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Thursday, September 25, 2014

Ice Cream Book Tag

I found this tag floating around YouTube and I thought that it'd be fun to do! I love books and ice cream, so why not do a tag that puts them together? If you'd like to do this tag, feel free!

1. Peanut Butter: What is a long book series you want to read but probably won't?
The Song of Ice and Fire series. But don't quote me on that. I might actually read it one day.

2. Chocolate: Name a book that you can read over and over again.
The Lightning Thief.

3. Pistachio: Pick a book with a green cover.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

4. Strawberry: Which book has the cutest romance?
That is so hard to pick but I'm going to have to go with My Life Next Door.

5. Lemon: Name a book with a sour ending.
Allegiant, definitely.

6. Mint: Name a children's book that you like.
Because of Winn-Dixie. This book was actually what got me into reading in the first place.

7. Vanilla: What is your favorite classic?
Pride and Prejudice, hands down.

8. Whipped Cream: Name a long book that you finished very fast.
Insurgent and any of the Harry Potter novels.

-Chelsea

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Working Out

Last week, I was at a meeting with a friend of mine named Alex. While I was there, I got a text from Kelsey asking me if I wanted to be her workout partner. She wanted someone to work out with every day and she wanted someone to push her. I had been meaning to get back to the gym, so immediately I replied with a yes. She told me that she wanted to start right after I got done with my meeting.

So when it was over, I headed home, changed my clothes and rode with her to the gym. The next day, my legs were absolutely killing me but I was really proud of myself. Since then, we've been going every day together. It's only been a week but I already feel better. I'm proud of myself for getting up every morning and taking care of my body. I wake up every morning with a goal and it keeps me motivated to be healthy and productive. I can't wait to see the benefits of working out religiously as time progresses.

I'm so glad that Kelsey asked me to work out with her and that she pushes me to do more than I thought that I could. I never liked working out by myself and it's nice to know that there's someone that's there for me every day to make it more fun.

-Chelsea

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

The Lost Hero

I just finished reading The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan and it was amazing! Contrary to what I originally thought, this book doesn't follow Percy Jackson. Instead, it follows a new trio of demigods: Jason, Leo and Piper. They find out that they're demigods and go on a quest to save Hera while each dealing with their own internal struggles. Jason can't remember anything about his past, Piper is also trying to save her father and Leo is dealing with his guilt from his mother's passing years ago.

I loved the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series so much that I was afraid that I wouldn't like this book. But I was oh-so wrong! This book has adventure, comedy, sorrow, memorable new characters mixed in with old and lovable characters and a fantastic story-line. This book definitely has something for everyone. There was adventure around every corner and I absolutely loved how Riordan incorporated the Roman gods into the story as well. It was also really interesting and refreshing to learn more about other gods, such as Aphrodite.

Riordan is clever, witty and keeps you on the edge of your seat, waiting for more. His incorporation of mythology into everyday life is brilliant and this story is no exception. I could not put this book down! If you haven't picked this book up yet, please do! Or, if you haven't read the other Percy Jackson books, I highly recommend that you do! You won't be disappointed!

-Chelsea

Thursday, September 11, 2014

How Have I Changed in the Last 5 Years?

I was recently asked this question and it caught me off-guard. I had no idea what to say. In all honesty, I hadn't noticed any changes up until that point. But the more that I thought about it, the more that I realized that I had changed. As someone that is afraid of change, this mind-boggled me. How could I change without noticing it? I don't know. But it happened and I honestly believe that I changed for the better.

Five years ago, I was 16. Sixteen is definitely a very important age for a girl. It's when we have our Sweet 16 parties and people start to recognize us as young women. I look back at my 16-year-old self and for the most part, I'm very proud of her. I got good grades. I had a close group of friends. I never got in trouble. I never did anything to hurt anybody. But I also never lived.

     I'm so proud of Kris and I for venturing out and making the most of this experience.

That is definitely the biggest change in me. I used to sit back on the sidelines of life and watch everybody else live their lives while I only "existed". I was too afraid to put myself out there, meet new people or try new things. My memories from high school consist of me going to football practice, studying for A.P. exams and catching an occasional movie with my friends. I didn't go to parties. I didn't pull any pranks. I didn't venture out and try to make friends with people outside of my circle of friends. And I really wish that I did. Because all that I taught myself was how to do was stay inside my comfort zone, my own little bubble.

Nowadays, I certainly don't "walk on the wild side" but I definitely do what I can so that I don't make those same mistakes again. I'm in my early 20s and 30 years from now, I want to remember my 20s as the best time of my life. I want to look back and remember laughter, friends and new experiences. So I've done what I can to make new friends and find new things to do. In fact, Kris and I are crossing two things off of my "wish list" this weekend. I want to make sure that while I'm an army wife, I take advantage of every place that I get to live and all that those areas have to offer. The old Chelsea would never have done that.

If it wasn't for trying to meet new people, I never would've found this beautiful place. Thanks, Kelsey!

I can proudly say that I have changed for the better. I'm definitely not perfect by any means but I can say that when I reflect back on this part of my life, I'll remember it with fondness and happiness. I'm glad that I've changed. It's allowed me to grow as a person and enjoy my life more than I ever thought possible.

-Chelsea