My Songs

Talking about music and songs that have influence us made me look at the songs I use for personal identity, staying happy, getting over anger, and helping me feel less sad.

The song I choose in my class as the biggest part of my current personal identity is home by Phillip Phillips. I love that it reminds me I'm not alone, it helps me when I get lonely, and it is my favorite way to get out of a funk. I am so close with my family and it makes me think of home so I listen to it when I get homesick and it makes me smile.

Another song I thought of for negative mood enhancement is get off my back from the movie Spirit. I loved that movie and my sister used to playing when she was upset. And it became a song I use when I'm angry.

Last for positive mood management a recent favorite of mine has been shake it off by Taylor Swift. I like the reminder to not let what people say get to you.

Lisa Jean

10 Books That Have Influenced Me

So since this challenge has been going around social media I figured it would be a good place to put here as apart of my media series of posts. Here are 10 books that have influenced me in good ways. So this would all be books I feel are good/positive sources of media because they have influenced me for the better in some way. Here they are, in no particular order:

• The Book of Mormon: Filled with spiritual guidance and other nuggets of wisdom. I have only read it straight through 3 times but I find that every read provides me with something new to learn and grow from.

• Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling: These were some of my childhood friends and I love that the series grew with me. Definitely an example of my best para-social friends.

• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien: This was a favorite of my mothers and so when she shared it with me and I finally read it in high school it was a family favorite. It taught me about friendship and adventure and that heroes came from all sorts of places and experiences. It taught me to be brave.

• Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce: This book series created my love for Tamora Pierce and I have read many of her books since. I actually just re-read it for maybe the 10th time this weekend. It is about accepting others for who they are, not judging by appearances, and second chances. I love it!

• Slathbog's Gold by M.L. Forman: I picked up this book when I moved to a new place. The series characters became my friends when I had no friends in my new home. I loved the main character as he learned to be a friend. He is so selfless and caring. I aspired to be more like him, and still do.

• A Modern Witch by Debora Geary: One of the first adult book series I read when I became and adult. I love the relationships, the magic, but mostly the words of wisdom. Every book makes you cry and every book teaches more about yourself and who you want to become. And it teaches you how to get through trials with family and a sense of humor.

• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: My first introduction to Jane Austen, and Mr. Darcy, made me a romantic. It is a lovely example of learning not to judge others and to be humble. This is a classic for a reason.

• Hamlet by Shakespeare: The first Shakespeare play I read and created my love of his work. I think that each of his plays teach a ton, but this one creates an inner dialogue about revenge and the cost of revenge. I also think it makes you really think about mental disorders.

• The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale: A princess who is different and forced to go through an ordeal because of her station. And then how she overcomes the many trials and pain that come from betrayal. I loved the example of a strong female character and wanted to be a princess like Ani.

• Fairest by Gail Carson Levine: A story of a girl learning to accept herself for who she is. I really loved the lessons in the book as well as how they are mixed with magic and fairy tales. If you love snow white you will love fairest.

So these are ten books that I still continue to re-read and have helped shape me into a better, more accepting person. They helped shape me as a child and teenager and I love what they make me remember in my adult life.

Enjoy,

Lisa Jean

And Now a Word From Our Host

La La La Lisa Jean

If you have no interest in knowing whose blog your reading than feel free to skip this post. Seriously. I won't mind. But if you want to know what the almost 20-year-old likes, dislikes, and plans to do with this blog I have a phrase for you: read it and weep! (or just read on).

I am a student working on a major that I am in the process of changing. So once I figure things out it will probably show up in the Meet the Host section. But for now I'm a sophomore in college wanting to work with the special needs population. Figuring out how is the problem!

Likes:
 *Cooking and Eating
 *Reading Fantasy or Romance or Fantasy Romance
 *Harry Potter
 *Video Games (PC or 3DS)
 *TV Shows: Phineas and Ferb, Castle, Bunheads, Melissa and Joey, New Girl, Baby Daddy, etc.
 *Dancing/Music or Music/Dancing
 *Musicals! Plays! Theatre!
 *Traveling the Globe

And more. But this is probably enough of my likes for now! For dislikes let me just say my biggest pet peeves are people who are needlessly rude and people who don't pick up after themselves. So don't be one of those people. SMILE :)

5 Things to Keep in Mind

1. I'm probably going to be mostly posting about meal planning in the beginning (see next post)

2. I also plan to post about my other interests eventually. Maybe throw some reviews in the mix. So prepare for SURPRISES :)

3. I am a working student. I am busy. I hope to post once a week but this may or may not happen! Forgive me if it doesn't.

4. I am a picky eater. This may show in my recipes/posts. Enough said.

5. I hope you enjoy reading my rambling and take a minute to comment. Constructive comments encouraged! ;)