Best compliment ever received...

Recently in a conversation with a friend the topic of compliments came up, and we began thinking about some silly and awkward ones we have received. Then I wondered what was the best compliment I have received, it was honestly easy to think of because this memory will always stick with me.

I attended Leadershape the summer of my senior year representing am organization at FSU. While I had been on numerous conferences, summits, and training a before I was not sure how this would be different. I would go share my thoughts and walk away a little enlightened in the world around me. During this conference we are broken into about groups of 10 and we all became so close during this time, not because we had to be stuck together for a week but because we had real conversations. Some that I couldn't dare have with my friends since I knew how they already felt and being open minded was not really an option. Religion, race, society we tackled it all and it was so humbling.

At the end of the ten days we were packing up and saying our goodbyes to our small cluster family. One of my companions came up to me with the biggest hug. She began to tell me of how I originally intimidated her because I was a Greek and a leader of a huge organization on campus. Overtime she heard my thoughts, actions, and worries and knew we were just the same. She expressed that I broke the pompous Greek stereotype for her and I just couldn't help but cry ( and try to smile, it was not a pretty sight).

The two seconds she was brave enough to speak so honestly and candid to me has meant more to me in my undergraduate career more than anything. More than the leader positions, awards, and honors I have had. But for one person I helped turn around a stereotype that has plagued the Greek community.

I was able to make a difference to one person and that is alright with me.
Thanks G!

Broccoli Fritters

These were absolutely yummy. A recipe adapted by smitten kitchen, who I think is a food genius. I made about 12 small fritters and were still good microwaved after a few days. We're easy to store and take for lunch.

Needed:
3 cups chopped broccoli
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 eggs
Salt and pepper

*I have also seen people use chopped garlic, have yet to try it.

Preheat oven to 450. First combine the chopped broccoli, cheese, breadcrumbs and eggs. Mix well.


Then fold in to 1 inch fritters on parchment paper.
Bake and enjoy. These are a new stable in my kitchen.

Magical Mystery Tour

... Bought on vinyl today. Best experience ever. Why could I not live in the late 60s?!?

You say goodbye, I say hello

Lance Armstrong

Watching the Oprah interview with Lance Armstrong, I am feeling torn about my feelings toward him. First, it takes courage to admit your lies but especially as a public figure. Everything you done is under a watchful eye, especially with the Internet. Many celebrities, athletes, and figures will take secrets of theirs to the grave, and Lance could have done the same. He is embarrassed in his actions but does not seem shameful and regret. Lance claims that he did not feel wrong in what he did and it was not an cheat.... It must have all been about winning and fame.

But then all I see is an arrogant prick (and I don't feel as bad typing it since he just called himself that)! The defiance he showed in supporting his innocence is incredible. To live these lies for 13 years is huge. The betrayal he proves to friends, family, and the cycling community is devastating. Lance said he did not know this was a big deal but he has shown that lies can get you somewhere, at least for a while.

The other part I can't wrap my head around is the fact he was suing friends and peers who were telling the truth!

Lance, your Foundation is amazing. Your support for health and building active communities is commendable. Thank Zeus that you stepped down as CEO and Director but you left the organization, it's mission, and employees in shambles.


Shame on you.

normal

Groups define the social norms around you. For most people, being normal is having similar tastes in  designers, bars, and boys. In college, I choose to take on the things others around me enjoyed in order to gain social acceptance and praise. These tangible and superficial things were great for awhile, but I still was not content with myself. I did not feel I was being challenged by others around me, to be a better person, or really advance and build a future career. 

Then I finally told myself, "Who cares what others around me think!" 

Always being a notorious people pleaser, it is hard to break old habits of wanting to please those around you. Being a worrier for those was actually hindering me to thinking for myself and be honest with the things I do and do not like. 

It was not until a year ago, that I began to question myself and others around me more. It was by doing this that I began to realize how happy I am to continue learning about things. I have always stopped and googled everything I did not know what it was, and it is that continuing of education which truly makes me happy, not a pink floral pattern on a shift dress. Thus the title of this blog is Stay Curious, Not Certain.