Disease Doesn't Define

    

     Hello readers! I have another post for the #Spoonieseries. Having a Chronic illness is hard. It is tempting to think that a disease fine a person. A chronic illness is a big part of one's life. I have struggled with this while growing up. I didn't want people to think of me as the girl with a chronic illness. ( I use chronic illness and disability interchangeably because some disabilities include some chronic problems). An illness is only a part of you. You still you no matter what. Yes, there will be times when you might get depressed, but that doesn't change you as a person. Most illness will change your lifestyle somehow, but don't let it stop you from reaching your dreams. Sometimes reaching your dreams will look different than the "normal person" does it. It doesn't matter how long it takes to finish as long as you finish. ( I found this somewhere online)
     There are things that you will have to adjust in your life. For example, I don't do jumping activities because it causes much pain in my hip. I am not going to be stupid and continue jumping. if I continue jumping, I could tear a muscle or break something. Don't let your disease define you, but don't do something that could cause more pain than fun to your body. I still do fun activities.  Walking, playing with my dogs, stretching, and playing with my young nieces/ nephews are some of the physical activities I do. If there is a casual game of catch, soccer, or volleyball: I will occasionally join. Dancing with a group of friends is another favorite activities.
    There is definitely a balance between don't let your disease define you and don't do more damage to your body. Each person is different and has to  discover their own balance. I am still learning where my balance is. Have a lovely Monday!

~Liu Miao~

The Liebster Blogger Award

Hello Guys, It's a double post today! Wow that doesn't usually happen. I was nominated by  Charlotte for the Liebster Blogger Award. Thank you so much. It is an award given by bloggers to other bloggers. This award is about spreading community in the blogging world! Charlotte mentioned that this so important and I agree. Sometimes the world encourages competition but we need to encourage one another.

Rules for the Liebster Blogger Award:

-Accept/Decline the award. You don't have to accept the award, but who doesn't like getting one? It is nice to get recognized for your writing.
-Write 11 facts about yourself
-Answer 11 questions from your  nominator
-Nominate 11 bloggers: This is where building community comes in. You get to pass the award along to other bloggers and help people discover amazing blogs.
-Ask 11 questions to your nominees

11 Facts about me

1) I really love rice and noodles. Stir fry and ramen are some of my favorites. Pho is another favorite.
2) I really enjoy languages. Currently, I am learning Spanish and can communicate pretty good. American Sign Language is next on my list.
3)Mini pigs and Great Danes are some of my favorite animals. I hope to own both someday.
4) I love watching cheesy Disney Channel Movies and Tv Shows.
5) Velvet is my new favorite tv show. It is on Netflix and is in Spanish. You can get English subtitles.
6) Love going out with friends and getting coffee. My favorite drink right now is an iced  caramel macchiato with extra caramel.
7) I want to be a child life specialist. They help children and their family cope with staying in the hospital or having various procedures done at the hospital. I know what it is like to be in the hospital a lot because I have a physical disability.
8) I go to a small university and still live at home. I say tons of money by living at home. Really enjoy small university because it has a family feel. I know so many professors.
9)  Spicy foods. I enjoy eating spicy foods. Hot sauce, spicy ramen, spicy chips are some examples. Where I am from( Changsha, Hunan China), it is known for spicy foods. I like to say that spiciness runs in my blood.
10) I am adopted. Lived in china for almost 4 years.
11) Gummy candies are my go to snacks. Peach rings, gummy bears and twizzlers are some of my favorite. I like food and sweets.

My answers to Charlotte's questions

1. If you could travel anywhere in the world for two weeks (without money being an issue), where would you go and what would you do? I would travel Asia. Kimchi, pho, sushi, noodles are some of my favorites. There are so may sites.
2. What is the best book that you have ever read and what did you love so much about it? I love Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. The story is sweet and I love that the main characters are girls. It is a classic book and I love that it is set in the 1800s.
3. If you could spend a day with any person in the world (deceased or alive), who would it be and why? President Franklin Roosevelt is the person I like to hang out with.  He was our president during some hard times in the USA ( Great Depression and most of WWII).
4. What is your favorite season? (Interpret this however you want: in terms of weather or a television show.)  I like spring because it feels great out. Summers in texas can be super hot. Spring feels nice and refreshing.
5. What is your favorite Christmas movie/show? Christmas in Connecticut is my favorite.
6. If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I would drop my American last name.
7. You find a wallet on the ground containing $1,000. You have two choices: return it to the owner or keep it. Here’s the twist: the owner will never realize it’s missing if you decide to keep it. Which choice would you choose and why? I would be tempted to keep it but I would return it. I would feel so guilty until I made things right.
8. What is one talent that you would love to have? photographic memory
9. What is your favorite hashtag?#communityovercompetition I love this one because I love to encourage people.
10. If you could only choose to live one place in the world for the rest of your life, where would you choose and why? I love north Texas. There are so many nationalities near me. I can go to so  many different restaurants and markets.
11. Why did you decide to start your blog? I wanted a creative outlet when I started college and wanted to help people. Since I love reading about other people's stories and their advice, I wanted to share my story and give advice. I love reading different viewpoints about the same topic since we all see life differently.

I Nominate .

1. Mel from  http://www.polished-professionals.com/
2. Melissa from https://elephantontheroad.com/2017/05/25/keep-friends-close-when-they-live-far-away/
3. Megan from https://apronstringsandstickyfingers.com/
4. Mary-faith from https://maryfaithmartinez.wordpress.com/
5.  Dani from http://danidearest.com/?utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=Instagram&utm_campaign=Instagram
6. Amy from http://www.pastelnpink.com/
7. Krista from  https://linktr.ee/kristabeldubois
8. Samantha from https://linktr.ee/aslifegrows
9. Alyssa from http://thewisewillow.com/
10. Gabby and Hannah from https://linktr.ee/theswirlblog
11. Sara from https://sara-katherine.com/2017/05/11/redefine-mental-health/ 

My 11 questions to the nominees.

1. What is your middle name.?
2. favorite dessert?
3. Favorite language?
4. Where were you born?
5. Favorite childhood tv show/movie
6. what are your favorite christmas traditions?
7. Favorite international food?
8. What is your hobby/hobbies?
9. Are you an only child?
10. Why did you start blogging?
11. What are you studying in college / what did you study in college?

Thank you again Charlotte for nominating me. Hope you enjoyed this and discovered new blogs to read.

~Liu Miao~

Please Give Credit

  Hello guys! This is a different type of post. I am in a college blogger group and the topic of people using their pictures without permission/credit came up.  One time on Instagram I messaged a blogger and they mentioned that people would use parts of her posts without permission or give credit. This is a very important issue. I personally have not seen a post like this but I think this topic needs to be addressed. In college, giving credit is stressed so much, but sometimes in the blogging community it slides a bit.

     If you are going to use someone's picture of Instagram or something, give them credit and link to their insta account/website. Note that some bloggers state that they want written permission before using their pictures. If they want you to ask for permission, then ask for it. Also images from google or pinterest, give credit even if you don't know the exact person.

     If you are going to use someone's content in your own blog , ask permission. Bloggers work hard to create content for their readers. It's like writing a paper in college. A person needs to cite their sources. If you got an idea from a blogger, give them credit. For example, I saw one blogger(@pastelnpinkblog go check out her blog)  who did #followfriday on Instagram. I thought it was a great idea and decided to do it too. I gave her credit since it wasn't my own idea and I used the same exact hashtag as her.

     I am not saying that I am perfect and never forget to give credit. ( I have forgotten to cite my sources but I went back to give credit.)  Try to do your best and give credit.  This is to bring awareness about giving credit to bloggers and artists.  It doesn't matter if it is a famous blogger/artist or a new blogger/artist, give credit.

~Liu Miao~

5 things to pack for college as a spoonie

Hello guys. Today I have a guest blogger.  Her name is Ally. I love what she has to say on this topic. As a spoonie myself, I agree with her. I met her through a college blogging group.

Hi! I’m Ally. I’m almost a senior at Texas State University, and my major is social work. I love puppies, coffee cake, friendship, and Jesus (in no particular order)! Although I live a fulfilled and busy life, I have also been battling chronic pain for the last 9 years.

When I first went to college, many people (including myself) wondered if this was a good idea, or if it was even possible. Three years and one dropout later, I know a thing or two about the balance between being a student and being a sick kid – it isn’t easy! But I’m here to tell you that it is definitely possible.

Here are 5 things that I recommend bringing with you to college if you have a chronic illness:

1. Mattress Pad

Listen: Your bed will be your safe haven. If it’s not comfortable, you’re not comfortable. Get a quality mattress pad and lots of pillows to keep you supported and comfortable. Not only will this benefit your pain, it’ll also improve what little sleep you may be getting. Important!!!

2. Books that aren’t school related

There will be slow days on campus, and you may not be feeling up to going out or even hanging out. Bring your favorite books along with you to school so that you have something to keep your mind busy. Not into reading? Try coloring books or adult activity books.

3. Netflix

A sick girl’s best friend. If you don’t already have a Netflix account – or access to someone else’s – get one! It’s fairly cheap and worth the price. We all need a movie break or a show to keep us occupied. I also tend to put on my favorite movie (Zootopia, of course) when I can’t sleep. Netflix is always there for you.

4. Heating Pads

Aching muscles? Heating pad. Sore joints? Heating pad. Cold? Heating pad. Heating pads can be a lifesaver in any situation. I also recommend getting microwavable ones (or just fill a sock with rice!) that can contour to your body and be brought on the go!

5. Medical Equipment

This may sound like common sense, but if you’re stubborn like me, you’re thinking about leaving your equipment at home for that first semester. I especially recommend bringing any physical therapy supplies you can, like therapy bands or tilt boards. Any extra movement or stretching you can get in will benefit you in the long run! (Trust me, I learned that the hard way)

There you have it! These are the 5 things I recommend that you have when going away to college. Let me know in the comments what you brought, or what you wish you had brought to school with you!  

Here is a link to Ally's blog https://teaspoonofsprinkles.wordpress.com/2017/05/18/gpa-is-not-eternal/. / Check her blog it. She writes great content

Get to know me

Hello guys! Hope your summer is going well. I have enjoyed my summer so far. Binge watching Netflix, eating junk , and watching a Rangers game are some of the things that I have been doing. Since I have new readers , I want you guys get to know me a bit. It has been a while since I have done a get to know you type post. Here I answer some questions: 

Favorite song? Thy will by Hillary Scott. This song talks about God's timing. He has a reason for things. Sometimes there are hardships and  Good times that God brings.

What is your favorite language? American Sign Language is my favorite language but I don't know it very well. I know a few signs but I am learning more. Spanish is my second favorite language. I know a lot of Spanish and communicate pretty well. Occasionally I post in Spanish.

What is your favorite food? I love Asian foods. Carbs is one of my favorite foods. I love spicy foods.

What is my favorite makeup product? Eyeliner is my favorite products. 

What are you studying in college and what are your career goals? I am studying psychology and Spanish. Child life specialist is the job that I want to do. I love being in a children's hospital and I want to help children cope with being in a hospital. I also want to research in the areas of adoption and children.

what challenges have you faced and overcome so far this year? Health has been a big struggle. I learned talking about my struggles help me cope with it it. Accommodations has also helped with my challenge. School had some struggles. I really had to learn patience. I learned to work better with people and handle stress better.

I would love to get to know you guys better. Please comment below and tell me about yourself. Have a great weekend and stay tune for next week's post. I have a lot of posts for incoming freshmen.

~Liu Miao~

Sophomore Year Reflection

  Hello!, I am finished with my sophomore year of college. I can't believe it. These past two years have gone quickly. There were many changes that happened this past year. Here are a few things that happen this past year :

- In the fall 2016, I took 17 credit hours. This was a lot for me but I learned a lot on how to manage time. In the spring , I took 15 credit hours.

- Assisted As with mesa de español. This was so much fun. It was a time that the Spanish 1 class got to practice speaking Spanish during lunch. They were able to practice in a more informal setting.

- Changed my major. I was a biology major. When I started helping the profesora, I found my love with Spanish. I also realized that I did not enjoy biology and chemistry. Now I am a psychology major with a minor in Spanish. I plan to get a Masters in educational psychology with a emphasis in Child life and continue learning Spanish.

- I TA in Spanish 1 class. This was such a great experience. I learned to interact with student in a different way. I learned that profesora did a lot for that one class and she teaches other classes. Worked closely with the professor and help tutor some of the students.

- Presented in my school research symposium. I loved it and it gave me great practice for public speak. In the fall, I will start on another research project.

- Found out that I will be getting a hip replacement surgery ( plus some ligament work) this summer. This surgery will help reduce pain and give more functionality to my legs. I am not doing this surgery to fix my disability(i.e. try to be "normal"), but I am doing it to give me a better quality of life.

This was a good but hard year. My health did become worse during this school year but a lot of good things happen. I am very excited for the summer. It will be a nice break. I will be blogging on a more consistent schedule.

~Liu Miao~