Figuring It Out.....Again

I wanted to write about something that has been bugging me for a while, but now seems to downright irritate me. Some people overcome incredible challenges in life, and feel like they come to a place in life where they have a lot of things figured out and they know what is best for their own physical and mental well-being. Good for them. That is not what bothers me. What bothers me is when these same people start to gain an entitled, self-important attitude where they think they are better than others because they have supposedly "figured it out".

I think it is hard to spot these kind of people because they initially come off as caring, strong, and self-assured. They go to therapy, they meditate, they eat right, they work hard, they say the right things. They act like they have it all together, and maybe they do to some extent. But the longer you watch them the more you realize they are not as kind and put-together as they seem. They think they deserve the best because they have done everything "right". They think their way is the best way to live, and they look down on those who don't do the same. They start to think that they need constant success and accomplishments to be happy.

Now I may be a tiny bit jealous. I can admit that. I also may feel differently if I walked in their shoes. But here is my problem with these people from my perspective - They don't have life figured out. There is no such thing. They may have found something that works really well for them, but it is not perfect and it won't work for everyone. They also shouldn't expect a great life just because they have worked hard for it or become accustomed to it. Everyone and their brother likes to declare that "life isn't fair" when someone else doesn't get what they want. But when we work toward something we just expect that the "fair" thing will happen and we will get what we deserve. Working hard may put things in my favor, but it does not guarantee a favorable outcome.

I once read a quote that went something like, "A wise person never stops questioning. A fool will defend his point-of-view forever." I kind of feel like this describes the kind of people I am talking about. They have reached such a good place in their life that they forget that they should continually question what they are doing.

I know I probably won't change anyone's mind with my little post. I just wanted to vent my frustrations more than anything else. Just remember that just because something is working well for you, it doesn't mean you shouldn't question it.

Comic Con 2015

Yesterday Mike and I went to Salt Lake City Comic Con, and it was quite the experience. I never thought of myself as someone who would like conventions about sci fi, fantasy, gaming, comics, cosplay, and movies, but I have really learned to like it a lot. Mike was always the one who was interested in that stuff and he had to drag me along. However, these days I go willingly and I actually enjoy it a lot.

I may never be as into the whole comic con culture as Mike is, but there are many things I do like about it. I like the comradery and acceptance between people of all different interests and walks of life. I like the child-like joy people get from loosing themselves in a fantasy world for a little while. I like the creativity and expression through amazing works of art. Last of all I like that there is never a dull moment or nothing to see. It blows my mind at the care and attention people put into costumes, and I love seeing so much variety and creativity in one place. I could probably just people watch all day at comic con.

Of course I wanted to look the part this year, so I bought myself a Star Wars shirt. Even though I am not as into Star Wars as some people, it does bring back fond memories of childhood.

There were plenty of Star Wars-related things to see at the con as well. These light sabers where a big hit, if not a bit pricey.

And this thing was made totally out of balloons. I was amazed at the time and patience it must have taken.

This is what part of the con looked like from up above. Some places where so packed we could barley move. Not for the faint of heart, but definitely worth the experience.

Here is Mike and I at the Sean Astin panel. I like to think I don't get too flustered by celebrities, and generally I don't. But if I actually met one in person, I think all bets would be off.

We also went to a panel about the TV show Face Off and one about the new Star Trek show that is coming out. We ate some bad food, bought a few souvenirs, hung out with friends, and just did a lot of LOOKING. At the end we were tired but very satisfied. I have to say I am looking forward to doing it again.

Simple Life

A little while back, when I was at work, I had a woman ask me where the restroom was. I pointed her in the general direction and then went back to what I was doing. A few seconds later she came back to me claiming she still could not find the restroom even though I know she had come within 15 feet of it. At that moment, I could have screamed in frustration. Since when have people become so un-observant and unwilling or incapable of solving a simple problem? It feels like the majority of people these days are living their lives on autopilot, expecting other people or some imaginary force to gently guide them in the right direction.

Drivers don't notice when someone is trying to use the crosswalk. People ask someone else to figure out a simple math problem for them. They cut corners only to sacrifice quality. They ask others to make decisions for them. They miss obvious information.

We all have those days when we are just too tired or overwhelmed to function at our best. On those days we may need a little extra guidance and help. But what I have been observing is a far more serious problem. It's like an epidemic of not caring and ineptitude. It seems we are becoming dumber to point where we don't even realize we are like lambs being lead to the slaughter. We follow the easy path to our doom.

I don't mean to be all doom and gloom about the human race, but sometimes I have some serious questions about our drive and our purpose. Are we living to our full capabilities, or are we merely existing? I would challenge everyone to open their eyes a little wider once in a while. Look a little harder. Do a little more. Think a little harder. Do more than you think you can. Because if you are relying on others to guide you, you may just end up somewhere you don't want to be.

Park City Revival

Can I just tell you how excited I am about the coming Autumn? I am really looking forward to the cooler weather and Halloween and all things Fall. Work has been pretty crazy this year with back-to-school season, but now I get a little rest before the onslaught of what is called "holiday season" but is more like "greed and stress season" every year.

Mike just started a new job last month which affords us a little extra money to work with. I am cautiously enjoying it only because it seems to be a theme in my life that when a good thing happens, something way worse always seems to happen right afterwards to destroy any joy I have felt. But I'm trying to not look at life in that light because if you do it too much it casts a shadow over every happy situation.

One fun thing that Mike and I got to do last month was take a day trip up to Park City. It was beautiful weather and we walked around looking at shops and eating at restaurants. Here is the view from the pizza place we ate at for lunch.

The service wasn't the greatest, but who can complain with a view like that?

Later on, we went to The Canyons ski resort to ride the gondola and possibly rent a paddle boat at the top. The gondola and ski lift rides where beautiful and refreshing with the crisp breeze in our faces.

Once we got to the lake at the top we decided not to rent the paddle boat because the "lake" was more like a small pond with limited paddling room. But the gorgeous views where worth the trip up.

After visiting The Canyons, we went back into Park City and ate a delicious dinner at a small Irish pub. All in all, it was a day to remember and a day that reminds me how lucky I am to have an amazing husband and a very blessed life. It's memories of days like this that carry me through the hard times.