I found out that Ariana was confirmed safe, so that was great news to hear. But sadly there was 22 people killed and a lot of people were injured. 

 When you buy a ticket to a concert, sport event, etc. you look forward to it and are excited to have a fun time with whoever you're going with. You should not be scared that something is going to happen that is going to make your life in danger, injure you or kill you.   If more things like this start happening more, I don't know if anyone will want to go to concerts and other events because they will be scared.

I read earlier today that Ariana is paying for all of the funeral costs for her fans. That just shows how much she loves her fans and that she is a great person in general. She's probably blaming herself for what happened because it was at her concert, but she should know that what happened was not her fault at all.

I don't know if I have any readers from Manchester or near there, but if you have any friends or family that were killed or injured, but my thoughts and prayers are with you.

<3 Amanda

My Experience As An Elementary School Helper

(http://clipartall.com/clipart/4938-elementary-school-clip-art.html)

Hey guys,

Something that I don't think I have mentioned before on my blog is that I was a classroom/school helper at an elementary school. I was there from March 2010 to April 2016.  The way that I begun volunteering is I e-mailed the secretary and she forwarded my e-mail to all of the teachers in the building. I was lucky and a teacher e-mailed me saying that she could always use volunteers. I went in and talked with her, and started soon after helping her every afternoon(except Wednesdays). I quickly looked up to her and saw her not only as the teacher that I helped but also as one of my mentors. Throughout the school year that was left, we had some inside jokes and it was really fun helping her and helping the students.  I continued being her classroom helper for a few years after that year. I knew that I could talk to her about anything ( my parents' divorce, my mom's Parkinson's Disease, etc.). Something that really made her a great person is when I e-mailed her and told her that my uncle was in the hospital with blood on his brain, she responded and said that the family comes first and if I needed anything to let her know. 

Besides helping in her class, I also helped out in a kindergarten class helping with handwriting and recess. The teacher was also a great teacher to help!  I also briefly helped out in 2 other classes, checking students' work for the teachers. Volunteering at the school really made me feel needed and appreciated and I'm sad that I had to stop due to personal reasons/ moving/etc. Whenever I am able to go in to volunteer in the lunchroom, it's nice to see the teachers and be around students because it feels like I have never left. 

While being a classroom helper, I also assisted the PTO with their school events. I volunteered at movie nights, book fairs, Secret Santa shop, Doughnuts with dads, and much more. I have created some great friendships with members of the PTO. Even though I'm not a parent or a teacher,they have told me many times in the past that they are appreciated and thankful for my help. 

The things that I have learned from the teachers, parents and the students would make a huge list. I am so happy and blessed that I got to have the experience that I have had and use it towards my future career working with children. If you ever have the chance or want to volunteer at a school, I definitely recommend it because you will end up learning a lot. You think you will go in to help teach the students but at the end the students also end up teaching you.

<3 Amanda 

Movie Review: The Space Between Us

(https://www.cinematerial.com/movies/the-space-between-us-i3922818)

Hey guys,

I recently just saw "The Space Between Us". It is about a boy being the first person to be born on Mars and through technology he meets a girl who lives on Earth. He ends up going to Earth and seeing things on Earth through his eyes for the first time. It's interesting and funny.  I liked this movie because it shows us that if you have never been in a situation or place before, you probably will have a really different perspective then those who lived there or experienced it before.

The main actresses and actors in this movie are :Gary Oldman,Janet Montgomery, Asa Butterfield,Carla Gugino and Britt Robertson. You might recognize Asa Butterfield from "The Boy In The Striped Pajamas"; and you might recognize Britt Robertson from the TV show "Life Unexpected" and movies like "Tomorrowland" and "The Longest Ride".

On IMDB, it rates "The Space Between Us" 6.4/10. I personally would rate it a 9/10.  I recommend watching this movie. The movie is PG-13 and is 2 hours (The Space Between Us , 2017).

Have you seen this movie yet? What did you think of it? What would you rate it out of 10 stars? 


Reference: 
The Space Between Us (2017).Retrieved May 19, 2017, from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3922818/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt

<3 Amanda

Starting A New Term

(http://www.clas.wayne.edu/Sociology/Spotlight/New-courses-offered-in-the-Department-of-Sociology)

Hey guys,

As I start my new classes for my next term tomorrow, I decided I would tell you all my feelings towards them now and in about 10 weeks or so let you guys know how they went.  My classes are all online ( 100%), and they go for 10 weeks each. My new courses for this upcoming term are: The 1960's: Reshaping The American Dream and Genetics.  I needed to choose one last elective and after looking over all of my choices I chose to go with Genetics for a few reasons. I thought the course sounded interesting and I also didn't want to take an elective that were too similar to my required classes  

I was never that great in history or science but I needed to choose a social science requirement and I chose to take the Reshaping The American Dream course. What is different for this course is we normally have eBooks or digital books but this course we have an actual book that was sent to us and also an eBook. The only other course that I received a book was when I was in my College Algebra course. 

As I was looking over the course, the classes don't seem too bad as of right now. There will of course be a lot of vocab but that's where index cards and different colored pens come into play.  My cumulative GPA is 3.96 and I'm going to try my hardest not to make that go down! I know that there will be some hard weeks but I will succeed and be proud of myself at the end of these 10 weeks!

Wish me luck!


<3 Amanda 

Happy Mother's Day 2017

http://www.crosscards.com/cards/holidays/mothers-day/

Hey guys,

I first just want to say Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers out there; whether you have children here on earth, in Heaven, expecting, step children, adoptive children or a pet mother. I hope you all have a good day.

My mom and I don't have the greatest relationship. I mean it varies. Sometimes we get along but then there are times when we don't. I would say that we pretty much have the typical mother/daughter relationship. It's sometimes hard for me because I am her only daughter and I want her to be proud of me. I don't want to blame her being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease the summer before my sophomore but it's hard because we were a lot closer before she was diagnosed. We actually went to a Martina McBride concert together when I was younger.  Although like I mentioned above, we don't have the greatest relationship but I hope she knows hat I love her and I hope she's proud of me.

<3 Amanda 

Summer Bucket List 2017

Hey guys,

Do you have a bucket list of things that you want to do/accomplish throughout your life? Here is my bucket List that I made back from last May and you can get ideas from mine. Looking over it, I do have to update it and add things to it, so stay tuned for an updated Bucket List. Thinking about bucket lists, I decided to do a bucket list containing to this summer.

1. Get my book unit complete and out there for you guys to see.
2. Create a shirt and donate all of proceeds to a charity (more about that later)
3. Write a book (more about that later as well)
4. Kiss in the rain
5. Get more followers on my blog
6. Go camping (never been)
7. Cut my hair?

What is on your summer 2017 bucket list?

<3 Amanda 

National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day

(http://www.inktastic.com/Find/Fibromyalgia+Awareness+Ribbon+Tank+Top)

Hey guys,

Today is National Fibromyalgia  Awareness Day. If you aren't familiar with what Fibromyalgia  is, it  is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Symptoms sometimes begin after a physical trauma, surgery, infection or significant psychological stress. On the other hand, in other cases, symptoms gradually accumulate over time with no single triggering event.  Some people experience tension headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and depression..   The gender that is  most likely to be diagnosed with the disorder is female. There is currently no cure (Fibromyalgia, 2017).

Some statistics about Fibromyalgia are (Prevalence, n.d.):

• Fibromyalgia is one of the most common chronic pain conditions.
• It affects an estimated 10 million people in the U.S. and an estimated 3-6% of the world population.
• It is often seen in families, among siblings or mothers and their children.
• The diagnosis is usually made between the ages of 20 to 50 years

References:

Fibromyalgia.(2017). Retrieved May 12, 2017, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/home/ovc-20317786

Prevalence. (n.d.). Retrieved May 12, 2017, from http://www.fmaware.org/about-fibromyalgia/prevalence/

<3 Amanda 

Body Image VS Inside Image

(http://quoteson.net/i-may-not-have-the-perfect-body-quotes/)

Hey guys,

This is a topic that I feel like most young girls, teen girls and even us women deal with and that is body image vs inside image.  I personally have dealt with this topic a lot growing up and comparing myself to other girls. For a really long time I didn't think I was beautiful but I have really awesome friends who have told me plenty of times that I am and that has really helped me.

Another thing that has really helped me has been the fact that I look within myself.  Looking within myself means that I know I'm not the most beautiful woman in the world but I know that I have a beautiful heart. I love helping others and making sure that their day is going well. I love giving random compliments and making my friends/family smile.   Making others smile is a big goal in my life and that definitely includes you; a reader of my blog. If you're having a bad day, I want you to have a smile on your face after reading my post. If you need someone to talk to, get advice from, etc. please remember that I'm always here for you. I will leave links below how on you can contact me if you need someone to message.  Please remember that you're worth it! 

Blog E-mail 
Send me a Facebook message
DM me on Twitter

<3 Amanda 

Online College Student Posts Requests?

(http://www.clipartpanda.com/categories/laptop-clipart-pictures)

Hey guys,

As I have mentioned on here, I am a complete online college student. Since I'm 4 classes away from completing my bachelor's degree for early childhood development,I decided to do some more posts about being an online college student and just being a college student in general. I have some ideas in my planner:

• Online college Student Organization (I'm planning on writing this post in the next week or two as I'll be starting my new classes soon).
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Being a Online College Student
• Q and A about Being a Online College Student 
• Favorite School Supplies
• Planner Organization 

If you guys have any suggestions on what posts I should write, let me know down in the comments!   :) 


<3 Amanda 

My Random Tag

Hey guys,

This is something that I have wanted to do in awhile and that is to create my own tag questions. I tried to come up with interesting questions, so I hope you enjoy it!

My Random Tag

When you go out to eat, do you prefer a booth or a table? Booth

Do you have any weird habits? I can't take any type of medicine in front of others because I don't like the eyes on me.

Burger King or McDonalds? BK all the way; Chicken Fries and French Fries.

Favorite beverage?  Dr. Pepper! Or Sparkling Ice Flavored Water 

If you could go back to one age, which age would you choose and why? Hmm.. I'm not sure because then I wouldn't have gone through the up's and the down's that have made me grow.

If you were only allowed on one social media, which one would you choose? Facebook!

What did you want to be when you were younger? Have you achieved that? I wanted to be a mom and a teacher. I have yet to achieved being a mom and I'm currently almost done with my bachelor's year for Early Childhood Development. 

What is your favorite chore to do? What about the least? Laundry (the washing part); vacuuming. 

Would you rather shop online or in the actual store? Online

Do you have any allergies? Nope, unless you count being somewhat lactose intolerant. 

In your opinion, what has been your greatest accomplishment? Being myself and making my own path in life. I was told college was pointless but the last time I checked my overall GPA was 3.96!

If you could be on any TV show, what show would it be? Hmm.. this is a hard one. I think Fuller House would be a fun show to be on.

What are your pet peeves? People coughing or sneezing without covering their mouth.

If you had to choose, leggings (or jeggings) or regular jeans? Leggings or jeggings

If you could meet any celebrity, who would you choose? Either Carrie Underwood or Martina McBride (my two favorite singers)

The 3 fellow bloggers I tag are:

Liz @ http://blueandhazel.com/

Amanda @  http://bigfamilyblessings.com/

Chrisy @ http://www.curlygirlandherblog.com/


<3 Amanda 

Please Vote For My Article?

Hey guys,

In the magazine that my article  ("How Being Bullied Helped Me Grow") is in, they are asking you to vote for your favorite article from each section of the magazine (DIY, Beauty, Lifestyle, etc). I would love for you to vote for my article because it is a personal experience that I sadly had to go though and also so many other people still up to this day. One main reason why I wrote my article about what I did was that I wanted to help bring more awareness to bullying and help put an end to it. Bullying is not needed; never was and never will be.

Thank you to everyone that has voted for me. I really do truly appreciate it. Even if I don't win, I'll still be proud because (1) I got my first article in a magazine and (2) I was a part of bringing awareness to bullying and making a stop to it.


<3 Amanda 

May Monthly Goals

(https://plus.google.com/106774301447269652249)

Hey guys,

I have decided to start something called "Monthly Goals" where I tell you all what my goals are for the month and then at the end of the month, I will let you guys know how successful I was and reflect on the last month.

My May goals are:

1. By the end of May, have good grades in my new classes
2. Finish the book unit
3. Send out my first newsletter (weekly?)
4. Review a book?
5. Create my own tag
6. Get 200 likes on my Facebook page (I'm currently at 144 likes ) 

What are your goals for the month of May?

<3 Amanda 

My First Published Magazine Article

Hey guys,

In one of my recent posts, I mentioned that I submitted an article for a new online magazine and it got accepted.  Today was the debut of the magazine and  received the link to the magazine. Please check out my article at https://www.digitalmiss.ca/our-recent-issues, and my article is located on page 74-75. 

Let me know what you guys thought! 

<3 Amanda 

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

(http://www.clipartpanda.com/categories/flower-clipart)

Hey guys,

Mother's Day is coming up shortly. I thought I would complied a list of gift ideas that you could give to your mom.  What are you doing for your mom on Mother's Day?

1. Her favorite flowers
2. A simple Thank you card
3. Her favorite candy or snacks
4. A hug
5. A spa basket (lotion, bath bombs, etc).
6. A movie basket (her favorite movie on DVD, chocolate/candy and popcorn)
7. Breakfast in bed
8. Dinner out
9. Make dinner for her
10. Make her some sort of baked good (brownies, cookies, cake,etc).

If you're a mother, happy early Mother's Day to you!

<3 Amanda 

Teacher Appreciation Gifts Ideas

Hey guys,

Teacher Appreciation week is May 8th to May 12th. Here are some gift ideas that you could give to a teacher in your life (or your child can give to their teacher).

1. A hand written note from your child saying thank you to their teacher
2. A flower pot with your child's hand print and the words "Thank you for helping me grow"
3. Chocolate- Every teacher that I known enjoys chocolate
4. Gift card to a coffee place to help give them an extra boost in the morning
5. Gift card to a store like Target, Michael's, etc for needed school supplies
6. Their favorite snacks
7. A gift card for a dinner out
8. A spa basket with relaxing things (lotions,bath bombs)- A great gift after a stressful week or day
9. A movie gift basket if you know their favorite movie or you can put in a random movie or two along with some candy and popcorn
10.  Just a simple hug and thank you to their teacher

If you're a teacher, I want to personally thank you for helping the next generations grow. 

<3 Amanda 

The Soundtrack of My Life

Hey guys,

I was tagged by Em from Em Linthorpe and you can check out her blog out here. She tagged me in "The Soundtrack of My Life". Now she did hers in chronological order and I'm going to do mine a little difference as I'm bad at saying which song came before a different song. I'm pretty much going to write about 7 different songs that has affected me in one way or another and how it has played into my life.

1. "From The Bottom of My Broken Heart": Brittney Spears
   The Backstreet Boys, Nsync and Brittney were some of the popular singers when I was growing up and who attained to my age group. Every school year, there was a talent show at the end of the year and I wanted to do this song with a  group of my friends. Thinking about it now, I must have had been feeling really brave at that moment when I decided that idea because I was a shy/quiet student and most likely would have gotten stage fright or declined to go up on stage.

2. " You Should Be Here""Cole Swindell 
 This is a song that reminds me of all of my friends who has passed away too soon. They all were very talented and never got the chance to show their talent more. R.I.P Carly, R.I.P Scott and R.I.P Branden.

3. "My Little Girl": Tim McGraw
 I'm my dad's only daughter so whenever the day I get married come, the father/daughter dance is going to be very special. We had a list of songs and I told him that the song choice would be his, and he chose this song very quickly. 

4. "This Is My Now": Jordin Sparks
This is my now to achieve my goals and do what I love to do. Nothing is going to happen if I don't at least try  :) 

5. "Heaven Needed Another Angel": Jo Dee Messina
This is a song that always remind me of a former teacher of mine who passed away too soon at a young age. She made such a huge impact on my life and influence me greatly. I know she's looking down on me and is proud of me. R.I.P Abbey.

6. "Road Less Traveled": Lauren Alaina
This song reminds me that I have my own dreams and goals and I don't have to follow other people even though they might be doing the popular thing. I'm making my own road and doing things my own way.

7. "Do I Make You Proud": Taylor Hicks
 This is one of my biggest goals in life to make my family,friends and former teachers/educators proud of me. This song could also be applied to my readers.



Thanks Em for tagging me in this tag. What songs would you say describes your life?

I tag:

kirsty @ http://mecupcakesandtea.com/

Shelly @ https://shellyray.com/  


<3 Amanda 

Book Unit For Students Coming Soon

(http://www.vapld.info/)

Hey guys,

I'm not sure if I have any readers who are teachers or home school parents, but if you are a teacher or a home school parent stay tuned for a future unit on a book. I will announce the book and age/grade level when I get everything together.  If you want to know more about the book unit, subscribe to my newsletter where I'm going to try to give out hints to what the book is. My goal is to get it all done by June so it can be added to a lesson plan for the next school year if necessary. 

<3 Amanda 

April Monthly Favorites

Hey guys,

Can you all believe it's already May? This year is flying by in my opinion. I have only done like 2 monthly favorites I believe and I know you like reading about my monthly favorites, so here they are!

(Sorry that it's the wrong way)

-My planner: This is a must for me as I am an online college student and also a blogger, so it is nice to write down what I have due each day and which posts I want published on the particular days.  If you're a student (on-campus or online) or/and a blogger, I definitely recommend a planner!

(http://logodatabases.com/blogger-logo.html/blogger-logo-2)

-Blogger: I believe this was in my last favorites but it still remains as one of my favorites. Having Blogger to create a blog and publish a post for you guys (and for me as well) just makes me happy. I love having my voice heard. 

(http://www.spoilertv.com/2015/04/unreal-new-promo-character-posters.html)

-UnReal: I recently discovered this show earlier in April. I think I have seen it on Hulu before but never clicked on it and watched it. I like this show because it has the mother from "Life Unexpected " in it.  And I don't know if it's true picture of what goes on in shows like "The Bachelorette" and "The Bachelor" but it's interesting.

(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5638056/)

-The Mick: This is another show that I have been watching every week. It's on Tuesdays on Fox, but I have to wait until Wednesday to watch it on Hulu.  Kaitlin Olson is great in this show! Check out my review, here.

(https://genius.com/Ruth-b-lost-boy-lyrics)

- "Lost Boy" By Ruth B.: Ever since I heard this song , I play it a lot and because it is a catchy song I can sing (lip-synced) to it. I recommend this song! Check out my other favorite recent songs, here.


What were some of your favorites from last month?

<3 Amanda