New Years Resolution #1:

SMILE MORE

Free Spirit

Simon's Cat: Double Trouble

Me, being the cat-lover that I am found this to be hilarious. My dad actually showed it to me when I got home this break, he even liked it... and he is an avid cat-hater.

Simon's Cat is probably my new favorite website. 

Or super close to first, behind Facebook.

Of which I'm WAY too adicted to. 

That and Pintrest.

I Got You

Melanie & Marko

I Got You- Leona Lewis

My favorite SYTYCD routine. 

Supposedly the dance depicts him, after being dumped at the alter & her, the best friend, being there to help pick him up.

I get chills every time.

Tumblr

Hey, check out my Tumblr.

http://mckaebrea.tumblr.com/

<3

Love

Pure. Simple. Love.

Love Letter

It has snowed
on this page
and there are tracks
as if a small
animal lost
in the white weather

in the cold battle
of breath
yours forms
the only cloud
on which I can rest
my head

-Linda Pastan

Grounded but Still Flying High

I need to be there.

End of story.

[Festival of the Winds at Bondi Beach]

Photo by: Creative Monsoon

Successful Family Relationships

          Last Spring I had to write an in-class essay for my English 201 class, and I just happened to stumble across it the other day. Needless to say, I'm quite proud of it. =) So I thought I'd share.

          Prompt: Write a 500 word essay identifying and explaining the values you feel are necessary for successful family relationships. Clearly explain each value in detail with specific examples and justification for your choice.

          Family. A word often meant to describe those you live and grew up with, but to me it means those I love and depend on. All throughout time, members of families bicker and fight with one another when they should be strengthening their relationships. This task is not, by any means, considered an easy one. one must obtain certain attributes in order to have a pleasant relationship with family members, the most important being: observation, a listening ear, ability to develop trust, and unconditional love.
          "Why are these important?" You might ask. In order to explain, we must start from the beginning.
           Observation. Being able to notice and see things around you for what they truly are. As family members you might share the same DNA, but you don't have the same mind. When people are hurt or angry they react in different ways; some shut down, some lash out, some are calm and rational. Family members should be observant in knowing when something is wrong. For example, through my teenage years, when I would get upset I would usually snap at or say a snide remark to one of my siblings then head off to be alone. My mother would notice this and realize I probably needed someone to talk to; she had the attribute of observation down to a science.
           After observing that something is bothering a family member we must do as my mom did and have a listening ear. We need to be there for our family. Sometimes all a person needs is to be heard. Along with this, we need to realize that they might not need us to talk at all. Therefore, we need to be careful on not giving too much advice; unless they ask for it, of course.
          After showing that we notice others feelings and are someone to confide in, they usually find that we are worthy of their trust. once given that trust we must do everything, in our power, to keep it. Trust is one of the toughest things do get back once it is lost. In order to keep trust we must avoid dishonesty and hypocrisy. When we say that we will do something, we should follow through. Show others that we care enough to keep our promises.
          And lastly there is unconditional love. Having unconditional love for someone is loving them no matter what they do to hurt themselves, you, or others. This value is essential in family relationships and goes along with all the other values mentioned thus far. If a child decides to go wayward and live a life we might not agree with, their trust in our love might be the only thing that brings them back. We must have that undying love, that selfless love.
          All of these attributes combined will ensure that we have successful relationships with our family members, which relationships are of the most important in our lives.

-McKae Bre'a

212 Degrees - The Extra Degree

My mom showed us this video last night for FHE (Family Home Evening). And, even though I had other plans, I'm glad she made me stay to at least watch this ;).

It makes me wonder what I'm missing out on in life when I don't go the extra mile.
"The one extra degree of effort in business and in life... separates the good from the great!"

Dream Without Limits

          Everyone says "Follow your dreams", "Reach for your dreams", "Dream big." And it makes me wonder... which ones are we supposed to "follow" and "reach for"? The dreams you dream when you're sleeping or the ones you dream when you're awake?  And what's the difference? Is it that your subconscious controls one and not the other? Is it because your subconscious wants to control your conscious dreams but your super-ego gets in the way? Your super-ego as in society.  
          Society telling you that you can't, telling you that there is no possibly way to make your dream a reality? Grinding it into your very soul, until you start to believe it yourself. You believe it so much that your conscious never even realizes that something was ever your dream in the first place? The dreams you dream while you are awake are only the product of things society, and essentially you, believe are possible. Imagine what following your dreams would mean if we truly had no conscious, no superego, no limits.

-McKae Bre'a

Lyrical Love

Just a few of my favorite lyrical quotes:

"I hope that you see right through my walls." -Arms Christina Perri

"I was standing at the edge of the runway, wishing I could fly." -As Long as it Takes The Spill Canvas

"But you held your pride like you should've held me" -The Story of Us Taylor Swift

"Maybe God can be on both sides." -Say When The Fray

"Don't hold your head so low that you can't see the sky" -Mr. Blue Catherine Feeny

"So how come when I reach out my fingers, it feels like more than distance between us?" -California King Bed Rihanna

"I've never heard silence quite this loud" -The Story of Us Taylor Swift

"You say go, it isn't workin; and I say no, it isn't perfect... so I'll stay instead" -Never Gonna Leave This Bed Maroon 5

Quote of the Day

Germaphobe Freakouts

 This weeks realizations:

- I have a great memory for song titles and artists... I win Nick's music challenges all the time ;)

- I cannot go into town without buying a movie.

- I can secondhand shop (with minimal germaphobe freakouts) only if it's at Plato's Closet... My mom is so proud.

- Forgetting about a past crush is easy when I convence myself he's a douche. 

- After a week of being on a sugar-free diet, I have yet to go a whole day without it.

- Everyday is a Taylor Swift day.

- I can swindle my way out of teaching swim lesson and not leave anyone hanging. Wooo Hooo!!!

- I live by the motto: "There has to be a easier way."

Quote of the Day

"It's not as bad as we sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don't worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out...Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us... If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers. "

- Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley

          My friend, Devan, suggested I read the talk "Some Lessons on Faith and Fear" by Gregory Clark (where this quote was found), and it was exactly what I needed to hear. I would suggest anyone and every read this, it covers so many concepts we wouldn't normally think about when it comes to being faithful or fearful. 

Regular, not Goofy.

After half a week of trying new things I've found out a few things about myself...


- I'm regular, not goofy, on a skateboard. All this time I've been wake boarding wrong.
- I like going super duper fast (cars, boats, jet skis) ... when I'm the one in control. 
- I HATE teaching swim lessons, but man those kids sure make me smile.
- I can't keep my eyes off of buff, black men writing rap songs in the park; but then again, that's not anything new.
- Guys who are good with kids are at the top of my list.
- Yep, I still don't like mornings.
- A song that features a saxophone, in any way, makes me want to pull my hair out.
- I love winning at Around the World Solitaire, even if it takes me a gazillion tries.

Self Discovery

I feel sad today. 


So, I'm only 21. Way to young to be thinking about my future as an old maid, right? I thought so too. But all this pressure to go off and find my eternal companion, is subconsciously starting to get to me. I normally wouldn't admit to it. But, considering I feel like I've hit rock bottom, I think there's nothing left to lose. 


I feel lonely today.


And what do I do when I feel under the weather? I eat lots of ice cream and talk to my mom. Yep, I'm a Mama's girl, I'll admit to that too. She always seems to talk some sense into me. Her words of wisdom today went something like this. "You know McKae, maybe while all the people around you are getting married, Heavenly Father is giving you experiences that will teach you how to be alone, so that you won't lose yourself when you become part of someone else." ...ok so I might have paraphrased a little. But, that's the just of what I got. 


Which got me thinking.


Here I am in the prime of my life. I have no responsibilities holding me back from doing what ever my heart desires. And am I taking advantage of that? No. I'm sitting here, stuffing my face with peanut butter ice cream (which really isn't even that good, cuz I'm really craving almond praline), and wallowing in my own self pity. So, like always, I come up with some random idea. 


Objective: Self Discovery


I'm going to do a gazillion things this summer that I normally wouldn't do and see what I discover about myself and who I really am. 


Ideas: 
Wake up early enough to watch a sunrise
Go down the yellow slide
Swim in our new pool
Read a book on the roof
Play with the dogs (no matter how much they smell)
Ride Shaunessy's horse (even though I'm allergic... maybe I'll save this for last)
Write a song
Read a western novel
Give a random stranger my number
Water ski?




... and we'll see what happens.

Varolo

     My parents found this website called Varolo. It's completely free to sign up, you watch about 20 advertisements a day and get paid for it! 


     Follow this link: http://www.varolo.com/village/Joynmc08 and watch the 2min tutorial. 


     Then, in order to make the most out of your advertisement watching, you need to build up your "village" by inviting your friends to join too. Did I mention its completely free? =) Come join my village.

My Hands

I know she how much hurt you
She broke your heart in two
Tore it out and ran it over
As she was passing through

Left you hurt and haunted
Praying the night would end
Cold and always daunted
Never to love again

Moments last a lifetime
Memories linger too
Hoping for the sun to shine
And make it all brand new

She didn't stop to wonder
How shitty you would feel
She left you sinking under
Doubting time would even heal

Now we walk across the sands
To hide you might prefer
But I hold my heart out in my hands
And show you I'm not her

-McKae Bre'a

*My dear roomie Katie inspired me to try my hand at poetry after reading her AMAZING pieces. She's so amazing talented in everything she does. I'm secretly hoping some of it will rub off on me. ;)

The Perfect Two

So Kara and I were super bored over Spring Break and so we decided to make a music video. We had a blast... and that is so not me who snorts at the end... just sayin ;)

Dress Me Up

Taylor has been talking about this Etsy site for a while now so I decided to check it out. It's a buy/sell site for handmade crafts and clothes, it has some really neat stuff on there.  Actually my cousin Laurel sells handmade books on there as well.

So I found this dress and I am love! When I get married I might do a rendition of it for my bridesmaid dresses. My favorite part is the eyelet.

Lavender Eyelet Spanish Ruffle Neck Dress

Menkaure and His Queen

          This is Menkaure and his Queen. We are learning about Egypt in my Western Cultures class this term. I have always been interested in Egypt since I was a little tike watching Prince of Egypt, so studying it in school has been way fun. 

          

          My teacher put this picture up with the projector and asked us to analyze it. I am in love with this statue. Here are a few things I noticed about it...

          - Their left feet are forward, symbolyzing motion or moving forward, possibly into the afterlife together (how romantic).

          - Her belly is not the perfect flatness of stone but has shape to it, makes the statue almost human, life-like. 

          - He is pulling some sort of cart, symoblizing the man's job to be the strength and the muscle of the couple. But, the woman is holding on to him almost holding him up. Doing her job to keep him stable and secure. 

          - And my favorite part of this beautiful work of art is the look on thier faces, they are content in their companionship. Whatever they have been through or whatever they are about to face, they are confident in doing it together.

Days 31-38

 

Day 31

[A picture of a tradition you have]

...LIOHAH, my family's motto, after every family prayer we throw our hands together and cheer "Love in Our Hearts and Home LIOHAH!" I was about 7 or 8 when we started it. I sure do miss it while I'm here at college...

Day 32

[A picture of a crazy night]

...The Disco! In Italy. It was the best dance club I have ever been to for sure, not to mention I almost got kissed by a very attractive Italian boy!!!...

Day 33 

[A picture of the house you grew up in.]

...So i actually just found this on the internet. I think it might actually be my house, I'm not entirely sure though seeing as I havent seen it since I was about 10, but it looks pretty dang close...

Day 34 

[A picture of your currently most played CD]

...T-Swift's Speak Now album! I am OBSESSED with Haunted and Enchanted, must must must listen to them!...

Day 35 

[A picture of your favorite place to eat]

...Mongolian Grill, I love how they cook the food right in front of me. And its absolutely De-lish!...

Day 36

[A picture of your ‘other half']

 ...It's just me, myself, and I. I feel pretty whole, but I look forward to meeting the other half I never realized I was missing...

Day 37 

[A picture of the people you spend most of your time with]

...These are my girls! You could say were pretty much inseperable, aside from the fact that Jodo and Allie are both home now in CA and UT, HI's not the same without them...

Day 38

[A picture of the best part of your day]

...When I finally get to curl up in my fluffy bed with 50pillows after an amazing day...

60 Day Challenge

...So I found 30 more to add to my already 30 day challenge... yay! =)

Here it goes...

Day 31 - A picture of a tradition you have.
Day 32 - A picture of a crazy night.
Day 33 - A picture of the house you grew up in.
Day 34 - A picture of your currently most played CD.
Day 35 - A picture of your favorite place to eat.
Day 36 - A picture of your ‘other half'.
Day 37 - A picture of the people you spend most of your time with.
Day 38 - A picture of the best part of your day.
Day 39 - A picture of your favorite movie.
Day 40 - A picture of your favorite Disney character.
Day 41 - A picture of your pet.
Day 42 - A picture of your dream house.
Day 43 - A picture of something you can’t function without.
Day 44 - A picture of someone you’re told you look like.
Day 45 - A picture of your room.
Day 46 - A picture of where you wish you were right now.
Day 47 - A picture of your favorite place to shop.
Day 48 - A picture of your favorite actress/actor.
Day 49 - A picture of where you live.
Day 50 - A picture of your most frequented place.
Day 51 - A picture of your dream car.
Day 52 - A picture of your favorite sport.
Day 53 - A picture of someone you think is hot.
Day 54 - A picture of the one thing you would bring if you were stranded on a deserted island.
Day 55 - A picture of the last movie you saw in theaters.
Day 56 - A picture of something that makes you happy.
Day 57 - A picture of your favorite holiday.
Day 58 - A picture of your favorite animal.
Day 59 - A picture of a random item that you own.
Day 60 - A picture of something you’re excited about

Breathe

Just Do It!

No, this isn't a Nike add.
But it is meant to be motivational... so listen up. =) jk

The other night I had to get Logan to the airport and I had Chole's car but it's stick-shift and I (even though I practiced a few times) did not feel comfortable driving in town at all. And thank goodness I didn't. Anyways I asked my home teacher, David, if he would take us and it ended up being one of the most interesting drives I've ever been on.

First of all we got lost and almost missed Loag's flight, but we made it just in time and it worked out fine. We then got lost like 3 more times on the ride home and it ended up taking us an extra hour and a half on top of the hour it regularly wouldve taken us to get home. But, I really enjoyed that extra time talking to David.

The way he thinks is so interesting... such as he doesn't think that there are any really amazing female instrmentalists (which I want to disagree with, but I can't seem to come up with anyone to combat that statement), and he thinks that movies are a waste of time and that jazz music is the most intricate and emotional genre of music. It was eye-opening to see his point of view on these matters and some cases I surprisingly agree.

We were at one point talking about where we might want to go after we're done with school, I said Italy, of course. But I wasnt sure if it would be possible because I don't have Italian classes avaliable to study here and I would be going completely unprepared. And he said "Just do it."

It was that simple...
Just do it
Whats stopping me?

Whats standing in my way of having everything I've ever dreamed of?
I am. Myself. My doubts. My fears. I'm standing in my own way.

And all it took me to realize that is someone telling me to slimply "just do it".


...so thats the end of my story, I love how I was so detailed in leading up to practically nothing. but it was inspirational to me. Maybe I'm just weird like that.

Day 30

Day 30

[A picture of someone you miss]

...Hunter! Hes on his mish now in Cali. He'll be gone a year this summer. I miss being able to pick up the phone and call that sweet boy. But, I can quite proudly say we've kept up pretty well with the letter writing =)...

Day 29

Day 29

[A picture that can always make you smile]

...so I found this on a friend's facebok about a year ago. I have no clue who this lil baby is but I would put it as my desktop pic but it would squish it down to fit and he looked like this lil chubby squatty thing. I cant look at it and not smile...

Day 28

Day 28

[A picture of something you're afraid of]

...finding the love of my life and then losing him...

Day 27

Day 27

[A picture of yourself and a family member]

...Logan and I at the Aloha Stadim for the swap meet. Logan came to visit me here in Hawaii and it's been such a blast!!! It's way fun to get to spend some one on one time with my lil bro...

Day 26

Day 26

[A picture of something that means a lot to you]

...My family, I love them so very much. I seriously don't think I'd survive without these wonderful people...

Day 25

Day 25

[A picture of your day]

...Lots and lots of studying for finals then went and saw Soul Surfer at the theater...

Day 24

Day 24

[A picture of something you wish you could change]

...People leaving, I wish I could keep everyone I love close by me...

Day 23

Day 23

[A picture of your favorite book]

...Smart Boys and Fast Girls by Stephie Davis & Dashwood Sisters' Secrets of Love by Rosie Rushton...

Day 22

Day 22

[A picture of something you wish you were better at]

...Dancing, I would love so much to good, to actually be good enough to call my self a dancer...

Day 21

Day 21

[A picture of something you wish you could forget]

...Working at Disney World, I really wish it had been the happiest place on earth...

Day 20

Day 20

[A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel]

...London, Egypt, India, and Venice, are some of my top places...

Day 19

Day 19

[A picture of you when you were little]

...Me and my lil sis, Shaunessy, not quite sure when it was taken.  I love it though...

Day 18

Day 18 

[A picture of your biggest insecurity]

...My stomach...

Got Taro?

     Today for my history class we went on a field trip to Kahana Bay where we worked in taro fields. I didn't realize before but Kahana Bay is my proclaimed favorite part of the island. As we pass the bay and construction on the highway and turn the slight corner with the little water reserve on our left I like to look up at the mountians and marval at their beauty. I feel the trees are extra green at that exact spot... but maybe it's just me. =)

     Anyways so after hiking down this road we got to a spot much like the one pictured above (couldnt carry my camera, knowing it would get extremely muddy, so I got this pic off of google) where there were four individual taro patches. Two already had taro plants growing in them and the other two were overgrown with weeds. My group went straight to one of the overgrown ones and preceded to chop out all the weeds (that were more like sticks) and stomp them in the mud withour bare feet. I've always had this dream to stomp grapes with my feet (though I really really REALLY hate feet) so I imagine stomping weeds into mud is much like the same thing. 

     I had such a blast! There were huge ugly bugs, worms, and lots of random stuff in the mud... including a bathtub! Yes, a real metal bathtub. Cool huh, our group dug it out and underneith it was a ugly lil catfish swimming around in the tiny mud puddle. No clue on earth how it got there. But I found it fasinating. 

     After I got thigh deep in mud and blisters from the shovels on my hand we got to jump in the little cannal to the side of the fields. Felt so good, it was a beautiful day outside. Another group was using little michettes to cut tall grass that had overgrown it. We in the water pretty much became human dams filterin the cut grass to the other side. 

All in all... BEST FIELD TRIP EVER!

How many students in college go on field trips to work in a muddy taro field? I love my school!!!

Day 17

Day 17

[A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently]

...Earthquake/Tsunami in Japan on March 11, 2011. Being here at such a diverse school, I run into people who are personally connected to people in Japan who are effected by the tragidy. Something like this has never really hit so close to home for me (aside from the 9/11 attacks) and my heart goes out to everyone in Japan...

Day 16

Day 16

[A picture of someone who inspires you]

...My dear roomie Taylor, I seriously don't know what I would do without this girl. She's completely herself and loves every minute of it. Her funny faces and all. =) She inprires me to love myself and be proud of who I am. And is living proof that one person really can make a difference in the world. Love u Tay...

Day 15

Day 15

[Something you want to do before you die]

...dance on top of a bus! inspired by Chris Brown's KISS KISS video (at about 3min18sec in)...

Not Enough?

Why are you looking... for love?

Why are you searching... as if I'm not enough?

"By Your Side" -Tenth Avenue North

Day 14

Day 14

[A picture of someone you can't imagine your life without]

...Jase, our endless debates and his interesting view on life sure keeps me on my toes. But I wouldn't have it any other way...

Day 13

Day 13

[A picture of your favorite band/artist]

...1. Mayday Parade 2.Three Days Grace 3.T-Swift 4.OneRepublic...

Day 12

 Day 12

[A picture of something you love]

...Traveling, I know she has on a wedding dress and that is not relevant to me in any way but, I am now obsessed with this picture...

Day 11

Day 11

[A picture of something you hate]

...things I cannot change...

Day 10

Day 10

[A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with]

[Brit :)]