That Notorious, Yet Charming Monster, Called Addiction

Alright, can we take a second and think about all the glorious, delicious & intoxicating things there are in this world? We are ever so easily enslaved by the most simple and wondrous of things.

     Addiction can be the most gratifying phenomenon that you, yourself, love. Some might even call it an obsession, and believe me, the lines are not that far apart. It's like, this little monster that awakens when you experience something that you instantly and absolutely love; something that you can't shake off, and that will release an oblivion of endorphins to your system. Making people notorious for bringing out their inner-geek, sensitivity, or what others may perceive as vulnerabilities - but when you love something so much, you couldn't care less about everyone else at that moment. Something that you're dedicated to beyond acumen and rational, that you burst into a brilliant exposure of passionate love!

     What are your addictions and (quite possibly) obsessions that you love more than people love to retweet on twitter and post on Facebook? These are some of mine, that I have absolutely no shame of.

Shamrock Shakes: Hold the phone and shut the front door! These shakes are simply the most magical thing that McDonald's has ever concoctioned. I have tried for years to recreate this mass of happiness, to no avail. Every year, when they come out in about the beginning of February, and continually prevail to stay out longer and longer - I get one every single day, up to one month. I had to make that rule after this year, as they were out for past three months now. After the first month, they're just using me at that point; I know - How dare they! If you know even the littlest about me, you know that I absolutely love these shamrock-filled vessels. They only come out a few months of the year, and it's been a long-held tradition for years now. I've even created a workout specifically to burning them off. Easily top 3 addictions.

Applebee's Half-Off Apps: Oh, how there are so many things I could say about my love for 'The Bee's'. Whoever came up with the brilliant idea to have half-off appetizers, needs not only a raise, but a hug as well. I will gladly fulfill that request for them, as everyone that is even semi-close to me, knows that I clearly have an obsession for this timeless tradition. I created an event for the Greek Life on my campus to go to Half-Off Apps every Thursday at 9pm - it was a huge success, and I couldn't be happier about it. I got to spend time with all the Greeks that I love and we all spent a few priceless hours with each other; it's definitely one of the happiest ideas that I've come up with. Every week, I would look forward to every Thursday, spending time with my Greek Family. On some real stuff though, that Queso Blanco #always has me running back.

Harry Potter: From fellow brilliant witches & wizards to muggles alike, the Harry Potter phenomena is loved with exponential amplitude. I fell in-love with the cleverness of the story, the brilliance of the magic, & the fascination of the concept itself. I think every kid fantasizes about being able to use magic, riding hypocrites, playing in the Quidditch World Cup, and living in an enchanted castle like Hogwarts. How could anyone not want any of that, even just a little bit?? I can tell you I belong to the House of Gryffindor. I can tell you my Patronus is a wolf, and I can even tell you my wand would have the core of a Phoenix Tail-Feather. I am the biggest nerd when it comes to the wonderful wizarding world of Harry Potter, and I have no shame of it; and will be the most ecstatic 20 year-old when I go to visit 'Harry Potter World' at Universal Studios at the end of the summer. 

Calvin Klein: The clothing brand of Calvin Klein, in my eyes, is by far the most fashionable brand that can be worn. I have loved every garment that I've acquired from Calvin Klein. In fact, it may be silly, but my favorite pants I own are Calvin Klein, and some of my dress shirts as well. If I could switch over my whole closet to Calvin Klein, I would do it in a second. They are the most comfortable clothes I have, and they look the best to me. They're not exactly the cheapest of clothing, but that's what clearance sales are for, right? It may sound like I'm a little too into it, but I feel a sense of pride wearing it and buying it. It just feels like you get a sense of status from it. That probably feeds my brand loyalty more than anything. 

Aviators: Holy god, I have the biggest love when it comes to aviator sunglasses. I just think they look so stunning! Plus, who can not like all the different awesome colors you can get?! I probably have almost every color you can get, and it makes me beyond joyful. It makes me feel so badass to wear them. Some of them are time capsules of a memory, of where I got them. For instance, I got 4 pairs of mine from Italy, when I studied abroad the last time, and another I just got is when my mom bought them for me for the trip I'm about to go on. What can I say? It's a fashionable hobby.

Shot Glasses: Now I know what you're thinking.. "Here comes the veteran alcoholic". Actually, I enjoy collecting them from places I've gone to. It's a token of the memory of that place or whatever you did. Once again, the vessel of memories and what not. Majority of them are from Italy, once again. Just in case you were wondering, I hardly ever drink, just a couple times a year actually. From Canada, to Florida, California, and Italy, I have glasses from each destination and memories to go with them.

University of Michigan/Greek Life: I've talked about both of these numerous times before, so I won't make this very long. The University of Michigan has been my school my entire collegiate career, and the colors of gold & blue, have literally been my school colors ever since I first started school. As my fraternity, Kappa Sigma, has been my Fraternity since the start of my collegiate career, as well. I can't imagine how different my life would be without both of these in my life. I have plenty of blankets that show my passion for my school, as well as the couple shirts I've designed for the school, between the free shirts you get from school that show my love for U of M. I have a Kappa Sigma dog-tag necklace that I wear every day, and 3 Kappa Bracelets that represent my initiation years, and my 'Little Brother's' initiation years on my wrist, besides my Letter Shirts, course. Nobody loves Greek Life more than myself, and I will #always proudly display that. From job opportunities, to various Greek Leadership Conferences, that were paid for; so many doors have opened for me from both of these institutions and I've met so many people through them - not joining either of them would have been the single, biggest mistake of my life.

The Colors of Blue & White: Blue has #always been my favorite color, and #always will be. There's just a cool sense about it, and it looks good on freaking everything! Now pair that with white, and you get this feeling of royalty & pristine. Sub-consciously, throughout my life, I've #always bought majority of my things that have blue and white. From my shoes, to my clothes, to my iPhone Otterbox case, to my old Myspace Profile (Holy crap, MYSPACE, I know right?!?). This will be my color combination for life, clearly, because my sub-conscious wouldn't let me change it anyways.

These are just small tokens of affections of my no-shame obsessions.

Now, lets have a moment of silence,

 for those people that just found a new addiction that they fell in love with.

Live free. Be kind.   

Stay loyal. Smile often.

#Always           

Determination Can Be the Difference!

Alright, take a minute and review your past struggles and challenges;

some of them could have been simple and easy, while others were arduous and troublesome.

     What was the thing that kept you going through to the finish? What helped you accomplish your goal? You might say your awesome athletic ability to take on any physical task, or your unparalleled wit to overlook mental obstacles, possibly even your clever mastery of turning a phrase; but in my opinion all of these examples have something in common! determination! 

     Determination is like a secret, hidden, potential fire that you can light within yourself; similar to adrenaline in a way. Determination is this powerful force that can push you when you think you've lost all your energy and can go no more. It's simply amazing really. It's going the extra mile, and making it to the finish. Determination can come in many forms, it's all about how you show your effort and the goal you're trying to accomplish. 

     My own example, is from the other day. I'm about to go abroad you see, and had to get a few errands done. However, these errands turned into a hectic and stress-filled adventure. I had to run between three buildings on my campus, getting various forms and signatures. I had a strict time limit, as well; which is what made it a seemingly impossible challenge. However, I was determined to get all of these things done that day! I literally took off my flip-flops and sprinted to each stopover, like it was the Olympics - running through the grass, because at this moment, sidewalks were for turtles and chumps. Running barefoot on loose gravel, is a painful task, but I didn't have time to be careful. Receiving strange looks was the norm, as I was bursting through our campus lawns. Needless to say, I was out of breathe at each destination, as I only had a few moments until I had to leave again.

   

 Thankfully, I got everything done, just in time. I never felt so accomplished in all my days. Life points awarded. The only thing keeping me from dying, was my determination to complete everything, because if I didn't, it would have created more stress about leaving for my trip, and getting everything done in time.

     Everyone has the ability to be determined! If you want something so badly, that you'll give anything for it, you will find your inner potential. Determination is a hard force to explain, because while there can be so many things to say about it, at the same time, it's indescribable. It's running that last mile in a marathon, having a Shamrock Shake every day, studying overnight in the library, saying no to the pizza in order to convert to a healthier lifestyle, it's leaving your phone at home while going out to eat, & having a get together at Applebee's every Thursday, so that you can see more and more of your friends each time. Determination is that little voice in your head saying, "you can do it, keep going!" - because you know what? you can do it, and as long as you believe, then it will happen.

Find your determination, and you will never fail.

It's inside all of us.

Live free. Be kind.   

Stay loyal. Smile often

#Always           

Be an Influence, Be a Change, Be a Role Model

We all have that certain special person in our lives; 

- and no, not your significant other - that we may hold very dear to us.

     Some people have a certain someone, but I have certain people. I don't have just one person, I have a select few people. You never know when these people come into your life, and that's the amazing thing about it! It's not like these people are just selected to you out of the 'brilliant people' category, out of the box of dreams. They may have been there your whole life, or they may be here tomorrow or the next year.

     These are the people you may look up to because they seem wise in all their years or the fact they can flip a phrase in an instant. These may be the people you admire because you have always known them to be mature in all situations and make responsible decisions (especially, when it's most crucial) or the person that consistently looks on the bright side of the half-full glass of life - they could even be a combination of all these, plus more. 

                                   Are 

                                                                     You

                                                            Tired

                                                                                            Of

                                                               These

                               Riddles?

     I'm talking about Role Models!

The people that you metaphorically (or physically too) look up to in life, the people that talk you out of dumb life decisions, the brave ones that are 'devils advocate' so you can see clarity in your actions, the ones that provide you with words of praise or motivation, & most definitely the ones that believe in you. There are people in my life that work tirelessly on their academics; that always think things through; that are pure leaders in everything they do; and that have been through the toughest times in life and never have complained about them - everyone better believe that all of these people are role models in one way or another in my life.

     Role Models have the highest influence in life, because they're not only friends, but because you want to be just like them. Not to say that you are putting them on a pedestal (because you are), but they are #always so true, loyal, and impactful; Everything they do is so righteous and awesome, right? You look at someone that puts so much effort into studying, with every test they have, and it's like, if you don't put that much effort into your studying then you're just flat out insulting them. The fact that you wish you could make every decision as practical as they do, or some how they always have some kind words to say; so you say, "you know what.. I'm going to say one nice thing to someone each day/ study twice as hard/ think things through before I act on them!" (Maybe not all in that one sentence, but you get the gist). They make you want to do better in life, and why not? #winning

     Talk about a change... these fearsome individuals will blaze a revolution with their sagacious brilliance. They do this without even realizing it. I mean, how many people go up to someone and announce that they are their role model in life? Not many, if any at all.They are the ripples that come through conventional society and create waves of inspiration. Everyone needs someone like this in their life to switch things up and change the dynamic of your usual routine. Personally, I couldn't do life without these people. I am smitten with every second I get to spend with them.

This is a tribute to some of my personal role models:

Josh Geary. This man has been through the toughest experiences in life, through everyone I know. he has never complained to anyone for what he's gone through, and that says something about him. I've known him since the beginning of my high school career. We've lived at each other's houses, talked about nonsense, and know each other very well. He is most definitely the brother I never had.

Dani Godin. This extraordinary individual has impacted my life beyond anything. From welcoming me into college, to being the person that will always keep me young with her whimsical theories and carefree attitude. She is the hardest working person I have met, and she #always knows the right life choices to make. She's a leader in her own league and it's noticeable just by looking at what she does. I adore this girl to death, and she has been there for me through a lot more things than almost anyone. She #always knows how to make me happy, and I will #always be there for her.

Brian (Panda) Proffer. This guy has been there for me not only in Fraternity Life but as a great friend too. I can't even count how many times I've visited him to vent to him or to update him on my life status. He helps me sort through my thoughts and helps me make the right decisions before I act on irrational speculations. He's very laid back and was even part of the making of our fraternity chapter that I love. I can come to him any time, to any place, and he'll do everything he can to help me. He is very much a brother of mine. A.E.K.D.B

Sharnée Mead. Brilliance radiates off Sharnée, and her talent is limitless. She is such a go-getter with everything she puts her mind to, even the most hardest things in life, and honestly, it's just ridiculous! She will tell you exactly what's on her mind, and I love her for it; because not only is it entertaining to the fullest, but it's the truth for every situation. She walks proud, and with her accomplishments, she definitely should. She strives to do well in school, in being healthy, & being determined to be successful - and her life reflects that. She will absolutely be someone that travels leaps & bounds in this world.

Jared Arnold. Jared is one of the people I've respected every since I joined my fraternity. He has never made a foolish mistake, and while he doesn't #always say a lot, when he does, he knows exactly what needs to be said. Not to forget, he's always a good time to be around. He makes level-headed decisions and has a demeanor that everyone struggles and aspires to have. It's easy to look up to him, and it's almost impossible not to.

Jena Petzold. I have never ran into somebody that has had anything negative to say about Jena - literally. She owns the bright side of life and controls optimism to the fullest. If someone wants to laugh until they cry, she is your person to go to. She will #always help someone that needs it, and will care for you until you're overflowing with elation. I have never seen anyone put so much effort into their academics as much as Jena does, she's even in charge of it in her sorority too. Her second home is the library, and whoever says that she isn't working hard, is ill-advised, insane, and preposterous. You really have no choice but to love this girl.

Janet Tabor. I know it's cliché to say my mother is one of my role models, but it's incontrovertible. There are a million things I could say... my mother is just amazing at how much she's been there for me, taken care of me, & loved me. I would never be where I am without her. Between using her money so I could save mine, trying to give me the best life she could, providing me with everything that I needed to succeed in life, and the unbelievable support she has distributed throughout my life, she is the most incredible person in my life. Some say we are split images in person, but we are also split images in personality too. We are both exactly alike in a lot of ways. I owe my kindness, my optimism, my thirst for adventure, my happy-go-lucky attitude & my overwhelmingly stunning ability to love from her. There is nothing I can't do with her. I have undoubtedly got this far in life because of what she has given me; both materialistically and emotionally. Lately, she's even been more of a college kid than I have been, and she is someone that knows how to have fun. She also owes her stunningly, breathe-taking good looks from yours truly.

Role Models are the people that you can't help but love in life, the ones that extrude brilliance & love to a whole other level, and the people that you would never want to live without.

You never know when you could be somebody that someone else is looking up to you.

Be an Influence, Be a Change, & most of all, Be a Role Model.

Live free. Be kind.   

Stay loyal. Smile often.

#Always