The Power of Pen & Paper (Or In This Case, Computer Keys)

Well. Here we are almost 9 months later and my new years prediction about my new years resolution has come true. Until about 10 minutes ago, I completely forgot I started this thing just as 2013 was beginning. Apparently I even tried writing an entry in February, got about half way through, and forgot about it entirely. But I'm back for another try.

I've come to the realization that I've been going about this whole blog thing the wrong way. Back in January I made the very arrogant assumption that I had enough interesting life lessons to bestow upon the world that I could keep this going. Well here's the thing- I'm 20 and know next to nothing about how life works. I have some observations and very liquid opinions about things that I completely intend on sharing, but then rolling my eyes at in the next 1-3 years. And that's what brought me back. Instead of setting out to drop some knowledge on my fellow internet surfers, I want to treat this more as a diary or a scrapbook completely made up of words. If you stumble upon this and find it interesting, I invite you to keep reading. And if not, well this blog is still serving its purpose

That brings me to the title of this post. I don't know about you (whoever you are), but I have always found something deeply cathartic about writing, all facets of it. That's not to say every time I'm stressed, I sit down and write a novel. But some of my favorite stress relievers revolve around the written word. Whether it's sitting down listening to someone else's written word in the form of music while doodling or copying down those lyrics, or reading a book. I've never been one to consistently keep a diary, but every so often I just need to sit down with a pen and paper (or in this case, computer keys) and spill my guts. It provides the perfect opportunity to be more honest with yourself than you could ever be out loud. To say exactly on your mind without interruptions or fear of being judged. Sometimes I'll sit down and write page after page of everything I'm feeling, and sometimes I'll babble on about nothing. Either way, when I set my pen down, or stop typing, it's as if the world has left my shoulders. I guess, in a way, it's a version of talking to myself without seeming super crazy.

If you find yourself stressed out, take 10 minutes out of your day and write it out. Write out exactly what your stressing over and what you plan to do about it. That last part is important because let's be honest, if you don't use this as an opportunity to find a solution, then you're just whining. You don't necessarily have to write about yourself either. Write a story, or even read one. Writing doesn't have to mean staring your problems in the face, use it as an escape.

As I stated earlier, if you find my advice stupid, feel free to ignore it. This post, and most future posts, are my escape. If hundreds of people read this, or no one at all, this blog is still doing its job.

The Hilarity of New Years Resolutions

As one year comes to an end and another one begins, society creates this need for change and betterment. We make ourselves promises to make some sort of personal change. Whether it be to lose weight or have more patience, we all fall victim to the same idea that this year's going to be different. Not that this year can't be different; just that come March, most of us have already forgotten what it was we were trying to change in the first place.

I'm certainly no special case. I guess in a way, maybe this blog is my New Years resolution. Who knows, maybe in March I will have proven myself correct and forgotten this blog even exists. Every year, I set the same goals. Usually revolving around "you need to work out more." To my credit, every year I get better and better about my work out habits. But that's not to say I'm not like every other die-hard-January-gym-junkie that turns back into a couch potato in February. I know that I wont be able to get near the gym for the next 2 or so months unless I go at 8 am (we're college kids.. mornings are not our friends). But as soon as March rolls around, the novelty of the year starts to wear off and people settle back into their old habits.

Lack of commitment aside, most of these half-hearted resolutions are just far too unrealistic. Too many people get a little over excited by the "new year, new me" concept and set themselves up for failure right out of the gate. Someone who hasn't eaten a vegetable in months suddenly wants to become vegetarian. Or, for consistency's sake, there's the couch potato that suddenly wants to start working out 6 days a week. These lofty goals seem like a great idea until the New Year goggles wear off and they realize there's a reason they weren't a vegetarian or a gym rat before this. It's hard. I think that if we were more honest with ourselves, these New Years resolutions would have a greater chance of sticking. But the problem with that is saying "I'm going to be a vegetarian" is way more exciting to tell people than "I'm going to do a better job of folding my laundry...sometimes."

Of course, the start of a new year is always exciting; there's no denying that. As most of us go on and begin to forget our resolutions, I truly do hope that 2013 brings you joy, challenges, and self improvement that will continue to build in years to come. Hopefully tomorrow I'll make it to the gym.....

Welcome

I feel as though I should start out with some sort of introductory post. Although as I'm typing this, I'm really not sure where to start. Welcome to my blog.. Hope what I am about to say is at least somewhat interesting.

Well... I'm currently a college student. I attend Johnson and Wales University where I am studying Culinary Arts and Food Service Management. I have been asked over and over what I want to do with my career. My answer is always an elaborate "I don't know." I know it will have something to do with food- and that's my starting point. I have a long list of things I'd love to try, from chef to food writer to sommelier. I'd love to at least try most of them. So far, I have been unsuccessful at narrowing it down any further.

I very obviously love cooking but some of my other hobbies include listening to music, snowboarding, spending far too much time on social media sites, and writing. Going to school in Colorado has given me a chance to really appreciate the outdoors. I love to escape to the mountains to hike or snowboard as much as I can. Unfortunately with going to school and holding down a part time job, it's not as often as I would like.

I hope to update this blog as often as I can with my random observations and thoughts. Being in culinary school, you can bet I'll include some food adventures as well. I guess this was sufficiently introductory, so let's get to it... Here Goes Nothing..