Reflection on Blogging

This semester I decided to take a blogging for journalism course. I didn't really know what to expect but I knew I was interested to have an outlet to practice writing.

I didn't really know what I wanted to do or what I wanted to talk about. I couldn't find one single topic that I was absolutely passionate about. So I started with the idea that I could talk about pop culture that interests me mixed with lifestyle. Luckily I have a great professor who has been very helpful during the process of coming out with a concept for the blog. I still don't know what my "niche" is but I am slowly starting to figure it out.

I feel as if I am finally starting to find my voice in writing. I most definitely want to continue blogging but am deciding that I do my best writing when there is a topic on my sleeve and just can't help but talk about it. This means there will be less frequent posts, which I am totally okay with.

It means so much to me that there are those of you who actually take the time to read my posts(rants). It encourages me to push my limits and do more.

Auf Wiedersehen, Breanna

Musical Madness: White Christmas

One of my favorite musicals is White Christmas. I could never feel blue when watching it. You would have to be crazy to not love such a classic. Once this semester ends next week it will be White Christmas and other musicals for days!

26 Reasons I am Thankful this Thanksgiving!

So, at the beginning of the month I decided that everyday I would post on Facebook what I was thankful for. Well... that plan changed, I decided that I would rather just make one long post in the spirit of Thanksgiving. Besides, Facebook has too much going on right now to see 26 separate posts of what this 20-something is thankful for.

1. Thankful for Family.
My family, as a whole, has always been there for me. Even miles away I receive much comfort from them. Even at times when they stress me out, I still love them more than anything. Thanks to technology. I always have a way to stay connected.

2. Thankful for Netflix.
Netflix is the best therapy around! When ever I feel like I am about to loose my mind I can lay on my bed and zone out watching a good portion of a series.

3. Thankful for School.
I may complain about school from time to time but I have figured out that I am extremely blessed to have the opportunity to attend. Am I going to be drowning in student loan debt? You bet'cha! But it is worth it.

4. Thankful for Bees.
Yes, I occasionally swat at bees, run away from bees, or even hide in terror from them. Bees are  essential to the environment. Also, there is honey! Yummy honey!





5. Thankful for Tattoos. 
I currently have four tattoos. Some have meanings and some don't. My tattoos allow me to express myself and show what I love. I am excited to see them in the future because they will always remind me of who I am or who I was when I got it. Plus, they'll be entertaining for the grand-kids.

6. Thankful for my Brother.
Nobody can take the place of my little brother. We are ALWAYS there for each other, no matter what. I always enjoy the times we have together and I am excited to be able to see him more often. Thank you for being the best brother ever!

7. Thankful for hookah.
At the moment I have three hookahs! I love to pass time and relax by bringing out my hookahs or going out to smoke hookah. There are so many different flavors that it is always a treat.

8. Thankful for Friends.
Over the years I have gained and lost friends. True friends stick by your side and are always there for you. Maintaining a friendship does not require you to constantly be together, you just have to be there for them in any way possible. I am proud to call my friends family.

9. Thankful for FRIENDS.
I have mentioned before that Friends is one of my all-time favorite TV shows. It is perfect and I do not feel as if I need to say more!

10. Thankful for my Kitty.
I didn't realize how much of a cat person I was until I got Edie. She is so mischievous and loving. I don't know what I would do without her.

11. Thankful for movies.
Movies allow me to escape from reality. Almost any genre of movies will do!

12. Thankful for my dad.
My dad is an odd fella but I love him. He has always been there for me no matter what. I will always be his little girl.

13. Thankful for mistakes.
Without mistakes or failures we are unable to learn. Whether it be mine or someone else's it is all helpful.

14. Thankful for animals.
I love animals and always have. It irritates me when people abuse or abandon animals. Animals do not get a say in what their future holds, humans do. Any animal is worth love.

15. Thankful for my major.
My major is Strategic Communications. I do not know what made me to decide on this major, I think I just picked it. I do not regret it one bit or have any doubt in it. My only hope is that I am to prove myself with my major once I graduate.

16. Thankful for make-up.
I have worn make-up since I was in middle school. The first mascara I was allowed to wear was clear. I would experiment with all the different colors until I found my niche. I am not saying that I am dependent on make-up or that girls need to wear it. Make-up gives me the extra boost of confidence I need.

17. Thankful for music.
I have always loved music. I love music that allows me to be my true weird self.

18. Thankful for traditions.
I love traditions. I feel as if they are important for any friendships or families to have. They are what makes your group unique.

19. Thankful for books.
I have always loved reading. Before I graduated high school I read constantly. My favorite books were the ones in first-person. I was able to put myself into the character's mind.

20. Thankful for my Mom.
My mom is dorky and unique. No matter what I will always need her around. I know she will always be there for me. I love her so.

21. Thankful for trees.
Trees are always beautiful. All the time, trees are beautiful.

22. Thankful for socks.
Those who know me know that I am not a fan of feet. Socks cover feet. Socks come in many fun varieties. Lets all wear socks! (P.S. I need these socks.. winky face)

23. Thankful for my boyfrannnn.
November 23rd was our 6 months. We may have not been together for a long-time but I truly believe that he is everything I have ever needed. He is supportive and caring. I love you!

24. Thankful for baths.
The best way to take a bath is to use a bath bomb from Lush. Taking a bath is just another way I love to relax.

25. Thankful for Thanksgiving food!
Sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, rolls, turkey, apple pie, pecan pie, pumpkin pie.....

26. Thankful for beliefs.
Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs. They are what makes us what we are. It is important that we respect one another and each other's beliefs.



Thank you for taking the time to read my rambles. The goal for my Thanksgiving holiday is to stay positive and spend every possible moment with the ones I love.

Stay thankful!

Adele News

Adele has wronged me. I feel betrayed and mislead. I do not think that I will ever be able to trust her again.

I have not listened to "Hello" by Adele.

As soon as the song and music video came out I was as excited as everyone else. Her beautiful tone and lyrics have always had me wanting to listen more. I went to YouTube to listen to the song. The first word out of her mouth was "Hello." To me it sounded similar to the Lionel Richie song "Hello." I was so excited because I thought she would be singing a cover of the famous/most wonderful song in the world. The words after hello was, "it's me" instead of "is it me." She did not perform a cover...

I wasn't able to listen to the song after.  I have not listened to the rest of the song, nor do I plan on it. I can't handle the betrayal. I honestly do not know if I will ever be able to trust Adele again.

For your entertainment and mine, here is the amazing Lionel Richie.

I'm saying no.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays! My favorite part about it is spending the time with my family and goofing around. Plus, all the food makes me giddy.

My first and last time I ever worked Black Friday was TERRIBLE. It is something I would never wish on my worst enemy. Well... I take that back. Working Black Friday makes you see people in a more real way. People will do anything for a good deal.

It troubles me to hear that stores will be opening early on Thanksgiving to increase sales for Black Friday. Thanksgiving is the day we all are entitled to have to spend time with the ones we love, or at least it was.

How can one be thankful if they are having to work on Thanksgiving? Why would I want to loose precious memories by standing in line waiting on store doors to open? If I will not work on Thanksgiving, why would I shop?

I have never been much of a fan of Black Friday. The “holiday” puts all that you have been thankful for and puts them to the side. I am not saying that I won’t shop on Black Friday but I definitely refuse to shop anywhere on Thanksgiving.

Shut it down!

When I am working I am able to take a great break from technology, such as cellphones. I may have mentioned this before but I work in a bookstore and a lot of the time I am at the register. 

One day at work I was standing at the register and I noticed a group of girls that came in. There were four girls in the group and they walked around browsing through our books. The thing is, they weren't even browsing they were all standing in a circle and each one of them was glued to their cellphones. They would talk to each other here or there and then would be stuck to the screen in their hands. 

Is this how it is going to be in the future, People not knowing how to properly communicate because of their addiction to cellphones? Now I know I probably have no room to talk about addiction to cellphone because I spent my morning before class going  through social media but, it took me not looking at a screen to see what was actually happening around me. 

One of my boyfriend's biggest pet peeve is when people are on their phone while he is trying to have a conversation with them (which I am guilty of). It is very frustrating. When a friend or family member is glued to their phone with you there it feels as if they have very little interest in you being there or in what you have to say. 

Cellphones seem to be the choice of drug. People are afraid that there might be something they miss if they aren't on their phone. The first 20 minutes I was on social media this morning I found out that Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani are dating, not much to miss. 

My phone does help me to stay connected with friends and family that are far away from me but it does not compare to how face to face conversation feels. I want to enjoy the company. 

About Another Blog: The Wideyed Wanderer.

There are many different blogs out there that serve different purposes. If you have an interest, I can almost guarantee that you can find a blog about it. The Wideyed Wanderer is a blog that I keep up with.

I first met Caleb when I was working in the school's call center and we became friends. I can honestly say that is a great friend to have and is a good person with a great heart. He had the opportunity to travel to the Middle East and work. To me, that seems like a terrifying thing to do.

I love to read the blog because you are able to travel with him and see what he is up to. By reading the blog you also get to learn about a different culture through his experiences.

I had the opportunity to interview Caleb for an assignment and asked him what advice he would give to other bloggers. He had a long response BUT I feel that it is such great advice that I will share it all!

 "Always proofread like 3 or 4 times before you publish! After you write, walk away for a few hours or sleep on it then come back and proofread again. Nothing is more embarrassing or frustrating than catching a mistake after you have published and others have read it. It is important to know why you are blogging, and what you hope to accomplish with your blog. If you love cooking, create a cooking blog. If you travel, create a blog about your adventures. If you are starting a family or want to keep people up to date on your life, use it for that purpose. Once you have the theme, get creative! Don’t be afraid try new things. For example, I follow several family blogs. When you look at these blogs you can find favorite recipes, family vacations, videos of their kids, photos, stories, even DIY projects they have completed. It seems like a lot, but it’s all centered around one theme: their family! At the end of the day the most important thing is to have fun. Blogs provide a creative outlet for people to express themselves. Don’t blog to get famous, or because you think people care about what you have to say because there is a high probability that you will not be satisfied. Use your blog as a way to express yourself in unique, fun, and modern ways. If you are happy with your blog and enjoy creating it, there is a strong possibility that others will enjoy it as well. And if no one else likes it well it’s not really for them anyway, unless you are getting paid in which case make sure that other people like it or else you probably won’t be getting paid much longer." 

I have learned a lot from his blog and advice. It is a treat to be able to read his posts and view pictures of his adventures. Thank you for blogging!

"Close your eyes and you're gone"

One thing I absolutely love about my hometown is the radio stations. As soon as I reach the point from where the OKC stations end and the Tulsa stations begin the stations are immediately changed. Z104.5 The Edge is my station. Rock and Alternative music take me away to a brand new place.

It seems that every time I am driving Beck's song Dreams(2015) comes on and I find myself immediatly jamming out. The radio goes full blast and the limited (safety percautions) car dancing begins. 

I can play this song over and over again and it never gets old. I love it! I feel this way about almost
all Beck songs. Anytime there is a Beck song that I like, I can play it all the time and never get burnt out.

He is a talented artist who deserves all of our attention! My very first song I heard from Beck was Loser(1994) and I have loved it ever since. Listening to his album Morning Phase(2014) start to end always leaves me in a super relaxed state every time I give a listen. Songs like Where It's At (1996) and Go It Alone(2005) are feel good songs that will get you moving and even when you want to stay still. The music... It will get ya'.

I will never to be able to get over how remarkable he is at writing music. He plays 14 instruments and there are plenty of artists who can even play one! He has been nominated for several awards. His list of wins are 3 Brit Awards, 5 Grammy's, and 6 MTV Video Music Awards.

I respect Beck and I believe he is a genius. Don't be surprised in 10 years when I have a son and his name is, you guessed it, Beck.

Learning Not To Care

Allow me to introduce myself:

-My name is Breanna

-I am 21 years old

-I am getting my Bachelor's in May

-I am shy

-I live miles away from my family

-I care too much

-I isolate myself

I am really nervous and shy person. I don't want like negative attention drawn to me. When you first meet me I can seem stand-offish. This is because I am afraid of being judged and hated. I am afraid that I am going to say something to embarrass myself or start being annoying by talking too much to overcompensate for being nervous. 

This happens in more social occasions where I am meeting new people or just everyday meeting of new people. I typically wait for people to come to me first so I don't feel like I am overstepping any boundaries. When I feel like I am being judged or annoying I start to isolate myself and think down on myself. I start to question why I even try or who really even cares if I have anything to say. It feels like my chest is collapsing and my head is shrinking.

Once I start to feel comfortable around people or situations I begin to feel myself or more sane feeling and can just not care of how I appear. But, this only happens when, you know, you don't feel like everyone could care less if you were there or not. 

I am not loud. I don't like to voice out personal things about my life to strangers. Deep down I just want to feel included or like I matter. 

With strangers it is bad but easy to get over. With people you care about it is a whole other story. When you feel secluded or like they can care less it hits home. 

What I am realizing is that their are two types of relationships: 

1) Mutual feelings- you are there for each other.

2) One-way- you are only there for when they need you but not the other way around. 

I care too much about relationships that are only one way. Not to say I don't care about mutual feelings because obviously it goes both ways. One-way is difficult because they normally start as mutual or you think they are mutual.

I am the person who is shy and knows who she can trust. I care too much about what people think whether they are close or not. I am slowly learning that not everyone's opinion is important. I'm learning whom my relationships are mutual with and am going to focus on those. I am going to work on being bold and confident. I am going to work on making the most of me and allowing things to fall into place. 

So please, bare with me. I am working on being who I need to be. 

Personal Note: You fit in where you are you.

Be Bridget.

So... I have never seen Bridget Jones's Diary. I have always heard about it from others or it reference in shows but I still have never seen it. I was born in '94 and this film came out in 2001, so since I would have been around 7 years old there is not room to judge me. (In yo face!)

I never understood what the hype was all about. I mean, it is just Renée Zellweger and two mediocre good-looking British guys. Then one morning I was scanning through Netflix and decided "Why not?" Side-note: I was on Fall Break; I do with my mornings what I please. 

Trying to get past Renée having a British accent was the hardest part of watching them film. Let's face it, American actors doing different accents can throw you off. Once I got past the accent I was drawn in.

Bridget has problems that I can most definitely relate it to. If I was in my 30s and was in her same situation I would be just like her. Because the issues the character deals with are so common: I believe that if any other, more "glamorous", actress would have played Bridget it would have not as been as great.

She struggles with weight constantly even recording how much she has lost and gained through her diary. Her mother is always trying to fix her up with a guy. She loves so much that it s devastating and she resorts to food and drinking. Bridget makes blue soup and fumbles around. She is average and it is great!


The best part of it is that she has two men that just have to have her. This is where every girl's fantasy comes in to play. Do you go for the safe and dependable Mark Darcy? Or, do you go for the unpredictable "bad boy" who may break your heart Daniel Cleaver.

This film is great. I feel as if you can learn from it. One would be to not judge a book by its cover. Darcy and Bridget hated each other from the beginning based off of a first-impression but then ended up realizing they were good for one another. Don't be afraid to walk away from situations. Daniel is just not a good character; he may be fun but not good. He cheats on Bridget, doesn't think she is enough for him, and just a bold-face liar. Bridget realizes she is better not being with him.

What I like the most is that Darcy tells Bridget that he likes her "Just as you are." All the time it may seem that people want to change you or you have feeling you need to changed to be liked. Do not waste your time with people who do not like you for "Just as you are." I think most of the time in romantic relationships, especially young relationships, you think that you have to change in order to have someone like you or want to be around you. If you do have to change to be with someone then you do not need to be with them. In some circumstances the changes can be good things but don't change your entire personality for a person.

Be you. That simple.

Now I haven't seen the sequel yet because I had to come back to reality and do school... No spoilers please!

Playboy: Cosmo for Men

The Internet has made getting things free fairly simple. In the digital age why pay for porn when you are literally one click-away from it. Not to mention that there are girls who show off their goodies for free for a couple of likes on the Internet, but we won't get into that now.

The first issue of Playboy was issued in 1953 and is. "When Hef created Playboy he set out to champion personal freedom and sexual liberty at a time when America was painfully conservative," as stated by the Playboy.com staff. Now sexuality and nudity can be seen almost anywhere you look such as movies, music, television and etc. Game of thrones, Miley Cyrus, Magic Mike... you get the picture. America is not as conservative as it once was. There is more freedom of what can be seen as art or obscure.

Playboy has announced that they will no longer have nudes in their magazine starting March 2016. This means for those men who claim to only read it for the articles and can stand by their word. (Does anyone remember the episode of Friends where Ross has a joke published in Playboy?) One of the main reasons for the change is how much circulation has dropped; once at 5.6 million to now 800,000.  Cory Jones, chief content officer, is stated by the New York Times saying, "The magazine will adopt a cleaner, more modern style."

Growing up with a conservative background, I was raised to believe that nudity is bad and shameful. Me, I don't necessarily believe in censorship and I know that art is important part of a society's culture and history. Michelangelo's David for example is a great piece of art that has been studied through the ages. What is the line drawn between art and perversion?

Playboy may be taking a big step in backing down from nudity. They are redefining their "entertainment for men" from provocative and racy to safe-for work and more cultural. They want to reach that broader audience. As obvious as it is: this rebranding of the magazine is either going to take it to another level or finish it.

What do you think of the change? Do you think it is a smart move? Will this make people more comfortable to read the articles in public?

Divorce: "Well that's life."

Everyday we see stories of celebrity couples divorcing or breaking up. The tabloids love to exploit the "drama" or the "inside story" whether it may be true or not. Side note: I am 21. Just by the people I know through high school, college, or just everyday life there are already so many people that have been married and/or divorced.

"Well that's life for ya," is what you'll hear from everybody. Divorce comes from many things and some times the reasons can be selfish.

There are a lot of people who grew up with their parents divorced and for most of them it seems that a pattern has already been set on how everything is going to be. I did not get that particular case. My parents divorced this past March right before my 21st birthday.

I am not going to go into the details of their divorce because that it is personal business and that is not fair to either side. What I plan to do is share my side and experience with it.

The main reason for the divorce is that they were simply not meant to be together. The problem is it took them about two decades to figure that out. In my case I didn't have to deal with my parents' separation growing up. So now I am adapting as an adult living hours away.

Going to see family is the worse. You are expected to spend time with mom then spend time with dad. You are still expected to see everyone and make appearances. People get upset no matter what the situation.  It is stressful. Me, I am the type of person who has to even everything out.

One thing I have learned is that being fair isn't practical. You see people when you see them. Trying to make everyone happy is only going to make you miserable. When no one can get along it is messy and confusing because of all the lack of communication.

Here are some things that are helping me.

1. "You'll see us when you see us..."
My papa told this to me during one of my visits back home. I was stressing about trying to divide up my time between people. A weekend is all the time I get and it's nearly not enough time. He said, "You'll see us when you see us. You are busy and if we don't see you that's okay." So much stress was taken. Elders, they help so much.

2. Staying Positive.
My boyfriend and I attend Life Church and they are currently on the series called "Stay Positive." When I am stressing out, I think about all the good things that are happening in my life. There is so much negativity in the world and it helps to be positive as much as possible. Being negative will not help you advance in life. Be positive. Be positive. Be positive.

3. A Supporting Crew
In my previous post "FRIENDS: The family you wish you had" I talked about how you need people around that can be supporting and understand you. I have friends that I know are there for me and when anything odd or big would/does occur they are always there to listen. Friends choose you, so they know how to deal with your crazy. My boyfriend is one of my biggest supports. He is constantly there for me when I have to rant or I am freaking out. I do not know what I would do without him or my friends.

4. My Brother
My little brother is a reason I can deal with the change. We are always there for each other and listen to what we have to say. We are incredibly close and would probably not be very (emotionally) strong if we did not have each other. He is going through so much right now and he is being incredibly strong. I have to stay level-headed for him. I have to be the one he can rely on to be there for him and offer honestly.

5. My Goals
Keeping goals is important. I have worked hard to put my self through college and I am just short of a year from graduating. I am excited to start my life. I stay optimistic about reaching a goal I have set for myself. Outside stress is not going to ruin my dreams. I can block out the bullshit and drama and do what needs to be done to improve myself. I know that the outside world is going to be tough once I graduate but walking across that stage is going to be sweet enough for me.

I have learned that you cannot please everyone. You have to be able to live your life. No matter the stress or the craziness. Divorce is rough no matter which way you look at it. There are plenty of other children of divorced parents that I have to deal with the tugging and pulling from one side to the other. We all learn to deal with it in the ways that seem to make more sense to us.

Be Positive. Be Productive. Be Supported. 

Thank you for making it to the end of my long personal post. Here is a golden star.