Damn my lack of writing ideas. If it weren't for that I would probably write every day. But whatever.
I recently had my first pedicure as a gift from Mike for Christmas. (Thanks sweetie!) I was not expecting much since I am not a huge fan of spas. Gasp! I know, right? Who doesn't like spas? It's not really that I don't like them as much as it is I feel strange and uncomfortable there. It feels odd to me to be in a place where everyone whispers and you are constantly being touched by a stranger and put in uncomfortable situations. You are supposed to relax at a spa, but I find it hard to relax in those strange surroundings. I am relaxed at home. Not so much when I am covered in mud and surrounded by whispering, touchy-feely strangers. Anyway, that is beside the point because I actually really enjoyed the pedicure.
I didn't think there would be much they could do with my feet since I like to think my feet are not too bad looking to begin with. But they scraped and filed and rubbed and painted until my toes looked as perfect as they must have when I was born. It was wonderful! I told Mike I think I am addicted to pedicures now. Never before have I been anxious to return to the spa after leaving. I can now see how people crave the spa. This could get expensive. I would post a picture of my feet, but I have already done that before here, and how many pictures of my feet do you really need? Just imagine pink toenails instead of green.
On a side note, Mike got a new computer monitor yesterday. It is huge and beautiful and wonderful. However.....the blog post screen is slightly more intimidating since it is so big now it takes like 14 sentences just to make it across the screen. Even now as I finish up this post, it only looks like a tiny speck on this massive screen. Well, enjoy your speck.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
Mean Girls
On more than one occasion in my life I have had a girl who I considered a good friend, suddenly turn into my mortal enemy for reasons totally unknown to me. I don't consciously do anything to make these girls turn on me, which makes it all the more hurtful when they turn on me. Of course no one HAS to be my friend. But why is it that girls can't just leave you alone when they don't like you anymore? They always seek out ways to injure you psychologically. This is always so confusing and painful because I have the best intentions, yet I get punished for it. So WHY ARE GIRLS SO MEAN?
I know not all girls are like that, because I wouldn't do anything like that. So they are capable of not being mean. But meanness in girls seems to have become a social behavior that is accepted in our country. It's not only accepted, but it's expected that girls will be psychologically damaging to each other. What happened to teaching children kindness, love, and tolerance for everyone?
If you think this is only a problem in school-age kids, you would be wrong. I once believed that girls grew out of this when they got older. But now I know that the problem only gets worse as they get older. That's because they get smarter and figure out more sophisticated ways of hurting other people. What is it all for? Social status? Dominance? Pure hate? Whatever it is, it needs to stop. But how can we stop something that has become so out of control? With little steps. Teach your children the meaning of being kind and doing the right thing. Also lead by example. Be what you wish others to be. With your own small actions, you may just change the world.
I know not all girls are like that, because I wouldn't do anything like that. So they are capable of not being mean. But meanness in girls seems to have become a social behavior that is accepted in our country. It's not only accepted, but it's expected that girls will be psychologically damaging to each other. What happened to teaching children kindness, love, and tolerance for everyone?
If you think this is only a problem in school-age kids, you would be wrong. I once believed that girls grew out of this when they got older. But now I know that the problem only gets worse as they get older. That's because they get smarter and figure out more sophisticated ways of hurting other people. What is it all for? Social status? Dominance? Pure hate? Whatever it is, it needs to stop. But how can we stop something that has become so out of control? With little steps. Teach your children the meaning of being kind and doing the right thing. Also lead by example. Be what you wish others to be. With your own small actions, you may just change the world.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
A Little Bit County, A Little Bit Rock-And-Roll
It certainly does not feel like January around here. With highs around 50 degrees and no snow, it feels more like Spring already. While I can't say I miss the cold weather, it is a tiny bit disconcerting that the weather is changing so much. But I won't let it worry me too much because there isn't much I will be able to do if the world is ending anyway.
I have mentioned before in this blog how I am interested in all kinds of different lifestyles. Even though I am interested in all of them, some appeal more to me than others. Country would be one that appeals to me. Maybe it comes from growing up mainly in the west, but I like the idea of the country lifestyle. When I was a little kid I wanted to run a farm when I grew up, or at least have all kinds of farm animals. I don't think I knew how much work actually goes into running a farm. Now, you could say I still have that dream, but on a much smaller scale. Maybe I could work part-time on a farm or have a horse, or a cow, or a goat, or a garden. The garden is probably the most likely out of those, but don't kill my dreams!
Another thing I like about country is the interior design. I like warm, cozy, homey, comfortable spaces, and country design seems to embody a lot of that. I'm not the sort of person to go all-out country in my decorating, but a few touches of country here and there would be great.
I also like the values that are usually adopted with the country lifestyle. So called "country people" seem to have a strong love for family, freedom, honor, and God, and a respect and love for the environment. Those are all things I feel are important as well.
Country cooking is also something I definitely love. I have always been a meat-and-potatoes kind of girl. (More potatoes than meat, to tell the truth.) I love fresh veggies, beef stew, steaks, chicken, pot roast, pies, homemade bread, and just about any other kind of county food you can think of. I love food in general, but if I had to choose a favorite style of cooking, I think country would be it. (Although Italian would come in a close second. I couldn't live without pizza.)
The only thing I can't quite embrace when it comes to country is the clothing. I don't mind people who like wearing cowboy hats and boots, Wrangler jeans, and plaid shirts, but I just can't get into dressing that way. But who knows? Maybe it could grow on me.
I have mentioned before in this blog how I am interested in all kinds of different lifestyles. Even though I am interested in all of them, some appeal more to me than others. Country would be one that appeals to me. Maybe it comes from growing up mainly in the west, but I like the idea of the country lifestyle. When I was a little kid I wanted to run a farm when I grew up, or at least have all kinds of farm animals. I don't think I knew how much work actually goes into running a farm. Now, you could say I still have that dream, but on a much smaller scale. Maybe I could work part-time on a farm or have a horse, or a cow, or a goat, or a garden. The garden is probably the most likely out of those, but don't kill my dreams!
Another thing I like about country is the interior design. I like warm, cozy, homey, comfortable spaces, and country design seems to embody a lot of that. I'm not the sort of person to go all-out country in my decorating, but a few touches of country here and there would be great.
I also like the values that are usually adopted with the country lifestyle. So called "country people" seem to have a strong love for family, freedom, honor, and God, and a respect and love for the environment. Those are all things I feel are important as well.
Country cooking is also something I definitely love. I have always been a meat-and-potatoes kind of girl. (More potatoes than meat, to tell the truth.) I love fresh veggies, beef stew, steaks, chicken, pot roast, pies, homemade bread, and just about any other kind of county food you can think of. I love food in general, but if I had to choose a favorite style of cooking, I think country would be it. (Although Italian would come in a close second. I couldn't live without pizza.)
The only thing I can't quite embrace when it comes to country is the clothing. I don't mind people who like wearing cowboy hats and boots, Wrangler jeans, and plaid shirts, but I just can't get into dressing that way. But who knows? Maybe it could grow on me.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Break From Reality
I'm sure anyone who reads this blog has noticed I have once again been lacking in the picture department. I haven't been in much of a picture-taking mood lately, and, to tell the truth, it has been kind of nice not worrying about it. But I start to get bored with no pictures, so here are a few of my family on Christmas morning. I know that according to the date on the pictures, they where taken in August, but that just comes from me forgetting to set the date on my digital camera.
I love this day, but not for the same reasons I did when I was a kid. When I was a kid I could hardly sleep the night before because I was so excited for the presents the next day. Today the presents are still a part of the excitement for me, but only a small part. Most of my enjoyment now comes from watching my nieces and nephews get excited. It also comes from spending time with family without worrying about work, chores, or shopping. Christmas is like a one-day break from reality, and even though I know it can't last forever, a part of me wishes it could.
Even if Christmas can't last all year, I think I will try to make every day a little more like Christmas. That means doing little things like spending more time with those I love, worrying less, giving to those in need, celebrating good times, and feeling joyful and thankful. I have always heard people talk about keeping Christmas in your heart all year round, but I never thought much about putting it into practice. This coming year I will try my best to do it because even if I can't always have a break from reality, I can at least be a little happier and try to make others happier too.
I love this day, but not for the same reasons I did when I was a kid. When I was a kid I could hardly sleep the night before because I was so excited for the presents the next day. Today the presents are still a part of the excitement for me, but only a small part. Most of my enjoyment now comes from watching my nieces and nephews get excited. It also comes from spending time with family without worrying about work, chores, or shopping. Christmas is like a one-day break from reality, and even though I know it can't last forever, a part of me wishes it could.
Even if Christmas can't last all year, I think I will try to make every day a little more like Christmas. That means doing little things like spending more time with those I love, worrying less, giving to those in need, celebrating good times, and feeling joyful and thankful. I have always heard people talk about keeping Christmas in your heart all year round, but I never thought much about putting it into practice. This coming year I will try my best to do it because even if I can't always have a break from reality, I can at least be a little happier and try to make others happier too.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Straight And To The Point
It seems like most bloggers start to slack a little during the holiday season and I guess I am no exception. But it's not because I have been unusually busy or anything. All my presents are bought and Christmas cards are sent. I guess I will call it writers block because I want to blog, but every time I try to think of something interesting to write, every idea seems really lame. If there's one thing I hate, it's writing just to write or talking just to talk. You know what I mean. Those people who can go on for hours and hours and not say anything of importance.
When I was in school I always hated when the teacher told us to write however many pages about some topic. I always had a hard time filling the pages even when using the typical tricks like writing really big and double-spacing. I would get to the point in the first couple of sentences and then I would run out of things to say. Now I'm a little better at elaborating, but I'm still not a super detailed writer. I'm like that in the rest of my life too. I don't like over-the-top decorations, or houses filled in every corner. I don't like too many details or things start to look cluttered and become overwhelming. Life is confusing enough without complicating it with extra deals. I always like when people keep things simple and get to the point.
Details spice up life, but too many tend to get in the way. So if you are one of those people who can talk forever about nothing, consider the idea that doing so only makes you look unintelligent. Get to the point and shut your mouth.
When I was in school I always hated when the teacher told us to write however many pages about some topic. I always had a hard time filling the pages even when using the typical tricks like writing really big and double-spacing. I would get to the point in the first couple of sentences and then I would run out of things to say. Now I'm a little better at elaborating, but I'm still not a super detailed writer. I'm like that in the rest of my life too. I don't like over-the-top decorations, or houses filled in every corner. I don't like too many details or things start to look cluttered and become overwhelming. Life is confusing enough without complicating it with extra deals. I always like when people keep things simple and get to the point.
Details spice up life, but too many tend to get in the way. So if you are one of those people who can talk forever about nothing, consider the idea that doing so only makes you look unintelligent. Get to the point and shut your mouth.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Giving
It's the Christmas season and this time of year everyone talks about giving to those less fortunate than yourself. I'm all for giving to those in need, because I know that I could easily be in their shoes. But there are a few things that bother me about giving.
For one thing, need is relative. A child may need some new clothes or want some new toys, but what about other children who are starving? We may not be obligated to give to the most needy first, but is it right to ignore the worst-off people?
Now say I disregard the most needy and decided for whatever reason to give by getting a toy for a poor child for Christmas. What if that child doesn't like the toy I get him? Isn't that a waste of my money and generosity? What if I give that child a used toy? That seems to be frowned upon, yet I'm sure there are children who would appreciate any toy they could get their hands on. If a child doesn't want a used toy, doesn't that mean we are spoiled rather than truly needy?
The last problem I have with giving is that I am not a rich person. I know that doesn't mean I can't give, but it does mean that any amount I give will be minuscule compared to what a rich person or corporation could give. I know it shouldn't matter how much you can give. But it kind of makes you feel like it's pointless if all you can give is $5 and a corporation has millions to give.
In the end, I guess it really is the thought that counts. I can't help every starving person, and I can't spend forever analyzing who is the most needy. But I can give a little here and there, and I think I will be a better person for it. There is a scene in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory where Charlie gives back the gobstopper candy that could have made his family rich and Willy Wonka says, "So shines a good deed in a weary world." This quote reminds me of the true spirit of giving because in a world full of bad things, I can still try to make a difference with small and simple deeds.
For one thing, need is relative. A child may need some new clothes or want some new toys, but what about other children who are starving? We may not be obligated to give to the most needy first, but is it right to ignore the worst-off people?
Now say I disregard the most needy and decided for whatever reason to give by getting a toy for a poor child for Christmas. What if that child doesn't like the toy I get him? Isn't that a waste of my money and generosity? What if I give that child a used toy? That seems to be frowned upon, yet I'm sure there are children who would appreciate any toy they could get their hands on. If a child doesn't want a used toy, doesn't that mean we are spoiled rather than truly needy?
The last problem I have with giving is that I am not a rich person. I know that doesn't mean I can't give, but it does mean that any amount I give will be minuscule compared to what a rich person or corporation could give. I know it shouldn't matter how much you can give. But it kind of makes you feel like it's pointless if all you can give is $5 and a corporation has millions to give.
In the end, I guess it really is the thought that counts. I can't help every starving person, and I can't spend forever analyzing who is the most needy. But I can give a little here and there, and I think I will be a better person for it. There is a scene in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory where Charlie gives back the gobstopper candy that could have made his family rich and Willy Wonka says, "So shines a good deed in a weary world." This quote reminds me of the true spirit of giving because in a world full of bad things, I can still try to make a difference with small and simple deeds.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Popular
Growing up, I could never lay claim to being a part of the popular crowd. Even if I hadn't been extraordinarily shy, I still don't think I would have been accepted into the group of cheerleaders or jocks or prepy kids or whoever it was that was popular. Maybe I wasn't pretty enough, trendy enough, cool enough, or rich enough to be included. But I blame my exclusion mostly on the fact that my family was pretty weird, and at least some of the weirdness was bound to rub off on me.
I may have not liked being unpopular back in the day, but these days I don't hold any bitterness about it. That's because I have realized an important fact - popularity is an illusion. EVERYONE is different or 'weird' to some extent. The popular kids only cover it up better. But have you ever tried to keep a secret for a very long time? You may have tried, but it almost always comes out sooner or later. Popularity is the same way. You are only popular as long as you can cover up your secret weirdness.
So these days, I prefer genuine friends - the people who know all your secrets and still love and accept you. Life is too short to fake who you really are just so other people will like you. Besides, all those 'other people' are as imperfect as you, so who are they to judge what is 'popular'?
I may have not liked being unpopular back in the day, but these days I don't hold any bitterness about it. That's because I have realized an important fact - popularity is an illusion. EVERYONE is different or 'weird' to some extent. The popular kids only cover it up better. But have you ever tried to keep a secret for a very long time? You may have tried, but it almost always comes out sooner or later. Popularity is the same way. You are only popular as long as you can cover up your secret weirdness.
So these days, I prefer genuine friends - the people who know all your secrets and still love and accept you. Life is too short to fake who you really are just so other people will like you. Besides, all those 'other people' are as imperfect as you, so who are they to judge what is 'popular'?
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