who cares?

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Last summer, I decided to make some changes in my life. Six months later, I up and left virtually everything and everyone I knew in an attempt to experience more.

To grow more.

To learn more.

Would it be crazy to say that I’ve learned more over the past two months than I have over my entire life? Because that’s how it feels. I’m anticipating and excited for even more lessons to be learned, but for now, I’m glad that I’m in the process of learning at least one. And it’s a simple, two-worded question.

That’s right. WHO. THE HECK. CARES????

Let me show you what I mean.

I didn’t get the job. Who cares?

He didn’t call. Who cares?

I ate too much. Who cares?

I have way too much on my agenda right now. Who cares?

Go ahead and condemn me for being lazy, ignorant, or unmotivated. But you know what? I don’t care. Because at the end of my life, none of that is really going to matter.

I’ve wasted day after day, month after month, year after year worrying about things that were a complete and utter waste of time. While I’m not saying to give up on your hopes or dreams (I’m certainly not) spending one more moment worrying or questioning or pining after something that didn’t go as you hoped or planned is one less moment that you have to be the amazing and joyful person you were created to be.

So here’s what I propose. Next time you catch yourself thinking something similar to what I listed above, say out loud to yourself, WHO CARES? Because chances are, it will change your entire view of the current “disaster” you’re facing.

The thing about having a who cares mentality is that it’s scary. It’s really, really scary. And trust me when I say that every instinct inside of me goes completely against it. While I certainly believe in the power of positive thinking, I also believe that in order to truly live, I personally have to get to the point where I can find joy even in the midst of not “getting what I want.” In my life, that looks a little something like…

I might never fall in love. I might not be able to see the world. I might not have the glamorous, successful life I imagined.

To me, that’s approaching a worst case scenario. But at the end of the day…at the end of my life…it just doesn’t matter. All that matters is that I laughed. I loved others. I experienced joy and pain and everything in between.

But most important of all, I was somehow chosen to know the one and true living God. And nothing – literally nothing – else matters. He alone is enough for me.

You might not agree with me, and that’s okay. But I do think you should ask yourself – are the things that you put your utmost time and energy into really worth it? For me, right now that answer is an overwhelming no. But I’m working on it. And, I’ve got to say that learning to ask myself “who cares?” has been an unexpectedly huge help in getting there.

valentine for hire.

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With Valentine’s Day just a week away, I’m coming to the realization that this year might not be the end of my dateless-streak that I hoped it’d be.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, my friends.

Some background on Gracie:

  • My music preference is cheesy pop songs and snobby indie jams.
  • I can eat more than the average grown man.
  • I tend to think that I’m like, really funny.

Rules for entry:

  • You must know what a blog is.
  • Never under any circumstances are rose petals romantic.
  • T-shirts with any sort of tattoo/wing design are not acceptable. Ever.

Eligibility:

  • Pretty much any guy over 18.
  • But no one whose job description is solely “musician” or “model.”
  • English-speaking is preferred, but not mandatory.

Method of payment:

  • Dinner will suffice.

If you have any questions or think that this is something you’d be interested in, please call 555-I’m-joking-but-sort-of-totally-serious.

what girls really mean.

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Everyone knows there’s a certain language that most of us ladies share. You know…those phrases that sound like one thing but mean something entirely different. Well, I’m here to share what I think these sayings (or, as some like to refer to them as white girl problems) actually mean.

decoding common female phrases.

Phrase: “Does this outfit look dumb?” Meaning: Please tell me how amazing I look.

Phrase: “I’m sick of all this drama!” Meaning: We secretly enjoy at least a smidgen of the drama.

Phrase: “Everything happens for a reason.” Meaning: I’m just going to keep telling myself that in hopes that I won’t have a nervous breakdown.

Phrase: “Oh wait, can you take a length-wise picture too?” Meaning: I need this entire outfit to be documented so it doesn’t go to waste.

Phrase: “I prefer being friends with guys. Girls are too catty.” Meaning: You’re probably that girl who is too catty.

Phrase: “I really don’t care where we go to eat, you pick!” Meaning: I’m going to give you a hard time about every place you choose until it’s the place I actually want to go.

Phrase: “What are you wearing tonight?” Meaning: Heels or flats?!

Yes….I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve been guilty of all of the above at least one time or another, and I’ll even consent that there are exceptions to the “rules” I just pointed out. But I know you know there’s some truth there.

Hey, someone had to say it.

What are your favorite/least favorite common female phrases?

cake batter blondies.

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I don’t say this very often.

But this is one of the most delicious things I’ve ever eaten.

Remember how I made dense, fudgy brownies by using a boxed chocolate cake mix? Well, let’s just say that I haven’t been able to stop imagining doing the same with a yellow cake mix ever since. I thought, if this method can get me to actually love chocolate, how insanely good would a cake version be??

So, chocolate-lovers, this isn’t entirely for you. This is for my fellow blondie/vanilla/rainbow sprinkle/cake batter lovers. Represent.

cake batter blondies.

ingredients:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/4 – 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine the cake mix and sprinkles in a large bowl, then mix in the oil and egg. Add the milk slowly just until the batter is combined – you want it to remain as dense as possible. Place better in a greased 8×8 pan or 8-inch cake pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or just until the edges turn golden. Let cool for 20 minutes before cutting because the gooey center needs to set. The result will be a decadent, cake-batter texture.

notes: I should mention that because I don’t have any bakeware yet, I actually baked this batch in a casserole dish (I’m classy like that, what can I say?). If you bake this in a typical brownie pan (8×8) I’m assuming that it would cut the baking time down. So just be sure to keep an eye on this one – you want the edges to *just* be turning golden brown.

**edited to add: I made these again in an 8-inch cake pan, and they came out perfectly! Still bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown.

**also edited to add: I made the blondies successfully without using eggs!

You might think that it’s not fully done because the center will still be quite gooey upon first exiting the oven – but that’s what you want!

After cooling for about 20 minutes, the gooey center is what will lend to the decadent, cake-batter texture. Trust me on this one.

Amanda and Erica – if you’re reading – act surprised when I bring this tonight 😉

And everyone else, have a blessed and safe New Year’s Eve! xoxo G

top 10 of 2010.

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When thinking about what sort of “best of 2010” list to compile, I considered going through fashion trends, cultural events, recipes, etc…

…but those things wouldn’t really do this year justice.

2010 was a unique year for me because I’ve never learned so much about myself in a 12-month period. In fact, for probably the first time in my life, I’m actually sad to see a year come to a close. Not only did I grow as a person, but I also had some darn good times. Here are my top 10 experiences from 2010 (in mostly chronological order) and why they’re ones that I’ll never forget.

1. not being a student any more.

2010 marked the first year in my entire life that I was not a student. HOLLA! At first, I didn’t know how to deal with the transition. There was definitely a period of regressing going on; for a while there I became way too “play it safe” and insecure about my abilities. In the end, though, I’m glad I had to fight through that because it made me become a stronger and more confident person. I definitely still have some work to do when it comes to living up to my potential, but my first year in the real world taught me more than I had ever anticipated.

2. starting a blog.

After reading blogs for over a year, January 2nd marked the day when I created one of my own. To be perfectly honest, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I didn’t have a clear direction or concept of how much work went into maintaining a blog at all, but I also had no clue just how rewarding and FUN it would be. Blogging has changed my life in ways that I didn’t expect. It has helped me to realize my passions, my strengths, and best of all - I’ve gained some incredible friendships along the way.

3. travelling to Mexico.

Ohh Mexico, where to even start? Going to Playa Del Carmen with my cousin Liz in early March was hands down the best week of my life. End of story. It was also my first time travelling outside of the country!

4. my first blogging conferences.

FitBloggin’ was my very first blogging conference, and it was also my first time meeting other bloggers! I wouldn’t say I nervous, but I was anxious and curious to see what the experience would be like. To sum up the weekend in three words: it. was. epic.

My second conference was the Healthy Living Summit, which was great not only because I met even more fabulous blogettes, but I got to see the wonderful city of Chicago.

5. trip to Florida.

Directly after FitBloggin’ in March, my mom and I began a road trip to Florida. Our first stop was visiting my aunt and uncle in southwest Florida, followed by about a week in Disney World. If you’ve ever wondered if mother-daughter road trips are fun…THEY ARE! I worried that Disney World wouldn’t be the same as a 23-year-old, but it was just as magical and exciting as ever. Most of all, it was so great to spend time away with my mom…especially since we probably won’t get many more chances like it.

6. weekends in LI.

In July, my girlfriend Erica and I headed up for what would be the first of many weekend trips to visit Amanda in Long Island. I had no idea what to expect out of the weekend, and it ended up being one of the best I’ve ever had. Our 3-day rendezvous included ample amounts of sun and fun (maybe a little too much fun. ahem). Best of all was that we realized just how in sync the three of us are. I am so blessed to have these girls in my life!

7. summer at the shore.

Since I work for my father’s company and most of my job is completed on the computer, I can essentially work from anywhere. And, considering this was probably my last summer working for him, I took full advantage of that flexibility by working from our shore house. I was able to soak in one last summer of freedom and relaxation. It was a great time for me to reflect on the past, enjoy the present, and figure out what I want my future to look like. Oh, and it was just downright fun.

8. changing to Girl Meets Life.

As I previously mentioned, I didn’t have much of a direction or idea of what blogging would be all about when I first created Girl Meets Health. And, apparently it took blogging about health for me to realize that I just wasn’t very passionate about health anymore! Making the shift from GMH to GML wasn’t easy, but it was entirely worth it. I hope that you agree! :)

9. screwing up.

While 2010 was full of mostly positive experiences, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t make my fair share of mistakes. And you know what? I still regret them to this very moment. I think that facing regret (rather than being in denial) is important, though, because I’m sure as heck not going to make those same mistakes again. I may have learned some things the hard way, but I’ve become a better person because of it.

10. deciding to move.

And now…here we are! I’ve taken all of my experiences, mistakes, and goals, and now I’m taking a leap. I’ll never say I’m positive that this is exactly what I should be doing right now, but does anyone ever really know that for sure? All I can do is have faith, hold on to my support system, and keep moving forward. Here’s to 2011…may it be bigger and better than its predecessor.

What were your highlights from 2010??