(God holds my future, and he may have something completely different planned for me...but this is what I'd like to accomplish in the next ten years or so.)
Right now I'm a Sophomore in high school, so you might be thinking that it's a bit early for me to know what'd I'd like to do with my life. I am a VERY driven person though, and my dreams stick with me. So here is a path I'm considering taking once I'm out of high school.
My mom attended Cedarville University after a year at the New Brunswick Bible Institute. Hearing her talk about both colleges made me want to attend both. Right now, it's not looking very optimistic for me to go to NBBI, but I'm continuing to pray about it. Cedarville is definitely going to happen, though. If you didn't know, I LOVE History, especially American History. Also, I am very active in what I can do for politics, and I will never change that. I'm a firm believer that I MUST be the change I'd like to see in this world, mainly keeping America as a nation under God.
That being said, I'm planning on double majoring in History/Political Science, and minoring in communications. I know that I can do great things in life, and I'm hoping to become a Historian, author, or even a politician. (Wouldn't mind just being a politician's wife though *wink-wink*). And if God does not lead me down that path, I would also LOVE to be a Pastor's wife and stay at home Mom. After high school, I'm hoping to branch out a little. I'd like to spend my summers working at Disney World for the Disney College Program, or my real dream is to be an intern at the White House (cue the Monica Lewinsky jokes).
All I know is, that even though I truly do love my little "bubble" here in Maine, I really need to get out and explore the world. I'm a traveler, and even if that means living in an RV just road-tripping across the US, I'll take it. I'm planning to have a little fund for traveling, so maybe when I have my own family I can surprise them with random trips to various places across the country. I yearn to get out, move forward the Kingdom of God, and keep this fine nation the best country in the world.
So yeah, there's more about little 'ole me! xx
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Monday, November 10, 2014
The Silent Killers: Autoimmune Disorders
The summer I turned eight was the worst summer of my life. About three weeks into the summer I began experiencing severe migraines, and eventually bulls-eye rashes showed up on my knee, and the back of my neck. They took me both to the local clinic and hospital where I was treated for Lyme's Disease. Once it was "cured" everything should've been okay, right?
Not how it worked.
For the next six years I dealt with chronic fatigue, frequent aches, pains, and migraines. When I was eleven, I also had shingles, which is normally something much older people experience. Accompanying all that I was diagnosed with acid reflux, and around the time I turned fourteen I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. So much for being cured, right? Doctors dismissed it as left-overs of the Lyme's, but my mom and I weren't satisfied. Finally in December of 2012 Mom ordered blood tests for absolutely anything and everything. (My Mom actually has type-1 diabetes and my Nana has RA, so autoimmune disorders run in our family). Two weeks later, and it came back that I had an extremely high RA factor, but had not tested positive for RA. Or anything else. So they sent me to a pediatric Rheumatologist in Portland, Maine.
Once there, I went through a few tests, and finally I had somewhat of an answer. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, along with possible IBS and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (those two not officially diagnosed, but my Rheumatologist really believed those went hand and hand with my Fibro). Fibromyalgia causes simple things like a common cold to make me feel like I'm suffering from the worst case of the flu. My joints are constantly stiff, I'm always forgetting things, EVERYTHING hurts, and almost everything I described above are side effects of this. It takes a huge toll on my body, and mental health.
So two years later, and here I am, taking many different medications...and just stumbling though life. I truly have to take one day at a time. I can start out feeling absolutely fantastic, and then by lunch have to go home from school because I feel like I'm dying. It can strike at any moment, even with being on medication. I'm fighting an invisible battle. If I even miss an hour of sleep one night, I'm done for for at least two days. It's tiring, and somedays I just can't take it anymore. People and faculty at school will comment, "Oh you LOOK fine."
Yeah, trust me, I know I LOOK fine. I hide my pain a lot, I don't want to be a burden to people. And being a type-a personality, giving up and being lazy isn't an option. I can't let this horrible disorder ruin my life.
So yeah, there's a little insight into my life. Hopefully in the next few years I will be able to enter a pageant system and spread a large light on these silent killers. The rest of my life won't be any better unless a cure can be found, but I'm going to try and stay positive. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me, or comment below.
Laura xx
Not how it worked.
For the next six years I dealt with chronic fatigue, frequent aches, pains, and migraines. When I was eleven, I also had shingles, which is normally something much older people experience. Accompanying all that I was diagnosed with acid reflux, and around the time I turned fourteen I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. So much for being cured, right? Doctors dismissed it as left-overs of the Lyme's, but my mom and I weren't satisfied. Finally in December of 2012 Mom ordered blood tests for absolutely anything and everything. (My Mom actually has type-1 diabetes and my Nana has RA, so autoimmune disorders run in our family). Two weeks later, and it came back that I had an extremely high RA factor, but had not tested positive for RA. Or anything else. So they sent me to a pediatric Rheumatologist in Portland, Maine.
Once there, I went through a few tests, and finally I had somewhat of an answer. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, along with possible IBS and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (those two not officially diagnosed, but my Rheumatologist really believed those went hand and hand with my Fibro). Fibromyalgia causes simple things like a common cold to make me feel like I'm suffering from the worst case of the flu. My joints are constantly stiff, I'm always forgetting things, EVERYTHING hurts, and almost everything I described above are side effects of this. It takes a huge toll on my body, and mental health.
So two years later, and here I am, taking many different medications...and just stumbling though life. I truly have to take one day at a time. I can start out feeling absolutely fantastic, and then by lunch have to go home from school because I feel like I'm dying. It can strike at any moment, even with being on medication. I'm fighting an invisible battle. If I even miss an hour of sleep one night, I'm done for for at least two days. It's tiring, and somedays I just can't take it anymore. People and faculty at school will comment, "Oh you LOOK fine."
Yeah, trust me, I know I LOOK fine. I hide my pain a lot, I don't want to be a burden to people. And being a type-a personality, giving up and being lazy isn't an option. I can't let this horrible disorder ruin my life.
So yeah, there's a little insight into my life. Hopefully in the next few years I will be able to enter a pageant system and spread a large light on these silent killers. The rest of my life won't be any better unless a cure can be found, but I'm going to try and stay positive. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me, or comment below.
Laura xx
The Busiest Time of the Year
It's finally the Holiday season.
Now, don't get me wrong, I adore summer...but this season of giving and remembering God's gift to us is my most favorite time of the year.
It's also the busiest and most stressful time of the year though. Up here in northern Maine we've already had two major snowstorms, and winter will still be here for the next five months. Also, we just started a new quarter at school which demands my full focus to keep my 3.9 GPA. I just have to push through the next eleven days, then I'll be free for Thanksgiving week to travel to the Waterville area and spend Thanksgiving with my downstate family and friends.
Sorry for the short blog posts, once I have a grand amount of time for myself I will start lengthening them.
What do y'all do for the Holidays?
Laura xx
Now, don't get me wrong, I adore summer...but this season of giving and remembering God's gift to us is my most favorite time of the year.
It's also the busiest and most stressful time of the year though. Up here in northern Maine we've already had two major snowstorms, and winter will still be here for the next five months. Also, we just started a new quarter at school which demands my full focus to keep my 3.9 GPA. I just have to push through the next eleven days, then I'll be free for Thanksgiving week to travel to the Waterville area and spend Thanksgiving with my downstate family and friends.
Sorry for the short blog posts, once I have a grand amount of time for myself I will start lengthening them.
What do y'all do for the Holidays?
Laura xx
Sunday, October 26, 2014
The Voice of our Generation
~ Warning ~ If you don't like politics, this post is most definitely NOT for you.
I am a firm believer that if you want to get things changed, you must be an active participant in the change.
Politics are VERY dear to my heart, and I can already hear some people murmuring "Oh here we go again, another crazy kid." No, I am not crazy, I just believe in a better America.
I have been born and raised in a conservative family that let me choose which way to go in my political thinking, so it's not like I was forced into what I believe. I have chosen the route of being a Republican, because the core values in the party align with mine. I believe sooo much that we have what it takes to bring back the modern, yet traditional way we have run American in the past (like the Reagan administration).
If you love being on the right side of the political spectrum as much as I do, there is an absolutely FANTASTIC website/blog I suggest you read and join!
Future First Lady (http://www.futurefirstlady.com) features a different First Lady every month, has a wonderful store that has some wicked cute t-shirts with sayings like "Red, white, and better than you" and "Is it 2016 yet?", and really is a strong voice for us conservative, Republican women! So check it out!!
Until next time! xx
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Favorites 10/19-24
This past two weeks have been very busy! Celebrating my NHS induction, along with my 16th birthday this past Thursday...life has been great.
Without further ado, my favorites for this special week!
As You Wish- Inconceivable Tales From the Making of The Princess Bride:
Cary Elwes, AKA Westley, one of my favorite characters in literature and on screen wrote a memoir about the making of this movie, and I may be a tad bit biased, but what a fabulous book! Great job, Mr. Elwes! I managed to cry, and laugh many times looking through photos and reading tales almost as good as the movie. The Princess Bride has just been a major part of my life, it's that movie that I watch I just need something good to watch. Full of witty humor, and a fabulous cast...in my opinion it's a true classic.
International Delight "Peppermint Chocolate Truffle" Coffee Creamer:
This is completely random, I know...but this is my favorite coffee creamer. I am a coffee addict (that's really sad to say at only 16), and to really enjoy my coffee it has to still has a slight bitterness, but have the taste of the creamer in it. And I am a big fan of the peppermint/chocolate combination, so it's a 2 for 1!
Alex & Ani Bracelets:
If you've ever met me, you know I love me some Alex & Ani bracelets. I have too many in my possession for to admit to you all without getting embarrassed...
But anyways, basically these tell a story about my life, and things I love and what I stand for.
Here's a link if you'd like to check them out!! http://www.alexandani.com/
Maybelline's Eye Studio Color Tattoo Metal Eyeshadow in "Barely Branded":
I don't normally wear eyeshadow because my eyelids are greasy like the rest of my face so it just comes off, but this is fabulous for me! It's a great champagne color which goes with everything, and it actually stays without creasing! It'd be great as a primer also, but I really like it by itself.
What were your favorites! I'd love to know! xx
Without further ado, my favorites for this special week!
As You Wish- Inconceivable Tales From the Making of The Princess Bride:
Cary Elwes, AKA Westley, one of my favorite characters in literature and on screen wrote a memoir about the making of this movie, and I may be a tad bit biased, but what a fabulous book! Great job, Mr. Elwes! I managed to cry, and laugh many times looking through photos and reading tales almost as good as the movie. The Princess Bride has just been a major part of my life, it's that movie that I watch I just need something good to watch. Full of witty humor, and a fabulous cast...in my opinion it's a true classic.
International Delight "Peppermint Chocolate Truffle" Coffee Creamer:
This is completely random, I know...but this is my favorite coffee creamer. I am a coffee addict (that's really sad to say at only 16), and to really enjoy my coffee it has to still has a slight bitterness, but have the taste of the creamer in it. And I am a big fan of the peppermint/chocolate combination, so it's a 2 for 1!
Alex & Ani Bracelets:
If you've ever met me, you know I love me some Alex & Ani bracelets. I have too many in my possession for to admit to you all without getting embarrassed...
But anyways, basically these tell a story about my life, and things I love and what I stand for.
Here's a link if you'd like to check them out!! http://www.alexandani.com/
Maybelline's Eye Studio Color Tattoo Metal Eyeshadow in "Barely Branded":
I don't normally wear eyeshadow because my eyelids are greasy like the rest of my face so it just comes off, but this is fabulous for me! It's a great champagne color which goes with everything, and it actually stays without creasing! It'd be great as a primer also, but I really like it by itself.
What were your favorites! I'd love to know! xx
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