God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference.

Ever since I was younger, I have always looked up to my older brother, Beau. He always wanted to take care of me, or “Missy Moo”, as he called me. I called him Brother Bear, and we were as close as any siblings could be. He was my best friend. Progressing from a playmate who taught me the best hiding places for hide-in-seek, to a protective teenage brother who gave me rides to school, Beau was always there for me whenever I needed him. After Beau went to college, I would frequently visit him. It soon became clear that the partying lifestyle had gotten the best of him. I suddenly found our roles reversed, and it was me who was taking care of him. Eventually, Beau went to a rehab facility. This was a scary time for Beau and my family, and I questioned whether or not it would be good for him, or if rehab would even work. 

It was a chilly spring Saturday morning when my mom, dad and I arrived to Saint Chris for the first time to visit. I looked around at the grounds, surprised at what I saw. When my parents told me the week before that Beau was going to rehab, I pictured a metal building with hallways filled with flickering, yellow tinted lights. I didn’t expect the large oak trees, old house-like buildings filled with character, or laughter coming from the yard.

It was clear just after a week of Beau being there that something was changing in him. He was becoming alive again, and had the light in his eyes that I missed seeing. I was so proud of him already, but I still was worried. People relapsed all the time. I knew Beau had the strength inside of him to continue in his sobriety, but I wasn't sure if he knew yet.

Today, exactly two years later, I am proud to say that my brother, Beau Domingues, is two years sober. Beau, I cannot express how proud I am of you. You continue to surprise me everyday, and your strength is inspirational. I can't wait to see you pick up your two year chip tonight.

When asked to describe his journey of recovery in three words, Beau's response was "Happy, Joyous, & Free."  "The best thing about being sober is that I can have a relationship with my family again." Beau said the thing that most surprised him about himself is that he can "still have A LOT of fun in recovery." When asked how his life has changed from two years ago to now, Beau said, "Words can't describe. I was numb to the gift of life before. Now I have the privilege to experience life itself." His advice to anyone who is trying to get clean is "It's not easy, but its simple. Take suggestions. Read the Big Book. Work the steps. Call your sponsor. Go to meetings. Don't drink. Pray & meditate. Lose the ego. Humble yourself."

This blog post is dedicated to anyone and everyone who is in their journey of sobriety, any family members of alcoholics and addicts, and, most importantly, my big brother Beau. After all these years, I am still looking up to you. Your courage and strength have shown me that I can do whatever I put my mind to. You haven't just changed your life...you have changed mine too; more than you will ever know. 

I love you so much Brother Bear. 

Love, Missy Moo

Noel Martin: Turning Dreams Into Reality

Many people have great dreams of what they want to do with their lives. The thing about conquering these dreams, however, is that it takes more than most people are able or willing to give to fulfill them. Not only must you have talent, you must also have determination, passion, and the desire to do what it takes to get to where you want to be. Noel Martin possesses all of these things, and more. 

After attending high school with Noel, it was obvious that she is a unique person, to say the least. She was extremely creative and opinionated, never altering herself to conform, but instead embracing her traits, and standing out.  Her dreams were too big to fit in Covington, Louisiana, so she packed up her sewing kit and desire to be a fashion designer, and relocated to Georgia to attend Savanna College of Art and Design. After a few semesters of strengthening her talents at SCAD, she moved to the Big Apple, New York City, where she now attends Parsons the New School for Design.

Two highly prestigious art schools and many boxes of hair dye later, Noel Martin has truly blossomed into one of the most gifted and passionate people I have had the honor to know. Because she possesses the talent, desire, and determination, Noel has done what most young designers will only ever dream of…she has been selected to preview her Pre-Fall Collection in New Orleans Fashion Week this March. This blog post is dedicated to Noel, someone who has shown where hard work and passion will get you. Congrats, Noel! I knew you could do it!

Above are sketches completed by Noel Martin.

To visit Noel's online portfolio, go to http://www.behance.net/noelmartin

The Secret: The Law of Attraction

Good morning readers! Today I want to blog a little bit about something that I feel is life changing. It is called The Secret. This teaching is based on the Law of Attraction, and believes that positive thinking and attitudes attracts MORE positivity in your life. For more information about this amazing life lesson, you can visit The Secret's website or The Secret's facebook page .

 

I just wanted to take this time to share a few of the quotes they have on their Facebook page, because I believe that when done correctly, this can really change your life and your perspective.

What you focus on grows stronger- You can't stop negative thoughts by wishing they would go away, pushing against them, or feeling bad about having negative thoughts. Any focus on negative thoughts gives energy to them and increases them! Your mind has to be set on positive thoughts and good thoughts because then you're giving energy to that. It's just a matter of practice and determination so that if you find negative thoughts creeping into your mind, immediately turn your focus to positive and good thoughts. And deliberately think them until you feel better!

Gratitude is the open door to abundance- If you make time daily to list all the things you are grateful for, and you milk the feelings of gratitude, you will feel amazing every day. Your frequency will be high and you will move through your days so happy to be alive, bringing joy wherever you go, positively affecting one person after another. When you live a life like this, everything you want will come before you even ask.

What this power is, I cannot say. All I know is that it exists. – Alexander Graham Bell- No person or power in the outside world can compare to the power you have within you. Seek the power within, as it knows the perfect way for you.

I hope that this might have helped each in every one of you in at least a small way. Thank you for reading!

XOXO,

Al

Fresh Start

Since it's now a new semester, it's a perfect time to start fresh. How many of us start the semester saying, "this one will be different! I really am going to give 100% to my grades and shoot for that 4.0!" Probably all of us! But why not really do it? There really is no time like the present. I was always one of these people who always said this until last semester, when I decided to quit making excuses, buckle down, and focus. I decided to write this blog post with some tips on how I went from being all talk to all walk.

1. Make a Master Calendar- So this week, the teachers will give you your syllabus and schedule. What I did last year was create a calendar on Word and post every single due date for every class I was taking. It only took about an hour and it was really helpful to have done for all year long! 

2. Make a Schedule- Staying on schedule is so important. If you have a break between classes, why not dedicate that time from reading over you notes? A little studying every now and then really does go a long way.

3. Choose Your Job Carefully- This one might be a bit more tricky, but if you can, try to get a desk job where you can study on your down time. Yes, these jobs exist. You can literally get paid to study. Jobs such as receptionist jobs, on campus jobs, and student worker jobs are the types that you want to look for if this seems like something that would help you. If definitely helped me!

4. Study Groups- My roommate Catherine and I have a kitchen table, so we studied there often. My friend Emily would come over a lot, and us three would (attempt) to do school work together at the table. I'm not going to lie, we'd get off subject sometimes and just chat, but we did get a lot of study guides and note cards done through the chatting. If you'd rather hang with friends then study for that exam, why not do them at the same time?

5. Think About This- Last year, a teacher of mine told us something we all obviously already knew, but for some reason it made me think. "It might be your parents, it might be you, or it might be the state or scholarships, but it doesn't matter who it is, someone is paying for your education and spending money for you to learn. Don't waste that money. Pay attention while you are here." She's right though. College is fun for the partying aspect, but at the end of the day, we are here to learn and we're paying for it. So why not give it your all and do great this semester!

I hope something in here helped you! I hope everyone has a great semester. Thanks for reading!

xoxo, Al

A Congratulations Are In Order...

Thomas Domingues, my little brother, just finished his first semester at LSU, where he made grades that are so academically impressive, that I simply have to make a post dedicated to him. 

T, I am so proud of you! You are such a focused student and you encourage me to be the best I can be. I love learning from you, and want you to know how amazing grades like this for a first semester freshman are really impressive. Your grades make you eligible to be on Dean's List, something that you should be very, very proud of. 

Congratulations T, you really have earned it.

Today I Give Thanks.

When blogging, I usually tend write about makeup, or fashion icons, or views on current events, or books and music. But today, I'm going to mix it up a little bit. I decided to take the time just to sit down and write about the people I am so thankful to have in my life.

We Are Family. Hey, Hey, Hey.

Leslie Domingues

First I want to start out with my mom. If any of you have met Leslie Domingues, you can probably guess where this is going. This woman is simply amazing. She is such a role model and an inspiration to me. Growing up, my mom was always there for me. She knew how to heal everything, whether it be a skinned up knee or a broken heart. My mom cooked me a hot breakfast, packed my lunch, and made family dinners until my last day of high school. I'd sometimes tell her she didn't need to do all of that, but she'd simply respond with a sweet smile and say "I know. I want to." My mom filled our home with laughter and love, and she put my brothers and me before anything else in the world. I hope that one day I can be half as good as a mother as she is. I'm so proud of my mom, and I really couldn't have asked for anyone better. I love you mom, and I am so honored to be your daughter. You've taught me so much in life, and for that I am so grateful. 

Paul Domingues

 

 

Whenever I was born, the doctor held me up and said to my parents, "It's a girl!" They were both pretty excited, since they already had a boy, my brother Beau. A girl was exciting and new. I can imagine what must have been going through my mom's head at this time. "A girl! I'm so glad I have a little girl who will grow up and take after me! Kind hearted, sometimes reserved, always polite, maybe a little studious, and lady like." Well, things don't always go as planned. At around the age of 2 and a half or 3, I think my parents knew that despite being a girl who had beautifully soft spoken mother to take after, my dad's wild side had been passed down to me. It was clear that I am my father's daughter. From cutting up in class, to listening to The Beatles soundtracks on repeat, to loving to be in social situations, to our extreme facial similarities, it was needless to say I got my dad's genes. Growing up, I always looked up to my dad as a superhero, not just because he is 6 foot 4, but because of his attitude. When talking to people who know my dad, the first thing they always bring up is his humor and how friendly he is. He's got a big personality, a big smile, and and even bigger heart. I love you dad, thank you for everything you have taught me and passed down to me.

Beau Domingues

I am thankful to have such a strong brother. Beau is strong physically, but more importantly, mentally. He has taken his hardships in life, and he has learned from them, as opposed to let them beat him down. Beau is an inspiration to anyone and everyone. He has proven to me that no matter what cards life deals you, it's your choice how you play them. Love you Brother Brother. 

Thomas Domingues

I am thankful to have Thomas as a brother because of his wisdom. Thomas is an old soul, and he knows how to handle situations with wisdom and poise. Thomas inspires me to be a better student, as well as a better person. The thing about Thomas is that no matter the task, he always gives 100%. I love you T.

Mimi and PawPaw

I am so lucky to have two amazing grandparents, Jack and Ines Thomas. They are both such special people. My Mimi is creative, quick witted, and loving. My PawPaw is sharp, funny, and big hearted. I love you both! Thank you for giving me such a wonderful pair of grandparents to look up to. 

Edie

Meow. Love you boo boo!

You Find Out Who Your Friends Are
This one goes out to all of my friends. I love you all. But I want to give a special shout out to two of my friends.

Catherine Kidd

Cat, I couldn't have asked for a better roommate. You have really been so great to me by always offering your advice to me. Your help and love have served me so well this past year and for that I am so grateful. Love you, Kitty!

Emily Russo

Emily Russo is one of the most kind-hearted people I know. She always wants the best for people, and she really goes the extra mile to make sure everyone is happy. I am thankful for her because throughout this past year, when I really needed someone, Emily was there before I could even hang up the phone. She is the best friend I could ask for. She is the closest thing I have to a sister. I love you so much Em. Thank you. 

And finally, last but absolutely not least, I am thankful for all of you who take the time to read my blog. It means so much to me that what I write is important to you. I love all of my readers, and hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

xoxo Al

iSideWith.com

I'm in my English class right now, and my teacher just informed my class on this website. You take a quiz on what stances you believe in, then it shows you what candidate you agree with most. I urge everyone to take it before they vote! #vote2012

http://www.isidewith.com/