Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Options

My mom and I have this joke. "Options". It's always good to have options. I believe this joke originated at Dairy Queen... but it has become a very helpful motto in our lives. You see... I have this disease- B.R.A.V.E. (Being Ridiculously Aware or Very Edgy). Symptoms include: Constant thinking of 'What if??', 'I can't', or 'Really???'. Feeling stressed and/or overwhelmed are also common complaints from those who suffer from B.R.A.V.E.. It is not hereditary... nor contagious. But I have it. B.R.A.V.E. is not to be confused with another common disease S.M.I.L.E. (Skeptical Mostly In Life Events). B.R.A.V.E. victims simply get worked up easily. Those who suffer from S.M.I.L.E. have a pessimistic outlook on life. I am not a pessimist. I'm all about going with the flow and making the best of things. Sometimes I just have to remind myself to breathe. I guess you could say I have a very mild case of B.R.A.V.E.. My episodes normally only occur during school semesters. Straight A's are a must to keep my scholarship... Assignments and projects are always in the back of my mind... Making time for school and work while still trying to maintain some sort of a social life. It's just a lot. And I get stressed. So then I grab the gallon of mint chocolate chip ice cream. (Did I mention another symptom of B.R.A.V.E. is weight gain?!) How can a person live like this?! There must be a cure! There is. It's pretty new on the market... But it has changed my life. It's this new thing called C.R.A.P. It's a process created by a famous motherologist, Karen Shaker. There are 4 steps to C.R.A.P.
  1. C- choose. My mom is always telling me it's a choice. I can choose to be happy. I can choose to be fine with whatever happens.
  2. R- relax. My mom often reminds me of the words from a famous auntist, Kristi McKinnon, when she says "Do your best, and that's all you can do." Everything will work out.
  3. A- adventure. "This is an adventure!" My mom is always encouraging me to try new things and really enjoy this time in my life.
  4. P- peeing in the road. This is a concept adapted from a wise grandpatreneur, Steven McKinnon. If something is wrong.... it's because you have been peeing in the road. So stop it. haha That and 'Perfect'. My mom always says I'm perfect. We both know I'm NOT. But it's important to feel good about yourself and know you are loved.
Today will be my first day at ASU! I have a very demanding schedule, and it is sure to be a crazy semester. But thanks to my wonderful mother... I'm not feeling B.R.A.V.E. at all!

So here's to a great semester of options.

Love you Mom :)

Here's a video that just pin points C.R.AP.

5 comments:

Katie said...

Girl, you're gonna be great at ASU! Don't let the miles of walking or the sea of unfamiliar faces intimidate you. I remember being really scared my first day at ASU too...don't worry. You'll get through with confidence and
bravery ;-)

I loved the acronyms, by the way. Very clever. And insightful.

Tina McKinnon said...

You are awesome, m'girl! You delight my soul! And, regarding perfect... your Grandpa Steve once gave me an album by Alabama for one specific song that was on it..."Close Enough to Perfect for Me." That kind of acceptance was great.... I didn't have to BE perfect cuz I was "close enough" for him... You are wonderful and dang near perfect!!! You have a very wise momma...

Karen said...

And if your mom says it ... it is true.

Here she comes Sun Devils!

Melissa said...

How exciting! This is such a wonderful time in your life. Try to enjoy it as much as you can!!

And I will have to talk to you soon. When you can fit me in. My father in law got me photoshop and I need help. And I might be getting a new camera. The Canon 50D. I am debating whether or not to get it. (Let me know if you have an opinion!)

Anyway. I will call you once you have a little bit of time to get into the swing of things. Good luck!

Jamie and David Nielson said...

you are absolutely gorgeous!!! i love your pictures!