tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40355201124153969292024-03-28T12:17:39.645-05:00Plottinger TwistAn eclectic lifestyle blog that focuses on living life with a little bit of a twist. Covers everything from fashion, college, budgeting, and thrifting, to poetry, book reviews, social media tips, and photography. Spreading positivity one post at a time.H.M. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06747528926610726503noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035520112415396929.post-73071313652300808892020-11-13T13:40:00.001-06:002020-11-13T13:40:43.510-06:00Top 10 Favorite Literary Films<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGfimce2xU98leeyJo9lRYJ0xXBFrkNtWLM-cPQFOceVuK-LALbpgP0TTwCCoWwEU13KwHuavTdPVSf5PJ2QCBlR0wxCiBbtBC6slhWdRsns2I5f9NKbSLMxlf2Dd3dk0kP_ax5F7e_tf/s1200/Favorite+Literary+Films.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGfimce2xU98leeyJo9lRYJ0xXBFrkNtWLM-cPQFOceVuK-LALbpgP0TTwCCoWwEU13KwHuavTdPVSf5PJ2QCBlR0wxCiBbtBC6slhWdRsns2I5f9NKbSLMxlf2Dd3dk0kP_ax5F7e_tf/w426-h640/Favorite+Literary+Films.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hello, lovely people!</span> So I don't know if you know this about me, but I absolutely love watching a good film!! Yes, there are dozens of Netflix shows I adore & BBC mini-series I enjoy binging... but there is something about a good, standalone film that is just so charming. The stories just seem to stick with me longer. Particularly the ones that have <i>literary</i> themes hidden (or not-so-hidden) in them!!<br />
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All this to say, today I am going to share with you my TOP TEN FAVORITE LITERARY/BOOKISH FILMS, in no particular order, because I like to make lists & discuss top-tens... So this post is just gonna make me super happy, okay?? So, if you like movies, books, & lists too, then keep reading. Who knows? Maybe you'll discover your new favorite film. *<i>cheeky wink</i>*<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Disclaimer: not all of these films are rated under PG-13... I do not condone/support all of the content in these films, but as a whole, I enjoy them for their visual and artistic value, as well as the storytelling factors. However, I know that I have readers who are sensitive to these kinds of things, so I just wanted to forewarn everyone to avoid any possible complaints. Lol! Anyway, moving on.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">1.) <b><i>Dead Poets Society</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The first literary film</span> on my list is this beautiful Robin Williams movie, <i><span style="font-size: large;">Dead Poets Society</span></i>. Based off of the novel of the same name, by N.H. Kleinbaum, this film is honestly probably in my <b>top five favorite films</b> of all time... It features Robin Williams as a kind, gentle, yet still-passionate English teacher (Mr. Keating) in a fancy prep school for boys. He brings poetry and literature to life for them & instills a passion for learning, as well as dreaming big.</div>
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This film has made me cry on several occasions, not only because of some seriously heart-wrenching stuff (like, it hurtssss soooo muchhh #ruinedmylife), but also because it's just SO BEAUTIFUL AND INSPIRATIONAL. I honestly feel like this film is <b><i>the</i></b> film for readers, writers, and creatives alike!</div>
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Side effects from watching may include, but are not limited to... Unexplainable tears, an uncontrollable desire to write/read more, bouts of inspiration appearing out of nowhere, and desperately wishing you had a teacher like Mr. Keating.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">2.) <b><i>Stranger Than Fiction</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next on my list</span> is another ingenious film... <i><span style="font-size: large;">Stranger Than Fiction</span></i> has an all-star cast, featuring Will Ferrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson, and Queen Latifah. The story follows a no-nonsense man named Harold Crick (Will Ferrell) as he suddenly begins to hear a woman's voice narrating his life story—and hinting at the foreshadowing of his eventual untimely death.</div>
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The story is all about living life to the fullest, learning to let loose and have fun, and that real life can often be even stranger than a work of fiction. (ALSO... Emma Thompson plays a mentally-unstable writer & I relate so hard, you have no idea! #crazywritersforthewin)</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">3.) <b><i>You've Got Mail</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">An addition</span> to my list of films is the cutesy, classic rom-com, <i><span style="font-size: large;">You've Got Mail</span></i>. Starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, this film always gives me the warm fuzzies. I mean, come on... Picture THIS adorable scenario. Girl works at small, independent bookshop. Guy works for big, corporate bookstore chain.<br />
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Guy meets Girl + opposing jobs = instant enemies. It's a delightful recipe made in heaven.</div>
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I love this film because of the sweet hate-turned-love cuteness, but I also love how it's all based around bookstores!! There are so many bookish references throughout the film, and it just thrills my little literature-loving heart.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">4.) <b><i>Notting Hill</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another delightful member</span> of my list of favs, <i><span style="font-size: large;">Notting Hill </span></i>stars Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts in another sweet, little rom-com... Although, this one leans a bit more on the drama side, the literary references are everything in this movie. (Plus, Hugh Grant's dorky-awkwardness gives me life.)</div>
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The basic premise is an average guy with a travel-bookstore and a famous female movie star get mixed up in the <span style="font-size: large;">Classic Meet Cute<span face=""roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">™</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> (aka, spilling a drink on the other in public, thus creating the perfect opportunity to talk to one another) which somehow thrusts them into an unlikely relationship. As they navigate the the complexities of their odd romance, they also must reconcile their differences in lifestyle in order to achieve a happy medium.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">5.) <i><b>Wonder Boys</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next up,</span> we have a film that kind of blew my mind... <i><span style="font-size: large;">Wonder Boys</span></i> (based on the novel of the same name) is a darkish comedy that features Michael Douglas as a washed-up-writer-turned-English-professor who has been trying to write a new novel for years, but to no avail. While he is dealing with a plethora of other personal issues, one of his students, played by Tobey Maguire, drags him into an insane adventure involving a dead dog, a stolen piece of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia, and a story that just keeps getting bigger.</div>
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This film was amazing to me because there was an aspect of <i>mystery</i> to it, and I was constantly coming up with theories about how I thought things would turn out. And as a writer, I thoroughly appreciated the literary themes, as well as the writerly aspects of the film. (Plus, seeing Robert Downey Jr. cast as a crazy editor was hilarious!)</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">6.) <b><i>Matilda</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another book-to-film adaption,</span> one of my oldest favorites is <i><span style="font-size: large;">Matilda</span></i>. I was a huge fan of the book growing up, and the film is just as wonderful, in my opinion! And I feel like it's kind of a staple in the bookish-community. </div>
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Matilda is a young girl with amazing powers and a voracious appetite for reading. However, she is surrounded by horrible, mean, ignorant people at home and at school—even her principal is a bully! But Matilda doesn't let that get her down... In fact, she decides to take matters into her own hands.</div>
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I love all of the book-cameos made in this film & I relate so hard to Matilda's love of literature. This is <i>definitely</i> a must-see, if you haven't watched it already.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">7.) <i><b>Inkheart</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Alongside these other fantastic films</span>, we have <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Inkheart</i></span> (yes, another book-to-film adaption!) While the film doesn't follow the book to the letter, the artistic side to the film is what makes me love it so much! Plus, the casting is spot-on. (I mean, Brendan Fraser, Eliza Bennett, Jim Broadbent, and Andy Serkis!!)</div>
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Maggie, a teenage girl, discovers that her dad, Mo (Brendan F), has the magical ability to read characters out of their novels! This ability drags their family into a whirlwind of turmoil as they seek to defeat an escaped villain with the help of Maggie's book-crazy aunt, an unlikely band of random story-characters, and the author of the novel that started it all...<br />
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This film appeals to the part of me that feels deep connections to books and characters, and wishes that I could actually have them physically manifest in front of me. Honestly, even those it causes trouble in the film, I still feel like the gift of "reading things to life" would be one of the coolest things EVER.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">8.) <i><b>The Princess Bride</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next in line,</span> we have a film that has been the cause of so many heated Twitter-arguments, I've lost count. While I know <i><span style="font-size: large;">The Princess Bride</span></i> is a somewhat controversial subject to some, I am not ashamed to admit that I enjoy the cult-classic film. I grew up watching this movie, and I could probably quote the whole thing, start to finish, by heart.</div>
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A grandfather begins to read a fairytale to his sick grandson. A tale which includes "Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles..." But that's not even the half of it. The fairytale involves Princess Buttercup, The Mysterious Man in Black, a Spaniard in want of revenge, a Six-Fingered Man, a Friendly Giant, an Evil Prince, and a Sassy Miracle Worker.</div>
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This film is one of the cheesiest-yet-most-charming films I think I've ever seen. It's also one of the most-quotable films in existence, and I love a good quote. However, lots of people can't see past the cheesiness (which is understandable!) and just don't enjoy the film. I personally think it's one of those that you either love or hate—there really is no middle ground with it!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">9.) <b><i>Finding Neverland</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A heartbreaking addition</span> to the list is <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Finding Neverland</i></span>, starring Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, and a very young Freddie Highmore. For those of you who don't know, Peter Pan was a childhood obsession for me. I adored the book, the Disney cartoon, and even the live-action film. But when I discovered that there was a movie about J.M. Barrie himself... Well, I simply <i>had</i> to see it.</div>
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This film follows the life and inspiration behind the man who penned the tale of Peter Pan, teetering between the magic and wonder of childhood & the harsh reality of adulthood. But it is done in a beautifully masterful way! (Not gonna lie though, I cry every time I watch it.)</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">10.) <i><b>Midnight in Paris</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the final film in this list, </span>I simply must flail about <i><span style="font-size: large;">Midnight In Paris</span></i>... If you enjoy books AT ALL, you owe it to yourself to watch this film. Seriously. It's amazing. Also, did I mention that the cast is honestly one of the best I've ever seen?? (Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Tom Hiddleston, Cathy Bates, and <i>so</i> many more!!)</div>
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A nostalgic writer who's lacking inspiration (Owen Wilson) takes a trip to Paris with his materialistic fiancée & suddenly realizes that he's able to travel back in time! As he makes these secret midnight trips, he runs into some of the world's best and brightest artists & enjoys the French Nightlife of the 1920's... As he receives writing and life advice from people such as Ernest Hemingway and Scott F. Fitzgerald, the writer begins to wonder if he was born in the right time.</div>
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I genuinely adore this film for soooo many reasons! Obviously, the literary value is paramount. But even down to things like the cinematography & the soundtrack... This film is a piece of art and I encourage everyone to watch it.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Well, everyone, those are my Top Ten Favorite Literary Films... Have you seen any of these films? If so, did you enjoy them? Have I made you want to watch any of the ones you haven't seen? Comment down below & let me know!</i></span></div>
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H.M. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06747528926610726503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035520112415396929.post-78059945334205190712020-08-24T08:34:00.000-05:002020-08-24T08:34:36.000-05:00How I Am Graduating College Debt-Free<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Yes, you read the title right.</span> I am graduating from college completely debt-free. That's right—<i>no loans</i>.</div>
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No, my parents aren't loaded. No, I didn't rob a bank. And no, the title is not clickbait. I truly am getting my degree without going a penny into debt.</div>
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You might be wondering how that's even possible. After all, <i>everyone</i> goes into debt for their degree, right? My friend, this is so <i>very</i> wrong! What if I told you that it is actually <b>very possible</b> to graduate without having to worry about paying back <b>thousands of dollars</b> and wondering how you're going to <b>make ends meet</b> after you graduate?</div>
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Keep reading and I'll tell you.</span></blockquote><span><a name='more'></a></span>
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But first, let me tell you a story...</div>
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When I first started looking at colleges around 5 years ago, I approached the decision carefully (and prayerfully). After all, college is a <b>huge commitment</b>; you're spending <i>thousands</i> of dollars and 4+ <i>years</i> of your life on a path that affects the rest of your future! It's not a choice that should be taken lightly.</div>
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During this period of soul-searching, I thought over multiple options. I considered taking a gap year, I considered trade school, and I even considered not going to school at all. In the end, I realized that I did want to go to university to get my degree, but there was a catch...</div>
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I did not feel comfortable with the idea of taking out loans.<br />
<i>Period</i>.</blockquote>
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(Note that I have nothing against people who take out loans, but I personally did not feel at peace about it for me and my situation.)</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I remembered when I was <b>10 years old</b>, the day that my dad paid off the last of his college loans. I remembered how my parents were so relieved that the debt was finally gone, and I never wanted to have to experience that myself. In later years, I confided in my parents about my concerns, and they were sympathetic listeners. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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I knew that this abnormal choice of mine would definitely make things much <b>harder in the short-term</b>, but I thought about the <b>long-term implications</b> of this choice. If I took out loans, <b>how would that affect me 5 years later</b>? Or <b>10 years later</b>? What if I didn't make enough money to support myself and pay off my loan after graduation? What if I got married and my husband had to share the burden and help me pay for my education? What if I wanted to travel after graduation? <i>What if</i>...?</div>
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Then I finally decided to <b>come up with a game plan</b> to make my debt-free education a reality. Now here I am, currently at the start of my <u>final semester of college</u> and I checked my financial aid and officially confirmed that I AM COMPLETELY DEBT-FREE!! I will be applying for graduation in a few weeks and this chapter of my life will finally draw to a close.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">To celebrate this occasion,</span> I am dedicating this post to explain <b>10 Tips and Tricks</b> that I know and/or have personally used to<b> help me graduate completely debt-free</b>! So whether you are an incoming freshman, a stressed sophomore, or a concerned parent, these tips can <b>save you money</b> on your education and prevent you from having to take out huge loans that you might regret down the line. As you read, keep an open mind and remember that <b>this is not impossible</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkN3wKJUNE1UgKOyXjd4MIqo9KRT86tt6ByrNSudTJgV5MpiJkpe0BBXMaENcBzo35efwoeTCtrQFS5MHbXCxgRaCbIcHBgz9R0fxTWD9m_1S9tKW1BZvSkGbZluLfa_WJsYp63XXU64h/s1920/girl-3718526_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1279" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkN3wKJUNE1UgKOyXjd4MIqo9KRT86tt6ByrNSudTJgV5MpiJkpe0BBXMaENcBzo35efwoeTCtrQFS5MHbXCxgRaCbIcHBgz9R0fxTWD9m_1S9tKW1BZvSkGbZluLfa_WJsYp63XXU64h/s640/girl-3718526_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-large;">1. Get Your Priorities Straight</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first step in this process is to sit down and <b>decide why you want to go to college</b> in the first place. If your goal in college is to party all night, get hungover, and then skip class, this plan is definitely not for you because your goal is obviously not to gain an education while staying out of debt––it's to waste time. While your lifestyle is your business, you have to remember that <b>time = money</b> and that the <b>4+ years</b> you spend in college is worth <i>a lot</i> of both! Even if you take out a loan and don't have to pay anything in the moment, that money adds up quickly. So wasting your (or your parent's) valuable time and money by skipping classes is not the way to go... Especially if you don't want to have massive debt hanging over your head when you leave that four-year-long party.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you truly want to gain a meaningful education and graduate debt-free, you are going to realize that the next 4+ years of your life are going to <b>require a lot of diligence</b> on your part and <b>some degree of sacrifice</b> as well. This might mean learning to say no to parties, saying no to going out to eat every time your friends do, and being content with quiet weekends at home or at work. If your heart and mind are not in it, it will be next to impossible for you to graduate debt-free because the willpower isn't there. Make up your mind to <b>be okay with a little struggle</b> for a few short years so you can have an easier time long-term!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Remember, if you can graduate debt-free, <b>you are one step ahead</b> of the majority of people your age. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-large;">2. Community College First</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A lot of people pick their dream school and only consider going to that one school from day one. But the truth is, the vast majority of <b>universities charge more for basic classes</b> than community colleges do. In fact, in <a href="https://hechingerreport.org/with-higher-ed-in-limbo-students-are-switching-to-community-colleges/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">a post</span></a> on The Hechinger Report's website, the College Board explains that "Average tuition and fees at community colleges cost <b>about a third</b> as much as at the lowest-tier public four year and <b>one-tenth</b> as much as at the lowest-tier four year private university..."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sounds like <b>a no-brainer</b> to me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">To bypass these extra expenses, make the decision to <b>get your basics</b> at your local community college and then <b>transfer to a university</b> after you get your basics out of the way. This not only helps your pocketbook, but it also leads into the next point...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-large;">3. Get Those Grades Up</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One of the perks of attending community college first is that it gives you time to not only <b>find your groove</b> with college-level work, but it gives you <b>time to bring your grades up</b>. In my experience, transfer students with good grades can score better/larger scholarships from universities when they transfer as opposed to incoming freshmen. I personally did this and was shocked at how much more scholarship money I was awarded because <b>I chose to transfer</b> instead. Do your research and see if there's a difference; you might be surprised too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Also, if you’re a high schooler preparing to enter community college—study hard for your SAT/ACT and don’t be afraid to take it more than once. <b>I took my ACT 5 times</b> and was able to raise my score from a 21 to a 25, which helped me get a scholarship at my community college starting out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In this same vein of advice, try to <b>CLEP out</b> of as many classes as you can and/or do <b>dual credit</b> while you're still in high school. (This last one was not something I personally did, but I know many students who did this and were able to save a lot of time and money!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3A8qjD9GdtnObMardPe5fpNDNJmTuO1KQRU2j4yCKs8J0jo_LMUOetFL0jFOuyC2-SN2KP7vXuKR2txmSqMAPogrukWArI4cerrX1qG6ZRudlj2oxYfYVS0gthNJJLe5GR8NsRGMcf9xO/s1920/to-read-the-book-2784895_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3A8qjD9GdtnObMardPe5fpNDNJmTuO1KQRU2j4yCKs8J0jo_LMUOetFL0jFOuyC2-SN2KP7vXuKR2txmSqMAPogrukWArI4cerrX1qG6ZRudlj2oxYfYVS0gthNJJLe5GR8NsRGMcf9xO/s640/to-read-the-book-2784895_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-large;">4. Apply for Scholarships/Grants/Aid</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yes, it’s time-consuming. And yes, it’s repetitive. But scholarships and grants can help you SO MUCH. Apply to as many as you can, <b>no matter how much or how little</b> they're offering. <b>Even a simple $200 grant can help</b> you pay for those pricey textbooks you weren’t expecting to worry about.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Also, most schools require this, but always be sure to <b>check out your FAFSA</b> (and write down your ID and password!!!) because most people can get some form of aid from that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Furthermore, you should even <b>apply for scholarships/grants through your school</b>. I've mentioned that you can receive merit-based scholarships for your good grades, but there are also <b>need-based scholarships</b> and <b>talent-based scholarships</b> (athletics, music, etc...) that you can also apply for directly through your school. These will require more of your time, but they are always an option!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-large;">5. Military Service</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I personally have never served in the military (but it is an option for students who want to graduate debt-free. I won’t be touching on it though since I have no experience with it). However, my father previously served in the military and he had <b>leftover aid</b> that was just sitting untouched. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">How did that affect me, personally? Well, if you are a dependent of a veteran, most states will make accommodations, offer scholarships/grants, or even provide special aid for you. In some cases (such as mine) different states can <b>transfer “leftover” aid</b> from the veteran to their dependent. The aid that I used to do this, which is specific to Texas, is called <b>Hazelwood</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">According to the <a href="https://www.tvc.texas.gov/education/hazlewood/#" target="_blank">Texas Veterans Commission</a>'s website, "<b>The Hazlewood Act</b> is a State of Texas benefit that provides qualified Veterans, spouses, and dependent children with an education benefit of <b>up to 150 hours</b> of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Essentially Hazelwood exempts Texas veterans and/or their dependents from paying for tuition at public universities. Thanks to my father’s service and the Hazelwood program, <b>I haven’t had to pay out-of-pocket for my tuition</b> for the last two years of my college education.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If you have a parent/relative/spouse who has served/is serving, be sure to <b>check your state’s specific benefits</b> for veterans and their dependents. There are so many military families out there who have <i>no idea</i> how much aid they have available to them, so they just go without. Be sure to research the ins and outs of these benefits and <i>please</i> take advantage of them if you can! It’s the least our nation can do to say thank you for military service. But be prepared––if you do decide to take this route, <b>there is a lot of paperwork involved</b>. It can be stressful, but just be patient and keep on keeping on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-large;">6. Commute/Live Off-Campus/Go Online</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Many people might not like this one, but remember how I talked in point #1 about prioritizing and being willing to compromise for a bigger goal? This is one of those times that you might have to remember that. A lot of students, whenever they reach college age, immediately want to move out of their family home and get settled into the dorms. It’s understandable because it feels like a rite of passage into young adulthood... but if you want to graduate debt-free, you might <b>consider skipping the dorm</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The majority of the time, the <b>living expenses</b> (dorm, meal tickets, etc...) associated with on-campus housing can <b>cost more than the tuition itself</b>! For example, universities that house students usually require all on-campus students have a meal plan because they don’t want students to go without eating. While it sounds good in theory, it can really hurt your wallet if you choose to go this direction, so it’s better to research it and <b>skip out on it if it saves you money</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This also ties into attending community college for your basics because most universities require freshmen to live on-campus for their first year anyway. However, if you transfer from another school, this is generally not applicable. <b>Commute to your community college</b> or <b>take online classes at home</b> for your first two years and then revaluate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Are there any nearby universities that you’d be interested in?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">How far would it be to commute?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If it’s too far to commute, look at budget-friendly living arrangements. Many people are shocked to find that <b>living off-campus can actually be cheaper</b> than on-campus living in the long run. The last semester of my Sophomore year, I found a little hole-in-the-wall studio apartment that was all bills paid, was 15 minutes away from my new university, and was <b>only $650</b> a month. It was not the Hilton, but it certainly was nothing to sneeze at. I made it work in that apartment for nearly year before I found another living situation in a luxury apartment, only 2 minutes away from my school, that I split with a roommate, where I paid closer to <b>$700 a month</b> in total. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here's the crazy part––even living in that <i>luxury apartment</i> was cheaper for me than living on-campus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm not saying that you should live in a luxury apartment. I'm saying that you should really <b>price check your housing situation</b> before blindly signing your life away. The thriftiest option of all is to continue to live at home and commute (if possible). But if this is not an option and you need to live closer to campus, definitely do your research beforehand and see if you can find cheaper options for housing––even if it means couchsurfing for a little while.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmDMIdIPTokskorWHPxw4aortSucWG4y3oqCkD8chbhMkWX3nHG76ViAY-QHfL64RlJGM9vCzCiLiwY29QY4GPNtCfZiuDCGAclivmg8kiLTdYy3dj2bTpNqr3qLs2ABBeHCI4gY7a5CB/s1920/student-3500990_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1279" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmDMIdIPTokskorWHPxw4aortSucWG4y3oqCkD8chbhMkWX3nHG76ViAY-QHfL64RlJGM9vCzCiLiwY29QY4GPNtCfZiuDCGAclivmg8kiLTdYy3dj2bTpNqr3qLs2ABBeHCI4gY7a5CB/s640/student-3500990_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><b>7. Get a Job</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div>A lot of students worry about school/work/life balance, so they cut out the middleman and don't work in college at all. I'm here to tell you that this is a <i>huge mistake</i>, especially if you want to graduate debt-free!</div><div><br /></div><div>Having a job not only <b>brings in extra income</b> for you to live off of, but it also gives you a chance to <b>start a savings account</b> and to <b>build up experience</b> while getting your degree. Granted, maybe working at your school's bookstore or washing dishes at a local restaurant is not exactly what you pictured yourself doing on the weekends, but you have to remember your ultimate goal. Besides, if you can land a job that is somehow relevant to your major, you might be able to get some amazing experience to <b>add to your resume</b>, which will definitely help you in the long-run.</div><div><br /></div><div>I worked retail, gave music lessons, worked as an administrative assistant, and nannied all throughout college. Did I love all the jobs I had? No, absolutely not. At different times, I did different things, but they all <b>helped to support me</b> in my endeavor to graduate without debt. There were bad days. There were times where I had to turn down plans with friends because I had to go to work. There were days that I was exhausted and didn't want to study when I came home from work. There were days that I cried because I was so sick of the whole thing and just wanted to give up. <b>But I got through it</b> and I'm so glad I did.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now if you are still concerned about balancing school and work, another solution is to work a <b>full-time job during the summer</b> and get all the hours you can while saving as much as humanly possible so you can work less during the school year. (When I nannied, I worked a lot during the summer. I remember one week, I actually clocked <i>66 hours</i> for the week and was blown away with how much I had worked. However, I was able to put some money back from that summer so when I went back to working 25-30 hours a week during the school year, it wasn't an issue.)</div><div><br /></div><div>I've also known of people who <b>alternate going to school and working</b> in order to have the money they need. For instance, you can work full-time for a year while saving and then attend school for a year while working part-time. It will take longer for you to graduate, but if that doesn't bother you, it's always an option!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-large;">8. Double-Up</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Believe it or not, doubling-up can make a huge difference. What I mean by this is you can <b>take summer classes</b> as well as <b>take more than 12 hours</b> (full-time) at school. While it is a lot of work at once, it can help you save money in the long-run.</div><div><br /></div><div>Think about it, every semester you spend at school is another 5 months of bills that have to be paid. Your housing bills, gas for the commute, food... All of those variables add up every semester. So it's really better to <b>graduate as soon as you can</b> so you can save on things like housing/commuting expenses.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've had many semesters where I've taken <b>15+ hours</b> during the semester to speed up the process of reaching graduation. In the 2020 school year, I've actually taken 15 hours in the spring and fall and 9 hours in the summer. It's a lot of work, but totally worth it to graduate sooner.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-large;">9. Be Willing to Compromise on Schools</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Look, I know that nearly everyone has their dream school. Whether it's that one school with the amazing football team, that stellar teaching program, or the one that your mom went to, it's best to remember that <b>a degree is a degree</b>... no matter where you go.</div><div><br /></div><div>Granted, degrees from some schools do have their perks! Name-dropping schools like Harvard, Stanford, or Texas A&M might help you make some quick connections in the workplace and might get your foot in the door. But as a whole, it's your <b>work ethic</b> and <b>attitude</b> towards the work that matters more than where you received your degree. If your dream school's price tag is outrageous but you still want to graduate debt-free, maybe <b>consider looking at another school</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>I actually ended up <b>not attending my #1 school</b> because the price point was too high. I had already decided that taking out a loan was not going to be an option for me and that particular school was not offering me the same kinds of scholarships that I could find elsewhere, <b>so I took that school off my list</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Do I regret it? Not really. I do think that I would've been a good fit at that school and that I would've had different opportunities there, but I've learned a lot from the smaller school I've ended up at and have had incredible opportunities at my current school that I doubt I would've had at a larger school.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDRCRi2U8boMrSawpKWqfi6HpJ2fPI4BQD3qonqvNbkbLTPfxGQe_w3RTYQCi1olRNe4j6GrNf7U-CFvMPLiy-CTP2e8ceKH6DZpNbAVCtEno6MdYBJEGRu1h00kkrBzHT5rqwBQhQsPH/s1920/accountant-1238598_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDRCRi2U8boMrSawpKWqfi6HpJ2fPI4BQD3qonqvNbkbLTPfxGQe_w3RTYQCi1olRNe4j6GrNf7U-CFvMPLiy-CTP2e8ceKH6DZpNbAVCtEno6MdYBJEGRu1h00kkrBzHT5rqwBQhQsPH/s640/accountant-1238598_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-large;">10. Learn to Budget (and Stick to It!)</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>I mentioned earlier in this post that I had an apartment alone and a luxury apartment with a roommate. This was possible because 1) I maintained a job and 2) I learned <b>how to maintain a budget</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>So many young people do not know how to make a budget, but it is such an <b>important skill</b> to have during college and to <b>carry with you after graduation</b>. If you learn how to make a budget and stick to it, you are miles ahead of the rest of the crowd out there.</div><div><br /></div><div>Keeping a budget is vital because it helps to <b>keep you accountable</b> about where your money goes (and stays) and <b>helps you to plan ahead</b>. I struggled with keeping a budget when I first started out and had some very tight weeks because I didn't spend and save my money wisely.</div><div><br /></div><div>The thing that worked best for me was a budgeting program called <a href="https://www.youneedabudget.com/">YNAB (You Need A Budget)</a> and it helped me to sort out the money I had coming in, designating it to specific things. For instance, if I knew I was going to have two paychecks before rent was due, YNAB would help me divide up how much of each paycheck needed to go towards rent and how much I'd have left for other expenses that month. The best thing about this program was that it gave me a <b>1-year free trial because I was a student</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>By doing this, over time I learned how to live on very little money. I learned <b>how to be thrifty</b> in areas I didn't know I was spending a lot. I learned how to <b>spend less than $40</b> a week on groceries, how to <b>cut back</b> on unnecessary things like fast-food and Starbucks, and how to <b>prioritize financially</b>. </div><div><br /></div><div>(During this period, I also learned about how many <b>student discounts</b> you can get as a college student! You'd be shocked at how many places offer deals to college students if you show them your student ID or provide them with your student email address. Amazon offers Prime for students, Spotify offers a deals to students, and numerous restaurants and clothing stores offer discounts as well. Be sure to <b>research this and utilize it</b>! And remember that a few dollars here and there adds up!)</div><div><br /></div><div> </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmZ-111-QG_Sp6tk-dFNfWI538z3z9j99q8W9-LLolqVsK0MDF15MojDe-qMn0_aBnBLv7__ZlSupKjiefFfvhdp_HCybOkty37tHmwAJ-mpf5hGPVlFocZU-X5QVen0PAiXdqbqMg-Iq/s560/Get+a+part-time+job+%25286%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmZ-111-QG_Sp6tk-dFNfWI538z3z9j99q8W9-LLolqVsK0MDF15MojDe-qMn0_aBnBLv7__ZlSupKjiefFfvhdp_HCybOkty37tHmwAJ-mpf5hGPVlFocZU-X5QVen0PAiXdqbqMg-Iq/w286-h162/Get+a+part-time+job+%25286%2529.png" width="286" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Those are essentially</span> all of the tips and tricks that I used to graduate from college completely debt-free! Thanks to things like amazing scholarships, veteran benefits, and hard work, you can do it too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Honestly, it wasn't easy for me. I had to be willing to "miss out" on some of the "college experience" in order to make this goal a reality. But in the end, I had to remind myself of what really mattered to me––<b>my education and financial freedom</b>. At the end of the day, the "college experience" is not what real life looks like at all. Real life involves making sacrifices sometimes, working hard, and learning to be okay with not always doing what you want to do. If college is truly meant to "prepare" you for the "real world," then I think the experience of graduating debt-free is an amazing way to do that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope that this post helps someone out there! And even if you aren't graduating totally debt-free, these tips can still help you to save money and be able to take out fewer loans over the course of your education. Be sure to <b>leave a comment</b> down below if your learned something new or if you have any questions. Also, please <b>share this post</b> with up-and-coming college students to spread the news––it's not impossible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvQQU_he2qNcypOPV4zDKNkvd-4SZyzJR7etWpnHI7TSnhtjNsUc6JHKnj177VxGKGT3G6L-AlUzyNffS7vygauwltexLyFS94Kz4hQb4hh8uFNXYQojDF-9XozxOb3DXdR1BhwBv970J/s560/Get+a+part-time+job+%25287%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvQQU_he2qNcypOPV4zDKNkvd-4SZyzJR7etWpnHI7TSnhtjNsUc6JHKnj177VxGKGT3G6L-AlUzyNffS7vygauwltexLyFS94Kz4hQb4hh8uFNXYQojDF-9XozxOb3DXdR1BhwBv970J/w286-h162/Get+a+part-time+job+%25287%2529.png" width="286" /></a></div>
Hannah Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567111757379871648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035520112415396929.post-57188457597998327762020-02-18T10:00:00.000-06:002020-02-18T14:22:55.261-06:005 TED-Talks Every Student Needs to Watch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you're anything like me</span>, you try your best to study for exams but look up 12 hours later only to find that you've somehow gone on a YouTube spiral and are now watching videos of baby goats at 2 am...</div>
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While this is definitely a problem (s<i>eriously, please study</i>), sometimes hearing a pep talk is all you need to help you get your head back in the game. And what better to do that than a TED-talk?</div>
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So to help you find your focus and get your school life back on track, here are my <span style="font-size: large;">Top 5 TED-Talks for College Students</span> to watch.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1) If you're dealing with failure</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2) If you need the strength to push harder</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3) If you're worried about your resume</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4) If you're dealing with stress</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5) If you can't stop procrastinating</span></div>
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(My favorite TED-talk ever!!!)<br />
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I hope that these TED-talks help you to gain some perspective and help you get your head back in the game. Remember, just do your best, stay strong, and do your homework!</div>
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Hannah Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567111757379871648noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035520112415396929.post-22170921220331486292020-02-06T09:19:00.001-06:002020-02-06T09:19:48.306-06:00How to Make Extra Cash as a Broke College Student<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hey, everyone!</span></div>
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So listen, I know what it's like to be a "broke college student." Believe me, you're not alone.</div>
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As of today, I've been a student for a total of 4 years. During my four years, I've experienced nearly every type of living situation, from living in the dorms, a group housing situation, a studio apartment, an <i>amazing</i> luxury apartment (story on that in a later post), and even living with my family. For about a year and a half of that time, at the age of 20-22, I was completely financially independent.</div>
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That being said, I know a thing or two about what it's like to survive solely off of ramen noodles and the will to live... but I've also seen the other side to that and been able to live in my dream apartment and have amazing, balanced meals every day!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">It all seemed to come down to one thing.<br /><i>MONEY.</i></span></blockquote>
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<i>Ahhh, yes... the elusive element of life that so many college students do without.</i></div>
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But how did I get the money?? Well, that's what this post is about. I'm going to give you some of my tips and tricks to earn money as a student (or as a young person in general), which will hopefully encourage some of you to take better care of yourselves. Seriously, guys, ramen is really bad for you! Please, try to eat some veggies, okay?</div>
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{<u>Disclaimer</u>: This post does contain affiliate/referral links. By clicking on them and joining the services, I may receive some compensation for the referral.}</div>
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I feel like this is the most obvious one, but this is also the most effective one. You're not going to make a ton of money without working for it. There are tons of jobs out there that are flexible, especially if you are located in or near a college town! Here are a few of the jobs that I've had while being a student...</div>
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<li>Administrative Assistant in an Office (answering phones, taking messages, filing paperwork)</li>
<li>Sales Associate at a Boutique (cash register, inventory, customer service)</li>
<li>Merchandiser (fixing displays, security tagging items, inventory)</li>
<li>Music Teacher (giving music lessons to little kids)</li>
<li>Nanny (pretty self-explanatory; babysitting on a larger scale)</li>
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The <i>best-paying</i> job for me was by-far my nannying job! My most <i>flexible</i> job, however, was my merchandising job. Nannying paid more because I made more per hour, but the merchandising job was better suited to my schedule because I could schedule work around classes. At the end of the day, there was a trade-off like with anything else; you have to weigh the pros and cons to see what works best for you and your situation.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also <i>highly</i> recommend</span> browsing jobs in your area to see what's available and even checking to see if your university has any job postings. Many schools offer tutoring positions, writing lab positions, and many other job opportunities that will work with your school schedule. I have several friends who take classes and go to work without ever having to leave campus!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Other options</span> you could consider are <i>remote position</i>s or <i>online jobs</i>. In my experience, these are hit or miss, but I've known people who've managed to make these work for them. These at-home jobs can include customer service positions (talking on the phone/answering emails), data-entry or transcription work (typing up information for other people), and even personal/digital assistant jobs (scheduling meetings, sending emails, etc...). If any of these things sound like something you could do, definitely do a quick Google search for job listings. You might be surprised!</div>
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This is one that not many people think about, but selling clothes you never wear anymore or stuff around the house that you never use can be a huge money-making opportunity. You won't make as much as you would with a job, but sometimes it can mean the difference between paying rent that month or not. I, personally, have made at least $100 in a week by simply selling my old things online; the trick is knowing where to sell and what to sell.</div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Facebook Marketplace</b></span> is a wonderful yet terrifying place, but it is this site that I have to thank for my $100 in a week. The thing you have to understand with FB Marketplace is that it's a fast-paced environment, which uses your approximate loction to help find other people who are near you to sell to. People often buy and sell within seconds of posting, but that is part of what makes it so easy and effective. It also really helps if you join local buying/selling/trading pages. (I've sold everything from dorm decor to dishes on there!)</li>
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Pros</b> of FB Marketplace: Most people have a Facebook account these days, so you have a wider audience, which means a higher chance of selling your items quickly. You get instant feedback (if you have FB Messenger) and can communicate directly with the buyers. It's also completely free to use!<br />
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<b>Cons</b> of FB Marketplace: Most of the time you have to meet up in-person with the buyers to deliver the item you are selling, which can potentially be unsafe/uncomfortable (always take precautions and meet in a public place). You won't always sell your items for the prices you want, so you have to be willing to be flexible.</div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ebay</b></span> is another good place to sell online. Depending on what you are trying to get rid of, this might be the place for you. (I've personally had good luck with selling old video games and technology-related stuff, but definitely feel free experiment and see what sells.)</li>
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<b>Pros</b> of Ebay: It's really nice to be able to ship everything and not have to meet up with anyone. Ebay also provides shipping labels for you, which you can purchase online and print out directly. Payment is also instantaneous, through PayPal.</div>
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<b>Cons</b> of Ebay: Once the customer buys an item, you are on a time-clock to get it in the mail to them because Ebay keeps track of it. Also, after a certain period of time, Ebay charges you a small amount of money per item listing.</div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Poshmark</b></span> is the only one of these that I have little-to-no experience with... but I've heard good things! This one is a website/app that is specifically for selling clothes that are still in good condition. Designer brands and boutique brands do very well on there, so if you are selling things that sit into those categories, you're in luck.</li>
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<b>Pros</b> of Poshmark: The app/site gives you the pre-paid and addressed label to ship the items (no meetups involved). You will most likely be able to make a little more money for nicer items due to the fact that Poshmark is known for selling higher quality items than your typical thrift shop.</div>
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<b>Cons</b> of Poshmark: They do take a small cut of your sales, which they call a "seller fee." The app can be a little confusing at first.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgxnhzab90x_nsYyRgOezWZt7w_x0TXUlvp_VbbHglF5W-OxtpvN0iVJ0qewJFbo4tZXz3_WZ_OHsPVN-d2M7s2v-EbuQgvjL2PRgetMlW1bYSZuXNFXl2zilLJ4KP9-8d-dNeMMh00tA/s1600/Get+a+part-time+job+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgxnhzab90x_nsYyRgOezWZt7w_x0TXUlvp_VbbHglF5W-OxtpvN0iVJ0qewJFbo4tZXz3_WZ_OHsPVN-d2M7s2v-EbuQgvjL2PRgetMlW1bYSZuXNFXl2zilLJ4KP9-8d-dNeMMh00tA/s400/Get+a+part-time+job+%25282%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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This isn't a solution for quick cash, but if you are willing to put in the time and effort, filling out surveys can be a godsend! Typically speaking, you don't get cash for filling out surveys online. Most of the time you earn "points" by filling out the surveys, which accumulate until you can "cash out" with <i>gift cards</i>. (This isn't always true, though. Sometimes you will come across online surveys that will eventually send you money via PayPal, but I've found that the gift card ones are easier to earn.)</div>
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My personal favorite to use is <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.mypoints.com/?rb=43828493">MyPoints.com</a></span> because it gives you <i>so many option</i>s for ways to earn points, including coupon printing and online shopping, and they offer dozens of different gift cards at some of my favorite places to shop (Starbucks, Target, and Barnes & Noble, just to name a few...) There are many other websites where you can do this, but I've definitely had the best luck with MyPoints.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkn5S7nKga3Qo07lx9GQmLVFIoIjJBWT94DlZrd8uVHSmmns4c3yzir_GhzhRsIFYktuS7wTui-w54nGZ9aIToVNwn1VaBQNfnzPzXqoenhgL0_FimznIvyFXLN3_B0x3dDrQurrH20hG2/s1600/Get+a+part-time+job+%25284%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkn5S7nKga3Qo07lx9GQmLVFIoIjJBWT94DlZrd8uVHSmmns4c3yzir_GhzhRsIFYktuS7wTui-w54nGZ9aIToVNwn1VaBQNfnzPzXqoenhgL0_FimznIvyFXLN3_B0x3dDrQurrH20hG2/s400/Get+a+part-time+job+%25284%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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A lot of college students don't even think about this, but <i>companies</i>, <i>interest groups</i>, and <i>local governments</i> need data in order to grow and change for the better. One of the many ways they gather information is through <b><span style="font-size: large;">focus groups</span></b>. And the best part?? A lot of them <b>pay for participation</b>.</div>
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Essentially, a focus group is like a group interview where a number of people that meet certain requirements are brought in to discuss the topic(s) that the company, interest group, etc. needs feedback on. The questions, group of people chosen, and length of time taken will vary depending on the topic of whatever is being researched.</div>
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About a year and a half ago, I took part in a focus group that related to young women's health in my city, which happens to be a college town. The group I was with was made up of 18-25 year-old women because that was the "target audience" for the research being done. We were asked various questions pertaining to our health, local healthcare options, and things like whether or not we had insurance. The whole thing lasted about 2 hours, and I walked away with $100 in my pocket and a free lunch in my tummy. (A double-score for a college student, am I right??)</div>
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It might be worth looking up different focus group opportunities in your area, or even for ones to participate in online!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yZk0zZ0Y5kD2Si8hqLiPmQwAGUvIUfF8mIQuR1LRa1jRWP82HRJOsfVSPNoxIgyJAVMgvbduezhXIqplUW0LSo2GR-mCRNXRBpVQPDXRDrb1Ji4UIyoQXSvgrDWcukeAqB6J5spPIdo0/s1600/Get+a+part-time+job+%25283%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yZk0zZ0Y5kD2Si8hqLiPmQwAGUvIUfF8mIQuR1LRa1jRWP82HRJOsfVSPNoxIgyJAVMgvbduezhXIqplUW0LSo2GR-mCRNXRBpVQPDXRDrb1Ji4UIyoQXSvgrDWcukeAqB6J5spPIdo0/s320/Get+a+part-time+job+%25283%2529.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is one option that is not for the faint of heart or those with a fear of needles. I have sadly never been able to participate in this one due to having too-tiny veins, but donating blood/plasma is another way for many college students to earn a little extra cash and help others while they're at it.</div>
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Every donation center is a little different, so start with doing a quick search to find your nearest donation center. Read all of the information you can get your hands on so you can be <b>fully informed</b> before you make the decision and see if you're eligible. Many places will compensate you for your time, which can be a nice way to earn a little extra money. But be sure to check before you go! Not all donation centers offer that option.</div>
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Some people do this on a regular basis, but if it's for quick cash, I personally would use this as a last resort (i.e. you're not going to make rent or you don't have gas money for the week). You may end up bruised or sore, so make sure you're well-read on the side effects.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikkWUWdym15Ys5x71yJFkLWCvq0ZAhA1Rngr2QwPtA1e1rgvUbHoE0aYE5JzB44dXhHr-GujpvRTSO4tEFung8mwHFLj_UZZCw4PogQv6KxFTSZnphiTH2dNQoo1NLG6y1IKWtROwM-dJK/s1600/Get+a+part-time+job+%25285%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikkWUWdym15Ys5x71yJFkLWCvq0ZAhA1Rngr2QwPtA1e1rgvUbHoE0aYE5JzB44dXhHr-GujpvRTSO4tEFung8mwHFLj_UZZCw4PogQv6KxFTSZnphiTH2dNQoo1NLG6y1IKWtROwM-dJK/s400/Get+a+part-time+job+%25285%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yes, you read that right. As a college student/young person, you have <i>skills</i> and <i>ideas</i> that can be put to use in the world of business. Some of the most successful businesses today started as a college student's dream. Now granted, you may not be the next <b>Steve Jobs</b>, but you may be able to make a little extra cash along the way.</div>
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Start by looking at the skills and resources you currently have... what <span style="font-size: large;"><i>goods</i> or <i>services</i></span> can you offer people? Are you good with a camera? Do you have a killer cookie recipe? Are you good at explaining your professor's confusing notes? Do you have knowledge about a niche topic that other people might want to learn?</div>
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You may not create an empire in the field you decide to go into, but these are all small business ideas in the making.</div>
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<ul>
<li>Photography</li>
<li>Tutoring</li>
<li>Lawn Mowing</li>
<li>Writing E-books</li>
<li>Baking</li>
<li>Handmade Jewelry</li>
<li>Thrift Flipping online</li>
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There are thousands of possibilities out there, but you have to take the time to look objectively at the skills you already have and connect that to a paying audience. And if you don't have any skills? EARN SOME. As a young person/college student, know that nearly anything and everything can be put on a resume, which helps you stand out in job interviews. Being able to say that you built and owned your own small business while in college/in your early twenties looks very impressive to future employers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLjz5uZmlFaYyynxxdPSvW2_FCNgQ8F1W2FLGC6xtL2au7qpLZujNXRIY4aDaFFZTotZaeuVsGWjXlP6HvuU1LoocBsTEB_wPmdVr2PAskh8qjfdclL_fzAfOMTEC8WYYc64Kt2hhHcbZ/s1600/Get+a+part-time+job+%25286%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLjz5uZmlFaYyynxxdPSvW2_FCNgQ8F1W2FLGC6xtL2au7qpLZujNXRIY4aDaFFZTotZaeuVsGWjXlP6HvuU1LoocBsTEB_wPmdVr2PAskh8qjfdclL_fzAfOMTEC8WYYc64Kt2hhHcbZ/s400/Get+a+part-time+job+%25286%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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There are many ways for a young, broke college student to make a little extra cash along the way, but it doesn't happen without being willing to hustle. Like with everything else in life, you can't get something out of nothing; you have to put in the time and effort to make it work.</div>
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Your early twenties/college life doesn't have to be all gloom, doom, and ramen noodles. You can have a great time while getting your degree and make money while you're at it! You just have to find the way that works for you.</div>
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I hope this helps some of you young people out there and makes it a bit easier for you to get by during school. Be sure to <b>comment</b> down below to share some of YOUR quick money-making tips and share any thoughts you have on this post. </div>
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H.M. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06747528926610726503noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035520112415396929.post-81263352963112587562018-10-21T13:08:00.000-05:002020-02-04T22:43:12.320-06:00Living Alone // learning to love the single life<!-- <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>(July 2018)</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hello, lovely people! </span>It's me, Hannah Marie. Today, I am here to talk about an important topic... SINGLEHOOD & LIVING ALONE.</div>
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Yes, I went there.</div>
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In case you don't follow me on Twitter (which, if not, you totally should??) earlier this summer, I moved out into the scary world of adulthood. In other words, I have an apartment. Alone. By myself. With no one around.</div>
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On top of that, I'm living in a town where I basically know NO ONE. </div>
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Not to be dramatic, but IT'S KINDA DRAMATIC.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">However,</span> all of this actually makes me incredibly happy?? I've been longing for a time where I could move to a bigger city where no one knows my name and no one really cares about what I'm doing! And I mean that in the best possible way...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm an introvert!</span> I kinda like to be left alone, unless I initiate the conversation. That's the cool thing about being in a bigger city—no one is overly concerned about you just being yourself. (By "bigger" city, I mean I've gone from living in a town with a population of merely <span style="font-size: large;">1</span><span style="font-size: large;">,800</span> to a city of with a population of <span style="font-size: large;">105,000</span>... Still not a <i>gigantic</i> city by any means, but it's definitely an adjustment.)<br />
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I came from living in a little town where everyone knows everyone else & most of these people who all grew up together like to TALK... primarily about <span style="font-size: large;">football</span>, <span style="font-size: large;">hunting</span>, <span style="font-size: large;">fishing</span>, <span style="font-size: large;">& each another</span>. Which is fine and all. But that's not <i>me</i>. *<i>sweats</i>*<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the most part, </span>I was considered an outsider because I didn't grow up in there, so there were already points placed against me. But on top of that, I even ACTED like an outsider! I dressed differently, I talked differently, I was kinda quirky, I didn't like any of the aforementioned topics of common discussion... I was a hopeless case.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It felt odd</span> and somewhat hurtful constantly feeling like I stuck out like a sore thumb. Even more painful than that was the resigned knowledge that I was the topic of many a whispered discussion as I wandered off to the breakroom at work.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Part of me wondered</span> if I was the one with the problem, and maybe I was just being "too different." I considered ways that I could blend in a little better & make myself less-conspicuous. I even contemplated hiding forever & never emerging from my home again.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now that I'm <i>not</i> living there anymore,</span> I am so glad I didn't change to suit anyone else. I was <i>not</i> the one with the problem. Being different & being unique & standing out a little isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes it can actually be a beautiful thing.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some people might find</span> not knowing anyone as being lonely. But I personally enjoy it for the most part. It's fun taking myself out to shop, going to my favorite restaurants & ordering whatever I want without shame, and not worrying about asking what other people want to do.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because of this time,</span> I am learning to love myself in a way I never had before. I'm starting to realize things about myself that I didn't know before. And I'm starting to understand the things I truly want in friendships and even romantic relationships going forward.<br />
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I'm looking forward to the beginning of the semester at uni. Who knows what will happen??<br />
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<br />
<i>(October 2018)</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hello again!</span><br />
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Life is always moving so fast! It's already halfway through the semester & <i class="">soooo</i> many things have changed. I've made several new friends, met up and then parted ways with a few old friends, and have had an amazing experience so far.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This summer of living alone</span> truly taught me some things that I had no clue I was learning at the time. These things are still in the learning process, of course, but I want to be able to share them with you all because I think these are lessons we all need to learn at some point, whether through living alone or being single for a time.<br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">I'm less self-conscious</span> about not being "fun enough" when I hang out with people! I used to be one of those people who was always worried that my friends didn't actually want to hang out with me & were just doing it because they felt obligated. That isn't the case anymore. By being alone and discovering that fear in myself, I realized that I personally don't want to waste precious time with people I don't enjoy being around. So why would anyone else do that with me?</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I'm less concerned with what people think of me!</span> In addition to fretting over friendships, I used to worry that people, in general, were constantly judging me for my appearance, hobbies, & thoughts. Turns out, most people either <i>don't care</i> <b>OR</b> they <i>actually like those things</i>, can relate to you, & want to hang out because of it.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I'm being myself!</span> I used to believe that I had to put on a mask for people because my "real self" was just too... <i>different</i>. But the more I just allow myself to be myself, though, the more I find that people are attracted to that & want to spend time with me. (For instance, I made a friend this week simply because I was wearing a pastel-pink hoodie and matching sneakers & she said I looked like an anime character & we bonded over style and anime??)</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I'm maintaining healthier relationships!</span> Now that I better know myself, it's easier for me to maintain healthy boundaries with others & to know when I need some alone time and when I need to be around other people. I used to lean to one extreme or the other. I'd either spend <i>wayyyy</i> too much time with friends (to the detriment of my grades & mental health) <b>OR</b> I'd lock myself away in my room for days on end & not speak to a soul (also to my own detriment). Now I know how to find balance & how to recognize my own needs, which in turn helps me to be a better friend.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I'm not as needy...</span> I used to be a little co-dependent. Like, I wouldn't ever go anywhere unless I knew for a fact that someone I knew would be there, waiting for me. I'm not gonna lie, I still struggle with this to a degree. But less so now. At this point in my life, I jump at the chance to go shopping on my own, I love going for a latte by myself, & I am willing to attend events on-campus, even when I'm not sure any of my close friends will be there.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I'm more active in my community!</span> I used to be afraid of being involved anywhere, for whatever reason. Like, the thought of joining clubs or volunteering on a regular basis made me feel very uncomfortable. Now, I'm actively involved in several ministries at my church, I'm steadily becoming more involved in the English Department at my school, & I'm even more engaged in my classes.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I actually like being single?? </span>All through high school, I constantly had a crush (fictional or otherwise!) and dreamed of being in a relationship. For whatever reason, dating, being engaged, & marrying someone was my goal to end all goals. Now... not so much? I mean, yes, all of those things sound nice. And I'm sure I'd like all of those things someday. But for right now, I'm enjoying just being myself. I think I was so obsessed with having a romantic relationship growing up because I wanted someone to vali<i>date</i> me (hehe, pun!) in a way I didn't know how to validate myself? I thought that another human had to give my life meaning, when in actuality, God is the only other being who give my life meaning. Learning to rely on Him more an more made me realize that if I live the rest of my life with just me & God... I'd still be pretty darn happy.</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All this to say...</span> I've learned a lot since moving out. I've learned things about myself, I've learned things about others, & I've even discovered that I truly enjoy being single. (Something I never thought I'd say growing up!)<br />
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This post isn't to tell you that you have to move or get an apartment to become a better person. This post is to tell you that pushing yourself out of your comfort zone & pushing your own limits will help you grow. Moving out terrified me at first, but now I know it was a good choice because it helped and is continuing to help me grow.<br />
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Try something new this week. Try something a little scary. Maybe you'll learn something along the way.<br />
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Hannah Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567111757379871648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035520112415396929.post-47038625997613751492018-08-24T07:00:00.000-05:002020-02-04T22:43:44.348-06:00What You ACTUALLY Need for Uni // packing list<!-- <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's nearing the end of August</span> & <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Back-To-School Season</i></span> is officially upon us! Most elementary/primary school through highschool/secondary schools (in my area, anyway) have started by now. Most universities, however, will begin within the next couple of weeks. It's pretty insane that it's already that time of year again, but who cares?? I never turn my nose up at another excuse to go shopping... Especially if it has anything to do with stationary & notebooks. *<i>cheeky wink</i>*</div>
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As shopping/packing for uni it is a popular topic, and a rather relevant one at this particular time, I am going to share a bit of wisdom I've gleaned from my past 2 years of university in the packing/shopping realm. (Trust me, guys. I'm a Transfer Student. *<i>cheesy grin</i>*)</div>
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Today, for all of my college-bound peeps, I'm going to give you a checklist of things you will ACTUALLY need. No more crazy, over-the-top checklists with things you will never use in a million years... This is stuff I <span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-size: large;">have</span> used previously or <span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-size: large;">will be using</span> this semester.</div>
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Sooooooo... without further ado, let's get started!!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>1. <u>The Basics</u></i></span></div>
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Obviously, since you <i>are</i> shopping for college, you will need some <span style="font-size: large;"><i>basic classroom supplies.</i></span> These are the things I've used in the past & plan on using in the upcoming semester!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• <u>Pencils</u> {</span>the more <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">glittery & cutesy</span>, the better! The brand in the photo is called <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://yoobi.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwk_TbBRDsARIsAALJSOYZDIu-DCi6ZbGVrXJM1I0SwE4aB2eCLgt3zMS1M90D2ER2pqUyDZ4aAn62EALw_wcB">Yoobi</a></span>, and I just recently discovered them & I'm a fan. Not only do they make cute back-to-school supplies, but for every thing you purchase from them, <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://yoobi.com/pages/our-story"><i>Yoobi donates</i></a></span> one to a classroom in need. It makes everything a tad more expensive than normal, but I feel like it's totally worth the extra dollar or two...<span style="font-size: large;">}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• <u>Pens</u> {</span>I prefer black ink, but I know many people like blue. Lemme know in the comments which you prefer!<span style="font-size: large;">}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• <u>Highlighters</u> {</span>the Sharpie-brand ones in the photo above are some of <i style="background-color: #ead1dc;">THE BEST</i> I've ever used. This is my second package in two years & I adore them. There is a little 'clear view' window in the tip so you can see where you are highlighting & know when to stop. It's super helpful for a compulsive-highlighter like me! Hehe!<span style="font-size: large;">}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• <u>Spiral Notebook(s)</u> {</span>I prefer hardcover ones! I've found that they tend to hold up better than the paperback kind, but they usually are a couple of dollars more...<span style="font-size: large;">}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• <u>Five-Subject Notebook</u> {</span>these are super helpful & convenient because you won't have to tote a million notebooks around in your backpack! I like using these for my <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">"messy notes" in-class</span> & then <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">rewriting my notes neatly</span> in the hardcover spiral notebooks for studying later.<span style="font-size: large;">}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• <u>Mini Stapler</u> {</span>trust me on this, keeping one of these by your side is like wielding some kind of holy flame. Waiting in line to get one stupid staple is such a time-waster & on top of that, if you share, you might just make some new friends in your lecture hall!<span style="font-size: large;">}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• <u>A Hole Punch</u> {</span>only really useful if you aren't using notebook paper with holes already in it. I know there are some of you out there who will forget & wish you hadn't.<span style="font-size: large;">}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• <u>Clear Tape</u> {</span>you literally never know when you will accidentally tear an important paper five minutes before turning it in... Ask me how I know. *<i>sweats</i>*<span style="font-size: large;">}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• <u>Binder + Folders</u> {</span>I like to let my personality show a bit with my binders & folders. Plus, having a cute organizing stuff makes me wanna use it more! This is where you'll be storing all of those pages you fill up with <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">research papers & homework assignments</span>. This will help to keep yourself organized... No lost papers on my watch!! *<i>strikes a pose</i>*<span style="font-size: large;">}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• <u>Loose-leaf Paper</u> {</span>believe me, you'll want it. Tearing pages out of a notebook is noisy, messy, & dAnGeRoUs. You might get a paper-cut or tear your notes! This will go in your binder + folders quite nicely.<span style="font-size: large;">}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• <u>Sticky Notes</u> {</span>if you are a <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">perpetual note-taker</span>, these things can save your life! If I own a textbook, I typically like to scribble little notes in the margins when I study, but I usually rent my textbooks now since it's cheaper. So now I can't write in the margins. BUT I AIN'T MAD because Sticky Notes are the perfect solution! All I do is write my thoughts/notes on the sticky note, stick it in the relevant spot on the page, & it's waiting on me whenever I go back to study later! Also, these are fun to leave <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">encouraging notes</span> on around campus. Just a thought!<span style="font-size: large;">}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• <u>Weekly Planner</u> {</span>this is something that I am going to be implementing this semester & I'm genuinely excited about it. I've tried to keep up a planner in the past, but it just never worked for me. However, I will say that the times when I <i>did</i> keep my planner updated, I felt <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">much less stress</span> than I did without it. Why? Because, as a visual person, it's comforting for me to see things in black & white so I can solidify it in my mind. I just <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">absorb my schedule</span> better if I can see it on a page all at once. I would 100% recommend this to everyone, but <i>especially</i> incoming freshmen who might need a little extra help with their time-management.<span style="font-size: large;">}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>2. <u>Hecking Handy</u> (thank me later)</i></span></div>
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Okay, so now that we've covered the most important daily stuff, let's get into a few things that you will truly be glad you packed in the long run. I'm talking about the random stuff that you don't really think about, but you will soon realize make your life <i>SO</i> much easier & better...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• <u>Dry Shampoo</u> {</span>this handy stuff is an absolute life-saver for those mornings you accidentally sleep in & don't have time to shower before that 8am class you wish you hadn't signed up for... However, use it sparingly! And by that, I mean don't use it every single day. Remember to take care of yourself & to actually wash your hair like you should. <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">I limit myself to using dry shampoo twice a week</span>, if that. If you are tempted to use it anymore than that, you might wanna carve some more time out to actually shower instead. Believe me, you'll feel better.<span style="font-size: large;">}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• </span><u><span style="font-size: large;">Quality Headphones</span></u><span style="font-size: large;"> {</span>look, I know that not all of us can afford Beats headphones<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">(<i>however, if you use your student discounts carefully, you might actually be surprised?? That's how I technically got mine for free...</i> *<i>finger guns</i>*)</span>, but having a pair of amazing headphones at your disposal can be a huge help when studying in a noisy dorm, listening to relaxing music, or even taking a Netflix break after studying! If you can find <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">noise-cancelling headphones</span>, that's even better because sometimes you really do just need to tune out for a little while.<span style="font-size: large;">}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• </span><u><span style="font-size: large;">Portable Power Station</span></u><span style="font-size: large;"> {</span>when I discovered how handy these things were, I never went back. Carrying a portable charger in your purse, backpack, or car is honestly one of the best choices you can ever make. You never know when your phone is going to die, but it typically happens at <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">the most inconvenient times</span><span style="background-color: white;">.</span> If you have a portable charger on you, it's a quick fix & you can go on with your activities like nothing happened!<span style="font-size: large;">}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• <u>Multivitamins</u> {</span>now I know I sound like a mom, but it's super important to get your vitamins in every day! Taking a daily multivitamin not only can keep you healthy & boost your immune system, but it can also give you a <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">boost of energy</span> that you didn't know you were missing. I personally take a very powerful women's multivitamin: <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.melaleuca.com/ProductStore/Product?sku=860">Melaleuca Peak Performance</a> vitamin pack</span>. I highly recommend it for anyone who is needing a little boost in their day-to-day life.<span style="font-size: large;">}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• <u>Hot Rollers</u> {</span>I know that these are probably things you've seen your mom & grandma use, but lemme tell you, hon... hot rollers will save your life! Picture this: you're running late. You only have a few minutes to get ready & you have to choose between doing your makeup or curling your hair. <i>WHICH DO YOU CHOOSE??</i> Well, thanks to your set of hot rollers, <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">you'll have time for both!</span> You can simply put your hair up in the rollers & let them set while you do your makeup, after which you can just shake them out & you're ready! However, I recommend <i>practicing</i> with them before deciding to use them on a busy day. They take a bit of practice, but they are <i>insanely</i> easy once you get the hang of it!<span style="font-size: large;">}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>3. <u>Fashion(ably on-time!)</u></i></span></div>
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Okay, you had to know this was coming! Fashion at school is actually a little more important than you think it is, especially as an upperclassman. No, I'm not talking about "important" in the shallow sense. I mean important as in can possibly affect your future in the workforce. What do I mean? Allow me to explain briefly... (this topic will be covered in full in an upcoming post!)</div>
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Your professors at university have a lot of pull when it comes to your future jobs after you graduate, so putting your best foot forward & looking nice are extremely important. Especially if you are working hard at building a relationship with your professors & networking on-campus.</div>
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All that to say, you need to dress semi-professionally! So here's my quick list of some basic pieces you need in your college closet.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• <u>A Simple Dress</u> {</span>take the time to find a cute, semi-professional dress that not only looks good one you, but one that you feel confident in! <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Confidence is a key factor</span> in how you wear certain pieces & how they look on you. And it doesn't have to be solid black! Everyone says 'everyone needs a little black dress,' but you don't have to follow what everyone else says. You do you & pick a versatile dress you love.<span style="font-size: large;">}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• <u>Dress Pants/Slacks</u> {</span>I have multiple colors in these, but you can choose whatever color fits in with your closet. I recommend at least two pair. These pair nicely with button-ups, cute sweaters, or even a simple blousey top. It adds a <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">hint of professionalism</span> to your look without going overboard.<span style="font-size: large;">}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• </span><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Button-Up</u></span><span style="font-size: large;"> {</span>I currently have two nice, long-sleeved button-ups in my closet & I am so excited to get to wear them. I recommend having one with some pattern/color in it & one that is a neutral tone. For instance, I have a blue striped one & a solid white one. This is good for <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">mixing & matching</span> looks, which I will get into in an upcoming post.<span style="font-size: large;">}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• <u>A Basic Cardigan</u> {</span>trust me, you will learn to appreciate the cardigan. Oftentimes, your lecture halls will be chilly, but having a cute cardigan in your closet can solve the issue. Besides, you don't wanna have to throw on a hoodie with your uni's colors if it clashes with your adorable outfit. So try your best to choose a color that <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">goes with nearly any outfit</span> you have in your closet. I find that a soft, neutral tone works best. You'll thank me later.<span style="font-size: large;">}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• <u>Nice Jeans</u> {</span>no, I'm not talking about the jeans you wore to the rodeo or whatever it is the kids do these days... I mean a pair of clean, unstained, unblemished denim jeans that will serve as a comfy & warm alternative to slacks in the colder months. Or even for the days where you just aren't feeling a skirt or a dress! Whatever the reason for wearing them, a good pair of basic jeans can add a <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">plethora of new possibilities</span> to your college wardrobe, without looking messy & unkept.<span style="font-size: large;">}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• </span><span style="font-size: large;"><u>A Fancy-Looking Bag</u></span><span style="font-size: large;"> {</span>don't laugh at me. I say fancy <i>looking</i> because I know that I would never be able or willing to pay anything over $50 for a bag of any kind... But there are many bags out there that are sturdy, fashionable, & budget-friendly that can also serve as a functional accessory! Think about it, suppose you put together an amazing, sleek, red carpet-ready outfit for class... only to realize that you had to throw on your funky neon-colored backpack from highschool with it. Nothing wrong with that! But if you're like me & like everything to match, I'd be looking for something that <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">looks like an intentional accessory</span> that is also <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">functional</span>.<span style="font-size: large;">} </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, lovelies, </span>that's my basic list for Back-to-Uni shopping! This is the kickoff post to a new series I will be writing, which will be focusing on tips & tricks for college students and also some occasional fashion advice. While it is geared towards college students, we will be discussing things that apply to all walks of life, in school and out of school, so don't hesitate to check back in... You might still find that you can relate even if you aren't a uni girl.</div>
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ALSO... this blog post is part of a <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">collaboration</span> with my dear friend, <a href="https://themisscharley.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">The Miss Charley</span></a>. She & I have loads of things in common, including the fact that we are both <i>commuting</i> to college this year! With that in mind, Charley has written a blog post discussing What Every Uni Student Needs in Their Backpack, from a commuter's perspective. Do yourself a favor & stop by her blog to check out that post and let her know I sent you!</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Let me know in the comments what your must-haves are in your day-to-day life. Are you a uni student? Are you still in highschool? What kinds of posts would you like to see in my upcoming student-series? Any tips to add to my packing list? Lemme know all the things! Xx</span></i></div>
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Hannah Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567111757379871648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035520112415396929.post-90520726981319813022018-08-03T08:00:00.000-05:002020-02-04T22:44:25.364-06:00This Is Me // BLOG RELAUNCH<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>This is me.</i></span></div>
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This is me living authentically & without regrets.</div>
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This is me not letting my fear of other people's opinions get in the way of me following my calling.</div>
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This is me being <i>me</i>.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>_________________________</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Initially,</span> this blog was dedicated to all things bookish & literary-related. If you look back in the deep dark corners of it, you'll find book reviews & author interviews & much ado about BOOKS, which is lovely...<br />
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I loved that blog. I loved that life. I loved that passion.<br />
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But life has a funny way of changing directions before you even realize what's going on in the first place. I still love books, I still love writing, and I still have a deep appreciation for literary things... But I feel like putting myself into a "box" has been preventing me from being completely creative in every aspect of my life.<br />
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When I was just "book blogging," I felt like I was unable to post about other things going on in my life. I felt pressured to "be bookish" all the time, even when I didn't feel like talking about books. I felt like I had created this persona, which was still technically a PART of me, but it didn't <i>quite</i> seem to completely fit me anymore. (It was almost like my favorite shirt had been put into the dryer on the 'high heat' setting for too long & somehow shrunk. It was still my shirt, I could still wear it, but it wasn't quite the perfect fit anymore...)<br />
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In short, my creativity was suffering. But I want to <i>live</i> and <i>breathe</i> creativity.<br />
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I feel like I can better do that for myself with a LIFESTYLE BLOG.<br />
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So... welcome to<span style="font-size: large;"> Plottinger Twist: <i>Living Life with a Twist</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In this blog</span> you will now find anything and everything to do with me, <span style="font-size: large;">Hannah Marie</span>. I hope to share things I am <span style="font-size: large;">learning</span> in my <span style="font-size: medium;">day-to-day</span>, <span style="font-size: large;">recipes</span>, random <span style="font-size: large;">thoughts</span>, <span style="font-size: large;">poetry</span>, <span style="font-size: large;">makeup</span> & <span style="font-size: large;">fashion</span> advice, <span style="font-size: large;">photography</span>, and yes... occasionally some <span style="font-size: large;">bookishness</span>. A little bit of everything for an <span style="font-size: large;">eclectic</span> girl.</div>
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A few things to know about me.......</div>
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I am a <span style="font-size: large;">college student</span>, currently pursuing an <span style="font-size: large;">English degree</span>. I hope to go into <span style="font-size: large;">publishing</span>, be a social media <span style="font-size: large;">influencer</span>, & potentially <span style="font-size: large;">start my own business</span> one day. </div>
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I want to <span style="font-size: large;">inspire </span>people to <span style="font-size: medium;">find </span><span style="font-size: large;">joy</span> in the now, to <span style="font-size: medium;">find </span><span style="font-size: large;">contentment</span> in the present, and to remember that a <span style="font-size: large;">smile</span> can literally <span style="font-size: large;">change the world.</span></div>
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I am <span style="font-size: medium;">passionate</span> about <span style="font-size: large;">writing!</span> In fact, I'm currently piecing together a <span style="font-size: large;">novel</span> on <span style="font-size: large;">Wattpad</span> & always whipping out <span style="font-size: large;">poems</span> for the internet (and even some <span style="font-size: large;">guitar/ukulele songs</span> on occasion).</div>
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I adore <span style="font-size: large;">traveling</span> the world! <span style="font-size: large;">Wanderlust</span> is rooted deep in my bones, so I try my best to <span style="font-size: large;">explore</span> any chance it get, wherever I am. I've even traveled <span style="font-size: large;">internationally</span> multiple time & I'm hoping to do it even more in the future! (Ask me about my time in <span style="font-size: large;">Kenya, Africa</span> sometime... it was <span style="font-size: large;">life-changing</span>.)</div>
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I'm a <span style="font-size: large;">Pinterest-lover</span>, with a weakness for a good <span style="font-size: large;">aesthetic</span>. Seriously, there's something so satisfying about placing a group of coordinating photos together & making something <span style="font-size: large;">beautiful</span> out of it!</div>
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Speaking of pictures, I'm an amateur <span style="font-size: large;">photographer!</span> I love snapping & editing <span style="font-size: large;">photos</span>, some of which I post on my <span style="font-size: large;">Instagram</span>. To me, a picture captures a piece of our past to carry into the future, and I find something so very <span style="font-size: large;">poetic</span> about that...</div>
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I'm an <span style="font-size: large;">old soul</span>, but I somehow still manage to have a notorious <span style="font-size: large;">flair</span> for being <span style="font-size: large;">untraditional</span>. I like to live with <span style="font-size: large;">balance</span>, finding a sweet <span style="font-size: large;">harmony</span> between the <span style="font-size: large;">old</span> and the <span style="font-size: large;">new</span>; the <span style="font-size: large;">past</span> and the <span style="font-size: large;">present</span>. We all have things to learn from both. </div>
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I like to take <span style="font-size: large;">life</span> as it comes & I believe <span style="font-size: large;">perspective</span> can change everything. For me, <span style="font-size: large;">Jesus Christ</span> provides the <span style="font-size: large;">outlook</span> and <span style="font-size: large;">direction</span> I need to lead a <span style="font-size: large;">fulfilling</span> and <span style="font-size: large;">joyful</span> life! He carries me through the bad times, He walks with me during the good, and He nudges me to <span style="font-size: large;">grow</span> in <span style="font-size: large;">mercy & grace</span> every day.</div>
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My <span style="font-size: large;">dream</span> is to live a <span style="font-size: large;">gentle, quiet life</span>, creating beautiful things to<span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">inspire others</span> & simultaneously <span style="font-size: large;">express myself.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">_________________________</span></b></div>
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So there you have it! That's a simple summing-up of who I am & what this blog is to become. </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">This is me.</span></i></div>
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This is me living authentically & without regrets.</div>
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This is me not letting other people's opinions get in the way of me following my calling.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is me being <i>me</i>.</span></div>
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Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy joining me on this journey.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 Thessalonians 4:11-12</span></div>
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"... <i>aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.</i>"</div>
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Hannah Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567111757379871648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035520112415396929.post-15843169617709741052018-04-25T10:00:00.000-05:002020-02-04T22:45:23.984-06:00Bleet: the App Where Bloggers Meet // I'M SO EXCITED FOR THIS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNjA2n9RXiCJZL5sAAVbfQzTxSsbR5gWieX8QH5mTWI60uimp7HQWCSqs5vtcN1ABtLmzRDjyYg3LxaHAwjiZkAarpaDxdm6Lc8PfHOB6Kh1FpI2byb37W_Iw47G98_yet9uE88fEqIW7/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-04-24+at+6.55.14+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="1115" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNjA2n9RXiCJZL5sAAVbfQzTxSsbR5gWieX8QH5mTWI60uimp7HQWCSqs5vtcN1ABtLmzRDjyYg3LxaHAwjiZkAarpaDxdm6Lc8PfHOB6Kh1FpI2byb37W_Iw47G98_yet9uE88fEqIW7/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-04-24+at+6.55.14+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hello, lovely people! </span>Forgive my all-caps SCREAMING in the title, but I am genuinely excited about this post. Why? Well, lemme tell you... this is actually kind of a dream-come-true for me. Why?? Well, lemme explain.</div>
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If you read my latest blog-post, you'll remember that I wrote about meeting my <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://plottingertwist.blogspot.com/2018/04/meeting-internet-friend-irl-from.html">Internet Bestie</a></span> for the very first time earlier this year. (If you missed it, read the post about the experience <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://plottingertwist.blogspot.com/2018/04/meeting-internet-friend-irl-from.html">here!</a></span>) Long story short, it was a fantastic experience, and it's definitely something I would want to do again & would recommend to others. <span style="font-size: large;">#InternetFriendsForTheWin</span></div>
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However, the funny thing about internet friendships/blogging friendships is the fact that the majority of the time you end up connecting with people to live<span style="font-size: large;"> far away</span>. Which is great!! But while distance doesn't keep you from connecting, it does make for some... difficulties. In short, the sad reality is that it's an expensive ordeal to just MEET these people, much less sit down, hang out, & create awesome content/collabs with them!! </div>
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SOOoooo... what if I told you there was an app tailored <i>specifically</i> for <span style="font-size: large;">connecting with real bloggers <i>near</i> you?? Like, close enough to meet up for coffee & lunch?? </span>*<i>cue happy squealing</i>*</div>
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<a href="https://bleetapp.io/"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqY2tkGVRKhQJL9kj951-S6OHKnzzyyV0OAxtzxwYmcyGwseBPOv_lwPlaWHU0ZdldanzWdyd7uVDOVtCCPTyeh0_y-AniI-wRLsGf66YK1Ke-4Yq7TrHlk7dhWuiE0ehPbRuJ7eZxqDC/s640/IMG_0695.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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*<i>calms self</i>* Ahem. My dear Bloggers, allow me to introduce <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://bleetapp.io/">Bleet: the app where bloggers meet.</a></span> With this app, you simply create an account by filling in what type(s) of blogging you do, connecting your social media accounts, & adding your location! (The GPS actually moves your location a little bit, so it hides your exact whereabouts & just shows the general vicinity. That way you don't have to worry about your privacy!) THEN VOILA!! You're set to meet up with fellow bloggers in your area.</div>
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In a way, it is <i>kind of</i> like Tinder, but without the awkward pickup-lines and the weird dates. It's just a cool new way to connect with likeminded folks with a passion for blogging & writing!!</div>
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<a href="https://bleetapp.io/"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="806" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeyMYA62y9VfptRkK3ivTrb98bgO0RbzDQjVLX1gPWLuMQThIoavYL_WJzPz_XvmrYNosCDNtNi5EhMw5U2gSN4NxxwXVN0JurkmRxVo_Rolv8NXpaEuNhDCCAx7NHCo68OYGCN9_NvyU/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-04-24+at+7.20.14+PM.png" width="640" /></a><span id="goog_1013015695"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1013015696"></span></div>
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I am personally thrilled for this app because I am going to be moving to a fairly large city within the next couple of months, where I will be living alone. This is exciting, but it is also slightly intimidating. This will be a fresh start for me, and making new friends will be a part of that new beginning. So why not try to connect with fellow bloggers?? As an introvert, this would break the ice by giving me something to talk about & bond over with these new friends. Plus, it will open up opportunities for future collabs & linkups. AND ON TOP OF THAT IT GIVES ME AN <i>EXCUSE</i> TO GO OUT FOR COFFEE.<br />
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To be honest, it sounds like an amazing idea.<br />
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<a href="https://bleetapp.io/"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCIEYXCbUIaQNN137V8v02G5rUE56eI8uQ26Cg_fGOBiu5okqixgB50XIOvlEoV5K9BLFGM-sszgdXet-PX5ZUq0D2LQKUkGwDxLfii9PbIGf9yy3qTVmJR2EgGbJE7WTqjlqAEXFX6NQ/s640/IMG_0706.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now I know you're probably asking some questions...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Is this app available in my country?"</span> The answer is YES!! This app is actually based in the UK, and the creators were kind enough to include <i>everyone </i>on the fun. So <span style="font-size: large;">Bleet</span> will be available <i>worldwide</i>!!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"But is it available on Android/iPhone??"</span> The answer to both is YES!! The app will be available on Google Play for Android AND the App Store for iOS.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"OKAY, you've convinced me. When can I download Bleet???"</span> The answer is <span style="font-size: large;">May 2, 2018</span>... However, if you're an Eager Beaver like me, you can go to the <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://bleetapp.io/">website</a></span> & pre-signup before then! <span style="font-size: x-small;">(*<i>clears throat</i>* I may or may not have signed up over a month ago...)</span></div>
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<a href="https://bleetapp.io/"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIo2cLdiC6Mw0n9lz8t58MumwaqyhXSZ9SyMkoam_onpFh2rdjIvE4dD2CT69yD6fuizzMTMs5rq5j4Gk_w6hhkUgGSAMLnrL4hWyPfuLajXnubfWw5cvUviJhsfDShlqeHb7rJcQdF4yL/s640/IMG_0705.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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There you have it, my friends! I will have to make a review-post on the app after it officially released & I've had a chance to try it out. Who knows?? Maybe I will be able to make another "Meetup" post soon & chat about any new friends I've made! Wouldn't that be lovely??<br />
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To finish this post off, I just wanna say a quick thank you to <span style="font-size: large;">Bleet</span> & the entire team working behind it. You lovely humans are in the process of making something splendid and beautiful, & I am soooo unbelievably excited to experience it. (Also, I must mention, the <span style="font-size: large;">Bleet team</span> is so <i>sweet</i>. They were <i>so kind</i> to me during the preparation of this post & that is a difficult thing to find on the internet these days. So if for no other reason, download <span style="font-size: large;">Bleet</span> just to support the nice people, okay? Lol!)<br />
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Well, now that I've rambled, I cannot wait to see what all of YOU think of this new app!!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>What do you think so far? Sound interesting? Do you think you'll try it? What plans would you make if you could meet up with new blogger friends? Let me hear it all down in the comments!!</i></span></b></div>
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<br />Hannah Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567111757379871648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035520112415396929.post-6265178804215342652018-04-22T13:33:00.000-05:002020-02-04T22:46:18.097-06:00Meeting an Internet Friend IRL // from blogging to besties<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hello, lovely people!</span> Yes, I am back again.<br />
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Today I have a very exciting story to share with you. While it is something that happened over a month ago, it is still very important & special to me. I've been wanting to write about this ever since it happened, but honestly, I needed time to process the whole thing. It was just so life-changing!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On March 10th, 2018, I met my Internet Bestie for the first time...</span><br />
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But who is my Internet Bestie, you ask? And how did we meet? What lead up to the meeting?? TELL USSSSSS NOW!!!!<br />
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Well, fine. Don't rush me, invisible people.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">About 4 years ago,</span> when I was just a fledgling blogger, I stumbled across a cute little blog called "Wendy Greene" that was apparently run by a girl named Wendy Greene. (Thank you, Captain Obvious!! *<i>strikes a pose</i>*) I enjoyed Wendy's blog very much, admired the design, and found that she was a precious individual!<br />
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If I remember correctly, we had <i>just</i> connected through the Twitter community when Wendy decided to host a book giveaway. (We all know I'm a sucker for those!!) So I entered. And, contrary to the usual outcome of my giveaway entries, I WON THE BOOK. I was sooo thrilled to have FINALLY won something for what seemed like the first time in my life.<br />
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After that, we started chatting even more through Twitter, because it was like we had an icebreaker & a reason to talk. And guess what? We found out that we had A TON of things in common. Like, it was almost scary.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Months passed,</span> we chatted more and more, and we started making other mutual friends who we'd chat with together. Honestly, this was a delightful experience, and I have very fond memories of those days of blogging mixed with crazy Twitter group chats.<br />
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BUT THEN....... *<i>pause for dramatic effect</i>*<br />
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... the summer came, and Wendy and I started writing <span style="font-size: large;">fanfiction.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">YES, FANFICTION. *<i>le</i> <i>cringe</i>*</span><br />
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It was ridiculous fanfiction, really. Quite terribly written & enormously cringy, we both agree. However, we still had an amazing time. It was like having a penpal/fangirl/best friend all rolled into one!! You see, each of us would take turns writing a chapter of fanfiction, while the other waited to read it. Then, as soon as the other had read the chapter, we'd have to flail about it together via Twitter DMs. After that, it was up to the other person to compose a new chapter.<br />
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All joking aside, that summer was <span style="font-size: large;">the BEST summer.</span> All of my memories of that period of time were splendidly happy, and I was always looking forward to something. In this case, it was terribly silly fanfiction, BUT HEY... It could've been worse.<br />
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But later on during that summer, Wendy informed me that her name was actually NOT Wendy Greene. "Wendy Greene" was merely a <span style="font-size: large;">pseudonym</span> or a pen-name for my dear friend, <span style="font-size: large;">Nichole Dixon</span>.<br />
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Honestly, I wasn't too shocked to find out that "Wendy" was not actually a "Wendy." BUT IT WAS SO STRANGE TO READJUST. However, once her true identity was revealed, it was like our friendship blossomed even more than ever!! There was a new side to my friend that I hadn't seen before, but we were finally able to open up completely.<br />
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Before I knew it, we were <span style="font-size: large;">FaceTiming</span> each other once a week, chatting about how much fun it would be to meet up "in real life."<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">.........</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fast-forward</span> nearly three-and-a-half years from that point.<br />
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Nichole messaged me with a splendidly scrumptious proposition. An idea so wonderful and impossible, I could hardly believe what I was reading...<br />
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She suggested us meeting up in 2018; Spring Break, precisely. Her plan was fairly simple. She would fly to Texas (yes, I am from Texas, in case you didn't know! *<i>unironically finger-guns</i>*) and I would pick her up from the airport and take her home with me, where we would spend Spring Break together.<br />
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Needless to say, I freaked out.<br />
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Honestly, I had spent so long dreaming of the day that I could meet this wonderful human in person, that it had turned into this crazy fairytale in my head that I thought would never actually happen. So the fact that there was a legitimate possibility of this event occurring <span style="font-size: large;">scared the living daylights out of me!</span><br />
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I kinda laughed the idea off right at first because I was basically <i>terrified</i> of getting my hopes up. All too often had the concept come up in conversation to no avail. <span style="font-size: large;">But this time was different.</span> Nichole confidently explained the in's and out's of her plan to me & convinced me to think about it and discuss it with my family. (Which, let's be honest, it didn't take <i>that</i> much to convince me... I flatter myself.)<br />
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A few days later, Nichole brought it up again. It was then that I realized that she wasn't kidding. She <i>actually</i> wanted to come see me. It wasn't some kind of practical joke that someone was playing on me. My <span style="font-size: large;">Internet Bestie</span> was <i><span style="font-size: large;">ACTUALLY</span></i> trying to make a meetup happen??<br />
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I finally caved and mentioned the idea to my mom, who was very chill about the whole thing. She said that Nichole would be more than welcome & that she and my dad would be thrilled to have her stay with us.<br />
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Again, I freaked out.<br />
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This dream was potentially going to become a reality for us. We were finally going to meet, after being friends for nearly 4 years. It was hard to fathom. It was as though my brain couldn't compute the idea of me physically meeting one of my closest friends of all time.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What an idea.</span><br />
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I told Nichole that I had the family's OK, and that she was free to come over. Nichole started searching for tickets very soon afterwards, and the plans were more formally discussed.<br />
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Nothing really started to solidify in my mind or heart until the tickets were purchased. Once I got that text from Nichole saying that she had paid for the tickets, my mind went nuts.<br />
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THIS WAS REALLY HAPPENING... OH MY GOSHHHHHH *<i>flailing</i>*<br />
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Up until this point, we had kept everything a secret. We had decided that it would be funny to not mention our plans because we wanted to surprise all of our internet pals with a selfie at the airport out of nowhere.<br />
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BUT....... that didn't mean I wasn't gonna tease everyone & hype them up for it.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">.........</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">March 10, 2018</span>, was simultaneously one of the best and most terrifying days of my life. I woke up, was instantly hit with a shot of adrenaline, and jumped out of bed. I was gonna hug one of my favorite people for the very first time later that day. And that thought was a happy one, but it also made me insanely nervous.</div>
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What if Nichole was disappointed with who I was? What if I was subconsciously acting like a totally different person when we FaceTimed & she suddenly discovered that I was a COMPLETE FRAUD & LEFT UPSET AND SAD, ALL BECAUSE OF MEEEEE?????</div>
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Well, my paranoid brain was wrong.</div>
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When Nichole and I met, it was one of the neatest moments ever. I caught a glimpse of her through the airport doors, and I ran over to wrap her in a hug. We were both trembling with nerves and excitement, but after that initial hug and our first "hello," the weirdness slowly melted away.</div>
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It was surreal standing there, face-to-face with the girl I had been talking to nearly every day for so many years. She was a living, breathing, thinking human bean---just like me. And she was my friend. That thought still warms my heart.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">.........</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our week together was unbelievably amazing.</span> We grew closer as friends & as sisters in Christ. We laughed until we cried. Conversely, we cried until we laughed. We had random dance-parties, carpool karaoke, and many YouTube marathons. We swapped funny stories, shared ideas, and even gushed about our celebrity crushes. We even filmed some fun YouTube videos, you can check out <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42fPF3g1gE4&t=1151s">here!</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a magical time.</span><br />
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But honestly, one of the coolest things about meeting Nichole was finally being able to mention my <span style="font-size: large;">Internet Friends</span> in passing conversation & not get weird looks. Like, I was able to bring up a funny-yet-obscure moment with some of our mutual Twitter Friends, and Nichole KNEW who I was talking about. We were able to discuss how much fun it would be to meet up with so-and-so from such-and-such blog, and how awesome it would be to hang out for coffee and lunch with different Twitter Pals we love.<br />
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It was like I had finally met someone who knew and understood a very important part of my life that I had been keeping mostly private for so long. It was refreshing, and it made me feel validated.<br />
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Not that I needed to be validated. I know that my Twitter/Blogging/YouTube presence could be something that I discuss on a regular basis with people... but it's something that I've chosen to keep low-keyed. I will say that I have been MORE open about it in the recent months, but I'm still nowhere near comfortable enough to give my blog address and all of my social handles to everyone I meet. (One day!!!! *<i>crosses fingers</i>*)<br />
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But like I was saying, it felt nice to meet someone who understood completely. It just feels great when you run into someone who just "gets" you in specific areas of your life. Especially areas that you tend to be scared to share with the rest of the world. Because of the internet, I have made a friend for life.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the end,</span> if you have a shot at meeting up with your blogger/Twitter pals, go for it! <span style="font-size: large;">(Obviously make sure that the person is <i>ACTUALLY</i> your friend & not a creepy axe-murderer, but ya know... DETAILS lol.)</span> But my point is, you don't have to wait for some big, huge, expensive convention! You can just hang out at a coffee-shop or your house. It doesn't have to be extravagant.<br />
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Seriously, after comparing notes, Nichole & I both agreed that our favorite moments during our visit were the ones where we just hung out around my house in sweatpants, doing literally nothing. Go figure! Two introverts can be happy staying at home, doing introverted things.<br />
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All that to say, I am so glad for the time I got to spend with Nichole. It was hard to say goodbye, but it made me look forward that much more to getting to see her again. I am also happy to say that now I have <span style="font-size: large;">3 close friends</span> "in real life" instead of just two. *<i>giggles</i>* (You think I'm joking..... you poor soul. *<i>sweats</i>*) This has been a life-changing experience, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.<br />
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<br />Hannah Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567111757379871648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035520112415396929.post-30663020473515576492017-03-08T13:18:00.001-06:002020-02-04T22:52:41.524-06:00Life as an INFJ // I confuse myself sometimes<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hello, lovely people. </span>Today I thought I would discuss something a tad different than usual. However, it is still an interesting topic (to me anyway!) that is still pretty relevant to reading, writing, and just life in general. In case the title hasn't clicked with you yet, I am referring to the <span style="font-size: large;">Myers-Briggs Personality</span> types.<br />
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If you have been in the book-blogging/writing/any internet community for any amount of time, you have probably been exposed to the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjW14r11ezNAhXEK5oKHSt7DQgQFggeMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myersbriggs.org%2Fmy-mbti-personality-type%2Fmbti-basics%2F&usg=AFQjCNEwjOfkV1-emA58C5l6CcOGKD7r_w&sig2=0cCWUQvSYcMCc-g8VLBHnQ"><span style="font-size: large;">Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®</span></a> (or MBTI) at some point or another. But if you don't know what it is, don't feel bad! Just take a moment to look it up & take the personality quiz. It's really easy and actually kinda fun. (Don't look at me like that. You know you waste hours taking personality quizzes on Buzzfeed too.) And if you don't wanna look up the awesomeness & wanna be a wet sandwich about it, then fine. I'll just give you a quick run-through.<br />
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The MBTI is a really nifty tool that sorts people into 1 of 16 different "core" personality types. Each of the 16 types has LOADS of information that can help you to better understand how/why you and others behave the way you do. Generally speaking, this program is pretty spot-on with its observations and most people (at least the ones I've talked to) describe it as being "scarily accurate". This can be extremely useful when, like me, you are a writer who struggles with maintaining consistent characters in your stories. Today it helps not only writers, but also normal, everyday people who just want to better understand others. (Because, let's be real for a second... we writers cannot be counted with the "normal" humans of the world.)<br />
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*<i>whew</i>* There you go. That's my quick little blurb on MBTI. If you wanna know more, I'll let you be a big kid & Google it on your own. Now, down to the reason I started writing this post in the first place...<br />
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My personality type is known by Myers-Briggs as <span style="font-size: x-large;">INFJ</span>.</blockquote>
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And basically what this means is that I'm a downright confusing little pickle. So confusing, in fact, I often confuse myself. <i>Confused yet?</i> Allow me to explain.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">1.) INFJ: General Paradox</span></span><br />
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As an INFJ, I am a living, breathing paradox. But what does that mean exactly? In short, I am an Extroverted Introvert. And how does that work? Well, lemme give you a few examples. I <i>love </i>spending time with people...<span style="font-size: large;">but only in small groups.</span> I <i>do </i>have friends...<span style="font-size: large;">but they are generally few & very intimate.</span> I <i>enjoy </i>going out to do things...<span style="font-size: large;">as long as I can recharge afterwards.</span> I <i>am</i> friendly and some people go so far as to think of me as an <i>outgoing </i>person...<span style="font-size: large;">but they won't get to see certain parts of me for years to come.</span> I <i>adore </i>deep, meaningful conversations...<span style="font-size: large;">but it's almost painful for me to do small talk.</span> I <i>do </i>feel a lot of things & think constantly...<span style="font-size: large;">but it's often difficult for me to verbalize it.</span> I <i>notice </i>tiny things that others never do...<span style="font-size: large;">but I am also extremely forgetful.</span><br />
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As you can see, it's quite a strange mixture of conflict. And it drives me insane on a regular basis.</blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> 2.) "What Even Am I?"</span><br />
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There were years when I was growing up that I stressed out over whether or not I was an <span style="font-size: large;">Introvert</span> or an <span style="font-size: large;">Extrovert</span>. I had <i>introverted </i>friends and I had <i>extroverted </i>friends. But me...? I ended up just hanging out <span style="font-size: large;">somewhere in the middle.</span> I could easily fit in with both groups & even act as a bridge between them. And while it was nice being able to get along with nearly anyone, it bothered me because I somehow felt like I didn't fully understand myself or "belong" because I didn't have a label to wear. I assumed that <span style="font-size: large;">I was in some sort of a nowhere-land</span> personality-wise, and the thought bugged me almost daily. Looking back, I see how silly & insecure that was. Now I know that you should embrace who God made you to be regardless of what you think others might think. And I also know that I shouldn't be so quick to slap a label on something that is so unique & strange <span style="font-size: large;">(I am a limited edition, after all! *<i>wink</i>*).</span> Being okay with finding the middle ground took time. I still sometimes struggle with it now, but it's much easier than it used to be.<br />
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I am unique. And that's okay.</blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">3.) Diversity + Balance</span><br />
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The ironic thing about point <span style="font-size: large;">#2</span> is that I <span style="font-size: large;">deeply appreciate</span> different personality-types! Part of who I am is how I <i>love</i> observing other people (not in a stalkerish way, I swear!) and seeing how they react/think with different situations. Now this might be an INFJ trait, or this might just be because I am a writer... I don't know. But I do know that most INFJs enjoy seeing other people in their element. I like to see people reach their true potential and discover their passions. But I also love to see the differences in different people work together and <span style="font-size: large;">create balance</span>.<br />
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The thought of balance & diversity are extremely important to me.</blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> 4.) Emotional Difficulties</span><br />
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To be perfectly honest, the emotional life of an INFJ is a difficult one. (At least, it is for me!) As an overly emotional being, I find that it is very difficult to sort through the raging feelings that pummel me on a regular basis. I am an <span style="font-size: large;">empathetic creature</span>, so I end up absorbing the emotions of the people closest to me. Some days, I can't even walk into my college's cafeteria because I am like an <span style="font-size: large;">emotional sponge</span> & I feel a wide range of emotions hit me at once.<br />
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Along with this, I generally tend to be my friends group's <span style="font-size: large;">go-to "councilor"</span> when they are struggling with something or need advice. I love this because this puts me in a position to <span style="font-size: large;">help others & watch them develop</span> and change for the better. But this is also difficult because friends don't always like my <span style="font-size: large;">brutally honest advice</span>, and don't wanna follow it. This puts some <span style="font-size: large;">stress & concern</span> on my shoulders when this happens, because I feel responsible for my peoples. I want to help them in any way possible, and it hurts to watch them wander from the way I KNOW they should go. And as difficult as this is, I still like being able to sit back & watch and think "<i>they will figure it out eventually</i>."<br />
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I am told quite often that I <span style="font-size: large;">"care too much", "love too hard", and "overreact"</span> when it comes to the way I connect with others. But this is me. It is who I am. And the ones who truly do know me understand that.<br />
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Sometimes I care too much. But that's okay.</blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> 5.) A Sixth Sense</span><br />
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Some call it <span style="font-size: large;">"intuition"</span>, others call it <span style="font-size: large;">"discernment"</span>, but I jokingly call it my <span style="font-size: large;">Sixth Sense</span>. I can see things that others can't. And what I mean by that is my heart is so open to others, my spirit is so sensitive, and my eyes are constantly searching for answers that I stumble upon things that most people wouldn't notice. For instance, I can look at some people & know what they are afraid of before they say it, I can know their secrets before they reveal them, and I can see the person within... Not who they are on the outside, but <span style="font-size: large;">who they are <i>inside</i></span> & who they <span style="font-size: large;">can potentially <i>become</i></span>. Yeah, it's kinda weird. Some of this I think is a spiritual gift, part of it is because I am a writer & I study people on a regular basis, and some of this can be chalked up to personality again. It's a fun gift sometimes. But sometimes it would be nice to not be so observant. When I am sitting silently for long periods of time, it's usually because I'm lost in thought or mulling over something I discovered.<br />
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I'm super observant, to the point to creeps some people out. So I often stay quiet.</blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">•••</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lora";">•••</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lora";"><span style="font-size: large; font-style: italic;"> So there you have it, peoples. A few of the strange secrets of an INFJ... How many of you out there are INFJs?? Comment down below & sound off! To the rest of you, how many of you have an INFJ friend? Tell a story about them being... them. Lol! Don't know what the heck I was talking about? Go take the test </span><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjq3KnezcfSAhXJ7oMKHZYpBzEQFggqMAI&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.16personalities.com%2Ffree-personality-test&usg=AFQjCNF3vGX1BSP5ZZ5h5xrtQkb-5-n8AQ&sig2=dwqauyg9-NB_h85X9Ho6wA&bvm=bv.149093890,d.amc"><span style="font-size: x-large;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: large; font-style: italic;">!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;"> Hello, lovely people!</span> Today I thought I would address a topic that I have been keeping to myself since the beginning of this year. I have been keeping it quiet mostly because...well, I'm an opinionated person. <strike>Very opinionated, actually</strike>. And I've discovered that sometimes in life it is better for everybody if one lets their private ideas remain what they are--<span style="font-size: large;"><u>private</u></span>. *<i>cheeky grin</i>* </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> However, seeing as my blog is basically nothing but me sharing my thoughts/opinions with you guys, and I've had plenty of time to mull it over, I think it's finally time to ramble on this topic with you, because apparently <i><span style="font-size: large;">someone</span> </i>out there likes what I ramble about? I mean, page-views & comments don't fib, right? (Seriously, you guys amaze me when you continue to come back.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> So today I'm going to tackle a sticky topic, which you've almost definitely heard of in one way or another (unless you live under a rock. Or in a lovely Hobbit hole. In which case, please invite me, sometime? I'd love to join you!). And this infamous topic is simply known as <span style="font-size: x-large;">J.K. Rowling's <i>Harry Potter</i> series</span>... (Disclaimer: I am referring to the books in this post. I have yet to see the HP films, so don't let me confuse you on that point. I can't judge the films, but I've heard that they stick pretty closely to the books.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> But first, some backstory.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Growing up</span>, my parents decided against allowing Harry into our house. I have great respect for my parents & looking back, I believe they made the right decision. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Harry Potter is a dark series</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">, and it only gets darker as the story progresses. It involves death, suffering, emotional abuse, magic/sorcery, werewolves, ghosts, and numerous other dark things... And my parents believed that my young mind shouldn't be exposed to that. They wanted to protect me from things that might harm me---mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. And understandably so!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> And I 100% agree with them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> But... The same thing happened with the <i><span style="font-size: large;">Lord of the Rings</span></i> series/films. If you look, there are actually many similarities between the two tales. Darkness, magic/sorcery, death, horrific creatures, & just all-around evil running rampant... My parents shielded me from those images as well. And, again, I agree with their choice! But when I was 14-15, my parents finally decided that I was finally ready to experience the amazingness of LOTR. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-size: large;">It changed my life.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> And I'm not trying to exaggerate here. <i>The Lord of the Rings</i> opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me. The spiritual symbols, the themes of loyalty and friendship, the wonder of the adventure, the splendid characters... <span style="font-size: large;">It was a defining moment for me</span>. I had not only stepped into a new realm of symbolism & creative genius, I had crossed over into the very beginnings of young adulthood. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> By the time I turned 18, had my driver's license, was in the process of getting a job, and was finishing my final year of school, my parents had entrusted to me the ability to make my own decisions. And that included the films I watched & the books I consumed. That's just a lovely part of growing up! </span>(<strike>There are lots of nasty things about growing up that I could mention, but I won't</strike>.)</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Up until this point, I had heard both sides of the whole <i>Harry Potter</i> debate... I didn't stand anywhere because I didn't know enough to formulate how I believed on the issue. But it seemed like everyone was on one side or the other.</span></div>
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<i><b>"Christians shouldn't watch/read it because of _______."</b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Now before you get offended, let me state that <span style="font-size: x-large;">I stand with neither side of this argument</span>. To be honest, I think debates like this are silly & that our energy would be better served elsewhere. Plus, I believe that trying to project personal convictions on someone else is wrong. Thus, I don't publicly "take sides" on situations like this. </span>(<strike>I also hate conflict, but that's another story</strike>.)<span style="font-family: inherit;"> However, I do have opinions. But having an opinion & making your opinion a rule for others to follow is entirely different. So I'm not going to encourage/dissuade you into reading/not reading the books in this post. And I'm not trying to convince anyone of how they "should" feel about them. All I am going to do is state how I feel about the books & why. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Because that's what I do.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> *<i>wink</i>*</span></div>
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I know what you're thinking... "Come ooonnnnn, Hannah! Get to the point. That's the whole reason I clicked on this totally controversial post. Did you like them or not??"<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> I liked them.</span> And here's why...<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;">1.) Writing-Voice</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Rowling's writing-voice was pleasant, quirky, & extremely enjoyable to me. She managed to create vivid pictures in my mind with her lovely descriptions. In some ways, it reminded me a little of Charles Dickens and Roald Dahl in the sense that she embraces the ridiculous & the absurd, yet manages a dry sense of humor at the same time. It's a splendid combination, really! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;">2.) World-Building</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> The Potterverse amazes me every time I think about it. Rowling created an entire culture, complete with an official government-system, fantasical creatures, amazing delicacies, and a universal sport. I want to visit Hogwarts & Diagon Alley & the Ministry of Magic. And I desperately want to try Butterbeer & Pumpkin Pasties. And can I please meet Dobby? Please?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;">3.) Loveable Characters</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> From courageous protagonist Harry, to spunky side-kick Ron; intelligent Hermione, to gentle Neville; wise Dumbledore, to motherly Molly; curious Arthur, to hilarious Fred & George; kind Remus, to intense Sirius; quirky Luna, to soft-hearted Hagrid... There was wide cast of characters through these 7 books, and I loved <strike>all</strike> <span style="font-size: large;">most </span>of them. The thing I liked most about Rowling's cast is that she creates a balance. Almost all of her characters have good & bad qualities. This makes them not only more realistic but also more relatable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> (In case anyone's wondering, Ron is my favorite!! Remus Lupin comes at a close second.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> One of my pet-peeves is when stories have no humor/comic relief. Especially if the tale is a rather dark one. I have to be able to giggle and smile once and a while. This story certainly had that. Actually, there were parts that I had to reevaluate over and over because <span style="font-size: large;">I was laughing so hard</span> at them the first time. The sarcasm & the sass ALONE was enough to make me fall in love; everything else only made it better. (Plus, Harry is such a sassmaster!! Heavens above...)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> This story dealt with many relate-able issues throughout the course of the seven books, and I appreciated the fact that they were included. While I haven't experienced all of these problems, they are issues that I know exist & it brought a sense of realism to the books that wouldn't have otherwise been there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center;"> • </span>Harry struggles with being an orphan without a loving family. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="text-align: center;">• Cliques develop in Harry's school.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">• Friendships come & go.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></span><span style="text-align: center;">•</span><span style="text-align: center;"> Diversity is often ostracized.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">• Poverty is a present issue.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> • The wizarding world is divided into social classes based on their blood-status/heritage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">• Politicians crave/grasp for more power.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">• People are lost in the rage of war.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> This is only to name a few. These are issues that make me think about the real world & how I would/will deal with those problems in the future. If there's one thing you should know about me, it's that I adore books that make me think about things & ask hard questions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Thinking formulates ideas. Ideas nurture opinions. And opinions aid in making unique individuals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> The entirety of the series revolves around a clear cut good-versus-evil conflict. But within that umbrella theme, there are many smaller messages that stood out at me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="text-align: center;">• </span>Loyalty</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="text-align: center;">• F</span>riendship</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="text-align: center;">• Courage</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="text-align: center;">• </span><span style="text-align: center;">Family</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">• </span><span style="text-align: center;">Sacrificial love</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">• Standing up for what's right</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">• Embracing uniqueness</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></span><span style="text-align: center;">These books wrecked my feels (in the best way) & built them back up & crushed them repeatedly. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">AND THE ENDING... Oh my word. Wonderful undertones. I thought it was splendid. BUT THE ENDING.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;">7.) It Challenged Me</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> When I was finished with this series, I felt energized in a similar way that I did when I finished watching LOTR for the first time. I felt like I had just consumed a piece of <span style="font-size: large;">creative genius</span>. Not because J.K. Rowling is well-known or because the books are popular, but because it challenged me to try something new & encouraged me to embrace my quirky writing style. Now I am a little more free to write my stories with a quirky flair that I didn't feel as comfortable with before. </span><span style="text-align: center;">And it feels good.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>So tell me, lovelies... Have you read Harry Potter? Who is your favorite character? Did you see any symbolism/undertones in the stories like I did? (No spoilers, though! Lol!) Leave a comment & we'll talk.</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Currently Reading: <i>Siren's Song</i> by Mary Weber</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Just Finished: <i>Siren's Fury</i> by Mary Weber</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Listening to: (Starting soon) <i>Scarlet </i>by Marissa Meyer via <a href="http://audible.com/">Audible.com</a></span></div>
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"<i>For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:</i></div>
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<i>a time to be born, and a time to die;</i></div>
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<i>a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;</i></div>
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<i>a time to kill, and a time to heal;</i></div>
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<i>a time to break down, and a time to build up;</i></div>
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<i>a time to weep, and a time to laugh;</i></div>
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<i>a time to mourn, and a time to dance;</i></div>
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<i>a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;</i></div>
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<i>a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;</i></div>
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<i>a time to seek, and a time to lose;</i></div>
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<i>a time to keep, and a time to cast away;</i></div>
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<i>a time to tear, and a time to sew;</i></div>
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<i>a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;</i></div>
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<i>a time to love, and a time to hate;</i></div>
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<i>a time for war, and a time for peace.</i>" ~Ecclesiastes 3:1-8</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hey,</span> lovely people! Today I want to share something that is very personal. (For those of you who don't follow me on Twitter, you probably won't know about this. But if you do & you sent words of comfort and encouragement this week, <i>thank you</i>.)<br />
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This Sunday, my great-grandmother passed away in her sleep, due to a heart-attack. She went quietly, with no pain. And it was a total shock for our family. She was in good health & was as sassy and spry as they come! (I get some of my sass from her, I expect.) So none of us were quite prepared for God to call her home like He did. And honestly, I don't think we ever would have been.</div>
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My great-grandmother was a devout Christian woman, full of the Holy Spirit & exuding love at every turn. She lived to the <span style="font-size: large;">ripe old age of 85</span> (but would have been 86 yesterday.) She was over-the-top-full of life, pep, and sass as you could possibly imagine, and this fact made her <i>unbelievably young</i> for her age! </div>
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She was one of the main reasons I love reading & writing. Her literary talents included but were not limited to poetry, short stories, & newspaper articles... She encouraged my dream to be a writer from the very beginning. The stories she could tell me from her childhood days were amazing! <span style="font-size: large;">(She was born in the 30's.)</span> The pictures she could show me from her black-and-white photo albums were a treasure-trove. And each one had a special tale behind it. My appetite for good stories was whetted.</div>
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The time that she spent with me made learning fun! (Scrabble games were a family tradition, crossword puzzles were a common past-time at her house, letter-writing was an art we all practiced, and reading/collecting books was an addictive hobby.)</div>
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In short, I would not be who I am today were it not for "G'ma" Mable. This blog might have never started had she not been the encouragement that she was to me. I consider myself <span style="font-size: large;">insanely blessed</span> to be able to say that I knew her and had a relationship with her. Not many teenagers can say that about their great-grandmothers & talk about how much of an impact they have had on their lives.<br />
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My point is, I am sad but at the same time, I am glad for her. My heart hurts, but my spirit sings. My flesh weeps for this precious woman, but the Holy Spirit comforts me with assurances that <span style="font-size: large;">she is happy to be with Jesus.</span> It is a difficult thing to work through. However, during this time of grief, I am reminded that it is a season like anything else. I find comfort in the words, "<i>for everything there is a season...</i>" This pain will not last forever. It is for a season.</div>
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Yes, it hurts right now, but one day we will meet again. Yes, it is hard to smile right now, but soon it will be easy again. And yes, it is hard to think of G'ma without tears right now, but one day I will be strong enough to not weep for her. He who gives me strength will heal my hurts and <span style="font-size: large;">build me up stronger than ever before.</span></div>
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Do not overlook the season you are currently enduring. Whether it be one of pain, of joy, one of sadness, of excitement, or of simply waiting--take the time to praise the God of the universe for being by your side through it all. He knows what you are going through, and He sees your heart. He is a Father who takes joy in His children, smiling when they smile & holding them up when they cry. Through it all, <span style="font-size: large;">He has your best interest in mind.</span> ("<i>And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.</i>" ~Romans 8:28) And remember, He is always with you <span style="font-size: large;">through all of the ups & the downs...</span></div>
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Now, in honor of my great-grandma's life,<span style="font-size: large;"> I wrote a poem about her.</span> She continues to be an inspiration for me both in my life & in my writing. It is amazing how quickly the words come to you when your heart is full. This poem was finished under 15 minutes, but I think it helps to give you an idea about who she was to me! I praise God for her, I thank Him for her life, and I rejoice that she is in heaven with her Creator...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"<u>A Poem for My Great-Grandmother</u>."</span></div>
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A heart of gold and hair of silver...</div>
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Her gray eyes, how they glittered. </div>
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On special days, poems she gave. </div>
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Her little letters I now save. </div>
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She gave to me memories sweet.</div>
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And in my head, I'll always keep</div>
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The stories she once told to me</div>
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About her life and family.</div>
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Goodbye for now, we'll meet again</div>
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In the blessed promised land.</div>
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I miss you Grandma, your gentle hands, </div>
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Your soft words, & loving glance.</div>
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But your story will live on,</div>
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I won't forget your heart's sweet song.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i> Do you have someone special who influenced your life? Who inspires you? Did you have the chance to know your great-grandmother? Tell me in the comments below & share these special stories about your special people... </i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxkZyXN590WYhqSunQaM62deO30XBsdGAMa-xk5J2DraAMcDw1H-xUStK0-kpZI_dqnB4vzAccjQwayhoXRSRe6gseP-vSw_s3tObf1Dr8o-8AcHfJTJOMN_a0Yb60V7kh0JxHGFFy4W3/s1600/Getting+buds+and+pots+are+easy.+Keeping+the+sprouts+alive+is+another+business+altogether%2521+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxkZyXN590WYhqSunQaM62deO30XBsdGAMa-xk5J2DraAMcDw1H-xUStK0-kpZI_dqnB4vzAccjQwayhoXRSRe6gseP-vSw_s3tObf1Dr8o-8AcHfJTJOMN_a0Yb60V7kh0JxHGFFy4W3/s400/Getting+buds+and+pots+are+easy.+Keeping+the+sprouts+alive+is+another+business+altogether%2521+%25281%2529.png" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Hey, lovely people! I know I've been quiet the past couple of weeks, but my summer finally started taking off! I've been traveling here & there, so blogging hasn't been the first thing on my brain lately. As a matter of fact, I just came back from a lovely trip to Colorado!! So, while I am still getting over the incredible scenery, my pal Opal @ </span><a href="http://opalswirls.blogspot.com/" style="text-align: start;" target="_blank">Opal Swirls</a><span style="text-align: start;"> is going to share a funny GIF post with you... I hope you giggle!! See ya later! :)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">.........</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">That moment you realize you are a book hoarder...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">When someone tries to take some of your books away...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Loaning out a book...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Dreaming of the day you will have your very own library...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Knowing where each book belongs on the shelf...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Reorganizing your books...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Having only enough money to buy one new book...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Staying up late to read...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">When someone gives you a book for your birthday...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">You may be kind of addicted to books...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But in the end, we all know the book life is the best life...</span></div>
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Opal can most often be found hidden behind a book or computer. She dreams of one day ruling the world with her cat, Hunter. If she can't rule the world, she hopes to at least change it for the better in some way. Opal blogs at <a href="http://opalswirls.blogspot.com/">Opal Swirls</a>, where she talks about life, writing, books and whatever else floats through her mind.<br />
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<i><u><span style="font-size: large;">Be sure to check out Opal's blog & leave a comment or two! Also, comment down below, and share some of your personal book-hoarding habits... </span></u></i></div>
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H.M. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06747528926610726503noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035520112415396929.post-23929354352067279042015-06-21T16:55:00.001-05:002020-02-06T13:31:07.303-06:00Pros + Cons of YA Literature<div class="PlainText">
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Hey, everyone! :)</span> Today, I have a special guest collaborating with me to discuss the topic of YA Literature. I hope you enjoy our little interview & join in on the discussion! Please welcome Sunny from <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsplash-of-ink.blogspot.com%2F&ei=nm2EVeeIBoH9oAS33qHYBg&usg=AFQjCNFNpo9a-GsHy7smg_pejmWwybdchw&sig2=nBjAsMeObi2U6InNItvOkg&bvm=bv.96042044,bs.1,d.aWw" target="_blank">A Splash of Ink</a>...<br />
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<b>-Hey, Sunny! Welcome to Plottinger Twist. Thanks for "stopping by" for a while... Lol! :)</b></div>
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-Thanks for inviting me! I'm honored to have been asked to "stop by". Thank you!</div>
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<b>-So, to get started, let's talk about you for a bit. What is your favorite reading genre & why?</b></div>
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-Hmm, this is a hard one. I tend to be a moody reader. I'll go for a few months where all I read is Fantasy, then I'll get bored and switch to Contemporary or Historical Fiction. I have different favourites depending on my mood at the time. That being said, Fantasy holds a special place in my heart. I love the world-building aspect of it and the opportunities for characters to do really adventurous things. The Fantasy genre definitely offers that element of escapism, which is something I love about reading. </div>
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<b>-Are you more of a mix & match reader, (some YA here, a few classics there, & a kiddy book somewhere in the mix,) or are you a die-hard one-genre-only reader?</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">-Over the past few years, I've been working really hard to broaden my reading horizons. Not only does reading different genres make me a more well-rounded reader, but it also helps me be a better writer. I've ventured out into the scary world of non-fiction and feel relatively comfortable there now. I've also been reading more adult fiction books, but my heart is with the YA books. As I'm an English major, I read classics for school and appreciate them, but I would never choose them of my own free will. I definitely need to read more MG books, but I'm not sure where to start (this is where you lovely people make suggestions, tehe). </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">-I remember one of my teachers read Judy Blume's <i>Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing</i> out loud to my class and I loved that. I also loved Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, which were both gateway books to the entire mystery genre for me. If we go back even further than that, I'd have to say that my mom really invested in my sister and me. She read us SO MANY pictures books from the library. A few favourites were Franklin, Berenstain Bears, Elliot Moose books, and Amelia Bedelia.</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>-Okay, let's start to shift gears a bit... YA Literature, which is generally geared towards 15-20ish year olds, is growing in popularity. How do you feel about the genre as a whole?</b></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">-If you haven't picked it up yet, I love YA lit. I think this genre is the perfect bridge that solidifies the love of reading in kids as they grow into adulthood. What I find really interesting about this growing genre is that a lot of adults are reading YA books. There's something appealing about these books that are "supposed" to be for teenagers. I think it's great that people are realizing that a good story transcends age.</span><br />
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<b>-I see pros and cons to this popular style of writing... What positive things do you think can come from these sorts of books?</b></div>
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-You can say that again. I think the strength of the YA genre is the readability. They are un-intimidating to people who aren't big readers. Even though the stories can deal with the same serious themes as adult books, YA books are usually written in a style that caterers to a reader who isn't interested in pages of description or dense text that can be seen as "artful" or "distinguished" in adult books.</div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">-The negative is definitely the lack of originality. YA books tend to get published in trends: werewolves/vampires (<i>Twilight)</i>, dystopians (<i>The Hunger Games</i>), urban fantasy (<i>Harry Potter</i>) etc. You see the same story tropes being used in all the genres of YA, but it's especially bad in contemporary. There are only so many storylines that can take place in a high school setting, so it can be hard to find a book with a story that feels fresh and not like you've read it already.</span><br />
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<b>-When looking at the contrast between the good & bad, do you think one outweighs the other? </b></div>
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-Definitely the good. Personally, I find that if I balance my reading habits to limit my intake of YA then I enjoy it much more; it stops that cynicism from creeping in.</div>
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<b>-I've noticed that most YA seems to follow a...pattern? (<i>Teenager has a secret power/is a unique individual, has a dysfunctional family, creates a love-triangle by meeting two attractive people, has to choose between the two & saves the world in the process!</i>) There isn't necessarily anything "wrong" with this plotline at all. But what do you think about these YA stereotypes? Do you think these plots are overrated/overdone?</b></div>
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-As I've said already, these storylines can be a big negative. It's true that there's nothing new under the sun, but there are fresh ways to approach these patterns. If you think about it, we all experience the same basic relationship/life problems but our unique personalities are what make each scenario unfold differently. The same should work for books. If you create characters that are deep and well rounded and put them in these "pattern" problems then it won't matter if the basic storyline has been used before, because your characters will respond differently, making the story interesting.</div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">-These are the ones that pop into my brain first (although I'll probably think of a few more in the middle of the night): <i>Graceling </i>by Kirsten Cashore. <i>Beka Cooper: Terrier </i>by Tamora Pierce. <i>Graffiti Moon </i>by Cath Crowley. GM takes those common "patterns" but uses deep characters to make the story original.</span><br />
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<b>-Do you think that the YA phase will last long and become our generation's version of classic novels?</b></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">-It's hard to say, but at the rate we're going, I'd say it's here to stay! It's funny to think that <i>Twilight </i>or <i>Harry Potter </i>might be the future's version of <i>Pride and Prejudice </i>or <i>Frankenstein</i>. Who knows!</span><br />
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<b>-Lastly, what is your favorite YA novel & why? </b></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">-This is kind of a strange, unpopular choice, but I love Tamora Pierce's <i>Beka Cooper: Terrier</i>. The world-building is spot on and the characters are so great. This is one of those books that I really like, but don't expect others to enjoy quite as much, haha. </span></div>
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Sunny, thanks so much for posting today! This was a fun topic to chat about. Everyone be sure to check out Sunny's blog at <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsplash-of-ink.blogspot.com%2F&ei=nm2EVeeIBoH9oAS33qHYBg&usg=AFQjCNFNpo9a-GsHy7smg_pejmWwybdchw&sig2=nBjAsMeObi2U6InNItvOkg&bvm=bv.96042044,bs.1,d.aWw" target="_blank">A Splash of Ink</a> to read some of her other posts!! (Let her know I sent you!)<br />
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<u><i><span style="font-size: large;">-Also, comment down below & share your thoughts about YA books... Do you think the good outweighs the bad? Do you think we should try to create a new model of Young Adult literature that follows a better plot/moral scheme? Do you think YA is here to stay? Let us know what you think! </span></i></u><br />
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<br />H.M. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06747528926610726503noreply@blogger.com5