All over the place

Well I can honestly say I am all over the place right now. Have you ever gotten in one of those moods where you want to run in fifteen different directions, then don't move at all? WELL that is how I'm feeling at the moment.
Like most of this Country's hard working Americans I've been laid off, plus side? I had an awful job and now have a whole bunch of free time. However, the only problem is I don't know what to do with all this free time. I know I'm trying to write my first manuscript, but I just can't get going on it and it's driving me crazy. It is sooo personal so I'm not sure which angle to start in on. Also, I'm about to receive my Certificate of  Eligibility to teach in the state of New Jersey, which is sooooo exciting!!! Who knows this blog may transform into a teaching/writing blog...if I'm lucky.

Well if anyone would like to give any input on free time ideas I would love to hear them!!! I hope everyone had a great Holiday and enjoy the new year!

<3 Amanda

Write Write Write

So...I wanted to take a moment to throw a question out there, to anyone who actually reads my blog. Lately I have been thinking of my manuscript and the direction I would like it to take. I have different ideas already set and parts written, but I guess I'm at the point where I'm afraid to write a part and spend a great deal of time and truly fall in love with it and then not have it fit. UGH! People who think writers have it easy have another thing coming.
On top of trying to find time to write and be magnificent (ha ha) I'm also studying for my next Praxis Exam for Early Childhood (Grades P-3), you would never think it would be as difficult as it is. Because this is the beginning stage in education teachers and students need to put their best, smarty pants foot forward to soak up the most important aspects of learning. Most of the study guide centers around different psychological theories on ways of learning and teaching, that even makes reading a story book technical.
Not to have this post go off track, my question is what makes you happy? What is something that you could do forever that make things worth while, in terms of employment. I know for me I would love to do anything that has to do with writing. Even though I don't write novels every day and spout sonnets I absolutely love writing and getting involved in different subjects. I know college would discourage me at some points with professors who were less than sympathetic or even courteous. I had a professor who was so cruel I wanted to drop his class, which was Advanced Creative Writing...the class I was looking forward to taking for four years.  Even if I was asking a question I received a rude response dripping with sarcasm and attitude.
Well that was a nice mini rant, so if anyone is out there I'd love to hear your opinion on a dream drop that really involves your interests!!

Til Next Time
Amanda

So B-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l

Oh my goodness, so I was peeking through followers of others blogs and came across @My Shabby Streamside Studio Oh my goodness, amazing!!! I just saw the cottage she created from an old hunting cabin and it is breathtaking. I recently wrote her an e-mail saying that I too will one day have one similar even if I have to build it in my backyard!! Such inspiring beautiful work. Def. visit her blog or view images at http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/06/23/garden/20100624-chic-slideshow.html which were taken by the NY Times. I have to say looking at all the beautiful creations others are able to make is truly inspiring.

Living Vicariously

So as of lately I have living vicariously through @American Expat In London the creator being Kristina. What an amazing blog!!! She just makes me want to pick up and go over to London! I have been looking and I certainly wouldn't mind obtaining my Master's Degree there =).  I was wondering if anyone has any knowledge of this I would greatly appreciate it 

The idea of going to another country and not knowing a single person is terrifying, but I just keep looking for information just in case!

Hmmm..some new ideas

I've been trying to figure out which direction I want my blog to go in cause as of right now it's kind of lame. Every blog I follow at this point is dedicated to home decorating in beautiful white and french design. One would probably think I'm into design...def. not the case, but I do appreciate beautiful work.
Me and my boyfriend continuously talk about when we move out and start our lives and I must say I CAN'T WAIT TO HAVE MY OWN HOUSE!!! I think about it all the time and I'm sure I will going back to these blogs for some information. Along with design I would like to travel to Europe to see the sights and soak up some other culture. I'm very proud to be an American and with that I would love to widen my cultural range.
Lots of things going on for this 23 year old right now. Working on my first manuscript (as you can see in the post below), taking three more Praxis (teacher's examination) Exams between September and March: Busy, busy, busy! Well hopefully I'll be back soon with some updates and direction.


Love ya!
<3 Amanda

Writing my first book

Here is a little bit of background. In December it will be ten years since I lost my father to a massive heart attack, and to commemorate a great man, and shed light to the situation my family and I were put in, I am writing my first book. I plan on having the book finished by his anniversary and afterward will go through the complete editing process (if I don't get it done before hand) and attempting to have it published.

If anyone has lost someone the love and have repressed feelings and are still grieving, I suggest writing it down. Writing gives you an escape, through words and characters. My characters are based off people I know or have met, some characters are a combination of a few different people. The meaning in my book is, so deep only family members will be able to tell what I've done in terms of referring to different places and people.

Writing in Barnes & Noble yesterday, I wrote part of a chapter involving my sister, and writing about her as a seven year old kid, while having her sitting as a seventeen year old in front of me was mind boggling and there was nothing I could do about the tears that followed.

Hopefully, one day, everyone will have the chance to read my story and know how much myself and my family loved my father, and how much he loved us in return.

Best Wishes for a wonderful day to everyone, thank you.

Harry Potter!!

Okay, so my dirty little secret is that I LOVE HARRY POTTER! If you saw me you would never think I was a fan, but I have read all of series at least three times. If you have never read these books you are deprived. J.K.Rowling is truly inspiring. Right now I myself am writing a book, slowly but surely due to stress and God knows what else goes on in my life, but I will have it finished by this December.

Oh my...

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, it's been a hectic couple of days. Something I came to realize over the last few days is how rude people are. Not to drown on and on but OMG!  My job deals with sales and collections and it is HORRIBLE. I am noticing more and more how much the money isn't worth it. Has anyone else ever felt that way?

My boyfriend is amazing though, made me salmon stuffed with crab and spaghetti with vodka sauce, along with a bottle of wine. :0) Gotta love him. Okay glad I got that off my chest. Now on to the fun stuff!!!!

I have been thinking more and more lately about wanting to travel more, but unfortunately you need the green stuff to do that and I have some other things on my plate right now. Me and my boyfriend are continuously talking about getting married and along with that comes ALOT OF MONEY! So as of this point I will live vicariously through everyone else and buy beautiful artwork and photography from others. Hey if I can't go there I might as well bring it to my house. <3

Sooo Ready for the Weekend

I have to say even though this was a short week because of the 4th of July Holiday, this week draggeddddddddddddd!
I'm excited to go down the shore tomorrow afternoon then visit the Meadowland Fair at night!

My best friend already told me there is a vulgar clown there and I'm not too excited. Numero Uno biggest fear=CLOWNS!!! However the BF will be will me, so that makes everything better <3.

Sooo many things on my mind this blog could probably go on for days!!! But I'm going to leave it at that and  talk to you tomorrow.


Xoxo Amanda Ray

Jersey Girl Dreams

Well I am a Jersey Girl, please don't be misunderstood by the cast of the Jersey Shore, these people are a terrible misrepresentation of our state, considering only one comes from here.  There a million things going wrong with NJ right now, the Governor being the largest of them all, but it is a great place to live. 

We have great views of the city and are only 1-2 hours away from the Beach.....

My First Blog Posting

Well I am 100% new at this, I've never really had a blog before because I never thought people would care what I have to say.  But, here I am just getting the hang of things. I just wanted to say hello and I will be back soon with some fun postings. :0)