25 Reasons you are Turning into your Parents

1. You're are trying not to, just embrace the weirdness.

2. You start listening to old music, because you are not liking the new musical change in direction.

3. You are starting to be productive on weekends. 
You don't want to go out and drink anymore, because you know you will curse the wind when mowing your yard Sunday afternoon. 

4. You start becoming interested in older/sophisticated things.
For example: cigars, wine bars, dance lessons and buying antiques, like record players and old movies trying to remember the good ol' days. 

5. You start to feel guilty when you rebel. 
You start thinking about consequences of smoking, alcohol and other stuff that you use to feel invincible with. 

6. You have an extremely strong opinion about world news. 
You start complaining about world problems and political nonsense than your own problems. 
You have gotten your degree or have just grown up since high school. Chances are, you either think exactly like your parents or your opinions differ which makes "objective" conversations difficult. 
For example: 
    Me, "Dad, I don't focus on social opinions, I'm a libertarian which means I'm open minded. I am a christian and as a christian we should not hate or judge other people, so social issues are the least of my worries with the world's direction right now." 
Dad, "Oh, so you support Obama." 
Me, "Pounding my head against the wall." 
Uncle, "You went to Texas Tech, and now you are a damn democrat? I thought that school was conservative?" 
Me, "I still support lower taxes and the right to bear arms, and this has nothing to do with Tech, but yes, I have an educated opinion now." 

7. You get more happiness from a clean house to start the week, than a hangover. Chores, become an everyday part of your routine, and you have learned to appreciate them.

8. You realize it's impressive your parents kept you alive giving birth in their 20s, because how in the heck could you do the same in your current situation? A new profound respect arises. So maybe they didn't pick the best clothes that looked like table clothes, you are still alive and walking! :)

9. You enjoy your morning coffee at 7:00 a.m. on the weekends rather than sleeping in. And it is difficult to sleep in with your everyday work schedule of 7 a.m.

10. Those life lessons you didn't know actually meant the world, are starting to take effect right now. For example: putting 50% of that paycheck into savings......yeah.....

11. After your early 20s and that college weight, your health starts to be top priority, just as your parents are focused on their health for future grandkids. 


12. Food that did not taste good before that your parents ate, you are either open to try and like the food or you actually enjoy eating that food. My mother's is fritos and bean dip....I have not started to like this yet. God blessed us when it came to road trips and mother's breath. 

13. You spend countless minutes on the phone catching up with family members more than your long distance friends.

14. You appreciate a handwritten letter, since you are constantly bombarded with email.

15. Your interest in TV shows and documentaries start to take an interesting turn. They may be more historical and about mother nature? 

16. You start saying those weird catch phrases your parents say. For example, "I was on you like white on rice. or I was faster than a rooster on a june bug." 

17. You focus on mending bridges you burnt. You are not influenced by drama anymore.

18. Odd things make you laugh more than usual. 

19. You stop driving like a bat out of hell. 

20. Parties are starting to turn into a glass/bottle of wine with the ladies or meeting up on the patio to smoke a cigar. 

21. New technology is sometimes frustrating to adjust to now. 

22. You are worried about the generation that follows you. 

23. You're okay with being alone instead of surrounded by people. 

24. Religion is starting to be a priority. Morals and ethics are also impacting your future decisions. Consequences are serious. 

25. Already mapping out what your future children are and are not going to be allowed to do after your own experiences. 

I guess this list could be similar to 'Reasons you are starting to Grow Up,' which is the same as comparing yourself to your responsible, disciplined and successful parents. Putting the right priorities first, and focusing on a better, longer life for your future with children or being a millionaire or developing into the next motivational speaker. I will never eat fritos and bean dip in front of my future children like my mother did, because that is just cruel and unusual punishment. Love you, Mom! 

Unionization: Athletes are Employees

It's not really an argument on unionization, it is an argument that the NCAA has fought for years - can athletes make a profit while in college? Can they be considered employees? I agree with most of the athletes. They work very hard, and if they would rather receive a paycheck than tuition, then that should be up to them.  

Johnny Manziel is a prime example. If his signature makes him money, why can't he profit? The NCAA and colleges take advantage of these players and they make money off of jersey and ticket sales, why can't athletes take a percentage of what their OWN NAME is worth? It can be considered an incentive to some athletes. If you work your butt off, and become a very popular athlete, then you can financially benefit. Win for the player. Win for the NCAA. Win for the school's publicity, ticket sales, and RECRUITING. 

I understand this argument. "That the scholarships are a transfer of economic value is evident from the fact that the Employer pays for the players' tuition, fees, room, board, and books for up to five years," Peter Ohr wrote. "While it is true that the players do not receive a paycheck in the traditional sense, they nevertheless receive a substantial economic benefit for playing football."

However, college is not for everyone. So why not let these athletes choose between tuition or a paycheck? These athletes aren't complaining that they get tuition, fees, room, board and books payed for, not to mention the best nutritionists and weight training provided to them. They are making an argument for banding together in order to get the NCAA to listen, and hopefully make money off of their hard work. 

Think about it this way many of these athletes have no time for a second job or an internship while in college, because whatever sport they are participating in is their second job. When they graduate they have a degree in their hands, yes, but no experience. Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to make you feel sorry for them. They have the best benefits, but it kind of sets them up for failure. You either make it to the pros, or you pray that an employer will take a chance on you without any experience. Why do you think most former athletes go into a sports related field like training, coaching, broadcast etc.? Their name caries weight, but outside the realm of sports they need real-world experience. 

Say an athlete gets into the pros, and signs a million dollar contract with several endorsements. He or she is not use to making that kind of money, is not use to the financial obligation, because in college they don't even get a taste of that kind of wealth. A couple years later they are bankrupt with a ripped up body, all because they were not prepared. There is a huge gap between college and the pros. 

The Northwestern football players did receive the vote to unionize. The reason why players are trying to unionize is, because there is no other choice when going up against the NCAA. When Northwestern called the NCAA a "dictatorship," I laughed out loud, because it is ridiculously true. Times are changing, and the NCAA needs to adapt. Jerseys, season ticket sales, autographs, and other materialistic things the NCAA can profit off of an athlete's name is not fair to the athlete that busted his or her butt to make it profitable. 

I could go on for days about the NCAA and their stupid minute rules and all of them are based on their own greed and not learning how to adapt to change. Do you see them following Alabama closely? No, because guess who made them a ton of money last year....ALABAMA. They will nit pick Texas Tech coaches for sending out text messages to recruits congratulating them on a good game, but will not look into how Nick Saban replenishes his championship team every year? Don't get me wrong, the state of Alabama has a ton of stout recruits, I know that. 

Had the NCAA even decided on the University of Miami's punishment yet? I gave up hope and stopped following that process. ESPN 30 for 30 exposes everything about The U already. I am just saying they drag their feet on big names schools for a reason.  Also, currently the NCAA is fighting a class-action federal lawsuit by former players seeking a cut of the billions of dollars generated from live broadcasts, memorabilia sales and video games. There is my random rant on the NCAA. The NCAA sucks. That is all.

So this is where Northwestern stands.

The decision paves the way for an election to be held in which only scholarship players can vote. But Northwestern will likely request the full board in Washington to review Peter Ohr's ruling before that can happen. The school has two weeks to do so.

Parting thoughts: I hope the players unionize, and bring out the absolute worst in the NCAA. Someone needs to reveal why the NCAA makes the decisions they do, and explain how giving the players a percentage of their net worth will ultimately make the NCAA suffer. Good riddance. 

New and Old Music for Spring

Prepare yourself, this post features all genres of music. Music videos and links to most of the songs are included. Two former Gossip Girl members are included, if you miss Gossip Girl as much as I do. Enjoy. 

Black Roses by Clare Bowen
A little sad, but a very good song. 
Don't Put Dirt on my Grave Just Yet by Hayden Panettiere
If you can tell, I really like Nashville. 
Moonshine by Bruno Mars 
It's Bruno Mars. Enough said.
Somewhere by Sanders Bohlke 
Anything by Sanders Bohlke is good.

Dreams by Dana Williams and Leighton Meester
Cover originally performed by Fleetwood Mac. It is a great acoustic cover. I love all acoustic music.

Fancy by Iggy Azalea
It is weird, but catchy. 
Lift your Spirit & Love is the Answer by Aloe Blacc
That Girl by Jennifer Nettles

Disclosure by Latch feat. Sam Smith

Empire by Shakira
I did not like her first released single with Rihanna, but this makes up for it. Wait for the chorus.

I love you more than you'll ever know by Beth Hart and Joe Bonamassa
If you like soul, you will love this.
Better Man by Beth Hart
Mannish Boy by Muddy Waters 
One of my faves, with a perfect hook. 

Ain't It Fun by Paramore 
Finally, a song from their new album I like.
Dust by Eli Young Band
Love, love, love this song.

Rocket by Beyonce
I would name every song on Queen Bey's album, but this song has a serious R&B feel. Did I mention Justin Timberlake helped with this song.....SO CHECK IT OUT!

Heaven Knows by The Pretty Reckless 
Do you miss Gossip Girl? It's all good, because this is Taylor Momsen's (Jenny Humphrey) band and it is KICK A**! If you feel like hitting the gym hard, jam to this song.

Summer by Calvin Harris
Like most of his songs, it is a great workout song. 

Why do we hate winners?

The winner's mentality, it can be verbal and nonverbal and usually full of attitude. What is the difference between swagger being cool and cockiness being egotistical? I am just as guilty as anyone else. When Richard Sherman pulled his stunt, my inner Red Raider came out in defense for Michael Crabtree. But why get upset at one of the best corners in the game for demanding respect after a Super Bowl determining play? Are we judgmental and hold the moral flag for these athletes? Does the resume/rings make a difference? Do people like graceful winners more than boastful winners?

Richard Sherman. Selected in the fifth round, 48 tackles and eight interceptions, would prove to you he was underrated and was demanding respect when he spouted off after the conference championship. We get mad when we actually get the reaction we want, especially as sports enthusiast and reporters. We live for those moments. Was it his swagger or his confidence that made you upset? In turn people started calling him a thug. By the way, for a "thug," he is an extremely smart man. Now that he has a Super Bowl ring, are we still talking about his post game comments? No. The ring backs up his comments, and if he had not won a ring, we would be laughing at Sherman.

Michael Jordan. First round pick, 32,292 points, 5,633 assists, 5,004 defensive rebounds, and 1,668 offensive rebounds. He definitely lived up to the hype, but people were torn with his attitude. Some people loved MJ, and some hated the fact that he was a ball hog and selfish (compared to Lebron James, and fans get frustrated for James being a facilitator.) He wanted and craved to have the ball in his hands in the last seconds of the game, he welcomed the pressure. When I am drafting a team, I am looking for the guy that can handle the pressure, who is a winner, but sometimes that attitude is not welcomed by people. Team player or a ball hog? 

Johnny Manziel. 4,114 yards and 37 touchdowns, and that is just his college stats. Don't get me wrong, I am the last person to brag about an Aggie, but he is a winner. He will run the ball into the endzone if need be. It's like Tom Brady, you never count him out no matter how many seconds are left on the clock. Manziel will do whatever it takes to win. No matter the off the field shenanigans, you draft him, because that mentality is contagious. 

Allen Iverson. 24,368 points and 5,624 assists. If anyone had a crazy off the court lifestyle, it was Iverson, but ignore his off the court nonsense. Fans thought he was a thug, and out of control. Yet, he had the winner's mentality. He wanted the ball in his hands. Fans did not like his attitude, but at the same time craved more of Iverson, just like we tune into a Richard Sherman post game interview now. 

Dez Bryant. 4,104 yards and 40 touchdowns since being drafted. He has reacted inappropriately (according to some) on the field and off the field, not to mention his random legal troubles with finances or getting into bar fights. However, he has great raw talent and is starting to put the full package together by staying focused during the off season. (Hopefully, I didn't just jinx him.) But because he doesn't have a great playoff or super bowl win, he sometimes doesn't get the cred. I think with a ring on your finger, the respect gives athletes breathing room to say what they wish sometimes.

Shaun White. Two olympic gold medals on the snow, and is notably the snowboarder who put the sport on the international stage. Some of his fellow snowboarders either hate him or admire him. It's the attitude, the ego, the cockiness. Why not? He put snowboarding on the map. He has to have swag in the pipe when he has the sport's expectations on his back. 

Derek Jeter. The Yanks all-time hits leader (3,305), been named to the All-Star Game 12 times, picked up five Gold Gloves at shortstop and won five World Series titles. Is it the dating life that sets you off with the likes of Minka Kelly, Jessica Biel and Vanessa Minnillo? We tune into to games for the investment in our teams, not the athletes personal lives. And Jeter is a winner. Some fans judge an athlete based on their personal life, rather than their resume.  

And many many more. 

I was a horrible free throw shooter in high school. My parents would tell me to convince myself at the line that when I let go of that ball it is going in. When I changed my mentality and played with some confidence, it upped my game. The saying "fake it until you make it" is true in sports and in life. Just like Sherman's comments with Tom Brady, Michael Crabtree and others, he spit some game, but definitely has the ring to back it up. So does it matter if the athlete is a graceful winner or boastful winner? I think it doesn't matter, because with the resume comes the respect. 

Abby Bogle's 20 Minute Outside Workout - LB Productions

When did women become heartless and men become sensitive?

This post will be similar to something out of Carrie Bradshaw and Sex and the City. Fair warning. Yes, I understand she was a fictional character.

I would think most men like an independent woman...,but I can't find that in Lubbock for some reason, even though I am sure there are some of you here. I don't date jerks, I have gone for the nice guy and in turn it has ended worse than dating the douche bags. The nice guys want a needy girl, now mind you, I use to be. If any of my exes are reading this, they know I wanted a relationship and pushed too hard probably when I should have given up. However, guys now-a-days can not take a sign, just as bad as women do not want to face the music.

I am not corny, nor do I say the corny things men expect. After getting turned down so many times, I didn't change myself, I just stopped being scared to be myself. So, I don't beg, I don't keep trying when I know it is not going to workout. I stop communication, focus on myself and get back on track.

It's like this, in high school when I was in a relationship my mother told me to watch my priorities. I didn't realize how important that was until I graduated college and focused on my career. I want to make time for my significant other and I do, but it is still not good enough. I don't want my relationship to consume my life and priorities.

Do I want to feel loved and appreciated, yes. However, it is a little different. I want a guy that is proud of how hard I work and wants to be successful as well. I know I can't expect men to think the same way I do. I am not going to spend the night every night, I am not going to completely change my routine.

The past couple guys I have dated wanted me to put them first, they felt entitled to be in a relationship quickly, they want to exchange sweet nothings early on, and they definitely did not want me to be more successful than them. Now, I am no feminist, but this is turning me into one. From the guys I have gotten to know, they do not want a successful woman, they want a baby maker, stay at home wife or a fun time. These men did not care about my ambitions in life.

It ruins the chase. I am not in a high school mentality where I want things I can't have, but I still want passion and surprise. Movies may be the problem, where you see the successful guy in a tailored suit pick the lady up from work and they go to dinner, have a glass of wine, give each other a kiss and go home. I refuse to believe that does not exist. I want it to be easy and not a chore. If I want to be alone, I just want to be alone. Why take it personal like a woman would? Why make things emotional, sensitive and dramatic?

If I don't talk to a guy after an argument, then I am heartless. If I don't follow through on a make out outside of a bar, I was just "drunk". If I don't want to immediately jump in a relationship, then I am a damaged woman. It is strange. Men complain all day long about women being too clingy and emotional. Well, I guess I have been around the most sensitive men the past few years. If you want more from me, make an effort yourself.

"I'm sorry, but don't give me the cold shoulder."
"Why can't we just go all in? I'm tired of waiting."
"I miss you, I will change, but I need you to do the same."
"I just want you to put me first."
"You work too much."
"I wish you didn't focus so much on your health."
"I want to spend more time with you."

I, I, I. Me, Me, Me.

So, here is what I want just in case anyone is interested.

An ambitious man.
A man without huge insecurities.
A man who is not intimated by me. I am not Erin Andrews, nor do I think I am hot sh**, but I do know my sports, and I hope that turns you on, not off. A man who can watch a football game with me and argue is flirty and attractive.
A man who is confident, not cocky.
A man who is sensitive when need be, and a man who takes control when he knows he needs to.
A man who supports me, no matter the circumstance. I want to hear your opinion, but I want you to emotionally and physically support me.
A man who wants to get to know me.
A man with a great sense of humor, and demands attention in a crowd. Good attention.

The difference is a man vs. a boy. A man is proud to be with his woman, and feels confident with her and respects her. I don't want to be single for the rest of my life. I want to start a family someday. I am not going to apologize that my job takes precedent some days, and I want to be successful. I hope to find a man that can help me balance all my priorities, and respect me at the same time.

Weak Week

I am sorry to report to my blog followers that last week I fell off my healthy wagon. I let adversity get the best of me. I made a lot of things going on in my life negative and it controlled my decision making. I was weak, and I hate being weak.

Stimulus - 
1. Breakup
2. Work
3. Stress
4. Sick
5. Figuring out the future


Reaction - 
1. Ate processed carbs
2. Drank wine
3. Did not workout
4. Watched movies
5. Napped - lazy
6. Complained
7. Frustrated
8. Partied (I rarely party now.)
9. Sad songs....all day
10. Depended on my dog....yes, you read that correctly.

So, Sunday was the last of my moping. Monday was a surprisingly great day. I had a shoot with a breast cancer patient following her around and videoing what she has to go through on a weekly basis. This definitely put things in perspective. Being in a chemo room helped me think of the positives in my life that I take for granted.

My resolution fail. I should have known better to go grocery shopping after a breakup. Instead, I went to Sonic. Yeah I know, not Canes or Whataburger, but Sonic? Really? Cheesy tots work wonders. Being sick all weekend didn't help either. Chicken noodle soup is still a go-to sick fix. Any who, I went grocery shopping Monday, and now I am back on track. I know it is barely Friday, but I have not eaten processed carbs all week. I am getting into my routine again and working out. Good endorphins make me happy.

Breakup. I learned being in a relationships after four years of the single life, that I have some things I need to work on. I also learned that I shouldn't change myself like I was getting ready to do. I slowly started losing respect for myself and my independence. I learned what I needed in my life not what I wanted, I wanted a relationship so bad, it was not healthy. This wraps it up, "Everyone has an invisible sign hanging from their neck saying, make me feel important. Never forget this message when working with people," Mary Kay Ash said. It was not dramatic, and I respect him, we just wanted different things. There are no "juicy details" to discuss, if that is what you were looking for. I know it was strange that I was in a relationship for only three weeks, but we were headed in different directions. For once, I had a chance to handle this situation like a mature adult, and I am proud that both of us acted as such.


Work. I have been struggling to prove myself. I always feel like I am not good enough, instead of thinking I am good and can always get better. (That was the negative side talking.) I did not understand what all I needed to improve on. Don't get me wrong, my producing has drastically improved in a year's time, and I look at producing like it is an art form. I have been in this business for four years now, however, I have not been responsible for producing this kind of content/quality ever. I wanted to prove to myself and my boss that I am capable of meeting those expectations. Monday night I wrote down everything that I thought I was doing to the best of my ability, and next to that I wrote how I could do better.

Tuesday morning I came in to work on a mission, note my Facebook status, to become a stronger producer. I sat down at my editor and was there practically all day. Took a 30 minute lunch break, and went on one shoot, and sat back down at my editor. I fell in love with editing again. The moment I finished the package I had envisioned, I was ecstatic. The best work I had produced. Hands down. I can't wait for the source to watch her profile/feature.

Lesson Learned. There's no excuse to have a pity party, because I get stuck in a rut doing that. Getting mad at myself works out better than being pathetically sad. After last week, I was mad that I let the struggles get the best of me. I can preach on my blog all day long about my dedication, but I definitely waivered last week. I absolutely love what I do, and my job challenges me, which is a good thing. I am still very impatient. Making my health a priority should remain constant, even if I want to grab cookies n cream ice cream after a breakup. However, I know I need to leave room for slips, and not allow guilt to feel like a tidal wave. I am back on my health kick, proud of my work, feeling confident in myself, and ready to have 2014 be an epic year. BOOMSHAKALAKA! Happy Valentines Day! 

PS: This song I found is killer, check it out.
Do Ya Like Childish Gambino ft. Adele