Well, I should be studying....
But even though my prescribed Adderall should have kicked-in by now, I just can't bring myself to focus because of a sort of thought or observation I made today. So, this I why I blog today.
Living in an individualistic culture it seams everyone is all about winning, being number 1; the best.
But what defines winning?
I mean, for example today the University of Arkansas was put in the #6 spot on the BCS college football team rankings and every Arkansas fan I know has been all abuzz on how great that is...but we aren't winning. We aren't number 1. So why are we celebrating?
Another example would be when my sorority placed 3rd in the last held AKA and APhiA Unity Step Show. We did not win, but we took it as a victory.
Why do we settle? Better question would be why is winning so longed for but hardly ever achieved?
Are we not just setting ourselves up for failure? Winning is hardly possible for anyone all the time.
So maybe an analysis of our culture of #winning should be reconstructed.
Why is everything a competition anyways?
Why can't we feel good about ourselves for just being the best "we"(we meaning universal we, meaning team, individual, country, etc...) can bee/are?
It's not settling if it's all we can possible do....
Maybe supconsciencely we do this anyways? I mean, if we didn't no one would be celebrating a #6 ranking or getting 3rd place in a competition.
But why then are we constantly fed the idea that we MUST be number one?
Think about it this way....if there can only be one winner, then our country/our world is made up of mainly losers....How can one thing truly be #1if it is composed of people who are use to "failing?"
Perhaps we should not compare ourselves to other countries then...Lets get the log out of our own eye first.
But enough politics...
Let's stop this whole #winning because let's face it, "losing" is just what we're best at. #justsaying
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
soulmate(s)?
Sorry followers and other virtual friends for being MIA for like 4 months. I've been super busy with sorority and school stuff. Being my senior year, I'm trying to make everything count, you know?
Anyways, so now for my REAL post.
So for those of you who don't know, today is my 4 year anniversary with my boyfriend.
It's strange for me to think that I've been dating the same person since we were both 17, and now we are both 21 (though he's about to be 22).
I mean, I think about how much of myself and my life have changed from 17-21 and I am just amazed at the fact that we've been able to adapt and comprise for and with each other's changing life and self. . . and still be more in love than ever.
I often wonder what we must have done in our past lives to deserve to meet our soulmate so early in life. That will be one of those questions I'll ask when I die I guess.
I often get the question of how or when did I know that he was who I wanted forever with... my answer? Always. I don't know how to explain it. The moment we me it was like some force of nature or of God gave me an instant obsession but instant familiarity to someone I'd never met and ALL AT ONCE I knew something I felt I'd always known my entire life and that was that I loved this person more than anything I've ever known and some how I knew he loved me.
Do I believer in love at first sight? Well, we, he and I, have experienced it.
And it wasn't lust. Lust is to much of a human characteristic for what I, WE experienced. No, this was divine intervention if there ever has one. I do believe God put us there, here together for a reason. Perhaps because together we do more than good, we do great for the world.
I guess that part of history is yet to be written yet though.
So, yes I believe in soulmates.
And yes, I believe you only have one.
I mean, no one person has the same life experience. So there must only be one person in this entire world that has the life experiences that would be entirely compatible (by this I don't mean identical) to ours.
Sure, there are those with similar enough to ours that make them a "good match" but I feel like there is only one "perfect match."
There is only one yin for everyone one yang. Like puzzle pieces. Some are close to fitting,but only one is the perfect shape.
Life should also not be about finding this perfect match because if you are always looking, you are not in the right state to be found.
You stumble upon soulmates, somehow they just find you or you just find them...but only after you stop looking. Because trying to find something that may not be there at the time, will just lead you settle for the "good enough." And maybe that's all you want, but let me tell ya, the perfect is just that...perfect.
Anyways, so now for my REAL post.
So for those of you who don't know, today is my 4 year anniversary with my boyfriend.
It's strange for me to think that I've been dating the same person since we were both 17, and now we are both 21 (though he's about to be 22).
I mean, I think about how much of myself and my life have changed from 17-21 and I am just amazed at the fact that we've been able to adapt and comprise for and with each other's changing life and self. . . and still be more in love than ever.
I often wonder what we must have done in our past lives to deserve to meet our soulmate so early in life. That will be one of those questions I'll ask when I die I guess.
I often get the question of how or when did I know that he was who I wanted forever with... my answer? Always. I don't know how to explain it. The moment we me it was like some force of nature or of God gave me an instant obsession but instant familiarity to someone I'd never met and ALL AT ONCE I knew something I felt I'd always known my entire life and that was that I loved this person more than anything I've ever known and some how I knew he loved me.
Do I believer in love at first sight? Well, we, he and I, have experienced it.
And it wasn't lust. Lust is to much of a human characteristic for what I, WE experienced. No, this was divine intervention if there ever has one. I do believe God put us there, here together for a reason. Perhaps because together we do more than good, we do great for the world.
I guess that part of history is yet to be written yet though.
So, yes I believe in soulmates.
And yes, I believe you only have one.
I mean, no one person has the same life experience. So there must only be one person in this entire world that has the life experiences that would be entirely compatible (by this I don't mean identical) to ours.
Sure, there are those with similar enough to ours that make them a "good match" but I feel like there is only one "perfect match."
There is only one yin for everyone one yang. Like puzzle pieces. Some are close to fitting,but only one is the perfect shape.
Life should also not be about finding this perfect match because if you are always looking, you are not in the right state to be found.
You stumble upon soulmates, somehow they just find you or you just find them...but only after you stop looking. Because trying to find something that may not be there at the time, will just lead you settle for the "good enough." And maybe that's all you want, but let me tell ya, the perfect is just that...perfect.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
You just know, you know?
Being someone who is still dating her first boyfriend, and has been for almost 4 years, oh and he's in the Navy....I get A LOT of relationship related questions. like, "How do you do it?" or "Why would you do that to yourself?" and of course, "Are y'all going to get married?"
But, probably the question I get most often is, "How do you know you're in love?"
Truth is, I don't. Truth is, no body every really knows if they are "in love." The feeling is just too close of a feeling to others like, lust and infatuation.Many people have tried to describe how love feels. Some say it's like butterflies in your stomach, some say it's like being up in the clouds, and still others say it's like fireworks. Many people have tried to explain what love is. Some say love is holding on with all your might, some say love is letting go.
With as many descriptions as we have today, not to mention all the songs, their is no way to know for sure whether or not you are in love...But as you would expect of me, I have thought very long and hard on, how I know I am in love.
He's what I've come up with.
You are in love if during your partner's lowest you don't think of them any less and during their highest you don't think of them any more. Meaning, the feeling you feel for them is the same in their time of giving and their time of receiving. You may like them more or less depending, but if the same root feeling (which I would argue is love) stays the same throughout, I believe you are in love.
Here's another thought.
No body is perfect. No body. But, if you see another's flaws as part of why you "love" them, I think they are perfect for you. I do believe there is a "perfect" person out there for everyone. But, don't be mistaken, if you think someone is perfect for you and they don't think you are perfect for each other, then you are not meant to be, sorry. It is only when there is a mutual vision of perfection that two people are indeed meant for each other.
Side note:
Don't let yourself think you know better than God. He knows who you need to be with, he created both of you after all....if it doesn't workout then you just have to know you are 1 person closer to finding the one God has custom made for you.
Bottom line:
Love is something you have to evaluate for yourself. Nobody knows better than you if you are in love. Good luck.
But, probably the question I get most often is, "How do you know you're in love?"
Truth is, I don't. Truth is, no body every really knows if they are "in love." The feeling is just too close of a feeling to others like, lust and infatuation.Many people have tried to describe how love feels. Some say it's like butterflies in your stomach, some say it's like being up in the clouds, and still others say it's like fireworks. Many people have tried to explain what love is. Some say love is holding on with all your might, some say love is letting go.
With as many descriptions as we have today, not to mention all the songs, their is no way to know for sure whether or not you are in love...But as you would expect of me, I have thought very long and hard on, how I know I am in love.
He's what I've come up with.
You are in love if during your partner's lowest you don't think of them any less and during their highest you don't think of them any more. Meaning, the feeling you feel for them is the same in their time of giving and their time of receiving. You may like them more or less depending, but if the same root feeling (which I would argue is love) stays the same throughout, I believe you are in love.
Here's another thought.
No body is perfect. No body. But, if you see another's flaws as part of why you "love" them, I think they are perfect for you. I do believe there is a "perfect" person out there for everyone. But, don't be mistaken, if you think someone is perfect for you and they don't think you are perfect for each other, then you are not meant to be, sorry. It is only when there is a mutual vision of perfection that two people are indeed meant for each other.
Side note:
Don't let yourself think you know better than God. He knows who you need to be with, he created both of you after all....if it doesn't workout then you just have to know you are 1 person closer to finding the one God has custom made for you.
Bottom line:
Love is something you have to evaluate for yourself. Nobody knows better than you if you are in love. Good luck.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Uh Uh, Not Cool : Yep It's Religious
You know what really grinds my gears?
When people try and shove their religion and ideas on it, down your throat.
I understand the whole "let’s go out and spread God's word," and all but I really feel some of these "missionaries" are going about it the wrong way.
It is my opinion that in order to "spread God's word" you shouldn't try and just start telling them why they should be Christian or whatever other religion. If your faith is based on doing unto others as you would have them do unto you...follow that. I guarantee you that it would offend you/ be considered harassment if a Buddhists or Hindu or some other major world religion missionary came up to you and basically told you that you were wrong and that you were going to die and be miserable if you didn't join their religion. This is like saying, your club sucks and if you don't join ours you are going to suffer. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF THE JURY this is a straight up threat!
How bout instead of words, you use actions. Let those who want to "have what you have" see what you have first. Then whip out the Bible or Koran or whatever. Use missionary works, not missionary words. Words are limited anyways.
Plus, you don't really know if you're right. After all YOU are only human. YOU are not God. To "know" what God meant by the Bible is saying you know as much as God.
Only God knows for sure any and all the answers and wonders of the world. Humans should not try and explain to other humans the mysteries they have not yet solved themselves. The mystery of God or whoever is not solved till you die and you are met face-to-face with His light or Nirvana or what/wherever you think you're going….Because that's just it. You but only THINK you are going there. You cannot truly know for sure something until it happens. You can have faith, but all the faith in the world cannot make something be something it’s not.
So please, if you must mission to others, let them see His glory through your good works and kindness, not through force feeding your ideas to them. After all, your ideas are human ideas, only God knows what his ideas are.
When people try and shove their religion and ideas on it, down your throat.
I understand the whole "let’s go out and spread God's word," and all but I really feel some of these "missionaries" are going about it the wrong way.
It is my opinion that in order to "spread God's word" you shouldn't try and just start telling them why they should be Christian or whatever other religion. If your faith is based on doing unto others as you would have them do unto you...follow that. I guarantee you that it would offend you/ be considered harassment if a Buddhists or Hindu or some other major world religion missionary came up to you and basically told you that you were wrong and that you were going to die and be miserable if you didn't join their religion. This is like saying, your club sucks and if you don't join ours you are going to suffer. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF THE JURY this is a straight up threat!
How bout instead of words, you use actions. Let those who want to "have what you have" see what you have first. Then whip out the Bible or Koran or whatever. Use missionary works, not missionary words. Words are limited anyways.
Plus, you don't really know if you're right. After all YOU are only human. YOU are not God. To "know" what God meant by the Bible is saying you know as much as God.
Only God knows for sure any and all the answers and wonders of the world. Humans should not try and explain to other humans the mysteries they have not yet solved themselves. The mystery of God or whoever is not solved till you die and you are met face-to-face with His light or Nirvana or what/wherever you think you're going….Because that's just it. You but only THINK you are going there. You cannot truly know for sure something until it happens. You can have faith, but all the faith in the world cannot make something be something it’s not.
So please, if you must mission to others, let them see His glory through your good works and kindness, not through force feeding your ideas to them. After all, your ideas are human ideas, only God knows what his ideas are.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Fat Kid Moments
I may only be 21 year young, but I'm also 21 years old.
I may not be an expert on life, but hey you'd have to live a whole life to be able to say that and hopefully 21 years isn't all I get.
We are all told not to do things as kids. Ones I got a lot were, "Don't play with your food," "No singing at the table," "No running in church," "Quit distracting others," "No talking in class,"...
Well once you've got those down you get older and turns out you have more to learn...like, "Don't judge others," "Chocolate is bad for you," "Sugary drink will make you fat," "Money doesn't grow on trees,"....
Now, these are good things to remember and keep in mind.
With 21 years of experience under my belt I can tell you that we all have bad days. We all need a pick-me-up now and again. So I'm here to tell you a few things I've learned.
1. Sometimes I catch myself looking at other people's lives and thanking God that I don't have their life. I was comparing my life to someone I knew in High School the other day and they have never had a real boyfriend, their friends aren't as awesome as mine, and her family is crazier than mine (yes that's achievable). Yes, this is judging saying that "I'm glad my life isn't like hers,"...but, it also made me so very thankful for the life I have. I am very thankful to have the boyfriend I do in my life, to have the great friends/sorority sisters in my life and the Brady bunch family I have in my life. So in short, judging can put things in perspective and make you thankful for the things and people you have. Just be careful, because one man's trash is another man's treasure.
2. Sometimes when you have had a bad day and things don't go the way they should. Or you feel mistreated or neglected...it is ok to go to the store and buy your favorite chocolate or ice cream and your favorite coke and eat and drink the whole thing in one sitting. Sometimes that's just what you need to do. And it's what makes you feel better. Trust me we've all been there...it's ok to have emotional fat kid moments every once and a while. Plus chocolate has antioxidants in it that make you feel good because they are good for you.
3. Retail therapy is ok. I don't know what it is about buying a new pair of shoes or a new dress that heals wounds, but it does. If you have the money, why not make yourself feel better by treating yourself to a shopping day? Supposedly too when women shop it releases dopamine....
So go ahead, throw everything that's ever been told to you about money, judging and sweets out the window now and again and give into those inner fat kid moments.
I may not be an expert on life, but hey you'd have to live a whole life to be able to say that and hopefully 21 years isn't all I get.
We are all told not to do things as kids. Ones I got a lot were, "Don't play with your food," "No singing at the table," "No running in church," "Quit distracting others," "No talking in class,"...
Well once you've got those down you get older and turns out you have more to learn...like, "Don't judge others," "Chocolate is bad for you," "Sugary drink will make you fat," "Money doesn't grow on trees,"....
Now, these are good things to remember and keep in mind.
With 21 years of experience under my belt I can tell you that we all have bad days. We all need a pick-me-up now and again. So I'm here to tell you a few things I've learned.
1. Sometimes I catch myself looking at other people's lives and thanking God that I don't have their life. I was comparing my life to someone I knew in High School the other day and they have never had a real boyfriend, their friends aren't as awesome as mine, and her family is crazier than mine (yes that's achievable). Yes, this is judging saying that "I'm glad my life isn't like hers,"...but, it also made me so very thankful for the life I have. I am very thankful to have the boyfriend I do in my life, to have the great friends/sorority sisters in my life and the Brady bunch family I have in my life. So in short, judging can put things in perspective and make you thankful for the things and people you have. Just be careful, because one man's trash is another man's treasure.
2. Sometimes when you have had a bad day and things don't go the way they should. Or you feel mistreated or neglected...it is ok to go to the store and buy your favorite chocolate or ice cream and your favorite coke and eat and drink the whole thing in one sitting. Sometimes that's just what you need to do. And it's what makes you feel better. Trust me we've all been there...it's ok to have emotional fat kid moments every once and a while. Plus chocolate has antioxidants in it that make you feel good because they are good for you.
3. Retail therapy is ok. I don't know what it is about buying a new pair of shoes or a new dress that heals wounds, but it does. If you have the money, why not make yourself feel better by treating yourself to a shopping day? Supposedly too when women shop it releases dopamine....
So go ahead, throw everything that's ever been told to you about money, judging and sweets out the window now and again and give into those inner fat kid moments.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Oh Yeah? Watch Me.
How old do you have to be till people stop telling you that you are "too young" for stuff?
How old?
Supposedly I am too young for a lot of things...to think about getting married, to worry about employment after graduation, etc. etc...
Really...
I hate when people tell me I can't achieve or do something because of one thing or the other.
How discouraging do you want to be?
The only things that I am not legally old enough to do is drink/purchase/be in possession of alcohol(which will change for me in a week) and renting things like vacation homes and cars.
I've been able to legally work full time for 5 years and been able to get married without parental consent for 2 almost 3....so no I am not "too young."
Looking at maturity is I guess something to do....
Well, for the record I forget I'm not actually 28 years old. I don't have the limit of knowledge and experience in life of an almost 21 year old.
I've lived a lot of life. But I guess you didn't know that.
What ever happen to not judging a book by it's cover?
Sure I look about 15 with out makeup, but I have a wise soul.
I think I felt 21 in the 10th grade. Not because of alcohol or anything, but because of what I had to grow up and deal with.
Life happens to people at different rates and lessons are learned(or not) by people at different rates too.
So maybe, you were too young to get married or worry about employment after graduation at almost 21, but you have no place telling me I am.
YOU DON"T KNOW ME FOOL! (had to throw in a little humor)
Think twice before you tell someone they can't do something for one reason or another. Because if they are anything like me, they will say "oh, yeah?" and try twice as hard to prove you wrong.
How old?
Supposedly I am too young for a lot of things...to think about getting married, to worry about employment after graduation, etc. etc...
Really...
I hate when people tell me I can't achieve or do something because of one thing or the other.
How discouraging do you want to be?
The only things that I am not legally old enough to do is drink/purchase/be in possession of alcohol(which will change for me in a week) and renting things like vacation homes and cars.
I've been able to legally work full time for 5 years and been able to get married without parental consent for 2 almost 3....so no I am not "too young."
Looking at maturity is I guess something to do....
Well, for the record I forget I'm not actually 28 years old. I don't have the limit of knowledge and experience in life of an almost 21 year old.
I've lived a lot of life. But I guess you didn't know that.
What ever happen to not judging a book by it's cover?
Sure I look about 15 with out makeup, but I have a wise soul.
I think I felt 21 in the 10th grade. Not because of alcohol or anything, but because of what I had to grow up and deal with.
Life happens to people at different rates and lessons are learned(or not) by people at different rates too.
So maybe, you were too young to get married or worry about employment after graduation at almost 21, but you have no place telling me I am.
YOU DON"T KNOW ME FOOL! (had to throw in a little humor)
Think twice before you tell someone they can't do something for one reason or another. Because if they are anything like me, they will say "oh, yeah?" and try twice as hard to prove you wrong.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Sitting, Waiting, Wishing
For those of you who know me, you probably think I'm really patient. I say that because those of you who know me know about me and my boyfriend and the fact that I don't get to see him much.
You probably don't know that, my boyfriend and I only get on average 12 one-on-one dates a year...yes, a year.
Did I mention we've been together for over 3 and a half years....yes we are high school sweethearts.
Anyways, I'm not patient. I pretend I am, but I'm far from it.
I get road rage really easily, I start count downs for things over 100 days before they actually happen, and I still ask, "Are we there yet?" on every road trip.
The Bible says that love is patient...well Bible you may be God's word and all, but I'd have to disagree. (please don't smite me, please don't smite me, please don't smite me)
Love is NOT patient.
Love wants more than anything to have what it wants all the time, right then and there. I mean, love is what makes us want to be with someone ALL. THE. TIME. Because of this when we are gone from those we love we can't wait, literally, to be back with them. This is not patience!
Most people tell me they do not know how I do it, and honestly sometimes I don't either.
Waiting weighs heavy on a heart full of love. But if love is it's burden so be it, for it gives my soul pure joy and happiness. It is a a burden worth baring, for it is one so few get the joy of knowing.
You probably don't know that, my boyfriend and I only get on average 12 one-on-one dates a year...yes, a year.
Did I mention we've been together for over 3 and a half years....yes we are high school sweethearts.
Anyways, I'm not patient. I pretend I am, but I'm far from it.
I get road rage really easily, I start count downs for things over 100 days before they actually happen, and I still ask, "Are we there yet?" on every road trip.
The Bible says that love is patient...well Bible you may be God's word and all, but I'd have to disagree. (please don't smite me, please don't smite me, please don't smite me)
Love is NOT patient.
Love wants more than anything to have what it wants all the time, right then and there. I mean, love is what makes us want to be with someone ALL. THE. TIME. Because of this when we are gone from those we love we can't wait, literally, to be back with them. This is not patience!
Most people tell me they do not know how I do it, and honestly sometimes I don't either.
Waiting weighs heavy on a heart full of love. But if love is it's burden so be it, for it gives my soul pure joy and happiness. It is a a burden worth baring, for it is one so few get the joy of knowing.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
All the Small Things...A Thought for the Day
At work today I was sitting in the office of my boss and she was giving me a project. She printed something off for me and made a comment on how she is bad about printing things off and leaving them on the printer because it "is so hard to stand up and get them." Of course she said this jokingly, but then it hit me...
Why is it so hard to do the small things?
Why do we always plan for the large grand scheme off in the future type things?
Its always the small things that seam so insignificant.
We forget it's the small things that lead the big things to happen.
We forget that throwing a small pebble into an ocean, still causes a large ripple.
Planning for the future is wise, but making every moment count till then is what makes life worth living.
Why is it so hard to do the small things?
Why do we always plan for the large grand scheme off in the future type things?
Its always the small things that seam so insignificant.
We forget it's the small things that lead the big things to happen.
We forget that throwing a small pebble into an ocean, still causes a large ripple.
Planning for the future is wise, but making every moment count till then is what makes life worth living.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Age Aint Nothin' But A Number
BEFORE YOU READ THIS : please take the time to click "follow" and you can just sign in with your twitter name and password..yes its that simple. please please please. I'd just really appreciate the support.
So today at work we had this meeting all day long. It was a great learning experience for me...but that's not what I'm addressing today in this blog here today.
So anyways, back to being at the meeting....
Sometimes I forget how "not old" I am...meaning I am not young either, just not old. But I also forget I'm not as old as I feel. Which is about 28. I mean I've lived a lot of life. (For those of you who care I'll be 21 in 18 days)
But anyways...
Looking around the room, I am reminded that I am the youngest person at the state agency I work at. I mean the next youngest at this meeting is about 7 or 8 years older than me. Also, everybody at this meeting have kids.
So anyways as I'm eating my little oranges that were provided, I over hear two other employees talking about hot flashes and others talking about the joints and places on their bodies that hurt. And of course the line "Well, way back in the day..." is thrown out a few times. So then one of the ladies talking about her pains turns to me and says, "See what you have to look forward too? This is comin'."
I was taken back a little bit. I don't ever really think about how my body is going to deteriorate as I get older. To me, that's just part of it....I guess I just accepted it along time ago and moved on. But nonetheless that's why we have great modern medicine...and anti-aging cream.
Age is what our body does. But with age comes wisdom.
Wisdom is what I want.
I like the idea of being able to help others with their problems based upon my own wisdom.
Solomon was on to something.
Now, that being said...just because you are older doesn't mean you are necessarily wiser. I mean I know someone who is close to 70, and they are as far from wise as the moon. Wisdom does not come with the number on your birthday cake...it comes from having open hearts, open minds, and open doors to taking opportunities and risks (sound familiar fellow Methodist...haha).
Acknowledging first that we are not wise is the first step to becoming wise. If we step back and realize we don't know what to do in an situation, we can then better learn what to do through trial and error, both our own and of those around us on what to do the next time...
Listening is another way to gain wisdom...like, truly listening and understanding. If we are able to absorb what those that have gone through certain situations, we don't have to make their mistakes and/or we know what to do without making our own.
You also must know yourself before you can achieve wisdom. How can you better yourself, if you
don't even know who you are?
I personally am looking forward to getting older. I am excited to see what life has in store for me.
I don't care if I am going to feel a little sore now and again or get hot real quick all of a sudden, it's a price for something better that riches; wisdom. That's not to say I am not going to get my hair enhanced once it shows the dreadful grey hair....But getting older and wiser does come with more responsibilities...but there some great responsibilities I am so excited for. Things like marriage, children, owning a house and having steady employment are responsibilities and opportunities for wisdom that I look forward to taking on.
Have a wisdom filled day. :)
Now, off to change that world.
So today at work we had this meeting all day long. It was a great learning experience for me...but that's not what I'm addressing today in this blog here today.
So anyways, back to being at the meeting....
Sometimes I forget how "not old" I am...meaning I am not young either, just not old. But I also forget I'm not as old as I feel. Which is about 28. I mean I've lived a lot of life. (For those of you who care I'll be 21 in 18 days)
But anyways...
Looking around the room, I am reminded that I am the youngest person at the state agency I work at. I mean the next youngest at this meeting is about 7 or 8 years older than me. Also, everybody at this meeting have kids.
So anyways as I'm eating my little oranges that were provided, I over hear two other employees talking about hot flashes and others talking about the joints and places on their bodies that hurt. And of course the line "Well, way back in the day..." is thrown out a few times. So then one of the ladies talking about her pains turns to me and says, "See what you have to look forward too? This is comin'."
I was taken back a little bit. I don't ever really think about how my body is going to deteriorate as I get older. To me, that's just part of it....I guess I just accepted it along time ago and moved on. But nonetheless that's why we have great modern medicine...and anti-aging cream.
Age is what our body does. But with age comes wisdom.
Wisdom is what I want.
I like the idea of being able to help others with their problems based upon my own wisdom.
Solomon was on to something.
Now, that being said...just because you are older doesn't mean you are necessarily wiser. I mean I know someone who is close to 70, and they are as far from wise as the moon. Wisdom does not come with the number on your birthday cake...it comes from having open hearts, open minds, and open doors to taking opportunities and risks (sound familiar fellow Methodist...haha).
Acknowledging first that we are not wise is the first step to becoming wise. If we step back and realize we don't know what to do in an situation, we can then better learn what to do through trial and error, both our own and of those around us on what to do the next time...
Listening is another way to gain wisdom...like, truly listening and understanding. If we are able to absorb what those that have gone through certain situations, we don't have to make their mistakes and/or we know what to do without making our own.
You also must know yourself before you can achieve wisdom. How can you better yourself, if you
don't even know who you are?
I personally am looking forward to getting older. I am excited to see what life has in store for me.
I don't care if I am going to feel a little sore now and again or get hot real quick all of a sudden, it's a price for something better that riches; wisdom. That's not to say I am not going to get my hair enhanced once it shows the dreadful grey hair....But getting older and wiser does come with more responsibilities...but there some great responsibilities I am so excited for. Things like marriage, children, owning a house and having steady employment are responsibilities and opportunities for wisdom that I look forward to taking on.
Have a wisdom filled day. :)
Now, off to change that world.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Oh to be a Southern Belle
So I was driving to work and thinking about how much I love the South. I mean really we are just awesome. And then I started to think about music...and you know what I noticed? I'll tell you, I noticed that songs about beautiful/awesome girls are always talking about Southern girls. OK, so there is also a song about California girls, but hey I'm still not convinced they aren't their own country. But that's a topic for another day.
Anyways, so yeah the South rocks.
With the finding of my Southern pride today I thought I'd publish some of my favorite Southern belle quotes. These are sayings only true belles understand. And of course I'm going to reflect on each quote, I mean duh.
"Southerns don't just drink iced tea, they practically inhale it. They see no reason not to drink it when snow is on the ground. It's equally as appropriate in the middle of a heat wave. " -from a Southern Belle Primer
Regarding this quote...Can I get an "I heard that," from yall?
I love tea. Although I'd argue that belles from Arkansas prefer sweet peach tea...I bet the Georgia belles would agree too. Well, at least that's what my Southern belle of a grandmother would always make...I blame tea drinking on my dislike for the taste of plain water.
"Big hair always been a fashion statement in the South. Teasing has not gone out of style. Hairspray sells are awesome. To a southern girl, getting her first can of hairspray is far more important than getting her first bra."- from a Southern Belle Primer
Just walk around the tailgating on football game day at the University of Arkansas and you can see the truth in this quote with your own eyes.
"What is considered trash or quality in the South has nothing to do with money. Some of the best families around haven't had money for generations. The emphasis is on breeding and manners. No amount of money can make you quality if you don't act like quality. For instance, good Southern belles don't place much importance on paying $400 to buy a pocketbook that's got some Italian designer's initials all over it. In the South, grandmother's monogrammed napkin rings are much more important than Gucci's monogrammed luggage. To think otherwise is just tacky. And around here, nothing is more tacky than being tacky." - from a Southern Belle Primer
"No amount of money can make you quality, if you don't act like quality..." love that.
"Ask Southerns what the most popular religions are in the South and they are quick to tell you--Baptist, Methodist, and football." - from a Southern Belle Primer
I am Methodist. My dad's side of the family is baptist. Most of my friends are one of the 2 except for the Texans....most of them are Catholic.
We here in the South are all guilty of counting down till the first fall football game of the season. We belles are always on the look out for game day attire and we always dress as if we are going out to a party to games. Of course, here in the South every social event is a party to us belles. We are social creatures and jump at the chance for an excuse to tease our hair, put make up on, and well....participate in various social activities (you know what I mean) while keeping it classy of course.
For you Razorback fans it is 85 days till the first football game of the season.
One last quote.
"The belle is a breed that has endured for generation after generation. That's what she's best at -- enduring and surviving." -Maryln Schwartz
True belles tend to have families that have lived here in the South for years. Most of us belles have mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers that are belles as well.
True Southern Belles are a unique breed of woman. We are strong. We are taught how to survive on our own. But we are also the modern day princess and expect to be treated as such. We are a sucker for chivalry, but we always keep our wits about us. To be able to claim the title is a privilege that is taken on with great responsibility. "To think otherwise is just tacky. And around here, nothing is more tacky than being tacky."
Hope you enjoined this one!
Now, off to change the world.
Anyways, so yeah the South rocks.
With the finding of my Southern pride today I thought I'd publish some of my favorite Southern belle quotes. These are sayings only true belles understand. And of course I'm going to reflect on each quote, I mean duh.
"Southerns don't just drink iced tea, they practically inhale it. They see no reason not to drink it when snow is on the ground. It's equally as appropriate in the middle of a heat wave. " -from a Southern Belle Primer
Regarding this quote...Can I get an "I heard that," from yall?
I love tea. Although I'd argue that belles from Arkansas prefer sweet peach tea...I bet the Georgia belles would agree too. Well, at least that's what my Southern belle of a grandmother would always make...I blame tea drinking on my dislike for the taste of plain water.
"Big hair always been a fashion statement in the South. Teasing has not gone out of style. Hairspray sells are awesome. To a southern girl, getting her first can of hairspray is far more important than getting her first bra."- from a Southern Belle Primer
Just walk around the tailgating on football game day at the University of Arkansas and you can see the truth in this quote with your own eyes.
"What is considered trash or quality in the South has nothing to do with money. Some of the best families around haven't had money for generations. The emphasis is on breeding and manners. No amount of money can make you quality if you don't act like quality. For instance, good Southern belles don't place much importance on paying $400 to buy a pocketbook that's got some Italian designer's initials all over it. In the South, grandmother's monogrammed napkin rings are much more important than Gucci's monogrammed luggage. To think otherwise is just tacky. And around here, nothing is more tacky than being tacky." - from a Southern Belle Primer
"No amount of money can make you quality, if you don't act like quality..." love that.
"Ask Southerns what the most popular religions are in the South and they are quick to tell you--Baptist, Methodist, and football." - from a Southern Belle Primer
I am Methodist. My dad's side of the family is baptist. Most of my friends are one of the 2 except for the Texans....most of them are Catholic.
We here in the South are all guilty of counting down till the first fall football game of the season. We belles are always on the look out for game day attire and we always dress as if we are going out to a party to games. Of course, here in the South every social event is a party to us belles. We are social creatures and jump at the chance for an excuse to tease our hair, put make up on, and well....participate in various social activities (you know what I mean) while keeping it classy of course.
For you Razorback fans it is 85 days till the first football game of the season.
One last quote.
"The belle is a breed that has endured for generation after generation. That's what she's best at -- enduring and surviving." -Maryln Schwartz
True belles tend to have families that have lived here in the South for years. Most of us belles have mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers that are belles as well.
True Southern Belles are a unique breed of woman. We are strong. We are taught how to survive on our own. But we are also the modern day princess and expect to be treated as such. We are a sucker for chivalry, but we always keep our wits about us. To be able to claim the title is a privilege that is taken on with great responsibility. "To think otherwise is just tacky. And around here, nothing is more tacky than being tacky."
Hope you enjoined this one!
Now, off to change the world.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
A Sister's a Sister, No Matter How Far
Yesterday I got a text from a sorority sister telling me her boyfriend just broke up with her. Without blinking I immediately started to try and comfort her, altruistically. Before this I hadn't talk to her, like really talked to her in about oh, 2 months give or take.
And it got me thinking....
How great is it to know that when you have a problem or situation going on you can have a group of people that you can turn to and confide in with no risk of harsh judgement? This is truly a gift that not all people have in life.
I'm not saying that you can't have this if you aren't in a sorority, but I have found this in mine.
I have friends, and then I have sisters.
Sisters are friends that will tell you how it is whether you ask or not, they are going to be there when you get your heart broken, and they will be your biggest fan. They will pick you up when you figuratively and literally get knocked down (or fall/trip/stumble/tumble etc...) to the ground. They will be the one to take care of, look out for, and support you. They are also there to play "mom" when you need it.
A true sister accepts you for who you are even if they don't like you all of the time or if you make choices they wouldn't. Those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind. A true sister doesn't mind.
The relationship isn't perfect. Because just like siblings, sisters quarrel and disagree. But the great thing about sisters is the issue gets resolved one way or another. Most sisters know how to forgive.
I first noticed the special bond sisters have with one another after my first summer break in college. I hadn't really talked much to, let alone seen any of my sorority sisters all summer. But, as soon as we all got back up to school it was like we had never not seen each other. We were still just as comfortable, talkative, and familiar with each other as we were when we left, if not closer. Sure we still caught each other up on our lives to that point, but it was just like we were telling each other about the night we had last night; normal.
Personally, I know I would do anything for anyone of my sisters. But then again, I don't know of any of my sisters who wouldn't do the same for me. That's just how sisterhood works I guess. And I'll tell you what, I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Alpha Love
Now, off to change the world.
And it got me thinking....
How great is it to know that when you have a problem or situation going on you can have a group of people that you can turn to and confide in with no risk of harsh judgement? This is truly a gift that not all people have in life.
I'm not saying that you can't have this if you aren't in a sorority, but I have found this in mine.
I have friends, and then I have sisters.
Sisters are friends that will tell you how it is whether you ask or not, they are going to be there when you get your heart broken, and they will be your biggest fan. They will pick you up when you figuratively and literally get knocked down (or fall/trip/stumble/tumble etc...) to the ground. They will be the one to take care of, look out for, and support you. They are also there to play "mom" when you need it.
A true sister accepts you for who you are even if they don't like you all of the time or if you make choices they wouldn't. Those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind. A true sister doesn't mind.
The relationship isn't perfect. Because just like siblings, sisters quarrel and disagree. But the great thing about sisters is the issue gets resolved one way or another. Most sisters know how to forgive.
I first noticed the special bond sisters have with one another after my first summer break in college. I hadn't really talked much to, let alone seen any of my sorority sisters all summer. But, as soon as we all got back up to school it was like we had never not seen each other. We were still just as comfortable, talkative, and familiar with each other as we were when we left, if not closer. Sure we still caught each other up on our lives to that point, but it was just like we were telling each other about the night we had last night; normal.
Personally, I know I would do anything for anyone of my sisters. But then again, I don't know of any of my sisters who wouldn't do the same for me. That's just how sisterhood works I guess. And I'll tell you what, I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Alpha Love
Now, off to change the world.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
They call me TaySte, Google for short
So, blogging.
I've been meaning to start for a long time now. I'm one of those people who walks around and thinks of something I feel is brilliant but have no means to the public expression I long for.
I also tend to keep a lot of myself inward, and so I am taking a challenge from a friend to blog everyday for 2 months (as long as I have Internet). Wish me luck! Haha.
Now for the explanation of my blog title "Girls Wear Pearls."
Every since I can remember, the women in my family told me about my great-grand mother, who is also one of my hero's. She always had something to say, and always did what she wanted even if it did get her banned from her Southern Baptist Church (this is why my family is Methodist). Well something I was told she always said was that pretty southern belles always wear their pearls. She would say, "It's just expected. That's how you know she real South." My grandmother, or Nana as we call her gave me my first real pearl necklace for my 16th birthday and I pretty much haven't taken them off since. Well, except to wear the beautiful pearls my now boyfriend of 3.5 years gave me.
Needless to say, I always try and follow what I've heard and can some what remember my great-grandmother says.
My family tells me I'm like her. I take pride in that.
There is also a double meaning to my Blog title in that one of my sorority gems is the pearl. The other is the ruby which happens to be my birthstone.
So now, about me.
I am a proud brunette with blue eyes. I am pretty short at only 5'4". I blame my great-grandfather for giving me the leprechaun gene. I mean the man was full Irish, a devout Catholic that went to an all boys Catholic boarding school for High School, where he played the fiddle! He also perhaps liked whiskey a little to much too (hey, he was full Irish). Did I mention his name was Thomas Francis McCarthy!?
Anyways, more about me.
My parents got a divorce when I was 14 and in the 9th grade, but the mess of it all didn't settle down...well till never but the divorce was final when I was 15 and in the 10th. This time in my life is where I grew-up. I learned more about the world in 2 years then most people learn in there lives. I am both thankful and bitter about this time in my life.
All that said, I have a dad, a step-mom, both of their parents, my step-mom's brother and sister-in-law, my mom, her 2 brothers and there wives, 2 cousins, my mom's mom, my step-dad, his sister and brother-in-law, 3 step cousins, my step-dad's parents, 2 step-brothers, 2 brothers and 2 dogs in my family. I jokingly say we are an honorary Catholic family, hahaha.
I strongly dislike reading, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE to write! Words are so beautiful and powerful to me. But whats even more powerful are actions. Going out and participating in activities that bring people together through a common bond is one of my favorite things about the life I get to lead. I am involved in a sorority that has given me life long friendship and a very interesting, a times fast-paced, and over all fun college career. I have learned a lot about life, love, and people because of the experiences I have had at AOII (Alpha Omicron Pi), and for that I guess I am in debt to Stella. (AOII joke...) Also, I love helping people (and animals) in the community. I take community service very seriously. Whether it be through an organization, on my own, or doing something out of kindness on a daily basis for someone is something I take joy from. It is also expected. I have been very blessed in my life and given a lot of opportunity, resources and skills. You know it's said, to much is given much is expected. I try my best to meet said expectations.
So you are probably wondering about the title for my post....Well, let me first start off by saying with 2 generic and simple names for both your first last name, many nicknames come around. I've been called TayLay, TayTay, Tay, TaySte, TES, Stevens, Steve, T Sparkle, Google and lovingly been referred to as "mom" by some of my sorority sisters.
I feel like most of my nicknames are pretty obvious on how they were come up with except TaySte, T Sparkle, and Google. T Sparkle was given to me because when I was younger I had a shirt with the letter "t" on it and then a rhinestone next to it like "t." And to T Sparkle was given to me.
TaySte is just the first syllables of my first and last names combined; TAYlor STEvens.
Google was given to me by my friends and sorority sisters because I know a lot of trivial things. If anybody has a question nobody knows the answer too, they come to me and I more than likely know it. Anything from what over-the-counter medicines you can take together and how often, to the state laws of Missouri, Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma regarding alcohol offenses (not that I've ever had to use that knowledge for myself). The thing is I have a thirst for knowledge and I find pure joy in knowing information just for the sake of knowing it.
Well, I think I've told you enough for now.
I look forward to writing again...this is so fun already!!! :)
Ok, I'm off to change the world.
I've been meaning to start for a long time now. I'm one of those people who walks around and thinks of something I feel is brilliant but have no means to the public expression I long for.
I also tend to keep a lot of myself inward, and so I am taking a challenge from a friend to blog everyday for 2 months (as long as I have Internet). Wish me luck! Haha.
Now for the explanation of my blog title "Girls Wear Pearls."
Every since I can remember, the women in my family told me about my great-grand mother, who is also one of my hero's. She always had something to say, and always did what she wanted even if it did get her banned from her Southern Baptist Church (this is why my family is Methodist). Well something I was told she always said was that pretty southern belles always wear their pearls. She would say, "It's just expected. That's how you know she real South." My grandmother, or Nana as we call her gave me my first real pearl necklace for my 16th birthday and I pretty much haven't taken them off since. Well, except to wear the beautiful pearls my now boyfriend of 3.5 years gave me.
Needless to say, I always try and follow what I've heard and can some what remember my great-grandmother says.
My family tells me I'm like her. I take pride in that.
There is also a double meaning to my Blog title in that one of my sorority gems is the pearl. The other is the ruby which happens to be my birthstone.
So now, about me.
I am a proud brunette with blue eyes. I am pretty short at only 5'4". I blame my great-grandfather for giving me the leprechaun gene. I mean the man was full Irish, a devout Catholic that went to an all boys Catholic boarding school for High School, where he played the fiddle! He also perhaps liked whiskey a little to much too (hey, he was full Irish). Did I mention his name was Thomas Francis McCarthy!?
Anyways, more about me.
My parents got a divorce when I was 14 and in the 9th grade, but the mess of it all didn't settle down...well till never but the divorce was final when I was 15 and in the 10th. This time in my life is where I grew-up. I learned more about the world in 2 years then most people learn in there lives. I am both thankful and bitter about this time in my life.
All that said, I have a dad, a step-mom, both of their parents, my step-mom's brother and sister-in-law, my mom, her 2 brothers and there wives, 2 cousins, my mom's mom, my step-dad, his sister and brother-in-law, 3 step cousins, my step-dad's parents, 2 step-brothers, 2 brothers and 2 dogs in my family. I jokingly say we are an honorary Catholic family, hahaha.
I strongly dislike reading, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE to write! Words are so beautiful and powerful to me. But whats even more powerful are actions. Going out and participating in activities that bring people together through a common bond is one of my favorite things about the life I get to lead. I am involved in a sorority that has given me life long friendship and a very interesting, a times fast-paced, and over all fun college career. I have learned a lot about life, love, and people because of the experiences I have had at AOII (Alpha Omicron Pi), and for that I guess I am in debt to Stella. (AOII joke...) Also, I love helping people (and animals) in the community. I take community service very seriously. Whether it be through an organization, on my own, or doing something out of kindness on a daily basis for someone is something I take joy from. It is also expected. I have been very blessed in my life and given a lot of opportunity, resources and skills. You know it's said, to much is given much is expected. I try my best to meet said expectations.
So you are probably wondering about the title for my post....Well, let me first start off by saying with 2 generic and simple names for both your first last name, many nicknames come around. I've been called TayLay, TayTay, Tay, TaySte, TES, Stevens, Steve, T Sparkle, Google and lovingly been referred to as "mom" by some of my sorority sisters.
I feel like most of my nicknames are pretty obvious on how they were come up with except TaySte, T Sparkle, and Google. T Sparkle was given to me because when I was younger I had a shirt with the letter "t" on it and then a rhinestone next to it like "t." And to T Sparkle was given to me.
TaySte is just the first syllables of my first and last names combined; TAYlor STEvens.
Google was given to me by my friends and sorority sisters because I know a lot of trivial things. If anybody has a question nobody knows the answer too, they come to me and I more than likely know it. Anything from what over-the-counter medicines you can take together and how often, to the state laws of Missouri, Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma regarding alcohol offenses (not that I've ever had to use that knowledge for myself). The thing is I have a thirst for knowledge and I find pure joy in knowing information just for the sake of knowing it.
Well, I think I've told you enough for now.
I look forward to writing again...this is so fun already!!! :)
Ok, I'm off to change the world.
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