Smiles

Smiles are one of my favorite things in the world. Sound crazy? Maybe so but when someone smiles it is like an influence of happiness to my heart. Sound cheesy, perhaps but its true. I am convinced if someone did a study they would find that it is truly contagious! Oh but wait there is a study... this is what it saids

"In short, scientists have learned that one of humanity’s simplest expressions is beautifully complex."

A smile begins in our sensory corridors. The earcollects a whispered word. The eyes spot an old friend on the station platform. The hand feels the pressure of another hand. This emotional data funnels to the brain, exciting the left anterior temporal region in particular, then smolders to the surface of the face, where two muscles, standing at attention, are roused into action: The zygomatic major, which resides in the cheek, tugs the lips upward, and the orbicularis oculi, which encircles the eye socket, squeezes the outside corners into the shape of a crow’s foot. The entire event is short — typically lasting from two-thirds of a second to four seconds — and those who witness it often respond by mirroring the action, and smiling back.

http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/publications/observer/the-psychological-study-of-smiling.html

Incase you would like to read it is there, it doesn't quite say what I am purposing but I know if they give it a little more time they would find my results. 

Smiling really does make a difference, either you are the person that smiles back and feels good about the person who just smiled at you. It makes you think humanity isn't so bad after all. Or you are that person who thinks that the person smiling at you is a weirdo and make an awkward face as you try to ignore them! Either way a smile makes some sort of impact on you. Maybe I am just a dreamer and would hope that everyone felt the way I did, or perhaps I would hope that humanity is good! Either way I am a "hardcore" smiler. 

Blytheville...Your face sucks?!?!

I never knew this place existed, as matter a fact I would have never cared. However, I stumbled upon this little town because of a classmate who suggested we car pool to do our Hurst review for the NCLEX exam in January. I thought why not spend a whooping $350 bucks for this review and perhaps on my way I would discover a cool little town.

Well upon driving into Arkansas a little bird flew right into our windshield. I literally held my face with both hands and could not believe what had just happened. The noise was unreal, if that was a little bird, I can’t imagine the sound of a deer. I mean Liz was driving at 75 mph on the freeway, this wasn’t a slight tap, and this was full on death for the birdie. I really thought hard could that little guy be alive or did the impact immediately take his little life. There was a slight imprint of the bird on the window. But we had to continue through our journey.

So once we arrived in Blytheville, we went for some coffee at the local McDonald at the gas station. We arrived at this community college, where our instructor was so energetic and out of control. She made it all better, however we had this obnoxious girl in the class, who said the most inappropriate things and ridiculous things. For example, “ I don found it.” I mean I get that we are in south but I am sure that she was taught proper English. She thought she was extremely funny but really just annoying.

On our way out Liz and I got to our hotel, where I was told I needed to put a credit card down to pay for our hotel. As I tried to explain to the front desk lady that I had already paid for the hotel online, she went ahead and charged the credit card on file again $40 less than what my online bill had said. When I looked at the last 4 digits it was not my credit card. So I told her several times this was not my credit card and she said oh well I already charged it. I got the CC number to check and see if it was my sisters. After calling hotwire, they informed me that that was their CC number and I should have never been given that number and to not use it. I clearly laughed as I couldn’t believe it I had the full CC number and the expiration date; the front desk lady was an idiot and not a happy one at that.

For dinner we went to the best-rated restaurant El Puerto, where I got to use my Spanish at $1.35 taco and 3.50 margarita who could pass up this little hidden gem. This town is strange it has an old dirty smell to it, however the downtown area that we saw had this worn down look, as though some significant history could have been here. But other than that there is no charm here.

Take a word of advice, do not step foot into Blytheville, Arkansas, the smell, the look, the vibe, is of an old raggedy doll. If this is what the rest of Arkansas is like I am a little worried to visit any other part of it. However if you have a little friend like Liz with you, you can take any town my storm! 

Another one that does not bite the dust!

It has been another long run since I wrote on my blog, but now again I have been inspired to write! I just finished my first year of my MSN nursing program one more to go. Its been a quick ride through and I am  very happy to have made this decision. Along this journey of mine I have met some incredible people along the way. Some people who are nothing like me but I find that I can learn so much through them. As I invested time and a lot of money in this particular journey, which is rare for me, since naturally I have a nomadic lifestyle. And come on who really thought I would end up in Memphis, out of all places? So what I am saying is during this new adventure I have found something that I really enjoy and if I may say so I am good at, its dealing with mental health, its not just people with bipolar issues, but depression, anxiety. I am good at listening and mostly I am intrigued by what causes humans to get into this state of being. So in my studies and observation if we can't help the mental aspect of humans how we possibly fix the physical?

I met a particular person in nursing school, at first I didn't pay much attention to this person, but I saw him quite frequently because he was always helping people. I am not much for receiving help unless I ask for it. People used always talk about him, how nice, great, and helpful he was. We randomly spoke here and there but nothing too intense. One day I finally sat down to speak to this person who everyone had only great things to say about. I was quite intrigued to find out how "all together" he had it. What I found more intriguing was how he had this desire to help people without really asking for much in return, he truly wanted people to do well in school and did not mind devoting his time. I never utilized him as a resource because I was pretty good at that particular subject. As I got to know him better I realized that he wasn't just trying to get through school, but this guy was really intelligent. He really wanted to know all aspects of medicine, he wanted to practice become proficient in what he was doing. Most of the time I can say that some people have advantages over others because of gender role. For example men get paid more then women, they move up quicker, or because you are a minority you have a better chance of receiving a scholarship, etc...

However in this case it is true men are more favored in nursing because there is not many of them but for once I did not care about this because he really paved the way for himself, even if he wasn't a man the things he has done and accomplished would make anyone want to hire him. Volunteering, helping others, working on research papers and being published, shadowing nurse practitioners, he wanted to embrace everything he could about this particular field and he did it.

I am inspired by this individual, because I found many lazy people who do not motivate you in any way, better yet they do nothing but bring others down!

I really enjoy meeting new people for this particular reason! Just when you think that there isn't a good soul out there, or someone you can look up to, I randomly meet someone who inspires and motivates me to do better. I typically write about an amazing person I have met each year and I have been slacking the past couple years! Memphis has showed me a lot and while living here I have met many great folks, this is just one good example!

3am Telephone call

So I was at work tonight sitting at the front dest at about 3am-ish.

Me: Hello, this is Helen how can I help you.
Caller: It has been dark all day, I just want to know if it is going to be dark for the rest of the day.
Me: Well it is 3am so it is dark, it will be dark till about 7am.
Caller: Oh really you believe it will get light at 7am?
Me: I believe so ma'am.
Caller: So it will not be dark anymore.
Me: Yes (chuckle)

I mean seriously  am I being pranked?!?! Lol
Or it could be a resident that is super old and is it losing!!

Smiles for everyone!!

I have a thing for smiles. It is true, I love them so much I become enticed by the "smiler." I believe a smile can say a lot about a person or simply put one on your face. I can say that I have targeted some people to become friends with because they are always smiling and usually tend to be positive folks. I don't know what it is that attracts me to a person who is smiling but its like secretly they are reeling me through some subliminal message. haha

Dr. Wesson, I remember him clearly as though I was just in his classroom at UIC yesterday. He always walked in with this amazing smile that just made you want to hug him, he could do no wrong because he always had this smile, besides his amazing smile he was brilliant and well spoken. My current professor Remedi, has a way about his teachings and a smile that is unforgettable. Do NOT WORRY this blog is not about some crush on my professors, but about smiles :)  It is just that they are so memorable because they are positive people, no matter what the situation is.

I have to give some shout outs to some other amazing smilers, these smilers are very unique to me; Davey, Annie, Kate, and Steve, there is a similarity between all these people not only do they have uplifting smiles, but they are very positive in almost every way thinkable. They are kind and inspire me to have this characteristic as well.

I have a fantastic friend, who seems to inspire me every time I get a chance to visit or speak to him. Sometimes in my crazy life, I have an escape through his wild stories and the way he lives his life. Things always seems to work for him, even in his chaotic plans. He is truly blessed. He always seems to motivate me and give me hope and encouragement. I wish to make others smile the way he makes me smile. He reminds me that the petty little problems and drama of life are so insignificant that we can move on to the fantastic things life has to offer. He's a handy little fellow who is brilliant and a pleasure to have in my life. I have known him for years but yet there is always a vibrant friendship. I only wish I could be surrounded more by people like him but that is not always possible.

This same little friend reminded me of something powerful. I was a bit annoyed and perhaps upset I would say. I am a planner, I like to hang out with my friends, spend some time out, eat out, laugh and have good conversation. I make the effort, I am driven. But this past year things have been kind of hectic around here. I have been completely devoted to my studies, volunteering and work. I barely have time to hang out. The frustration comes from this; I make an effort to keep friendships. The only problem is that one person cannot do all the work, it is like that saying "it takes 2 to tango!" So as frustrated as I felt that some of the people I seemed to think as "friends" did not want to " tango". Sometimes its not meant to be and there are way more important things to focus on, then who wants to make the EFFORT. Which I suppose that is easier said then done. I was getting all worked up for nothing, since I don't want them to change unless they want to. People seem to make things very clear without saying much. And sometimes you just have take a hint and get rid of the negative. However, headaches and sadness over this is a complete waste of time.

I know to cherish what I do have in front of me. Therefore 2011 starts without sweating others and more smiles. I love becoming inspired by people. I can't help but love them. I really love the fact that I find new faces and create new relationships, I love changes. I can't be still forever, so folks let's move on.

I am putting the lazies, unthoughtful, shady, and unresponsive behind me. I vow to surround myself around people who help me grow, motivate me and help me. I must say that I already have some fantastic people in my life, why complicate this system. I also have the gift of meeting crazies, and smilers.

I want to thank DK for giving me a fresh breath of air again. You are a great smiler and inspiration to my life. I also would like to thank all the people I have met in the past and the ones I will meet in the future, you keep me entertained and knowledgeable.

Humans now go smile, make a difference. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011 is already fantastic!!!

Its the beginning of time....FALL

I could not be more thankful at this moment. I have been dreaming of the 70 degree year round weather of SAN DIEGO for years. However this is my first fall in Chicago in 3 years and it reminds me how much I love it. Yes fall hasn't completely hit us yet, but its starting and it feels "fantastical." :) All the layers, sweaters, the leaves changing, and that awesome brisk air that hits your face, puts the biggest smile on my face.

I think this all started since I was a young child. Fall for me means a new start. (I guess this could apply to any season.) Just think about it for a second, since we were young we started school at the beginning of each fall, we started many sports, clubs, new friendships, new classrooms, new teachers, new clothes, shoes, the beginning of productive activies, etc... You get the point. I seriously get butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it. It reminds me of high school football, as I marched midfield on the football field playing my clarient.

Spectacular colors everywhere, its like the life of a city is born again. Everyone is out, vacations are over, bustling cities wide awake.  I, my friends, am the "weird girl" walking around with a huge smile for absolutely no reason whatsoever! I don't even notice it, it just happens:)

It such a carefree time. "Young folks" by peter bjorn and john comes to my head. The good old UIC days living it up in Little Italy. Living in Chicago, so full of mysteries and adventures. There is always a memorable time in fall. But the amazing thing is not the past, its the new memories I will create this year.

For my little heart's sake please go out and enjoy fall, go running, sit by the window with your favorite sweater and a glass of red vino. I don't care just feel the start of something new.

To Beach or not to BEach?

It seems that my brain comes up with my deepest thoughts at this hour. A crazy sense of emotions with unanswered questions. There have been many, and I mean MANY times where I have wanted to be in my "own" little world. Where I could choose the people, live in a different country and not deal with others.

As I watched the movie ~The Beach~ I realized why this would not work. A secret place that no one knows about except those people living there with you. You forget what reality is, you began to create what you believe is real. You cannot grow! (Anyone want to go to Thailand? j/k)  The funny thing is desire is desire wherever you go.

How can one convince themselves that what others do is wrong and blindly see pass your own "wrong?" However when that realization comes, when one can truly realize that what they are telling another is the same thing they should be working on, well that my friend is growth.

We can be too naive in this life to think that we are great, boast to believe what we do is greater than what others do. A sort of self accomplishment. I know this may sound like a huge question, but it really isn't. What is our purpose? To show how great we are, to prove we can do it better than the other? What accomplishments we can complete? Of course not, why can't we realize the simple answer to this question and why, oh why is it so hard to except the answer?  That void can only be filled temporarily.

VOID= Not occupied; unfilled.Completely lacking; devoid