Have You Heard...

Hello everyone! Sorry for the delay, I swear I’m trying to hold up my end of the bargain with this blog. Going along the lines of Bethany’s last post about doing things that make you happy, I thought I might comment about avoiding some things that make us unhappy.

Which leads me directly (for probably the first time in the history of this blog) to the point of this post: GOSSIP. I put that in all caps because, not only am I trying to spice up the formatting of this post, but also because gossip plays such a huge role in many of our lives. And to those in whose lives it does not—bless you, it’s hard to resist a juicy bit of scandal. We don’t gossip to be intentionally cruel or to hurt someone’s feelings…we do it because it’s therapeutic, because it’s easier to feel better about ourselves when we talk about others’ shortcomings, and because we really don’t think that there is a chance we’ll get caught. Are you shaking your head? Are you saying, “Well, Nadine, what they don’t know won’t hurt them…where’s the harm?” Well, perhaps you are right—who am I to determine the answer to that question? But here is a Spanish proverb to provoke a little thought, and (I can only hope) a little discussion:

Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you.

What do you think? Here’s my take: it’s a vicious cycle, and continuing to gossip only encourages an environment of criticism and negativity—a place where it’s acceptable to say awful things about one another, as long as you can find someone else to agree with you.

Think a little about your life, dear readers. Do you spend most of your time saying things that will build others up, or tear them down? Until next time, I challenge you to make some changes. It’s hard to avoid gossip entirely, but try not to participate as much. You may find that the more positively you speak of others, the greater the likelihood is that they will do the same for you.
-Nadine

New Year

Hey everyone! It has been over a month since my last blog entry. Crazy! I am so glad to be back in Athens, and I hope that all of you had an awesome break. Since it is the New Year's resolution I think that you would all be glad to know that I did not make a cliche resolution such as that I am going to finally stop biting my nails or lose that last 10 pounds that I may have gained over winter break ( I actually gained 4 but sometimes I swear it feels like 10 when I try to wear my AE jeans). My resolution for this year is to do things that make myself happy. And no this does does not mean that I am going to become an inconsiderate person. I just think that sometimes we get too caught up in things that we are only doing because "oh that club might look good on a resume one day" or "although i really don't like what I am doing this is where all my friends are and if I quit I will have nothing left". I don't know about you, but I did too much of that in high school and it really just isn't worth it anymore.
I challenge all of you to be selfish this week. Use the word "no" when you really don't feel like doing. Join the bowling team although you're a pre-law major. I have found that since my New Year's resolution I have become so much more happy and I just thought that I would pass on my words of wisdom :). PS- The video that Nadine posted of me is just my initial reaction after Barack Obama won, I do not consider myself a political expert in any shape or form. Also, I am pretty sure that I could have passed for a homeless person that video lol.
We just want to keep our blog personal and fun. We will definitely keep uploading videos as the quarter goes on because everyone know that I am not a technolgical expert and I have no idea how "Facebook is going to surpass Myspace by 20% views in the next 6 months". Remember my challenge and please comment! Thank you so much for visiting our blog.
-Bethany

It's been a while, folks

Hello all! Firstly, I'd like to apologize profusely for being MIA for weeks and weeks. But no worries, Bethany and I are back and ready to kick this blog into gear once again...in fact, we have both resolved (New Year's style, of course) to keep up with the entries this time around.

So, without further ado, I would like to introduce a video taken all the way back in early November, when the nation elected Barack Obama president of the United States of America. In light of the upcoming inauguration, I thought it would be fitting to give you, our dear readers, a glimpse into Bethany Scott's reaction to the country's historic decision. I apologize for the sub-par picture quality...hopefully Bethany's enlightened musings will more than make up for it. Enjoy!
-Nadine



Original Video- More videos at TinyPic

Everything will be alright in the end...

Wow it been a while since my last blog post. Let's see well I survived through finals week! Now I am back in lovely West Virginia. I was quite excited when I got out of my car because I thought that I heard someone playing jingle bells as I exited the car, only to realize that it was the firing of shot guns. No surprise there...it's dear season in West Virginia.
So last night I went to check my grades and realized that I had received a failing grade for a class that I didn't even know was a class or that I was enrolled in. Right now, I am having some difficulty getting it worked out but I hope that it can be resolved in the near future.
On another note, I am so glad that I read Paul Matson's blog post this morning. The main focus of the post was gpa vs. experience. Based on the evidence in the blog, it seems that in the world of journalism it's important to be well-rounded in both. After reading the post, I feel so relieved. Hopefully, I am on the right track.
Right now, I am just looking to the future and hoping that things will work out. As one of my favorite quotes says "Everything will be alright in the end. If it's not alright it's not the end" things will always work out. If not, I can always reference one of my favorite Tom Petty songs "I won't back down." Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
-Bethany

Finals Week and Final Thank Yous

Hello! I hope exam week is going swiftly and productively for all of you…stick with it, we’re almost there! So, this week has contained a series of interesting twists and turns. Bethany are living life Facebook-free after having trusted individuals who shall remain undisclosed change our passwords for us (just as a warning, this course of action is not for the faint of heart). It’s been rough, but I feel I can safely say that I’ve gotten more studying done without the pressing need to change my status to “Nadine hates finals” or “Nadine is considering life as a hermit in the foothills of the Himalayans.” Anyways, on to the point of this post: this week in particular, I’ve had time to think about all the wonderful people in my life—both here at OU and at home. I’d like to point out something that our old buddy Matthew Kelly says about the people we meet in our lives:

Along the way you will meet many people. Some of them you will help, assist, advise. Others will help, assist, and advise you. It has been my experience that when you think you are there to help someone else, chances are they are really there to help you.
People are a gift. Each person that crosses through your life is a chance to love, a chance to really live.
Cherish people.

I’m not sure why this week I have been struck with this feeling of intense appreciation for all the friends and family I have in my life. Maybe I’m just sleep-deprived or experiencing some kind high brought on by an excess of Starbuck’s coffee. Perhaps it was the snow last night that looked so beautiful as it fell. Or maybe it’s the knowledge that after a few days I will have my first quarter as a college student under my belt. Whatever the reason, I am radiating the spirit of Thanksgiving and it feels amazing. I encourage you to do the same—take a step back and look at your relationships, both the failures and successes, the prominent ones and the seemingly minor, and say a little thank you for what these people taught you that you couldn’t have possibly learned on your own. Spread some love this upcoming break, I know I’ll be trying to! Until then, good luck on all your finals and have a safe trip home, or wherever your journey is taking you this winter.
-Nadine

The Communication Principle

So yesterday I was just sitting in the laundry room waiting for my clothes to dry while Bethany was jetting around being Miss Involved (she won the spotlight award at PRSSA!) and I started to think. Recently I’ve been wishing that I could understand people better and relate to them more. You know, just be able to see where they are coming from. I know this is kind of mopey, but I swear this post has a point. I was reminded of a book I had to read in high school called The Rhythm of Life by Matthew Kelly—particularly one chapter called The Communication Principle. I think if we all took the author’s advice on how to talk to people, the world would be an easier place to live in. Here’s what he says:

Let others talk. Avoid arguments. Don’t complain. Give honest and sincere compliments. Appreciate people. Always compliment more than you criticize. Compliment before you criticize. Invite input. Never be afraid to seek advice. Never criticize someone in front of other people. Be aware of other people’s desires. Find joy and pleasure through taking an interest in people. Only talk about yourself if asked. Smile—it is contagious and opens people’s hearts. Learn to listen. Remember other people’s names, it is music to their ears. Remember people’s birthdays and anniversaries—it shows you care. Encourage people to share about themselves. Engage people where they are—talk in relation to their interests. Help other people to discover their uniqueness, to feel special and important, without patronizing them. Respect other people’s opinions. Admit when you are wrong. Be kind and friendly to every person you meet. Ask questions people respond to positively. Encourage other people in their dreams. Try to see it from the other person’s point of view. Hold up ideals. Challenge people gently. Talk about your own failures. Appeal to higher motives. Always look for yourself in others and others in you.
Be clear, concise, open, and honest.

So dear readers, I encourage you to think about that list. What do you struggle with the most? I know for me it's seeking advice and admitting when I'm wrong. Until next time, let's all take Mr. Kelly's advice and be clear, concise, open, and honest...we all could use a little more of that in our lives.
-Nadine

This One Time in Yoga Class...

Hello friends, I’m back! Before I begin, I’d like to thank my partner in crime for picking up my slack in this blog writing business and being extra-proactive—she is fabulous. So, after having taken my all too long hiatus from this blog and being rejuvenated from my Bethany-induced caffeine fast (ha!) I have decided that it is time that I start paying the people around me some attention. This morning I endured the frigid cold and traveled to Ping for the 9 am yoga class. After too much “downward-facing dog” and not nearly enough “child’s pose,” I feel that I can safely say that all five of us in the class were feeling sufficiently serene and reenergized by the end. Before we had a chance to roll up our mats and make a mad dash for the swiper, the yoga instructor pressed her palms together and said “Namaste.” Umm…excuse me? Is that even a word? I mean, do they teach yoga instructors a special language along with that freaky ability to bend their legs in 180-degree angles? Puzzled, I decided that my biology homework could wait—I needed to figure out what on earth this woman had said. After much intensive research, I came across this definition from www.yogajournal.com:

The gesture Namaste is an acknowledgment of the soul in one by the soul in another. If it is done with deep feeling in the heart and with the mind surrendered, a deep union of spirits can blossom. The teacher initiates Namaste as a symbol of gratitude and respect toward her students and her own teachers and in return invites the students to connect with their lineage, thereby allowing the truth to flow—the truth that we are all one when we live from the heart.

It sounds really deep, but the message behind it is so simple. Saying Namaste basically means that you are forming some kind of spiritual connection with another person. So, if I came up to you on the street and was like “Hey, insert-your-name-here. Namaste!” I’d just be finding a short and condensed way to let you know that the same emotions and physical influences that make up you are also inside of me…that you and I really are not that different. Okay, so now that I’ve enlightened you on the true meaning of the word, go ahead and use it! You’ll affirm the oneness of the human family and sound like you know an exotic language. The next time you see a friend or are about to part with a group of acquaintances, just whip it out and see what happens. I promise, you won't be disappointed!
-Nadine