Martin Luther King Jr. once said “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” How fortunate for some to live in a world where there is no illness and no pain. Have we forgotten there are children in hospital who believe there is no hope? Have we buried ourselves so deeply in our own selfish routine, we have yet to acknowledge such a life even exists?
I must admit, there was something missing from my life four months ago, a void probably attributed to the fact that I have been a victim of selfish intent for some time now. In order to fill that emptiness, I vowed that I would give myself to an organization in much need. I became a volunteer for Radio Lollipop located within the Miami Children’s Hospital. Radio Lollipop is a fully-equipped in-house radio station where volunteers involve patients in recreational activities connected to radio programs that are child-focused, and packed with mentally stimulating fun and games, with the chance to be an on-air DJ and take part in the radio station.
I was instantly captivated my first day as a volunteer. I did not know what to expect, but I knew that if I opened my mind and my heart, nothing but positive feelings could surround me. I met such amazing people; volunteers that were so willing to guide me through my first experience. My first evening began with pairing off volunteers into certain units of the hospital; we went into patients’ rooms, passed out the activity, played and talked with them and their families, and came back around to collect their creative masterpiece towards the end of the show in hopes they would win a prize. Each room was different, each patient unique. Some were so willing and excited to participate, some wanted nothing to do with us. Some truly appeared normal and even seemingly healthy, while others pained me so much to look at. After each room and each experience, I had to take a moment and reflect on the things I saw and heard, but I had to shake off whatever feelings I felt so that the next room would be just as motivating as the one thereafter.
That was the day I happily took on my second job...
Last night I was assigned to the oncology unit. You know, finding out that a grandparent, father, friend, or even colleague that has been diagnosed with cancer is hard enough - but think of the mere child that has lived in this unit for the greater portion of his young nine years and knows nothing else but the cold halogen lighting in his white washed room, and is so immune to the stale, yet crisp, air that bites his nose. This is a child diagnosed with cancer, one who has lived here, studied here, celebrated and mourned here; he has befriended the nurses, doctors, fellow patients even, and has watched them come in and out of his room that has been the substitute for his life - frigid and hallow. Yet when I volunteer, I sense my perception is all wrong, a dreaded fear I have had in the hopes I would never have to suffer the same fate. These children stay so positive throughout their treatments and pain, sustain their anxiety from the distance from their family and friends, and anticipate the thought of one day playing outside again.
It keeps me positive and hopeful.
It keeps me humbled.
It keeps me sane.
After being a volunteer for some time now, still nothing ceases to surprise me. Every day is still the first day for me. I have risen above the narrow confines of our society, and have started living for the moments these children will never forget.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
semi-homemade
bonjour!
Today I decided to take on the job of a pastry chef, in an attempt to satisfy my cravings after watching Julie & Julia. Now I am by no means a cook, let alone some sort of artist to put everything together; and I think Julia Child would roll over in her grave if she knew not all of my ingredients were fresh and that some even came from a box! But fear not my readers, for I have discovered a whole new way of cooking - well perhaps this has been done before, and maybe I just had some extra time on my day off from work, nonetheless I decided to experiment in the kitchen. I would usually admit that my skills in the kitchen are of no expert, but in watching the Food Network Channel I have learned the art of mastering the most perfectly poised cupcake. I have to say that this has to be the most blissful and decadent cupcake my tongue has ever had the pleasure of tasting. However, I must warn you that this carefully planned and yet accidentally fatal art takes patience and precision. If you plan on engaging in such an experiment, I advise on taking the greater portion of your afternoon to execute it - that is, of course, if you want it just right.
White Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcake
Ingredients are -but never limited to:
1 box Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe - French Vanilla
1 16-oz Duncan Hines Creamy Home style - Classic Vanilla Frosting
1 package Nestle Premier White Morsels (if you can find them in mini - buy them!)
1 Jello-O Instant Pudding Cheesecake Mix
Confectioners Sugar
Almond Extract
Before putting all of your ingredients together, prepare the instant Jello-O Mix, and remember to set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare the French Vanilla cake batter as directed on the box - my secret is to replace the water and use milk instead for a creamier taste! Once mixed together, add 1 cup of the cheesecake flavored pudding, and fold in your desired amount of white chocolate chips (but save some for the frosting!) fill two-thirds of the cupcake cup with the batter, and bake for 22 minutes, only checking once at the 20 minute mark. Try to avoid opening the oven often to check them, as a large portion of the heat escapes, prolonging your cook time.
While the cupcakes are in the oven...
White Chocolate Almond Frosting
First scoop out the pre-made Classic Vanilla frosting into a nice sized bowl. Add your desired amount of Almond Extract and some confectioners sugar to keep it thick. In a separate dish, melt some white chocolate morsels and slowly fold it into the frosting mixture, add more confectioners sugar if the consistency is not thick enough. Place the frosting in a plastic lunch baggie and snip one corner. After the cupcakes have fully cooled, frost each cupcake in a circular motion, giving each and every cupcake your fullest attention and commitment. For added sparkle, sprinkle some sugar over the frosting!
...Goshhhhh, they are so incredibly delicious - better then I even anticipated! I truly hope you try and make them, you won't regret it, or you probably will. Food like this feeds the soul, and my thighs!
♥
Thursday, July 8, 2010
the goddess in all of us...
Salve!!
^^A casual greeting in Latin...
About seven months ago, I realized a dream of becoming some sort of entrepreneur. At the time, I didn't fathom the idea of anything huge or life changing, let alone becoming so passionate about such a simple article of jewelery. It all started when I decided to be financially conscious of a Holiday (to be politically correct) present that I would give to my five closest friends. I set out to find some beads and something to make it "pop"! With a little creativity and the small amount of free-time I made for this project, I created a masterpiece - a bracelet I could truly define as my own work of art!
I set out to put my artsy-fartsy side and knack for good deals-and-steals to work. I invited a friend to become my partner so that together we could fund this new project! We thought of a name and logo, and before I knew it this "gift-giving idea" turned into a real-life business!!
The name is Deity - a Latin word derived from "dea," literally meaning a god or goddess. Deity is a supernatural immortal being, who may be thought of as divine, held in high regard, and respected by believers. Some deities are asserted to be the directors of time and fate itself, to be the givers of human law and morality, to be the ultimate judges of human worth and behavior, and to be the designers and creators of the Earth or the universe.
Sound familiar? While we are not immortal, each woman represents her own goddess! We chose this in hopes that women who wear this realize their potential. The potential to direct the path of their own life, the potential to assert themselves in moral law and goodwill, the potential for them to understand their true worth and value, and the potential to ultimately discover the unstoppable woman within them.
No - a bracelet doesn't make you, nor does it define who you are. It is more of a staple piece: elegant, yet bold; and still sophisticated, yet care-free. And NO - I am by no means some kind of crazy feminist, but as women we sometimes succumb ourselves to the seemingly superior male force. Or worse, allow ourselves to be affected by what we think is another woman's assertiveness and confidence, but in reality we're all the same - fighting for an opportunity to be individually discovered. This is just that extra token, an extra push, that small angel on our shoulder screaming "I BELIEVE IN YOU!! YOU CAN DO IT!!"
***If you are interested please contact DeityGifts@gmail.com for more information or to place your order!
^^A casual greeting in Latin...
About seven months ago, I realized a dream of becoming some sort of entrepreneur. At the time, I didn't fathom the idea of anything huge or life changing, let alone becoming so passionate about such a simple article of jewelery. It all started when I decided to be financially conscious of a Holiday (to be politically correct) present that I would give to my five closest friends. I set out to find some beads and something to make it "pop"! With a little creativity and the small amount of free-time I made for this project, I created a masterpiece - a bracelet I could truly define as my own work of art!
I set out to put my artsy-fartsy side and knack for good deals-and-steals to work. I invited a friend to become my partner so that together we could fund this new project! We thought of a name and logo, and before I knew it this "gift-giving idea" turned into a real-life business!!
The name is Deity - a Latin word derived from "dea," literally meaning a god or goddess. Deity is a supernatural immortal being, who may be thought of as divine, held in high regard, and respected by believers. Some deities are asserted to be the directors of time and fate itself, to be the givers of human law and morality, to be the ultimate judges of human worth and behavior, and to be the designers and creators of the Earth or the universe.
Sound familiar? While we are not immortal, each woman represents her own goddess! We chose this in hopes that women who wear this realize their potential. The potential to direct the path of their own life, the potential to assert themselves in moral law and goodwill, the potential for them to understand their true worth and value, and the potential to ultimately discover the unstoppable woman within them.
No - a bracelet doesn't make you, nor does it define who you are. It is more of a staple piece: elegant, yet bold; and still sophisticated, yet care-free. And NO - I am by no means some kind of crazy feminist, but as women we sometimes succumb ourselves to the seemingly superior male force. Or worse, allow ourselves to be affected by what we think is another woman's assertiveness and confidence, but in reality we're all the same - fighting for an opportunity to be individually discovered. This is just that extra token, an extra push, that small angel on our shoulder screaming "I BELIEVE IN YOU!! YOU CAN DO IT!!"
beneath the make-up & behind the smile,
i'm just the girl who wishes for the world
♥ ♥ ♥
-marilyn monroe
***If you are interested please contact DeityGifts@gmail.com for more information or to place your order!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
the first
I honestly don't even know where to begin, I don't know if this is such a great idea, I don't know if I will follow through with this, I don't think I'm interesting enough that people will listen, I don't know much about politics or sports, I don't have a masters degree, I don't like pickles, I don't even know much about blogging...
And yet, however much I don't know, I do know that today is the fist day of the rest of my life and I am ready to share it with whoever wants to listen.
Perhaps I should begin with 10 things that are going on in my life right now, my 411, the scoop, my interests and beliefs, the low-down -
(caution: these are always subject to change)
1. This is the first summer I am not taking any classes! Just working. No excuse- until August, of course- for not dedicating a sufficient amount of time to this here blog.
2. I started a new project in my apartment this week - painting and redecorating, wish me luck.
3. I am a definite bargain shopper - and a very proud one at that! You should know though, that I would much rather buy something for my house then myself more often than not.
4. I am a Catholic, but sometimes find myself questioning the rules of the Church - I am a believer, just not antiquated.
5. I want to be famous.
6. I am currently reading "Eat Pray Love" - so far I'm in Italy, and envy Liz for not actually taking me there.
7. I truly LOVE good food - I find it necessary to treat myself to a nice meal, it's well-deserved and always worth finding some of the greatest restaurants in Miami.
8. I am addicted to wine.
9. Sometimes I think even an hour away from my parents is still too close - I'm ready to travel the world.
10. I am excited that you have stayed reading this long...
♥
And yet, however much I don't know, I do know that today is the fist day of the rest of my life and I am ready to share it with whoever wants to listen.
Perhaps I should begin with 10 things that are going on in my life right now, my 411, the scoop, my interests and beliefs, the low-down -
(caution: these are always subject to change)
1. This is the first summer I am not taking any classes! Just working. No excuse- until August, of course- for not dedicating a sufficient amount of time to this here blog.
2. I started a new project in my apartment this week - painting and redecorating, wish me luck.
3. I am a definite bargain shopper - and a very proud one at that! You should know though, that I would much rather buy something for my house then myself more often than not.
4. I am a Catholic, but sometimes find myself questioning the rules of the Church - I am a believer, just not antiquated.
5. I want to be famous.
6. I am currently reading "Eat Pray Love" - so far I'm in Italy, and envy Liz for not actually taking me there.
7. I truly LOVE good food - I find it necessary to treat myself to a nice meal, it's well-deserved and always worth finding some of the greatest restaurants in Miami.
8. I am addicted to wine.
9. Sometimes I think even an hour away from my parents is still too close - I'm ready to travel the world.
10. I am excited that you have stayed reading this long...
♥
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