The only day of the year that is especially dedicated to you is your birthday. My 19th birthday is in almost a week and I’m already getting excited.
When I was younger my parents made a big deal about birthdays in our family. The morning of one of our special days, the “birthday fairy” would magically come and decorate our living room with streamers, balloons, and set a pile of presents on the table. We would open one present before school, which would usually be our “birthday outfit” to be worn that day. Even though having school on our birthdays was somewhat disappointing, we looked forward to that evening when our parents would come home early from work and we’d all go out to a family dinner. This was what I looked forward to the most. The birthday girl/boy would get to pick wherever he/she wanted to eat. After dinner the birthday celebration continued when we returned home, finished opening presents and ate our favorite cake after singing “Happy Birthday” and blowing out candles.
Now that my siblings and I are older and doing our own things, many of our birthday traditions have ceased to exist. Although I miss having the “birthday fairy” surprise me with decorations, my parents still find a way to make me feel special. Since I’m not able to go home for my birthday this year, my mom, dad, and sister are coming to me. I’m not as excited about getting another year older or the presents my parents may have bought for me, but being able to spend the day with my family. This will be the best present I can get. As my birthday is quickly approaching, I continue to get more and more excited. I think my special day will be the best birthday ever.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Blog 2
I love dogs. Something about their furry little bodies and constant companionship makes my heart melt in adoration.
I have a cocker spaniel who lives back home with my family. I got her five years ago from an adoption center in LA after looking online for “the perfect dog.” She fit all my standards of what I wanted in a dog on paper, and greatly exceeds them in real life. I named her Andie.
Whenever I go back home, I am bombarded with sloppy kisses as Andie rushes to the door to greet me. Her stump of a tail wags in excitement as a scoop down to return the love. She is always just as excited to see me, whether I’ve been gone a couple months, or a few short weeks. Just like best friends who pick up where they’ve left off, Andie and I take to each other like we haven’t missed a beat.
Of course her favorite activity is going for walks, but it’s also one of mine too. Taking a walk gives me the opportunity to clear my mind in the presence of my best little pal. I give direction and she follows. As a reward for being so good, I let her run around on a field near my house. Even though she can’t say, I know she’s enjoying it as much as I am.
Most of the time when we return from our walks, it’s nap time. I’ll plop down on the couch and take on another activity while Andie rests right beside me. I feel bad about how much she must miss me when I’m gone because we definitely have a strong bond between the two of us. She is my unconditional companion, and that, I love.
I have a cocker spaniel who lives back home with my family. I got her five years ago from an adoption center in LA after looking online for “the perfect dog.” She fit all my standards of what I wanted in a dog on paper, and greatly exceeds them in real life. I named her Andie.
Whenever I go back home, I am bombarded with sloppy kisses as Andie rushes to the door to greet me. Her stump of a tail wags in excitement as a scoop down to return the love. She is always just as excited to see me, whether I’ve been gone a couple months, or a few short weeks. Just like best friends who pick up where they’ve left off, Andie and I take to each other like we haven’t missed a beat.
Of course her favorite activity is going for walks, but it’s also one of mine too. Taking a walk gives me the opportunity to clear my mind in the presence of my best little pal. I give direction and she follows. As a reward for being so good, I let her run around on a field near my house. Even though she can’t say, I know she’s enjoying it as much as I am.
Most of the time when we return from our walks, it’s nap time. I’ll plop down on the couch and take on another activity while Andie rests right beside me. I feel bad about how much she must miss me when I’m gone because we definitely have a strong bond between the two of us. She is my unconditional companion, and that, I love.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Blog 1
I am a gymnast. I always have been and will be at heart.
There’s something to say about the people who become gymnasts. Whether its our muscle build, intense training, or dedication to the sport, we are truly a unique group of individuals.
Fifteen years ago, I embarked on a life-shaping journey as I started my gymnastics career. I’ve been to several different clubs and had several different coaches and teammates who have taught me much more than how to do a flip-flop layout on beam or a release on bars, but also about being a good teammate and friend, time management, dedication, and hard work. Through my training, I’ve also learned about the importance of eating well and maintaining a healthy body and mind. Although these lessons directly correlate to my experiences in gymnastics, they also carry over to many different aspects of my life. It is impossible for me to separate them from the person that I am and continue to be.
Its hard to imagine that I’ve been in gymnastics for as long as I have. I can still remember my first competition and the satisfaction of having the opportunity to show everything I’d been working hard for. Now I am left with three short years to finish up my gymnastics career. I’m already getting anxious of having to lose such an enormous chunk of my life.
If I must end my gymnastics career, I am at least able to have the gratification of knowing I will take with me everything I have learned. Along with personal development and lifelong friends, my appreciation for the hard work these athletes put themselves through and love for the sport will always remain. And so, it is safe to say, I will never completely lose touch with being a gymnast.
There’s something to say about the people who become gymnasts. Whether its our muscle build, intense training, or dedication to the sport, we are truly a unique group of individuals.
Fifteen years ago, I embarked on a life-shaping journey as I started my gymnastics career. I’ve been to several different clubs and had several different coaches and teammates who have taught me much more than how to do a flip-flop layout on beam or a release on bars, but also about being a good teammate and friend, time management, dedication, and hard work. Through my training, I’ve also learned about the importance of eating well and maintaining a healthy body and mind. Although these lessons directly correlate to my experiences in gymnastics, they also carry over to many different aspects of my life. It is impossible for me to separate them from the person that I am and continue to be.
Its hard to imagine that I’ve been in gymnastics for as long as I have. I can still remember my first competition and the satisfaction of having the opportunity to show everything I’d been working hard for. Now I am left with three short years to finish up my gymnastics career. I’m already getting anxious of having to lose such an enormous chunk of my life.
If I must end my gymnastics career, I am at least able to have the gratification of knowing I will take with me everything I have learned. Along with personal development and lifelong friends, my appreciation for the hard work these athletes put themselves through and love for the sport will always remain. And so, it is safe to say, I will never completely lose touch with being a gymnast.
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