Georgjean's "Inner" Archive

The Glogster Tool.

2011-05-14T05:26:00.000-07:00

I have enrolled in a certification program called Illinois Online Network(ION) through the University of Illinois. Once I finish the program I will receive a certificate in the Master of Teaching Online. At first, I decided to participate in the program because I was able to take the courses for free and I had wanted to be a "student" again ever since I began teaching over six years ago. This was my opportunity to be a student and even better, get the courses for free! Finally! I thought to myself.

To my surprise, after completing the first introductory course I wasn't sure if the program was for me. My thoughts included: What's the point? Am I really enjoying this program? Do I even want to teach online? Most of my fellow students already teach online; I don't. What am I learning thus far?

Although these questions and doubts consumed my mind, I decided to push forward and continue on in the program through the advice of my mother. She reminded me of how great the opportunity was and more importantly, how much I had wanted to be a student again before I enrolled in the program. I had almost forgotten.

I'm thankful I stuck to the program because the second course I participated in was fantastic. I learned a lot about the content area (tech tools) and over the duration of the course, felt that the contents we explored could enhance my face to face classes, as well as online courses I may teach down the road.

I thought I'd post a link to one of the projects I completed for the course. The Module we were working on was related to the students(us) creating their own content. The idea behind this project was to "play around" with several tech tools(glogster,auidioboo,jing,screencast, screenr,prezi,etc...) and then eventually choose one of them to create our own content with, based on the subjects we teach. In my case, English Composition.

Here is a link to my Glogster Project: http://www.georgjean.glogster.com/english-101-argumentative-paper/

If you have never heard of glogster, you should check it out. It's a fun tool. It reminds me of a blog for the fact that you can insert links, videos, write journal entries, add pictures, etc... but the method in which you display these messages, links, videos,etc...is creative and definitely a bit more vivid and colorful!

Take a look!

A Night Out With the Girls Leaves Me Feeling More Mindful Than Ever.

2011-02-12T09:16:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since I stayed out until 1 in the morning. I mean,wow, I can't remember the last time I went to bed intentionally at 2AM.

A few girlfriends and I checked out a dance studio last night, and although we were nervous because we had little experience with "this" type of dance, these nerves transcended into a fantastic energy that left us all feeling exuberant, refreshed, and mindful.

It isn't often I feel exuberant, refreshed, and mindful simultaneously, instead, I may feel only refreshed or only mindful.

I was almost thinking of skipping the night out with the girls to settle down with my baby girl and husband right beside a warm, cozy fire (while inevitably watching Fringe-Season 3 is fantastic!) but with the guidance of a friend, I made the decision to take action; I changed into my comfy dancing clothes, applied a bit of tinted moisturizer onto my pale, blotchy face and headed out the door before I would change my mind and stay home. And thank God for this because last night, through movement and expression, I felt a kind of satisfaction with myself that I have not felt in at least 4 years!

I was once told by a spiritual guru that it would be imperative that I use the movement of dance when I did my so-called "cardio" workouts. I understand why she said this now. If I'm jogging outside or on a treadmill or even doing a typical cardio workout at the gym, it just doesn't do it for me; I get too bored and have to move onto something else.

However(!!!)in light of the therapeutic elements in last night's dance class, I think I should go back again and again and again and again.....and again...

from my nose to yours.

2010-12-27T20:47:00.000-08:00

I have a cold;an annoying cold. I haven't had a common cold for years. I haven't written for even longer it would seem. Apparently it takes a runny nose to create some sort of an ache to write. I have a miserable nose just waiting to fall asleep but all I can think about is writing a long awaited blog which won't be viewed by many anyhow. Nonetheless, my ache to write has overthrown my achy nose.

Here goes...(sorry nose)

I talked to a good friend of mind today and she reminded me that I love to write. She reminded me who I was and the gifts I bring to my classrooms as I patiently teach them how to become better writers.

I'm on a break from teaching at the moment but I must admit I do miss it. As challenging as it is to attempt to get twenty-five 18 year olds to embrace composition,I'm always up for the challenge it would seem(well, most of the time...).

I was reminded today how much I care about my students and the success they have in their lives. My classes have always been geared towards the interest of the student, whether this be putting together an interesting collaborative assignment for their sake or extending the due date of a paper;however, I'm beginning to change my definition of "student's interest". For example, if a student deserves a B, they receive a B, no negotiations or extra credit benefits(particularly at the end of the semester). Setting boundaries for myself is what I strive for in my current position. I don't feel "being nice" or "popular" is the key to a successful classroom, only detrimental to student learning. I am there to facilitate learning. I am there to create a safe atmosphere where students feel free to become themselves as composition and rhetoric requires this of its students.

I will set boundaries for myself as an instructor and commit to them fully throughout the semester. This will require reminding myself that these boundaries exist for a reason: to create successful students and successful writing. Period.

I breathe a sigh of relief as I conclude this blog. good night nose. Feel better tomorrow.

A Little bit of prose for you...

2010-10-22T20:43:00.000-07:00

I consider myself a writer, I do. However, this doesn't mean I always want to write. At times, my mind doesn't have a particular topic to discuss. After I had the baby, I assumed I'd have to pry my hands away from the keyboard,but this couldn't have been further from my reality these past few months. In fact, I haven't had the urge to write until tonight.

A bit sad, I am. A bit sad, indeed. No details necessary for my audience, at this point, but my inner drive to write was quite apparent. My night would be sleepless without it;writing. Sadness may not be the appropriate word, instead,lonely in my thoughts. I consider myself a writer, I do. I need these words to release my hinderance of a mind.

My baby is perfect, my job is perfect, my husband is perfect, and my home is not perfect but comfortable and satisfying, nonetheless;me, I'm imperfect in all of this perfection, alone in my thoughts, everyday, all day, invisible.

I consider myself a writer, I do.

I'm waiting. Waiting. Waiting.

I love my daughter. I love my life from a secondary point of view. I love my husband from a secondary point of view. I love you. Myself: I'm finally comfortable, this is palpable, but invisible too. I'm waiting.

I consider myself a writer. Yes.

On becoming a mommy...and purpose.

2010-08-12T20:53:00.000-07:00

I had my baby girl, Anastasia, 7 days ago. My life is forever different, really.

For some reason I always remember this scene in Sophia Coppola's film, Lost in Translation, with Bill Murray and Scarlet Johansen (sp?). They are both lying on the hotel bed in Tokyo and Scarlet's character is asking him questions about being married and about the responsibilities of fatherhood, yada yada yada. Bill's character is attempting to explain the overwhelming feeling of fatherhood and he does this by stating specific words. He describes the feeling before the birth of the child and then explains how differently one feels after the birth of the child: (something like this, can't recall it verbatim) "Your life, as you know it, is over."
This particular dialogue in this particular film has petrified me for years! Well, at least for as long as the movie has been out. This phrase rang true with me on so many levels and I always came back to it when I thought about having children before I was married and even after I was married. I feared my life would be over in general, I suppose. Perhaps I believed my initial purpose in life would be non-existant? Who knows...

Presently, I definitely have a perspective that I didn't have those long 7 years ago...Having Anastasia (although only for one week) has changed my life: the life I lived before delivery is over (as Bill suggested), but much to my surprise, I'm kinda happy about it. There was essentially something missing in my life this past year, and the thought never occurred to me that it might be having children.
Having tried to explore who I was these past few years-and then some-I am now excited to see what I learn from this precious being who will shape and mold my life in the weeks and years to come. And as far as my initial purpose in life, it's still there. It might be on hold for a bit but I'm thinking Anastasia will catapolt me back onto that path and motivate me beyond my capacity.

Until then....

SODALITE

2010-06-19T22:49:00.000-07:00

Sodalite in ancient Greece.

2010-06-19T22:24:00.000-07:00

A few weeks back I facilitated a creative writer's workshop and brought a particular crystal with me (I placed it in my pocket) that would, hopefully, inspire my spirit throughout the course. The crystal:sodalite. As I am a new seeker of crystals and their folkloric methods, (2 years: off again, on again) I admit, as I carried this particular crystal, on this particular day, I was unaware of its name and true gemstone message. I did, however, remember its keen connection to creativity which is why I was carrying it to begin with.

When I pulled the stone out of my pocket and placed it on the table during the workshop(just out of pure habit), a student asked: "what stone is that?" Although at the time I simply stated my bewilderment of my absentmindedness, I could feel the humility set before me, my plain embarrassment of the lack of knowledge I had on this stone.

When I came home later that night and thought about the strengths and weaknesses of the workshop, I came to my own conclusion that I either need to proceed with my interest of crystals or give it up. There's a certain amount of power and connection to gemstones but if the belief and discipline are not there, to be frank, what's the point? It's a fun hobby, I suppose, but rather pointless and fairly unaffordable if you don't plan on embracing them.
:
So, I've rediscovered this little creative stone of mine:sodalite. I realize that its historical significance to ancient Greece must have been what originally inspired me about this crystal. Artists and singers alike carried sodalite as it was believed to promote inspiration and creativity while also providing protection. The dark blue stone with white streaks of calcite is believed to be ideal for spiritual harmony too.

Although I possess several crystals and they lie preciously around the house, and in my car, and sometimes in my starbucks apron, etc...I have once again reminded myself why I was drawn to them over two years ago. They each serve a purpose in my life and instead of ignoring their presence, I must rekindle their purpose. And I'll tell you what happens...

29 Weeks, 11 to go

2010-05-23T12:26:00.001-07:00

Wow! Today marks my 29th week in pregnancy! I'm still feeling pretty well but (if I can
be honest) not as well as a month ago. This weather is killing me! Alright, enough with the venting. Ted and I are extremely excited for "little" Anastasia to come. The due date is still set
for August 8th but we'll see what happens with this.

After two baby showers and a plentiful amount of gifts from friends and family alike, I feel mostly ready for this precious baby to come into our lives. The nursery isn't quite finished but we have everything we need to last us for a few months, at best. Perhaps more diapers may be needed though...

I feel so blessed to have the support of family and friends during my pregnancy and cannot wait to share Anastasia with the rest of the world.

Chakras

2010-04-13T12:47:00.000-07:00

I read this book entitled Chakras and Archetypes a few years back and just recently
opened it up again. I forgot how amazing and helpful this book was! While reading this book
I realized how different of a person I am now compared to who I was in 2005. There are several differences to who I am now opposed to 2005 but what stood out the most was simply the reader in me. My current eyes are so much more present and wise. They are also more aware of who I really am and what journey must come next in my life. I am positive of this.

In 2005 I was definitely still a trapped soul. I mean, yea, I was on the spiritual journey...I had completed several transformational workshops, I volunteered my time in order to serve others on their spiritual journey, I was participating in yoga and various other meditation workshops on a weekly basis, I traveled out West to attend an Illumination Intensive, I had a spiritual teacher, and I was seeking out a shaman to heal my supposedly wounded past. Yes, all of these, really! But I wanted to achieve my highest level of self in such a short amount of time, that was my real issue. I couldn't quite see the process as a continual journey, but only a fast resolution to my victimized inner-child. I used love and peace as my affirmations on life but was still not able to communicate my truth to many people I loved. The female warrior inside of me was a bit weak and wanted every possible confrontation to end in total bliss and harmony.

Now,however, I simply no this is not possible, at least not if my happiness depends on it. I must stop being the "silent child" and communicate what really must be said. Of course, this energy should come from a place of power and love but in order for me to "be me" I must also acknowledge myself at my lowest level and this is usually when I'm not communicating something that I feel needs to be communicated. Which, of course, then leads me to self-destruction and sadness.

Back in 2005, I was unaware that my throat chakra was completely void of truth to some degree. I could feel the energy trapped there but didn't quite have the tools to let it out.
Flashforward to 2010: I do have the tools and I'm using them!!!

Reflective by: A.R. Ammons

2010-03-31T12:04:00.000-07:00

I found a
weed
that had a

mirror in it
and that
mirror

looked in at
a mirror
in

me that
had a
weed in it

Professor Thomas Joswick introduced me to this poem in an American Literature course back in graduate school. At times this poem rings so true with me, and at other times, I'm not sure I completely grasp the entirety of the message.

The obvious message is reflection of one's self: look in the reflection to understand yourself, connect with yourself, yada yada yada...But as I read this poem several times a week as it embraces the surface of the fridge, I wonder, is its message really that simple?

So I will continue to read this plentiful poem by A.R. Ammons in hopes that a clearer and more graceful message looks back at me.

It's a girl!

2010-03-26T15:27:00.000-07:00

I am almost 21 weeks pregnant and will be having a little baby girl. Being pregnant and realizing I will be a mother in a short amount of time is both exciting and overwhelming. I feel more in tune with my desires and spiritual awarenesses than I was 6 months ago. Suddenly,becoming the writing teacher I've always dreamed of achieving seems more simple than ever. I know with real motivation and strong desire to fulfill my higher calling, I will succeed on this particular journey.

Even with all of this new insight though and happiness swirling around me, I still plan on enjoying every bit of silent solitude life brings to me. For it won't be so silent in a few months!

Writing as a therapy tool...

2010-03-21T19:51:00.000-07:00

Writing has always been a means of expressing my inner critique, if you will, a way
in which to tell myself and a higher power my inner weaknesses and doubts. It's also a tool; however, in which to share what I'm most proud of, something I think most of us find difficult to do. Positive sharings of the heart aren't nearly as accepted as the negative sharings in our hearts, or perhaps, as humans, we don't know quite how to handle one's ecstatic explanation of one's life. Either way, writing is important to me, I see it as a therapy of sorts. I'd like to continue the teaching of writing but add elements of therapy to it, opposed to just simply teaching the academic styles of writing. Writing as a therapy is what I'd like to venture upon next. I'm on my way to fulfilling this goal (I teach adult continuation writing classes at a nearby college as well as classes for the park district,)but in the future, making money while creating a larger community of learners are part of the larger plan.

Women.Spirit.Connection

2009-11-13T15:25:00.000-08:00

I organized this new meetup for women who want to connect on a deeper,more
spiritual level. We've had two meetups so far and i can really sense the need even more now...meaning...these women, most women, if not all women, need more connection than they believe. All of us live this "rush rush" lifestyle (varies depending on where you live) and are constantly trying "to do" for others. It's exhausting! And in the meantime, we leave little to no time for ourselves. Sometimes you gotta just sit in quietude, meditate on peace, and let the "to do" list waver off to the side a bit. We can't always be on our toes being pleasers all of the time. Can we?

So I created this meetup to allow women to just "be" with themselves, sit in stillness, meditate, etc...and then give them the simple chance to share what's going on inside, the mind, mostly.

So if you're out there and you can't join us twice a month, please give yourself the time to just "be".

2009-10-09T14:51:00.000-07:00

Other quotes from Ghandi

2009-10-09T14:48:00.000-07:00

All the religions of the world, while they may differ in other respects, unitedly proclaim that nothing lives in this world but Truth.

Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well.

Looking up to Ghandi

2009-10-09T14:06:00.001-07:00

Here is one (there are several) quotes from Mahatma Gandhi I aspire to follow:

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.

I adore Gandhi and everything he stood for. I have read a few books about his incredible life and am looking forward to reading more of his own works at some point. To me, Gandhi is the absolute spiritual guru, the teacher of teachers. I look up to his thoughts on an individual's right to choose his or her own spiritual path. Although Gandhi was Hindu, he understood the rights of all religious and spiritual freedoms, after all, he was constantly incarcerated and frowned upon for having these strong beliefs. In the end, he was assassinated for his non-judging, understanding, amazing self.

This quote pretty much sums up my goals in life. I'm definitely not happy all of the time but I am obsessed with having "this kind" of authenticity with myself and with those ones around me. Although I am not even close to "living" this quote, I definitely believe in its power. Which might be why I get sad a lot. I have very high expectations of others but I have higher expectations for myself.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE!!

What is your power animal?

2009-10-08T22:06:00.000-07:00

My power animal: Kangaroo

Kangaroo's Wisdom Includes:

Leaping away from bad situations
Creating a safe home environment
Ability to adapt to new situations
Protection of the young

There are lots of fun websites out there that discuss power animals but here's one that
I enjoy: http://www.animalspirits.com/index25.html

I have found tons of info on the web about shamanism...it's a real interesting yet healthy way to understand "self" a bit more. But most of all, it's fun!!

Why are we afraid of the WORD God.

2009-10-08T21:10:00.000-07:00

I know a lot of people feel uncomfortable with the word GOD. I don't. I know God is tied to
many, if not all religions in our world, but I happen to find all of the connotations of GOD interesting. I mean, after all, it's only a word, three letters. If I used the phrase "higher power" or "the Divine" would people have the same reaction, probably not. I believe that GOD has a negative push for some because it is predominately associated with the Christian way of life, not that I'm going to write verse from the Bible (not even close) but a belief is a belief is a belief and weather you made it for yourself or were pushed to a particular belief, it can change at any moment. We either believe or we don't believe and I don't see any harm either way.Why are some superior and/or inferior because of their belief in God? Whether you are Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Unitarian, agnostic, atheist, muslim, or a shaman, we all just want to feel connected, not alone in this world. And if we can acheive this...the ability to feel connected with ourselves, others, and the world around us, why do we have to put a definition on it. Why must there be an academic explanation? Why doesn't anyone talk about how they feel opposed to what they think? Isn't bliss and togetherness what most of us want anyhow?

I guess what I'm saying is this: I don't feel like I can really talk to anyone about my belief in God or else they freak out! I'm afraid I'll be labeled as "one of thooose people". And I'm not only talking about non-believers here, I'm talking about hypocritical and non-hypocritical believers too. No one wants to talk about it, not really. Not to mention, it's always been an awkward conversation amongst friends, especially during drinks and dinner, ha!

I could write forever on this topic but I'm tired and want to go to bed...have to work early tomorrow morning. I'm going to finish with this though...want to talk more about my generation specifically and why I feel a lot of us are falling off the band wagon as far as church and religious practice is concerned...actually about all spirituality!!after all, the connection I was talking about earlier has to do with spiritual fulfilment more than the church or any other religious affiliation. I just like to discuss the religious stuff too because people have such opinions!!

Fall and Spring Lineup

2009-09-04T19:28:00.000-07:00

I'll be changing up my schedule this year a bit. I've decided that academia and me may not
fit so well after all. I'm more of a creator type, opposed to a "this should go here" and "that's not correct" type of girl. The whole black and white way of thinking gets under my skin and settles there until I explode!!!!Of course, I acknowledge the purpose of academia, GPA's, standardized tests, etc...but to me it's all a waste of time if you know you want to create things. Whether it be photography, paintings, music, films, or simply creating a space of peace and harmony,etc...if you want to be a creator just do it, it's that simple. Put your pessimistic thoughts aside and reach outside of your safe little box so you can reach those goals you've been dreaming of since you were a kid.
Like I said, my schedules been changed a bit. I'll be teaching creative writing for kids and adults for my park district this fall and for the spring,I'll be instructing screenwriting and creating writing courses for Joliet Junior College! I have a lot more work ahead of me but at least I'm finally going in a direction that I believe in...breath in...breath out, finally.

pics..of the trip...and a bit of a mind ramble

2009-09-03T11:10:00.000-07:00

Here I've posted several pics of my trip to Greece and wonder how much importance they hold for the universe...or to put it milder, how much importance they hold for those following my blog.

I have but a few followers to my blog and wonder why my life or my writing is worthy? Is creating a blog just another self indulgence that us humans are partaking in? Or do we really need to be heard so much that we've resulted to a web-like virtual world where faceless comments are what we look forward too?

There's so many of us just trying to be heard; wanting others to understand our stories, what we're up to, where we've traveled to, what novel we've just finished reading, what popular tv show we can't stand!.....is this so-called universal outlet guiding us to our better selves, or are we just going to realize that the words we type on the page are merely just that, words. Words that travel locally,only. Either way, I'll keep on typing away in hopes that I reach someone.

Meteora...with a few more pics of other fun stuff!

2009-09-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

1) Meteora 2) Ancient Agora (area) with Acropolis in the backdrop.

Meteora was one of our favorite places in Greece that we visited. It's located in North Central Greece near the village of Kastraki and the town of Kalambaka. Meteora is a set of monastaries situated on huge precipitous rocks that rise abruptly from the towns nearby. It's a sort of strange landscape in that the rocks seem to appear out of nowhere. The Pindos Mountain range is nearby but not nearly close enough to be a part of these rock foramations. For the nearby residents, along with the monks and nuns of the monastaries, these rock formations are thought to be sacred. The exact construction dates of these monastaries are unknown although many of them are thought to have been built in the early part of the 11th century. Many of the monastaries have been destroyed but 10 still remain, six of which can still be visited by

civilians. We only visited four but were quite surprised as to the differences between the four.

Some had an extremely peaceful atmosphere, transcendant if you will, while others seemed quite staged and spiritually inadequate, if you will. Of course, all in all, they were all extremely tranquil and sacred;however, some just stood out more than others...

3) Theatre--Acropolis(Athens)

2009-09-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

Xylocastro, Greece (area)---This was one of the first stops on my trip. A few family members have homes in this area and it was great catching up and just chillin everyday by the sea. I ate great food, read,talked about life, etc...I have lots of great memories from this place, beginning when I was around the age of 13 years old! It's a nice feeling to have a place in the world where every single memory is a positive one.

Ellas Travels

2009-08-16T04:21:00.000-07:00

it's amazing the mood change in me as soon as I arrived in Greece.
It's been too long since I've been and it's allowed me to understand, a bit more,
my connection to this beautiful place. Ted and I will try to make yearly trips back here now, as
we realized our innate love for this country, especially during the summer!!

The sea is nearly perfect, it is actually, and I've read more here in a few days than I have back home in the past few months, why is this? I'm currently reading Eat, Pray, Love and it has definitely inspired me to take advantage of my 24 day stay here in Ellatha, Ellada, Ellas,
Greece, etc...

Ted and I may be heading to the island of Tinos in a few days or Northern Greece, I'm indecisive about our plans so will leave it up to fate and go with the flow instead. We will inevitably end up in Crete but have a few days to play with before our final stop. Wish our fates well....
Eat, pray, love...yes!

Authenticity, depth, realism and kindess...

2009-07-09T17:08:00.000-07:00

I had one hell of a day yesterday. It's simple, actually, the reasoning behind my
"hell of a day" that is. And just for your knowledge (or my knowledge, whichever) in this instance "hell of a day" means Fabulous Day.

I decided that on my only "real" day off this week I would spend some time with three people who really mean a lot to me. The order of the day doesn't matter, or the intricacies of our doings, only that good conversation evolved and I felt authentic, as myself.
I've decided that this is when I feel my best, when I'm genuine, vulnerable, the real me, I suppose. It's simple for me: authenticity, depth, realism, and kindness, these meanings encompass my happiness. The ideas that appear to make me happy, writing, traveling, spending time with family, music, festivals, etc...are not the true summaries of my smile, only authenticity, depth, realism, and kindness. These definitions, these so-called adverbs/adjectives/nouns are what I've been looking for.

Race for the Cure

2009-06-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

http://ww5.komen.org/

My mom and I participated in this breast caner race in the QC this morning and
we both feel pretty great about it. Despite the rain there was a
very good turnout and lots of fast runners! We walked 5km in about 57 minutes which is pretty good for walking, I think. Then, of course, we had to stop at Starbucks after and get our breve and soy lattes. Anyhow, good weekend so far.
Yiayia's year memorial is tomorrow so the rest of the family is coming in tonight and tomorrow morning. I can't believe it's already been a year!

Take care everyone!

A pretty useful week.

2009-05-29T08:09:00.000-07:00

Getting lots of stuff accomplished this week. You know: paying bills, scheduling appointments, connecting with friends, watering flowers, etc....I feel a bit caught up this week which feels so great but I still have a few more checkmarks to check off on my "to do" list today before I hang out with my mom and niece tonight.

Have a good weekend everybody!

Bridging the Gap Between Fear and Love...

2009-05-25T08:08:00.000-07:00

Well...I survived the retreat this weekend. It was an amazing time and
I pushed through some obstacles (literally) that I never thought were possible. I must admit I thought the weekend would turn out a bit differently but it ultimately ended up being exactly what I needed both physically and emotionally. Please visit the link on my blog--forgetting2remember.com---for more information.

Namaste,

Georgjean

Forgetting to Remember Seminar.

2009-05-22T10:19:00.000-07:00

I am going to a seminar this weekend;I am leaving in about 15 minutes.
It's a pilot workshop so I'm not sure what to expect but I'm still
extremely excited about it. What I've gathered from the workshop's website is this: the weekend will be about letting go of fears and, instead of holding on to these fears, letting them go. Upon letting go, a part of your true nature should be left...
Furthermore, I was supposed to journal on where I "stop" in my life. I haven't yet, of course, but I have thought about it for awhile now.

We'll see where everything ends up! Hopefully the weekend will inspire me to continue working on my future career dreams/goals.

2009-05-12T14:53:00.000-07:00

My mind is full of thoughts today, instead of my normal 26,000 thoughts a day, my thoughts have increased to 50,ooo! I need to relax, sit back, enjoy the beautiful day, forget about anything that might or might not have happened at work, and most importantly, I need to remember that not all of us get along...(unfortunately)

Just breathe....

HAPPY EARTH DAY!!

2009-04-22T13:46:00.000-07:00

We all need to treat the earth a little better, right? The earth grounds us and we need to respect it, indefinitely...I could use a push every now and again to get my "earthy" side up and running!

Go outside and enjoy!

Samaria Gorge

2009-04-05T12:24:00.000-07:00

Samaria Gorge

Ted belongs to the South side Cretan Society and I'm trying to post a pic on their facebook
page of the Samaria Gorge in Crete. Well, I'm having difficulties doing this but I did manage to send the link to my blog (figures). I haven't been to the Samaria Gorge but if Teddy and I go to Crete this summer hopefully will put the gorge on our schedule.

More of Sante Fe...

2009-04-02T22:07:00.000-07:00

I was able to grab some fav pics from my mom's collection.

2009-04-02T22:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a Chakra diagram-

have some fun with it!!

At Home With the fam...

2009-04-02T20:40:00.000-07:00

I came back home this weekend for my mom's birthday. This afternoon, my mom and I took a ride to Davenport,IA so we could check out Greatest Grains. If you've never been, you need to go: it's a neat little organic grocery store with tons of pleasant products, including a great variety of lotions and soaps. It also has its own deli so if you have a taste for a delicious homemade sandwich, this is just the place for you! Here's the website if you want to scope it out:

http://www.greatestgrains.com/

Here are some other spirited related sites I recommend:

http://www.spiritualityhealth.com/NMagazine/current.php

http://www.innerpeacehealthcare.com/page/page/2250432.htm

http://www.peaceplace.net/medicine_for_the_earth.htm

http://www.adbusters.org/( a bit more political, this one)

2009-04-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

I need to go for a walk right now. I'm a bit tired. Cooper (our dog) has been feeling extremely under the weather; he's been keeping Ted and I up by puking throughout the night. I'm hoping he feels better soon because I feel so helpless! I still need to go for my walk. I've dedicated myself to walking everyday. I'm up to 45 minute walks now. Whoohoo!

Panama

2009-03-31T16:36:00.001-07:00

I didn't know what to expect from Panama. We went down there for a wedding and came back full of interesting memories. Panama City was larger than I expected, but pretty typical of a third world metropolitan city. It was definitely full of life: bold colors, segregated neighborhoods, blocked roads, a lively ghetto, contaminated oceans, grateful Panamanians, colorful animals, and lots of fish and eclectic restaurants! I loved the weediness of the country; the manner in which its forests grew wild and yards weren't pristine like they are here in the states. I found this to be quite refreshing. What was a bit difficult to swallow was the remarkable slow service. Now, I'm usually not one to judge slower service because I'm greek, and when in Greece, things move at a pretty slow pace (esp. on vacation); however, Panama introduced me to a new concept of slow service.

The wedding was a livelihood of Panamanian culture! Dancing, dancing, and more dancing!

The music was a gracious earful. I've always had an interest in latin-like music but the chaotic sound of the brass band in Panama was fascinating and contagious.

Aside from losing our luggage and spending most of our money on new clothes, I would say I learned a lot about myself and the world a little more after this trip.

Birthday at the zoo and Nature Museum.

2008-11-19T11:47:00.000-08:00

Two years ago when Ted and I first began dating, he took me to the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. We wanted to see ZOO LIGHTS, a brilliant spectacle of a million lights on display in light of the upcoming holiday season. With much anticipation, we took the train downtown, hopped on the el, skipped to a bus, and were eventually dropped off at the zoo. To our dismay, not only was the zoo closing in a matter of minutes but the ZOO LIGHTS event was scheduled to begin the following week. As you can imagine, we were both a little disappointed.

When Ted asked me what I wanted for my birthday this year, I said, "Take me to the Lincoln Park Zoo and how about the Nature Museum too because that's the one museum I haven't visited in the city!" I didn't want a gift or flowers but I did want him to take me to Le Creperia, the best place in Chicago where you can find authenitic french crepes. Crepes are my favorite! Furthermore, we ended up visiting my nephew Jeremy at Loyola University, where he's a freshman this year.

The day was relaxing yet eventful and full, which was sort of my purpose.

FALL BY OUR HOME

2008-10-30T16:47:00.000-07:00

2008-10-30T16:21:00.000-07:00

Ted, our dog Cooper, and I went walking in the woods near our home today. Fall is definitely a favorite Season
for both Ted and I. I think Coop feels the same way because he's already gone hunting three times this Fall Season!!
Fall feels like the New Year for me. I don't really feel January 1st is a time for clean slates, if anything, your
stuck in the same mood until the freezing cold and darkness begins to subside. I'm still trying to download
several pictures at a time, opposed to one picture per journal. Hopefully I'll figure it out soon...

My first trip with Ted!

2008-10-06T12:09:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken in Smokey Mountain National Park back in December of 2006.
As I was browsing through pictures I took over the past few years to post on my new Blog, I realized that this photo was significant because it was the first trip Ted and I took together after only dating for three months.

Again, the destination was my idea, but this time, there would be no airplane involved so I couldn't really choose a place where the drive would take forever. I figured a cabin in the Smokey Mountains would suffice.

Now, almost two years later, Ted and I are married awaiting are next major trip, Panama,
Central America, January of 2009.

Trip to New Mexico

2008-10-06T10:59:00.000-07:00

I've always been so drawn to Southwest, America, particularly New Mexico.
I think it's a combination of the landscape, Native American influence, abundance of holistic practices, and, finally, the amazing art.

Well, I was finally able to visit this area of wonder and it was everything I had hoped it would be!
My mom, sister, and I flew to New Mexico this weekend and enjoyed a three day trip.
We were unable to go on a destination celebration before my nuptials last November; therefore, it was my choice this year, in all fairness. Nevertheless,the timing was perfect and it was exactly what I needed. Spending time with my mom and sister was also a highlight just because the three of us rarely get together (alone, that is.)

I have posted my pictures on this blog in hopes that you will understand why this place is entirely breathtaking! The pictures are from both Santa Fe, Taos, and their respected surrounding areas. Oh! The last few pictures are from the Ten Thousand Waves Spa.
If you ever travel to the Santa Fe area and want a massage, I would recommend Ten Thousand Waves before any other spa. The therapists were amazingly trained and experienced, and the japanese style spa was breathtaking.

Thanks for listening,

Georgjean

new blog

2008-10-06T10:20:00.001-07:00

I've always wanted my own blog but I never got around to setting one up. Well, finally,
I've done it! In light of the user friendliness of Picassa (photo program that came with my labtop), I've decided to start my own blog.

Furthermore, instead of downloading my pictures using webmail by Picassa, I'll just post them on my blog. This way you can see all of my pictures and know what I think about them and/or the trip!

Thanks for listening!

Georgjean Pitsoulakis