A Cry for Help.

When you grow up in a small town, you get very accustomed to word, news, or gossip spreading like wild fire. Sometimes what you hear is silly. But recently I received news that completely broke my heart.

A young man at my high school decided to take his own life because he was being bullied by his peers. Teens need to understand that bullying is wrong. Wrong in every way possible. They may get pleasure out of teasing but it tears someone else apart and makes them feel helpless. To get a rouse out of hurting someone else is disgusting and pathetic.

It is up to us adults to be role models and advocates for the kids that are being bullied. Do NOT act as if it is not a major issue. It is. Far too many lives are being lossed and it's time to change that.

For those of you that are being bullied, PLEASE speak up. Confide in someone. Get help. Fight back. DO NOT GIVE UP.

Step 1: Admitting you have a problem.

Addicion. Family troubles. Relationship issues. Trouble at home. Negative body image. Low self-esteem.

Problems that people can face are endless. Many times, we chose to face our weaknesses or challenges alone. Without a doubt, this can be beneficial as long as problems are being faced and dealt with. But often, some may rather sweep things under the rug and put on a brave face. Yup, you guessed it, this is me. I would rather force a smile on my face then to let others know something is truely bothering me. Lately, thanks to a few close friends, I have begun to question my tactics I use when dealing with problems.

Lately, I have found that problems/issues are put to rest more quickly and effciently if they are faced head on. It makes it easier to continue one's growth as a person. A few tips to help with facing your own insecurities from my own findings and others:

1. Define or pinpoint what is bothering you.

2. Ask some BIG questions. (Why does this bother me? Who cause it? When did it begin? Who else does this effect? Who's my support group? How can it be fixed?)

3. Work towards your solution positively. (Talk it out calmly, work out to relieve some of the stressed it causes, write about it in a journal, etc.)

4. Get help if needed.- Never think you are alone. Confide in friends, family, or religion that can offer advice or comfort in a matter. If you feel like this is not an option, seek professional help. Therapists may be intimidating but studies show how useful they are and they really do help people everyday.

5. Be patient. - Some things take time to heal. Look for small progression along the way to keep you motivated and hopeful.

6. In the end, REFLECT. When the problem is finally in the past, look back on how much progress you have made! Remember what it felt like to struggle, that way if you ever face another big problem you know you have what it takes to fight back, and win.

I hope that if you have any current struggles that this post can relate to you and encourage you to be brave and work toward a solution.

I owe who I am to my parents, grandparents, and my best friends because they have such wonderful advice and give me the support the I need when times get rough. <3

Girls Will Be Girls

In one of my classes, we recently were assigned to read Rachel Simmons' novel, "Odd Girl Out." This novel is reseached based about the alternative aggression in girls. Unlike boys, girls cannot simply "fight it out'' because girls are suppose to be sweet and have no problems with each other. This lack of realization causes girls to hold in their feelings and let it manifest into bigger problems. Girls fight these problems with body language, the silent treatment, and gossip. They use those closest to them to gain power and release aggression.

How many of you have been affected by alternative aggression? The numbers are sky high. Girls are known for being manipulative becuase there is no other way to release aggression.

Simmons would ask girls, "Do you tell a friend if you are mad at her?" Students repeatedly said no due to not wanting to hurt her feelings. Girls are scolded for directly hurting feelings so they must find more sly and covert ways to do so.

This novel is a GREAT read. It opens your eyes about so many issues, that we as a society ignore. Alternative aggression has a long-term negative affect on many women, so I hope that schools learn to recognize these forms of bullying and put an end to them.

To learn more read, rent, listen on tape to ODD GIRL OUT :)

Done Settling

As women our parents teach us that we should be treated like princesses and deserve nothing but the best. But I have to tell you that, well, being treated good is not the only thing a woman needs. It's important of course but most need more than that. I'm one of them. I recently decided I'm done dating guys until the real thing comes along. Funny, smart, kind, honest. Well you get the picture.

Next secret: No one is perfect. Shocker right? Girls are found expecting so much from a guy and their expectations lead to fights and eventually a break-up. If you can't love a person's flaws then it will never work in the long run.

It's important to know what you want in someone and not to settle for less. If the guy has or lacks a quality that is not all that important to you then that's okay to let slide. But the core features that matter to you in a significant other, hang on to and don't stop til you find the person with them. This goes for guys as well, know what kind of girl you want.

Well best of luck to you all searching for love :)

XoXo
Chels

Couple Therapy at a Whole New Level

Reality shows are usually pretty obnoxious. They may be about an old out-dated rock star looking for love when really trying to make a comeback or maybe even based on people getting rehab for addictions. Whatever the plot, they are the guilty pleasure of millions of Americans and this fact is backed up with research and ratings.

Mtv started their reality smash, Laguna Beach, almost a whole decade ago. Laguna Beach created the spin off The Hills. These shows have went from pure reality to staged. Even though it has been said that the show is scripted, people cannot seem to turn the channel. I must admit I am guilty of this as well but cannot seem to figure out what is keeping me coming back week after week. Mystery will probably remain.

Vh1 created their Tough Love show three years ago. The show is about women who have troubled love lives due to individual habits that inhibit them from finding true love. These women work with match maker Steve, who gives challenges and therapy to help fix their habits and matches them with compatible men. The third season has a bit of a twist. It deals with COUPLES! It is genius. Tough Love Couples has very valuable lessons about love along with the drama that people can help but watch. This show has made it's way into my top 3 favorite shows right now. I just can't seem to get enough of it!!

For all of you who want to see what all the hype is about check out the Hills Tuesdays at 10 pm on MTV and for Tough Love Couples turn the channel to Vh1 Mondays at 9 pm.

XoXo,

Chels

Pennsylvania Backroads

There is something special about windy back roads that make a person feel good inside. I am not sure whether it is the beautiful scenery or the sense of freedom you feel driving on open road. I have come to appreciate this small thing in life since starting college two years ago. There were times where homesickness got the best of me and I decided to go home for just a weekend. I would instantly feel so much better once I crossed into the Pennsylvania border and the backroads began. In a quick instant, I was away from the hustle and bustle of the city life and back in my element to which I was familiar. All the worries in the world seem to disappear if just for a moment as you soak in the fresh air and gorgeous views of the mountains. Some people hate backroads because they are poorly paved or the slow drivers that sometimes occupy them but these blacktop pathways are therapeutic and have the sense of being home.

Until next time...

XoXo
Chels

Wishing...

I have definitely dated my fair share of toads. The guys were not always the best judgements but in the long term those encounters taught me a lot about relationships and love. Although I am quite good at living the single life, deep down I know that there is meant to be more.

By no means am I looking for another relationship. I do not want a boyfriend at this time in my life. But what I really want is to just fall in love! I am beginning to lose hope that it is still possible and I just want that feeling that makes someone's heart beat faster and slower at the same time. To feel like nothing else in the world matters when you are with that person. Knowing that they wouldn't give up that moment for anything either.

Relationships, even though it is really only a label, are not the same as falling in love whatsoever. So I hope that everyone reading this finds a love. Not someone just to be with but someone you can give your WHOLE heart to. The important thing when that person is found is to TRUST, be honest, and communicate about everything. But if you love the person these things will come naturally. Start your search for that one of kind feeling...

"When you are in love you don't want to sleep because reality is better than your dreams."- Dr. Seuss

XoXo

Chels

Truth Behind Friendship

Throughout my life I have been blessed with many friends. I have a certain friend who has been with me for 16 years now and without her I would have be so lossed, as well as, in big trouble in certain situations. My best friend, who is now sixteen hours away, still knows how to brighten my day. He is my advice giver, my reality checker, and someone I go to when I just need a cheer up. These two people in particular are AMAZING and I love them to death. Many other friends I hold close to my heart and I would do anything for them.

Now time for the truth behind friendship. Good friendships are rare and hard to come by. Most of us heard this from our elders throughout growing up. I am jinxed with friendships though. I tend to make friends and put a lot of trust in them. But they always seem to go wrong and it is usually the friendships with girls. Caddiness comes into play, trust is broken, hence, the friendship is over with. Friendship is suppose to be unconditional. It is not based on being friends because of relationships, or just because the person is close and you might be bored, or convenience. If someone forms friendships because of these reasons, it may explain why she/he does not have many friends. It is possible to remain friends after someone's breakup, even if both are far away, and if you don't talk everyday but are there to support one another no matter what.

So stay honest, true, and reliable and you will be a friend WORTH having.

XoXo

Chels

Another one of those jam sessions!

So the artist Iyaz came out with his his smash "Replay" which managed to get stuck in everyone's head. But his new single "Solo" is super amazing. Can't stop listening to it! It's another one of those songs that you would want to dance around in your underwear. Check it out!

I wish I had more interesting things to tell you all about BUT I don't....

Sorry :)

XoXo!
Chels

Motorama Madness!

Every year riders from different parts of the U.S. come together to show their talents. Motorama is an racing event consisting mainly of dirtbikes and fourwheelers and riders of a variety of ages and skill level. The race takes place in the Harrisburg Farm Show Building. Other events during Motorama include: car shows, concerts, Miss Motorama pagent, activities for kids, and much more. This weekend is very exciting and loads of fun. This year was the first time I ever heard of Motorama as well as the first year going. The energy of the crowd and the riders was incredible! I would definitely recommend going next year and taking your friends!

Do you think it's going to snow?

Well the Blizzard of 2010 hit the East Coast and although the storm has passed there is massive amounts of snow left over. I haven't done that much sled riding and four wheeler riding in years. I literally felt like I was eight years old again. Although two days of snow activities is enough to last me til next year, I guess I should be thankful I was not cooped up inside the whole time.

Towson was shut down for the entire week. During the week, this seemed awesome and fun. Well... NOW IT SUCKS! Everyone will be loaded down with work and have to play catch up for the rest of the semester. I'm stressing out already. So next time it snows really bad like this, professors should either cut out material that is less important or have homework during the snow week so it is less stressful to catch up.

Okay I'm done with my mini rampage! Hope everyone had fun in the snow!

Until next time...

XoXo

Chels

Home is Where the Heart Is

This blog I dedicate to everyone I grew up with in my little town in Pennsylvania.

Remember how growing up we all said how much we hated our town and could not wait to get out? Look at us now. We all have found a genuine appreciation of where we came from. Sometimes I even find myself missing home. Crazy isn't it?!

At first when I missed home I thought I was crazy but then it lead me to question why I missed home. First would be family. Those who are always there for me through it all are back there. Friends, of course I love you all. Small town feel such as everyone saying "Hi" to one another whether they know each other or not. Another thing, the lake. I wish it was summer all year round because of the lake. That brown gross slimy water has a way of bringing everyone together for a good time, which is truely amazing! People always say the best things are free. So true! Some favorite hometown pass time are spotlighting, going to Walmart just to go (or for air hockey before they took the table out), Parks Orchard, or just throwing a huge party in a field and sleeping in cars.

Oh Huntingdon.....

Blog back in action!!

Hey everyone!

It has been QUITE some time since my last blog and I'm super duper sorry for that.

School is back in session for the 2010 Spring semester and so far it is off to a good start. Before I talk about the new semester I would like to reflect on Christmas break. For the first two weeks of break my best friend in the whole world, Brandon, came home on leave from the U.S. Navy. No matter how long he is gone, he always finds a way to bring all our old friends together again. The weather didn't cooperate real well with our little reunion but we all managed to see each other and catch up. It is amazing how strong a childhood friendship bond really is.

I also got to spend some quality time with my family. Even when there is nothing to do, we manage to have a blast. I'm so very thankful for them everyday. :)

Then the rest of the break...I worked my life away! UGH so crazy huh?! I like my job and LOVE the people I work for and with but it is truely exhausting. Hate being lazy but don't really like to wear myself out either haha

So back to Towson. My fishy, Judas, made it back safely with me. Books were bought on time. (Barely) and have hung out with some friends for the first time in forever! So over all a good start to the week.

I'll be seeing you all later!

Xoxo

Chels