“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”
― Harper Lee, To Kill A Mockingbird
― Harper Lee, To Kill A Mockingbird
Monday night, my mom and I were cooking dinner and I was thinking about my regrets, and trust me, I've had a lot. One of the regrets I have is never trying out for cheerleader in high school. Actually I did try out Junior year but I didn't make it. So I guess my regret was not making the cheerleading squad. Another regret I have is never trying out for our drill team. Why didn't I try out? Well I guess the answer is that I never felt like I was skinny enough to try out. Of course then my mom and I started talk about it. That's when I thought maybe we should write about what it's like being a bigger girl which led to writing about what it's like to be bullied. And that's what we're bringing you today. It's almost as if you have to hide behind a mask. What's It Like To Be BulliedI was bullied just about all through seventh grade. The same four boys kept throwing pinecones at me, spitting at me, chasing me in the classroom, and throwing words at me. They tripped me in class one day causing me to rip my shirt. They would call me elephant and make elephant noises as well as pretending the ground was shaking when I walked by. They called me gigatore and ugly and those are the nice ones. I tried telling the teachers but nothing ever got done. My mom had a conference with several of my teachers and was told that boys will be boys. It was a miserable year.
So we start with the question, do you know what that does to someone? I know a girl who lost her light, her smile, and shed more tears than a girl should ever have to shed at that age. I saw a girl go from being vibrant and outgoing to withdrawn and shy. Middle school is a hard time for everyone but it is especially bad when your peers continue to put you down and make fun of you and none of your teachers seem to care. For me, it was my darkest point. Somedays I would try to fake being sick so I didn't have to go to school (it didn't work - my mom was too smart for that). I feared going to school knowing no one was going to do anything to make my situation better, and standing up for myself made it even worse. There were times when I thought what if I didn't exist anymore? What if I hadn't ever been born? Is there an escape? Yes, there were moments I contemplated suicide, but thankfully I never acted on it. The bullying eventually stopped but that didn't mean everything went back to normal. The damage had already been done. I may not have had to face them everyday but I did have to face the aftermath. My self-esteem was shot, and for a while everything was an act. Before all of this, I didn't think much about my weight but boy did I have weight issues after that. Freshman year the constant thought of being an elephant crept into my mind and, to cut the chase, I lost 45 pounds in about four or five months. Not only did I lose a lot of weight but I lost a lot of my hair and gained a life long battle of not eating enough or too much, worrying about how others percieved me, and not trusting my abilities. I didn't try out for sports because I didn't want to be the fat girl. I didn't try out for cheerleading (until the very last year I could) because I didn't want to be the fat girl. I became self-conscious about being the fat dancer in dance class. I looked at everyone on a sports team or dance team or cheer team and thought I couldn't be on that team because I'm too fat. I convinced myself that my ex broke up with me because I was too fat and that I could never get a boyfriend because I was so fat. I'm still convinced (after 10 months with an amazing guy) that I'm too fat for him and he deserves a skinny girl. When I started college I mustered up the courage and I tried out for the dance team (spolier alert - I didn't make it - though it proably had more to do with the fact that I didn't have much drill team experience or technique) and naturally, I blamed not making it on not being skinny enough. I then get these thoughts and think, I need to start a diet and exercise program, so I do. I count calories to the point it becomes a game - and not a good one at that. The game I play with myself sees I only ate 1327 calories yesterday so I eat less the next day therefore, beating the "score". I know for a couple of weeks during my first semester of college I was barely eating 600 calories a day. 600 CALORIES!!! The average calorie consumption a human needs is 2000 calories. I was eating 1/3 of what I should be eating. How did I justify eating that few calories? Well, I was eating three meals a day so surely that was enough, right? I had a breakfast bar in the morning (250 calories), a salad with some veggies and salsa (100 calories) for lunch, and some type of meat and veggie for dinner (250 calories). I had three meals and that's all I needed. Nobody knew it was that bad and I didn't think it was that bad but thankfully I eventually began eating more before it affected my health. Everytime something goes wrong I know it's because I'm fat. Everything is because I'm fat. I use to never think that. But I'm not the perfect skinny girl everyone desires to be friends with or hangout with, right? So thanks to four boys just being boys, I will live a lifetime fighting my self-esteem issues. I understand exactly how Abby feels because I remember in elementary school, I was called names like fatty and had fellow classmates chant at me the old "fatty fatty two by four can't get through the kitchen door". I still suffer from self-esteem issues. We tell you this not to make you sad or give us sympothy. We tell you so that you know that words tryly do hurt and can cause lifelong struggles. After seven years or after forty years, the words you told us still stick to us. So teach your kids and grandkids that words do hurt and will last a life time. Watch out for your friends and family and if you see it, help stop it. We want everyone to be happy and not struggle with selfesteem problems or weight issues. It's a long road. That's it for now. XOXO, The Gearles
0 Comments
***WARNING SOME PICTURES MAY BE GRAPHIC*** We go hard when it comes to SPF sunscreen. SPF110 or higher...nothing lower!! It's the first day of July and you know what that means...the sun is brighter, the days are longer, the temperatures are hotter, and you want to enjoy the pool even more. While enjoying the sun can be fun, if you are not careful, you could be setting yourself up for weekly visits to the doctor, constant surgeries and scars to remind you of your fun in the sun! What are we talking about? Melanoma. What exactly is Melanoma? mel•a•no•ma - a tumor of melanin-forming cells, typically a malignant tumor associated with skin cancer. Currently it's the fastest growing cancer in the U.S. Melanomas can appear anywhere on the body. Fascinating Fact: Bob Marley was diagnosed with melanoma under one of his toenails in July 1977. He reportedly ignored advice to amputate the toe and the cancer spread to his lungs and brain. He died in May 1981 at age 36. Now you're probably wondering why we wanted to blog about melanoma. No, it's not because either one of us has melanoma. No, it's not to bore you and it's not to keep you from enjoying the sun. We're blogging today about melanoma because we want to educate you on what you can do to hopefully prevent yourself from getting it. How do you prevent yourself from getting melanoma? Use sunscreen every time you are outside. We buy 110 SPF sunscreen which is probably overkill but you need to make sunscreen a habit. It's not a joke. ![]() Let me be first the first to say I use to live by the saying, "I have tan skin. I never get sunburned." Little did I know that every time I went outside (especially to Fort Mountain) that there was a possibility that I could be setting myself up for future weekly doctor visits. My mom use to always tell me to put sunscreen on but I never did...she always did but I just laughed and made fun of her. Then one day about a month ago, she asked me to watch this video. Since I watched this video, every time I go outside, it crosses my mind to put sunscreen on. Now do I? Not yet because it takes a while to break a habit of never doing so. Since I saw this video I have vowed to myself that I would make sure everyone I know and care about sees it and knows the dangers of melanoma. This story was exceptionally moving. When I read this, "Last year alone, she averaged two doctor’s appointments a week, getting her skin checked from head to toe and having an additional 12 biopsies for moles and freckles on her face, breasts, legs, armpits, arms and the sides of her torso" (thankfully, they were all noncancerous). “It’s exhausting, not to mention painful, to have all these biopsies,” Kate says. “But it’s a matter of life and death.” puhnuch bahy•op•see A punch biopsy is done with a circular blade ranging in size from 1 mm to 8 mm. The blade, which is attached to a pencil-like handle, is rotated down through the epidermis and dermis, and into the subcutaneous fat, producing a cylindrical core of tissue. Fascinating Fact: When it comes to sun screen lower SPFs can be better because larger SPFs create a false sense of security. For example using an SPF 15 sunscreen can be more protective than an SPF 100+ when applied correctly. Using too little or not reapplying often enough, due to the illusion of "extra protection", can prevent the true protection of the sunscreen. When I started doing more research, I saw the pictures and posters that other countries were using to show awareness. Just like the drug photos that scared me when I was little, these posters have convinced me to cover my skin, wear sun screen, and if I did go to the tanning bed, to go a little less often. Fascinating Fact: If you've had one bad sunburn by the age of 18, you've doubled your chances of getting melanoma. At a volunteer event, I rode with a friend to the place the event was being held. When we got out and started to head over, someone asked the group if they had some sunscreen and my friend said yeah we do. She proceeded to tell us how she and her dad put sunscreen on their arms before they start driving. I remember thinking that was smart but thinking I would never do that because I'm tan and never get burned. Rethinking this conversation, I'm now wanting to put a tube of sunscreen in Big Bertha (we gave my mom's purse a name because it's so big and bulky) to use whenever we are driving and especially when we go on road trips . Not only could the driver get a lot of sun but so could the passenger. Ways To Prevent Skin Cancer (***Not all melanomas can be prevented, but there are things you can do that could reduce your risk of getting melanoma and other skin cancers.***) 1. Wear SPF everyday. Even after summer is over continue to wear your sunscreen. Use at least 15 SPF and choose a "broad spectrum" sunscreen that protects against UVB and UVA radiation. You should apply 2tbsp. thirty minutes before you head outside and continue to apply every two hours. Doctors suggest using an SPF between 30 and 70. 2. When conducting yard work or construction work, wear long sleeves and hats. 3. Stay in the shade when at all possible, especially during the hours of 10AM-4PM. This is the cheapest and easiest way to prevent any type of skin care. 4. Though a nice glow is nice to have, remember tanning beds can cause skin cancer. Remember those days that the paler you were the richer you were? Well what if the new mantra is the paler you are the smarter you are! 5. Wear sunglasses whenever you go outside. You eyes can contract skin cancer as well. Wraparound sunglasses that block 99-100 percent of the sun's UV rays are the best because they shield both eyes and the surrounding skin. 6. Check yourself monthly using a hand mirror and a full-length mirror. Ask a partner to check your posterior. Look for anything out of the ordinary. 7. Have a skin cancer screening at least once a year. Ask your doctor to take photos of atypical moles so that y'all can track them. The American Cancer Society’s awareness campaign for skin cancer prevention promotes the following slogan: “Slip! Slop! Slap!®… and Wrap” Slip on a shirt. Slop on sunscreen. Slap on a hat. Wrap on sunglasses to protect the eyes and sensitive skin around them. Fascinating Fact: Tanning beds are not healthier than sitting in the sun. Actually, the UVA radiation used in tanning beds is three times the amount of harmful radiation emitted by the sun, therefore more dangerous. So remember, before you start heading out to the lake, hitting the pool, BBQing, or watching the parade this Fourth of July weekend, Slip, Slop, Slap...and Wrap! Pack that 110 SPF in your Big Bertha and buy the cutest floppy hat you can find because what doesn't kill you will leave a scar. Share this to your friends and let them know the dangers of a bright bright sun shiny day. Have a safe and shady Forth of July XOXO, The Gearles P.s.- Curious to see what you look like to the sun? Check this video out to see how sunscreen and sunglasses really can save you. Plus it has really cool music.
Our Favorite Rides Well we're winding to our last few days in the park. We've been here in Disney for two weeks and it's seemed like maybe four days. possibly five! Where has the time gone?? Friday will be our last day in the park. But enough about the sad times...on to the fun things! Next time you go to Disney or whenever you visit for the first time, the following rides should definitely be on your bucket list!! P.S. this photo is taken in front of our ride! Who can guess what and where it is? ![]() It's A Small World - It's a classic so you have to ride it! It's a nice little boat in the nice cool air and you don't get wet or go fast and you get to play a little guessing game of all the countries. For me it shows me how big our world really is. ![]() The Haunted Mansion - MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE!!! I have no idea why. I just love the going up and down and watching all the ghost and songs. I love the ending...what's the ending? Go see for yourself...you may leave with an extra "friend". ![]() Splash Mountain - Who doesn't love a good log ride? It's long and cool and keeps teasing you but you get a nice story to go along with it and ultimately, it's called Splash Mountain for a reason so be forewarned!! ![]() Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin - The game before there was Toy Story. You and your partner get to compete against each other while hoping your laser goes where you want it to go and shoots the targets. ![]() The People Mover - Another nice leisurely ride that takes you around Magic Kingdom (or at least Tomorrowland) where you can rest and cool off while also being able to see different sides of the park. ![]() Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor Now Playing - Okay so I lied!! Can I have a lot of favorites?? Cheesy jokes that will just make you laugh and you can send your own jokes in. ![]() It's Tough To Be A Bug - Such a childish show but who doesn't love a good "4-D" show! There's all sorts of creepy crawly surprises. ![]() Expedition Everest - The ride that just might make you curse in your head, at least I know I did. It's quite the expedition! ![]() Festival of the Lion King - LOVE LOVE LOVE this show! The music, the culture, the costumes. It's a must see! ![]() Soarin' - It's worth the wait and such an experience. This ride will make you want to travel the 50 states! ![]() Spaceship Earth - The crazy long ride inside the big ball at Epcot. You get to take a selfie and design your own utopia. But be careful because if the previous rider changed the language and you aren't paying attention, you might have to go through the entire ride without understanding a word of it! ![]() The World Showcase at Epcot - A place where you can visit 11 countries all in one day! You can meet, talk, eat, and learn all about different cultures. This is why Epcot is my favorite park! ![]() Toy Story Mania - THE BEST RIDE THAT EXISTS! Just like Buzz Lightyear BUT SO MUCH BETTER!!! ![]() Hollywood Tower of Terror - THE SECOND BEST RIDE THAT EXSIST! I can't explain why I like being dropped over and over but it sure is fun!! ![]() Rockin' Rollercoaster - Best roller coaster in all four parks. It starts off fast and turns you upside down and inside out with only neon lights showing the way! And that's our favorite rides! What are yours?
XOXO, The Gearles ![]() It's Whatever Wednesday!! What does that mean? That today's topic could be anything! It could be about politics, education, life, a good story, or even crafts. Whatever Wednesday means we just don't care. For example in our photo we broke the rules and brought outside popcorn when we to saw a movie earlier in the year. Oooh...we are such rebels!!! So what's today's topic? Staying hydrated for Disney but being cute while doing so. Now what does that mean? We're going to transform a drab one-liter cooler into a fab one-liter cooler! Are you ready for this? It's transformation Wednesday! Mom maybe we should have done this on Tuesday. There is this thing called Transformation Tuesday. It even has its own hashtag! Well little girl we're doing our own thing! Okie dokie. I can live with that. Beautifying a Cooler So what's needed for this project? - 1 liter cooler - sander/ sand paper - plastic primer (I prefer Krylon Fusion for Plastic) - tissue paper - spackling - painter tape or masking tape - lots of paint and paint brushes - sealer (I use Modge Podge but you can use any type of sealer.) Step 1: Obviously you need to find a cooler. I got mine in a set of three at Wal-Mart for $25. I had to make my boyfriend a cooler for his fraternity earlier. Step 2: Some coolers may have an indent or logo on it. You can choose to keep those or you can apply spackling to the indents. Allow the spackling to dry at least eighteen hours. Step 3: As your spackling is drying, come up with the design that you would like to put on your cooler. Draw what needs to be drawn or trace what needs to be drawn. If you found something you would like to trace, I found that tissue paper is the best tracing paper. I normally draw out the design that I want and then I trace it. Step 4: Sand your cooler until there's no finish left on it. Sand all areas that you plan to decorate. The reason you want to sand your cooler is because you want to rough it up to allow the paint to stick better. Don't forget to sand the spackled area. You want everything to be nice and smooth. Step 5: Prime your cooler. Allow each layer to dry before adding the next. This is important. My favorite brand is Krylon. Step 6: Beautify that cooler like there's no tomorrow! Trace your designs or freehand your way to success! Step 7: Once you have beautified that cooler seal it up so it doesn't scratch. I use Modge Podge but there are many different types of sealant. Step 8: Enjoy your newly designed cooler! Stay hydrated and have fun! And that ladies and gentlemen is how you beautify a cooler and stay hydrated at Disney. This took about three days from start to finish. Remember it's not about how long it takes you to make it but the fun you're having. Look for our cooler in an upcoming post about how to Disney the right way! We hope you enjoyed this little tutorial! Send us your photos when you get done and we'll post them here so everyone else can get ideas! Here's the cooler I had to make my boyfriend for his formal for his fraternity. And yes that is the Dr. Pepper logo and a Whataburger combo. So really you could beautify any cooler you have at home! XOXO,
The Gearles |
Abby & AndreaA college student trying to figure out the world with her mom by herside. Life through my lens (Abby). We all have different stories and these are only some of mine. Some funny, some adventurous, some hard. Sit back and relax. Enjoy. Archives
March 2018
Categories
All
|