Traveling between two worlds in 15 minutes

Before you go on and read my blog post… Remember how there’s an unspoken rule to never bring up politics, religion, and or sports?

Let me warn you really fast: I’m about to break that rule.  Here I go bringing up science and religion. I wasn’t going to post this, but it’s been taking control of my mind (Ask my friend Amanda, she’s heard all my speeches), and I haven’t been able to think of another blog topic because this has been running through my mind 24/7. I will not be preaching, but I will say I’ve been struggling and overcoming my struggle. So, if you don’t feel comfortable then you don’t have to read it. :)
I’ll be posting another post soon!

Since I started college last fall, I’ve fallen in love with science. I used to always be interested in it, but it wasn’t until college that I started to truly enjoy it. (Except for physics, I hate physics.) This semester, I’m in a Neuroscience class, which I thought I wasn’t going to like at first but eventually led me to consider changing my major.

I know there’s a huge debate between science and religion, but with all the science classes I’ve taken (whether in high school or college), I’ve never had that struggle until this class. Why? Well, I don’t know if it’s because professors and/or teachers tend to skip over the subject or even just briefly touch on it.  But, in this class… it’s a little different. From the first class, religion was brought up. It’s not one of those professor was a Christian and then something terrible happened and then now he hates God kind of situation, but my professors’ point is that we can’t simply state something is true without concrete evidence.

Their point makes sense. I’m on the pre-health track, so I should have a desire to understand why things happen so I can fix or prevent them later on. Simply claiming something a miracle and not wanting to know the cause, other than God, doesn’t make me suitable for the profession I have chosen. Sound harsh? I know. Which is why I’ve been struggling with it.

Anyways, I would walk out of the class frustrated and then walk to my next class, which was Chapel. Can you imagine how confused I have been? Very.

I went to Neuroscience Lab this week, and can you guess what the first slides were about?

“Can science and religion co-exist, or do they naturally oppose each other?”

Then next slide goes on saying,

“If one needs the idea of God to explain natural phenomena, and then science comes along and identifies natural forces that can explain those same phenomena, then one’s need for God to exist might very well be challenged.
But isn’t it possible, indeed likely, that the issue of God’s existence is not at all dependent on our need for Him to exist?”

Sounds more like a philosophy class than a neuroscience class, right?

I started to notice that I didn’t doubt my faith, but I still didn’t feel right putting on two different faces. One, where I am a believer, and two, only believing what can be proven.
But, then it got me thinking…. Science is a tool that God has given us to get a glimpse of his creation, a bit more of an understanding. We don’t have answers to a lot of things, and maybe we never will. It does let us be amazed at how his creation is simple and perfect. For example, DNA, a simple string of nucleotide bases that is so similar between all species (from a mouse to an elephant) but creates such diversity to distinguish them (so dogs will have puppies, and humans will have babies), is plastic enough to allow change within a certain species. Crazy right? I just can’t help but smile at this and all the unbelievable things God makes possible.

Science hasn’t proven that God doesn’t exist. We might not have “concrete evidence” that He does, but isn’t that what faith is all about? Science and religion don’t conflict; together, they help us understand this mystery so much more. In the future when I have my job, I will be grateful that God gave me the ability to help those in need with science. Because without it, I would indeed be lost.

I believe that science and God can co-exist. What do you believe?

Let me leave you with a quote that was in my neuroscience lab,

“No one can stand in these solitudes unmoved, and not feel that there is more in man than the mere breath of his body” – Charles Darwin

(By the way, if you’re asking, “What kind of lab is this?” It was only the first couple slides that talked about this, and then it went on talking about neuroscience and the biology aspect of it.)

Natural Selection: Engagement Edition

(Talk about selective pressure on a college campus)

In my University, there’s a lovely tradition called “Ring by Spring.” We’re all under this time crunch to find the one we are going to be with for the rest of our lives. Who will be able to find their soul mate by the time spring rolls around senior year? Some are such over-achieves that they “put a ring on it,” you might say, even faster than they put on the freshman 15. Now that’s what I call making use of the limited resources. My friend and I were walking to class and two guys, who were casually talking about a short girl they had met the other day and how they were so interested in getting to know her, walked past us. The words, “I’m short, take me!” slipped out of my friend’s mouth without even thinking about it. Have we gotten to the point where we will are willing to take whatever comes our way? Okay, so he was pretty attractive, but my point still stands. It’s a huge pressure that is always surrounding us, especially now that we’re at that age where marriage is a possibility. Simply going to school to get your degree isn’t enough if you don’t have at least one serious relationship.

If you haven’t heard my parent’s love story….
It’s basically a Nicolas Sparks book x 100. So, that being said… I’m a strong believer one shouldn’t be obsessing over finding their soul mate. I promise, you won’t be eliminated from the gene pool. But that man of your dreams will come when you least expect it. My mom always tells me that when I do find the one, I’ll just know. Till this day, that confuses me; how do I know that I will know? I guess that means I haven’t found the one yet, or maybe I have but the timing hasn’t been right. But, since my parents have been married for 20 something years and got married literally a month after knowing each other and are still madly in love…. I will definitely be taking my mom’s advice! …. And you should too.
Why did I decide to make a blog post about marriage?

Well… here’s why.
I have this ideal way I want my life to play out
1) Meet my husband during my undergrad
2) Get into OT school
3) Get engaged
4) Finish OT school

5) Find a job
6) Get married
7) Work for a couple years

8) Travel with my husband
9) Have babies
10) That’s as far as I have planned out…

But want to know what’s really funny? It will be very unlikely for it to play out this way because I have no control over it. Only God does. It’s ridiculous for me to even want to plan my life because everything can change in a heartbeat. Life is a crazy adventure and I’m extremely excited to see where it takes me. So, there’s no need to obsess over finding the one because when the time comes, it comes. (This also doesn’t just have to do with relationships.  It applies to other things in life; we could have our mind set on something and then the next day something comes and sweeps us off our feet). I’m currently enjoying spending time with friends and family and having the privilege to study what I love.  I wouldn’t have it any other way. So, when I do find the “one”, he will be the cherry on top of my already pretty awesome sundae.

20 minute walks

I happen to live on the edge of my university, and since it takes me millions and millions of years to get to my classes that are on the complete other side of campus, I read. Yes, I do read while I walk. Sounds a bit odd, but if I might add, I've gotten pretty good at it. I haven't even hit a tree, student, car, professor, building, etc. Anyways, let me get back to my story... So, on one of my many adventures to the Science Building, aka my second home (I should probably just build a tent and sleep there), I was reading.  Then I came to a sudden stop since I came to a street. I put my book down, looked both ways, crossed the street, and once I had crossed... I picked my book right back up and continued reading.
"HEY!" this guy yelled at me.
I looked over and then he continued, "Want to know how I got this?"
At this moment he was pointing at his limp leg.
I asked him, "How?"
Then he went to explain on how he had been in a car accident.

"I'm so sorry..." I replied.
Then, he asked what my book was called.
"This is What Happy Looks Like," I responded.
He pointed at his leg.
"Do you think this is what happy looks like? Have a nice day," he said...
... and disappeared.

#OOTD

Hello Bloggers!
Last night, I wore a very comfy yet cute outfit for a Girl's Day/ Movie Night! Girl's day consisted of getting our nails done at Nails of America in Waco (Recommend this place 100%, best acrylic nails I have ever gotten) and then getting some frozen yogurt! Later, we met up with some other friends and went to the movies. We watched American Sniper and it was such a great movie. It is indeed sad, but it does make you appreciate what soldiers go through fighting for our country. So, if you have debated on going to watch it, go. I promise, you won't regret it.

Jean Shirt: TJ Max
Sweater: Forever 21
Leggings: Zara
Boots: Nordstrom 

So good, I hate it!

I just finished reading This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith and let me tell you... I haven't stopped talking about it for the past three hours. Why, you may ask? Bad ending? Well, no... It has a great ending, but I just want more... Maybe two more pages.
That being said, YES, I do 100% recommend this book. If you're looking for a cheesy romance that will have you smiling while you're reading and falling in love with the character, then, yes... go read it now.

The official synopsis of the book is this:

When teenage movie star Graham Larkin accidentally sends small town girl Ellie O'Neill an email about his pet pig, the two seventeen-year-olds strike up a witty and unforgettable correspondence, discussing everything under the sun, except for their names or backgrounds.

Then Graham finds out that Ellie's Maine hometown is the perfect location for his latest film, and he decides to take their relationship from online to in-person. But can a star as famous as Graham really start a relationship with an ordinary girl like Ellie? And why does Ellie want to avoid the media's spotlight at all costs?

Cute, right?

Basically, it's the classic, boy needs pig-sitter, boy-emails-girl-in-Maine, boy-falls-in-love, boy-moves-movie-to-Maine-for-girl love story! :)

Drinks on me!

What have I been drinking? The most delicious drink ever! I recently found this drink while I was trying to break from my coffee addiction. It's 10 calories and made with coffee fruit! (Which I guess defeats the purpose of my "attempt" of not being as big as a coffee addict, but its all good.) It has 35mg of Natural caffeine, just like a cup of green tea! There are different flavors, but of all I've tried, Malawi Mango is definitely my favorite! :) Indeed a refreshing drink!

Sick tips for poor college kids!

Feeling under the weather?
Here are four tips my roommate and I are living off of since we are both sick! Great way to start second semester, right?

HUGE BOTTLES of DayQuil and NyQuil pack is about $14! These are the bomb. They are for Cold and Flu relief! DayQuil is Multi-Symptom Relief including headache, fever, sore throat, minor aches & pains, nasal congestion, and cough. Nyquil is for Nighttime relief including headache, fever, sore throat, minor aches & pains, sneezing, running nose, cough.

We currently don't have tissue so toilet paper does the trick! Always make sure to carry tissues and/or toilet paper to class because you never know when your nose will decide to rebel against you.

LOTS AND LOTS OF TEA. Try for them to be decaffeinated... we definitely recommend Chamomile! Just add a bit off milk and truvia if you're not a big fan of tea.

Last but not least... Fuzzy socks! Fuzzy socks cure everything.

FUN FACT: Most of your body heat is released from your head and your feet. So, that's why you want to where socks while you're inside! Especially if you have tile floors like we do in our room. Also, wear a hat to cover your ears! :)

TIPS FROM PAM AND KAT

"Why is this SOB lying to me?!" - Neuroscience Professor

Finally back in my dorm after a very long day of just overall insanity. For some reason I feel like this semester is going to be life changing. I can't explain why but I just have this feeling. So far, it's been a good start, obviously keeping in mind it has only been the first day. I think the reason why is that I've set goals for myself this semester.
1. Sleeping is KEY
2. Meeting new people (Actually introducing myself rather than walking the other way)
3. Coffee is a must but control is also. (5 or 6 cups a day... a bit much...Keeping it more at 2)
4. Not just focusing on studying but on creating memories especially since we still have to live our life and not just live under a textbook.

"In between goals is a thing called life, that has to be lived and enjoyed" - Sid Caesar

5. Having more quiet time in the morning and or at night to be able to escape all the craziness and just focus on all the blessings I have in my life.

My over all main goal is to "Dance first". Think Later. It's the natural order." - Samuel Beckett

(By the way, if you're wondering where I got my awesome socks... the bookstore. Yes, they are extremely soft and once you put them on... your feet will thank you.)

The day before all the madness

Tomorrow, I start my second semester of college! I'm super excited since I feel like last semester was a complete learning experiencing especially since everything was so new. First college semester, new friends, dorm life (which includes the horrors of community bathrooms), new clubs, new classes, and I can go on forever about how new everything was. But, even though I made a whole bunch of errors, I wouldn't change a thing about it since now I'm well prepared for this one to come. Today, I told myself that I wouldn't pressure myself since it is the day before classes. I got some school supplies, watch Grey's Anatomy (probably way too many episodes but it was definitely worth it!), started reading a romance book called This is what happy looks like by Jennifer E. Smith (once I'm done, I'll post a review), and then had a meet up with some of my friends at the one and only IHop! I'm determined to go to bed early tonight since I have to be up bright and early tomorrow since I have to pick up a couple books before my class starts at 9:05 a.m. Can't wait to see what crazy journey this semester has for me. Only God knows! :)

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined." -Thoreau 

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Hello Bloggers!
Yesterday, I celebrated my mom’s early birthday with my family! So, Happy Early Birthday Mom! Instead of getting the typical cake we ordered a Bundt Cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes (Which is such a clever name… I love it). It was SOOO DELICIOUS. I had two slices and was craving another one but then I told myself “CONTROL PAM. CONTROL”. By the way, I’m a HUGE dessert person… so my mouth was indeed in heaven while I was eating this. But this also makes me really picky with the kinds of desserts that I buy…  so I definitely give this Chocolate Chocolate Chip Bundt an A+! The store also has different flavors! (Red Velvet is really good as well!)

I ordered the "Delicious Wishes" in 10" ($39.00) but if you're looking for a Bundt Cake for a different occasion or different style Just click on the link and it will take you straight there! http://www.nothingbundtcakes.com/ 

#OOTD

I decided to dress up a little today since we are celebrating my mom's early birthday and also having a goodbye dinner since I'm headed back to Waco tomorrow. The skirt that I'm wearing I thought I wasn't going to wear much but I've been loving it. Throwing on any sweater, (a creme color looks beautiful) just really makes it look super cute and wintery! Adding in the tights help since it is cold outside. I didn't today but adding in a colored scarf, maybe a mustard color one, would complete the look even more.

Sweater: Banana Republic
Skirt: J. Crew
Tights: Target
Booties: Target

#GIRLBOSS

If you haven't read this book, you're truly missing out of Sophia Amoruso's wisdom.  This book is a motivational book turning you into a #GIRLBOSS or just enhancing your inner #GIRLBOSS. Her journey on how her Vintage eBay site turned in to a multi-million dollar company called Nasty Gal. I couldn't stop reading the book, the only breaks I took was just moments of silence taking in all her amazingness. So, if you're looking for a nice easy read with some great motivational tips then you should definitely read this book. (Also, makes one heck of a coffee book.)

"The only thing I smoke is my competition" -Sophia Amoruso

Perfection Lumiera Velvet Foundation by Chanel

Chanel by far has some of my favorite foundations. It is pricey but I feel like splurging on foundation is not a bad thing especially since having the right foundation can make or break your makeup look.   One of my favorite foundation and the one that I'm currently using is the Perfection Lumiera Velvet Foundation. The foundation has a sheer coverage that does not feel cakey on the skin. It does last a long time and doesn't slip and slide on your face. I have oily skin and this foundation works great. Don't forget to powder after applying foundation (this goes for any foundation), whether the powder is translucent or not. Helps control the oils and also makes the foundation last longer.The one down side to this foundation is that flash photography will cause a white cast. But, unless you're always being photograph this is a great foundation for everyday use. It also gives you a nice healthy glow and as SPF 15.

I use 40 Beige

Naked Basics Palette

I've been dying for the Naked Basics Palette for way too long and I finally got it! I'm in love with this palette... Many reasons.

1) The colors are all matte except for one highlight color (Venus)
2) The palette is small which is great for just throwing in a purse and or makeup bag
3) One can create a simple everyday look or a night look
4) The mirror is the perfect size
5) The pigment is great for all the colors

The Naked Basics Palette includes Venus, Foxy, W.O.S., Naked 2, Faint, and Crave

All about them brows!

I'm thankful eyebrows are in style now. Why? Well, I was naturally born with two forests on my forehead and now they're seen as a "frame work" for my face. When I do fill in my or when I'm doing someone else's brows I use Anastasia Beverly Hills Pomade. I do recommend this product 100%. Yet, I believe it should come with a label saying, "WARNING: A little goes a VERY long way." since it does, and if you're not careful then your eyebrows go from being nice frameworks to a complete disaster. 

The color I use is "Dark Brown"

Cold weather calls for some Chai!

If your in the Dallas area and you're looking for a cute little place to have some coffee, definitely check out Dream Cafe! I usually always just get a Vanilla Latte, which indeed is heaven in your mouth but today I decided to be adventurous and stray away from my norm. The Chai Tea Latte... stole my heart! Nice and spicy on a cold winter day! 

Shopping with Gma

Charming Charlie HAUL

Went to Charming Charlie today to take my grandma shopping thinking I wasn't going to buy anything... but I ended up finding these super cute things! Two bracelets, necklace, and headband! I'm definitely a sucker for gold rather than sliver! Charming Charlie is the way to go when looking for all kinds of jewelry at cheap prices!