Posted in A Better You

The Thing That Scares Me

Every once in a while, someone asks me what I’m afraid of. Despite how hard I try, I can never come up with a great response. Obviously I’m human and there are things that I really don’t like/would prefer not to deal with (such as rollercoasters, snakes, or drowning), but I know those aren’t fears to the same extent that some people have them, so I feel strange saying that I’m genuinely afraid of those things. Maybe I just don’t like them.

But I can never come up with a solid response to that question. Today, however, I think I can peg one thing that truly does scare me: it’s humanity, and how quickly people can change their minds about something, or someone.

Continue reading “The Thing That Scares Me”

Posted in Movies, Reviews

The Hunger Games – Mockingjay, Part I: Review

All the recent weather issues in WNY held me off from going to see “The Hunger Games – Mockingjay, Part I” in theaters until last night. Luckily, I didn’t have to wait any longer, and I was able to re-watch the first two films in the series before heading to the theater to catch the third. I was absolutely pleased with The Hunger Games – Mockingjay, Part 1. I can’t wait to go see it again, watch it on DVD and wait anxiously for part two to be released next year. (Do we really have to wait that long?!?)

The rest of my review under the cut in case there are any spoilers.

Continue reading “The Hunger Games – Mockingjay, Part I: Review”

Posted in Travel & Experiences

The Winter Wonderland in Western New York

B25FpqYIMAEf68s  Ahh, winter in the wonderful world of Western New York. Well – technically it’s still autumn, as winter doesn’t begin for another month, on December 21, but you get the idea. The snow has officially begun falling in Buffalo and the surrounding areas, temperatures have hit below freezing for long periods of time, and it feels more like winter than fall out there.

But have no fear. Even though the snowflakes are falling and temperatures dropping, there’s still plenty to do in the Buffalo area. I’ve compiled this list for those of us who are looking to shake out of that cabin fever, maybe try something new, or revisit an old adventure.

Either way, there’s no excuse for staying home throughout the winter in the 716 — plenty to do and plenty to see…. provided there’s no travel ban, that is. If that’s the case, please stay home and obey the laws, of course. But provided the streets are clear and you’ve got the green light, get out there and enjoy the winter wonderland of Western New York.

Continue reading “The Winter Wonderland in Western New York”

Posted in A Better You, Uncategorized

Progress Doesn’t Just Happen

Sometimes, when I get writer’s block, I venture over to StumbleUpon to see if anything jumps out at me that can spark my writing. Today, I got what I needed: a page from Temple University with a quote that began “Progress doesn’t just happen.” How true is that, really? In any aspect of our lives, progress doesn’t just HAPPEN. There needs to be a spark, something that pushes us along, ignites the way.

We can look at this in any aspect of our lives. Take, for instance, my writing. Progress doesn’t just happen. I’ve been writing for years, and years, and years. Over those years, I’ve become a better writer, more confident in my abilities. In driving, progress doesn’t just happen – it’s simple, but it requires some gas, a foot on the pedal, and a functioning vehicle to get us wherever it is we’re going.

The same is true of life. Progress doesn’t just happen. It requires hard work, determination, and a can-do attitude. You won’t get anywhere if you’re just standing in one place; you’ve got to move, to better yourself, and too keep going, no matter what.

That’s how I’ve gotten to where I am today. Do you think two years ago, when I was in probably some of the worst mental shape of my life, I would’ve ever been able to see myself where I am right now? No way. Today, I’m something I call “happy.” I feel more confident in myself. I’m enjoying life, and I can see a great potential in the future, too. It wasn’t an easy road to get here, but I did – with some hard work on my part, determination to see better days, and a strong refusal to give up.

I guess in the end, I feel like I’m ranting right now, but my point is this – in whatever you do in life, keep going. Progress doesn’t just happen; you have to work for it, but if you do, good things will come.

Posted in Travel & Experiences

Surviving Snowvember in Buffalo, NY

image

Welcome to to the crazy weather that is Buffalo, NY. Just last week we had a lovely day of sunshine and 50-degree weather, but what a difference a few days can make. We’re currently in the midst of a huge winter snowstorm that’s been officially named Winter Storm Knife and christened Snowvember by many others.

It all began Monday, which oddly enough was my 24th birthday. After working a regular shift, I went to dinner to celebrate. That’s when the snow started.

It’s about a 15-minute drive from Cracker Barrel to my house, which is in Buffalo, near Sloan and not far from South Buffalo. The drive home was…. progressively worse. You couldn’t see in front of you, the snow was coming down so hard. Also: lightning. The last time I saw lightning with snow was the October Storm of years ago. Thankfully, we made it safely back to the house – and that’s where we’ve basically been ever since.

Continue reading “Surviving Snowvember in Buffalo, NY”