Top 5 Ways I'm Inspired to Write

When does your muse call? If it's anything like mine, it's always picking the most random, inconveniant times. These are times such that you're driving down the open highway, in the middle of a big argument, in class, or last week--in the middle of an exam. Have you ever woken dead out of your sleep with a brilliant thought and not written it down? By morning it's originality was lost, but the main idea was there. The muse doesn't mess around, and if you're a frequent writer, it may stop coming around.

Since I began my blog, my muse has been make appointments with me lately. It comes to me late at night in dreams or as I'm walking from one building to the next. I can be walking the long stretch across campus and have a great idea for a poem, but it would look suspicious to pull out my notebook to write it down.

As writers we're unique, aren't we? We find ideas everything and anywhere we go. Observations, experiences, asperiations, goals -- we could make a story out of a a child becoming an olympian, or working towards it. Every human being has a story and as writers we're supposed to find these stories. Here is my list for what inspires me. What inspires you?

1. My family/friends.
My family and friends are very important to me. I feel as if I don't show some of them how much I love them, but I truly do. My parents sacreificed alot when I was sick with my seizures, and my sister has the best kids & husband. I wish my brother had a better life, but his schizophrenia keeps him at a distance of leading a happy life. I pray for him alot, especially when I am afraid for him.

I have one of the best friends a girl can have. I met her when I moved to Dekalb, IL when I was going through a rough patch in my life, and I think she could tell I needed a friend. I was new in town, and I was going through depression. We've been through a lot in 6 years, and she's really special in my life. One of my best memories with her was when we took the road trip to Carbondale, IL to see SIU. We saw the wine trails which were made of fruit other than grapes. If we'd had a few more days, we could've gone to Nashville.

2. People
I love to people watch. I involve myself in conservations and try to pay attention to what I can use to build a character. I haven't wrote any fiction in almost a year. This is how great fiction writers make their characters seem real on the page. People do the strangest things, and they do the most hilarious things. It's an equalizing, humorous balance for my writing. I'm always everyone I know they'll be in my novel someday. It could happen, but not until I'm out of college. Look for it in 5-10 years -- at least. :-)

3. TV Shows/News
I suppose it's the Journalist in me, but I'm drawn to always watching the news. I'm always reading the newspaper and trying to figure out great ideas for my blog. I hear that journalists have been hired from having blogs, and I'd like this to happen someday. I need to keep writing, keep becoming inspired, and will keep working towards publication. The journalist in me needs to succeed, and I can't do without goals.

4. Music
My list would not be complete without my main source of motivation. My ipod is in my ears almost all the time I'm awake, and if I can't fall asleep, I plug it in my ears. I listen to it while studying since I often study on campus. It motivates me to keep going on a task, and to get things done in a certain amount of time. My favorite country artist is Reba McEntire, and my favorite male country artist is George Strait. Non-country female would be Madonna, and I really don't have a favorite for non-country male. My favorite band is probably Alabama.

5. Reading
I miss this lesuire so much because it has been replaced by textbooks. The only time I get to read an actual book is during the summer, and even then I'm overloaded with work. I used to read severeal books in a summer, and I wish I had the motivation to do this again. Maybe if my life ever slows down I can get into this old habit I replaced with my education. My schooling will only last 2 more years, and then it's off to a career. Maybe I'll find time to read then!

How I Best Relax

Life was never meant to be rushed through at today's rapid pace. Cell phones, ipods, and laptops have sped up traditional values and replaced them with modern ones. Whereas our parents and grandparents never spoke the word "computer" until at least 1970, their hobbies were often outdoors. Some enjoyed sports such as baseball, hunting and fishing. As the weather turned cold, there was basketball, hockey and board games. Mom and the girls enjoyed their baking all year 'round in addition to their gardening, reading, sowing and jigsaw puzzles. However, this isn't one or two generations ago and when life speeds up I am there along with it. I am a non-traditional college student who is saving to invest in my career. When I'm not working, these are the ways I best relax.

First, I am a believer that music is a powerful source of motivation. It's always on when I'm studying, at my newspaper job, or even dining without my friends around. I believe the messages hidden in the lyrics have the ultimate power to transform lives. Artists who sing the song have the chance to be inspirational role models. The one I have looked up to for a long time is Reba McEntire. The lyrics of her songs speak right to me, and in some instances I have experienced what she's singing about in her songs. If I could not listen to music, most of the things in my life would not be able to be accomplished.

Another hobby of mine is to do origami. This is a form of Japanese paper art, and was first introduced to me when my Aunt Anita did it in my childhood years. Whenever I'm having a stressful day, I pull this out and start making the models. Origami even has models for dollar bills, and my nephew is starting to enjoy it. It makes me happy that I'm able to pass this down to him. I don't get the chance to do this much anymore with everything I have to balance in my day. It's so relaxing to just sit and watch your paper turn into planes, animals and objects. If I did it everyday, I could master all the folds. However, I only still a beginner.

A new hobby of mine is my blog. I began it tonight while at my newspaper job. I began it by introducing about my seizure disorder, especially since I just had a seizure yesterday. I'm not sure what route I'll take with it, but I want to try to blog everyday. I don't want to waste anymore time, and as they say "there's no better time than the present." The present is a gift, and only God knows tomorrow. My seizures are coming closer together, so I think this blog will become beneficial to me as a writer.

I'm definitely hooked onto two shows: "Desperate Housewives" and "John and Kate + 8. " My best friend, I love her dearly, but she got me hooked on DH. I know she means well. Every Sunday we watch it together. She's in Chicago, and I'm 5 hours southeast in Charleston. It's one of our favorite shows, and we do nothing while it's on. On the other hand, I love "John and Kate + 8" and she doesn't care for it. It's all good. I think it's a funny show, and John and Kate must have so much energy for 8 kids! I'm not sure I'd have that much for two kids, but I'm not a parent yet, either.

I love jigsaw puzzles. I often do them on Facebook either in the Puzzlebee or Jigzone applications. When my nieces and nephew are around, we dump the pieces on the table and do the frame first. We got a 100-piece puzzle at Big Lots for a dollar, and it glowed in the dark. All five of us worked together and got it put together before dinner. It really didn't glow that much which was disappointing, but the kids had fun. I grew up loving puzzles, and I plan on passing that tradition on to my kids someday.

When it comes to exercise, I love walking. I really believe it keeps my seizure medicine under control. I just put my ipod in my ears and go for a walk. I haven't gained or lost a pound in a year so I must be where I am supposed to be. I just know I am the correct weight for my height, and that's such a reassuring feeling. I love feeling confident about my weight after I've spent about three years trying to get it under control.

At the end of the day, if the homework and all the household chores are done, sometimes I try to go to bed early. This doesn't seem to happen often, but it's a good thought to look forward to as a reward. I hold two part-time jobs and 5 classes. It's rough, but it's doable. In two years when I graduate, this will all pay off.

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10 Items Every Traveler Should Pack

When traveling, there are often two types of travelers. First, there are those travelers that pack their suitcase a week in advance. They want to make sure they all the items they might need on their vacation or business trip. These are the types that check and double check until they leave for the airport. On the flip side, there are travelers that are packing the night before an early flight. They throw items in their carry-on, and what they've forgotten they'll worry about later. Whichever type of traveler you are, there are always essential items that you shouldn't leave home without having in your suitcase.

1) Identification:

In the United States, your driver's license identifies you almost anywhere. If you leave this at home and you're in the security terminal, you'll be turned away. It's a form of identification they require to board air crafts and to board cruise lines. It includes your photo, name and address if your luggage is lost. It contains your birth dates and a sobriety scan if you go out drinking. On the back it signifies you're a donor god forbid an emergency happen out of town. This holds all the information you'll need-leave home without it, and you'll be lost.

2) Keys:

I'm more specifically talking about doors that lock automatically, such as apartments. If you forget your keys and they're on the inside, this may delay your trip and make you miss your flight. Furthermore, if you have chosen to lock your luggage, keep these keys in a secure place to ensure you have them later on in your trip.

3) Money:

Instead of carrying cash, while traveling I carry traveler's checks. It's much easier to handle, and it's tendered the same as cash. Also, if you lose cash, it can't be traced or replaced. On the other hand, if you lose traveler's checks, American express sends you more. Make sure you're careful about all debit and credit cards. It's easy for someone to steal your identity, so a good tip is to put your hand over your number while sliding it. This prevents everyone from seeing your number. Furthermore, try to carry your money on your body instead of in your carry-on. This is much more secure, and will help prevent theft from luggage.

4) Travel Tickets:

The majority of the population isn't wealthy, and forgotten travel tickets can become an expensive mistake. It's a good idea to keep all airline, cruise and train tickets next to your money and/or identification. Each time you go through a security gate, you'll have to present this document.Also, the outline of your trip is usually printed on the ticket.

5) Some type of leisure item:

A train ride or plane ride can also be so exciting looking out the window. Take along something in your carry-on that you enjoy doing. This may vary with different people, but on my last Metra train ride to Chicago I took writing ideas to write on for Helium. On my last plane ride, I took music, a portable DVD player, and a handful of puzzle books. It kept me busy the 3 hours to California.


6) Food & Drink:

Don't expect airlines to cater to specific diets. While they do their best, they can't meet the needs of everyone. One of the best items you can prepare for your trip is your own snacks and beverages. Put them in a small area of your carry-on and if you have them, you won't have to worry about buying food in the airport.

7) Camera:

Unless you're traveling on business, you may want some way to remember your trip. Kids are only young once and capturing these memories on film is priceless. Even some business trips can allow for sightseeing trips, so take advantage of it. On top of that, don't forget camera accessories such as batteries and a camera case.

8) Cell phone:

I should know better than to include this because everyone has it and calls it "baby."I'm guilty of the same, but still there have been times that I have gone off leaving it and missed calls. If this contains your schedule, phone numbers, and alarms, don't leave it at home. Double check for the charger, and make sure it's charged when you leave home. If it's not, try to find an outlet in the airport where you can sit and wait for it to charge.

9) Weather-related items:

Airports are commonly cold all throughout the year. If you're easily cold like myself, take a hoodie/jacket along with you when you travel. You want to be comfortable, and remember everyone's body temperature varies by a few degrees. Other related items are hats, gloves and scarves or umbrellas. It might be a good idea to be prepared for all types of weather.

10) Any medication you may need

This is crucial for some people, and often the first item they pack in their carry-on. Federal regulations require they be in a clear, one-gallon Ziploc bag. They must be removed at the security check point, and as long as they're prescriptions you'll be fine. There's no notes from doctors needed here.

To see more of my Helium.com articles, check out my profile here

My Tenative Life Plan

Around 10 years ago, I sat down and wrote down my life-plan. I'm an old-fashioned type who likes to have things planned out most of the time, but then there's those times where I literally take life by the seat of my pants. I felt I knew where I wanted to be and what I wanted to do, but my life was gradually spiralling out of control. I was in the midst of depression, abusive exs' and in reality, had no idea what I really wanted with my life. The icing on the cake is my seizures. These alone have altered my life-plan in the past 10 years in more ways than I can count. However, I am still striving to achieve my goals so here is my new life list. This time, I plan on taking things slower.

By 2011: I hope I successfully graduate college with a Journalism B.A. I am focusing on copy editing & page layout/design. I have worked on the Kaleidoscope at Kishwaukee College in Malta, IL and currently work at The Daily Eastern News at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL. I focused on writing at my junior college, but I want to expand my in all the areas of print journalism, including working for newspapers and magazines. I am currently writing at my university, but I like to design more. In the past year, I have sharpened my skills in Photoshop and InDesign.

Also by this time I hope to have my car paid off and own it out-right. It's one less bill I'll have to face once I graduate school. After I graduate, I plan on submitting my resume, cover letter and samples to as many areas as possible. With much of my support system in the Midwest, I'm not sure I'd be willing to go far away, but I always like a good adventure. I literally have family coast-to-coast, and I have always loved California.

By 2015: I pray that I find my significant other soon, and that I find him before this time. If I find him after this, I can still have my family, but my nieces and nephew will have already grown. I will have been involved in my career, and perhaps that's where he's waiting for me. I hope I don't overlook him in a crowd, or are too shy to speak to him when he notices me from across a room. I can have social anxiety at times, and this has affected me. I hope to be able to overcome this.

By 2020: I want to become a published author. I became a published poet when I was 17, and I want to someday write my own book. I'm not sure if it'll be America's next new novel, and I'm not expecting it to win a prize. However, it'll be something I have researched and put my entire soul into to get to this point. I hope to dedicate this to my brother, who is a brilliant writer but doesn't put his talent to good use. He will someday write a book also, but it won't be one I'd like to read.

By 2030: I'd like to retire and travel with my significant other. The world would have changed dramatically then from what it is now. I can't imagine the size of computer I'll be using to read this post when I've reached my 50th birthday. However, technology advances will never fail and only benefit us. It'd be a good reflection to see how I wanted life to turn out and how it did turn out. With global warming on the rise, will the earth even be here in 2030? We should find out.

By 2070: My family has been known for long lifespans. If I live 70+ years, I don't know what I'll do in my retirement. I'm certain I'll freelance for newspapers, if they're still around. I'll travel around the globe and enjoy my homeland of the United States. With social security being so terrible right now, at this age I hope I have the choice to retire. If not, what will my generation and future generations do in retirement? Only time will tell. Life is always tenative, and when you have seizures, life plans always gets rearranged.

So, put your champaign glass up and let's drink to life! :-)

It's never too late to be who you might have been.
~George Eliot (1819 - 1880)

Ever since I was a little girl, I have been writing stories and poems. I can't remember a time when I haven't used it as outlet for my emotions, or wrote so much I filled up a notebook. Somedays I wish I had kept these writings, and other days I'm happy they're gone. Most of those writings, if I were to look at them today, I would have a different perspective on my life. The person I was would be a stranger to me, especially when I was in my downard spirl in my late teens to early 20s. I'm not sure if I met this person today if I'd want to acknowledge them, but ask them why they did such stupid things. Then, after hearing what they've been through, I might understand.

I've been an on-and-off journaler for about the last 15 years. I do it heavily when my life gets really down and I find I need God more. I've never cut God out completely, but I'm confused on my religion right now. I know he's there, and I know he loves me--it's just I grew up with unclear examples of what Christianity really meant to an individual. Someday I hope to figure this out, and I hope God will help me with it.

I'd began to stray from God about eight years ago, and 3 years ago I realized I need him back in my life. It was then that I blacked out behind the wheel of my car due to a seizure. I was in the middle of a cornfield, and in all rationality I should've died. My survival is proof that there is a God because he has a plan for me that's not yet finished. It's not only the accident, though. I had a seizure as a baby and a 104 temperature for 3 days. If there wasn't a God, I believe I wouldn't be here.

I'm not exactly sure who God wants me to be yet. I know I love writing and it's the talent that he gave me. Seizures are also a big part of my life because I've had them my entire life. I've struggled in almost everything I do and have done.

In 2 years, I plan to graduate with my B.A. in Journalism. I feel as I'm following my dream and this is part of God's master plan for me. I feel as if I'm meant to be a professional writer, and I love what I'm currently doing. Whatever God has planned, I'm ready for an adventure.

5 Steps to Essay Writing

Writing an essay is one of the hardest tasks for me. It's why I brainstorm so heavily and do so much research. Then, the writing process comes along and I stumble over my own thesis. After all the nights of researching, outlining and planning, one would think a Journalism major would be hard to stump.However, while I won't be required to write many essays in my career, they are always helpful to look back on as the basics of writing. First and formost, it's best to have a detailed plan before you even begin to write. These following tips I have always found to be useful in my classes.

1. Decide on a topic.
If one is given to you, then research it the best you can in the library and using credible Internet websites. These websites usually end in such things as .edu, .gov or .org, have contact information, dates, names, and when it was last revised. Furthermore, look for a list of links and a search box. Credible websites will have these and will allow you to search their website. If it doesn't, it's not a creditable source. Wikipedia is not a credible source because anyone can add to the directory.

2. Prepare an outline/brainstorm.
If you have a topic, decide if it's to broad or if it's narrow enough to research. If it's too broad, then you're going to have to break it down. For example, writing on just "trees." How many types of trees? Will you focus on tropical trees? Fruit trees? Researching this is a fantastic way to organize your information.

If you don't have a topic, it's an excellent way to get ideas. For example, if you put trees in the middle of the page and branch out with oak, pine and fruit trees, how much do you know about each of these? How far can you go on your brainstorm before you have your topic? For some, this is often the first step to developing a fresh, new perspective to a topic that was already chosen for them.

3. Write your thesis statement/introduction.
As a paragraph has a topic sentence, so an essay has a thesis statement. Similarly, it's the main idea of your entire essay. If you're covering three main points of trees, then try to cover all of these in your thesis statement. The rest of your introduction, you should cover what's expected to be covered in your writing.

For example, are you covering tree diseases? How they're endangered by global warming? Consider all of this while writing your thesis and it'll make the rest of your essay read much smoother.

4. Write the body.
This will be the largest part of your essay writing. Develop each main idea individually, and expect each one to be at least two paragraphs. You're going to want your main idea and then your specific details to build off that main idea. Don't expect it to come easy, and don't expect it to be done in in twenty minutes.

Grammer and punctuation are keys in this part of the essay. However, sentence structure and clarity are much more important. Don't start talking about trees, go to squirrels, and back to trees. You're going to lose your reader and they won't finish your essay. It's going to be a hard process, and if you feel yourself drifting then walk away. Put it away until you can finish it.

5. Write the conclusion/revise.
This is the grand finale of your essay. In your concluding paragraph, wrap up all your main ideas with powerful words. Help the reader see your clear points youo were trying to make and that the impact you had was supposed to be a great one. If you're a great writer, you'll leave them "wowed." Take a day and then come back and revise. If you feel it's perfect, or close to it, then it's complete.