Monthly Archives: October 2011

Be happy.

Posted on by

1

So tonight, as I was completing an assignment for class, I got to thinking about a few different things.  It amazes me that October is only 3 days from being over.  It seems like just yesterday I was wishing my little sister happy birthday and thinking to my self  “Sarah, you’re going to be 30 in less than a month…” Now here I am, less than a week away and in a moment of self reflection I got to thinking about things.

First off, one of the first things I thought of was the fact that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  I think it is wonderful that so many men and women rally to support such an important cause.  But I find it unfortunate that we only do so for 1 form of cancer.  Every day of our lives should be lived aware of cancer and the effects it has.  Whether it is breast cancer, prostate cancer or lung cancer, together we should show our support to everyone.  Not just women, not just men.  We should rally around those we know who are fighting this horrible type of disease and we should show our support in one of the many different ways we can.

On a side tangent, one of the things that frustrates me so much about breast cancer awareness month is the fact it completely disregards the fact that not only women get the disease, but men are able to as well.  While not as common, men often have a more difficult time getting the proper health care coverage, etc because of the fact they are men.  I remember reading a story about a man who was denied coverage by medicaid because breast cancer was a “woman’s” disease and since he was a man, he didn’t qualify for coverage.  (To read about this story, click here)  This angers me.  Whether you have a uterus, ovaries and a vagina or you have a penis, prostrate and testicles, breast cancer is breast cancer.  It is still just as deadly whether you are a man or a woman.  So as you promote awareness of breast cancer and the importance of self exams, don’t forget to educate the men in your lives too that breast cancer can happen to them too.  While they don’t have as much breast tissue as most women, it is still something that is very important for them to be aware of.

I also got to thinking about some other things.  Being that I am turning 3o on the 2nd, I began to reflect on where I am at in my life and where I want to be.  10 years ago, I had no clue I was going to be where I am now.  I would of never dreamed that I’d no longer be living in the beauty that is Southern Oregon.  I wouldn’t of dreams that I would currently be in college.  There are many things that have happened or are happening that I never imagined for myself when I was younger.

Yet, I am content with my life now.  I am proud of myself for returning to college after quitting 11 years ago.  I am estatic that I am getting good grades and doing so well.  I am also amazed at the fact that I am engaged to marry a wonderful man who isn’t even from the US.  I love my life and the only thing that would make me happier at this point in my life is if I was already married to the wonderful man who is my soul mate and other half.

See, I have a lot of views that many would consider non-traditional.  I think two people who love one another and are committed to sharing their lives with one another should be allowed a civil marriage.  If their religion allows for such unions to be recognized, I also believe that they should be able to do so, without fear of discrimination, hate or violence.  I believe different things religiously than what I was raised to believe.  I am opinionated on my views of many things and when asked directly, I am not afraid to share my views.  I think that life is what you make it.  Whether you have nice things or everything you own is second hand and you live on top ramen and kraft dinner, you can be happy.  Happiness isn’t material.  It isn’t something you can buy in a store or get from others.  Happiness and being content is something you have to do for yourself, feel from within.  Every day that you wake up, you make a choice.  You can either decide to be happy and positive or you can decide to be difficult, unhappy and contrary in nature.  Every day, I choose to wake up happy and positive.

This doesn’t mean that I am happy with the things I see occurring in our country or around the world.  It just means that in my tiny circle of life, things are good, regardless of what is occurring in the larger circles that surround my life.   While those outer circles affect my life, and some of the things that happen in it, I choose whether those changes are good or bad and whether the effect is positive or negative.

So I suppose what I am trying to say is make a choice when you wake each morning to live your life well.  Live it fully, appreciate what you have, don’t wish for what you don’t have.  Honor your beliefs, life and self.  Understand that things such as breast cancer and other things are only a small part of a bigger picture.  And just be happy.

Related articles

Review – Step Into Sexy Fragrance from Avon

Posted on by

I am one of those women who feels naked without using some sort of fragrance before walking out the door, even if it is to run to the store.  It seems counter – intuitive, given that I get pretty bad allergies from so many things, including perfumes.  However, this has helped me to develop a fragrance style that is all my own.

The first thing I look for in a fragrance is something that won’t cause an allergy attack for me.  I look up information regarding the combination of scents used and avoid the ones I know will cause a problem for me.  Then it is off to the testing phase.   Once I’ve tested the scent to see how it reacts to my own body chemistry, I am pretty much good to go.

Since Avon offered the Step Into Sexy as a special promotional buy for representatives, I decided to participate.  I figured if nothing else, I could always give the components of the promotion as gifts to my female family members and friends.

I fell in love with Step Into Sexy the moment I smelled it.  I tend to like perfumes that have similar aroma compounds to this fragrance, though there are the few exceptions (Haiku for example).  I have worn Step Into Sexy for about a week now and have had nothing but complements on the smell.  People at work have told me I smell good, women in the supermarket have asked me what it is I am wearing (hello sales opportunity!) and all in all, I really feel like this is another perfume that has hit my personality on the head.  I am not sure how to really describe the scent, it is one of those ones that almost needs to be experienced by the individual because it defies simple description.  The description from Avon does little to express how amazing this scent smells.

If you are not the type to enjoy florals or fragrances with ambers in them, then Step Into Sexy isn’t for you.  But if you are the type that is looking for a sophisticated smell that defines what makes you unique, I really feel this scent is for you.  It reminds me of Guess Gold for women, but perhaps just a hint less fruity and more on the floral side.

Related articles