<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005' xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830638799332811261</id><updated>2012-01-30T03:33:30.393-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Just A Girl</title><subtitle type='html'></subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://shesjustanordinarygirl.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4830638799332811261/posts/default?max-results=100'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://shesjustanordinarygirl.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><author><name>Tonya</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09344640543925841049</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>5</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>100</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830638799332811261.post-1071483467189393461</id><published>2012-01-30T03:07:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2012-01-30T03:33:30.408-08:00</updated><title type='text'>BFF . . .</title><content type='html'>&lt;div align="center"&gt;Let's be honest; you don't have as many 'BFF's' as you sometimes may think.  Growing up every other person is your BFF; changed with the mood really.  As you get older relationships start to dwindle and fade out.  People develop and grow differently and inevitably place importance on some relationships more then others.  You and I are both guilty of doing this over time.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt;Do I regret doing so?  Nope.  Not for a second.  The way we handle relationships as well as any other aspect of our lives results in the person you are today and I like the person I am.  I'm proud of the choices I've made, the ties that I've cut, bridges I've burned, relationships I've kept close etc.  I've been honest to myself and although I can count my BFF's with just a couple of fingers, I can safely say that I couldn't ask for any better in those people.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt;These are people who are truly there for me and me for them unconditionally.  They are never too busy with their own lives for me or me for them.  They have only to say the word and the calendar clears.  I've shared in every up and down with these people and wouldn't trade a second.  When I've hit rock bottom these people have been there to get me back up, help me shake it all off and get back on my feet.  When I hear the saying 'You'll always be my friend because you know too much.'  Yup I agree.  No one else in my life currently knows nor will ever know me like they do.  The trust that is between us is something that I have no desire to work at developing between anyone else.  &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt;So when you think of your 'best friend' really think about it.  I have a bunch of friends, but only a couple who I know will never be too busy for me or me for them, would never judge a decision they've made and would support them completely and utterly unconditionally.  When I think about the truly important times in my life, they are the only people that share in them all.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt;'Even though we've changed and we're finding our own place in the world, we know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not still friends.' - Unknown&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt;-T-&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4830638799332811261-1071483467189393461?l=shesjustanordinarygirl.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://shesjustanordinarygirl.blogspot.com/feeds/1071483467189393461/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://shesjustanordinarygirl.blogspot.com/2012/01/bff.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4830638799332811261/posts/default/1071483467189393461'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4830638799332811261/posts/default/1071483467189393461'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://shesjustanordinarygirl.blogspot.com/2012/01/bff.html' title='BFF . . .'/><author><name>Tonya</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09344640543925841049</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830638799332811261.post-6155711335906602768</id><published>2012-01-15T17:24:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2012-01-15T17:37:30.895-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Truths . . .</title><content type='html'>&lt;div align="center"&gt;People think that you know who your true friends and family are when you're down and out; I don't believe this is necessarily the case.  I believe that your friends and family should love you regardless of what state your life is in.  They should be the ones who you call or they call to just talk, catch up or grab a bite to eat with.  You should be able to sit in a room and not feel awkward silences.  You should be able to go without talking for a period of time, yet know that they're a moment away at all times, ready to pick up where you left off at any time.  You support each other in the ups, downs and everything in between.  They should be people who you don't need to have secrets from because no matter what you tell them, they're ok with it.  They support you and you them with no boundaries, no limits and no rules.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt;This is what I consider true friends.  If you think about those people around you, how many are there with you, always and unconditionally?  I can only think of a few yet I feel like the luckiest woman alive for having as many as I do.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt;To those people; thank you.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4830638799332811261-6155711335906602768?l=shesjustanordinarygirl.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://shesjustanordinarygirl.blogspot.com/feeds/6155711335906602768/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://shesjustanordinarygirl.blogspot.com/2012/01/truths.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4830638799332811261/posts/default/6155711335906602768'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4830638799332811261/posts/default/6155711335906602768'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://shesjustanordinarygirl.blogspot.com/2012/01/truths.html' title='Truths . . .'/><author><name>Tonya</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09344640543925841049</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830638799332811261.post-1584695652084373272</id><published>2011-11-01T18:21:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-11-02T17:54:02.438-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Choices . . .</title><content type='html'>&lt;div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt;To say we face numerous choices is a gross understatement.  Life is like one of those god awful trick boxes you see around the holidays - the outer shell is a big box containing another and another and so on and so forth until you reach the prize in the middle.  Life is like that.  The choices we face daily are the center, but tend to have a ripple effect.  Normally people tend to think that we have huge decisions and we have small decisions - no.  Every decision we make is huge in itself and they all effect you and in that it will help shape the person you become; to shape the life you currently have.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt;People tend to play it safe when dealing with decision making.  Don't want to rock the boat, upset people, cause trouble etc.  This is a necessary part of making decisions that are best for you; the ones that will help you be the best person you can be and to ensure that you achieve the things you want in life.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt;Granted there is a fine line between looking out for yourself and being selfish, but if you remain true to yourself, honest, but respectful to everyone else and fair in the choices you make, you have no fear of being seen as selfish.  &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt;I walk this line everyday.  You may not like what I have to say, but I will always be honest with you, I will always respect you and I will always be fair.  No one is better or worse then you.  Always remember that.  Sometimes in business we have to play the tough guy role and handle unpleasant situations causing us to make choices we would not otherwise make.  This is part of a job, that has rules of it's own.  It is simply a role we play, not something that defines us.  In saying that how we choose to handle said situations can and will define your character.  Remember: honest, respectful and fair.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt;In our personal lives the same rules apply.  We  need not to worry about what others think of our choices.  If we play by the three golden rules, people will treat you in kind.  If they do not, you're are truly better off without them in your life.  Do not invest more in someone then they will ever return.  I'm not saying this as a general - 'don't help anyone, unless they help you' - I'm saying when making 'life choices' do not make someone a priority if you are not one for them as well.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt;Remember one thing; you have one life.  There are no dress &lt;span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected"&gt;rehearsals&lt;/span&gt;, no do-overs just this one time around.  You need to be at the end of your ride, looking back with a smile.  No regrets over should haves, could haves or would haves.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt;Make everyday a memorable one, give it all you have.  Be prepared for &lt;span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected"&gt;curve balls&lt;/span&gt; and when faced with a choice - follow your gut.  Learn to trust yourself and your &lt;span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected"&gt;instincts.  The only things in life you will regret are those you chose not to do in fear of something or someone else.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt;"I'd much rather be hated for who I am, than to be loved for who I am not. "&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt;-T- &lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4830638799332811261-1584695652084373272?l=shesjustanordinarygirl.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://shesjustanordinarygirl.blogspot.com/feeds/1584695652084373272/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://shesjustanordinarygirl.blogspot.com/2011/11/to-say-we-face-numerous-choices-is.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4830638799332811261/posts/default/1584695652084373272'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4830638799332811261/posts/default/1584695652084373272'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://shesjustanordinarygirl.blogspot.com/2011/11/to-say-we-face-numerous-choices-is.html' title='Choices . . .'/><author><name>Tonya</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09344640543925841049</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830638799332811261.post-8983576700003878389</id><published>2011-09-25T14:55:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-11-01T18:14:05.018-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Life . . .</title><content type='html'>&lt;div align="center"&gt;Funny how I created this space and then neglected it right from the start.  I've come to a shocking revelation recently - I can feel the person I used to be slipping away.  Not in the growing up way, but rather the neglecting myself way.  To say I don't like that is an understatement.  &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="left"&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt;For those who know me this comes as no surprise.  I used to pride myself on my appearance (not in a conceded way) and follow my 'gut' on things.  It never led me astray.  I would decide on a whim to go away and follow up by booking a plane ticket right then and there, going to work the next day notice in hand, go home and pack my things - all without knowing when or if I would be back.  I would go to work one day and decide I've had enough of my current situation and apply for school which would start two weeks later, all because I didn't want to be added to a waiting list.  I was a firm believer in never waiting for things, when I wanted something I wanted it now - if possible.  Though I know sometimes waiting is a must, most times it is not.  &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt;As many of you unfortunately believe; things don't fall into your lap; you make them happen.  You are in complete and utter control of your life.  There is no impossible just simple lack of determination.  Determination is everything.  I have always believed that when you want something bad enough is when you will make it happen.  I have heard mothers complain about having to go to work because they simply can't survive on one income - sure you can, you simply choose a lifestyle that requires two incomes and consider that more important then the time spent with your children.  Hurtful?  Sorry but it's true.  There are always options it's just a matter of priorities.  Those of you who complain about not receiving funding for school?  Try a student loan, line of credit, grants etc.  Life will not always present you with a free ride.  Nor should it.  If you want the education and the opportunities that go along with it - want it enough to fight for it.  Want it enough to not give up on it only because someone won't hand you a free education.  &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt;There are things in life that I have always wanted and somewhere along the way I've lost sight of that.  In the past few years I would make plans and they would fall by the way side because something or someone else would become a priority.  No more.  This is my life; the only one I have.  I will from here on out make more of an effort to put myself first.  Don't like my choices?  I won't apologize because to be honest - I simply don't care.  You no more ask for my opinion on your choices then I did of you.  If I want your opinion, I'll ask for it.  If I want my life to be your business, I'll make it so.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt;You can count on me having everything on my bucket list for the next 4 years.  It will unfold here before your eyes.  I have determination in spades and I intend to use it with a vengeance.  I've seen my aunt (whom I miss on a daily basis) pass away at a very young age; I have seen my fair share of illness hit my family; all unexpected and I unfortunately seen each of these people miss out on living their lives the way they wanted.  You shouldn't wait for your life to flash in front of your eyes before you decide to start living it - start today.  Love yourself enough to live it today, tomorrow and every day forward.  Don't look back.  Don't regret anything.  It's what got you to the person you are today.  You cannot change the past but it's in your hands and actions to mould your tomorrow into whatever your heart desires. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt;"Give thanks for what you are now and keep fighting for what you want to be tomorrow."&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt;- Fernanda Miramontes-Landeroes&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4830638799332811261-8983576700003878389?l=shesjustanordinarygirl.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://shesjustanordinarygirl.blogspot.com/feeds/8983576700003878389/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://shesjustanordinarygirl.blogspot.com/2011/09/funny-how-i-created-this-space-and-then.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4830638799332811261/posts/default/8983576700003878389'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4830638799332811261/posts/default/8983576700003878389'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://shesjustanordinarygirl.blogspot.com/2011/09/funny-how-i-created-this-space-and-then.html' title='Life . . .'/><author><name>Tonya</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09344640543925841049</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830638799332811261.post-7085267716393877224</id><published>2011-09-02T16:42:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-09-02T16:50:29.211-07:00</updated><title type='text'>New Space - MY Space . . .</title><content type='html'>SO . . . . I wanted a little corner of the big world wide web for my little self.  I have no desire to spare the time needed for a website/page right now.  Not that I wouldn't love one - just doesn't rank high enough on my list of things to make time for right now (Aka priorities).  I needed a space to vent; think aloud; just plain put my thoughts out there.  To those of you who know me on a personal level - you know I don't hide my feelings.  You also know I am aware of proper placement and timing of my thoughts.  Here I don't have to hold my tongue at all.  So please be aware that you may not like some of the things I put here.  Also keep in mind; this is MY selfish space and only here because of MY opinion; therefore the things I put here are not to make you feel better or worse about something, it is simply put here because I want it to be here.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4830638799332811261-7085267716393877224?l=shesjustanordinarygirl.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://shesjustanordinarygirl.blogspot.com/feeds/7085267716393877224/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://shesjustanordinarygirl.blogspot.com/2011/09/new-space-my-space.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4830638799332811261/posts/default/7085267716393877224'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4830638799332811261/posts/default/7085267716393877224'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://shesjustanordinarygirl.blogspot.com/2011/09/new-space-my-space.html' title='New Space - MY Space . . .'/><author><name>Tonya</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09344640543925841049</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry></feed>
