Personal Manifesto

I needed this in a bad way. Maybe you do too. So use it when you need it; whether that is everyday or a quick glance. I swear to live by it.

BELIEVE in yourself

THINK positively

NETWORK

EXERCISE daily

EAT healthy

WORK hard

STAY strong

BUILD faith

WORRY less

READ more

BE happy

VOLUNTEER

RELAX

LOVE

LIVE.

Dear Friend,

Where the f*** were you?

Seriously. I'm pissed. I don't want to be and it takes up more energy than I have to waste. And since you don't pay attention very well, I suppose I'll leave it here since saying it to your face won't do any good either. Who knows, maybe you will actually read this. Wouldn't that be shocking.

Quiet Like A Bomb,

Steffanie

Well....what now.

Friends. Loved Ones...I am in desperate need of some guidance.

After my Footloose auditions, one of the members of the musical theatre faculty came up to me, congratulated me on my audition, asked if I was interested in pursuing musical theatre, and then suggested I audition for the program.

I am like 80% positive that I'm going to audition.

If I make it, then studying in England will count for nothing towards my diploma, I would be working my ass off the next four semesters, and I would probably have to do summer classes.

I think I know what I'm going to decide...but I would love some input! Please let me know what you think I should do. Any advise is more than welcomed right now. :]

Stuck In The Middle

~Steff-uh-knee

I am the Great Gatsby

I can see the green light on the edge of your dock.

Even when the clouds hang low or the fog rolls in.

I get this feeling like I almost have too much love and that no one is ready to handle it. Some say 'my cup runneth over'; my cup is flooding over. But don't you fret. I am capturing it in a jar so when someone is parched, I can spoil them rotten. They will never be thirsty again for the rest of their life.

The Forecast for the Week.

Hello friend! I have been SO busy lately...but don't worry. I still had time to miss you :) I've been writing so many papers lately that my fingers were out of words for a new blog (until now of course). I just took a Nyquil and can't make any promises as to how much longer I will stay awake but I promise to give as detailed of an update as I possibly can!

I am recovering from being sick this weekend. No bueno! I started feeling it Saturday night and on Sunday my immune system decided to take the day off. But I'm 80% back to normal now so that's all good. In other health news my Dad was in the hospital for a few nights but is now fine and back home!

School is going great! A little over 5 weeks until the end of the semester and it can't come soon enough!! I did pretty well on my mid-terms, and am just looking forward to this last push being over with. Professors have this clause in their contracts where they must make big assignments due right before Thanksgiving Break. It's all part of their evil master plan to...to...well I don't know. But it's evil. And for all of those who participated in my Facebook poll I will be posting the final copy of that on my blog for y'all to read.

Work is work! Yahoo! Still at Roadhouse and I just got hired at Bath and Body Works to help out during the holiday rush! So for all of you shopping at Park Meadows these upcoming weeks...please be nice. I'm sure I am going to be a little overwhelmed and your pleasant spirits would be more than welcomed.

For Colored Girls is going to be amazing. I'm not even exaggerating when I say it could possibly be the best One Act UNC has ever put on. Just a guess. And of course I am completely unbiased. There are auditions in a couple of weeks for the Mainstage shows and then after that Spring One Acts. Positive thoughts commencing now!

However, the best part of this week has two contenders.

1. My guitar strings bracelet (Jason Mraz's mind you) will be here by the end of the week!

2. HE WROTE BACK TO MY LETTER!!!

I will leave it with you while I commence reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.

Lost In His Words,

Steffanie

(Jason's Letter)

Hello Friend.

Thank you for writing! Not too many people still use the handwritten and hand delivered system when it comes to correspondence. As a writer I appreciate it. And because my Dad is a mailman for the United States Postal Service he appreciates it.

It gives me great joy to reply to your letter using this 100% recycled paper and envelope. If you happen to have a magnifying glass, you'll see that the font I'm using is also eco-friendly. How's that? It's full of holes. Because of this simple modification, our printer uses less ink, extending it's little printer cartridge lifespan by 20%. The font was invented by the Dutch and can be installed for free at http://www.ecofont.eu/ecofont_en.html.

You know what else the Dutch invented? Kissing three times when you greet someone. Not one sassy peck near the cheek like they would in New York. Not two times like Grandma and her friends either. But three times. Left, right, and left again. This is a great way to really get to know someone fast. It says, welcome to my space, try my breath, how's my laundry holding up? I like it. Here in the United States I clumsily run into people all the time going in got a hand shake that turns into a hug. My arms become entangled between the colliding bodies. For this I've always thought we should have a specific North American greeting. My vote is that we kiss 5 times - one on each cheek, then one on the forehead, chin and nose. Or we could grovel at each other's feet. I'm open to anything that keeps it interesting and breaks the ice between strangers. Should we meet again in person, be prepared to offer a unique and inventive greeting.

In the meantime, may you keep enjoying the life experience and see love in all people, places, and things. Love is all there is really. we do what we do and say the things we say because of our natural creative need to express and entertain ourselves and each other. To quote my friend Terces Englehart: "There is only love in the world. Everything else is our resistance to it." Thank you for being love, for being up to such big things.

Muchas Gracias. Grazie. Danke Schon. Dojeh. Dekuji. Takk. Dank U Well. Merci Beaucoup. Arigato. Obrigado. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Jason Mraz

Flying Cars and Living on Mars

Today in my History 1877 to Present class, we were discussing the importance of the year 1908. Henry Ford had built the first Model T car, the Panama Canal was under construction, and Wilbur Wright had made a nearly two and a half hour airplane flight. There were disposable razors for the first time, vacuum cleaners were introduced, and New York City dropped it's first ball on New Year's eve of that year. The technological advances at that time were beyond compare.

There was an article published that year entitled 1808-1908-2008. It compared the almost medieval way of life 100 years earlier, and started imagining the possibilities for 100 years later. So for class today, we were asked if we had optimistic or pessimistic views of the future. Most people responded by saying that they were optimistic for the future, but our generation needs to stop being so lazy. They also commented on how advanced we are today compared to 100 years ago.

Technologically there is without a doubt we are past what anyone could have imagined. The internet wasn't public until the early 1990's. Now it can be accessed anywhere at anytime. All the information you could possibly need is literally at your fingertips. An even better example is iPods. iPods were introduced in October of 2001. Not ever ten years ago! It looked like this:

Now, still less than ten years later, it looks like this:

Holy s@*# right?

But what about socially? Have we really changed all that much? Honestly we might as well be back in the early 1900's. Just because it isn't in our faces daily does not mean that horrible things have just stopped. In third world countries, slavery still exists. Little boys in Ghana are stolen from their parents every day and traded into slavery. We may not like to admit it, but racism is still prevalent in this country. People are uncomfortable with interracial marriages. A judge in Louisiana, less than five years ago, would not permit a couple to obtain their marriage license because it would have been an interracial marriage. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought we already went through these problems 50 years ago. Haven't we, or shouldn't we have already moved past this? People are still people, and the skin on your bones no matter what color does not change that.

So should we be optimistic for the future?

Absolutely. We must be optimistic.

Because our generation has the resources to change everything. Literally. We can end global hunger in four years, we can end slavery, and we can be more advanced than anyone in 1908 could have ever imagined. Not just with our technology, but with our respect for other human beings. We all want desperately to make a change in the world, so let's do it. I challenge you. Be the one to help bring us out of the dark.

Looking Up,

S

One Year

You have heard me say that you can do anything you want to. This all started one year ago today. One year ago from this moment. I told myself I would accomplish something and I did. I can't believe it's already been a year. It is insane how quickly the Earth turns. Even when I think about it now I get all giggly and I remember how time stopped. When I think of being happy for the rest of my life, I want to be just as happy as I was in these moments. And if it's even possible, even happier.

Today may not be the greatest, but tomorrow can be. Make it what you want it to be. I kissed the man of my dreams, who knows what you can do?

Still In Love One Year Later,

Steffanie Freedoff-Mraz

Ha. I wish...

Back On My Feet

BEFORE YOU READ THIS: Please don't get wrong impression with what I am saying. I don't feel sorry for myself, and you shouldn't (and I hope you don't) feel sorry for me. I am absolutely happy with the way things are and I hope you are viewing this with the same optimism that I am.

As some of you know, I didn't audition for 99.9 % of shows at UNC last year. I wanted to make sure that I would get settled into college, have good grades, and be able to appropriately manage my time with school and work. For the second time around, I am auditioning for everything I can. I've already had two auditions and have another tomorrow night. I haven't gotten callback yet and I am totally fine with that. Every audition is a learning experience and I am grateful for that. Bright Ideas was a long shot because it is a "main stage" show and there are brilliant actors at this school. As for Corduroy, that was purely for the audition. Would it have been nice to make it? Of course. But I need a lot of work on my comedic side. It is something that I am hoping I can start diving into a little bit more.

Chaos auditions are tomorrow night at 6:20. Chaos does a lot of different styles of improvisation which I would love to do. I know what I need to do for these auditions and I'm really excited to be working with Walt and Amanda. I think we'll have a good time. :]

There is some statistic that is like an actor only lands 1 in every 10 auditions. It is part of being in this industry and I feel like I am doing really well so far. Rejection is a hard thing for some people and I am really proud of myself for not being upset and mulling over it. Worrying is going to get me no where! My time will come, I just need to be patient.

I'm grateful that I can at do what I love and that I am back out there trying again. You miss every opportunity you don't take and I am going after everyone I can!

With My Eyes On The Prize,

~Steffanie

Ah...We Meet Again...

Summer is officially over and I am greeted once again by the sights and sounds of Northern Colorado's campus. As I prepare to dive head first into a semester waiting with memories to be made, I think about how grateful I am for the summer I just experienced. It seems impossible with the amount of time I spent working, but I had more fun this summer than probably any other. Paint fights, new besties(!!), salsa dancing, hiking, volleyball... Even though it was the summer, these seem like Christmas Lights to me. Something I want to light up my life and fill me with sheer happiness and gratitude.

End of Summer Checklist:

Number of Yoga Classes: 5

Number of Books Read: 7 (Peace Like A River, The Last Song, Revolutionary Road, The Hunger Games, Slumdog Millionaire, Eat Pray Love, and Catching Fire. All of which I highly recommend)

Number of Paint Fights: 2

Number of S.E.X. meetings: More than the public needs to know ;)

Number of Jobs: 2

Number of Attractive Chippendales: 12

Number of Almost Fatal Car Accidents: 1

Number of Salsa Dancing Partners: 7 Sexy Studs!

Number of Days I Would Trade: None. :)

To all of you who shared in these adventures with me, thanks. I can't wait for next summer!

Soaking Up The Sun,

~Steffanie

I Could Really Use A Wish Right Now...

This might sound a little insane, but I really love airports. There are so many different people walking around you; some going home, and some going to discover unexplored destinations. It's really interesting to see who's walking around and wonder who they are and think about the lives they may lead. This is most likely just because I am a people watcher, but its one of the best parts of traveling.

But as I sit in this little cafe at the end of the terminal, I am thinking of you. I have come to a realization of sorts. People tell me that it's never going to happen and that I need to be more realistic. But I say that if you don't dream big, then what's the point of dreaming?? So know that I am not "giving in" because of those people. It's because I know that you're happy right now. And if this is how life has to be for you to be happy, then that will have to do. I will always have a spot in my heart with your name on it. It seems silly and almost impossible, but because of you I am learning about myself and becoming a person that I am really proud of. For that, I am eternally grateful.

Admiring the Beautiful Mess,

Steffanie

For A Friend...

For those of us who know, tonight was a crazy night. I almost lost a friend. Multiple friends. And I can't help but thinking how if there had only been a second's difference I would have spent my night in the hospital waiting for some sort of news. Or how the end of my summer would be funerals instead of volleyball games. Teams would be uneven, chairs would be empty...

It shouldn't take times like this, but it always does. So I have made a new resolution. If you are reading this, please know the following:

I don't care if we met yesterday or if I've known you my entire life. I love you. I am grateful for you. And I am so glad that you are here to be apart of this crazy adventure with me. I wouldn't want it any other way.

Hey, You Down There!

Greetings Earthlings. Did you miss me? Cause I missed you!

I have been up to so much lately its ridiculous! I can't believe that the summer is already almost over, but I have done a ton of great stuff and more is to come!

Paint fights? Check. Renaissance Festival? Check. Play guitar? Check. Do awesome shenanigans? Check. I have me some fresh ink as well as of June 18th. It's totally awesome and picture are to come. I'm almost finished with Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates. If you haven't already...check it out. This book is an unbelievably amazing, and incredibly powerful story.

On another note, check out this video! I saw Eclipse like every other girl with a sex drive on this planet, and was messing around on Youtube when I stumbled across this. I thought I was crazy...then I saw her. If you don't laugh I think you have problems. Plus her accent just totally adds to it. A nice little chuckle to end my day.



Yesterday was kind of a shitty day truth be told. After pulling myself together, I feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the world. I had forgotten how blogging is not only a way to keep you informed, but to keep me on track and focus on the priorities in my life. I've forgotten about some things I wanted to do this summer, so now I am going to scramble to get them done. Thank you for the reminder.

Oh yeah. There's only 12 days until I complete a life goal by seeing Paul McCartney in concert!!!!!!!!!!! I'm slightly excited. Can you tell?

Going Back to the U.S.S.R in 12 Days,
~Steffanie

Looking Up

Today, I took a drive. Not because I had anywhere in particular I needed to go, but because something was telling me to take an adventure. I just drove and serenaded my soul. It was such a cool experience just listening to my heart tell me where to turn. It was kind of like driving without using my hands. I returned home rejuvinated and inspired. It was extremely successful.


Have you seen the Youtube video "Jessica's 'Daily Affirmation'"? It has been blowing up the internet lately! It got me thinking...how awesome would it be if everyone thought about how awesome everything is? There are so many incredible things in this world, but if someone's phone can't send a text in two seconds all hell breaks loose. Isn't that right though? We can use the internet in an airplane...while humans are flying!! How beyond amazing is that?!? So here is your assignment for the week. I promise it isn't as grueling as Spanish homework :] I want you to take a piece of paper and write down all of the things you LOVE about your life. Then, each morning start your day off by saying out loud your list. Here's mine. :]

I love playing beach volleyball everyday. I love my hair. I love my friends. I love learning. I love discovering myself. I love having clean teeth. I love taking pictures. I love singing. I love that I'm comfortable with the person I am becoming. I love that I love this life I've been given.

If we start looking at the world through glasses that aren't tainted, things always look brighter.

Looking on the Bright Side of Life
-Steffanie

Summer of Love.

Indeed folks. This will be the summer of love! And not because of the influence of pretty drinks with umbrellas in them (all being non-alcoholic of course...). The summer of love means a summer of loving myself! I am going to do so many great things and I have made a tentative list that can be altered. I just figured if I am going to spend next summer abroad everyone knows I am going to get nothing done before-hand...so here's the list!

1. Yoga, at least 4-5 times a week. This one is going to tough since i can't get my lazy butt out of bed before 11 these days...
2. Read read read read read!! I have already finished Peace Like a River and I am now a third of the way through The Last Song. That damn Nick Sparks knows how to pull on your heart strings. My goal is to re-read the entire Harry Potter series as well.
3. I am going to do a raw food diet! It's going to be for 28 days, and there will be no meat, soda, coffee, or food that has been processed or cooked in any way. I am shaking just thinking about it, but I would love for some of you to join me. It's going to be a challenge, but it will totally pay off after being detoxed and feeling wonderful.
4. Continue losing weight. I got off to a pretty good start and I'm going to keep going until I am absolutely satisfied.
5. Get a second job! England isn't going to pay for itself!
6. Go green! I would love to have almost all of my wardrobe to be eco-friendly by the time summer has ended.
7. Beach volleyball everyday. :) Of course.

Looks like I am going to be a busy bee, huh? Well, if you would like to join me you are more than welcome to. In fact, I would love the support. Since I have a lot to do, I better get going. Nothing will get done unless I want it to, and if I will it to.

Remember kids, you can do ANYTHING!!! It's all up to you. The page is blank until you start writing on it...

Currently on page 112,
~Steffanie

What I Learned in High School

For those of you reading this who haven't attended Chaparral High School, I am sorry. You missed out. Not on football games, or lunch room gossip, or even prom. You missed out on passion.For those of you who have attended Chap, then you will know exactly what I mean. And the best part is that I only have to say a name...

Mr.Larson.

Students would literally fight (aka have their parents complain to the principle) to get into his class. He is one of the best teachers in the world, ask anyone. I unfortunately never had the pleasure of being one of his students. However, during the end of Parent Teacher Conferences, when things had quieted down I went up to him and told him how I had heard nothing but good things about him and how I would be honored to learn something from him before I graduated. This sounds absurd, and I was saying it, I couldn't help but laugh because it seemed like such an odd request.

How abruptly stopped me and said "That. Keep laughing. It's the best thing you can do and the best thing I could possibly teach you."

I still haven't forgotten.

Laughing Out Loud,

~S

Kermit the Fraud

Please be warned! This friendly looking amphibian is a liar who is infecting the minds of today's youth!! Kermit has been recently quoted saying "It's not easy being green..."

FALSE!!!

Let me do some explaining here. I decided to be a vegetarian in October just to try and be a little healthier. I did it for two weeks and felt great! So I decided to push myself and see if I could do it through the rest of the month. After success, I pushed myself to take it to the end of the year! AND I DID IT! It just goes to show you can do anything you set your mind to. :)

However, my mother was more apprehensive than I was. She was always concerned I wasn't getting enough nutrients, proteins or other necessary ingredients for a healthy life. I then decided to try adding white meat back into my diet. I've been doing it for the past six weeks. This past weekend, I was reading a blog called Sexy Food Therapy. It was all about this 28 Day Raw Food cleanse and eating healthy foods that make you feel good. That's when it hit me...I don't want to eat meat anymore!!



I woke up this morning and gulped down this liquid gold. I felt amazing all day!! Seriously, you have to try this. I have felt energized and refreshed all day. Just because of some water out of a coconut. Crazy, huh? This got me motivated to share some tips with you about how I completely changed my life around. When I came to college I was nervous about my future, I was completely stressed and tense. Now I look like a hippie to those normal people. But I highly suggest taking baby steps.

Step 1:


This is a day planner called Plenty of Time. It's not about where you have to be, but who you have to be. Even if you don't want to be a vegetarian this book will change your life. If you follow me on Facebook I post a quote from this book almost everyday. Not only do you get a motivational quote, but there is a little box at the bottom to fill out a daily question. It makes you re-examine everything in your life. It has seriously decreased my level of stress, it reminds me of priorities, and reminds me off all of the awesome things going on in my life. It's by Terces Engelhart and you can get it at http://www.cafegratitude.com/plentyoftime

Step 2:

Read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It is an amazing book. We only use 10% of our brains, imagine how amazing life would be if we used all of it. It starts by believing in yourself. This book can teach you how to find your feet. You can make anything happen! If you don't believe me, give me just a couple years and I will prove it to you ;) You have to keep the glass half full when it looks half empty. Remind yourself daily of all of the amazing things you do and how worthy you are of great things. You deserve the future you want and you have to start believing in yourself.

Step 3:

Do the easiest things to be green. Recycle, buy local, turn off the lights, unplug cords, etc. All of this knowledge is found all around you. Literally. Going green is the coolest revolution out there (besides the love revolution of course). It feels so awesome when you save the Earth. Plus, I love Earth, It's my home. And if you don't want to do it for yourself and your future generations then do it for me. I want to stick around for awhile. Please and thank you.

Step 4:

This one is not for the faint of heart. No, do not drink people's blood, but be like Edward! Go vegetarian! It feels so good when you know all of the healthy, natural, good yummy foods you are putting into your body. And, if you are up to it, lets do a raw cleanse together! Don't freak out though, I want to wait until the summer. I have to bolster up the courage to do it. Are you up for the challenge? :)

And lastly, to the most beautiful person I know, my cousin Katie, I loved your blog today! And although I am the only one technically following your blog, just know that your happiness is a virus that is infecting millions of people. I hope you had as great of a day as I had. Keep staying positive darling. Your light is brighter than the sun!

Being Love,
~Steffanie

Walking A Mile In Your Shoes...Or Lack Thereof...

As many of you lovely people know, yesterday was National Barefoot Day!!



It was unbelievably thrilling walking around without shoes on. At first it felt really weird. Especially when I walked onto the bus that goes across campus and I was the only one not wearing shoes. I did have to put on shoes for fifteen minutes though. I had a meeting with my academic advisor and thought it would be a tad unprofessional if I walked in without shoes. But I took them off right afterwards. Scout's honor.



I felt like such a hippie! It was amazing! The sun was shining, I was wearing shorts, I had my purple water bottle with me, my hair was a little crazy, and I was barefoot. I wish that everyday was barefoot day. I felt so at ease, and so relaxed all day. Which, in turn, made my day twenty times better! Minus the splinter in my left heel of course. And how ironic is it that when I put my shoes on my day wasn't as great?

My roommate Malaya, Cody, and I went to Olive Garden last night to have dinner with our good friend (and Cody's roommate) Alex. UNC is not where he is supposed to be right now, and since he is headed home we decided to go out. We may not want him to leave but I am confident that he knows what is best for him. I am so excited to see all of the great things he does!

I propose we do this again. This whole no shoe thing. Are you free 364 days from now? It's a date.




~Steffanie, Barefooted in the Park

Stand

How empowering is this?

After the protests in Tiananmen Square in Beijing on June 5, 1989, Tank Man stopped some heavy traffic (pun intended). He stopped a line of tanks after a huge massacre!!! He showed the people of China not to be afraid, and look at how effectively he got his message across...

Can you stop traffic? I believe you can :)

~Steffanie, The Believer of You

Forks, Knives, and...

Well, well, well...we meet again. It is currently 1:41 a.m. here in mile high and I am wide awake. WIDE AWAKE I TELL YOU!!! I am so determined to wake up for yoga in a little over six hours and I feel like when my alarm clock goes off in the morning I just might hit the snooze button more than the usual average of ten times.

It was once suggested that a website be created for "singles looking for casual spooning". Sounds like a pretty sweet gig to me, what do you think? It would be kind of like eHarmony but without the compatibility tests and people constantly worrying over finding the yin to my yang; the peanut butter to my jelly; the Sonny to my Cher. Mr. Right versus Mr. Right Now. That sounds perfect, hmm? Not only that but youtube is not nearly as good at cuddling and it is keeping me up later, extending the time that my energy battery will run out. But then again, so is this...

What a paradox! I believe urbandictionary.com mentioned something about a blog being a place for people to bitch and nag. Well, yes. That is exactly what this post was. Insert a disgruntled ugh here. I trust you will pick wisely.



If for some reason you need to contact me, I will be somewhere in there...

~Sleepless in Steffanie's Bedroom

The Big Picture...

We were examining this in philosophy yesterday. Makes you feel small, huh?

It makes my stresses and troubles seem a lot less significant than they feel. So why waste your time worrying?

-S