What I've Learned This Week: Week 11

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I hope that you all have a wonderful dinner and time with your family and friends!

I normally do these posts on Fridays but I'll be traveling all day tomorrow and won't have time to blog. So here is one of the few times that I break a chain. Enjoy!



I LEARNED THAT...

1. ... family sticks together and really does have your back, even when times get tough.

2. ... watching Kelly's milestones in life are really important and make me happy.

3. ... sometimes you have to do what's right, instead of what's easiest.

4. ... being grateful for what you have is extremely important.

5. ... if you look very closely at the little moments, you'll see that's when people show that they really care.

That's all I got for this week! Tune in next week for the next post!

Once again, Happy Thanksgiving!

-Chelsea

A Good Fit

I read a blog post earlier today about a girl who realized her life's true purpose at a marine recruiting office. She felt whole, as she was in the right place at the right time.

And her post got me thinking.

I experienced a very similar feeling when I got accepted into my high school. (It was a magnet school.) I grew up in a very small town and was constantly surrounded by the same people, the same faces. And I didn't fit it. I knew it and they knew it, too. So when I found a place where new, unfamiliar people shared the same interests as me and the school was 40 minutes away, I was sold.

My high school was full of extremely diverse people and although it wasn't your typical high school experience, it did have its clicks. But I found my group and I soared through high school with minimal problems. It was a good fit.



However, once high school was over, I found myself lost again. I was living in the same town that I grew up in, going to the local community college so that I could save money and use it to afford my dream school. But even after two years, I still didn't fit there. So, I transferred schools and now I'm at a university that I never pictured myself at (long story) and I don't really care for it. I don't enjoy getting up and going to class every day. It's simply not the right fit for me.

And that leads me to wonder about when the next time I feel that I fit will be. I'm hopeful that once I move with Kris, to wherever the army sends us, that I'll fit in there. But there's always a chance that it won't feel right for me. Kris is lucky and has found his true love, passion and purpose in the army. And I'm so proud of him and glad that he's found his niche. But I'm still searching.



I'm looking forward to the adventures that I'll be experiencing and the new places that I'll be going to. But I am also hoping that I'll find where I truly belong, other than right by Kris' side, supporting him, of course. :)

Have you ever felt this way? How did you deal with it?

-Chelsea

Writer's Block

Unfortunately, lately I've been having a lot of writer's block. It doesn't matter if it's for my two blogs or my attempt to write a second novel. I have this urge to write every single day but it's so hard when your mind is blocked creatively.

It's not for lack of trying though. For example, the hardest thing to do, in my opinion, when writing a novel is to start it. There is something so scary about starting this new project, this new adventure and it makes it more real. And then I start to think, "What if it's horrible? What if I spend years of my life slaving away on this project and it's not good enough? What if I'm never published?" I try to block out those thoughts but they scare the hell out of me and my brain freezes.

But for the past few days, I have been sitting down in front of my laptop, with a new page open, and I've started the first few pages of my new novel. Several times. Every time that I think that I get a good idea, I go to write it and writer's block, that little thing, creeps it's way back into my head. I try to push through it and then I end up feeling as if my work isn't good anymore because it's so forced. I ended up deleting everything that I'd written, determined to find a fresh new idea to beat my writer's block.

I wish that it wasn't happening with blogging though because when it comes to blogging, you can write about anything. Everything is a potential subject. And yet, I'm still grasping at straws, trying to find new topics of inspiration. But tonight, I just said to myself, "Enough is enough. You're going to write."

So how did I get through my blogging writer's block? I wrote a blog about writer's block.

Oh, the irony.

Now if only I could get through my writer's block for my novel. I guess know what I'm doing tomorrow!

How do you get through writer's block?

-Chelsea

What I've Learned This Week: Week 10

Another week down and I now have exactly 4 weeks until I get my soldier back! Now that it's getting close, I've been trying to distract myself more with school and staying busy. So here is what this week taught me!

I LEARNED THAT...

1. ... it's really important to pick your battles. Confrontation isn't always necessary.

2. ... surprises are the best gifts. :)

3. ... even on your worst days, if you look hard enough, you can find something to smile about.

4. ... shooting a gun (at the shooting range) is really fun.

5. ... life is about trying new things and not being afraid.

That about wraps it up for this week. It's certainly been an interesting one!

Have a great weekend!

-Chelsea

You Are Inspired

I recently watched the Life Code program with Oprah and Dr. Phil and I must say, I really loved it. I actually went to the library the next day to get Dr. Phil's book of the same title but it was checked out. But I scanned the shelves for a book with a similar topic/theme and I found You Are Inspired by Belinda Grace, who is a Clairvoyant Healer.

And after reading the book in just 2 days, I must say, wow! It. Was. Amazing.

Not to be redundant but the book was completely inspiring. It was such a gem and I am so glad that I just happened to stumble upon it. I have been feeling like I've been in a rut lately and needed something to lift my spirits. The book taught me to look for inspiration in my daily life and had many journal exercises, which caused me to dig deep into my past, my future wants/needs/goals and my spiritual mind.

I found myself looking more and more forward to each new journal entry and I learned a lot about myself in the process. Grace taught me that I shouldn't judge my successes or lack thereof based on anyone else's. We are all different and our values, passions, hobbies and successes are all unique to us. For example, I've been really upset lately that I haven't heard back from any agents/publishers about publishing my book yet. It's been making me wonder if everyone thinks that my book isn't good enough.

But then I thought to myself, "How many people do I know that have written a book? How many people do I know that have taken the incentive to write a book?" Answer? Zero. So it doesn't matter if there are millions of people out there that do have published books and mine isn't yet. That's nothing for me to be ashamed of because I found my passion and I acted on it. And I found something within myself to inspire me.

So if you've been holding back or finding excuses or you're just stuck in a rut, please do whatever it takes to find inspiration and passion in your life. Say "yes" to more things and live life to the fullest. And don't judge yourself based on other peoples' successes. Stay true to yourself!

If you need more information, I highly recommend that you check out You Are Inspired and get your own opinion on it. Or just read it for kicks. Either one is good.

What's your favorite self-help book? Have you read You Are Inspired? What are your opinions?

-Chelsea

Grandpa Norwood

Once in a lifetime, a person comes along, touches your life and leaves a legacy. For my family, that is my Grandpa Norwood.

Today is the 24th anniversary of the day that he died, 11/18/1989. And not a day goes by that the family doesn't miss him. Our family suffered this tragic loss, exactly a week after my parents' wedding. The whole thing was very bittersweet because of course, the family had just lost a  prominent, important and special member of the family but he was able to rejoice in my parents' union; he got to be there to support his youngest son, my father, on the most important day of his life.

Unfortunately, I never got to meet him. He died 4 years before I was born but he truly has left a legacy to be remembered by. I'm very close to my grandmother, who tells me stories about him often and speaks of him with such love and reverence that it's admirable. I've heard the stories from, not only my grandmother, but my uncles and father as well, and feel as though I know him. And I feel lucky for that.

My entire life, I've heard, "You have your grandfather's eyes," and that to me, is my greatest compliment. I'm proud to have a part of someone as hard-working, genuine, loving and wonderful as him, carried on through me. I consider it my highest honor.

My family was never rich but my grandfather did whatever he could to make sure that they were taken care of every single day of his life. He raised his 5 sons to be the best men that they could be and instilled them with traditional Southern values. Although he was known for being strict, nobody that has ever had a bad word to say against him, which shows the respect that he had earned from his peers and his children.

He died at the age of 65, which was much too early but his spirit definitely lives on the heart of his family. From what my family has told me, missing him every day does not become easier with time. He was such a vital part of their lives and who they became that there's an emptiness without him here. But I see so much of Grandpa Norwood in my father and in my uncles that I know that he is not truly gone. And I know that he will never be forgotten.

                                      R.I.P. Norwood C. Mathews, 05/23/1924-11/18/1989

                                      Beloved Son. Beloved Husband. Beloved Father.

I may not have met you, but I'll always love you,

-Chelsea

The 5 Things Tag!

I absolutely love doing tags! I think that they are so much fun! So I got really excited when I found this one!

5 THINGS YOU NEED EVERY DAY:

1. My iPhone

2. Coffee

3. Music

4. Books

5. Alone time

5 BOOKS YOU WOULD RECOMMEND:

1. A Walk to Remember

2. Any Harry Potter books

3. The Night Huntress Books

4. And Then There Were None

5. Getting Rid of Rosie

5 MATERIALISTIC WISHES FOR PRESENTS:

1. Money for traveling

2. Video camera

3. New DVD player

4. Charm bracelet

5. New iPod

5 PLACES YOU WISH TO VISIT:

1. Disneyland

2. Australia

3. Spain

4. France

5. England

5 ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE YOU:

1. Compassionate

2. Quiet

3. Loyal

4. Creative

5. Supportive

5 THINGS YOU'D SAY TO PEOPLE ABOUT LIFE:

1. It's short, so enjoy it.

2. It's about taking risks and trying new things.

3. Sometimes it's hard but it's still wonderful.

4. It's all about the little moments.

5. Do whatever makes you happy; you only get one shot at life. 

Like I said, I love these things. And it you're reading this, you have officially been tagged! :)

If you do one, leave a link to it, so I can learn more about you guys, too! 

-Chelsea 

What I've Learned This Week: Week 9

Hello, everyone! I hope that you're having a wonderful week and enjoying some cool weather! It's significantly dropped in temperature where I'm at and I'm loving it! I've also had a really good week and I'm excited to share what I've learned with you!

I LEARNED THAT... 


1. ... if you want or need something, just say it. It doesn't help to hold it in.

2. ... change can happen in an instant and you just have to roll with it.

3. ... a simple "thank you" can mean so much.

4. ... trying new things can be really fun.

5. ... I need to just live in the moment.

That's all I've got for you this week! If you have anything you'd like to share, comment below! Have a great weekend!

-Chelsea

Happy Birthday, Kelly!

Today is my little sister's sweet 16! She is my only sibling and I've loved watching her grow up into the beautiful young woman that she's become. I still can't believe that it's been 16 years since I've become a big sister. And it is, and always will be, my favorite job in the world!

For her birthday, she received: A new camera, tickets to Playlist Live, tickets to a The Wanted concert, a new ring and charm bracelet from Brighton's, a giant stuffed teddy bear, gift cards and a photo of Ursula which was autographed by Pat Carroll. I'd say it was a pretty successful day! 

Happy birthday, Kelly!

-Love always, Chelsea 

P.S. As a side-note, this is my 100th blog post, so I guess there are 2 different things for me to celebrate today! Thanks for sticking with me this long and here is to one hundred more!

My Favorite Blogs

I absolutely love blogging, as you guys already know but I love reading blogs a lot, too. I found so many wonderful bloggers via Bloglovin and smile whenever I see that a new post has been uploaded. (My 2 blogs are on the site as well, of course.) So I thought that I'd share my favorite bloggers with you, in the hopes that you'll show them some love.

1. Meet Katie from Katie Did What- Katie is married to Zack and they have a baby on the way! She is a workout enthusiast and has an incredible sense of style! Of course, she's funny and adorable as well.


2. Meet Stephanie from Not Entirely Perfect- Stephanie is one of the biggest reasons that I love reading blogs. She always has the best stories, especially the ones from her childhood. She is honest and blunt, yet sweet at the same time. She also is very organized and it gives me the motivation to get organized too.


3. And last but not least, meet Nadine from Back East Blonde: Hilarious doesn't even begin to describe her. Her subtle, yet honest sense of humor always puts a smile on my face. She loves blogging but doesn't put a lot of pressure on herself, which I find refreshing. I found her blog on accident but I'm so glad I did!


Do you follow any of their blogs? Who are your favorite bloggers?

-Chelsea

What I've Learned This Week: Week 8

This week has definitely been full of ups and downs for me but that's life, right? And in life, everything that happens to us teaches us something. Here's what I learned this week!

I LEARNED THAT...



1. ... forgiveness is not only for the other person, it's for you. Letting go of spite, hatred and hurt feelings in exchange for a second chance can be such a beautiful thing.

2. ... I am stronger than I ever could've imagined. Being an army wife isn't easy and it can make me crazy sometimes but I'm a survivor.

3. ... first impressions really are important.

4. ... stressing out only makes things worse. You're much more likely to succeed if you're calm and rational about the situation, instead of freaking yourself out over it.

5. ... people really can change.

That about wraps up today's post! What did you learn this week?

-Chelsea

A Walk to Remember

I follow a lot of mil/So pages on Instagram and every once in a while, they'll do something called roll call, where they post a photo with questions such as: what's your name, age, military branch, fun facts, etc. The idea is that if you answer the questions, you can find some other mil/Sos with similar interests and you'll make some new friends that will help you get through the separation from your husband, fiance or boyfriend.

So a few days ago, one of the pages posted a roll call photo and asked the standard questions but the last question was, "What's your favorite movie?" If you know me or you've been following this blog for a while, you'll know that A Walk to Remember is my favorite movie. Much to my surprise and delight, quite a few of the girls responded with the same movie and I was able to talk to a few girls about it.

It really got me thinking about why the movie is so touching, beautiful and wonderful. So without further adieu, here are the reasons why I love A Walk to Remember.

1. Shane West- Need I say more?



2. Mandy Moore- Again, this goes without saying. But seriously, she and Shane have such great chemistry in the movie. Plus, we get to hear her sing and that's always a pleasure.



3. It has beautiful quotes-



4. No matter what, Jamie stays true to her faith and herself- The cool kids in the movie pick on Jamie for being the preacher's daughter but she never lets it get to her. She keeps her faith, even when she goes through her treatment and it shows just how strong of a person that she really is. It's an extremely heartwarming scenario.



5. It's an extremely timeless love story but they don't fall in love right away- They take time to learn about each other and fall in love over time. It's much more believable and real than love-at-first-sight stories.



6. Mandy Moore's bucket list- I've stolen a few of her goals!



7. It's a tear-jerker- I love movies that can make me feel and emote. Every time the movie is over, I cry.



8. It shows the beauty of second chances and not judging people for past mistakes- Landon learns to give his father a second chance and Jamie learns to do the same for Landon. They learn how to be better people through forgiveness.



9. It shows that teen love isn't always just puppy love- Speaking as someone who married their high school sweetheart, this means a lot to me.



10. It has amazing music- Seriously, Switchfoot is crazy wonderful!



Have you seen A Walk to Remember? What's your favorite movie?

-Chelsea

15 Reasons Why I Love Kristopher

I'm officially 2/3 of the way done with mine and Kristopher's first army separation. The end seems so close, yet so far away. But now that I can see the finish line in the near future, I'm definitely missing him more than ever.

I know I've talked a lot about how much I love him and how much he means to me but I've never explained why I love him. So I thought I'd share why Kristopher is so amazing with my readers and the world.

1. He pushes me to be the best person that I can be. He doesn't ever let me settle.

2. He is the most supportive, generous and kind-hearted person that I've ever met.

3. I could get lost in his blue eyes.

4. He is hard-working and dedicated in everything that he does.

5. He treats me like a princess and loves me the way that I've always wanted to be loved.

6. He makes me laugh. This is seriously the best way to my heart.

7. He tries his best to be romantic every day and puts in a lot of time and effort to do so.

8. He lets me be myself and doesn't judge me.

9. He would give his life for his family.

10. He doesn't care about what other people think of him.

11. He is very laid-back, which balances out my "worry-wart" personality.

12. He is an amazing listener.

13. He loves my family as much as he loves his own.

14. He's really silly and is a kid at heart, just like me.

15. His smile, his laugh and his personality make me want to be a better person and make me happy every day of my life, whether in person or via Skype dates.

These are only 15 of the hundreds of reasons that I love him but if I listed them all, we'd be here all year! I can't wait until we're reunited again but that day is almost here! Hurry up, December!

Happy Monday!

-Chelsea

Nature Walk

One of the benefits of living in Florida is being near the Everglades. Today was another scorching hot day. Isn't it supposed to be fall? Apparently, Florida didn't get the memo.

Oh well.

But despite the intense heat, my mother and I wanted to get out of the house for a bit and enjoy some fresh air. So, we made a trip on over to the Everglades to take a nature walk. It was so serene, peaceful and just all-around beautiful. I hadn't been there for a while but it was nice to take a walk down memory lane.

I think that the last time that I took a nature walk there I was in the 4th grade?

Oh my gosh, that was 11 years ago! Where did all the time go?

But of course, in true blogging fashion, I had to take some photographs of this amazing, wonderful place. Isn't nature just lovely?

I've said before that I am not going to pretend to call myself a photographer but I do enjoy trying to capture these moments and places for myself and for you guys. I'm going to be moving soon and I'm trying to cram as many Floridian benefits and experiences as possible before I leave. The Everglades is definitely something that helps define Florida's true character and beauty. And I'm pretty sorry that I don't give it the attention it deserves. 

So I'm really glad that I went today and I hope that you enjoyed these photos as much as I enjoyed taking them. I'll probably go back a few times before I move because I know that I'll regret it if I don't. 

I especially loved the reading/relaxing spaces that were built. I can totally picture myself sitting there reading or writing while enjoying nature. 

It was good to get out and it's something that I hardly ever do. So what are you guys waiting for? Finish reading this blog post and go head outside from some real-life adventure! 

Or not. It's your call really! :)

But thanks for dropping by! What are your weekend plans? 

-Chelsea