The Capitol Theme Party-For The Hunger Game Lovers

Hey Blog Followers,

Today I was thinking how cool it would be to have a Capitol Theme party. Having this party would be so awesome for the month of October or November, especially since the last movie will come out this November!  I want to hear some of your ideas and what would make it the ultimate party, but for now here are some of my brainstorm ideas.

Decor:
I would picture a capitol party to look a different couple ways.

Option 1: Black and white, but with hints of colorful accents.

Option 2: Very modern looking and lots of abstract concepts.
Option 3: Very white with color accents
Option 4: Very colorful with lanterns and super crazy and colorful lights. 

http://cdn2.blog-media.zillowstatic.com/1/Las-Vegas-1-e5dffb-e1384892542334.jpg

Fashion:
How fun would it be to see your friends dress up in extreme colors, wear mismatch or too matchy clothing,  and wear pounds of make-up?

Photo Credit: http://salemoregonhairsalon.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/hunger-games-capitol-fashion.jpg

I think there are lots of different ways you could go with this, but here are some basics:

 Ladies: Wigs, hair coloring, crazy eyelashes, scarves, hats, leggings, fancy dresses, OH man the list can go on.

Guys: Hair coloring, make up, smooth or crazy hair, suits, I'm not really sure, but let's just say it's an open book. 

Food:
I couldn't help, but put this image in:

Photo Credit: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/44/97/cb/4497cb30f3f205f1ff4902ff667a1be0.jpg

Here are some other ideas:

• Fancy pumpkin soup
• Colorful drinks (non-alcoholic preferably, but hey-that's just me) 
• Fancy and very colorful desserts! 

Music:
The Hunger Games soundtrack...just kidding. I'm not really sure what I would picture for capitol music. It might be a combination of classical in the day and techno at night, but that's just my opinion. 

I have no idea if this is a party I will be throwing or pulling off anytime soon, but hey you never know and dreaming is always a good starting place.

I want to hear from you blog followers: Would this be a party you would go to? What else do you picture a capitol party to look like? 

These are the things I had to say.

#DreaSaidIt

Not sure about copyright? Here is any easy map to help you to determine if you can use a picture or not: http://lifehacker.com/follow-this-chart-to-know-if-you-can-use-an-image-from-1615584870 

From 180 min commute to an 8 minute commute

Hey Blog Followers!

Have you ever heard the saying that so much can change in a year? Well, I can say that pretty much sums up my life right now.

Background Story:
In September 2014 (not even a year ago) I accepted a computer teaching position at Culver City Middle School (here is the link to that post just in case you missed it). At first, I couldn't believe that I would end up teaching middle school computers and after a trying, but successful year my heart changed where  I couldn't see myself going back to teaching elementary, because I have loved teaching middle school students and computers so much! However, finding a job like that isn't always easy, so I felt torn on what to do next. Do I look for jobs near home even though they might not be middle school computers or do I stay at in Culver City and suck up the commute for at least another year?

Well, I give thanks, praises, and glory to God, because he blessed me with my heart's desire for the dilemma I was having!

I have accepted a position to teach Computer Electives for Sandburg Middle School in GLENDORA! I'm not a Gutter Titan anymore, but a Sandbox Spartan (Glendorian's will get that...). It's all still so surreal for me and probably will be until I start teaching! 

There are so many miracles, small stories, and people along the way that made this possible and I might write a whole blog post on every single miracle that led to this point. However, right now I briefly want to share this journal entry that I wrote after I started my first couple days at Culver City:

Journal Entry I wrote on September 13, 2014:
"...[me complaining about the commute] It's only day 2! I don't know what is going to happen. I'm already praying for a solution! My heart really doesn't want to make L.A. my home, even if it is temporary. My whole life is in Glendora, church, family, and friends. My dad made so many sacrifices to give us what we have, just like my Heavenly Father sacrifice is the greatest act of love. I guess I don't know what I'm sacrificing for."

God heard me and even though the solution didn't come right away, he used my 1st year teaching experience to prepare me for a job that only He knew would come to exist in the future. He prepared me in so many ways and even though I complained along the way, He was still gracious, merciful, and understanding. At the time I didn't know what I was sacrificing for, but now I am so thankful to God for not allowing me to give up.

I don't know what trials you are currently facing, but my prayer is that God will allow you to keep pushing through it and that it will come back and become a blessing to you! Don't be afraid to listen to your gut feelings and I mainly want to encourage you to dream big!

My question to you blog followers is, what is one thing that you feel would be so impossible to accomplish? Whatever it is you choose, please let me know so that I can pray with you that God will turn that impossible to a possible!


These are the things I had to say.

#DreaSaidIt

Lucky are You

Hey Blog Followers,

The poem you are about to read was inspired by my family and friends that come from all walks of life. I hope it's a positive poem for you as it's been positive composing experience for me.

Lucky Are You

Lucky are you who found your love at a young age, so that you can enjoy it longer.

Lucky are you that found your love later in life and didn't lose hope.

Lucky are you who found someone who loves and accepts you for who you are.

Lucky are you, the ones who struggle in your relationship, that you can over come it together.

Lucky are you who found the courage to end an unhealthy relationship.

Lucky are you who have been able to be remarry or find love again, for God showed grace and mercy.

Lucky are you, who still are waiting for your story is still in the making.

Lucky are you who have had your heart broken, but yet still believe and hope for love.

Lucky are you the ones who don't settle for less than what you deserve.

Lucky are you who have a peace about your relationship status.

Lucky are you who are still finding that peace, since you are in the mist of the journey.

We are lucky in some way, whether we are married, divorced, remarried, single, or no label.

These are things I had to say.

#DreaSaidIt

Photo Credit: LiveLifeHappy."We meet people for a reason. Either they're a blessing or a lesson." https://www.flickr.com/photos/deeplifequotes/8149721682

What is beyond this Earth?

Hey Blog Followers!

I hope you had an awesome and restful weekend. I can't say that I had a restful weekend, but overall it was pretty awesome! I know spending a little more than a full 72 hours with at least 50 8th graders isn't everyone's cup of tea, however for me it was a privilege to witness these kids light up at Astro Camp! I wish you could have been there to see these kids problem solve, getting excited about taking on challenges, and over coming fears!  

Have you taken the time to really reflect how our Earth and all the elements it carries, really works? How about reflecting beyond the things that are outside of our world? Sometimes trying to find the answer to one thing leads to asking questions to at least 100 more things! That is exactly what happened to me. I guess the main question I have is what in the world(no pun intended) is beyond this Earth? I know there are the technical answers...planets, galaxies, supernovas, etc! But truly, what is the purpose of having all these things that we can't really reach?

I'm not really a big believer that other life exists out "there", but even if it did, what would be the reasoning? Since I don't believe that there is life outside of this Earth then it leaves me with the faith that God is way bigger than I could have ever imagined or pictured him to be. He is more detailed. More creative. More technical. More knowing. More awesome than I give him credit for. I'm not on a journey to figure out the answers, but I'm on a journey of reflecting and soaking in how awesome the God of the universe is and that He has created a purpose for you and me! We seem so small compared to everything else that He has created, but yet, he chose to love us more than all those things! He chose us, knowing that we would deny Him and possibly not choose Him back!

I want to hear from you too blog followers? What on Earth and beyond is out there? What do you guys believe, research, dream of that could be out "there"? Hey maybe I could be wrong and there are other signs of life out there, like in "Zenon Girl of the 21st Century?" :)

These are the things I had to say.

#DreaSaidIt

Photo Credit:
 http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ee/Hubble_image_of_Abell_68.jpg

What direction do I take?

Hey Blog Followers!

It's been a while since my last post...and I feel that's how I start off almost every post I write. 

Is it just me or do you ever just feel overwhelmed with what direction to take in your life/career/clothing options? I already have a hard time deciding what I'm going to be eating for lunch, let alone what I'm suppose to be doing career wise for what it feels like the rest of my life. It's tough and I know many of us 20 something age group (or many 30, 40, 50 year olds) can relate. 

I don't classify myself as a Computer Science anything. I just say i'm a teacher who teaches computers and sometimes I don't even know what that means. However, when I talk to other people I feel they think I went to school for this (kinda did, but not really) and that I can automatically fix any computer program and know exactly all the cool innovative things that are out there or will be coming out. Sometimes I do and MANY times...I have no clue. I'm learning just as much (typical teacher answer...), but it's the truth! Especially with technology, there is always a new thing out there, a new update, a NEW SOMETHING!

So, it leads me back to the question, "What direction am I suppose to take?" In the field of computers it feels like the options are endless. Graphic design, computer programming, teaching, engineering, coding, Google certifications, Microsoft expert...it's so overwhelming. I keep asking myself, where do I need to invest my time and money, especially because this field can be a financial commitment. 

Part of me has had the fun sucked out of it, because my hobby became work (which is not a bad thing, but not a good thing either-I'm feeling indifferent about it now) However, it's just added some pressure that I wasn't ready to deal with. I know in the end it's going to turn out beyond better than what I could imagine. I am thankful that there are opportunities to be looking into. There are so many gifted and talented people out there and they are the ones who inspire me to keep seeking, whatever it is that I am hoping to find. 

I want to hear from you too blog followers! Tell me I'm not alone in this search of, "What direction do I take?" question. Life is exciting and the sky still feels like the limit. I hope it does for you too!

These are the things I had to say.

#DreaSaidIt

My 2 Week Online Dating Experience!

Hi Blog Followers! 

Another week has come and gone and  not only that, but January is already coming to an end! My last blog was about the motto I chose for this 2015 year, which is "Doing Something About It", which was why I decided I would try online dating, which only lasted 2 weeks, even though I thought it was going to be at least a 3 month experience (No refund...but it's OK, because I learned so  much in this process that I have no regrets).

People asked me several times if I would ever considered online dating and my answer was an automatic,  NO. It was a mixture of reasons on why not 1) Being judged 2) Not really feeling called to do it and 3) the fear of the unknown. 

So why? Why did I sign up? I can't really pin point the exact thing on why or what finally triggered it for me...it was a combination of Boredom over Christmas break, watching too many online dating commercials pop over break, curiosity...  and then I was asked by someone, "What are you doing about meeting people?" 

Ok, so now the experience....where to even begin. I felt soooooo overwhelmed by it all. The first part is filling out everything about yourself. It really made reflect on "Is this truly me or is this what I think of me or is it a combination of both, or would others agree or am I lying to myself?" The next part was filling out about what I would want in my date and I wrote it down with no problem, because of course as I girl I know EXACTLY what I want...or so I thought. 

Then came the messages and the awkward introductions or just the really forward guys that sometimes I didn't even know what to say. Dating now a days is just a tricky thing sometimes and online dating is no exception. It has it's pros and cons. 

The Pros: 

• In theory, everyone on there is single and isn't judging you because you guys are all kinda there for the same reason...the most common reasons 1) I work long hours and don't have time to meet people 2) I don't want to meet my future spouse at a bar or club 3) I just want someone to share my life with. (I'm only reporting my experience and not judging!) 
• You don't have to talk to everyone that approaches you.
• But if you do, at least you are practicing talking again.

The Cons: 

• You've got all kinds of people (like way older men in my case) trying to make some efforts.
• You can't really make a reference check...they are technically strangers.
• Inconsistency. 
• Rejecting... it's hard no matter what. 
• Cost money

Quickly I realized that this wasn't going to be for me, but the beauty of all of this is that God used this very awkward experience and turned it around for His glory, because this is what I got out of it:

1) I realized I am a VERY broken and sinful person, which brought me back to how much I need a Savior (Jesus) in my life. This is why I say this: I have been taught in my faith that we are not suppose to be judging others and to me that is EXACTLY what I felt I had to do during this.  You are judging someone based off of their picture, words, likes/dislikes, height, occupation....and I struggled with that right away. I also realized with that how gracious and merciful God is to me!!! How much He loves me to call me back to Him despite of my stains and sins. 

2) I saw myself putting myself on a pedal stool and making myself that I am better than people (Back to sin). I don't care if you judge me, but I'm being honest to myself right now. The best example I could give for this is I felt it would be really hard to date someone who didn't have a degree that is close to mine or better. Um....hello??? Do I even know their story or journey? Do I even realize how blessed I am?

3) I am going to have to put my full trust and faith in God alone. Not on a online dating website, not in family, friends, church, work, etc. God alone knows the story.  I have no idea how I'm going to meet my future spouse (Lord willing), because the odds aren't really in my favor sitting at home most nights, but I believe that is what is going to make the story more miraculous! 

4) I have a special place in my heart for the guys and girls that make the effort to put themselves out there, but are often over looked , but yet keep trying! I pray a special blessing for you guys, because it is so tough to be vulnerable sometimes, especially when rejection is an option! You guys are the ones that inspire me!

Online dating is something I would never judge anyone for trying and if anything I totally encourage people to sign up and try it for themselves! Don't judge until you have been there and I have totally heard of plenty of success stories!!! I would just encourage you to 1) Be completely grounded in who you are 2) Don't change your standards for any reasons 3) Pray about it 4) Have someone to keep  you accountable- because it's really easy to get caught up in it.


I want to hear from you blog followers! I want to hear about your success stories, your online dating experiences (the good and bad), questions?! I'm more than happy to share. This was the quick version and I wish I could have explained my full experience better, because the truth is, for me, it goes back to God's love, grace, and mercy!

I hope to keep blogging, specifically about dating in this time in history or specifically in our culture and I would love for you to be a part of it! Look out for it in my next post! 


These are the things I had to say.

Drea Said It

My Motto for 2015

Hey Blog Followers!!!

Happy 2015! I hope it's been a great start to the new year and even if it hasn't, the good news is we still have the rest of the year to turn it around. 

Today, I wanted to share with you about a counseling secession I attended a couple weekends ago and the topic was about how to deal with transition! We are constantly living in transitions and I know 2014 couldn't have been more of a transition year for me! I had to transition from having a job to having my first real grown up job, seeing my sister get married, and really just having to grow up in a lot of ways I wasn't really prepared for (first car accident!!!) 

Some of you are transitioning from being single to getting to relationships or maybe transitioning from being a mom of 1 to now a mom of 2, maybe you are transitioning in a new job position, break up, budget cuts, commute, who knows... But regardless, there is something or something will eventually come! 

The secession I went to made me write down and reflect on 2014 of all the events that took place! It's funny how we forget about the struggles sometimes, but as we are in them we think it's the end of the world. I encourage you to write them down and take some time to reflect! I can send you the template if you would like!

Anyways, by the end of the secession I concluded that I have the power to change the things that I'm not happy about. Many of my close family and friends know that I can complain.... ALOT. Bless their hearts for the ones who put up with it. However, I even got sick of it myself, that I decided my motto for 2015 is : "Do something about it". I have the power to do something about it!!!  If I really dislike my commute so much then it's up to me to do something about it. Or if I feel I'm ready to start dating again, then instead of complaining-I'm going to do something about it (I have a whole blog for that coming out soon).

You have the power to do something about it too! What are some things you guys are making excuses or complaining about that you can start changing your thought process on actually doing something about it??? Let me know blog followers so that we can support one another.

These are the things I had to say.

#Dreasaidit