Thanksgiving

Time to give thanks! 

Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberries. It's that time again. Thanksgiving! This is one of my favorite holidays, once I get past the idea that my meal is over 3,000 calories. But YOLO, right? This is my favorite holiday not because the food or the fact that I get a three day vacation; it is because of the real meaning behind the holiday, and of course because of family.
I know that this post has already turned as cheesy as my mom's famous casserole, but just bare with me. One of the things that totally irritates me about this time is that everyone decides now is when they post their thankfulness to Facebook. Yes, I agree that this is the time to give thanks; but no, it is not the time for all of the world to know about it. Giving thanks is not something that suddenly becomes public solely because it is November. Sure, you can be thankful your boyfriend brought you soup, or for random phone calls with an old friend; and I'm all about posting your life on the Internet (to an extent). But, why does November suddenly mean that every day we have to find something to be thankful for? Shouldn't we always be thankful, regardless of the season?

I'm sure at this point, I may seem like that one girl who always looks on the bright side of life. You know, that annoying girl who tells you to turn that frown upside down, and the one that you want to punch in the mouth when your day just couldn't get any worse. 

Yeah, don't worry; I'm not. I'd want to punch me in the mouth, too. Anyway, the point of this blog post is to show you that there is always something to be thankful for, especially the days where it seems like all is hopeless. Look back to those horrible days -- the days you wanted to just lay in bed and never see the sunlight -- and think. Those are the days I'm talking about. 

Be thankful for sleeping in too late and missing class. At least you have a bed to sleep in, and an education to miss. 

Be thankful for clothes that are too small. It means you're well fed. 

The awkward conversations and annoying arguments you are bound to get into this weekend - be grateful. Some people don't have a family to spend Thanksgiving with. 

Fail a test that you worked really hard on? It can only go up from here. Be thankful you have more chances. 

Can't stand our government? Can't stand everyone complaining about our government? Keep in mind that we live in America, and all of these complaints just show that we have freedom of speech. Be thankful we don't live in a dictatorship. 

As I write this, my puppy is currently walking all over my laptop. However, I'm thankful because it means I'm loved. 

Be thankful for that holiday traffic, those noisy customers, cold weather, and obnoxious Christmas music because it means you can see; you can hear; and you are alive. 

It may seem like a stretch, but this post is just a little reminder that things are never as bad as they seem. I know it's hard to be thankful for things that drive you crazy. I have the worst road rage ever and I avoid stores from now until Easter, but there can be joy in any situation. So next time you're freezing as you walk to your car, remember that it could be worse -- at least you are heading to a warm place. When the Camry in front of you doesn't use his blinker and your brakes begin to slide, remember that cars are a luxury, too. It can always be worse, and there is always something to be thankful for. 

I started a journal at the beginning of this year, and every day (almost) I write something that I'm thankful for. I realized quickly that it really changes the mood of your days. Start one; it will really open your eyes. It really makes you think about what you have in your life. 

Now, get off the computer and go spend time with family. It's Thanksgiving, ya'll! 

Happy Turkey Day bloggers. 

All my love, 

Melanie 

About Me!

Hello bloggers!
Just to be typical, I believe my first post should be a little bit about me, the author behind your computer screen, if you will. So, here we go! A small peek into the wonderful life I like to think I lead.

First and foremost, my name's Melanie.

I'm your typical college student. I'm a journalism major and spend most of my time making/editing movies, that is when I'm not writing something (clearly -- check out some of my articles). I procrastinate on papers; I stay up too late and order bdubs on random Saturday nights; my apartment always contains wine; I get stressed and have mental breakdowns; I hate going to class (most of the time); and mainly, I just want to graduate. 

I have three wonderful roommates. 

(Check out Rachael's blog! She's the pretty awesome blonde who has gotten me through this semester and listens to all of my boy problems, and trust me, she picked the wrong semester to be my bestie!)
Although we're a pretty random group, I love these girls and am currently enjoying a movie night-in with them on a random Saturday as I write this post.

I'm a sorority girl.

Don't close out of that browser just yet. It's not what you think! I'm nothing like Elle Woods! First off, I'm not even blonde! Secondly, I'm part of this wonderful sorority, Alpha Phi. 

I love each and every one of my 85 sisters, and I wouldn't be who I am today without them. I didn't think I'd be Greek, either, but it has literally changed my life. I know, I know, everyone says that. But hear me out. It's so much more than "paying for your friends." Alpha Phi has taught me about leadership and organization; heart health and philanthropy; budgeting and time management; resume building and team building; but most importantly, Alpha Phi has taught me about myself. Cheesiness aside, Alpha Phi is the greatest thing that has happened to me. These girls are my support system, my work out team, my study buddies, my shoulder to cry on, my cheerleaders, my family. 

I'm Catholic.

I mean, that one was kind of a given. But I was born and raised Catholic. I went to a Catholic school for nine years, public high school, and then a very Catholic university for a year and a half. After transferring to a Christian school for their Journalism program I am now getting ready to graduate. Catholicism has always been a part of my life, even before I knew what it meant.
I love being Catholic (I mean, how can you not, right?), but it took me a long time to get to this point with my faith and I am still growing. I still find things every day about my faith that I fall in love with, and that is what I want to share with all of you.

I have this blog to help you out, because we all know that being Catholic today can be a little rough. This world gives us every reason to abandon the faith and not be Catholic, but this blog is designed to help you through those struggles, the best I can. From drinking and sex to relationships and prayer; from daily Mass and friendships to modesty and evangelization, I'll do my best to cover it all. But keep in mind I'm only human -- I make mistakes the same as you. I forget to pray, and sometimes miss Holy Days of Obligation; forgiveness is not my strong suit and God tests my patience almost every day. We aren't perfect, but God doesn't ask us to be perfect; He asks us to try.

So, bloggers, let the sharing begin. Pull up a chair and a notebook, and let the journey begin.

All my love, 

Melanie