Happy & Joyful... for real.

Happiness.

Everyone searches for happiness and true meaning in life.  No one wants to be sad or depressed and no one should be those things.  There are far more things to find peace, joy, and happiness in than there are things to be upset about.  I've always believed this and I've kicked myself in the shin a couple of times for failing to overcome the negatives in life sometimes.  But lately, I've realized that happiness is inner-peace but delivers more to your outward beauty than anything else can.  We can hide our scars with cosmetics, we can slap a smile on our face and fake it, and we can tell people over and over that we're happy and content, but the inner-peace is what matters most and is the ultimate tell-all. 

I think I've faked it before.  I've put smiles on my face that were no indication of what I was really feeling.  I've pampered myself, bought a great outfit, and strutted around town acting like I knew what was going on my life and that I was in control but I probably didn't fool anyone.  I couldn't fool myself and I'm pretty easy to trick.  But now, it's amazing how I don't have to fake it anymore.  It's a genuine happiness that shows greatly on the outside but feels even better on the inside.  I feel good! I'm full of joy! I'm grateful for the love of family and friends! And I find peace in knowing that my life is far from over just because SOME things haven't gone my way.  I've achieved great things in my 22 years and that's only a quarter of the life I'll lead if I make it to my late 80's. 

I think I realized this while I was on the phone with a friend who has been quite the inspirational mentor lately.  I told him that I've only been on this earth for 22 years and that I have A LOT to learn and MANY places to see.  It's true... I have always been full of adventure and curiousity, so why am I holding back on all the ambitions that lie ahead of me?  Just the thought of all the things that I have planned to do in life puts the genuine, not fake, smile on my face.  It is the enormous amount of joy that has overcome me lately.  It's the idea that my destiny is unbound. If I have a positive outlook on life as I start to make these big girl decisions, then I can shape the direction of my life as I chase down my wildest dreams. 

So many things have happened lately that have showed me that my possibilities and opportunities in life are endless.  I have gotten back on track with my faith and I have removed the toxic people from my life that put limitations and restrictions on me.  Even though I had to make changes on who played intricate roles in my life, I still try to act out of kindness to everyone around me.  No matter the circumstance - the pain, the hurt, or the other negative feelings that some have inflicted on me, I want to be a testament that I may be bruised but not broken and that I have a natural goodness and an enormous need to show affection and compassion to others.  Even though I'm tough, ambitious, driven, and imperfect it does not mean that I am a bad person, and I will not let that be a definition of me to anyone, no matter what.  I've never been the peacemaker or the saint, but I do have a lot of happiness and joy that I want to spread in order to make a positive impact wherever I go.  Maybe I haven't been the best about it in the past, but, it's never too late to be a better person.

As I have said 'goodbye' to many people who stood in the way of me becoming a better person, I have said 'hello' to even more people who ride my same wavelength and understand me and my thoughts.  Looking back to when I first got to Alabama, there are a handful of people who have been my friends throughout the entire ride.  Those people, like Brett Laney and Kathleen Henderson, are my best friends and honest confidants.  The other people who are around me and whom I call "friends" these days are in my life for a reason.  They, like so many others couldn't, understand me and love me.  When friends like that are in my life, there is no longer ANY need to fake a smile or pretend I'm happy when I'm not.  Because I AM happy and my smiles are bigger than ever.  The only bittersweet part is that I graduate in August and will move on as I begin writing the next chapter of my life.  It's far sweeter than bitter though, because these friends who are a part of my life now are the kind of friends that will be around forever.  The ones who aren't in my life anymore, well, they won't be around forever obviously and that's perfectly fine with me.  Not to sound cruel or 'bitchy', but it's true.  I'm way more fortunate for who is with me right now than I am unfortunate for who isn't.  As a sidenote, every single person who has been a part of my life, I will always wish the best for.  I will always hope for peace, comfort, joy, and happiness in their life-journey because like I said before, it's what everyone is searching for and it's the things that give us meaning to our lives.

Sure, these are high-anxiety times as I try to find a city, career, and group of friends to fit in in when I graduate.  But that doesn't mean that I don't seize the day and find my purpose for the here and now.  I know I have a purpose to be a daughter, a sister, a student, and a friend and that's where I'll find my happiness - in those things because we all DO have a purpose, we all DO have a meaning, and we all ARE capable of genuine happiness and overflowing amounts of joy... it's right in front of us and not as hard to find as we might think it is. 

Here's a quote that has REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, meant a lot to me lately:
"Love life and life will love you back."

How true.......... and like I said, it's never too late to become a better person.  Implementing what that quote said into my life was where I started and so many things have fallen in to place ever since I took it to heart and started worrying about TODAY, not yesterday or tomorrow. It's cliche, but oh-so-true.

Peace & Love ☮
Bjj

With friends Kabbie & Lindsay at Gallettes in Tuscaloosa, Ala (September 2009)

In my hometown with friends Susan, Beth, Savannah, and Alex. (Oviedo, Fla. August 2009)

Daily Scripture

Matthew 7:1

New International Version

Do not judge; so that you will not be judged.

With Kabbie Rains in Tuscaloosa (September 2009)

West Coast or Southwest?

I guess I'm just like everyone else is - you have to do a lot of searching and a lot of hurting to find your road in life.  I've always believed that you have to fall a few good times to finally realize you're ready to stand on your two feet.  It's true in life as a 22 year-old just as it is true in life as a toddler.  You know, those first steps you take that you'll never remember but your parents and grandparents will remember.  But, even though you don't remember them it was you, and your consciousness, that decided that falling on your diaper-butt was getting old and you were ready to do some walking instead of crawling and cruising.  First, we used the coffee table to pull ourselves up.  Then we held on to that safety feature for as long as we needed until we got it right.  Still, we would fall when we'd start walking so fast that we couldn't stop so we just threw ourselves to the ground and wait a little while before we make the decision whether or not to try again.

I still do it to this day.  I hold on to those safety features as long as I can, and when I try to do too much on my own I eventually end up falling.  But, need me remind you - no matter how many times you fall, as long as you get back up that's all that really matters.

The decisions about what direction or road to take in life is usually the most difficult.  I'm VERY much at that cross-road in life right now.  I dreamed of going to San Francisco and chase down those desirable West coast dreams ever since I visited there in 3rd grade.  But, what's my safety feature out there? Exactly. I don't have one.  After I switched my major to Early Childhood Education and Human Development I had an epiphany, an "aha!' moment one day as I was driving down the road in my car (the car that has the skyline of San Francisco taped to the dashboard).  I felt a tug from Austin, Texas.  Austin, from that day on, felt like a perfect fit.  The job opportunities for my major are the most plentiful in that neck of the woods and it seems like a neat and nifty place to live anyways.  Everyone who knows of this Austin dream thinks I'd be a pretty perfect fit for the Texan city.

Live music capital of the world. The University of Texas athletics. The Rise School. Young, hip, and openminded.  Seems like my kind of city...

Then, a friend puts the idea in my head that I have always tried to live by the Janis Joplin words, "don't compromise yourself, you're all you've got."  Would Austin be me "settling?"  Would I always regret not going to San Fran? If I'm moving to Austin for a career should I be more focused on that right now rather than fulfilling my childhood dream of spending a year or so in The City by the bay? A career isn't going to go anywhere - not to mention I can find jobs in my career field in San Francisco where some of the best Developmental Centers are located. So, what's a girl to do?

I'm not going to be a journalist like I dreamed of since grade school, but I love my major that I will get a degree in.  I didn't go to UNC like I dreamed of since I was old enough to know what further education was, but I love the University of Alabama with all of my heart.  Is San Francisco my last decision as a "big girl" that wouldn't disappoint the "little girl" I was when I dreamed so big? 

Crossroads, crossroads, crossroads.  How come when you finally get a firm stance on your two feet does it seem like there's no safety feature to grab ahold of and give you a little security or help you make a HUGE decision?

I guess that's one of the hard parts about growing up... maybe it's time to let go of the safety features and go out there and make something of myself on my own, and if I fall... well, I'll just get right back up and let life take me where it's supposed to take me. I guess that's all we can do.

-BJJ

The 'Other' Sister

Austin, Texas

San Francisco, California

Daily Scripture

Romans 8:28

New International Version

And we know that all things work together for good to those that love God, to them who are the called, according to his purpose.

This past weekend with friends/DDD pledge sisters. Kathleen Henderson, Me, and Kathryn Cook.

Millie Pictures

It hasn't been the warmest of days in Tuscaloosa lately.  We had a wet, icy, snow on Friday morning. Despite my desire to take Millie down the street to a field of grass to take pictures of her playing in the snow, she decided otherwise because of her clear hatred for the white, cold stuff that laid on the ground.  Even though my sister's dogs loved the snow at their house in Birmingham, my little pouty-faced girl made it pretty evident that not all boxers are the same! She wanted nothing to do with it.  However, that didn't stop her from pouting and feeling "cooped up." 

Here are a few pictures of our very cold, very lazy, very studious weekend. Enjoy! :)

With her boyfriend, Carson, while I studied and played John Lennon music.

My little piggie with her little piggie.

Helping me write lesson plans and apply for jobs... yes, I've applied for a couple of jobs (will post details later!)

Laying on her Mommy's fuzzy fleece. That just happens to be black - yay for that!

We pulled some late-night study hours this weekend (and facebooking)... but there's a queen size bed but only one very convenient place to lay down for a sleepy nap... right on mommy's laptop!

Another Top Honor for The University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)

Please allow me to brag on my school. Click on the link below and relish with me in the good news :)

The University of Alabama ranks 10th among more than 6,000 public universities for the enrollment of National Merit Scholars.
In a group made up of 2,400 public and private universities, combined, the University of Alabama ranks 24th.
The only SEC school that Alabama is second to? (In this report, not football or anything - haha!) The University of Florida, whose total enrollment population is more than TWICE than that of Alabama. Not to mention that the state of Alabama has no state-wide scholarship program available.

Read and enjoy! :)

Dialog - UA Faculty & Staff News » UA Ranks 10th in Enrollment of National Merit Scholars

Peace & Love & Roll Tide!
-BJJ; The 'Other' Sister

The Valentine's Run-Down

I'm young and I'm single.  These two things may not always apply to me, for I hope to grow old and I hope "he" is out there somewhere looking for me like I am him, but for the time being they do apply to me. 
I'm not the girl who is known for being wise or full of common sense and practicality.  No one is going to look at me and my (non-existent) happily ever after, fairy-tale romance and think "Man, I need to get dating advice from THAT girl."  I do not know the rules of love or the tricks to finding the perfect soulmate.  I may wish I knew these things because then I wouldn't be watching 'Dennis The Menace' and 'Richie Rich' on ABC Family and blogging about my nonsense on this Valentine's Day.  While lovers frolick on their way to wine and dine, girls like me eat 'Cup Of Noodles' and watch movies made for eight year olds.  Plus, no boyfriend can out do my mom's Valentine's Day care packages anyways - so who needs 'em?

I'm sure there are endless reasons why I can't seem to make a relationship work but I am way too proud of myself to admit them.  All of the sappy movies that I've watched with my girlfriends since 10th grade have told me that there is one person for everyone, that men should think our imperfections are perfect, serendipity and fate, blah blah blah....  I guess I just haven't met him yet or maybe I'm just going to be an old maid.  An old maid with plenty of close guy friends and no soulmate, but an old maid.  Nonetheless, this force of attraction is beyond my control and while I wait to be handed this soulmate of mine rather than the lemons I'm often handed I will find true love in stuff like my boxer pup and my sports obsessions.

 

Still, Valentine's Day comes around once a year whether I like it or not.  Until Mr. Soulmate comes to sweep me off my feet and frolick with me to our fancy dinner, I will entertain you with my thoughts about this 'lovely' holiday.  Here goes my run-down....

• The only single female that is happy about this holiday is the recently-divorced or never married CEO of Hallmark Cards.  Assuming the CEO of Hallmark Cards fits all of that criteria.
• The only man a girl should trust is her Daddy.  And for me, these are the only other men I would trust with my heart right now: Tyler Hansbrough, Leonardo DiCaprio, Nick Saban, and Kenny Chesney.
• If everyone loved Valentine's Day because they had someone to share it with then there would be no good country songs.  Seriously, what would they write about if there were no reason to drink whiskey to heal a broken heart? Think about it.
• Elementary school years, I liked Valentine's Day.  We decorated our brown paper lunchbag, taped it to our desk, and delivered our small Valentine's cards to each of our classmates.  Everyone got the same amount of love, and if you did have a crush or love interest then the only disappointment was finding out he gave the girly-girl in your class an extra lollipop or pack of SweetHearts.  If I had a nickel for every time I was given the same card as the boys while my guy of interest gave all of the girls a different theme.  I should of worn bows in my hair longer, I guess, but my sister made me think Umbro shorts were the most fashionable clothing choice...
• I don't understand why a dozen roses cost $20.00 for 364 days out of the year, but the cheapest you can find them today is like $60.00.  When I do meet this soulmate, I'll be madder than hell if he wastes forty hard-earned dollars by sending me roses on Feb. 14th.  He can send them AND that mani-pedi that the difference covers on Feb. 13th - I won't hate him for it. He oughta know I don't like roses and the $10.00 daisies or sunflowers at the supermarket are more my style anyways.
• The best gift I ever got for Valentine's Day was a Bear Bryant biography and "remote priviledges" during the Duke/UNC basketball game.  Thanks, Cole!
• I happen to love 'Cup Of Noodles' so wine and dine all you want.  Note: they're especially good with a couple drops of Texas Pete hot sauce. 
• The best romantic flicks that still give me hope:  The Notebook, Serendipity, and Jerry Macguier.
• The movie most like my life: Must Love Dogs.  Why? Well, you must... especially Millie. And she's a preschool teacher, and everyone says I look like a younger version of Diane Lane.  That's why.
• I still have more guy friends than ex-boyfriends so if you ask me, I'm still in a winning position.
• But, one is getting married. Two just got girlfriends who, "by default" they say they don't like me.  Why does everyone have to hate on the gender difference in most of my close friendships?
• Words to live by: "If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with." Many thanks to Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young for that one.... what a classic.
• How come no one else finds the naked little cupid baby creepy like I do?
• Disney/Pixar's "Cars" just came on after "Richie Rich" and "Dennis The Menace."  Apparently the folks at ABC Family aren't obsessed with Valentine's Day like the rest of America is.
• I'm going to propose that there be a holiday that celebrates singlehood.  No candlelight dinners and long-stemmed roses... just a big party for all the fun, independent people that haven't succombed to the relationship life just yet.
• Lastly, here are the things that I do love (and I mean LOVE) right now:
• My family - Momma, Daddy, Ash Pash and Tyball.  I'm the oddball or "5th wheel" but they don't mind it... they're with me on this - it's better to be happily single than in an unhappy relationship.  Lucky for them, life quit handing them lemons at an early age and introduced them to their soulmate.  Life may have introduced me to mine but the complicated life that I lead hasn't clearly shown me if this is true yet. I'll keep you posted.
• My friends - my girlfriends try to introduce me to potential males.  Most have been, well, lemons.  Still, they either show me they care by trying or they themselves are single and give me someone to be single with.  My guyfriends (besides the ones that let their girlfriends steal them away from me) are my backbone and encourage my singlehood because it's true, I am a hell of a lot more myself when I'm single.  They take me out to dinner and buy me lunch on occassion, so it works out.
• Millie - the dog-soulmate that life handed me.  I can live with the thought of a few more lemons now that I have her.

Well, there's my run-down for Valentine's Day.  If you didn't already think I was a nutcase, you do now.

Peace & Love.
-BJJ
The 'Other' Sister

Here's a few pics! :)

My best friend Will Pappas and I in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (August 2008)

In Key West during Spring Break 2009. With a group of close guy friends: Brad Zimmerman, James Proctor, John Clayton, Me, Will Pappas, and Braxton Pruitt

My good friend Taylor Harvell and I in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (November 2009)  He left me for Washington, DC though... sad face.

My best friend Brent Buck and I in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (May 2009) And, yes, Will Pappas being Will Pappas and flicking off the camera in the background.

Daily Scripture

Since I forgot to write a daily scripture yesterday, and this being the first Sunday since I started the Daily Scripture, I thought I would share my very favorite bible verse.  I have lots of "favorites" so I am going to post one of them on Sundays.  I usually just open my bible and start reading and share the verse, from what I just read, that means the most to me/applies to me most on that particular day.  However, some days it is just good to revert to my bible that has 11 years worth of highlights, notes, and lists of favorite and meaningful scripture.  This verse has been a favorite since October of 2002.  I will always remember this verse (even if it wasn't highlighted and noted in my bible) because I found it completely enlightening that my Pastor preached on this verse in a Sunday sermon my sophomore year of high school.  The day before this very Sunday sermon that  I am referring to, I set my personal record in a cross-country race.  Not only was this a special weekend for me, but I never beat that time ever again in the remaining two and a half years of my cross-country career.  The fact that this verse was spoken to me the very next day made this racing highlight even more memorable.  And, this verse - about 'running the race' - has served as a guide in my life-journey.  I know I am still 'running the race' and that only God knows where my finish line is.  Still, I try my best to keep a steady pace and practice endurance and strength as a Christian woman.  I hope we all run our races with an aim at receiving the prize - the ultimate prize - seeing our heavenly Father and living an eternal life with him. (Leave me a comment and share YOUR favorite bible verse).

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

New International Version

Do you not know that in a race all of the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.  No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be diaqualified for the prize.

At the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Cali. for the BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME - Alabama vs. Texas

With friends: Richard Crump, Preston Nash, Me, Baker McConnel, Collin Jones, Michael Horner and Eric Sand.

Daily Scripture

1 Corinthians 1:18-21

New International Version

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved it is the power of God.  For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate." 

Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has God not made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through it's wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believed.

With friends, Megan Bevis and Justin Core, in Oviedo, Florida this past December.

Spread The Word To End The Word

Today I was browsing the campaign website for the Spread The Word To End The Word campaign that I am so passionate about, www.r-word.org.  However, I was sad that under the Registered Events tab there are no events being held in the whole state of Alabama for the rally to end the use of the mainstreamed slur of the 'r-words', retarded and retard.  There is only one event registered on the webpage for my homestate of Florida. 

I am encouraging my mom to help me with this cause and hoping that she can get a table set up or something at our home church, the First Baptist Church of Oviedo.  I think she could help gain pledges by doing this because the date of the prospective 100,000 pledge mark is March 3, 2010 - which is a Wednesday and a HUGE night on the church campus.  Hopefully something can get going back in her neck of the woods while I work to get thinks rolling on the University of Alabama campus.

I wrote an email to Cason Kirby, the SGA President at Alabama.  He wrote me back shortly after saying the campaign sounds like a great idea and for a good cause.  He explained to me how I can go about obtaining a grounds permit through the university's administration and making my campaign a student organization on campus.  I am MOST excited! :)

I'm glad that I go to a school that is open to all opinions and puts support and effort into something that looks to better the lives of people.  It's astonishing that some campuses won't allow for things like this.  One of my favorite books I've EVER read is "Expecting Adam" by Martha Beck.  She's a Harvard student working to get her doctrate degree when she learns she is pregnant with her second child, and that she is carrying a baby that has Down syndrome.  Her professors, colleagues, and peers urge her to abort the child because "bringing a baby into the world with Down syndrome is detrimental to society."  How disgusting is that?! She tells of her incredible journey and how the experience of carrying Adam to full-term and the work he has done in her life since she gave birth to him is more positive, more life-changing, and full of more learning than any degree from Harvard ever gave her.  Things like this, for example, make me feel so blessed to go to a school in the deep South that is enriched with value, morals, and respect for all of humanity.

My best friend and sorority sister, Kathleen, is going to help me at the pledge booth and information table that I plan to set up on the university quad or student union (whichever weather will permit).  She's working on her Masters degree in Secondary Education and History.  It's such a joy to have her in my life and she has always encouraged me to follow my heart in the fields of Early Childhood Education, Human Development, and Special Education.  At dinner the other night she made the comment to me, "I am so happy that you are so excited and pumped up about your new major and all the job opportunities that are in your future."  Friends like that are the most genuine and the ones who are life-long and true.  Her support in my 'Spread The Word To End The Word' campaign is just further evidence that she is a special person in my life.

So, keep your fingers crossed and remember me in your prayers as I work to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities, as well as their friends and families.  Hopefully things will continue to go smooth for me in my efforts to set up a student organization booth through the University of Alabama.  It will be the first registered event in the whole state of Alabama and hopefully will make an impact in the efforts to end the "r-word" in society. 

Hopefully everyone has taken note to how harmful the word really is and is working on ceasing the bad habit of using these words.  I know I'm guilty in the past but my recent 'personal' campaign over the past couple of years and now my very outspoken campaign through all of the Spread The Word To End The Word efforts has cut the habit and made me more aware of harmful effects it has on so many wonderful and exceptional people. 

People know me as being this way and when the word is used in conversation around me, the speaker usually interrupts his or her own conversation with a "Sorry, Baily".  It's uplifting to know that my support of this cause and my efforts to raise awareness of the societal problem has rubbed off on others, whether it's just them not wanting to say it in front of me or if they don't say it at all anymore. 

A small change can make a BIG impact... so I hope all of us can join together and end the use of the word! It can only make things better and relieve the harm that it causes - so why not try!?!?

Peace and Love,
BJJ

With Kathleen after the Alabama vs. Arkansas football game in September 2009.

Daily Scripture

Psalm 9:18

New International Version

But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish.

With friends on our Spring Break 2009 trip to Key West. Will Pappas, Me, and Braxton Pruitt

Daily Scripture

Psalm 103:13

New International Version

As a father has compassion on his children, the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.

My Dad and Jackson at the Dog Beach.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!!!!

Daily Scripture

Isaiah 43:1-2

New International Version

Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.  When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

With roommates at the National Championship Celebration at Bryant-Denny Stadium

Elena, Sarah, Me, and Stephanie

more friendly bragging...

I have to brag on another entrepreneur friend.  Parker Landers, a graduate of The University of Miami and a good and genuine, hometown friend of mine established Kontour Clothing.  His dream became a reality in the Summer of 2009 and his ideas are portrayed through his impressive graphic tee-shirt designs. 

Click here to view his website

His line consists of designs that are supportive of art and music.  Each graphic tee-shirt is a portrayal of song and music.  Kontour Clothing's goal is to "spread the beauty and symbolism in great songs using our clothing as a canvas."

Be it as no surprise that I personally own the "Take It!" tank-top.  His portrayal of Janis Joplin's "Take Another Little Piece Of My Heart" on a comfortable, wife-beater type tank top was an easy marketing tool to use on me when he presented it to me at a party this summer.  If you know me well then you know that I LOVE wife-beaters and I LOVE Janis. 

He has some really neat songs and designs, so check him out - and while you do, consider his motto. "Listen. Interpret. Portray."

Peace and Love,

BJJ

Parker Landers & I in our hometown. (August 2009)

Daily Scripture

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

Proverbs 31:25

New International Version

With friends in Jacksonville Beach, August 2009.  Me, Savannah, and Jennifer.

True Devotion

I spend my days doing the normal things for your typical twenty-two year old girl.  As a student, I study and go to class.  As a friend, I socialize.  As a daughter, I call home to Mom and Daddy.  As a Child Development Associate, I do my practicum hours at the preschool.  As a "dog-mom", I play and go to the park.  As a writer, I blog.  As a blogger, I surf the internet.  As a Christian, I pray - but I cannot honestly say that I keep myself disciplined about reading the Bible each day or staying focused on my various devotional books.  So, to better my relationship with the Lord, I am going to add a "Daily Scripture" post to my blog.  That way, since I am either blogging and/or blog-hopping on a daily basis, I can post the scripture that I read and that inspires me each particular day.  Not only will this help MY relationship with Christ, but it may offer inspiration to someone who reads "The 'Other' Sister." 
I'm very fortunate to have a loving father on this earth just as we are all very fortunate to have a loving heavenly Father.  The father that is Daddy to me gives me a devotional book every year at Christmas.  A couple of years ago he gave me "God Bless The Crimson Tide: Devotions for the Die-Hard Alabama Fan."  Last year he gave me "Daily Steps for God Chicks," a 90-day devotional written by a heroic survivor of breast cancer.  This year, he gave me "Four Paws from Heaven: Devotions for Dog Lovers."  Just as my heavenly Father knows what is best for me at each stage of my life, each devotional book that my earthly father has given me has been right on point for the high's and low's of my life as I grow up.  They are all based on The Bible, which I know is the book that can get me through ANY high's and ALL low's in my life. 
From childhood to adulthood, God's word is the lamp unto our feet.
So, this is my reason and story behind a new addition to my blog. A daily scripture for inspiration, love, comfort, and blessing.
I hope everyone finds the way, the truth, and the life through the Lord and the pages in the Holy Bible.

Peace & Love,
BJJ
The 'Other' Sister

End The R Word

Most close to me know that my passion is in helping children with disabilities. Not only do I want to provide educational and developmental opportunities for children with special needs in my career path, but I also want to be an advocate for their rights and equality.

Too much has the "R-word" been used in mainstream society. I'm disgusted by how many people exchange the word "retard" for any other descriptive word. Not only are the words "retard" and "retarded" politically incorrect but they are also ignorant, not clever, and discriminatory.

In so many talk shows, sitcoms, comedy shows, movies, and civil conversations, is the word used. My friends and those around me are aware at my hatred for the widespread use of the word but even those that understand the prejudice behind it and the passion of my concern about it still say it out of habit - because it has gotten that bad. Teachers and even national political figures have used the word freely. How ignorant and discomforting.

Could you imagine if one of President Obama's cabinet members spoke to the media and used the "N-word?" What kind of havoc and chaos that would cause...
Well, it's discomforting and honestly embarassing to know that the President had nothing to say about one of his cabinet members using the word "retarded" in a public statement. It's the same thing as using the "N-word." It's prejudice, discriminatory, derogatory, and shameful.

Join the national campaign, started by the Special Olympics, that works to end the mainstream use of this word. "SPREAD THE WORD TO END THE WORD" will rally on 3/3/10 to raise awareness and encourage people to show their support at www.r-word.org.

Make this movement known all over the nation, starting in your community - at school, at work, at home, or even at your online community. Please! Help this cause!

Buy a t-shirt, make the r-word pledge, make an impact.

Please... take 5 minutes to watch this video. It means so much to me and those who are touched by the exceptional and loving lives of persons with disabilities.
www.youtube.com/endtherword.

Peace & Love
BJJ
The 'Other' Sister

Mildred

Having to leave Millie at home for a month so that she could recover from her "girl surgery" was a pretty hard thing to do. The little 30 pound bundle of joy is my side-kick and not having her around meant I was pretty darn lonesome. I guess getting back to school and celebrating Alabama's National Championship and beginning my last (well, sorta) semester of college kept me busy. Still, that month could have been better with her here but I'm glad she gave my mom ("Granna") and my dad ("Big Butch") and their dogs some good company. If you've never met Millie or been around a Boxer puppy then you are surely missing out on a true gem in life.

This past week was our first full week together again and when I say together, I mean it. We've done everything together. When I'm cooking dinner for one, I make a little extra that I can give to her when I sit down to eat. Blame this on Granna. Granna introduced Millie to a whole new world of good eats a.k.a. table scraps. Out of my seven daily showers this week, Millie has attempted to hop in the tub with me four of those times. We share the same pillow at night despite my best attempt to make her understand that there are three other pillows on the bed with us. I let her get away with this snuggly habit since my ancient little house lacks any productive insulation during the winter. But, come summer time in the Alabama heat, she and I will have to reach some sort of spacial agreement during our sleeping hours.

We've gone to the park or to the university's quad almost every day, only not going when the weather doesn't permit us to do so. We've gone on walks, watched movies, made lesson plans, and put together preschool curriculum guides.

When she was gone, I knew how much I missed her but I didn't realize how she really is the most loyal friend each and every day. Making note of the fact that she is there in good spirit doing all the boring things I must do to get by like cleaning, studying, and running errands, I've put aside some of my social activities or nap times so that I can do the things that she likes to do. So, despite the sub-freezing temperatures that have struck Tuscaloosa lately, I'm the idiot outside with my bouncing and jumping dog while the people with common sense stay inside by a fire or cranked-up heaters.

They may think I'm the unfortunate fool who has to be outside in the cold playing frisbee or fetch, but actually they are the unfortunate ones. Trust me, a lot of fortune and goodness comes with a friend like Millie.

Apparently my typing just interrupted her nap time and I just got "the eye" and "the sigh." I know what that means, it's time to go play!

peace and puppy love
BJJ
The Other Sister

friendly bragging...

A dear friend and sorority sister of mine is quite the entrepreneur these days with her personally designed stationary company. This business of hers came of no shock or surprise to the rest of us because she always had that sort of glamour and elegant sense of creativity. As a design major she wasn't the type of artist that throws paint on a canvas to portray an abstract thought. Instead, she was the "pretty" artist. Her zest for fashion and design mixed well with her southern upbringing and proper 'letter writing' etiquette so she created Brittany Fuson Stationary & Design.

Click here to view her website

Click here to view/follow her blog

I just thought I would share her talent with my readers because her variety fashionista-inspired paper art is the perfect gift for Valentines Day, Easter, baby showers, wedding showers, birthdays, graduation, and more... plus, she's a super cool girl with a super cool company that she created only months after graduating from the University of Alabama. Who doesn't think that's courageous and impressive? Check out her stuff, it's amazing, and you might find yourself a little jealous if you're as non-artistic as I am.

peace. love.
BJJ - the 'other' sister

Give LOVE

As Valentine's Day approaches, remember that everyone deserves to know love.
Spread some love by donating to one of my favorite organizations. Because they've always said: If you want to be loved, then love.

http://www.savethechildren.org/ - Help children nationwide who are in need.
http://www.stjude.org/ - Help the children's research hospital continue to treat patients regardless of their ability to pay.
http://www.reecesrainbow.org/ - Young children with developmental disabilities in an international orphanage and waiting on their forever homes. Each child has a donation account that helps pay for surgeries, intervention, and education.



much love, much peace, many blessings xoxo
bjj - the other sister

Now You Know

Books are good for the soul. They help us learn and they teach us new things. We can escape reality and live life through characters who allow our imagination to take over and expand our thoughts and ideas. We can indulge in our secret, guilty pleasure by reading trashy romance novels, being an adult and actually giving a damn about what is going on in a fictional teen drama in Upper East Side New York.

Some books have a whole generation of girls believing that true love is best found through vampires... well, I guess we all believe when it comes to love and our partner they can all be some sort of monster.

But some books open our eyes to the things beyond the fictional section at the bookstore. The true crime, the self-help, the biography or novel that changes your life forever.

Being as Barnes and Noble bookstore is my 'escape place' from the chaotic and cramped life of a 22 year old college student, I am intrigued by all the knowledge and wonder that is held within the massive bookstore. I grab my Chai Tea or Skinny Vanilla Latte from the Starbucks counter and I browse. And browse. And browse some more. It's mystifying and wondrous to walk down each aisle and being drawn to so many pages of other people's ideas. Enchanting, really.Needing an escape last night and with the help of a Barnes and Noble giftcard I received as a Christmas gift, I sipped on my Venti sized Chai Tea and browsed the Fiction, Biography, and Self-Help books of the store that sits on McFarland Boulevard. Two and a half hours later I made my purchase and I can't wait to finish up my studying so that I can submerge myself into someone elses reality and begin reading the novel I found.

It is called "Now You Know" by Susan Kelly. (An emotionally vibrant story of family secrets and the sacrifices that love compels us to make). Maybe I just felt connected to it as I read the summary on it's back cover or maybe there are chapters full of life lessons that I need to gain right now in my life. Either way, I'm doubtful that this will be any sort of disappointment when it comes to my pleasure seeking through paperback novels.

The summary is this: Their friendship is born an early-September day in 1947, in a freshman dorm, when the brassily Yankee and free-spirited Libba Charles meets her roommate, a near perfect flower of modest young Southern womanhood in the person of Frances Simpson; and for forty-six years it flourishes.

It ends with a promise. On her deathbed Frances extracts it from her three daughters - the utterly capable homemaker Alice; the recalcitrant Allegra, a recovering alcoholic; and bohemian Eddie, who shrinks in the face of any commitment: their promise to "look after Libba." As if formidable, tough-minded Libba Charles, author of ten book, a literary celebrity, needed looking after.

Yet when they are summoned by Libba to Creek Cabin, their mother's summer hideaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, they go. None of them is prepared, though, for what they will discover there - about their mother, about Libba, about themselves - in this poignant, adroit rendering of reunions and farewells.

The author, Susan Kelly, graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill so obviously she's not an idiot and that makes me a fan of her from the start. But what compelled me to this reading was how close to home this 'emotionally vibrant story' just may be for me (figuratively and literally).

And when you're all alone in this neurotic and chaotic college world and trying to find yourself for who you are, I do not see how this book can be any sort of wasted time. I'm not expecting it to change my being in the way that Mitch Albom's "Tuesdays With Morrie" did but I do hope it helps in some way or the other.

After looking online at reader's reviews of the book I feel as if this might be something that I send to my grandmothers, my aunt, my mother and my sister - all of whom I love so much and have been most blessed and able to experience the kind of divine friendship that only comes from family and womanhood. This just might be that book that changes my life forever.

Everyone has 'that book', don't call me a nerd.

Peace and Love,

BJJ

The Twenty Something's Turbulence

Why is it that the day you turn 20 years old you all of a sudden get a taste of reality in the most harsh way? I've always been told or concluded in my own mind that adolescence is the toughest time in a person's lifespan. Since the day I turned 20 (almost two and a half years ago) my smooth sailing life hit some pretty rough seas.

My usual problems before I was 20 was whether or not I'd ever get boobs or if the quarterback of the football team liked me more than a friend. Now, it's about education, romance, and passion in life. Not to mention career, stability, and life-long values. I'll tell you one thing, today I was wishing I was still flat chested and when I could heal my pain with a bandaid. But not now, the twenty something year old's dilemma amounts to various types of pain that are like clock-work - right when you think you've successfully crossed that bridge over troubled water you seem to lose your step and fall right back in it.


So here I am again, trying to stay positive when I should be cursing myself for the mistakes and irresponsibility that hang on my shoulders like heavy baggage. I can read or write or keep myself surrounded by friends in order to keep my mind off of the things that are bothering me but isn't that just avoidance? Isn't avoidance a form of denial? I believe it is.


So, as I had a reality check this weekend with my mother and sister and brother-in-law, I decided that I can't keep avoiding the things I've done wrong or be weary and weak because I tend to think I am crippled by the hurt and pain in my past. I'm done denying it and hiding behind excuses and blame. I've decided to put forth my best effort in order to change the things I can change. Starting with me.


And I will accept with understanding the things that I can not change. It all comes down to humbling myself and doing the things I must do, no matter how intense or embarassing or humiliating they are, in order to reach my optimum happiness, health, and well-being.


I'm still hoping that life as a thirty something might be a little less rocky. But I know no matter what, no matter when, and no matter why, I have the Lord and His shelter and he will never give me more than I am capable of handling. I must admit, He can give you some pretty hard tests... especially in your twenties.

Peace and Love,

BJJ


Be the change you wish to see in the world. -Gandhi