Brain Power

School is kicking my butt! No need in making an effort to eloquently state that simple fact. Someone recently said that we all have the exact same 24 hours to get things done in life. My question is: “Do we all have the same commitments and obligations each day?” I also argue: “Do our jobs or careers present the same demands and stresses?” It has become an ongoing struggle to muster up the required brain power and energy to transition between a full day of work and school. My days have lasted for 20 hours over the past couple of weeks. I need my beauty sleep and physical rejuvenation! Some days I wish I was a bear, so I could hibernate.

One of the positive outcomes from the deteriorating state of the economy is the fact that various political debates have become a sounding board for education. The importance or necessity for pursing higher education is broadly emphasized. The alternative route to college is to pursue a trade or certification in a rapidly growing field. When I was growing up, it was instilled in me that you must attain independence by immediately joining the workforce upon completion of high school. This was not such a bad concept. I just wish there was more outward emphasis or awareness that college was only within the grasps of families who were financially well off.

Fortunately, this concept is actively drilled into the minds of children (adults as well) from all spectrums of life. Limited access to stable employment, the absence of viable jobs, and an extended pause in upward mobility are the biggest drivers for the national emphasis on education. It is well beyond time to spread awareness among all communities. I do not care where anyone comes from, we are all equally worthy and entitled to a share of the American Dream. Let us not continue to be a nation divided by egregious elitists who greedily lock doors, and hide the keys to success. We all have the right to the pursuit of happiness.

Check out Education Nation to learn more about the necessity for engaging children, parents, educators, policymakers, and influential leaders in the movement to improve the US educational system.

Peace, love, & blessings...

Autumn Exposure

One of the best things about autumn is I have a valid reason to cover up my muffin top and love handles without appearing to be on the verge of passing out from heat exhaustion…you know, from putting on an extra layer to camouflage those little flaws. Given that I love cardigans, I do not mind as much. I have an array of cardigans designated for each season. Cardigans serve a dual nature in my life; fulfilling my modern prepster obsession and detracting from minor imperfections. Okay, so my initial thought was overthrown by the admission of the “cover up tactic”. Moving right along…

What I truly love about autumn is the mystical transformations that the almighty Mother Nature imposes on the trees; the beautiful transition of color which marvelously intertwine with ashen skies. I also enjoy the sound of leaves shuffling under my feet along with the sound of my shoes stepping across the surface beneath me. I feel as though I am walking through a scene in a movie, or experiencing a moment in a visually depicted story; the scenes you read about in well-developed novels which enable you to become deeply submerged. You vividly envision yourself physically living in the moment.

I also find myself feeling captivated by the peaceful scenes and serene sounds of nature. It seems as if my sensory perception is heightened during this time of the year. The sounds of scattering squirrels and chirping birds resonate more vibrantly than they do in the summer months. Is it possible that the bright sky is a distraction to our senses? Maybe the squirrels are more diligent in their efforts to gather and store nuts, because they know the grueling winter is fast approaching. The birds may be singing a different tune with the intent to round up their flock in preparation for southern departure.

FUN FACT:

Squirrels use a whistling call to warn one another of impending danger (National Geographic Society, 1996-2013).

Peace, love, & blessings...

Academic Warfare

Taking a little break to avoid the feeling of not having done anything fun this weekend. I am encountering academic writer’s block, or maybe it is academic brain freeze. When I first started school, I could bang out a term paper in eight hours. Now, it seems to take double the time to simply organize my thoughts. I suppose it does not help that I am mentally preoccupied with entrepreneurial and artistic plans that need to be executed. I cannot wait for the day when I can say, "Do Quit Your Day Job" as encouragement to those of you who know you possess talents and natural abilities that far exceed what you can visualize in your dreams.

I wanted to quickly mention that I have every intention of adding photos. Although I am a passionate writer (outside of a controlled environment that sometimes restricts the inclusion of personal ideas), I understand the concept that "a picture is worth a thousand words". I do not proclaim to fully agree with that, but I attest to being a visual person. Pictures capture the beauty of things or moments in time that go unnoticed while passively observing things or experiences in motion. Also, I believe I have an internal knack for photography.

As always, stay tuned. I am a continued work in progress.

Peace, love, blessings...

The Anti-Morning Person

I do not comprehend the early morning conversationalist. This is typically the person who arrives as early as 6:30am, and does not allow those of us who report to work during “normal” business hours to settle in before relaying stressful news. The person will aggressively stand watch as you put your bags down, unload immediate essentials, and spot check your eyes for neglected crust (hey, anything is possible during the morning rush). In the mist of those activities, she (or he) will proceed to ask if you have read a priority email from the boss. Anyone in their right frame of mind would presume that the probability of seeing an email prior to logging into your system is highly unlikely. #OfficeSpace

I am beyond overjoyed that Friday is officially here. I am running on very limited fuel: sleep deprived. This is the second week of school, and my brain needs to be recharged after having discussions on Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.  

To end on a positive note, Happy Friday! Special salute to my fellow "nine to fivers".

Peace, love, & blessings...

Make Space for Things to Come

The live clutter free mission continues! You must purge your physical space not simply for the visual appeal, but to also clear a pathway for all things to vividly flow through your heart and mind. I have been feeling overwhelmed by my vengefully growing to do list. It has become "normal" practice for me to prioritize my priorities on a daily basis. Anywho...forcing myself to do a little of  everything each day which brings me back to clearing out my closet. Although my IG Shop sales have not taken off as of yet, I remain optimistic. I have many more new to barely used quality pieces to post. My intention is to establish a fully operating thrift business along with all of my other pursuits.

I am discovering a lot about myself these days. I have a number of relatable traits associated with AADD and OCD (not to make light of anyone that has been medically diagonsed with severe symptoms). Chaos puts me far outside of my element and comfort zone.

Friendly Reminder: Please follow me here on the blog and on IG @ceclectic_cw. C'ECLECTIC is an officially registered business. I always look to do things the "right way" aka legitimately. 

Peace, love, & blessings...