Shanny's Blogs

A Woman

2011-02-10T09:47:00.000-08:00

A woman is proud of herself. She respects herself and others. She is aware of who she is. She neither seeks definition from the person she is with, nor does she expect them to read her mind. She is quite capable of articulating her needs.

A woman is hopeful. She is strong enough to make all her dreams come true. She knows love, therefore she gives love and recognizes that her love has great value and must be reciprocated.

A woman has a dash of inspiration and a dabble of endurance. She knows she will, at times, have to inspire others to reach their potential.

A Woman knows her past, understands her present and moves toward the future. A woman does not live in fear of the future because of her past. Instead, she understands her life experiences are merely lessons, meant to bring her closer to self-knowledge and unconditional self-love.

-Author Unknown-

Shanny's Blogs: Eating Meat Harms The Planet? and What is Wrong with Chicken, Fish,Milk and Eggs?

2010-07-29T15:20:00.000-07:00

Shanny's Blogs: Eating Meat Harms The Planet? and What is Wrong with Chicken, Fish,Milk and Eggs?
www.peta.org

Eating Meat Harms The Planet? and What is Wrong with Chicken, Fish,Milk and Eggs?

2010-07-29T15:19:00.000-07:00

How Does Eating Meat Harm The Planet?

Global Warming:

· According to a recent United Nations Report, The Meat Industry causes more global warming (through emissions of Carbon Dioxide, Methane, and Nitrous Oxide) than all the cars, trucks, SUVS, Planes, and Ships in the World Combined. Researchers at the University of Chicago determined that switching to a vegan diet is 50 percent more effective that switching from a regular car to a hybrid in reducing your impact on global warming.

Water Resources:

· More than half of all the water consumed in the U.S. is Used to raise animals for food. A totally Vegetarian diet requires 300 gallons of water per day, while a meat-based diet requires more than 4,000 gallons of water per day.

Pollution:

· Farmed animals produce about 130 times as much excrement as the entire human population of the United States. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the run-off from factory farms pollutes our rivers and lakes more than all other industrial sources combined.

“Raising animals for food is “one of the top two or three most significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems, at every scale from local top global.”-United Nations

The Hazards of Eating Chicken, Fish, Milk, and Eggs

· Because chickens are now bred and drugged to grow so large, chicken flesh today contains three times as much fat as it did just 35 years ago. The most toxic form of the poison arsenic is used in chicken feed because it promotes faster growth. The National Institutes of Health warns that this cancer-causing chemical is then ingested by people who eat chicken flesh. Men’s Health magazine ranked chicken as the number one food you should never eat because of its high rate of bacterial contamination.

· Anyone who eats fish for health reasons should think again: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed that women who ate fish just twice a week had blood mercury concentrations that were seven times higher than those of women who didn’t eat fish. A woman who eats just one can of tuna per week will be 30 percent over the EPA cutoff for safe mercury levels. Mercury is known to cause sever health problems for humans, including brain damage, memory loss, and damage to a developing fetus. One study showed that women who regularly ate fish were more likely to have babies who were sluggish at birth, had small head circumferences, and had developmental problems. Women who consume even low levels of fish contaminated with PCBs, Mercury, or other toxins have a more difficult time conceiving. Some of these chemicals remain in the body for many years. Plant foods like walnuts and flax seeds and vegetarian DHA capsules contain essential fatty acids that we need without the harmful toxins found in fish flesh.

· No species naturally drinks milk beyond the age of weaning, and no species would naturally drink milk from other species. For humans, drinking cow’s milk has been linked to heart disease, some types of cancer, diabetes, and even osteoporosi0s, the very disease that the diary industry claims its products are supposed to prevent! The high animal-protein content of milk actually causes calcium to be leached from the body. According to a Harvard Medical School analysi0s of the evidence, milk does not protect against osteoporosis. One egg contains a staggering 220 milligrams of cholesterol, which clogs your arteries and leads to heart disease.

All this information is from a PETA’s Magazine. I just found this very interesting and wanted to share it with everyone.

I love this!!!!

2010-03-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

Living with integrity means: 1) Not settling for less than what you know you deserve in your relationships. 2) Asking for what you want and need from others. 3) Speaking your truth, even though it might create conflict or tension. 4) Behaving in ways that are in harmony with your personal values. 5) Making choices based on what you believe and not what others believe. - Barbara De Angelis

Fashion For a Cause

2010-03-23T11:31:00.001-07:00

We were raising money for children with Cancer... We ended up Raising a lot of money yay!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYNQo-siit0

Up With People The Message is in the Music

2010-03-22T13:12:00.000-07:00

I love this message that one of the people on staff from Up With People wrote this.

The Message is in the Music

There is this fishing village in Togo, West Africa, where on any day if you go down to the harbor you will see a group of men working. Pulling their nets in from the sea. If you listen carefully you will here them singing and shouting a word that many of them have known for a long time. The word is Ayiko, which is a native word for Pulling together. It’s an important word because if it were not for that word, they would not have the strength and teamwork to work hard and to feed the village and their families. Its that word that gives them the power to do anything and to get through the hard times that enter into their life, it works as an arrow that pierces through pain and struggle.

But before you can understand the true meaning of what that word means we must start from the beginning. We must first introduce ourselves. Are you ready? Can you get into the language; can you handle this right now? Because in South Africa they say Jambo, which means hello, and in India they say Nameste, that too means hello, and if you travel to the fields of Sweden you will hear them say Hej Hej, a friendly saying for hello. Now that we have accomplished the proper greetings its time to start believing.

We all need to slow down; this world is changing too fast, so fast that I cannot find my way. What can we say now about our world, can you believe that we can find a way? I want to say that there is a way, but we all need a little respect, it’s not much to ask and it’s not too much to expect. No one needs rejection, is there someone to go to to help find that brighter day for tomorrow. Can it be you and me? We have to understand that power with your sisters and brothers is way stronger then any power over each other.

I’m not trying to preach it to ya; I just need some time to show ya. We need to arm ourselves with knowledge, your mind can take ya, just let it take ya.

It’s that small ounce of positive that can arm you with the strength to make a difference in your neighborhood.

Here’s a message for you people out there, the ones in the minority who show that they care. Don’t listen to your critics, keep on doing what’s right and then all the naysayers might realize, that they’re really losing fight.

So come together now, even in stormy weather, its always better when we work together, don’t hate lets all demonstrate, we can not settle for less then the best cause we can work it out, we can push through all the negatives, its time to shout it out.

There is a rhythm that is you and a rhythm that is me, its up to you and me to keep this beat together, keep the beat, keep the beat, keep the beat….

On a more sensual note, there is one thing to always remember, there is always time for a little love, and a few times to get loose, footloose, because without love this would not be a wonderful world. I’ve seen trees of green and red roses too, I’ve seen them bloom for me and you, so lets really think to ourselves…what a wonderful we are living in.

But what really saddens me is that there are children out there that live in fear, wouldn’t it be a lonely world if the children were not here. Close your eyes…see their eyes, see their faces; they are from all different places. Let the international anthem be a sound of peace and not war.

Open your eyes. Speaking of war, I was watching the news today; it was showing how so many people struggle to live. We are blessed, we are blessed to be here, right now traveling with Up with People, realize that we have so much to give to the world and every community that we visit. When we visit each community it is an amazing realization that there are people out there who give more then they share. They see that the world can be a better place, so lets raise up the curtain and focus the lights, lets shine the light on them, on those people who sacrifice so much.

I’m starting to believe that there is a new ending, but this new ending depends on you and me. We can make new choices; lets raise our voices…I Can Believe.

I can believe that with one love, with one heart we can change the situation, we can beat the blasphemy and catastrophe, we can push with force. I’m asking you together, that means us, our crew, what are we going to do? We need to make ends come to grips with these reasons we are in. Cause when the dust settles, I will be there, and I hope you will be there too. Cause if we will be there, we can sing that one more song, even if the road is gone, because when tomorrow comes, we will be there.

When we get there, we will see people we have never noticed before, when you are out there on stage we will see faces that we do not recognize, but they will have that special smile. Because if we can impact more people to act for people, then all people out there will have a lot less to worry about and a lot more reasons to care.

So that leads me to one more phrase, a phrase shouted by the same group of men from Togo, West Africa. It is a phrase that is used when they need that inch of motivation to get them moving or when one of them is falling behind or appears weak and scared. That phrase is A mila way lo! This means, “Come on lets get going.” A Mila Way Lo! Can you feel it? Can you feel that charge, that power? Say it with me. A mila way lo! I can’t hear you…louder!

Now…we are ready, A Mila Way Lo, lets get out there and rock the socks off that crowd, this is a historical moment for Up with People, it is the first time we have been to Taiwan. Lets bring the world into their home! Lets give them that sign of Hope, that spirit of Ayiko!

If You.....

2010-03-22T12:56:00.000-07:00

If you woke up this morning with

more health than illness, you are

more blessed than the million

who won't survive the week.

If you have never experienced

the danger of battle, the loneliness

of imprisonment, the agony of torture

or pangs of starvation, you are ahead of

20 million people around the world

If you attend a church meeting without

fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death,

you are more blessed than almost three billion

people in the world.

If you have food in your refrigerator,

clothes on your back, a roof over your

head and a place to sleep, you are richer

than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet,

and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among

the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

If your parents are still married and alive,

you are very rare, especially in the United States.

If you hold your head with a smile

on your face and are truly thankful,

you are blessed because the majority can,

but most do not.

If you can hold someone's hand, hug them

or even touch them on the shoulder,

you are blessed you can offer God's healing touch.

If you can read this message,

You are more blessed than over two

billion people in the world that

cannot read anything at all.

You are so blessed in ways

you may never even know.

Things To Remember

2010-03-22T09:39:00.000-07:00

~*~Things to Remember~*~

1. Laugh often.

2. Indulge in the things you truly love.

3. Hang on...even when it seems hopeless.

4. There is always someone who loves you more than you know.

5. It will get better.

6. Give it your all.

7. Be weird whenever you have the chance.

8. Always be up for surprises.

9. Love someone with all your heart.

10. Hold on to good friends, they are few and far between.

11. Always try to see the glass half full.

You Can!

2010-03-19T14:33:00.001-07:00

This was on a card that someone special gave to me when I was in High School... I thought I would share it because it really helped me when I was down. So I hope this helps for anyone who is down or who doesn't see what they are really capable of. :D

You Can!
This Is To Remind You Of That Trusting Child Inside You Who Learned A Long Time Ago That You Have To Fall A Few Times Before You Can Walk. This Is To Help You Remember The Light-Hearted, Land-On-Your-Feet-Sprit That's Within You, And The Never-Give-Up Prizefighter You Can Be When You Want To, This Is To Tell You That You've Got What It Takes- It's Been There All Along, Just Waiting For You To Believe Again. If You Ever Forget, Just Take A Look In The Mirror At The Wonderful, Powerful Person Starting You Right In The Face- Because That's The You That Others See, You And Are Inspired By, And Love So Very Much!

Truisms! =]

2010-03-19T14:32:00.001-07:00

You may not realize it, but 100% of this is True! =-)

1. There are at least 2 people in this world who would die for you.

2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.

3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.

4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.

5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.

6. You mean the WORLD to someone.

7. You are special and unique.

8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.

9. When you make the BIGGEST mistake ever, Something GOOD comes from it.

10. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look.

11. Always remember the compliments you recieved. Forget about the rude remarks.

REMEBER: "When life hands you lemons, ask for tequila and salt."

Taiwan!

2009-04-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!
I am in Taiwan right now. Wow what an experience this has been. I was in Taipei for 10 days and currently in Taichung and will be here for 17 days. I have loved Taiwan and have had such a wonderdful time here. I've had the chance to meet such extradonary people since I have been here. I have a good friend name Maggie who I meet the first day I arrive to Taiwan. I had the nicest host family in Taipei and I am hosted by 5 university students here in Taichung. Well one girl is in her room all day and night so I NEVER see her. The scenery here is beautiful. I love the night markets. Its little streeet vendors that sell stuff for very cheap and you can barrign with them which is awesome. I g ot to meet some awesome boys from the boys high school which was the first but now there are some girls attending that school. I went to their classes and talked english and played games with them. We also put on a mini show for them. That was fun.
I will be leaving for Mexico on March 4th I am so excited!!!
Well I miss all of you! I should get going sunce I have to be up early but I will try to write soon!

Sorry!

2009-03-13T20:19:00.000-07:00

Hey! Everyone Sorry I have not written anything in here for so long! Oh my goodness! I have not had internet access for awhile and if I do I don't have it for that long. :( I have so much info to tell all you. I definitely can't wait to share all the things I have been doing and share some nice stories or experiences I have. I will write soon. Miss you and Love you!!! :D
-Shanny

My Tour Schedule!

2009-02-02T21:12:00.000-08:00

Here is my tour Schedule! :D

USA

Denver, CO (staging/orientation) 9 January – 4 February
Greeley, CO 5 February – 15 February
N. Miami, FL 16 February – 22 February
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 23 February – 1 March
Dade City, FL 2 March – 8 March
St. Petersburg or Tampa, FL 9 March – 15 March
The Villages or Orlando, FL 16 March – 22 March
Pensacola, FL or Mobile, AL 23 March – 29 March
Shreveport, LA 30 March – 5 April

Taiwan

Taipei 6 April – 19 April
Taichung 20 April – 3 May

Mexico

Saltillo 4 May – 10 May
Morelia 11 May – 17 May
Veracruz 18 May – 24 May
Tampico 25 May – 31 May

USA

South Texas 1 June – 7 June
North Texas or New Mexico 8 June – 14 June
Denver, CO 15 June – 16 Jun

Great Day

2009-02-01T19:33:00.001-08:00

January 31st, 2009

Denver, Colorado

Today was a great day. It was my first day back from being sick. I'm a little bit behind but not to bad I should have everything down by our first Show! Yay. Everyone was so nice, asking if I was feeling better, saying they missed me, and welcome back. We went through a whole run through of the show and the people who had costume changes practice that and we also practice our run through on the stage we will perform on in Denver. I can't wait for our first Show! My bus never came or I missed it but luckily my host mom Holly was somewhat near me and picked me up we went to the store and went home. We had Tacos. I was so excited since I was craving Mexican food. The whole family and I talked at dinner and then we watched a movie. Chrissa the American Girl which was a great movie for kids and teaches a great lesson about Bullying.

My First Day

2009-01-30T12:27:00.000-08:00

Date: 1/9/2009

Place: Denver, CO

Today starts a new beginning a new slate for me. I have been given a wonderful opportunity. I want to make the most out of this, have this be something I will Never forget and have the best time. I have made some new friends already from all walks of life (people from Ethiopia, Germany, Denmark, Belgium, and other places). Its so fascinating that this one program combines all these different people together to make a difference in people's lives.

When I first arrive at the airport in Denver I did not know what to expect. I had all different emotions combined but when I saw the staff with a sign that said Up With People Bringing The World Together I was eager to meet other people and was so excited Although I was very homesick I could not wait for everything to start. I got my luggage (my luggage is so heavy!) and then I waited with 5 people and waited for a few more then by bus we went to this center where we got signed in and gathered all our stuff. We mingled with other cast members and also ate some food. Some of us were at that center for 9 hours (I was one of them). After dinner we went and found our host families. They all had code names mine was Poodle Skirt. Some families dressed up as there code names or some held signs. I couldn't wait to meet my host family and their cat!

I met my host family and they are so warm and welcoming they are so wonderful. I don't have a roommate in Denver but in another city I prob. will :D

My Host Family!

2009-01-30T06:34:00.000-08:00

I have a wonderful host family here in Denver. Peder, Holly, Hannah, and Bennett. Hannah is 6 and Bennett is 3 they are so adorable. My host family has made me feel so welcome ever since I have gotten to Denver. I could not have been placed with a better family. They are so generous, warm, caring, and great. They have made me feel like I am part of the family. They have taken me to nice places and fun things to do. The parents always make sure I am ok. I am definitely going to miss them and hopefully they will come and visit in San Diego since the kids want to go to Legoland so bad! I have also been playing with Bennett when Hannah has to do homework. I have so much fun with him. We play games and play with his toys. I got to play with Legos and build houses and other designs I have not played with legos since I was little so its neat to play with these toys. Kids can be very creative. Its also amazing on what you can learn from them...These kids are so smart and have lots of personality! :D

Up With People

2009-01-30T00:07:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!

I'm finally started a blog. I thought it would be so much easier to write a blog so Y'all can see how I am doing and what I am doing! :D I know I am also going to post things out of order since I can explain my experience every step of the way from the very first day.

Well the past week has been very hard for me since I am very sick :( I was beginning to feel so much better over the weekend I got to see one of my Best Friend Erin on Sunday. She is now living here. We saw a movie and went to dinner to Noodles which now I love! (I hope there is one in California soon!)

:( I got worse on monday when I went to practice on Wednesday I went to the Walgreens Take Care Clinic which is awesome. Its so close the nurse practitioner said I had a Virus on top of my Strep but my Strep is clearing up Yay for that but I have the same symptoms as the flu! Darn this dry weather! I have missed practices so hopefully tomorrow I can be caught up to speed.

I am having fun despite that I'm sick and I am Loving Denver. Its so awesome to see snow! Everyone in Up With People are so nice I am definitely making a lot of new friends from around the world. I definitely feel very blessed to be a part of something like this! I would not miss it for the world! Hopefully I will be better soon and I can go on with the show! :D

P.S. I hope everything is going well with everyone! :D Feel free to email me or call me so I can see how you are!

I miss you and love you! I will try to keep this up to date and I still have a lot of blogging to do. I cant wait to put everything on here and tell you my experiences and everything else that goes on. Ta Ta for now!

♥ Shanny