flip flops in february
23 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
in because it's a keri thing to say
As I write this, it’s 5pm on February 23, 2012, and it’s 64 degrees outside.
64 DEGREES!! IN FEBRUARY!! AT 5 PM!!
You have NO idea how happy this makes me.
Actually, you probably do, considering how often I blog about warmth, the sun, summer, flip flops, and anything bright and cheerful.
But that’s besides the point.
The point is that it was high 70s today and it’s a Thursday in February. AKA, I’m wearing flip flops in February and I’m not freezing cold.
To celebrate this magnificent weather, I studied on the green today with my friend, Liz.
For those of you who are so confused as to what a “green” is, it’s exactly what it sounds like.
A huge green lawn in between buildings on campus.
Lots of people were out on the green today, studying, laughing, having picnics, and just enjoying the random weather.
I overheard one person say, “Wow! Delaware weather is awesome! It never snows!”
I wanted to turn and tell them, “False. This is random. It’s giving every body the wrong impression of what weather is like here!”
But I didn’t. I was too busy enjoying the awesome random weather of Delaware.
It’s just too great.
I was out side a lot today, but now I am in Starbucks, drinking a tall light java chip frappuccino while studying for my mass media class.
It’s just too great today.
Oh wait, I just said that.
But, it’s just one of those days where I don’t care how many times I say it, because it’s true.
Starbucks, flip flops, sunglasses, warm weather, comm homework… really, can it get any better than that?
Curiosity is getting the best of me.
18 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
in because it's a keri thing to say
Stop right there! I need your help.
The reason I’m writing this:
I’m a Communications major. This, you may have already known, for I have written about it before.
In one of my core communications’ classes this semester, we’re discussing mass media and the effects it has society.
My professor has begun to explain the logistics behind what looks to be casual television with minor advertising.
What seems to be innocent television really has a huge message behind it.
Weird, right? Everything on TV is put there for a reason– everything.
I had no idea. There is a whole different world behind the scenes of production and media in general.
They don’t call it “the world of television” for nothing!
Okay, I actually I did know a little bit about this world of television, but I didn’t know the depth of it all, how much time it took, and what all had to happen for a simple show or commercial to be added to the schedule.
And that got me thinking…
What shows are the most popular? What shows are people more interested in?
Why are the shows interesting? Why can’t people WAIT for the next new episode?
What’s so great?
I’ll spare you the crazy long answer and tell you simply:
because the mass media industry is doing their job efficiently.
You and I are addicted to shows like Glee or The Office because of the behind-the-scenes industry that helps shows like those two succeed.
It’s mind blowing, really, if you take the time to have this information sink in…really sink in.
The fact that we’re addicted to these shows is not just because of our personal interests, but because of a specific scientific method.
Whaaaaat?!
So, you may be thinking…that’s great. but why do you need my help?
That’s where YOU come in. The “so what” is that I’m a curious person. I’m a Communications major. I’m studying the insanity of media and how it effects you and me.
And because of all these reasons, I want you to take the poll!
Simply put, I’m curious to see what shows you’re watching now that I have a little bit more info on the entire process of it all.
Side Note: If your show is not listed, please choose the option “Other” and then comment on this post to tell me which show that is.
Heads up: If this experiment succeeds, I may continue to ask for your help in the future. I may post polls or questions that I’d love your feedback on in order to gain a better understanding of the media world. What better way to learn more about people’s opinions then to ask them through my blog? It’s perfect. Don’t worry about future questions… for now, just click an answer. I greatly appreciate it!
Thanks mucho!
A 4 part thought in 1 blog post: categorized for your convenience.
15 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
in because it's a keri thing to say
There are four parts to my blog post today:
A beginning, a middle, an end, and a “why the heck is Keri even writing this?” (aka a summary). Obviously. But this time, I’m doing something different. I will be “bolding” the four parts so you clearly see how they intertwine with each other.
Behind the Scenes:
You know, some days I have these random thoughts that completely summarize everything I’m feeling.
And then, other days, I have thoughts that don’t apply to any aspect of my life.
Today was Valentine’s Day. Happy Valentine’s Day, by the way!
Throughout the day, I couldn’t make up my mind on whether I liked being single or not.
Random, I know.
Some moments, I had thoughts like, “Yeah! Being a single lady rocks!” and then other times, I had thoughts like, “This stinks. So much.”
My thoughts frequently contradicted each other today. But what else is new?
But then I realized, like with everything else, there are two ways to look at Valentine’s Day.
Either you can look at it as the most awesomest holiday ever where you get to wear red and pink clothing, eat chocolate, and wear a smile all day long…
OR…
You can look at it as a day of depression, loneliness, and despair.
OR… (a third option!)
You can look at it like I did, which was to wear happy clothing and eat chocolate, but still feel a teeny bit lonely and a little desperate.
Ha ha ha.
Just kidding. …but seriously.
So what if I’m a little cliche? :
I will admit, I’m a sucker for the cheesy relationship stuff like roses, teddy bears, big hugs, and Halmark cards. I mean, HELLO, I LOVE the movie Valentine’s Day and one of my favorite movies is 27 Dresses. I’m such a girl when it comes to these things, but that’s not necessarily wrong.
It’s OK to like these things and it’s OK to love Valentine’s Day, but don’t forget that it’s not the things that count, but the people.
I know that sounds so cliche, but I feel like a lot of people forget why they celebrate Valentine’s Day. They get so caught up in the commercialism and the idea of love, that they forget to love.
It may be the enormous amounts of Mass Media Communication knowledge in my head right now since I’m studying the psychology behind commercialism in college, or it may just be the many thoughts I had during the day today, but whatever the case… I think that Valentine’s Day is a perfect example of how there are two (sometimes three) ways to view a situation.
Whatever the case, this is what I know:
There is a reason why I’m single right now that I’m still trying to find out. Actually, I take that back. I know why I’m single.
It’s because God has the perfect person made for me and in His timing, I’ll find him.
Like in the many situations I find myself in, I am reminded once again that God’s got this. Yeah, it’d be great to have a guy and a “valentine” on the most romantic holiday of the year, but then again, I’ve been single for this many years, so I can be single for one more…or two, or three…really, I can be single for as long as needed, because that’s what God intended in His story for me.
I’m not going to lie and tell you that it’s easy to see other people’s successful relationships and then realize that I don’t have that. I’m not going to lie and tell you that I feel like I need a guy to be okay. And I’m certainly not going to lie and tell you that I write my blog posts to receive attention, praise, or compliments [especially this post].
No, it’s not easy to be single in a world that’s so focused on relationships, but also…No, I don’t feel like I need a guy to be okay. When he comes, he comes. But until then, my focus is on Jesus. And I definitely don’t write my blog posts trying to hint for praise, compliments, or attention. I am very thankful when people do comment and love my blog, but I don’t set out trying to write and bring attention to myself. Side note and a small rant: I started my blog because I had things to say and people began to read. I did not start this blog to generate attention and have people think I wrote it specifically to get others’ approval.
Anyways… :
Like I said, God’s got this and although that may be hard to accept on some days [today being one of them], it’s still the truth and at the end of the day, I am thankful for it.
Because today turned out to be a great day. I went to Starbucks with a friend and had great, encouraging talks. I successfully understood everything my French professor said [in French!] and was able to respond back [in French!]. I ate lunch with a few long-lost friends from last semester. I was able to finish my homework early and therefore have small adventures. I worshiped Jesus with a bunch of people tonight at a campus ministry and then came home to find a beautiful bouquet of flowers and chocolates from my brother.
God sent me valentines throughout the entire day through different people. He loves me and I’m thankful that He calls me his daughter.
Oh, and I read a letter from Him, too. Best. Valentine. Ever.
“Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast,
It is not proud. It does not dishonor others,
It is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,
It keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil
but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.”
- Corinthians 13:4-8
Like this:
The gift that keeps on giving.
09 Feb 2012 2 Comments
in because it's a keri thing to say
I have neglected this blog for about a week or so.
In the “real” world, that is not a long length of time, but for the blogging world, that is an eternity.
My apologies.
Every day is a gift. Sometimes, I have to remind my self of this many times a day. Especially during this time of year.
Spring semester has officially arrived.
And with the spring semester, comes a new round of trials, obstacles, stressful situations, joys, exciting moments, and gifts.
Gifts at every corner.
Gifts wherever I look.
Not physical gifts, like a wrapped present or a bag with a ribbon.
But hidden gifts.
I’ve shared in the past about my challenge to find 1,000 gifts.
Who knew that a gift would be getting to class and finding the only seat available was in the front row?
God did.
He knew that my attention span [especially when it comes to anything mathematical] is short and that sitting in front would not only give me a full view of the board, but I’d also make a friend or two at the end of the class.
Who knew that forgetting a coat on a cold February night would lead to fully enjoying the cold weather and the sight of exhaled breath as it filled the air?
God did.
Who knew that sitting in a window sill would not only allow me to feel the sunlit windows’ warmth on my face, but also give me a perfect view to see a long-lost friend walking my way?
God did.
Who knew that finishing a long day of classes and walking outside to see snow falling from the sky would lead to a grin on my face and a burst of un-containable energy?
God did.
You see, to me, these things would’ve been insignificant if I had not stopped to think about why they happened.
God is constantly showing me and giving me reasons to trust Him. To show that the little things are from Him. Little gifts, although they aren’t wrapped in paper or tied with a ribbon, are still just as significant and precious.
I know most of my blog posts end up talking about the hidden gifts and/or why God puts them in our lives, but this entire challenge has given me a new perspective.
Even on the most “boring” days, I still try to find at least two, or maybe three, gifts.
I have been pretty busy with school [already!] but I had to update you on my gift challenge.
Hopefully this tidbit of a blog post inspired and/or encouraged you to keep with your personal gift challenge.
Have you found any gifts today?
