Blog Challenge, Day 28: My Love Language

I have always known that my love language is touch but I took the quiz (here) to make sure that I was right. And I was.



I am very affectionate and I absolutely love hugs. I am constantly hugging my husband, touching him, trying to hold his hand, etc. It's how I show that I care about people. Of course, touching does not always have to be romantic. It can be that I show my mom how much I love her by giving her hugs, for example. My sister hates it because her love language is service and she hates touch. So we clash a lot.

My husband's love language is quality time, so my love language doesn't bother him. He just enjoys spending time with the people he loves and it doesn't matter what they're doing, as long as they're together. So a typical night with us would go something like, us watching a movie together while I'm laying next to him, holding his hand the whole time. In small, subtle ways, we're showing each other how much we love and value the other.

I'm not an expert on love languages but you get the gist.

What's your love language?

-Chelsea

Blog Challenge, Day 27: My Eyes

Hello, everyone! Today's prompt is to talk about what my favorite body part is and why I chose it. I think that this is a really weird prompt but nonetheless, a challenge is a challenge; so here goes nothing!

I have hazel eyes and I really do love them a lot. But neither of my parents have them. My dad has brown eyes and my mom has blue eyes. I actually have my Grandpa Norwood's eyes (My dad's dad). I never met him because he died 4 years before I was born. But I was told that he was a wonderful man and that he was loved by everyone. So, I'm pretty honored to have a little piece of him with me.



Growing up, I was really jealous of my mom's blue eyes because I didn't know very many people with blue eyes. I felt that since they were rare, they were even more special and beautiful. But even though I still love my mom's eyes, I have really grown to love my own. I love the way that they change from predominantly brown to predominantly green when I cry. I love that people tell me that my eyes are brown until I tell them to look closer and they're pleasantly surprised to see the green in them. I love that most of my friends and family don't have hazel eyes, so it makes me feel special. But my favorite reason is definitely that I have my grandpa's eyes.

-Chelsea

Blog Challenge, Day 26: Common Misconceptions About Introverts

I have talked numerous times about being an introvert but it's a major part of who I am. While I love who I am, sometimes it's hard being an introvert because so many people misunderstand me. Common misconceptions about introverts range from, "Introverts hate people," to "Introverts don't go out."

Both are not true. Introverts do not hate other people, they are not afraid of other people, they do not only spend their time in their houses, etc. Introverts just need time to recharge and value their alone time; it's their thinking time, their "me" time.



Speaking for myself, when I'm around other people, especially extroverts, I get physically and emotionally drained. I can't be out for long periods of time without wanting to go home and relax. This doesn't mean that I don't like people, specifically extroverts (my father is an extrovert, for example), it just means that this is how I handle social situations. And there is nothing wrong with that. There are some times that I wish that I was more extroverted, actually.

Introverts tend to like alone time because they enjoy mental stimulation. When they're alone, they can think and process everything that's been going on or use their time alone to be creative. This is why so many musicians, authors and artists are introverts, but of course, not all.



Also, introverts tend not to talk unless they have something to say. For example, I am terrible at small talk because I don't enjoy talking about things like the weather or discussing a topic that I don't have an opinion on. So if my friends and I are together at a party and they're talking while I'm just standing there, that doesn't make me socially awkward or shy. I'm choosing not to use my voice until I feel that I have something meaningful to offer to the conversation. When I find that open window of conversation where I'm comfortable, I join in and enjoy conversing just like everyone else.

I know that not all introverts are exactly the same, just as all extroverts aren't the same. For instance, when I'm comfortable around certain people and we're doing an activity that I enjoy, I can be quite extroverted and then when it's done, I enjoy winding down and recharging. But sometimes being an introvert can be hard because people can expect us to be extroverted all the time and it's just not who we are.

So I hope that I cleared this up a little bit. I know that it's a deep and complicated topic and I've only just scratched the surface. But my whole life, I've felt misunderstood and awkward. But earlier this year, I realized, I'm not weird, this is just who I am and there are tons of other people like me. I also want you guys to know that I have tons of friends that are extroverts and I love them just as much as my introvert friends.

-Chelsea

Blog Challenge, Day 25: Dinner With A Historical Figure

If I could have dinner with any historical figure, it would definitely be Alice Paul. Ever since I watched Iron Jawed Angels in my 11th grade history class, I have been so inspired by what she had accomplished and put herself through for womens' rights. I was so surprised that her name had never shown up in any of my history books until then, especially with how much work she put in to get women the right to vote.



Hilary Swank brought Alice to life in the movie and the scenes where she went through her hunger strike made my skin crawl. They were just so powerful and inspiring. I guess I owe her and the other angels a lot. But she truly is an American hero and an icon.

I am a huge feminist and love learning all that I can about other womens' struggles for rights that many women take for granted today. It's a very humbling thing to witness and I appreciate everything that these women fought so hard for.

So if I could ever have dinner with any historical figure, it would definitely be Alice Paul. I encourage all of you to check out the movie if you'd like! I highly recommend it! If you want to watch it, click here.

-Chelsea

Blog Challenge, Day 24: My Childhood Family Dynamic vs. My Current Family Dynamic

I'd say that my childhood was pretty traditional. I grew up in a small town in a pretty big house with a huge yard  and a pool, so I really can't complain. Both of my parents worked but my dad always had the earlier shifts. He'd work like, 4 a.m. to 2 p.m., or something like that, while my mother worked the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. shifts. My dad did things like yard work and grilling while my mom cleaned the house and cooked dinner most nights. So it was like I said, traditional but it worked for us.

But compared to now, it's very different. My parents split up when I was 19, so now I live with my mother and sister. When they split, they sold the house and now they both live in apartments. Most days, I miss my large yard and swimming pool. But I try my best not to think about that because I don't like to pine after things I can't have. So my sister and I help my mother out around the house and the maintenance people take care of everything else, so life is pretty easy. My dad works 2 jobs, so he isn't home often but he manages very well on his own.

So a lot changed throughout the years but change is inevitable and life goes on. And I still believe that everything happens for a reason.

-Chelsea

Blog Challenge, Day 23: Top 5 Hobbies

1. Writing- If you want to know why I love it, click here.



2. Reading- I enjoy escaping from the outside world and slipping into someone else's imagination/imaginary world.



3. Baking- I don't do it as much as I'd like to but I just find enjoyment in creating sweet treats. I make a mean cheesecake, by the way.



4. Arranging flowers- Ever since I had my job at the flower shop, I have loved taking flowers and cutting/arranging them to make beautiful creations. I love mixing them with different types of flowers and creating something extraordinary.


(This isn't mine but I love making things like this.)

5. Going to Disney World- This doesn't really even need an explanation but the gist of it is, I grew up in South Florida. So I was never far from Disney and my family and I went often. It's my childhood and it is full of more than half of my memories. It feels like home when I go there and you never outgrow it; I don't care how old I get, I'll never be too old to let my inner child out at Disney World.



What are your hobbies? Do you like going to Disney World frequently, too?

Blog Challenge, Day 22: Where I See Myself

In 5 years: I see myself pregnant with my first child, living with my husband on an army base and as a published author. I also definitely want to rescue a puppy or two.

In 10 years: I see myself with 2 or 3 kids, a few books under my sleeve and renewing my vows to my wonderful, loving husband. Hopefully we're living in a beautiful state or exotic country.

In 15 years: I see myself still writing, still raising my kids and hopefully watching my sister raise her own children. I hope that we're living close enough so that I can have a close relationship with my future nieces and nephews.

Blog Challenge, Day 21: My Chosen Superpower

I am not going to lie, I probably don't have the most exciting answer to this prompt. I would definitely choose invisibility though, if I had the chance.

Being an introvert, I enjoy my alone time. So, if I'm going to be honest, I would use my invisibility as an escape. If I was feeling really overwhelmed, needed some time alone or just wanted some thinking time, I'd become invisible and just drown everything/everyone else out. I'd use my invisibility to recharge, basically.



I'm not sure how good of a superhero that I'd be because I tend to get really nervous when faced with conflict. So, I'm not sure if I'd even be able to use my powers to actually fight crime or anything. But my family can vouch for me, when I'm recharged, I'm a lot easier of a person to deal with.

Blog Challenge, Day 20: 3 Memories From My Childhood

1. The day that I flipped my rain cloud- When I was in kindergarten, my teacher had little white clouds with bright yellow suns attached to them. If you flipped the cloud over, it would turn into a rain cloud with a lightning bolt. The premise was simple: if you were good you had a white cloud and if you were bad you had a rain cloud.

There was a kid in my class, who was actually a very good friend of mine at the time, who flipped his cloud over every single day. He waited patiently for the day when I, the "Goody Two-Shoes", would finally flip my rain cloud.

I wish that I had at least done something cool to get in trouble but alas, I didn't. Our class had circle time every day at 1:30 p.m. and we went home at 2:00. I looked up and saw that my mom was standing near the window, waiting to pick me up. I got so excited to see my mommy that I ran to the window to be closer to her. My teacher was mad and said, "Chelsea, you can't leave circle time. Go flip your rain cloud."

I remember stopping in my tracks. I was never in trouble. Ever. And I had gotten in trouble because I was excited to see my mom? I remember a tear falling down my face as I flipped the cloud next to my name and I made sure that it never happened again. But my friend was happy that he could finally rub it in my face that I had finally gotten a rain cloud.

2. My red pillow- My grandmother loved to sew and embroider things and when I was very little, she made me a red pillowcase and sewed my name into it. I honestly don't know what age I was when she gave it to me; I just can't remember not having it. She kept it at her house and I would sleep with it during the many weekends that I slept over.

I was over her house a lot and I just absolutely loved it. My grandmother and I were always very close and she spoiled me rotten. My sister had a blue pillow that she loved as well but I was always more emotionally attached to things than she was. It just meant so much to me that she made something for me; it touched me.

I remember sleeping with it, laying on it while my grandmother and I watched Beauty and the Beast, and just loving it because I knew that the bond between my grandmother and I was very special. I know that a pillow isn't a memory but it was the equivalent of a baby blanket. It helps me remember the many, many good times between my grandmother and I and for that, I'll always be grateful.

3. My sister's birth- My mother was induced when she had Kelly and the day that she was scheduled to have Kelly, I had a 102 degree fever. I was four years old and my parents asked my grandmother to take me to the doctor because they had to deliver Kelly. I was asleep on my stomach in the doctor's office and when the doctor came in, he grabbed my leg and flipped me over. I started crying and my grandmother got very upset, understandably so.

So she called my father and told him what happened. My father straightened the doctor out and at 3:41 p.m., Kelly was born. I vaguely remember the rest of that day but I remember falling in love with that little girl. She had my family and I wrapped around her little finger since the day that she was born.

Blog Challenge, Day 19: If I Could Live Anywhere

Well, I'm a military wife, so I could potentially live anywhere in the world.

All I've ever wanted in a potential home is to be somewhere beautiful, peaceful and quiet. I've never said something like, "I want to live in Paris" or, "I have to live California." That was never me.

Now that my husband and I are a military family, we don't want to get too attached to the idea of living somewhere specific because we know that we don't get to choose where we live. It would be too disappointing. But if I could imagine my perfect home, it would be a cottage-type house, near a lake or a river, where my husband and I could be alone, yet still close to civilization and other people.


Maybe we'll find something like that when he retires?

We'll see! I know that I'm going to keep my fingers crossed!

-Chelsea

Blog Challenge, Day 18: The Most Difficult Thing I've Had to Forgive

When I lost touch with a friend of mine, I called them to try to reconnect with them. While we were on the phone, we ended up in a huge fight. We both said some things in anger that we shouldn't have said and wish we could take back.

They eventually got so mad that they said that they wish that they had never met me. We had been friends for our entire lives, so that really hurt. They sounded so angry that I actually thought that they meant it and I was furious for days. I hung up the phone and called Kris so that he could calm me down.

They called a few days later and apologized over and over. I apologized for what I said as well but it took me a while to forgive them. Sometimes I find myself thinking about that day and it still hurts a little bit. But being mad at them wasn't worth potentially losing their friendship forever.

So I forgave them, even though I wasn't sure if I could.

Blog Challenge, Day 17: What I Wish I Was Great At

I'm not very adventurous when it comes to trying new hobbies, so when I was growing up, I stuck to playing only one sport (flag football) and writing. That was all I needed and I was (and still am) really good at them. However, now that I'm so injured that I'll never play football again and sometimes I have writers block, I find myself wishing that I was great at art.

It doesn't even have to be a particular kind of art. I just want to be able to create beautiful things. I've tried painting before with very minimal success. I've tried crafting, which I'm not very good at, and I can't draw to save my life.

But I enjoy it, so I'm going to keep trying.

So wish me luck!

-Chelsea

Blog Challenge, Day 16: 5 Greatest Accomplishments

(In no particular order)

1. I survived being away from Kris during boot camp and for these past few months. I know that it's much harder on him but it's still hard and I'm pretty proud of myself for being able to handle it.


2. I was a part of an award winning team at NSPA.


3. I wrote a book.


4. I graduated high school with 4 honor chords.

5. I found my other half and married him.

Blog Challenge, Day 15: If I Could Be Any Animal

I'd definitely be a penguin. They've been my favorite animals for about 8 years now and I love them to pieces! I mean, seriously, how could anyone not love them? They're adorable!

But aside from the fact that they are exploding with cuteness, they are also fascinating creatures!

• Penguins see better underwater than they do on land, which helps them find their prey easier.

• Some species of penguins can live up to 20 years.
• When a male penguin is ready to mate, he stands with his wings outstretched and head back, then begins a mating call while strutting to attract females.

• When a penguin finds a mate, they rub necks together and then "sing" to each other to learn each other's voices.
• Male penguins watch the nest after the female has laid the egg.
• When a baby penguin is born, it calls its parents to help them learn its voice.

• Penguins do not have teeth but they do have spines in their tongues.
• Penguins spend hours of their day taking care of their feathers because if they didn't keep them maintained, they would not stay waterproof.

Blog Challenge, Day 14: 5 Strengths

1. Determination


2. Perfectionist


3. Hard-working


4. Loving


5. Loyal

Blog Challenge, Day 13: 5 Weaknesses

1. Chocolate
 
Especially chocolate covered cherries.

2. Overthinking
 

3. I'm overly sensitive


4. I'm shy

 

5. I'm a control freak

Blog Challenge, Day 12: My Typical Day

• Wake up
• Brush teeth
• Get dressed
• Brush hair
• Make coffee
• Drive to school 
• Go to my morning classes
• Meet my friends for lunch
• Do homework
• Go to my afternoon class
• Drive home
• Get mail
• Do homework
• Relax for the rest of the night

Blog Challenge, Day 11: 10 Pet Peeves

1. Not using a turn signal


Seriously, there is no excuse.

2. Blaming others for your own shortcomings


3. Loud eaters


4. Texting while driving


5. Calling before 10 a.m.

I'm so not a morning person.

6. Using bad grammar


7. Laziness


8. Cancelling plans at the last minute


9. Temper tantrums


10. One word text messages


What about you? What are your pet peeves?

Blog Challenge, Day 10: My Most Embarrassing Moment

The prompt for this day is actually to write about my most embarrassing moment but I already wrote about that on my other blog. I don't want to write the same post twice, so instead of embarrassing myself even more, I decided to leave a link to my other post. So if you're interested in reading it, click here.

Have a great day, everyone!

-Chelsea

Blog Challenge, Day 9: 10 People That Have Influenced My Life

1. Mom, who taught me to be a strong, independent woman.

2. Dad, who inspires me to help others.

3. Kelly, who taught me that people don't always show love the same way but that it can be a good thing.

4. Kristopher, who showed me just how strong love can be.

5. Grandma Stella, who inspired me to learn all that I could about my family's history.

6. Ms. Wright, my TV Production teacher that helped me fall in love with broadcast journalism.

7. Mrs. Marquis, my 5th grade teacher that gave me my very first real journal and encouraged me to follow my writing dreams.

8. Mr. Knoess, my 8th grade Law Studies teacher, that got me excited to go to school again (at a time when I was bullied a lot and didn't want to go).

9. Sr. Lazor, my Spanish teacher that helped me fall in love with Spanish.

10. Dr. Cheshire, who helped me realize that I have power that I never realized before and taught me how to use it.

Unfortunately, I don't have pictures of my teachers but you guys get the idea, right? I'm really glad that I wrote this because I realized just how much teachers do influence us and how necessary they are. They really are treasures and I hope that people don't keep taking them for granted.

I am thankful for each person on this list and for everything that they've taught me. Who inspires you? Leave me a comment below. I'd love to know!

-Chelsea

Blog Challenge, Day 8: 5 Passions

1. Reading- I appreciate how hard it is and how long it takes to write a book. So when I find a book that I enjoy, I immerse myself in it and it becomes my escape from reality. We all need that every now and then, right?



2. Writing- I wrote about my love for writing in yesterday's blog post. If you'd like to read it, click here.



3. Football- Growing up, I was always involved with sports but football was the one that I played the longest. I watched games every Sunday, played during games and practices and enjoyed playing in the street with family and friends. Football consumed a huge portion of my life and the ten years that I played are full of wonderful, bittersweet memories.



4. Learning- Not to sound corny but educating yourself is important. Now before I get ahead of myself, I'd like to clear something up; I am not talking about 3x+4y=7. Most people will probably never use that information after high school. I am a firm believer that in order to change the world, you need to know what you're dealing with. So I like to learn about the world and what's going on around me so that I can make a positive influence in someone else's life.



5. Blogging- Too predictable? Saw that one coming a mile away? Yeah, me too. But it's true. I started this blog on a whim, not knowing just how fast I'd end up falling in love with it. It's turned into much more than a hobby for me. It's become a way for me to express myself, my thoughts and my feelings to the world. It's my outlet and has helped me overcome some issues that I've been having about not being able to accept constructive criticism. So, at the risk of sounding cliche, I love both of my blogs. :)



What are your 5 passions? Tell me in a comment below and have a great day!

-Chelsea