You Can Always Find Your Way Back Home

Just some photos from just a few Thanksgiving festivities! So Thankful for all my family and friends...and of course all the food .  I am so thankful for living in a country where we have the freedom to celebrate! 

                                           My sister Ariel helping mom make home made Mac and Cheese...Yum! 

 

My mom did a beautiful

job with the table top and believe it or not she got have the decor from Dollar Tree!

THINGS I'M THANKFUL FOR

1. FOOD

Food, without it we couldn't live or function properly.  Plus the kind I eat is always pretty good :) 

I work part-time at a grocery store, and I've learned from working there how hard and expensive food can be. It doesn't always come cheap and it's not free, so I am grateful that I have a job that pays decent to where I can afford to buy and eat food.  

2. FRIENDS

 Through out my college years I've meet a lot of people.  Made new friends and even lost some close ones.  During your twenties and as you grow up you learn who your real friends are and who are not.  Although it's tough to lose a friend or someone you thought you were close to at one time, there's always something better in store, and possibly there are new friends to be made. 

3. FAMILY

 Since I currently live in Edmond for school, I have 2 and 1/2 hours away from my parents.   Sure when you are growing up you hate them and think they hate you, but as you get older you start to realize they were just trying to teach you and raise you up to be the best you can possibly be.  Personally my mother and I were always down each others throats growing up and while I was in high school and junior college, but during my second year here at UCO I've learned although family is forever, my parents won't be around forever and that you should cherish every moment and time you get to spend with them while you can.  Also my sister lives in San Antonio so I rarely get to see her because of her job and her living so far away.  I've learned that not everyone is as fortunate as me to have giving and good parents who are still married and love each other.  

4. EDUCATION

I am very thankful for my education.  Not everyone can go to school or afford college.  I definitely cannot and my parents are billionaires where they can just pay off my school with a big fat check.  I feel like a lot of people get the chance and money to go to college and just waste it or don't take advantage of it.  

I could go on an on and continue to bore you about everything I am thankful for but I won't.  I hope everyone has a great holiday season and a happy thanksgiving, because I know I will :) 

That's All She Wrote- Rayven Boone 

       International Festival Held At UCO 

Today I attended UCO's International Festival that was held in the ballrooms at the Nigh Univiersity Center.  As I walked in I was quickly overwhelmed and experienced what you could say as "culture shock." It was full of excitement and tons of students and faculty.  So many booths and setups of students from so many different places worldwide. 

 These students were so sweet and happy when I asked to take a picture with them! :) 

I'm not exactly sure what country or culture we took this picture by but this is my friend Kelsey that I ran into at the festival. Kelsey also let me try some of the food she got from different countries.  I tried some chocolate thing with sprinkles that looked really good and it tasted just like chocolate pudding.  So I couldn't go to the festival and not try something.

One thing I really liked was all the photo ops at the booths! I think they are all so fun! they gave us hats and they were all so welcoming and gave us a ton of props to choose from! I think having a festival like this is great way for people to see how others live in their own countries.  It's good to know how other live and about their cultures. 

 While attending the festival I also watch the Korean students perform hip-hop dances, a pop dance, and many other performances.  You can definitely tell all the students take pride in their traditions just like we do here in the U.S.  Although we are all different we all share similar customs in some form or another. 

That's All She Wrote - Rayven Boone 

Student Feature : Shannon Taylor 

indiefilter.blogspot.com <------ This Is Her Fashion Blog Check It Out! It's Amazing! 

    At UCO I am enrolled in a Video Field Production class.  Basically it's a class where we learn how to shoot interviews and we do feature story projects.  I was lucky enough to have a girl named Shannon Taylor, (who is also in my blogging class this semester) in this class.  

     As I began talking with  Shannon I could tell she was interested in fashion just by the way she is always dressed.  For my Video Field assignment I did a feature story on Shannon about her passion and love for fashion.  She gave me many of her own fashion tips and ideas as well as an insight on her favorite magazines and designers.  Vogue and NYLON are just a couple of her favorite magazines.  

     Shannon also has a fashion blog she enjoys.  Her blog is unique in many ways.  From titling all her posts with song lyrics to all her different fashion photos, her blog is one of a kind.  As I interviewed her for this feature I immediately could tell fashion was important to her.  It was very easy for me to do a feature on her because I could tell fashion was an easy subject for her to talk about.  After shooting her feature I tagged along with her to Goodwill, and browsed for some pieces there.  Shooting Shannon's feature taught me that when you are really inspired by something go for it and make it your passion!  I guess you do learn something new everyday! 

That's All She Wrote- Rayven Boone 

 American Eagle Jeans Appreciation Post 

 

        When it comes to fashion and style my biggest thing is comfort.  
There is no better way to make jeans fashionable yet comfortable than the way American Eagle makes their denim.  With sizes for all body types and a great selection of different washes they can be worn to make any look perfect. I must say these jeans have literally "had my butt" since day 1.  I love all the different fits, and I love how long AE jeans last! I still have my first pair from my freshman year of high school and although I've grown they still fit perfect and haven't faded very much if at all.  Although I prefer sweatpants I have a lot of jeans.  Majority of all of my pants are purchases at American Eagle.  I just love love love them, and not to mention the fact at how affordable they are! I feel like everyone should have at least one pair of these babies!  
That's All She Wrote- Rayven Boone 

5 THINGS YOU DIDNT THINK YOU WOULD STRUGGLE WITH WHILE IN COLLEGE 

I read and shared this from Facebook and couldn't believe how accurate it was, so I decided to post it on here and add somethings to it. 

1. Names- As you go through college there are people everywhere.  You see yourself wondering things like whose that girl that sits behind me in that one class? Whose that guy thats always wearing that shirt? You identify people by their appearance than rather their name until you get to know them or figure out their name.  Maybe you are not as good with names as you thought. 
2. Walking- You have been walking every since you were a toddler in your early years of life.  Most people say walking is easy and you don't even think about it while you're doing it. While in college it seems like all you do is walk. walk to class, walk to your car, and repeat everyday.  But no matter how much or how fast you walk you always seem to be right on time or more than likely LATE.
3. Too Many Clothes- When you first begin college as a freshman most girls wanna make good impressions on teachers and students.  No matter how many clothes you think you have you have brought too many. (I personally think you can never pack too much) In high school the issue is always wanting to have cute clothes, but in college its do I have enough t shirts and sweatpants?  No one cares in college and I'm lucky if I even do my hair for class.  There is no motivation to dress up in college unless you have to for a presentation.  
4. Getting Sick-  Parents always told me I would get sick more than I normally do when I didn't live at home.  I have been more sick while in school than my whole life probably.  Why? I don't know. I eat, and I take care of myself best I can, but it seems like theres always something wrong rather it be a cough, cold, fever, or the plague, you always seem to get sick more when in school. 
5. Wifi problems-  Free Wifi is always advertised on campus. Let's just say there is no such thing.  Just because things are free doesn't mean they work.  Nobody ever said that your computer would connect to it.  They're are so many things to worry about in college as far as doing online homework, printing papers, writing assignments, emails, etc. You can't do any of those things on campus if there isn't wifi.  

The list could go on and on.  That's all she wrote- Rayven Boone

Eating Healthy Can Be Easy! Ugh. Yeah Right. 

My Tuesday Rant

      Eating healthy while working and going to school is easy...so they say.  Do these people who say this have a job or 5 classes to worry about? Probably not.  One of my main goals is to try and eat healthy and have a balanced diet period.  It's impossible to do so when you're a broke college kid.  When you're in college, unless you have parents who just give you money just because, you are forced to eat cheap.  Cheap almost never means healthy. 
       Rather it be ramen noodles, frozen pizza, or fast food you have to eat something.  Eating healthy requires you to eat some vegetables, fruit, whole grains, etc.  But who can afford that for every meal? I will never understand why organic, or fresh food is way more expensive than the so called "trash or junk food" we eat.  
        I both work and go to school and having to try and eat healthy in between work and school is a struggle.  Everyone says everything is bad for you so you might as well eat what you want, and workout.  Whoever said this was on point.  Everything we eat that isn't expensive or all natural or organic, is considered horrible for you.  People ate it back then and are still living good healthy lives so obviously its not going to kill you to eat a Digorno or a cookie every once in a while.  I am just so tired of hearing people say it's easy to eat healthy when your busy, maybe it is for some but definitely not for a broke college kid on a budget. The struggle continues.....

Thats All She Wrote - Rayven Boone 

Media Ethics Conference at UCO 

Last Wednesday I attended the Media Ethics Conference and listened to local news anchors and directors from around the Oklahoma City area.  I attended the Ethics in Broadcasting session and really got to see the other side of news.  When giving the news I learned that many stations don't support in "sanitizing" the news.   A news directors told us that when it comes to graphic images they try and use their best judgement on how much to show viewers, while trying to put out as much content possible without being too graphic.  They said it is better to show more than less, but depending on the story or situation they take it case by case.  I applaud them for strongly considering the viewers and who all is watching the news before they decide what or how much to show.  They also discussed about using their own personal judgement and using all different perspectives with the evolution of thought.  When they get a story and then receive the images it changes the way you write the story and view it.  Images are key in how we view the news.  Most importantly always get the facts.  Images are important and help make the story, but always confirm the facts.  

One of the questions asked to one of the anchors was, What is the most difficult ethical challenge they have faced? They taught us that when doing certain stories on race or touchy subjects such as death penalty, for example, 

1. You must always cover both sides of the story

2. You have to know your audience.  

3. Tell the story fairly and theres always a fine line when it comes to not being biased. You must but your own opinions and emotion aside. 

4. Always report what you know. 

I feel like I took away a lot of good advice from hearing the panel of directors and anchors talk and discuss their own personal experiences in the newsroom.  

Thats all she wrote- Rayven Boone 

GUEST SPEAKER SPEAKS TO UCO BLOGGERS 

 DR. KIRK HOCHENAUER SPOKE TO UCO STUDENTS ABOUT HIS BLOGS

Dr. Kirk came and spoke to my blogging class about his blog "OKIE FUNK."  He is a blogger from Oklahoma I believe and has worked for the Oklahoma, Tulsa Tribune, and the Kansas City Star.  He started his two blogs Blue Oklahoma and OKIE FUNK in 2004.  He started his blogs because he felt like more Liberal voices needed to be here in Oklahoma since we are a mainly red state and religious subjects sparked his interests. After starting "OKIE FUNK" he instantly got between 15-20k hits.  He blogs about 2-3 times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.  Hochenauer says " The more you blog the more hits you get".   He does not get paid money for his blogs but says he receives personal satisfaction and influence from blogging.   "Blogging centers me, it's a habit, and it gives me time to get my thoughts together".

Interesting Facts:
 1.Hochenauer started the first ever blogging class here at UCO while teaching in the English department in 2006. 
2.  In 2004 he wrote an article about UCO's campus, (one of his first blog posts) and got 75 comments within seconds.  


Hochenauer taught us many things in just a short amount of time.  He taught us that good writing is key to what makes a good blog.  You can only get good at writing with practice and improvement.  Always focus on the writing, and make notes.  He also says its good to do research before you blog on your subjects.  Look for facts and opinions.  He also taught us that with blogging you do not ha

Thats all she wrote - Rayven Boone

  

Haunted Houses That Will Make You "Jump" Into The Halloween Spirit

Some of Oklahoma's best haunted attractions that will leave you scared out of your mind!!!

 Trail of Fears Haunted Scream Park- Lawton, OK

I've been to this attraction and its oh so good! I'm easily a scary cat myself, but I attended with my junior college ambassador group and this place had everyone freaking out! I believe there are four different parts all located at Trail of Fears.  I would definitely go back and plan too this year.  If you into Halloween and attractions like this, you will love it! 

The Sanctuary- OKC

Located near Chesapeake Energy Arena in Bricktown.  I waited in line the day after Halloween, the last day of the haunted house, for 4 hours.  I honestly don't think it was worth the wait but everyone else I went with sure thought it was. Don't get me wrong it certainly scared the snot out of me and I would definitely go back, but I'm a weenie and it was too cold to wait outside for that long with no warm jacket! They also had fire breathers for entertainment while we waited in law.  A cool thing about the Sanctuary is while you waiting in line they show millions of clips from scary movies, so its like you're watching a movie while you're waiting to go in! 

Nightmare in the Country - Woodward, OK

If you're brave enough to go out in the country all alone after dark then go to Nightmare In the Country in Woodward.  Take a walk through the Miser's Mine of Misery.  Also check out the Haunted Barn for plenty of bone chilling excitement.  (I personally haven't gone to this one because it is too far of a drive for me)

Hex House - Tulsa, OK 

The original Hex House is legend to being known for the 1944 investigation.  It was known for a case on an old casket discovery.  It was then recently turned into a haunted house attraction filled with darkness and frightening sites.  Prepared to be scared if you attend.  (My friends who live in Stillwater attended the Hex House last year and were scared out of their minds!)  


These are just a few ones I've heard of! Don't forget about Fright Fest at Frontier City, in OKC this year as well!  I have never been personally but always have heard of  people going and talking about it!  Happy Month of Fall and happy soon to be Halloween!


That's all she wrote-  Rayven Boone 

     Music is a big part of my life.  It's everywhere! I love all different kinds of music and I thought it would be fun to post my top 10 favorite throwback songs every thursday for a little bit, or a throwback picture! Feel free to comment your favorite throwback songs as well :) This is this weeks top 10 of my favorite throwback jams

Thats all she wrote -Rayven Boone

1. It's Gonna Be Me- N'SYNC

2.  Ridin' Dirty - Chamillionaire  

3. Stacy's Mom- Fountains of Wayne

4. I Want It That Way- Backstreet Boys

5. When We Die- Bowling For Soup

6. Low- Flo Rida

7. Run It- Chris Brown

8. Let Me Love You- Mario

9. Blurry- Puddle of Mudd

10. Stronger- Britney Spears

THE STATE FAIR 

      This time in September means one thing....IT'S STATE FAIR TIME!   If you love rides, a good atmosphere, shopping, games, anything edible "on a stick," and so much then head out the State Fair grounds for the Oklahoma State Fair.

This was Monday night at the fair with two of my friends Kayla and Shelbi.  If you can't tell from this picture we were pretty excited to be there.

The first thing I do every time I go to the fair is get a jumbo, footlong corn dog.  A fair classic and a golden brown, hand dipped snack of deliciousness on a stick! Even though it is $6.00 it's totally worth it and the fair only comes once a year. 

 These are my two friends Kayla and Shelbi on one of the rides.  I am horrified of heights and rides so I thought it was better to take pictures and hold their things than get on a ride!  

We all had a great time Monday at the fair, and I had another great time Wednesday night as well! 

That's all she wrote - Rayven Boone

LOOKING FOR WAYS TO FIT IN AN EFFECTIVE WORKOUT DURING YOUR BUSY WEEK?

     Finding time to fit in a good workout in between school/ work or whatever else can be tough. Everyone workout doesn't have to be spending hours and hours in the gym everyday. You can even workout at home if you want to. 

     To me the most important thing about working out is to simple get out, get active, and get moving.  Oh, and make it fun! Don't make working out and exercising a chore or job, make it a hobby!  There are some easy ways and simple workouts that can help burn fat, build muscle, and burn calories!  Some of these seem pretty basic but they're easy to do and quick! 

1. WALKING 

    Going for a nice job or a brisk walk around the block for about 20 minute or longer is a great way to exercise and relieve stress.  Walking is good for the whole body and works to tone and shape your legs and booty! As simple as it sounds is as simple as it is! Go at your own pace and stop for a breather or a drink whenever you need!   ( My boyfriend's parents have been walking around the block 3 times (about 1.5 miles every week night for the past couple weeks and his dad has already lost 18 pounds and his mother has lost 10, just by walking!

2.  BIKE 

    If you are like me and hate running with a passion a great way to tone up is working out on the bike. Start pedaling and add some resistance and before you know it you will be feeling the burn! Biking burns a lot of calories and isn't very hard your knees or legs.  Turn on some good music and get to it, before you know it you will have already rode a mile! 

3. MIX IT UP

Find some of your favorite exercises that work different parts of your body for example: body weight squats (any type of equating), crunches, jumping jacks, mountain climbers, 

 or whatever you like to do.  I learned the other day that working more than one targeted muscle one day at a time is better then spending one day working one muscle  For example instead of having just leg day, do some leg exercises and mix in some shoulders, or biceps and back. Oh and throw in some abs! 

4. DANCE

 Dance is one of my passions! Whether its ballet, tap, jazz , or my favorite hip-hop dancing is a great workout! You can even do this at home! Turn on your favorite pandora station and get grooving! Dancing works all parts of your body and is great for you abs! It's an easy way to burn a lot of calories and can be very fun! Zumba Fitness is an excellent way to fit in a great workout! If you stay the whole class which is usually just an 45minutes to an hour, you can burn up to 800 calories!  

 Just a little tip! Adding weights or weight lifting to your workout can be a lot more effective than just doing cardio all day every day. 

 Just thought I would share a few of my favorites ways to get a quick little workout in between work, school, and everything else! Most importantly get moving and stay active! 


I feel like these are just a few easy ways or working out and can be fun and effective! I plan on posting some other time different workouts that are good for you when you are not so busy or have more than 20-30 minutes to fit in a great workout! 

Thats all she wrote - Rayven Boone 

                    

  

FALL

      Out of all the seasons and times of the year Fall/Autumn is my absolute favorite! There are so many great things about this season that I have come up with a list of my favorite things about fall.



1. Colors

With Orange being my favorite color no wonder Fall is my favorite season, but also the yellows, and reds of the trees and leaves changing is just so pretty to me. I feel like all the colors of fall go so well together especially while the sun is shining on them!

2.  Clothes

To me, Fall calls for comfy and cute clothes all season long! Knit sweaters, hoodies, boots, jackets, scarfs, and leggings just to name a few! I can't wait to see some of the new and latest fall fashions this season.

3. Weather
Fall weather and temperatures are perfect! No fierce cold or below freezing temperatures and no triple digit and scorching hot days! Fall temperatures seem to be around the 60's and 70's which I find perfect! It's still warm but not to warm to feel sweaty, gross, and miserable being outside.

4. Sports
Although I am not a huge fan of football, fall is the start of college football, not to mention college football is huge in the state of Oklahoma. You've got OU and OSU playing almost every weekend which is the perfect time to be at games or even host your own watch party! Not only does college football start but NBA starts around October/November and if you are from Oklahoma you know that means it's time for Thunder Basketball!


5. Drinks/Food
Fall calls for warm drinks including hot cocoa in many flavors, pumpkin spiced lattes, as well as pumpkin bread and cookies, and of course pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving....Yummy!


6. Holidays

• Halloween calls for lots of candy, costume parties, passing out candy, and looking at all the cute trick-or-treaters, and not to mention all the haunted houses to visit! 
•  Thanksgiving being one of my favorite holidays happens in the fall.  The Macy's parade on thanksgiving morning,  the food, the long nap after you eat, needless to say I love Thanksgiving! 

 7. TV Shows
     There are always new seasons of everyones favorite shows starting again in the fall, and always a variety of new shows and series airing during this time of year.  Red Band Society is a new show coming out september and I'm excited to see it.

       School has started back and everyone is trying to get back into a certain routine.  If school doesn't keep you busy enough try having to work and go to school at the same time.   One of the harvests things for me to get back to when school starts is getting organized and staying up everything.   With being enrolled in 15 hours of school and 25+ hours of work a week, you can easily get tired out.  So I've come up with a list of tips to do to keep you staying on task and keeping organized while juggling more than one thing at a time during a business school year.

1. Don't Stress (try not to is more like it)
Everyone is busy and more than likely in the same boat as you. You are NOT alone. If you are feeling overwhelmed text a friend. Chances are they are feeling the same way too.
2. Pray.
When you wake up, or while in the shower, or before you go to sleep at night.  Its amazing what prayer can do.
3. Keep a Planner
If you are forgetful about remembers assignments, dates, times, and schedules buy a planner! Most planners are fairly cheap and affordable and their are several different styles you can choose from.
4. Have a snack
I speak for myself when i say I'm an emotional eater, but when I'm stressed or in a hurry I always try to have snack or something to drink to relax me or give me energy throughout the day.  Also having a snack can keep you going and feeling fresh.
5. Sleep/Rest
It's pretty hard to find time to sleep while juggling school/work, etc.  However if you get some free time between school and work or whatever is going on take a nap! A 10-15 minute power nap is the way to go!

   

     Hello! I'm Rayven Boone and I am a senior at the University of Central Oklahoma. I'm taking a blogging class for major, which is Professional Media.  My blog will consist of a variety of posts such as recipes,workouts,food/business reviews, whats popular and much more!  I will be posting something different every week and I hope you will find it interesting/useful. I am hoping to learn a lot by having my first blog and plan to continue with this blog after this class.  Please feel free to read/comment all my posts!