Just thought I'd catch everyone up on what I've been up to lately....

Though I spend (... waste) a lot of time on the computer, I haven't gotten around to blogging lately. Some theories why:

I'm too damned busy

With track just wrapping up last week (I made it to counties! :D), I find just enough time to check my Facebook, stumble around weheartit, read the blogs I follow here on Blogger, and check out my dashboard on tumblr.

I have nothing (or too much) to write about

I'm sorta at a loss for words when I sit down in front of a computer, and I'm trying to figure out if it's because I don't have anything to say, I keep forgetting everything I want to say, or the things I write about isn't what I really want to write about.

Like I said, track ended as of recent, and that's sort of been taking over my life! But summer's only weeks away so hopefully I'll have more spare time and be more inspired. :)

Fingers crossed.

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Back to Basics: A Flower List Update

Do you smoke cigarettes?

0% said Yes.

20% said No.

0% said Sometimes.

80% said Never have I or will I.

0% said I've tried them

0% said I've thought about it.

and...

I'm trying to quit.

We live in a world where the dangers of smoking are known- and they're loud and clear. There's surgeon general's warnings on all cigarette and tobacco products (just like the ones on alcoholic drinks), there's anti-smoking campaigns, and often - especially here in NY - you could be watching American Idol and while you're making yourself a sundae in between songs a commercial of a pair of pitch black lungs will pop on the screen and stare you down for a minute.

Me, I don't smoke. I don't see the appeal. I'm positive I've told you guys this before- I don't smoke or alcohol. It's just my belief. I don't freak when others smoke/drink in front of me. It's my body and I decide what goes in it.

And that's the thing. It's YOUR body. YOU decide. So is it right for me to criticize those who make a choice to do that onto themselves? My aunt's been a smoker forever, and it really gets to me. We're super close and I don't want to lose her. So every time she takes that pack of cancer sticks out of her purse, World War III may or may not ensue. But recently, I've been rethinking my standpoint.

A couple good friends of mine are close with this guy that started smoking weed recently. It wasn't a big deal to him, so he didn't really tell them explicitly that he had been doing it. He made a couple comments, but they thought he was joking. When they found out that he wasn't, my friends had mixed opinions. Most of them didn't really care too much. They didn't see him being effected by it (yet anyways, they said), and they said it was his choice- so why should they get crazy and intervene? A handful of them were pissed at first, but after a day or two didn't care too much either. But one of my friends, the one I'm closest with out of the bunch, was rabid. He was angry. I actually am not sure if I'm seen him angrier. For a good couple of weeks he completely dropped his best friend. Cold turkey, just like that.

When I heard about this half of me was like, "You go! You tell him! Stupid pothead, he's not worth your time" but then half of me was thinking, "What?! You're not friends? Just like that? A whole friendship done over a leaf? At least talk it out." And they did talk it out. There wasn't much to say, but now they're back on talking terms.

So it's been making me think... should I be able to tell people what to do? Not really. But then again, I've seen drugs destroy so many lives. Isn't it my responsibility to protect my friends, loved ones, and just anyone in general?! I just don't know.

Song stuck in my head today: "Sydney, I'll Come Running" by Brett Dennen

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Back to Basics: A Flower List Update

Have you been watching American Idol this season?

14% said Never watch it.

0% said What's that?

42% said A little bit :)

14% said YES! Love it!

0% said No, ew I hate that show.

and...

28% said Just the auditions!

SO, this season of AI has actually been incredible. Yes, they say it every year that this is the best talent they've season but I truly think season 10 is the best of the best. The talent it unmatched to any previous contestants and a few of these singers are in a complete league of their own. Even the judges are great! I was really nervous to see how Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez would fare, but I'm in love with Steven Tyler and Jennifer's constant indifference is so genuine and pure! Normally I'll watch just the auditions and then try if I can to keep watching the rest of the season. This year though I'm really trying to make sure I'm home to watch it!

If you've been watching the show you might be familiar with someone who made it to the Top 24, and was an early favorite despite being cast off the first week, Robbie Rosen. Robbie comes from a town extremely close to mine so the buzz about him being on the show had been going on for a while and their was just this aura of excitement every Wednesday and Thursday night. His high school had viewing parties and he was on the cover of our newspaper and on every local news channel. I've heard how good Robbie is before he auditioned for AI even. He added me on Facebook since we live close and he's trying to get his music out. Definitely YouTube him if you want! He's got an amazing voice.

But... as for my personal favorites: CASEY ABRAMS AND PAUL MCDONALD ♥. Everyone is really really really good as well (Jacob Lusk, Pia Toscano, Scotty McCreery...) but I really just love everything about these two guys. Their personality, their style, their overall performance.

Let me know what you think! I'll keep watching throughout the season and I'm excited to see how far my favorites go.

Song stuck in my head today: ....

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Back to Basics: A Flower List Update

*Wow, can you believe this is the first and probably only update of February?! I only posted so far 9 times this month...*

Have you been able to cross things off your own 'Bucket List' lately?

0% said YES! (:

33% said No :(

0% said I don't have one.

0% said What's that?

0% said Yeah, but I don't have an official list. I've just done some cool things.

33% said I wiishhhh

and...

33% said One or two things :)

So in early February when I made this poll I made it so I could talk about how lazy I am, I'm making no true effort to accomplish come things on my bucket list when any day could be my last. Which is true. That's why I really am excited and anxious to get these thigns done because you don't know what life could throw at you. One day you're fine and the next maybe some freak accident happens while your at your friends house and next thing you know you can't walk anymore, or worse. It's sad to think about at time but it's the truth and no one ever said the truth was full of happy endings. It just stinks because I lot of these things I want to do involve tons of money I don't have or just the right moment or maybe just age. But, these thoughts were in early February. And now it's the 26th so, my mind is more at ease because I crossed off something exactly a week ago. If you'd like to know what it is or read about it click here. If not, enjoy your day! Come back soon and best of luck with your own list. :)

Song stuck in my head today: "Rock & Roll" by Eric Hutchinson

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Back to Basics: A Flower List Update

How are you today?

16% said A piece of crap.

16% said Fine, thank you.

16% said Okay. :)

16% said What kind of poll is this?

0% said AMAZING!

and...

33% said Good!!

How are you? What's up? What's the matter? What's wrong? Are you okay?

How many times in your life have you answered completely truthfully to those type of questions? How many times have your answers been more than one word, or more than "good", "nothing", "fine".

How many times has someone asked you this and you've wanted to just tell them how good or bad you are but you stay shutup.

Or.... how many times have you logged into Facebook seen "What's on your mind?" and thought, You really don't want to know.

Maybe spill the beans next time? See what happens. I'm tired of hearing "I'm good, yeah everything's cool uhuh uhuh....

Why can't we just be honest with each other?!

Song stuck in my head today: "Paranoid" by Jonas Brothers (Oh God, Brianna you must be loving this..)

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Back to Basics: A Flower List Update

What are you doing to get in the holiday spirit?

5% said Giving back!

10% said Baking cookies and making gifts.

40% said Holiday music and movies all month long!!

0% said Nothing I don't celebrate any holidays.

0% Ew. I hate the holidays!

45% said Decorating like there's no tomorrow!

Whoohoo! Gotta love Christmas Eve Eve. It's the best. I just got out of school and I'm finishing up all my gifting. Glad all my readers (Whatsup Croatia?) are in the holiday spirit! I've done quite a bit of these polls choices: Toys for Tots is a big thing where I live, I have an annual Christmas cookie sleepover with my cousins and there's not a night in December where me and my sister aren't huddled in my room over a mass of Scotch tape and ribbons! And don't you start asking about my Christmas tree. :)

My sister and cousin in the midst of cookie making.

*Note It's A Wonderful Life in the background :)

Just some of our cookies before frosting

Flour fights are a staple of the Christmas cookie making experience

Blurry photos of my friends and I watching Elf!!

Song stuck in my head today: "Don't Let Me Fall" by B.o.B.

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Back to Basics: A Flower List Update

What's your favourite part about Thanksgiving?

16% said The food!

50% said EVERYTHING(:

0% said The parades

33% said Being with family

0% said I don't like it...

0% said I don't celebrate it!

Well, Thanksgiving's tomorrow and I can tell you right now that I love this holiday for everything it encompasses and I'm happy that I have so many things to be thankful for! So many of us everyday take things for granted so this year start realizing all the little miracles you have in your life. Think of the people that don't have a computer, a house, a family, shoes, a smile on their face. Always be thankful! Don't leave this feeling for just November and drop it down the garbage with your leftovers once the radio stations go from "Shake" to "Silent Night". Always take a step back every now and then and thank the people who are in your life. Don't expect people to always do what's right, be happy when they do and let them know. Give back year round. Just because there's no huge Toys for Tots drive going on doesn't mean there's no people that need them. So, enjoy your holiday and remember to sit down for a bit and think about what you're thankful for, I'm serious! Life will seem a whole lot better if you do.

Oh, by the way I'm thankful for my 100th blog post! :)

Song stuck in my head today: "Yea Yeah" by Matt and Kim

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Back to Basics: A Flower List Update

Do you read other blogs besides The Flower List?

0% said Yup! All the time. I love blogs.

0% said Nah, I only read this for Glee

75% said No I only read this 'cause I see it on your Facebook

0% said I sometimes check out others.. not often though

0% said I read the ones you follow :)

75% said Nope. I barely read this.

:(

I really wish more of you read blogs! So, if you at least read this one I wanted to tell you guys about some of the blogs I follow. It's an easy way for you to get into bloggers and I hope you at least check some of these out! So, here they are!

All the time in the world

What's it like?
If you're into small, sweet and all around wonderful posts! Definitely check out this blog. I love seeing the photos on the blog and all the videos they post links to! I've found cool music from this blog, and really insightful and helpful posts. You HAVE to read this.

Do they post often?

Yes! :) Probably once or twice every day or so.

jest 18:17

What's it like?

jest 18:17 is a photo blog, it posts nothing but photographs. So if you're into photography or just like looking at pictures, I really like this blog. Some of his pictures are really fantastic.

Do they post often?

Yeah, two or three times a week I'd say.

lumiere

What's it like?

Another photo blog that as well has really amazing photos. So if you're ever bored or have some extra time to waste on the computer please, check it out!

Do they post often?

They have been lately, like every day or so but before that they would post a bunch of photos every month. So it's hard to tell.

Save Japan Dolphins
What's it like?

A blog that keeps you updated in the fight against dolphin slaughter in Japan. I have to admit, while I do support them fully I don't always read the posts entirely. But I love seeing it pop up in my reading list so I know what's going on in the cause.

Do they post often?

Yes, three or more times I week I'd say.

The Lemon Story
What's it like?

I guess you could call The Lemon Story to be my sister blog, well, er, cousin blog! Even though we are like sister Stephanie is indeed my biological cousin. We both made our blogs at the same time to cross them off our lists and I love reading her posts! If you enjoy positive posts that keep you happy, definitely check hers out!

Do they post often?

Yeah, maybe once a week or so. Steph is very spontaneous :)

The Real Top Ten
What's it like?

Primarily it's a music blog that gives you weekly 'top tens' of the real music you should be listening to. But it's also an amazing blog for just about everything else under the sun! I have to say that The Real Top Ten was one of the first blogs I've read and ultimately, my inspiration to start one. I've always loved writing and seeing what others could accomplish with Blogger was really cool. This blog is one of my best friend's friend's and though I've only met her once I miss Rachel and think she is truly an extraordinary person! So I hope she sees this and is doing well :)

Do they post often?

Yes, a couple times a week.

The struggle of becoming known.

*This blog has been inactive for a while now! But if you feel like checking out it's two posts, do so! It's my cousin's friends and I really wish she didn't stop blogging! :(*

The Time Is Write

*Okay, so this is one of my BFF's blog but it's not working right now...?! I tried to read it to give you guys the link (which, if you haven't noticed is embedded in each of the blog titles!) but it won't show. This really sucks because it was the one I really wanted to all to see! Oh well... if she gets it working I'll let you know.*

Vision Of Peace

*Wow, three in a row... this blog also has been inactive for a while. But they have many truly amazing posts on world peace, saving the earth, music, and more! So please please please check it out!*

♥Love and Mathematics♥
What's it like?

A really unfeigned blog about life growing up as a teenage girl.

Do they post often?

A little bit... maybe once or twice a month? Depends!

Song stuck in my head today:

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

U-P-D-A-T-E

I'm SO sorry I haven't blogged in weeks! My computer got a really bad virus and even though it's back and running now, we're still fixing it up. So please be patience as I add all my delayed TV reviews, and updates on Halloween and everything! But don't worry I have a whole list of things I want to share with you all and I'll be cranking them all out in the next week or so.

:)

Song stuck in my head today: "Speak Now" by Taylor Swift

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Back to Basics: A Flower List Update

Do you watch Jersey Shore?

12% said YES! OMG fave show

25% said Sometimes when I remember

12% said I'm obsesseddddd

0% said Never heard of it.

12% said Ew, are you kidding me?

25% said That shows gross.

12% said I won't admit it but... yes.

Everywhere you go, people know the Jersey Shore. Since none of my readers vote "Never heard of it." I won't bother describing it, it might be too explicit for this blog anyways! Haha, but anytime you mention this MTV hit, you're sure to get a strong reaction. "OMG GTL!" "That should be banned from TV." "T-Shirt time!!" "I don't know why people waste their time with that."

I myself am not an avid watcher. I wanted to talk about this because it seems to you guys probably that I'm obsessed with every other MTV show! Why not? Truthfully: I like to be in my room winding down by 10 o'clock. I'm the kind of person that needs their sleep! And since I don't have a TV in my room, rarely do I watch it when it's a new episode. I do watch episodes with my friends sometimes or if their on during the weekend, but besides that the "Shore" is out of my house most of the time. I personally think this show is hysterical. Some people take it way to seriously, and some don't. I just laugh and play along with the scripted and not so scripted antics the guidos display, and it doesn't affect me afterwards. Some people though, have to get their heads out of all that hairspray, and some need to get their heads out of a Bible. It's not poisonous! It's stupid. And watching stupid doesn't automatically make you stupid... well for me anyways. You can't blame a certain thing like a TV show or a video game entirely for people's actions. Everyone responds to things differently. What do you think of the show?

Song stuck in my head today: "We Speak No Americano" by Yolanda Be Cool Vrs DCUP (fits right?)

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Back to Basics: A Flower List Update

What are your feelings on birthdays?

50% said I love them!!!!!
0% said Eh they're okay
0% said Gotta love the presents
0% said I don't care
0% said Ew I hate birthdays. Just means you're getting older
50% said They're the best (:
0% said they make me nervous

September is a busy birthday month for my family: aunts, friends, and cousins both add on another year to the list. One person who gets just a little bit older this time of year, is my cousin Stephanie. We're super super close, and we love celebrating each others birthdays. Stephanie and I talk a lot about birthdays, and getting older. Wheter we're excited, nervous, or anxious we always have something to say about the age we're turning. This year,

15.

I don't know what to make of this number yet, but then again Steph and I don't know what to make of any number. Does age really even matter? Do their need to be restrictions and regulations on things just because you're older or younger than someone? Can a number define you? We don't think so, but there it is, looming over you. Reminding you that the clock is ticking away, or that you're still too young to do what you really want. Ugh, age is so confusing! My birthday is still some time away- mid January -but I'm already getting excited/nervous for it.

In the end though, Steph and I always conlclude- we are who we are, not matter what we're wearing, how we style our hair, and how old we are. A number can not speak for ourselves, or anyone else and the only perks of age is being able to drive! (Still have to wait a year and a half for that...)

So whatever point you are in your life, don't burden yourself with that number. Don't looking at your graying hair, and don't wish you were taller or shorter or whatever! Just enjoy life.

the two things that we make the greatest fuss about- getting fat and getting old - aren't given to most people in the world

Song stuck in my head today: "Sunday Morning" by Maroon 5

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Back to Basics: A Flower List Update

Are you excited for the new season of Glee?!

54% said YES!! I CAN' WAIT

36% said Ew no.

0% said I guess. I watch it sometimes!

0% said No, I'm really dreading your reviews too. I don't watch it!

0% said Yup (:

0% said Maybe I'll start watching it...

9% said What's Glee?

Well a couple things,

1.) I'm glad most of you ar excited for Glee!! I can't wait either. The new season starts the 21st and I'm stoked! My friend Jake said they're singing "Empire State of Mind" and I'm dying to hear it.

2.) I'm upset the other half of you don't watch Glee but it's also good to know people aren't reading my blog just for the reviews because I feel that way sometimes! Hope you don't get too annoyed with my posts though. :)

3.) For those of you who are unfamilair with all the glory that is Glee, here's a basic rundown for you! Glee is a comedy TV show on FOX which follows the torments and triumphs of McKinley High School's misfit glee club. With it's hilarious one-liners, diverse characters, and amazing renditions Glee is a must-watch show! (In my opinion anyways ;))

So be sure to check back here for my reviews of this season! Thanks for reading (:

Song stuck in my head today: "Gold Digger" by the cast of Glee

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Back to Basics: A Flower List Update

(I have to ask you it now!) Have you ever sent fan mail?

25% said No.

0% said Yup!

50% said Um, why would I?

25% said I've thought about it.

0% said I want too.

If you haven't read my other post about me sending fan mail, as a part of my Flower List, I asked you all to comment if you've sent fan mail, no one did (*cry*) so I made it a poll! That's basically it. Not much to elaborate on, but no I really feel pathetic looking at the poll results. Why did I even put that on the list?

Thank for reading (: I'm trying to decide what I should try to tackle next... any suggestions? (Psh, not like you guys comment anyways anymore!! Haha)

Song stuck in my head today: Hasn't snuck in yet

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Back to Basics: A Flower List Update

What were your feelings about this past summer?

0% said Best one yet!!!! OMG, it was amazing!

16% said It was good (:

16% said Eh, okay.

16% said So bad! :(

50% said Fine, but I really wanted it to be amazing. Next year...!

Wow. I say "past summer" like everyone has gotten their Christmas presents, and in reality, school starts in just a week. The summer is still here! Old and tan-fading, but here.

So, it seems like most of you agree with me! (If I voted- fact! I don't vote on my own polls- I would've picked the last choice). I always set high expectations for myself, and I just had a good feeling about this year I guess. Not to say my summer was bad, because it wasn't! It just wasn't what I expected. And that's fine, because that's reality. As the summer comes to a close, enjoy it! Fit in those last beachy days, have one final BBQ bash and don't think about the school supplies in the corner of your room for one darn second! Soak in some sun and make it last. Keep it in a little part of you heart, and save it for next year. Which, hopefully can be better than this years!

I ♥ this pic! What do you think?

Song stuck in my head today: Hasn't arrived yet.

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Back to Basics: A Flower List Update

Have you been able to cross anything off of your "Bucket List" lately?




50% said Yes! :)
0% said No :(
0% said I still don't know what a bucket list is...
50% said No lately, but I'm working on it!
0% said I don't have one.
and...
0% said Yeah but nothing MAJOR.



Well, I'm really glad for those that have been successful with their Bucket List adventures, but mine is just collecting dust in my closet. I'm lazy, I know, we've been over this.



Buttt..... two of my best friends have been able to accomplish some cool things lately that I wanted to share with you! One of my friends, Brianna, got to see the Jonas Brothers in concert this past Saturday. She's been a fan for a while and has been dying to see them live! She said the concert was amazing and I can't wait to see all her pictures and videos when she gets back home from a vacation in Florida. My other friend, Jacob, got to meet Kathy Griffin at one of her book signings. So, whatever you have written on your list, big or small, work on it!! Again, I should take my own advice...

What have you accomplished lately?? Leave a comment! :)



P.S. Thanks for getting me to eight followers! Made my day.



Song stuck in my head today: "Felicia" by The Constellations



Keep on keepin' on,



Madison

Back to Basics: A Flower List Update

Have you lost someone you were very close to?

66% said Yes, unfortunately
0% said A couple times...
33% said No, thankfully
and...
0% said I've never known anyone who's died.

I don't know about you guys, but I'm a big Pretty Little Liars fan. The books are amazing and the TV show isn't horrible! So, a couple episodes back the girls were planning their memorial for Alison. While Alison's older brother tries to take control of their memorial, they remind them how close they were with Alison and how they knew her on a completely different level. That made me start to think: do we every really know anyone? Or ourselves for that matter? I know when my cousin passed away, a lot of my family memebers learned more about him then then when he was alive. It'f unny to think that you can live your whole life thinking you had a clear picture of who someone was and then something happens to change all of that. Do we ever know ourselves, also? I used to think I know who I am, but now more then ever I'm questioning my actions. Would I normally do this? Is this me? Who am I?! Maybe it's just the age I'm at, everyone says that this stage in your life is about finding yourselves. Well, I ask my older and wiser readers: Do you ever find yourself?!

(:

Song stuck in my head today: "Jump" by the cast of Glee (Yay! New season real soon, which means new reviews! You excited?!)

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Back to Basics: A Flower List Update

Do you have good self esteem?

0% said Yup! Why shouldn't I?
0% said No, I really don't think I'm great
0% said Are you kidding me? I'm ugly!
66% said It's a work in progress
and...
66% said Sometimes

I'm upset to see that none of you choose this first answer to this week's poll! I know a lot of people struggle with self-confidence but I hoped that at there would be at least one fully confident person out of the bunch! Since I'm a teenage girl, I hang out with a lot of teenage girls. Simple. What's not simple though, is their self esteem. I can't wrap my head around it. Why do they think they're THAT ugly? Why are they afraid to speak in class sometimes? Why do they obsess over straightening their hair, and why do they feel insecure without makeup? I know confidence is hard to gain (for some odd reason) and I feel it's not something that you can push onto someone. You can, but at a certain point they have to except it themselves, and not just blindly believe you. I was lucky enough to have someone push it on me at a younger age and understand it! I don't know what I would do without my cousin, Jaimee, who taught me and my cousins to love who we are when we were in 5th grade, and by 6th grade the message had stuck, and I started to see myself differently. Yes, I still have some moments where I'll second guess myself, and I'll do five extra mirror checks- but who doesn't sometimes?! I try pushing it onto my friends, but it's been so long I just think some of them learned to block me out by now. I just hope they learn soon! I could go on and on about my own personal experiences with myself and with my friends that deal with confidence, but I really want to talk about something I discovered recently.

This past Thursday, the 22nd to be exact, I was reading the latest blog posts in my reading list (click on my profile to see what blogs I follow!) and I came across a post entitled "Size!" that was published on the blog, Love and Mathematics. The first sentences say, "Size is all that matters! It really is!". I stopped for a second. I've talked to the author/creator/whatever! of this blog a bit, and she seems like a really nice, and interesting girl so when I read the first two sentences of the post, I was hoping she wasn't going down the path that you'd imagine after reading that. As I continued to read (http://almostsins.blogspot.com/ Click on the link if you'd like to read the post!) she explained that she was trying to loose weight because her Aunt in the USA was astonished that she was a size 14 (says a lot about our country...). I found that understandable: she's a size 14 which I guess is a little bigger than some depending on your age, and she felt like slimming down. Okay. I just hope my fellow blogger doesn't start what I like to call now 'bulimic blogging'. You see, at the end of her post she talks about another blogger who has lost weight and now seems to 'sparkle and shine'. At first, I thought that was understandable too, that she was getting good motivation from someone else. I clicked on this girl's profile to see if maybe she blogged about her weight loss, but instead of finding her own blog, I found a list of blogs she followed. I thought that maybe those talked about weight loss also so I clicked on them. Were they about weight loss? Sadly, I was right. All these girls are blogging about their binges, fasts, and struggles to their ideal weight. Reading these few posts on each blog I just want to curl up in a ball and cry or throw up from pure disgust. How could you do that to your body??? And how do people find entertainment from these blogs? Maybe they're not following for entertainment, maybe they're following for a glimpse at an anorexic girl's world, or even tips on binging and things like that, but all I do know is some of them have tons of followers. Am I doing something wrong?? Do I need to start making myself vomit to get more site hits? I shudder to think that. I'm really wondering if there's anything I can do to help these girls... I know my encouraging comments will just be ignored and laughed at, but I really wish I could contact them somehow, let their parents and friends and family know what they're doing. They need help!! If you're considering doing something like this I really hope you read some of the links I post below. I hope they'll turn you in the complete opposite direction.

http://therebirthofsaphira.blogspot.com/

http://fakememoriesannam.blogspot.com/

http://thin1.blogspot.com/

http://jennykenya.blogspot.com/

(Some of these blogs might not seem bad at first, you just have to dig deep and read a lot of posts before you get anywhere, I think the last two really talk about their struggle for perfection more)

If you're reading them just to understand these girls lives, what they do, and why. Let me know what you think! Please leave a comment.

Thanks for reading. Leave any thoughts and be sure to vote in this week's poll, remember to check off either pointless, cool, or inspiring also! I also added some new Snapple cap Real Facts to our collection. Check it out! Click on the link on the side bar titled "Snapple Collection" under "Some fantastic flower list pages. Click and bloom!".

Song stuck in my head today: same as last post today! (: scroll down

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Back To Basics: A Flower List Update

Have you ever traveled out of your country?

25% said Yup

0% said No

75% said I wish!

0% said I've never even been out of my own state!

and...

0% said A few times!!

Recently, as you may or may not know, I traveled to Iceland for a week to visit my best friend. It was my first time traveling out of my country alone and I was very anxious for that reason. If I hadn't been on plenty of plane rides before going alone to Iceland, I think my traveling wouldn't have gone as smoothly as it did. Going on the plane alone was fine! I was proud of myself, but at the same time wondered why I should be proud, I mean it's just a plane ride!! Who cares? But in the months leading up to my trip I was really nervous and wondered if I'd go through with it.

I love Iceland. It's gorgeous and everything about it just seems so wonderful. I don't think I could survive the long winters though, but the spring, summer, and early fall are amazing. My best friend and I had tons of fun while we were together and I got to snap quite a few nice pictures without spending all my time behind a camera. Here's some pictures from my visit I thought I'd share with you!

My best friend, Svana petting one of the horses at a nearby farm

Svana and I jumping in front of a waterfall :P

Svana and I at a beach! My first visit to a black sand beach :)

Moi!

An abandoned house we found (the spot of red/orange is me!)

I have to confess, at one point I started crying because the whole landscape of Iceland was so beautiful. I guess I'm just that kind of person.

I hope all of you will get to experience something like I had in your lifetime, wheter it be miles and miles away from where you are now or just down the block.

Wow! I can't believe it's been EIGHT DAYS since I last posted.... crazy. Well I guess that just shows how much I love my family! (: My cousin Emily just came up to visit for a while, and I've been so busy with her. But thank you for reading this (someone has to be!) even though I've been horrid this past month especially.

Song stuck in my head today: ....

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Back to Basics: A Flower List Update

Have you been watching The World Cup?

16% said Yes! I love it!
66% said A little bit
16% said No, I listen to the news recaps...
16% said What's that?
50% said No way!
33% said Hahaha no.
16% said No, I want to though.
and...
16% said I play soccer, but I don't follow it... wierd I know

As you might know, I play soccer myself. But I have to relate with the last poll choice. Soccer is super fun for me but I definitely am not as in love with it as much as some of my MLS crazed friends. This World Cup though, I've been trying my best to keep up to date with the games. I've watched a good part of a couple games and listened to the sports recaps during the morning news. My friends and relatives have surely tried to get me more hooked.

Watching a major league soccer game is thrilling. I'm constantly awed with the athletic skills these players have. A lot of people find it boring, and say that the whole game is just passes back and forth, and back and forth; but that makes the rarity of an amazing goal even better! It shows how talented these athletes are. Those of you who watch the games (especially year round, not just when the whole world feels obligated): KUDOS! For my readers who've been trying to keep up, much like myself: hopefully we'll get there one day and will be watching the games all in the know. For the one voter out there who didn't know what The World Cup even was: you have some homework! And, I hope those of you who don't watch it at all will soon gain a liking for the most popular and viewed game in the world, but if not keep enjoying and pursuing your own pastimes and passions!

Today- I hope you are all very proud! -I watched all 122 minutes of The World Cup final game!!! And after nearly a dozen cards, and free kicks later, CONGRATULATIONS SPAIN! It was so much fun to watch with my friends and I hope you all got to see some of it (:



Sorry for all the messed up postings! I'm getting back in the groove of blogging, so after I add a couple delayed posts from my vacation things will be back to normal!

Song stuck in my head today: "Life Is a Highway" by Rascal Flatts

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Another Quick Memo...

I know. I know. Just when I make a comeback I gotta leave twice?! Sorry guys! This time I'll be gone for a WEEK. In ICELAND. Iceland, I know. I know. Haha, alright here's the low down. My best friend in the universe lives there and it's about time I'm giving her a visit because in the past five years since she's moved, I've only gone over there once. I'm super stoked, but here's the thing: (well obviously I'll miss blogging! But here's a major frightening factor) I'm flying there alone. If you've known me for my whole life, at some point or another you would have realized that I have some sort of anxiety issues. I can get myself really worked up about things. I was so scared when I booked the flight, but my nervous feelings went into hiding the months coming up to the trip, and I kept thinking about the posistives! How this would be an adventure, how it would help me with my fears... but now I woke up at five o'clock this morning after having a dream about flying, and I couldn't fall back to sleep! I finally realized, I'm going on a plane. Alone. It's been sorta freaking me out the whole day! Like having a lingering bad taste in your mouth, being stuck in an extremely awkward situtaion, it was just nagging at me in the back of my mind the whole day.


I've been on tons of planes before though, and I LOVE traveling. My mom had worked for American Airlines for the longest time, so I was exposed to a lot at a younger age. I'm just hoping all the butterflies will go away once the plane takes off, because there's no turning back now! Yikes!

Me and my best friend, Svana, in 2005(?) in front of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland!

Thanks again for putting up with me! Maybe I can do short posts while I'm away?! Hope so! ♥


Song stuck in my head today: "So Yesterday" by Hilary Duff :P


Keep on keepin' on,


Madison