Money, Money, Money

Don't you wish you had all the money in the world? I know I do.  When I sit down and write out how many things I want, need, and desire to have, there is no way I will ever be able to obtain all that I want.  Money just seems to rule everything we do.  I was very blessed growing up that my parents never made money a reason why I could not do something.  They always pushed me to do and be whatever it was I wanted to be.  Isn't it weird how parents are the ones that suffer when they are the ones that worked for all the money they spend on their kids? I know children have a lot of rewards but right now I think I'm to selfish to think about kids.  There are so many things I want to do and see and experience and buy that I cannot imagine working eight to five everyday and the money I earned going straight to someone else.  I must give you parents mad props for being so selfless.  Maybe one day I will get to that point.

But why does money seem to control everything we do? Every decision you make, more than likely, one of the reasons you decided on anything/something is because money was in the back of your mind.  It seems to never leave us.  I just finished balancing my check book (Yes I do that. I know you are proud Mom. haha) and noticed I have sporadic sprees of spending money.  There are four or five days where I won't spend anything and then one day there are ten charges to the most random places.  I do not know why that happens or how it happens because it seems like I spend money every single day on something.

Whether we like it or not money is always going to have control over us.  I'm just curious to figure out how we let ourselves get this "Money is King" attitude.  Either way, there is one thing my parents have always taught me: save! It seems silly because there are so many things I want/need/desire right now that I do not know what the point is.  But because I'm not in high school anymore and my parents aren't out to get me they probably know what they are talking about.  Finances are only beginning to start for me but I know they are not something to take lightly.  Saving is a huge deal and it will only benefit me in the long run.  Another thing my parents have not pushed but highly encouraged of me is to try Dave Ramsey.  If anyone of you are worried about having financial problems or do he is the perfect person to help.  Go to daveramsey.com and try the 7 Baby Steps to becoming Financial Stable.

Best of luck to all of you out there.  We are all fighting a money battle!

Kayla

Looking Back

WOW, how time flies.  My sister is officially a senior in high school.  Ryan has finished his freshman year and I will be looking for real jobs in less than a year.  I feel like it was just yesterday we were all playing in the streets with Logan until 8pm when Mom would yell at us to come in.  (GOOD TIMES!)

Now that I have been in college for almost four years and I have had the amazing opportunity to help transfer students get acquainted with Auburn and helped Freshman students figure out what classes they should take to help them succeed in the next four years, I've had some time to reflect on how much I wish I would have known and figure out just how much I have learned.

Coming into Auburn I really wish I would have known just how fast those four years really go.  People always tell you, "It will be here before you know it" but you really have no idea how fast it sneaks up on you.  Even though I still have one more year left, I just keep thinking about how fast these last three went by and I know this year is going to go even faster.  And with the time flying by so fast, you really have to enjoy every minute of it.  For the most part, I feel like I've done that.  I did things I never thought I would do and I learned so much about myself in the passing time.  I tried out for numerous clubs my freshman year with unsuccessful attempts.  I died my hair on numerous occasions with my first best friend at Auburn, Morgan.  I joined a sorority which I never thought I would do but I met the most amazing girls and I do not know where I would be without them.

Doing all these things taught me a lot about myself.  People can tell you who you are all the time but you won't truly know who you are until you do things for yourself.  Do things that make you uncomfortable (but that you know are moral, lol).  Do not NOT do something because a significant other things you shouldn't do it.  If they really love you they will support you with whatever decision you make.  Take advantage of every opportunity placed in front of you because you never know what the future may hold.

Coming into freshman year, I thought I knew everything (on the outside) but really I didn't know a thing.  The year from graduating high school to ending freshman year made me realize just how much I really did not know.  Ask for help, get to know your professors (they will help you get jobs! They know people!), get involved, study but do not turn down the opportunities to go places with friends, and most importantly do not forget who you are.  First off, learn who you are and then stay true to yourself.  You might find out you are nothing like who you were in high school and that's okay.  I discovered that and I think I'm doing better now that I have could of dreamed for myself to do in high school.

To my sister who is about to start her senior year: Do not live in regret.  Remember that there is a bigger world outside of Oxford, AL! It's huge and there is so much to do and see!

To my brother who is in the midst of a wonderful college career: keep doing what you are doing but do not be afraid to do something out of your comfort zone.  Try new things and enjoy every second of everything you do! You will be a senior before I can blink!

And to all my readers: read this blog again if you ever find yourself not living life to the fullest.  Be happy and do not let things bring you down.  Grudges, fights, bickering, complaining and negativity will not give you what you want.  Stay positive, happy, and smiling.  Even if you are having a rough day, putting a smile on your face will always make it better.

Until Next Time,

Kayla

Summer and School Shouldn't Mix

It has been quite some time since I last wrote.  Since I got home from California, I feel like I haven't slowed down.  School started four days after we got back and the school work hasn't stopped.  School finishes the last week of June and I cannot wait.  It is weird to think in one year, I will not have any classes left to take.  I will actually be able to do what I want when I want (after the work day of course).

Why is working so scary for some people? Yes, it is what you will be doing for the rest of your life so I can see how that could get boring but to have the time to clean, cook, workout, shop, travel, etc. just seems more relaxing than stressing over a textbook.  There is an importance to learn and I completely agree with getting an education but I think I'm much better suited for the workforce.  I have had a job since the age of 16 and it has always been something I've enjoyed doing.  School on the other hand has always seemed like a task.

This blog really has no meaning.  I've been wanting to write for a few days now but I have been searching for the right thing to blog about.  The only thing that seems to be on my mind is summer, classes, and graduations.  I have been to two graduations in the past week and I take away something different from every ceremony.  Graduation is such a special time.  It is signing off on a chapter you have lived in for so long and beginning a brand new chapter.  Your life is like one big chapter book.  We go through stages in our lives and in every chapter we learn and develop more into the people we are meant to be.  I love starting over.  Having a blank page and a new story to write makes me feel like I have the world at my fingertips.  After graduation, take risks.  Find out who you are and stay true to that.

So in conclusion, get an education, stay focused, do what you want, and live for today.  Enjoy your time on Earth because you never know how long you will be here.  I use to live for the future but I finally find myself enjoying the present and taking each day one step at a time.

Until Next Time,

Kayla

California Wine Tour: Day 6

I cannot believe today was our last day of the wine tour.  It was an outstanding day and couldn't have ended the trip any better.  This morning we woke up early and headed to Bouchon Bakery which is owned by Thomas Keller.  He also owns and operates The French Laundry if you are familiar with that.  We enjoy fresh croissants and freshly brewed coffee.  Chef Matthew showed us around their tiny property and also gave us a kitchen tour of The French Laundry.  Also while we were in Yountville, we were able to tour The French Laundry's garden.  Yes, this restaurant is so prestige it needs it's own garden.  This garden was massive and everything is grown organic.  They make a list of availability of items the night before and the chef changes the menu daily based on the availability of items.  In the morning, the gardener harvests the crops and walks across the street for the kitchen to beginning cooking for 70 tables.

After our visit at the fabulous bakery, we headed to Domaine Carneros.  This winery is owned by Tattinger in France.  Tattinger (as most of you know) is a famous champagne company.  One cool thing I learned this week is that the only difference between champagne and sparkling wine is the name.  The only reason it is called sparkling wine is because of the treaty in the 1930's that prohibited the US from naming their sparkling wine champagne.  This wine was unlike anything we had had all week because it was sparkling.  Everything we've enjoyed has been stilled.  The interesting thing about sparkling wine is that the fermentation process happens within the bottle to build carbon dioxide.  The bottles are stored sideways and the cage they are located in shakes once every three to four hours and then turns the cage upside down.

After Domaine Carneros, we were finally able to relax and enjoy an all american lunch.  We had lunch at a place called Gatto's Roadside.  This place is famous for the hamburgers and milkshakes.  I did not get a milkshake but their hamburger was absolutely delicious.  And of course I got a side order of french fries and man were they delicious.  They also offered garlic fries and after I got my lunch figured I probably should have ordered those for my Mom's sake.  This meal could not have come at a better time in this trip because I was craving some usual (typical) food.

Leaving the fabulous burger joint, we headed over to the Culinary Institute of America (CIA).  Today was graduation and instead of graduation caps, they throw their chef's hat.  Pretty cute.  Their gift shop was amazing and we learned about classes they have that specialize just in Beverages and Wine.  These classes are very serious but help with catapulting your career to the next level.

From 3:00pm to 9:40pm, we spent our last night at Trinchero.  This family and estate were so welcoming and taught us all soo much.  We learned how to pair food and wine and how to smell different aromas.  We enjoyed a short reception and then chowed down on the delicious dinner.  After dinner, every student stood up and said what the trip meant to them and thanked all the people involved.  I honestly didn't think I would become emotional but man it was a tear jerker.

This trip has seriously changed me more than anyone will every know.  I have this opportunistic look on life.  I honestly feel my horizon has been expanded and I can see that there is so much this world has to offer.  There is no point in doing anything in life if you do not have a passion for it.  Without the passion and education you have nothing to fulfill your life.  Living life to the fullest is definitely my mentality now.  There is no reason to be miserable in something that you easily have control over.  I'm taking away from this trip so many valuable lessons and one of them is the importance of giving back.  We talked a lot about this tonight at dinner but I can only hope I'll be well enough off that I am able to donate to this program and give students the exact same opportunity these donors gave us.

So blessed,

Kayla

California Wine Tour: Day 5

Wow, this week has gone by fast.  I could tell today that my body physically and mentally was completely worn out.  This marathon keeps testing me but I’m still trying to soak up every moment I can.

This morning, bright and early, we took a trip to Seguin Moreau.  This is the number one barrel company in the US and France.  They use French oak and American oak.  The men that make the barrels are called coopers.  After a cooper crafts barrels completely by hand (with no machine) for four years, they earn the name Master Cooper.  Today we were shown how to change a staff out and rebuild the barrel to make sure that it wouldn’t leak.  Seguin Moreau is completely sustainable and you might think that is weird since they cut down trees for their product.  But the French government overlooks everything they do in France and they can regulate the sustainable rules.  I have a lot of respect for barrel making now and can really appreciate aged wine in barrels.  Seguin Moreau sells 90,000 barrels a year but only 2% of the whole wine industry is barrel fermented.  

After the cooperage, we took an hour and a half drive to Sonoma County and pulled onto 1,700 acres on MacMurray Ranch.  This is the property I was in charge of studying and found out a lot of great information before coming there but nothing can compare to actually seeing the ranch.  We were able to walk through the two original barns that Fred MacMurray (Hollywood star in My Three Sons) built.  Also, we walked through the MacMurray’s house with all the furniture that was originally in the house.  This property has so much history and was extremely special to see especially since I studied it before hand.  Bridget was our host today.  She works for E & J Gallo, which is the company that owns the MacMurray Ranch.  I took so many pictures at this place because it was absolutely stunning.   I can only wish one day my everyday will consist of sitting on a wrap around porch sipping wine and looking out to beautiful property.

Leaving MacMurray Ranch we had about a thirty-minute drive to the restaurant Cyrus.  This restaurant was extreme luxury.  The Maître d’hôtel, Nick, was very nice in explaining their history and giving us advice on how to go about designing and taking a risk in being an entrepreneur for the restaurant business.   His executive chef, Chef Douglas, was very VERY honest about what he sees in the restaurant business and how he is also changing the menu to help cut food cost and make the biggest profit.  We only spent an hour there but learned a lot from this two gentlemen.

The last (semi-last) place we went was Gene’s house owner and entrepreneur of Barbers Q.  This restaurant is designed off of Memphis BBQ and he wanted to bring the concept to California.  Before I get into the restaurant, Gene opened his house to us and we enjoyed a two-hour reception with Rob Sinskey’s wine from his vineyard.  After the reception and seeing his beautiful property, we headed to Barbers Q.  The restaurant as this ambiance about it that is very modern.  The music is fun and energetic.  The tables are black with silver chairs and silver flatware.  This is BBQ at it’s best.  My food baby was massive after dinner. 

This week I can almost guarantee I gained at least 5 pounds.  Coming back to Auburn is going to be great but I will definitely miss this place.  California, especially the wine industry and food industry, have so much to offer to a young hospitality graduate.  Moving out here would be like a dream.  Being young and taking risks is how we are going to become successful.  If we keep ourselves in Small Town, USA we won’t maximize our greatness.  And I know our group is going to do wonders for this industry.  I cannot wait to start looking for jobs and venturing out into this huge world.

Dreaming big,

Kayla

California Wine Tour: Day 4

Today was a marathon.  OMG! I should have trained a little bit more but I must say today has been another fabulous day.  We visited four wineries today.  Yes, all in a matter of 13 hours!!

The first winery we visited this morning at 9am was Opus One.  This winery is closed to the public unless you set up an appointment to tour the facility with a tour guide.  Michael, the winemaker, never speaks to the public and every year feels it is necessary to speak with our group.  How could we be so lucky? Opus One makes only one wine, Cabernet Sauvignon.  Michael is extremely intelligent and was pretty much way over my head with most of the words that he said.  But it was amazing to be in his presence and listen to the art of winemaking, different growing techniques, and the harvesting, sorting, and pressing process.  After we toured the fermentation room we were able to go into the tasting room that out looks the barrel room.  Michael revered to that window as the hospital window looking onto his babies.  I thought it was a great analogy for any winemaker.

The second winery we visited was Quintessa.  This winery was extremely special because we had Auburn's very own alumnus giving us the tour through the property.  Katie, the alumnus, actually went on this trip five years ago and visited Quintessa and came back during the summer after the trip to go through harvest and see what it takes to make this wine.  Quintessa also makes only one wine.  It is a blended wine (as is Opus One).  The winemaker, Charles, gave a very great insight on what Quintessa strives for in their wines.  It's nothing particular but it's what makes the best version of the grapes grown on the estate.  After visiting with Katie, Charles, and Gwen (the marketing director) we had lunch on the back porch of the proprietors house.  The Huneeus were extremely welcoming and were great company to sit with and talk to at lunch.  The Huneeus founded their land and planted the first grapes and are completely biodynamic in farming (which means they rely on the earth's energy to help the growth of the grapes [Opus One is also taking on this way of farming]).

The third winery we visited was Franciscan which is my favorite wine (at least before we came here) because of the price range and the quality it presents.  Franciscan is also a blended wine.  They produce Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley vintages and just released a brand called Magnificat in 2004.  This wine is a mix the three winemakers decide on together.  Every year is different (as Jay, one of the winemakers) said.  They aren't striving for a specific taste but for dynamics that make the wine stand out.  At Franciscan, our group participated in a blending competition.  We were able to make our own wines in two categories: drinkable wine (as in now, the present) and age able wine.  My group (Dr. O'Neill and Mrs. Sue) were in the category of drinkable wine.  We competed against three other groups that submitted wines and my blend won.  I made a 60% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25% Malbec.  This exercise was a lot of fun and introduced us to a new side of wine making.  Also my prize for winning the competition was a magnum bottle of Magnificat.  My only worry now is how am I going to get it home?

The last place we visited tonight was a resort by the name of Solage Calistoga.  This property is one of seven in their company and is completely sustainable and organic (without the certification).  They strive for modernization and going green.  Their spa on the resort specializes in mud baths and the town of Calistoga is actually known for its mud baths.  At every villa, there are two bicycles that they provide for the guest to ride around the premises on.  After touring the property, we were able to talk to the General Manager Richard and a master sommelier, Emmanuel.  Emmanuel actually came to the hospitality gala this year as a featured winemaker so it was nice to see such a successful person in the industry again.  After mingling with them, we sat down at a huge table and enjoyed a four course meal! Every course paired with one of Emmanuel's wines.  We tasted a Sparking wine during the reception, a Chardonnay paired with oysters, a Pinot Noir paired with tuna, a Cabernet Sauvignon paired with short rib, and a Shyrah paired with goat cheese.  The dinner was absolutely divine!

The biggest lesson I learned today was that this industry is built off of hard work.  These things don't just happen for most of the people in this business.  The industry isn't just about passion; it's about education, passion, and hard work.  I definitely have much more appreciation for the wine I drink because of all the hard work that goes into making each wine to perfection.  I am taking more life lessons away from this trip that I could learn in a lifetime of working.  Thanks to our amazing donors and sponsors this trip could never be possible and I only hope that one day I'm able to give back to this growing program.

Blessed beyond belief,

Kayla

California Wine Tour: Day 3

Well friends, I definitely wrote way too early yesterday.  I wrote before dinner and did not have time to share about dinner that evening at Bernardus Lodge and the "treat" we received after dinner.  Right after I wrote the blog yesterday, I walked down to the wedding garden at the lodge where a reception was hosted and we were able to mingle with the general manager, Mike; grape grower, Matt; the wine master, Mark; and the executive chef, Chef Cal.  This reception consisted of walking through the beautiful vineyard that is planted in the entrance way to the lodge.  Adds a romantic touch, right?  Well the vineyard was beautiful and we listened and asked questions to Matt, the grape grower.  After that, we switched groups to walk through the garden were Marinus and Wicked (the two restaurants on the property) grow all of the ingredients they use while cooking every single meal.  During this time we talked with Chef Cal and wine master Mark about the farm to table method and the beautiful wine cellar they have below the property.  At dinner, I tried my first experience with Foie Gras.  If you do not know what that is, it's duck liver.  Everyone kept going on and on about how amazing this food was so I figured I must try it.  Well, I did the mistake and ate it by itself (Chef Leo would have killed me).  Chefs make dishes for everything to be eaten together but I grew up eating on sectioned plates that I wouldn't touch another food group until I was finished with the first one.  So, next time, I was ordered to put it on top of the beef like it was served.  During dinner, I had the honor of sitting next to celebrity Chef Cultino.  This man has done so many things throughout the years that I could only sit there and take in the wisdom he had to offer.  He has won so many awards, worked with chefs on TV shows, and has opened his own culinary school.  He began in the industry washing dishes.  AMAZING!  After dinner, we were whisked away by Lisa and brought to the spa where we indulged in chocolates, cake, cupcakes, and the biggest strawberries I had ever seen in my life!  In the spa, we were treated to coffee AND seven minute chair massages!! I have never had a massage before and after last night I think I'm going to find a way to spend $50-75 a month on a massage. I felt like a new person.  After all the sponsors and faculty left, we all sat by the fire and talked about how blessed we are to be out here at this point in our lifetime.  It's indescribable.

WOW! So that was just last night.  Today we were able to leave a little bit later but had to check out of the gorgeous Bernardus Lodge.  We drove an hour and a half to a vineyard that will never be open to the public: Pisoni Vineyard.  Unfortunately, this year, our group was unable to meet the famous Gary Pisoni who is the owner of Pisoni Vineyards.  The way business is done with him is by a hand shake and only if Gary likes you.  Luckily, we were blessed to spend the day with his son Mark (the grape grower of the family business) and his beautiful wife.  This morning was so relaxing! We enjoyed lunch in Gary's man cave (literally) of food that the Pisoni's hunt off of their land.  The meal was HUGE and it was only lunch time.  I did discover my new favorite wine and Brenden is going to kill me.  It's named Lucy and it is a Pisoni brand but it's a rosa wine that is so light on the palette.  It is extremely expensive but all Pisoni wines are. :)  After lunch, we were able to take the famous jeep ride with Mark through the vineyard and we got some amazing shots of the grapes and the scenery.  This place was a once in a lifetime opportunity!

Pisoni ended (unfortunately) and we rode on a bus from St. Lucia Highlands to Napa Valley, a three and a half hour drive!!  Our group definitely had a lot of fun on the bus but I was able to squeeze a quick nap in before we transferred to our new hotel River Terrace Inn.  This place reminds me a lot of the Hotel at Auburn University but in California they have wine in all the mini bars!  We were able to check in, put our luggage in the room, and run out the door to our next location: Far Niente.

Arriving at Far Niente, we were greeted with a glass of Chardonnay and Beth, the owner herself in a barn filled with old fashion cars.  Beth use to own this winery with her husband Gill until he passed away about seven years ago.  Her story is just amazing but the neat thing about their winery is the name.  When they discovered the old abandoned stone building Far Niente was carved in the front.  In Italy that translates to "doing nothing".  Well, as Beth told us, Gill emphasized that Far Niente was meant to be how they enjoy the wine not how they make it.  And man was their wine fabulous.  We enjoyed a four course meal in what use to be Beth and Gill's apartment in the top of this exquisite estate.  We enjoyed four wines tonight.  Far Niente specialize in the King and Queen of all wines: Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.  But for dessert, Far Niente has a winery within the winery called Dolce.  This is a dessert wine and is made to smell like a white wine but to taste like a jubilance of flavors.  Far Niente was so nice and let us enjoy 1999 Dolce.  One bottle alone sells for $200!  AH! I don't even want to know the retail value for this trip.

But the retail value will never compare to the amount of knowledge I am gaining from this experience.  I cannot express enough how blessed I am to be on this trip.  Not only on it but on it as a junior.  My outlook on experiences and life have completely changed because of this trip.  I have learned more about what I am interested in, what I want to do after graduation, and where I want to end up.  This opportunity could not be any better.

Soaking up the greatness,

Kayla

California Wine Tour: Day 2

I'm writing a little early today but this is the free time that I have and didn't want to miss any details.  This morning we enjoyed a wonderful breakfast at Marinus.  This restaurant is on location at Bernardus Lodge but is rated a top restaurant to go to in California.  (A guy we meet in Carmel said HE thinks it is better than The French Laundry, which is a really prestigious restaurant.)  After three cups of coffee, we listened to a lady by the name of Carol who is the destinations manager for CCM&E.  This traveling company has helped plan our whole trip.  Listening to Carol this morning solidified my desire to work with people and make their dreams come true.  She plans fabulous events and meetings for people all over the state of California and all over the U.S.  The events/meetings she plans are unlike any other because they are all specialized for each customer.  Carol cares about her customers and it shows.  She puts thought into details most people wouldn't think about.

After soaking up all the information I could about working with events, we hopped on the bus and headed to Sleepy Hollow where the Talbott Estates Winery is located.  This winery was so much fun to go to.  We listened to their winemaker, Dan talk so honestly about the winemaking process.  Simple put, he says, "It isn't winemaking.  The grapes know what to do.  They were designed to make wine.  There is no art in winemaking and I'm not a winemaker."  Talbott is a family owned winery and all of their wines are named after Mr. Talbott's kids (Kali Hart and Logan).  We were able to walk through their vineyard, talk and ask questions with Dan, and see the fermentation process.  The most interesting thing is how different everyone's wines are. Everyone has their own style of "winemaking" and Talbott is simply a wine that mimics exactly what they grow in their fields.

One thing I have learned today from numerous people (sponsors, sales director, random people in Tiffany's) is that you can have a plan of your life all you want but you can never plan everything.  Being passionate about something and taking steps to pursue that passion is the most important thing you can do for yourself.  As long as you are doing what you love and are talented in it you will be a happy and successful person.  What I'm taking away from today is following my heart and passion.  I have a lot of passions so following just one will be the most challenging part.

Tonight, we are dining at Bernardus Lodge in the wedding garden.  Bernardus is also a winery so we will be enjoying their fine wines along with a fabulous dinner prepared by Chef Cal.  If you have a passion for food and wine this is the place to live.  The food is spectacular and the wine matches every dish just perfectly.  My body is going into shock the amount of food I have consumed in the past day but I'm indulging in every thing that is put before me on this trip.  As Dan says, why enjoy an aged wine when you can enjoy what is here in the moment?

Living life to the fullest,

Kayla

California Wine Tour: Day 1

Today has been the most amazing day of all time.  I cannot believe this experience.  It is unlike anything I have ever experienced and it has completely surpassed my expectations.  Today, we boarded AirTran at 10:30 and landed in San Francisco at 12:40.  Yeah, you're thinking it was a two hour flight like me aren't you? FALSE! It was a FIVE hour flight.  I must say I enjoyed myself and took some pictures of the beautiful mountains in Arizona.

After landing in San Francisco, we headed straight to Los Gatos, CA to visit Testarossa Winery.  The winery is named Testarossa because the founder is a red head and Testarossa "red head" in Italian.  This place had so much history in this small business.  We enjoyed lunch in one of their cellars where we were able to talk and mingle with Rob Jensen, the owner and founder, himself.  What an experience.  I won't explain the history to you but if you want to know send me a message and I'd be happy to share.

The tree on Testarossa's label

The lodge we are staying at tonight is so exquisite.  The hospitality is beyond belief! I'm currently laying in bed with egyptian cotton sheets, listening to the fire place roar, and drinking distilled water from a glass bottle.  :) Life is good.  My tummy is completely full with more food than I could ever imagine of eating in one sitting.  It was a TEN course meal!! Unbelievable I know.  I'm going to come back two sizes bigger, but no worries, training starts the week I return.  As soon as we return from the restaurant tonight, one of our donors takes all 15 students to the bar at the lodge and orders all of us drinks on him.  I cross my fingers that one day I'm able to purchase 15 college students premium drinks.  This place is unbelievable.  I wish a picture could describe how miraculous this place is.  Right now it is 11:45 PM in California and I am not adjusting to the time well.  It's 1:45 AM in Alabama and my body is saying, "Let's shut down."  Tomorrow should be a relaxing day and I cannot wait to share all the fun we'll be having.

Quote of the day, "Don't be afraid to do what you want to do."  Sleep on that and wake up with that mentality tomorrow.  This is your life and you cannot be afraid to live it up.  Dream big and don't settle for less than you deserve.

Reaching for the stars,

Kayla

Fitness Instructors

For the longest time I have thought about becoming a certified fitness instructor.  I worked at the front desk of a YMCA for a year because I thought they would eventually promote me to class instructor.  I had no idea you actually had to take a test, take a few classes, and then get your certificate.

Fitness instructors aren't there to just teach a class.  They are there to inspire you and keep you motivated.  Without them, would you really go to a class? Some people would say yes, I would love it if I could take a class without an instructor but most people (I believe) would say, no, the instructor is the only reason I go.  If you said yes, then you probably are meant to be an instructor.

I love taking fitness classes.  Working out with other people keeps me going (because I'm so competitive) and it makes me know that there are other people in this world that want or are trying to do the same thing as me; lose weight or burn calories so they can eat whatever they want (let's be honest, that's what I workout for!)  Whatever the reason people come to fitness classes whether it be to get enjoyment out of a workout, try something different, become inspired, or be surrounded by people who want the same thing as them, none of it could happen without the fitness instructor.

In January, I realized that I was meant to encourage people.  I was put on this Earth to serve people.  Whether that be in hospitality, working out, helping others with problems/projects/etc., I have a desire to help them.  Watching the Biggest Loser, inspires me to do something with my life.  Reading about other peoples success makes me want to do better.  Being around certain people makes me want to be a better person.  I think it's time for me to take that extra step and become a fitness instructor.  I am already crazy busy but I think it is important to be somebody that someone else can turn to or confide in.

You don't have to be a fitness instructor to do that.  You can just be a positive influence in someones life.  Keep that smile on your face and show people how awesome it is to walk through life happy.  Be a light in someones life.  You matter even if you think you do not.  I promise there is someone wishing they could be more like you.

Smiling a little bigger,

Kayla :D