tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9864634375787631722024-02-19T10:21:28.624-07:00Ramblings of a ramblerM.E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09260765944589528300noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986463437578763172.post-78853935642161324532013-02-25T14:27:00.001-07:002013-02-28T11:22:29.592-07:00My Former and Future Book-Loving Self<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I
grew up reading. My whole family is filled with book lovers. In a house without
television for 7+ years, it was inevitable that this uncoordinated little girl
would choose to stay indoors to read a book. Or to scour the library shelves
weekly for new books to read. Inevitable I tell you.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However,
once I hit college, I discovered the power of the Internet and the expanse known
as YouTube and Hulu. To add to it, I was forced to read—every day. And not interesting
things, mind you. The tedious textbooks filled with science jargon and boring
theories. Even the books for my major and minor were, at times, difficult take
on. In short, this once devote book lover came to hate reading.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s
not something I’m proud of. But it’s a fact.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ever
since, I’ve struggled to rekindle my old love.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And
struggled I have.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I
think I read five books last year. Maybe.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My
heart aches because I know that my Goodreads </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/1474577-mary-c?format=html&shelf=to-read" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to-read list</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> is at 136 books and counting.
I know that I will never be able to read all the books that I want to in this
lifetime. And new classics are being written every year. Nevermind the fact that I should probably re-read some books so I can actually appreciate them now that I'm older. It's all so overwhelming!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have
you ever watched <em>The Twilight Zone</em>? There’s an episode called “Time Enough At
Last.” It may be one of the saddest episodes. I encourage you
to </span><a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=5&cad=rja&ved=0CE4QtwIwBA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fvimeo.com%2F39941330&ei=Ss4rUZ2HOsGyyAGuyIG4BA&usg=AFQjCNH-D9F17fY7a3x90b9uSO0VklzWhg&bvm=bv.42768644,d.aWc" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">watch it</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> because I love <em>The Twilight Zone</em>, so I won’t ruin the ending. But
just know that the ending is truly heartbreaking for a book lover. And at times
I can relate to poor Henry Bemis who just wants to read in peace, dangit!<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So,
in an effort to get my butt in gear in regards to reading, I’m declaring to the
world—and by world, I mean my small blog audience of five people—that I’m
determined to read at least 25 books in 2013, 20 required and 5 variables*.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here’s
my list of 20 must reads for this year.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. <em>Mere
Christianity</em> – C.S. Lewis<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2.
<em>The Screwtape Letters</em> – C.S. Lewis<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3.
<em>The Infinite Atonement</em> – Tad R. Callister<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4.
<em>Tuesdays with Morrie</em> – Mitch Albom<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5.
<em>Peter Pan</em> – J.M. Barrie<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">6. </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><em>Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival,
Resilience, and Redemption</em> – Laura Hillenbrand</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7.
<em>The Scarlett Letter</em> – Nathaniel Hawthorne<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8.
<em>Ender’s Game</em> – Orson Scott Card<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9.
<em>The Diary of a Young Girl</em> – Anne Frank<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10.
<em>Rebecca</em> – Daphne du Maurier<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11.
<em>Man’s Search for Meaning</em> – Victor Frankl<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12.
<em>The Glass Castle</em> – Jeannette Walls<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">13.
<em>Devil in the White City</em> – Erik Larson</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">14. <em>7
Habits of Highly Effective People</em> – Stephen R. Covey<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">15. <em>The
Secret Garden</em> – Frances Hodgson Burnett<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">16.
<em>Anne of Green Gables</em> – L.M. Montgomery<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">17.
<em>The Bielski Brothers: The True Story of Three Men Who Defied the Nazis, Built a Village in the Forest, and Saved 1,200 Jews</em> – Peter Duffy</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">18.
<em>Anna Karenina</em> – Leo Tolstoy**</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">19. <em>The
Sky is Everywhere</em> – Jandy Nelson***<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">20.
<em>The Fault in Our Stars</em> – John Green</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">*I'm up for suggestions! Befriend me on </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1474577-mary-c" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Goodreads</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">**I actually started this book last summer but only got about 40% of the way through. I'm determined to finish it this year.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">**Don't judge me. I think I need some YA fiction somewhere in this list.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>M.E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09260765944589528300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986463437578763172.post-11241081102858292712013-02-05T13:04:00.000-07:002013-02-07T11:08:45.162-07:00The Post in Which I'm a Grouchy Old Woman<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I like music. I like music a lot. I also like attending
concerts. However, some concert experiences are marred by stupid and annoying
people.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’m no stranger to pop/rock concerts. My first concert was
Maroon 5, with Sara Bareilles opening for them. It was the day
after I turned 16. Needless to say, I felt so cool.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Later that summer, I saw Chicago with my mom. Yes, <em>that</em>
Chicago. Gotta love rocking out with all the baby boomers. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My mom had to bail on the Fleetwood Mac concert, so my dad
took me. I remember him with his back turned and fingers in his ears. I found
out just last week that he did, in fact, enjoy the concert. However, he has
sensitive classical ears, hence the look of pain throughout the guitar and drum
solos.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since then, I’ve seen James Taylor, Billy Joel (!!), Mika,
The Fray (with Jack’s Mannequin), Snow Patrol (with Plain White T’s), Modest
Mouse, She & Him, SHeDAISY (not sure if this really counts since half the crowd was children, but I’ll
include it), and Ellie Goulding.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the James Taylor concert, there were a group of college-aged kids, who were probably drunk. They were dancing and singing and yelling during James Taylor’s performances. As an avid James Taylor fan, my mom was irritated that they were so disrespectful during the songs. She didn’t understand why the kids were yelling during songs. At the time, I dismissed because I thought she obviously didn’t understand the way concerts work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, at the Ellie Goulding concert this past weekend, I think I agree with my mom, which brings me to the
topic of this post.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hate teenagers at concerts.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Actually, this probably isn’t limited to teenagers. It’s Gen
Yers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I hate Gen Yers at concerts.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After this weekend’s adventure, I feel like I’m a grouchy
grandma (not a commentary on my mother, I swear) among my fellow Gen Yers.* Please allow me to complain a bit about kids these days as if I were the irritable old woman who everyone's afraid of.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>1. The Confessioner</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I do not think it is appropriate to yell and scream
throughout songs. By yelling “I love you, Ellie!” during a song, you ruin the otherwise
poignant song. She isn’t listening to you. She’s listening to her band and
trying desperately to sing (in tune) because you paid to see her perform live.
Also, she probably already knows that you love her because you are at the concert.**</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>1a. The Screamer</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is disrespectful and selfish to scream when the
performer has explicitly asked the audience for quiet during a song. You are
not thinking of others and their concert experience; you are only thinking of
yourself. And you wonder why people hate your generation... (Side note: This was for Ellie’s cover of Elton John’s “Your Song,”
which is one of my favorite songs. Thanks for ruining it, screamer.)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>2. The Wannabe</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Related to number one, I find it terribly annoying when
people treat the concert like karaoke sing-a-long. I’m not talking about,
singing along to yourself. I’m talking about yelling the lyrics, off key, like
you’re in your car alone. I’m sorry; I thought I paid to hear Ms. Goulding. No?
Oh well, let me know when you and your friends tour next, and I’ll be sure to
grab some tickets for that chorus of screaming cats.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>3. The Packer</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In standing room/general admission concerts, we’re all
packed in like sardines. We get that. That’s what we expect. However, when some
kid makes the comment “If you’re that close to the stage, you should not be
able to put your hands up like that” that is not an excuse to get your friends
to make a massive push toward the front. I was comfortable up until that point.
Then I just had an annoying shorty with her shoulder unabashedly rammed into my
back for the next hour. Not cool, dude. Not. Cool.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, if you ever go to a concert, please be considerate of
the other concert-goers. They paid good money to experience the concert. Please
let them.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And since you’ve made it through this rant, I’ll leave you
with the music of St. Lucia, the opening act for Ellie Goulding. Think 80s
electronic meets African beats meets 2013. Seriously fantastic. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F38468943" width="100%"></iframe><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My favorite is "Closer Than This," but "September" is also great for a more dance music feel.
It will probably be their break-out single.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">*In all likelihood, I probably will be that old neighbor yelling at the kids to get off my lawn.<o:p> </o:p></span></em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">**I realize that this was probably made worse because of the setting we were in. If we were in an outdoor or stadium venue, I don't think this would have as bad. But it's still an issue.</span></em>M.E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09260765944589528300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986463437578763172.post-78088134559431659472013-01-24T15:12:00.001-07:002013-01-24T15:12:45.197-07:00Facebook Rant #1<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
I’ve thought about deleting my Facebook account several
times. I once disabled it for a bit. A whole 24 hours, I think. I meant to go
longer, but I got bored.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Usually my reasoning stems from one thing: it can be so
incredibly depressing.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Studies have shown that Facebook can lead to depression. People
see everyone else’s “perfect lives,” the lives they lead online, which are
filled with trips, adventure, and non-stop fun.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But that’s only a small part of my reasoning.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, I still get jealous of people traveling, spending
every weekend with friends, or…uh…getting engaged. I think that applies to
everyone, right?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You see, I’m a passive Facebook user. I prefer to watch than
to participate. I will gladly leaf through dozens of pictures from someone’s
trip, but I will hesitantly put up my own pictures—especially when I’m not sure
the people in those pictures want them out in the cyber universe. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a result of my insecurities, which are many. I wrote
a post about one of them once. Maybe I’ll get around to posting it.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back to Facebook. Though I’m more of a passive user, sometimes
I try to interact on Facebook, but I feel like I end up as <em>that</em> Facebook
friend. You know, the annoying one who says something that is really stupid and
kills the conversation. And then you hover over the unfriend button because you're not really sure why this person is even in your friends list.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Facebook is yet another opportunity for rejection. A
rejection of friendship of sorts. Whenever you make a comment, you are trying
to be a part of the conversation. However, when you aren’t acknowledged, it
feels like rejection. You have been ignored by others in the conversation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes it feels like when you’re at a party and you desperately try to be a part of the conversation but then you fail miserably when you say something
like “Potatoes are my favorite thing ever” when everyone else was talking about Spider-Man reboot #12. Everyone stares and you're outed as awkward in front of people who don't really know you and don't have evidence to prove otherwise.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But then it's even more awkward to delete your awkward comment because everyone has seen it already.*</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And when that rejection happens, you're just poor Andy Bernard.
And that’s depressing.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://weknowmemes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/sorry-i-annoyed-you-with-my-friendship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://weknowmemes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/sorry-i-annoyed-you-with-my-friendship.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><o:p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<o:p><em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">*This instance may or may not have happened this week. And it may or may not have been on the post of a guy I've been slightly crushing on on and off for several years. Granted my comment was related, but by the time it posted, it was not related to the current conversation. Moral of the story: no late-night commenting on people's posts who are not close friends. It's just awkward.</span></em></o:p></div>
M.E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09260765944589528300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986463437578763172.post-43799054934325232662013-01-07T15:01:00.001-07:002013-01-31T11:18:03.811-07:00Jackson, Jordan; Potato, Potahto<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remember this </span><a href="http://mec115.blogspot.com/2012/10/my-superhero-niece.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">niece</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">? Well, I have another gem of a
conversation.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her older sister, who is now officially a teenager but has
been acting the part for over seven years, apparently is a music snob. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But not in a good way.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a way that makes me want to shake some sense into her. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or sit down and cry at what society and music is doing to
today’s youth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She abhors anything that is not country or Taylor Swift.*</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No, I’m not sure how I’m related. I think some genetics went
terribly wrong. It may be a defect, passed down from her father** but is ten
times worse because she’s a young girl in America today.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span class="st" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I should be glad she isn't a Beibs fan, right?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span class="st" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No matter, I’m determined to similarly educate
my niece(s) to the finer things in life, namely good music.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I digress.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My seven-year-old niece, her teenage sister, and I somehow
got on the subject of Michael Jackson. I believe the seven-year-old brought it
up. Her older sister promptly told me that she didn’t like his music, which I
don’t think is even possible. But that was after the following conversation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Me:</b> Do you even know who Michael Jackson is?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Teenage Niece:</b> No.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Seven-Year-Old Niece:</b> Yes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Me:</b> Really? Good for you. Who is he?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SYON:</b> Yeah, he’s a basketball player.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I wasn’t in a small clothing store at that moment, I
probably would have laughed a lot louder and longer than I did. Which would be
a lot.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It reminds me of the time my older sister (who was at least
16 at the time) casually mentioned that Louis Armstrong walked on moon.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, he walked on the moon, trumpet in hand. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I like to think he was also singing “What a Wonderful World.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">*Taylor Swift is categorized by herself because I believe TSwift has abandoned whatever country roots she may have had as is
evident by her last album.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">**</span>At least her father likes other genres, specifically rock,
and can appreciate decent music. Nevermind the fact that we had to educate him
on how to correctly pronounce Chopin and <span class="st">Tchaikovsky when he
joined the family. He fits in just fine now.</span> </span></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />M.E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09260765944589528300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986463437578763172.post-60085181149620393842012-11-08T12:59:00.001-07:002013-01-24T15:13:35.937-07:00Move On<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a dream the other night.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In this dream, I got what I wanted.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But when I got it, I realized that I didn’t want it anymore.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In fact, I was disgusted by what I thought I wanted.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It broke my heart.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And it breaks my heart.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because this thing that I wanted was real. I’ve held on to this hope
that in some universe it will work out. That it will happen. That it
should happen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But this dream was a poignant look at what my wants should be. And how
little I know and trust myself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You see, my issue is that I’m afraid to make mistakes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m afraid to make mistakes and have to live with the consequences.
This is why I stick to what I know—to what I’m sure of. I hate making decisions
because I’m afraid of choosing the wrong thing. I don’t often go with my gut
feeling—I leave my heart and feelings out of it. I go with what makes sense.
Reason. Logic. So that makes me research the topic to death before coming to a
conclusion. I want to see all my options before moving forward.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I’ve been coming to realize that you can’t leave your heart out of
it. Your gut feeling is the best deciding factor. It’s a winning combination to
have your gut and your head agree.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For this thing that I want(ed), my heart says yes. But my head—that
voice of reason—only says yes halfway…and only on some days. I knew it then,
but I suppressed any doubt, telling myself that I was just afraid. But either
way, I’m afraid. I’m afraid to lose, or I’m afraid to move forward.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, here I am with desire to move forward and yet a desire to go back,
which sounds a lot worse when I type it out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I know I have to move forward, to </span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/s/Move+On/457UHB?src=5"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">move on</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></div>
M.E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09260765944589528300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986463437578763172.post-74264162289600774582012-10-30T13:58:00.002-06:002013-01-07T13:32:50.699-07:00My Superhero Niece<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Most people love babies. Me? Not so much. I like kids when they’re older,
more like three or four. Why? Because that’s when it’s fun. That’s when I can
be more myself—my teasing and sarcastic self.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Some people might say that that’s mean, but I view it as treating the
kid more like an adult. I treat them how I do most other people. My sisters
probably don’t appreciate me teaching their children teasing and sarcasm at such a young
age, but they’re going to learn sooner or later. And I’d rather them learn it
from me. I’m pretty dang good at it.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I recently experienced a pure joy in teasing children. I’ve been an
aunt for 13 years but only just experienced this situation (that I can
remember). And I loved it.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was talking to my niece, who was nearly seven at the time, about going to an amusement park.
She explained to me that my family decided not to go to the park because it was
raining.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Me:</b> “Why didn’t you just make it
stop?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Niece:</b> “Well, I lost my power.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Me:</b> “Your power? Your power to stop the rain?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Niece:</b> “Yeah, I lost it.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Me:</b> “Well, you’d better find it quick!”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Niece:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I did. I got it back.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Me:</b> “Oh, good. So, you’re not going to let it rain tomorrow?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Niece:</b> “Yeah. It rained a little today. I let it rain a little today,
but it won’t rain tomorrow.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Apparently my niece is </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storm_(Marvel_Comics)"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Storm</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Awesome.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>M.E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09260765944589528300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986463437578763172.post-27672930638005176692012-10-09T16:06:00.000-06:002012-10-09T16:06:11.901-06:00Just Send a Genie My WayIf I happened to come across a genie, who granted me three
wishes, I think I’ve figured out what I’d wish for.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1) To be able to eat anything and never get fat.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2) To be able to teleport.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3) To be able to sing like Diana Krall.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yep. No money. No fame. No wishes for more wishes…because
Genie and Aladdin taught me that that doesn’t work.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think the first two are pretty self explanatory. The third
one is one I just recently decided on. It’s probably an unusual choice, but if
you heard her voice, I think you’d understand.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now there are many great singers out there. You have your
powerhouses like Whitney, Celine, Adele, Aretha, Mariah, and Beyonce. Then you
have your pop stars: Katy, Kelly, Sara, and even Karmin. And then the more
classical and vocal standards like Barbara, Bette, Lea, and Judy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, I think I’ll pass.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While, they’re all great and I love their music, I think I’d
pick Diana Krall’s voice over any of them. It’s just something about that low,
jazzy, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sultry</i> sound that makes me
want it. To flaunt it. And never stop singing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/S4hPii_RVHE" width="560"></iframe> </div>
M.E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09260765944589528300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986463437578763172.post-9032907807840536112012-09-24T10:02:00.001-06:002012-09-24T12:34:55.120-06:00We Shall Overcome (the Awkwardness of Childhood)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I’ve
received a lot of compliments in my lifetime. I’m not bragging; I’m just
stating a truth. We all receive a lot of compliments as we go through life.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">But have you
ever received a compliment that is just…out of the norm? Not something you, or
anyone else, are typically complimented on.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">You know,
something like:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“You have
really nice eyebrows. They’re like a model’s.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Please tell
me I’m not the only one.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The first
time I received this compliment, I was about 16. It was at a Mary Kay party
that was filled with middle-aged women from my church. I think I was the
only one there under the age of 40. The host told everyone that I had perfect, model eyebrows. Everyone turned and nodded in agreement. I thought it
was just because I still had my youth.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Shortly after that, one of my close friends complimented me on them. We
were talking during lunch, and she stops mid-conversation and says, “I really
like your eyebrows, by the way.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Since then
I’ve had even more friends mention the modelness of my eyebrows. And it's still just as awkward as the first time.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I was
reminded of the awkwardness of this compliment a few weeks ago when my
dermatologist and her assistant both said I had eyebrows like a model. But it
wasn’t just a quick, “You have nice eyebrows.” It was a minute-long discussion
about my eyebrows. And I’m just sitting there, not knowing what to say while
they look at and talk about me.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I still don't quite understand the fascination with my eyebrows. However,
what I do know is that my eyebrows didn’t use to look good. In
fact, they were horrible. Like, I want to destroy every picture of my sixth and
seventh grade self. Yes, they were that bad.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Let me
explain. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">As I
approached my teenager years, I became more aware of those hairs that were
making me look like Frida. (</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">"<a href="http://youtu.be/nUjlBP5gUrQ?t=2m" target="_blank">If Brooke Shields married Groucho Marx, their child would have your eyebrows!</a>") My three older sisters no longer lived
at home, so I looked to my mother for inspiration.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Well, my
mother has always had…interesting eyebrows. I know that now. I’m sure they fit
in just fine in the 70s, but now they just look like an upside down Nike swoosh. My 13-year-old self didn’t think to ask for help in shaping
her eyebrows or consulting her sisters; I was too independent for that. So my
mother’s eyebrows it was.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">May you
never see a picture of me in sixth or seventh grade.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I was the
epitome of an awkward middle schooler: long straggly hair, braces, and bad eyebrows.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Luckily, my
sisters intervened and made me grow them out. And then my sister shaped them
wrong. So I had to grow them out again and let my other sister do them.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">But now I
have eyebrows on par with Christie Brinkley, Tyra Banks, and Heidi Klum!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Moral of the
story: You can overcome anything! Including bad eyebrows! Also, everyone’s
awkward in middle school. It’s a rite of passage.</span></span></div>
M.E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09260765944589528300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986463437578763172.post-31535715657155335172012-09-19T15:53:00.001-06:002012-09-19T15:53:41.718-06:00Next Time, I'll Put a Ring on It<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
Not too long ago, I went to a movie by myself. I’ve wanted to do it for
a while, but for some reason,
attending a movie seemed less like an independent thing to do and more like a
loser thing to do. I mean, I see those middle-aged men who are sitting alone
with their jumbo popcorn and drink in the theater. (And why are there never
women sitting alone?) Plus, I live in an area that is highly populated with
college kids, some of which I still know. College kids who are usually around
my age and go to movies with not one or two friends, but a whole group. Do you
understand the social risk that is associated with going to the movie theater
alone?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But after not finding anyone nerdy/stupid enough to pay to see the
</span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060666/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">worst movie ever made</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">, I decided that it was my chance to embrace my lonerism
and venture into a world that few people dare to go.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The theater was rather full, so I chose a seat in the back row, on the
end. There was a guy, who was easily in his 30s, sitting a seat away, also
alone. (I later found out that he had chosen not to sit with the people he came with.) I didn’t pursue a conversation with him when he tried to start one because I just wanted to watch
the movie and be otherwise invisible.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Somehow, between the beginning of the movie and its end, that seat
between us disappeared (no, he wasn't hitting on me; we got an extra person in the row). And then I inadvertently told him that I was married.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I admit that I have always fantasized about
faking being engaged/married in order to avoid any unwanted advances—which
would be just about any advances—but those fantasies usually involved a fake
ring and walking around BYU campus.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">However, at the end of the movie, he turned to me as I was packing up
and tried to make small talk. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Guy: Hi, I’m Brandon.* What’s your name?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Me: Hi, I’m Mary. *<em>standing to leave*</em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Guy: Are you Mary?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Me: Yes. (<em>Wait, didn't I just say that?)</em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Guy: Oh, that’s really nice.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">At least that’s what I thought he asked. But as I walked away, it dawned on me. He wasn’t confirming my
name. He was confirming my relationship status.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">He was confirming it in the boldest, most direct way possible: “Are you
married?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sorry, man, I’m really not married. But I’m also really not interested.
I’m sorry I lied to you.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">However, I think it’s hilarious that I did.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">*This is definitely not his real name. I forget his name. I forgot it
two seconds after he told me. That’s how uninterested I was.</span></em></div>
M.E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09260765944589528300noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986463437578763172.post-61008199039266441112012-08-23T12:12:00.000-06:002012-08-23T12:22:27.949-06:00I Did Not Major in Spirit FingersOnce upon a time, I worked as a cashier in a grocery store. This grocery store was located in a part of the country known for its hospitality and somewhat fake niceties and the store reflected this. This meant I had to talk to people and act nice. Definitely not me.<br />
<br />
For the most part, I enjoyed working at the store. I hated my uniform, which they have recently changed to something more attractive than the blue elastic-banded mom pants, white-collared shirt, and teal vest I had to wear. But I actually liked the variety of people we had come in.<br />
<br />
I once carded an NFL player who didn't have his ID. I had no idea who he was, but my store manager came up front to vouch for him. My employees had a good laugh about that for a week. <br />
<br />
Another time a lady complained about the girl in the aisle who misinformed her about a special. She, however, did not realize that the cashier girl was the same girl.<br />
<br />
But then there was this lady. She and her guy were probably mid- to late-twenties. Somehow we got on the subject of what my college plans were. The conversation went a bit like this:<br />
<br />
Lady: "Where are you going to school?"<br />
Me: "Brigham Young University."<br />
Lady: "They have a school named that?"<br />
Me: "Yeah, it's in Utah."<br />
Lady: "Huh. I thought that was just the name of that movie." <span style="font-style: italic;">Walks away.</span><br />
<br />
Just to clarify, I did not attend Bring It On University.M.E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09260765944589528300noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986463437578763172.post-30522806931120289382012-08-16T13:15:00.000-06:002012-08-23T12:18:10.864-06:00Oh the Irony<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Consider the following situation:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A person refuses to remove anyone from their Facebook
friends list because it will send the message that the deletee means nothing to
the deleter—that they have no value.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That same person ignores multiple messages and phone calls
from another person. No contact. Nothing.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Does anyone else see the irony?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">However, no matter how much I think about it, no matter how
much I know I should do it, I just can’t bring myself to do anything about it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img 0="0" alt="" height="369" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m5gqqt2Rmt1rrftwmo1_500.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source</span></div>
M.E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09260765944589528300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986463437578763172.post-78626215083177777832012-07-24T09:58:00.000-06:002012-07-24T12:49:01.855-06:00An American in LondonI have a new life plan.<br />
<br />
Yes, it’s true. Two years after graduation and I think I have finally figured out my life.<br />
<br />
The details are a little hazy—okay, really hazy—but it’s going to be awesome.<br />
<br />
Ready?<br />
<br />
I'm moving to England.<br />
<br />
I’m moving to England and getting my masters.<br />
<br />
It’s a done deal. And by done deal, I mean I thought of it (with help from my co-workers) last Thursday and it sounded perfect. <br />
<br />
Do I know when? Where? How? Or even what I’ll get a masters in? No. Those are minor details. But it’s gonna happen; don’t even doubt it.<br />
<br />
There’s more to the plan, but that’s for a select few to know.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">I'll take afternoon tea here once a month.</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilsingapore/901715397/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Before the Rain - Buckingham Palace by neilalderney123, on Flickr"><img alt="Before the Rain - Buckingham Palace" height="300" src="http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1236/901715397_3c0fd3159e_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">I'll traipse about the country of my ancestors...which is pretty much all of England...and Ireland...and Scotland.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/iknow-uk/4270890149/" target="_blank"><img alt="Yorkshire Dales B&B, Scaife Hall Farm" height="288" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2712/4270890149_ff7014ac59_o.jpg" width="400" /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #0b5394; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Everyone will visit me and we'll go see this.</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://blog.laterooms.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Harry-Potter-Studio-Tour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://blog.laterooms.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Harry-Potter-Studio-Tour.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Okay, fine. I’ll tell you the rest of my plan. But I swear I’m not as silly (or girlie) as this sounds. If you do laugh, please don't do it in front of me. I just may cry if you do. Or punch you in the face. Or both.<br />
<br />
I’m moving to England and getting my masters and marrying an English guy* who:<br />
• will have an awesome accent (my PA accent will totally seal the deal for him);<br />
• will think I'm hilarious because he gets my dry humor (and I'll think he's hysterical);<br />
• will iron my shirts (I’ll take out the trash);<br />
• will give me red-headed little girls (but he'll have brown hair, so this might get tricky);<br />
• and will have the last name “Haven” (so I can name <strike>my</strike> our son <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1PEW45pOog" style="color: #0b5394;" target="_blank">C.K. Dexter Haven</a>).<br />
<br />
Oh, and he’ll have good teeth. (I know he's out there!)<br />
<br />
Now if only I can figure out how to fund living in England while earning a masters. But my eternal salvation is worth any amount of debt…right? Pretty sure I heard that from a GA.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*I would also settle for any of the following: <a href="http://thepremiumlife.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/christian-bale-.jpg" target="_blank">Christian Bale</a>, <a href="http://wattsatthemovies.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/joseph-gordon-levitt.jpg" target="_blank">Joseph Gordon-Levitt</a>, or <a href="http://collider.com/uploads/imageGallery/Milo_Ventimiglia/milo_ventimiglia_image__3_.jpg" target="_blank">Milo Ventimiglia</a>.</i></span>M.E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09260765944589528300noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986463437578763172.post-70217117654341999872012-07-17T10:10:00.000-06:002012-07-17T11:54:43.107-06:009 Reasons Guys Should Date Independent GirlsLast night I got asked out.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
And by asked out, I mean my co-worker/co-worker’s friend set me up. And the guy called to formally ask me out.<br />
<br />
In the six-minute conversation, said guy made a comment about me being pretty independent.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Uh-oh.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
After we hung up, I was thinking that I probably should have better hidden that little tidbit until at least after the first date. Or second.</div>
<br />
But this morning, I changed my mind. There is nothing wrong with a girl being independent. (Okay, fine. Yes, there are some issues, but I’m working on them. And to list all the problems would make this post even longer.) But, guys shouldn’t be afraid of independent girls. In fact, they should go after them. And here’s why:<br />
<ol>
<li><strong>Independent girls know themselves. Independent girls know who they are.</strong> We are comfortable in our own skin. We have opinions. We probably value our education. This is what makes us independent. We don’t necessarily look to others for validation. This doesn’t mean that we don’t need validation or that we don’t have insecurities—everyone has those. However, an independent girl generally has figured out how to cope. This is the basis of many of the other points on the list, but it’s important.</li>
<li><strong>Independent girls don’t need to live by mom and dad.</strong> We may <em>want</em> to live by mom and dad, but a truly independent girl doesn’t <em>need</em> to. Some may even need to <em>not</em> live by family. We can live across the country or world. Chances are we already do.</li>
<li><strong>Independent girls can go shopping by themselves.</strong> Now, I know some guys don’t mind going shopping, but I think that’s mostly because they enjoy the company rather than the actual act of shopping. (But really, who likes to wait and wait outside a dressing room?) However, independent girls are capable of walking into a store and trying on things without someone else. We may enjoy having other people there for a second opinion, but it’s not necessary.</li>
<li><strong>Independent girls probably won’t send you to the store for tampons, pads, or the like.</strong> This is most likely because we’re convinced you’ll get the wrong thing anyway. Why? Because you’re a guy and don’t know the difference between light, heavy, wings, or no wings. We’ll save you a trip down that aisle. (See about 1:20-2:00 of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oMdKb0KqcI" target="_blank">this clip</a>.)</li>
<li><strong>Independent girls can entertain themselves.</strong> Don’t want to see the latest chick flick? That’s fine. We can go by ourselves or get our friends to go with us. You want to hang out with the boys for the night? That’s fine too. We’d rather spend it with you, but we also need time to ourselves, so we won't mind if you spend some time with the guys/watch sports/play video games—no grudges.</li>
<li><strong>Independent girls have a plan.</strong> They generally know what they want out of life, a relationship, or what have you. With you in the picture, the plan might (and probably should) change, but we may hold onto the goals of writing a book or going to law school or moving out of state. Goals may be added that we didn’t seriously consider before—like marriage or not dating a schmuck again.</li>
<li><strong>Independent girls will find a way.</strong> Maybe this one just applies to me, but I think independent girls will try to fix the problem first. If the sink is acting up, we’ll probably search Google first for an answer before reaching for the phone book. Sure, we may turn the problem over to you, but we won’t mind taking a stab at it. (Yes, I see the issue of hurt feelings if we happen to fix the problem after you are not able to.)</li>
<li><strong>Independent girls can be happy in or out of a relationship.</strong> This is the key to being ready for a relationship anyway. <em>If you cannot be happy by yourself, a relationship will never be able to fill that void.</em> Independent girls have this down. However, sometimes people (both girls and guys) will take this attitude to mean that independent girls do not need a significant other. It’s true we don’t need one, but it’s more that we recognize that another person is not essential to our happiness. This does not mean that we don’t want to be in a relationship. Many of us still want to have someone to share our life with, but until that guy comes along, we’ll be just fine.</li>
<li><strong>Independent girls are in a relationship because they want to be.</strong> Going along with the last point, we generally don’t date because we need to be in a relationship. Like I said, we can be happy out of one. This means that when we are in a relationship, it’s because we want to be. In addition, if the relationship just isn’t working for us, we’ll end it.</li>
</ol>
Like I said, my independence is something I’m working on--not so much that I'm giving it up, but I'm trying to allow others to help me. (I enjoy helping others, so why not let someone else have the pleasure too?) In fact, I’m pretty sure my independence may have been a contributing factor in the demise of my previous two relationships…and all those first dates that didn’t turn into second dates. I remember that before we even dated, my first boyfriend practically had to force me to allow him to carry my bag after an overnight camping trip. He told me, “Stop being so independent. Let me help you.” <br />
<br />
I think my main point is that indendepence is not necessarily a weakness—not for the girls who are independent or the guys who are pursuing the girls. It can be a good thing. Just don’t let it get the best of you.<br />
<br />
So, to my fellow (independent) ladies/girls/women/guys/men/whathaveyous, what are your thoughts on independence? For or against? Pros and cons?<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>*For all you feminists or whatever out there who take offense to the fact that I say</em> independent girls<em>, I’d like to say that I’m not a stickler on this subject (even though I'm an editor and should be "PC"). I call men </em>guys<em> and woman </em>girls<em>. It’s a generational thing, I guess. I actually don’t really care to be called a woman (it makes me cringe a bit and think of The Incredibles when Frozone says, “Woman, where is my super suit?!” [However, I think </em><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2qRDMHbXaM" target="_blank"><em>that clip</em></a><em> is hilarious.]). Maybe in 20 years I will want to be called a woman, but not when I’m 20-something.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<div>
</div>
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">** Yes, I recognize that I generalize. Like everything, take it with a grain of salt. Everyone is different, and independent girls are different in their independence.</span></em>M.E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09260765944589528300noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986463437578763172.post-19731958471375712562012-07-15T01:38:00.000-06:002012-07-15T01:38:55.782-06:00Good water<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Prior to this blog, I wrote
(sporadically) on other blog of mine that I titled “Song of the Day.” While I
love music, I wasn’t confident in my opinion, so I discontinued that blog and
started this one a few years later.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">I found a post I had
saved from that blog about the song “Heart of the Matter” by Don Henley. It’s a
fantastic song (best version is <a href="http://grooveshark.com/s/The+Heart+Of+The+Matter/30Kw3K?src=5" target="_blank">here</a>). And during that period in my life, I lived by it. Don wrote the song after his divorce. It
is all about forgiveness when you have been hurt deeply by someone you love.
This is what the song meant to me at that time:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">“This month has been kind of
an emotional month for me. Not emotional in the sense that I’ve been crying a
lot and being dramatic. I’ve had to let a friendship go. I’ve had to move on.
I’ve lost the trust I placed in a person I would have trusted my life with. And
it’s been difficult. But I am moving on. I came to a realization the other week
that I don’t need that person in my life. I don’t want them in my life right
now. I’ve learned what I’ve need to learn. They aren’t what I need now. Maybe
sometime down the line, we can be friends again, but not now. Especially not
now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">“I’m happy to come to this
bittersweet conclusion after months of trying to figure it out. The following
song is one that has carried me through these months that I’ve allowed myself
to be put through….</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuw-eyCTp2iP4QpkJ1NDZbAq0n6pfdhriwSL6b9TmSzphb-Qd1NSaw9m4XLDGsVWCiRKgx6f5wyZKkc2WW6_Q6HXJaUuayFOja_Y4sZG_UcDahURSFi_6DyeRU-cggvFyFe2Mfwmnn8GDe/s1600/PurificationFountain_JaimePerez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuw-eyCTp2iP4QpkJ1NDZbAq0n6pfdhriwSL6b9TmSzphb-Qd1NSaw9m4XLDGsVWCiRKgx6f5wyZKkc2WW6_Q6HXJaUuayFOja_Y4sZG_UcDahURSFi_6DyeRU-cggvFyFe2Mfwmnn8GDe/s400/PurificationFountain_JaimePerez.jpg" width="315" /></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;">“While my circumstances are
not as extreme as a divorce, I definitely relate to this. Especially the
chorus….The more I do learn, the less I do understand why. Why they took the
actions that they did. Why now? Why not?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">“It is all about forgiveness,
which I’ve come to learn these past months. Up until this last month, I thought
I had the forgiveness part covered. Slowly anger and resentment have crept into
my attitude (ex. I woke up this morning with a line from a Carrie Underwood
song in my head: “Took a Louisville
slugger to both headlights” because I’ve been tempted…). I’ve been angry. I’ve
been angry because my trust was destroyed along with a friendship. I mean, I
don’t talk to this person at all anymore. I hate that. But I don’t want to talk
to this person anymore because of their actions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">“The lesson in church on
Sunday was on forgiveness. It’s what I needed. I need to forgive. Again. I need
to let it go. Not worry about it. “A bitter fountain cannot bring forth good
water.” Getting angry doesn’t do anything for me. It just holds me back from my
full potential and from moving on. So I’m working on letting go. I know
Heavenly Father can help me with that because He has before. I’m working on
letting Him help me.” -June 17, 2009</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">It's incredibly eerie how
similar my situation is to that of exactly three years ago. I remember that
lesson in church and who taught it. I shared my current struggle with forgiveness
as vaguely as I could. I ended up crying. But I'm so very grateful that I have
that time to look back on and know that I'll be okay--that things will be okay
and that I can do anything, even really hard stuff like cutting ties with a
friend. Or forgiving. Or moving on.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>M.E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09260765944589528300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986463437578763172.post-67168656851609298262012-06-28T22:28:00.001-06:002012-06-28T22:38:46.723-06:00On Faith and Ambiguity<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">If I could pinpoint one class of my
undergraduate career that had the biggest influence on my life, it
wouldn’t be one that started with REL. It wouldn’t be the classes spent studying
the scriptures or Christian history or even marriage and relationships. Rather,
it would be one class—Media Law—that introduced me to a new take on life and how to approach everything and anything.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">In early 2009, I took a required media law class, which proved to be a
very difficult time for me (though it was also filled with a lot of growth). I
honestly remember very little about the class. It was taught once a week for
2.5 hours by a practicing lawyer, Derek Brown. I do remember he was fun, hilarious, and
showed some interesting examples when explaining creative license and law.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">However, it was the last day of class
that had the biggest effect on me. We were assigned to read a BYU speech by
Bruce C. Hafen titled<a href="http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=6727" target="_blank"> “Love is Blind: Some Thoughts for College Students on Faith and Ambiguity.”</a> It’s a great talk that helped explain many of the things
I was (and am still) struggling with. (Seriously, go read it. But only after you're done here.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">We discussed the speech in class, with
Mr. Brown pointing out some correlations between law, the gospel, and life in
general. Again, I don’t remember specifics of the discussion (and I'm kicking myself that I didn't take any notes), but I know that
his testimony at the very end struck me enough to write him an email—something
I’ve never done with a professor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp8SezF9icdwaslTvf7AcGJj4GnVZn8MmRhVasimZYbE9DDcUo0aPqPnL-ZaGbMcTEK6ynOiz14x78yW1ayF2wTwjs0SMLmwj41HYL7Po6aAH1pd7BYU2HhNBnjrzJQfObHJorhD5-T86/s1600/MaryThankYou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp8SezF9icdwaslTvf7AcGJj4GnVZn8MmRhVasimZYbE9DDcUo0aPqPnL-ZaGbMcTEK6ynOiz14x78yW1ayF2wTwjs0SMLmwj41HYL7Po6aAH1pd7BYU2HhNBnjrzJQfObHJorhD5-T86/s640/MaryThankYou.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">I didn’t expect a response. I just
wanted to thank him. But I think his response was even more powerful than the
testimony he gave in class.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-fwgwsgbghVTmzyTDF4qgZ0JTVH3Olgw4GVdsknpGBnZRyhyphenhyphen9ZPLlriXYR0XWrO3_ZJn7EsYk7NdYgZWy2O_pf3sw2HrliLPDkE_FWddD6PUMYh4Fw7S_WrCfq33SzLOCZmMfNvHIBfT/s1600/DerekResponse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-fwgwsgbghVTmzyTDF4qgZ0JTVH3Olgw4GVdsknpGBnZRyhyphenhyphen9ZPLlriXYR0XWrO3_ZJn7EsYk7NdYgZWy2O_pf3sw2HrliLPDkE_FWddD6PUMYh4Fw7S_WrCfq33SzLOCZmMfNvHIBfT/s640/DerekResponse.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">And now I’m in a similar situation to
the one I was in when I first read and heard that testimony. It’s a time of
change, which I’m resisting because, like most people, I like what I know and
what is comfortable. However, like before, I know that change is good and
will allow me to grow and learn even more. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">I don’t know all the reasons why, and all
my decisions won’t be black and white. And sometimes I need to allow that
moment for the Spirit to speak to me, without all my thoughts and doubts
getting in the way. Three years ago, I learned that my answers come just how
Joseph Smith and Brother Brown described—“a feeling of pure intelligence” and “a
peaceful feeling that makes me think, ‘yes, I know.’”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Like Brother Brown, I believe that reason
and faith can co-exist. Sometimes that’s how you know something is right. When
it makes sense and you feel good about it, that could be the answer you are
looking for. It’s not always going to be the easiest. And sometimes it hurts—a lot.
Like, non-stop crying and a feeling like you don’t want get out of bed. But
just know that you’re about to turn a corner to bigger and better things.
Because you’re worth it.</span></div>M.E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09260765944589528300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986463437578763172.post-74082069706617619192012-05-01T22:05:00.001-06:002012-05-02T21:19:42.874-06:00When I'm 23So, I may or may not have gotten older recently. No big deal. I still feel like I'm an awkward 16-year-old, trying hard to be liked by her peers and figuring out what to do with my life. (Actually, I don't think I was that concerned with that second point at that age just yet.)<br />
<br />
Anyway, last year I created a list of things to do in the next year. And I opened up my list last month and was shocked by the things that I had listed (I think you may be too). So, in the past month, I've been trying to do what I can. Yeah...that didn't turn out so great.<br />
<br />
So, here it is. My list. Don't judge me my silliness or stupidity...or laziness. I've got a lot of growing up to do.<br />
<br />
<b>23 Things to Do When I'm 23</b><br />
<br />
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Run a
5K.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><s>Double
my savings account</s><span style="color: #660000;"> </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><s>Go
on a date.</s> <span style="color: #660000;">Well, considering my previous yearly average was 0, I exceeded expectations by dating someone.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><s>Sing
more.</s><span style="color: #660000;"> The car counts, right?</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Read
one book per month. <span style="color: #660000;">Rekindling a lost love is hard.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Learn
how to moonwalk.<span style="color: #660000;"> I should have done this one when I was dating a person who knows how to moonwalk.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Finish
my cross-stitch. <span style="color: #660000;">Maybe next year?</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Establish
(good) credit. <span style="color: #660000;">Wells Fargo, you've rejected me again</span>.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Eat a
King Kong Cone from Macey’s. <span style="color: #660000;">I discovered this year that I don't really like ice cream.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><s>Go
swimming twice (and the hot tub doesn’t count).</s><span style="color: #660000;"> I kind of hate swimming, so this was good.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Hike
the Y again and watch the sun set.<span style="color: #660000;"> </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Add 23
recipes to my recipe cards. <span style="color: #660000;">Hmm...I think I added seven. And then I got Pinterest, which is now my digital recipe book.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><strike>Make a
cake.</strike><span style="color: #660000;"> Completed this on Sunday. And it is dang good. Bam! Now I just need people to help me eat it.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Read
the entire Book of Mormon. <span style="color: #660000;">Well, there was this one time I tried to read it in five days. I didn't make it past day 2.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Do
more genealogy. <span style="color: #660000;"> Pretty sure my ancestors hate me.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Watch
23 new movies off of AFI’s Top 100 Movies of All Time.<span style="color: #660000;"> I watched three, bringing my total for the list to 40 (though there are some movies I need to watch again because I saw them as a child).</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><s>Attend
2 concerts.</s><span style="color: #660000;"> Lea Solanga was amazing.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><strike>Re-establish
commu</strike>nication with 5 friends.<span style="color: #660000;"> Eh...I did this halfway.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Watch
the Lord of the Rings trilogy. <span style="color: #660000;"> Another post to come about this.</span><span style="color: #660000;"></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Complain
less and do more. <span style="color: #660000;">This has been terribly difficult these past four months.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Tour Welfare Square
and the Humanitarian
Center.<span style="color: #660000;"> I think this is on here because I thought I'd be across the country by now, so I had to hit up all the Utah tourist things before I left.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Find
out what I want to do with my life. <span style="color: #660000;">Still figuring that out. However, I know I don't want to be a magazine designer.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><s>Fit
comfortably into <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">those</i> jeans again.
(And that skirt. And shirt.)</s><span style="color: #660000;"> Score on all accounts.</span></li>
</ol>M.E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09260765944589528300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986463437578763172.post-90530749966952475802012-04-30T02:12:00.001-06:002012-04-30T02:12:21.665-06:00The times, they are a changin'Once upon a time, there was a world before Facebook. In this world, you called people to find out what was happening in their lives, know when to meet them for dinner, and know where they were moving. They contacted you personally when they were in a relationship or got engaged. Baby announcements were actual mailed announcements and not updates on the mother's bodily functions. (So, you're xx cm dilated...TMI. T.M.I.) And your real friends wished you a happy birthday without a reminder glaring at them from a computer screen because they remember your birthday on their own. (And you didn't receive random, meaningless happy birthday greetings from people you barely know.) <br />
<br />
How times have changed.<br />
<br />
I shouldn't complain because Facebook is a somewhat of a blessing for people like me who are terrible at keeping in touch, but there are many negative aspects to it that I don't like. Mainly, how impersonal it all is. Sometimes people seem robotic, doing things without really thinking about it. "Oh, this video's trending; I'll repost it so I'm not left out." "Or this person just had something good happen. I should give them the standard 'congratulations.'" It's not, "Oh, I should call them." Or, "Maybe I should face my problems instead of Facebooking them."<br />
<br />
We're becoming such a distant people, interacting virtually rather than personally. Because it's easier. Well, this is part of the reason our world is such a mess. We're forgetting how hard things really are because everything else is easy. Relationships of all kind take work. They take time, patience and nurturing. And no amount of Facebook stalking will give you a true relationship. That's the truth. You know it. And I know it.<br />
<br />
So what are we going to do about it?M.E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09260765944589528300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986463437578763172.post-55828940435789873642012-03-25T19:27:00.004-06:002012-06-28T22:43:24.106-06:00FarewellAs anyone who has known me since middle school can tell you, I have a song for everything. You say one word and it'll trigger a song. It used to drive my friends crazy. I've mellowed out since then, but I have my moments.<br />
<br />
But you know that feeling you get when you find a song that describes what you are feeling absolutely perfectly? It's just this feeling of...relief. A feeling that you are not alone in your crazy emotions. Someone else gets you. And they are talented enough to put it into words with beautiful music. And sometimes it breaks you. And that's okay because you need to break and learn to put yourself together again.<br />
<br />
Well, yesterday, as I tried to keep myself busy, Pandora sent me this gift.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="40" id="gsSong2349216676" name="gsSong2349216676" width="250"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" />
<param name="wmode" value="window" />
<param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" />
<param name="flashvars" value="hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&songIDs=23492166&style=metal&p=0" />
<object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="250" height="40"><param name="wmode" value="window" />
<param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" />
<param name="flashvars" value="hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&songIDs=23492166&style=metal&p=0" />
<span>Farewell (Album) by <a href="http://grooveshark.com/artist/Rosie+Thomas/8274" title="Rosie Thomas">Rosie Thomas</a> on Grooveshark</span></object></object>
<br />
<br />
And it wasn't until today that it broke me. And lead me to do something dumb, girlish and not me. Well, it could have also been the copious amounts of <span style="font-style: italic;">Gilmore Girls</span> clips I watched online last night. Because no girl can get enough of Lorelai and Rory, especially during the difficult times of life. And because they speak the truth.<br />
<blockquote>
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">"Because sometimes you have something you need to say, but you can't because the words won't come out, or you get scared, or you feel stupid. But if you could write a song and sing it, then you could say what you needed to say, and it would be beautiful, and people would listen, and you wouldn't make a complete idiot out of yourself. But all of us can't be song writers, so some of us will never get the chance to say what we're thinking, or what we want other people to know that we're thinking, so we'll never get the chance to make things right again ever."</span></span><br />
<div style="color: #666666; font-style: italic; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">-Rory Gilmore<br />("Love, Daisies and Troubadours")</span></div>
</blockquote>M.E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09260765944589528300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986463437578763172.post-408844151207309232012-02-09T22:39:00.005-07:002012-02-09T23:06:52.229-07:00Good morning, HeartacheSo here's the deal about heartache.<br /><br />I've been through it before. I know it gets better. Life goes on. But, you know, sometimes I don't want to be told that. Who wants to be told something they already know?<br /><br />Sometimes you just want to be sad. You want to wallow for a day...or week. The sadness comes and goes. Your mood changes. Sometimes the song of the day is something sad by The Weepies, and sometimes it's something upbeat by Snow Patrol.<br /><br />For me, there was a lot of Snow Patrol those first two weeks. Then there were bouts of non-stop The Weepies, Jessie J's "Domino," and "They Can't Take That Away From Me" (which just so happens to be one of my favorite songs ever).<br /><br />See, I'm fine. I've done this before and I can do it again. Yes, it sucks. Yes, it hurts. Yes, I put myself in fictional situations that I know will never happen (think Tom and the party scene in <span style="font-style: italic;">500 Days of Summer</span>). But it's nothing that I can't handle.<br /><br />I'll find someone else to take me to England. And someone else to culture with old movies and music. And someone else who loves Harry Potter just as much as I do. I'll find someone else.<br /><br />And two years from now, I'll know why it all happened. Just like last time.M.E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09260765944589528300noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986463437578763172.post-80603713720974199182011-12-05T00:11:00.007-07:002011-12-05T01:36:53.082-07:00Uh, you're doing it wrong.It was requested that I write a post about kissing. Well, there was more to that request, but I don't think I'll completely oblige the requestee.<br /><br />But if you think about it--and I mean really think about it--kissing is just...weird. I mean, what's more romantic than swapping spit and germs and all manner of grossness with someone else you (hopefully) really like. Spend a minute to think about that. Makes you want to run to the bathroom and brush your teeth--or throw up.<br /><br />Well, I present you something else that may make you want to throw up. I love Ellen. She's hilarious. (I really hope that she's still on when I'm ridiculously rich and stay home all day so that I can watch her.) Anyway, I ran across this and found it hilarious. And disturbing. And all sorts of weird.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QfVJnUfVB68" allowfullscreen="" width="560" frameborder="0" height="315"></iframe><br /><br />You back from the bathroom? Yeah. That bride was a bit...aggressive. She, apparently, doesn't watch enough chick flicks to know that kissing does indeed include "less chewing." She married a man, not a chew toy.<br /><br />And just so the requestee isn't completely disappointed by the lack of information in this post, I knew before this video what a good (and bad) kiss is. And I've been perfecting it in the past six weeks.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">"A kiss can be a comma, a question mark, or an exclamation point. That's basic spelling that every woman ought to know."</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">-</span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-family:georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;" >Jeanne Bourgeois</span></div>M.E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09260765944589528300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986463437578763172.post-85098784466805659452011-09-11T14:44:00.003-06:002011-09-11T15:08:00.434-06:00A Decade of Change.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">I didn’t understand what terrorism was. I didn’t understand war. War was something that my grandfather fought in—30 years ago. America was safe. Something as big as Pearl Harbor would never occur here again—at least not in my lifetime. Things like this just don’t happen to me.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Eighth grade. Mrs. Filsinger’s algebra II class. I think it was the first class of the day. We were taking a test. Mrs. Filsinger received a phone call. It was a wrong number; someone was trying to reach some other teacher, but they told Mrs. Filsinger what was going on. Immediately, she turned on the TV, which was right above my head, and called her daughter in Maryland. In my small mind, I was bugged that my teacher had turned on what seemed to be a movie when I was trying to finish my test. My classmates had turned their attention to the events unfolding. I just wanted a good grade.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I don’t know when it clicked that this was a big deal. (Things like this just don’t happen to me, remember?) I didn’t know what the Twin Towers were. I had never been to NYC, at least not that I remembered. I didn’t understand it. But it eventually clicked. It may have been when the plane hit the Pentagon; that was D.C. I knew D.C. very well. It may have been when I went home and watched to footage of the jumpers from the towers. I was home alone and felt scared; terrified of the future.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve seen the gaping hole in the Pentagon. I’ve walked the hallowed ground in NYC where thousands of people died on that fall day. I’ve walked among the millions of wishes, notes, gifts and sadness left by people of all backgrounds for those who sacrificed. They didn’t ask to die for their country. They didn’t ask to be made exemplars. They wanted to live their lives. They wanted to love their families. They just wanted to BE.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">But even ten years later, I don’t understand. I don’t understand why killing makes peace. Why hatred brings people to strap bombs to themselves and kill not only them, but also hundreds of other innocent strangers. I don’t understand why families have to endure the worry of knowing their son or daughter or husband or wife or brother or sister is in danger, half a world away, and the pain of holding that folded flag.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I do know that I am grateful. I am grateful for those recognize and appreciate the importance and sacred value of our country and freedom. I am grateful for those who have enough courage to protect that freedom for people they will never meet, in a countries across the world. It is the most Christ-like service: to give of yourself for people who cannot do it themselves. Christ protected us from sin and its consequences; our military men protect us from terrorism and destruction.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’m not a terribly emotional person, but since September 11, 2001, I am that person who gets choked up singing or hearing the nation anthem. Seeing others show respect to all who made America possible brings me to tears. At college, my favorite part of the day was when the national anthem played throughout campus while the flag was taken down. I loved seeing the response it brought. It was disappointing to see those who didn’t respect this special time. Even if they were foreigners, this song was for them. They just didn’t understand. They didn’t understand how this single song represents hundreds of years of struggle, heartache, death and pure inspiration to bring about this nation.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The patriotism that America experienced following the attacks was overwhelming. Most homes in my home town displayed an American flag. People grouped together in the fight to protect America. But where is it now? It’s been smothered by technology, sports, debt and materialism. It’s been smothered by a hatred for a president and by 10 years of war and the sorrows and bitterness it brings. But we are a blessed country. We have so much compared to others in the world. We have so much to be grateful for and to.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I believe in America and its people. I believe that we are a great nation. However, I also believe that we are a great nation in trouble. We have forgotten our roots. We have forgotten why America is great. We are not grateful enough. Our nation was built on the principles of freedom and justice “to form a more perfect union.” I’ve seen that original document and believe in it and those who were inspired to write it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We have potential. We have greatness. We must rise to the ever-present occasion. I hope we all remember that and know that even in one of the darkest times of our nation’s history, we were able to come together, grow and move forward. Let’s keep moving forward and only look back to remember and learn. America will only be great if its people are great.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Be great and remember how you’re here.</p>M.E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09260765944589528300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986463437578763172.post-54471584461071426692011-09-10T09:19:00.007-06:002011-09-11T13:49:14.929-06:00Taking ChancesHey, Caution!<br /><br />So, I threw you to the wind a couple of days ago. I really hope that you do not come back and slap me in the face. That would not be cool.<br /><br />And you and my brain should have a long talk. It's overthinking everything. The two of you should get on same wavelength as my heart. Because I'm going to try and start listening to that more.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKYKNZvQ6Jc&ob=av3e">*cue Celine Dion music*</a>M.E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09260765944589528300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986463437578763172.post-45133948650612371152011-08-28T21:17:00.006-06:002011-08-28T23:10:39.501-06:00Adulting.Hold. the. phone.
<br />
<br />Who said that could happen? Not me. I'm not an adult. I'm still 18, right?
<br />
<br />Sadly, I think I am adulting. I'm inching my way into my mid-twenties. I realized this on my birthday. I'm twenty-old. Seriously.
<br />
<br />Okay, so it's not so dramatic as I'm making it out to be. My nieces and nephews are probably the only people who consider me old. But I've never felt so old as I have this week.
<br />
<br />I've gone to bed before midnight three times in one week. And I'm still tired.
<br />
<br />So it's not a big deal. It's actually just the responsible thing to do. But isn't being an adult about being responsible? Well, here are the adult things I've done this week:
<br />
<br />1. Went to bed before midnight (one was at 10:30 pm).
<br />2. Got my sister settled in to her dorm and talked about college in the past tense ("When I took American Heritage..." or "They didn't have that when I was here.")
<br />3. Almost stopped at the Alumni booth just to say I had. But I really just wanted the brownie, so this doesn't really count.
<br />4. Woke up at 6:15 am on a Saturday (granted, I had gone to bed at 1:30 am, so that wasn't very responsible of me, especially since I was grumpy the whole day)
<br />5. Almost went into a museum, by myself, because I wanted to.
<br />6. Went into a clothing store that had an extra 50% off EVERYTHING and didn't buy anything--even though I really wanted to. However, if my bank transfer was complete, I'd be all over that.
<br />7. Played chauffeur to two different people in one day. Actually, this is just mom-ish. But I did volunteer to do it, so it's kind of different. Plus, I don't have a mom car.
<br />8. Showed up 5 minutes early to church, which hasn't happened since they moved us to a building 10 minutes away.
<br />
<br />I really wanted to make this list an even 10, but I ran out of things. And the whole time I was typing this, I had <a href="http://youtu.be/fElh8TKLiYM">Miss Temple</a> in my head. Whew, it's a good thing I missed that whole 21 thing though.
<br />M.E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09260765944589528300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986463437578763172.post-25016888119389160712011-08-20T10:38:00.004-06:002011-08-27T20:35:35.296-06:00Home is wherever I'm with you.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">I don’t go for cutsy stuff very much. I mean, no pictures of cats or dogs. Babies should ALWAYS be clothed during a photo shoot. (Home pictures are a different story.) I don’t even like to use the word “cute.” Everything from babies to boys to buttons is described as being “cute.” Let’s be a little creative here. And I don’t care if you think your kid is the most adorable thing or so unbelievably talented; chances are they really aren’t. (But it’s good that you think so, because you have to live with them for the next 50 years or so.)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">But every once in awhile there will come a good video with kids that defies the odds. I’m thinking of classics like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txqiwrbYGrs">this one.</a> And <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8baqly5cVI&list=FLFAm8Os6Ulzl1BksFvIDGtw&index=59">this one</a> is just ridiculously amusing. And if you haven’t seen <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80entLldZOg&list=PLD5197CC10710FA21&index=41">this hilarious video series</a>, where have you been living for the past five months? (And for the record, I hate the “Charlie bit my finger” video. It’s dumb.)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">But this video is probably one of the most adorable things to hit YouTube. I love it and the song. Even though it’s a love song, it works very well as a father-daughter song. Watch it and you’ll see.</p>
<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/L64c5vT3NBw" allowfullscreen="" width="560" frameborder="0" height="345"></iframe>
<br />M.E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09260765944589528300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986463437578763172.post-24629444418747164592011-08-12T00:50:00.003-06:002011-08-23T22:14:00.233-06:00To the Phlebotomist<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">(AKA guy who took my blood today),</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You were really nice. And actually pretty good looking. And when you asked that fatal question, you had no chance.
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">You asked what people normally ask when they find out I’m a transplant: “How do you like Utah?” </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I tried to warn you.
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">“Are you sure you really want to know?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You were polite and smiled and said, “It’s okay. I’m not a local.”
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Well, that was your mistake. Actually, it was my mistake to not just nip the initial question in the bud and say, “Oh, it’s fine,” just like everyone does.
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Instead, I gave you an earful that probably more than you ever wanted to know. And with each word that came out, I could feel the chances of you asking for my number <s>dwindling</s> taking a sudden swan dive into the Pit of Despair.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You graciously listened to all my mumblings and ramblings. You, as a Californian, knew how Utah culture was different. You even said that you felt the same way before you moved closer to campus. What a kind soul you are to let a girl talk your ear off like that.
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I just wanted to say that I’m really not that negative. You just caught when right after a tough day at work…okay, so maybe that’s not entirely true, but I was really tired and you had just stuck an uncomfortable needle into my arm. I really don’t remember everything I said; I just rambled on about nothing. Even your questions about my book, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Princess Bride</span>, caught me off guard, and I muddled through the answers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’m really a fun person. Really. I know, like, five people who think I'm hilarious. Just don’t ask me about my work, my living situation, my social life or anything of the like; those answers aren’t positive ones. But I need to learn to not be so honest so I don’t chase off nice people like you.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">So, here’s to you, guy who could have made me the subject of one <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiaKiqIsi2s">awesome 80s song</a>. I’m pledging to be more positive in my conversations. And then maybe next time you take my blood, it will be a more pleasant experience for the both of us.</p> M.E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09260765944589528300noreply@blogger.com2