Tuesday, December 8, 2009

What's My Niche?

Final blog entry as this semester wraps up. What is my niche? What am I good at? Well, automatically I assumed writing. However, writing is a tad difficult. I wondered and I wondered, what is it that I should niche on haha. I've finally come to the conclusion that it will be cooking. But not just any type of cooking. I will be cooking or baking something once a week. I assume that this will take place on Saturday nights, however, I am sure there will be quite the exceptions.

So I did a bit of research, and found a few blogs that I found interesting.

http://closetcooking.blogspot.com/
I think what drew me in most about this blog, would have to be the name. It cracked me up. Closet Cooking? But the blog had quite the number of different recipes with interesting twists.

http://enlightenedcooking.blogspot.com/
What I liked about this blog was the variety of recipes. There were so many different recipes, and it was very organized making it easy to find recipes.

http://cooking-from-scratch.blogspot.com/
cooking from scratch is an ancient art that many people have abandoned due to the upbeat lifestyle of our modern world. I give major props to this blogger because I feel very accomplished and proud of myself when I cook/ bake something from scratch.

http://tasteofhomecooking.blogspot.com/
I'm quite sure everyone can relate to this blogger. There really is nothing better than home cooking. Especially since I know some of my fellow college students eat at the caf daily. I'm sure they all enjoy the home cooking when they have the ability to visit home.

So this is a delayed blog since what I threw together happened Friday, and Saturday. Friday night I attempted at making Green Rice Krispie Treats. I have never made these in my life and let me tell you it was a sticky, mess by the end. I also did not get to really enjoy any because by the next morning my brother had eaten them all. Darn those little brothers, but by the second try I mastered it. So here's the recipe for all you who dare to try.

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons butter, or margarine.
4 cups Miniature Marshmallows.
6 cups Rice Krispies Cereal.
Green Food Coloring.

Step 1. In a large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows & 4 drops of food coloring, stir until completely melted & all marshmallows are green. Remove from heat.

Step 2. Add Rice Krispies Cereal. Stir until well coated. (I recommend adding a little at a time and stirring that until its coated. Do this until all cereal is covered).

Step 3. Using a buttered spatula (really get the butter on the spatula, it works best if spatula is covered in butter because then your concoction does not stick to the spatula) evenly press into 13 x 9 x 2- inch pan coated with cooking spray. Let cool. Cut into 2 inch squares. Best if served same day.

Hope you guys enjoy this recipe!! :)

Blog Post for JRN215

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

To-Do List

I do not think it is so much that I do not like going to school. It is more a long the lines that I am tired of having to get up really early for my Tuesday and Thursday classes. Luckily we only have like two more weeks of this semester. I really want to start next semester's schedule. HOWEVER, not until AFTER my Christmas Break! :D

We are really winding down here. I have so much to do. So many projects to finish so that I might finish my first semester as a college student with flying colors. That is what I really wish to obtain, but for some reason laziness is showing it's ugly face. Why must I be cursed with the gift of procrastination?

I need to realize that my priority is school and that school comes before play. I need to write a research paper, prepare a speech, finish math homework, and study, study, study for all my classes. Today is officially December and I really want to rejoice for the birth of my Savior. However, I feel my procrastination is keeping me from doing so. I definitely need to make up a to do list for each day. I think that is probably a good idea, however, today is not the day to start because there is no room to do homework today unfortunately.

As of right now:

To-do list.
math class 11am-12:20pm.
tutoring for math. 12:25pm to ???
lunch. ?:??
choir. 2-4:30pm
drive home. 4:40 to 5pm. (most likely, unless bad traffic).
change/ do homework/ take a nap/ eat dinner?? time i get home to 5:55pm.
drive to Katie's. 5:55 to 6:15pm.
depart Katie's for movies. 6:15pm.
hang with Katie and movies. 6:15 - ??
sleep. when i get home. >.<

gosh jam packed day. i need discipline. Lord help me get through the next few weeks.

That's all folks. we'll see how the next few days go.

To-Do List....Make a To-Do List..

Procrastinators UNITE! ....Tomorrow.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Turkey Week

I know it's been quite awhile since I last posted, I apologize. I am so relieved that today is Tuesday, November 24, 2009. Today I only had one class. My least favorite class, but only one class nonetheless. I am so glad for this break. It means I am only a few days closer till the end of this semester, it also means that I survived. haha. Sounds like a bad thing. But it's really a good thing.

So enough about school. It's Turkey Week and Thursday is Thanksgiving. So what am I thankful for.

I'm thankful for a God who is patient and kind, that loves me even though I am a sinner.
I'm thankful for a great family. A father who works hard to keep a roof over my head, a mother that comes into my room every so often to see what I'm up to, for a little brother that even though I occasionally fight with he's still there seeking my attention.
I'm thankful for great friends who support, encourage, and love me for who I am.
I'm thankful for being able to attend an amazing university with amazing people who I'm sure have not yet finished making impacts on my life.
I'm thankful for many things.

What I realize though is not everybody really feel like they are blessed. So I encourage you, yes you reading this blog. Think about what God has blessed you with. You may think something or someone is a blessing, but it/ they really is/are.

until next time
happy thanksgiving. :)

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Lesson of the Week

Yes, I learned a VERY valuable lesson this week. It's very crucial that in this blog you learn this lesson. If you do not learn this lesson, do not blame me. I have suffered, and it is not fun at all.

Are you ready for the lesson? Do you dare continue reading to find out?


Lap Tops, electronics, etc. + Back Pack + WATER BOTTLE = DISASTER! i.e. the do NOT mix!

Friday morning being in a rush to get the hold off my account so I could register for spring semester I stupidly even after questioning myself about possible spillage, put my water bottle (might i add that has a flimsy lid) into my back pack, assuming it to NOT open and RUIN said lap top.

I was proved WRONG. DEAD wrong.

I did not realize that it had opened until I felt the water on my jeans from my back pack.
WAY TO GO SHARAYAH.

So take my advice. Don't even think about it. automatic no-no.

So what have we learned? Water and Electronics do NOT mix!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Where is Journalism Going?

A report done recently by Columbia University shows the path where Journalism is headed. Personally when I think of news I can automatically smell a newspaper. I know you probably think I'm weird now, but oh well. When you have a fresh, new bundle of newspapers they smell kind of funny. I do not know exactly how to put it.

The report was very informative about the evolvement of journalism and very detailed about where they plan on taking it. I’m kind of on the fence about it though. I’m not exactly sure which way to take it. I feel there seem to be more cons than pros in my opinion. But I am just one person.

It seems as though Journalism is headed into a different direction. That of web browsing, easy accessible, now, and FREE news. That's what everyone wants right? Free things. I learned differently in Economics. TINSTAAFL; There is no such thing as a free lunch. That's completely true. However, people can get anything on the Internet now a days, what not the news too?

According to the report the government would be helping bail out the newspapers. There have already been numerous bailout plans that have been put into effect that I do not necessarily agree with. Giving money to people who know exactly how they got there and know how to return is not what I would call a smart idea. Yes, I care strongly about the news and the media, but I feel that if the government does bail out the newspapers they will most definitely have control over stories being printed.

I do not know about you, but that definitely violates my freedom of speech, and my freedom of speech is something I value. Also, who is the government to say who deserve money and who does not? Is not the point of Journalism to deliver the news of what is going on to the public? As long as this is being provided are the newspapers and web sites all in it together for the greater good, or at least we would hope.

I do not complain about the news being online, and I agree that it is way easier to get a hold of than driving to the store, and picking up the paper for what a nickel? Okay.. maybe not a nickel, but the Internet makes it seem a lot more convenient, for the more modernization of what our nation has become.

Yes, I realize that times are changing and sooner or later there will no longer be printed news. But I believe that we should enjoy every little printed story while it lasts. I hope that it will last quite a long time. There are people out there who slave away, working to find that next huge story. People do not realize how much reporters are really putting into the stories that are printed in the newspaper. Everyone has to have the newest toy out there and they need to have it NOW! I feel that people take for granted what they are given.

However, this whole modernization business is not really a great positive. Test scores are going down and this generation is not as literate as the generations before it. Text messaging and other forms of communications that dumb down the level of literacy, and it’s no wonder that everyone wants things to be done for them. Open up an Internet browser and you can find anything you could possibly dream about within a matter of minutes, if not seconds.

Do me a favor, go pick up a newspaper and read. :)

http://www.minnpost.com/insideminnpost/2009/10/19/12627/a_modest_proposal_for_federal_funding_of_journalism#

http://www.journalism.columbia.edu/cs/ContentServer/jrn/1212611716674/page/1212611716651/JRNSimplePage2.htm

Post for: JRN 215

Monday, November 2, 2009

Time Change

I've realized that even though the time changed I still hate monday mornings.
I don't know what it is. Maybe it's the fact that I am so busy during the weekend that I barely sleep. Since I barely sleep during the weekend I think it flows over to the week..
Maybe I should stop staying up late during the weekend and I will be able to sleep during the week.

Anyways.. today is Monday, November 2nd, 2009.
That means there are only twenty-five days left until Christmas music is played on KOST.
I love Christmas music. I play it all day, every day, until it stops playing on KOST.

I know I'm jumping forward to the Christmas season and totally bypassing Thanksgiving, but I really like the Christmas season...maybe I should save this for another blog and focus on Thanksgiving.

Stuffing is my favorite especially when there is gravy. However, I hate cranberry sauce and yams. I don't like the taste of cranberry sauce. I do not know why, but I do. Same with Yams. When I eat yams, I eat the stuff on top. You know like marshmallows. haha. I can't stand what's underneath those white, sticky, fluff balls.

haha. I've gone quite the journey on this post.. I think it's time to end it.
new one coming soon though. ;)

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Baking

I wanted to write this blog Tuesday, but I got super busy.
Anyways, I've been having a rough time the last few weeks dealing with some issues and trying to get over them. Please keep me in prayer about it is all I ask.

But in these hard times I've realized something that gets my mind off of it, is baking. The last few weeks when ever the feelings come to me and reveal their ugly faces I head to the internet and find recipes. Preparing what ever my little heart desires.

I've made snickerdoodles, sugar cookies, and a pumpkin cheesecake so far. Let me tell you that Pumpkin Cheesecake was made Monday night, ready Tuesday evening and Oh My Goodness it was delicious!

I've been having a lot of fun with this new found hobby and I'm so glad for it. The smiles I see when my family first sink their teeth into that first bite makes me smile. I love the feeling and it shows me that even though I may not be going through the best times right now, if I keep positive and do things for others,that smile on their face is just enough to keep me going. :)

Monday, October 19, 2009

Weather

This morning I woke up and I looked out the window expecting to see sunshine pouring through my window only to send me retreating back to the darkness of my room. However, all I saw was fog. Fog and Coldness. Normally this wouldn't upset me. Hey, you add a little rain, some wind, and we're good. Last week, I was so excited that we were finally transitioning into Fall.

However, two days later we were revisited by the horrible sun that reigns during Summer. Now don't get me wrong, I do not dislike the sun. I just prefer the cold and the rain. But this is just getting ridiculous!! The weather/ seasons need to make up their mind and stop going back and forth between hot and cold!

Summer needs to leave or stay. It needs to make up its mind. Yes, I am personifying Summer. Fall needs to man up, because I'm really looking forward to the evenings where I can snuggle on the couch with my blanket, read a good book, and drink hot chocolate with mini marshmallows by the fire. I mean really? What's better than that? In my opinion ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!

GO AWAY SUMMER! You've OVERSTAYED your welcome! :)

Monday, October 12, 2009

7 books, 5 Years.

In my Composition we were assigned a journal entry to take home because we didn't have time in class. This journal entry we were able to choose from three different topics.

Topic #1: What are 7 books that you would take with you on a desert island for the next 5 years.

Topic #2: What is your favorite book from childhood and why?

Topic #3: Discuss a novel that reflects you own life and/ or experiences.

As you've probably already guessed I choose topic number one. Partially because it was the most difficult for me to come up with. Also I am not going to rewrite the journal entry, more like reflect on it.

I absolutely love books and I am definitely a bookworm. So you probably realize how hard it is me to limit my vast library of variety. Okay, maybe not so much variety. Rather authorwise variety. HOWEVER, I was able to limit myself. A tad guilty about it, but it was possible.

1. The Bible
The Bible is a sheer cheat. (There being so many books, as well as stories within one book). Not that it's a bad thing. It would help me stay close to God and isn't that what everyone needs? At least I think that's what everybody needs. Jesus is my Savior. :)

2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
THEE BEST love story EVER. Definitely my favorite out of all the ones I've read. Mr. Darcy makes the book very enchanting. *sigh* haha. (I'm also currently reading the ZOMBIE version. I definitely have a blog coming you way when that is finished).

3. I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter
Another great love story. Anyone can shout it at any time. *YOU'RE A HOPELESS ROMANTIC!* Thank you man in the back with the courage to call me out! haha. I'm very addicted to them, however, this one is also about spies. What's better than love, danger, and suspense? ...I don't know. I'll let you know when I figure it out.

4. Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
Yes, I am a Twilighter. The first book got me hooked, however, it was not my favorite. I think there was a lot more happening in Eclipse. Yes, a lot happened in Breaking Dawn, but there was too much. Don't get me wrong I liked Breaking Dawn, it just wasn't my favorite. Form your own opinions, don't take my word for it.

5. The Host by Stephenie Meyer
Okay, okay. This IS a Science Fiction Novel. Shocking right? Sharayah does NOT read SciFi. I will admit it here. I read this book AFTER I read the Twilight Saga. I was hoping for a little romance and I got it. Probably the only reason I continued reading. But it really was a great book.

6. Specials by Scott Westerfield
Your probably realized by now I read book series. It's always good when the story continues. I hate when the story ends in suspense and then is never touched again. Specials was really interesting. Takes place in the future, crazy way to look at it. Very cool book.

7. The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
This was my favorite out of the three books I read in that series. which is sad because I started the series quite a long time ago. >.<

I know what you're thinking. It seems like she posted the journal entry. But I did NOT! this is totally different from my entry! I went more in depth here. Hope you enjoyed and pick up a book or too. (I am not being paid to tell you this, but they SHOULD!). :D

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Mystery

God works in mysterious ways. He is the one who is orchestrating my life. Although I don't always understand his plans, nor do I know what it is he wants through what he does. I still know that he loves me and that he will never give me anything that I cannot handle. Although I thought that I couldn't handle it early Saturday morning, I've come to realize that I can. Somethings are better the way they are now and I'm very happy for that. I love the lyrics to one of the songs we're singing in Women's Choir, which is from the Bible.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39.

It's a great verse because it is so true and it makes everything so much more worth while. :)

I find Church so uplifting and what we was taught today really spoke to me.
It's so true how people make decisions in two different ways.

One: They make decisions on impulses and don't really think their choices through first.

Two: They take a long time before they make decisions and sometimes they don't even make a decision at all.

It's so true. I have witnessed both and I can honestly say that I have experienced both. But what we need to do is give our decisions to the Lord. Pray and ask God to give us wisdom and to influence our decisions. If we do this we will find the results of our decisions so much more satisfying.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Passion

No, I do not exactly know what I want to do with my life once I graduate. My interest in career paths is constantly changing, however, the source of where that career comes from never changes. It always has something to do with my passion. Without this passion, I do not think I would be able to enjoy my work. I live by a quote that I was once told, “Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Confucius said this wise statement, and he knew what he was talking about. Finding a career I love is something I intend to do, something I’m very passionate about.

Passion. What is passion though? Where does passion come from? According to my best friend, dictionary.com, passion means “any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling, as love or hate.” I did not know that you could hate something and it could be considered passion. But hate is not something I like to do, nor do I like to receive. I’m here to discuss something I love, and something that I’m very passionate about, is writing.

When I say that I’m passionate about writing, I’m not talking about penmanship because really I could use a lesson or two on that. I’m talking about my ability to put my thoughts and dreams to words. It allows me to create alternate universes and control what goes on there. I don’t know about you, but I think that is the best way to respond to anything. Writing is also my passion because it helps me clear my mind and no matter what mood I’m in I can always write. Without writing I do not know what I would do with myself.

I have always been writing one way or another. When I was younger I remember that I used to try to write songs. However, I was not and still am not gifted in that department. I tried writing poems, but then I realized that they were basically like songs. I wrote “fan fictions” for a short time and as lame as that sounds I enjoyed it very much. In 5th, 7th, and 12th grade I was involved with Newspaper. Yes, Newspaper wasn’t all that significant when I was in 5th and 7th grade. It seemed like just another elective. However, when I was a freshman in high school I really wanted to be on the newspaper staff, but conflictions with my schedule always seemed to keep it from me all through high school. My senior year, I was finally able to join the class and I realized how important writing was to me. Which is why I’ve chosen to pursue it further into college.

Writing has become such a passion of mine that I have set a goal that I would like to accomplish in life. I would ultimately like to write a book and get it published. I really like to read and reading stories that others have written inspires me. I want to be like these people. I want to give joy to others through my writing like others have given to me.

Post for: JRN 215

Friday, September 18, 2009

Too Fast?

Wow. This year is chugging right on by. Wait is chugging a word? Actually I don't care, it's been chugging right on by. haha. I can't believe that the first "week and 2 days" has already come and gone. I've met a lot of awesome people and I'm very excited for how this semester, or dare I say it? Year will unfold. I'm looking forward to seeing what God has in store for me, as well the other students around campus.

I also recently turned 18. woot woot. Go me! haha. I finally joined club 18. haha. It's been quite the week. But I know I'm going to get through it. :)

This college life stuff is coming and going quickly as well. I was assigned an essay for Composition, we have to write an autobiography about either an event or person and why it or he/she has had an impact on our life. I've been thinking long and hard about where I should go with this. I think I finally realized what I want to write about. The topic: My Surprise 17th Birthday. This day was very special to me because it made me realize how much my friends actually care about me. I absolutely cannot wait to start writing and well I kinda have to, rough drafts are due thursday! O.O haha. But this is something I will have fun writing. :)

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Renewal

The Freshmen Orientation Retreat was awesome. It was a lot of fun and very uplifting. Last night when our Dean of Spiritual Life was speaking, he asked us to bow our heads to pray and ask God what it was that he was calling us to do. As I prayed I felt that tugging at my heart once again, that is always there when given this invitation. But I always thought to myself, I'm a Christian I'm good right? No not right. I constantly felt like I was walking across a tight rope struggling with what to do, what not to do, what to say, what not to say. He said that we are all sinners and we all fall short of the Glory of God. Like the analogy we were given, jumping to Catalina Island. Some may get farther, but we will never make it, not one of us. I spoke with a Focus Leader and she introduced me to another woman who talked with me, prayed with me, prayed for me, and answered all my questions. By the time we had finished talking, I felt so much better and felt as though I was on my way to making that connection with God and growing in him. A smile was on my face and it doesn't seem like it's going anywhere soon. I'm so excited about what this year has to offer me. :)

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Burn Out.

Well, today was another day of activities for orientation. However, I didn't end up going. Tonight was dinner with your focus group and then the Clash n Bowl. I didn't go because this whole orientation business has me going, going, going, and I couldn't go anymore. After getting home at 12:30am last night, I think I took about 3 or 4 naps today. haha. I'm kind of scared that this is what college may be like. Continuing the going, going, going pattern. Maybe I'm over reacting a little bit, because I for sure am not going to be at school as long as I have been in the last week. But it still is quite scary. I doubt it will be this hard once school starts.

On a brighter note, tomorrow we're going to go help about the community and then we'll be off to the retreat! woot. some relaxing I hope after wards? haha. It will be like my whole dorming experience for now. Then Wednesday night when I come home I'll be preparing for Thursday, the start of what I hope will be a great year! :)

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Exhaustion

Choir camp is OVER. haha. Aww. Come on! OK, it was a lot of fun, but it was also a lot of work. I had no idea what to expect, but wow we did a lot of work, and even though we are completely finished with the songs they still sound pretty great. I've had our music stuck in my head ALL DAY. Also NINETY GIRLS. That's A LOT of girls! haha. They all seem pretty nice. The second day seemed like everything was getting pretty overwhelming, but then I found out that all the other new girls felt exactly the same way I did this morning. It helped a lot when all the returning members gave us advice and told us about their experiences and reassured us that everything was going to be perfectly fine. They're very encouraging and that made me realize that this is going to be a great year and I'm very confident that we will all get closer and improve in every way we possibly can. Knowing that there are girls in the choir that are there for me when I need somebody is a great feeling and I'm so excited for the year to start.

In fact orientation starts tomorrow and I'm super excited!! Getting to meet all the other incoming freshmen and just situated for the new year. My stomach is a tad in knots, but I know that God will be with me and he will be there to help me get through tomorrow. I'm glad though, being a commuter I don't have to come to check in until 2pm. Yay for sleeping in! haha. Choir camp made me very exhausted, but I've had a lot of time to rest my feet. :)

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Anticipation

Tomorrow is my last day of work! I'm so sad, but things happen. It helped me learn how to balance my time, as well as my money. It also helped me realize what a cheapo I am. haha. But what can I do? School is going to be starting soon and I will no longer have any time to work. I'm hoping that maybe next semester I'll be smarter about scheduling. I mean who has like two hour gaps in between classes, when they AREN'T dorming. Nice one Sharayah. haha. It's okay, mistakes help us learn. Who knows, maybe it's not a mistake. I mean I'll have lots of time to study and I can review after each class. That's a plus! woot. haha. But yeah..I love how I got side tracked. Tomorrow is my last day of work. I'm going to miss Lark and Michelle a lot. Even though I told Lark I wouldn't. Haha. I will.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Change..

Hello there, my name is Sharayah. There have been many people in the last couple of months who have suggested that I start writing in a blog. Here I am! haha. I am currently a high school graduate. I just graduated back in June and I just can't wait to start college! I'm kinda scared to start college, but excited at the same time. I mean it's a whole new experience! Not only am I once again a small fish in a BIG pond, but I won't have my small fish friends. I'm basically starting over and that intimidates me. I'll be making new friends, but these people and I won't have all our inside jokes and the whole comfortability that I have with the best ones. I think that is what scares me most. Even though I know that I will make lots of friends, I've already made a few. The college I'm going to is extremely welcoming and everyone is so friendly. So as I analyze what I've already written, I don't know why that scares me. I guess I just don't like change..