I have always been someone who loves animals, and I'd like to think someday I could divert that energy to my own children. In the meantime, I decided to adopt a small hamster that ended up becoming something that I loved very much.
Most people I talk to about Dimmy find the idea that someone could love such a small animal/pet so much just crazy, though I really valued him as though he were my child. I played with him daily, bought him the various hamster treats, and he always had new toys. I talked about him frequently, and prided myself on the fact that he would come out of his hamster bed to say hi if I talked to him.
One day, I came home from work and noticed that Dimmy wasn't acting like his normal gregarious self. It turns out that Dimmy had aquired a nasty eye infection that was both painful and blinding. I took him to the vet, who said that he would either suffer and die, or hopefully get better after surgery. Of course I went with the latter option, and he did do well for a few days. I had to hand feed him and give him water daily with a lot of antibiotics. I had high hopes for his recovery, but I woke up one morning to find that he had died in his sleep.
I buried him that same day in a nice area in my new back yard---crying throughout the entire process. Ok I know what you must be thinking---this is too much, but he was really important to me.
It makes me realize that he was a real source of joy for me, as most pets are to their owners. A little corner in my room, which once housed a happy, fat hamster now stands vacant. That joy people feel with their pets and loved ones is the very thing that makes life so exceptionally beautiful. Dimmy gave me that feeling, and I am glad that I had him in my life for the time that I did.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Dark Corners
Why is it that you always gravitate towards whats wrong for you, and shy away from a perfect fit? Is it just too easy, or does mankind have an obession with wanting what they can't have?
Most people know whats right for them, but some little voice deep-down inside tells them that there is always something bigger and better than what is right in front of their face. Maybe it's the media, projecting an unobtainable idea of beauty and romance as something that is the status quo; setting one's expectations far beyond reach.
I have always valued a quote that I, with the rest of the human population, tend to forget. It is simply "it's not having what you want, it is having what you've got." It is so easy to assume that you need something else out there, but taking a step back can show you that you really have more than you could ever possibly ask for.For instance, I have an incredible group of friends, job and house, though life's simple speed bumps tend to produce seemingly life-altering stress.
A goal that I hope to contiously reach throughout my life is realizing what I have before I lose it, an inherent flaw in man.
So maybe you should try to do the same. Go out of your way to tell someone that you love them, or not before making a stupid, selfish move that could hurt one close to you.
Most people know whats right for them, but some little voice deep-down inside tells them that there is always something bigger and better than what is right in front of their face. Maybe it's the media, projecting an unobtainable idea of beauty and romance as something that is the status quo; setting one's expectations far beyond reach.
I have always valued a quote that I, with the rest of the human population, tend to forget. It is simply "it's not having what you want, it is having what you've got." It is so easy to assume that you need something else out there, but taking a step back can show you that you really have more than you could ever possibly ask for.For instance, I have an incredible group of friends, job and house, though life's simple speed bumps tend to produce seemingly life-altering stress.
A goal that I hope to contiously reach throughout my life is realizing what I have before I lose it, an inherent flaw in man.
So maybe you should try to do the same. Go out of your way to tell someone that you love them, or not before making a stupid, selfish move that could hurt one close to you.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Job Searching/Interviewing
Having just graduated in December, I have recently began the job searching/interviewing process. It has been an incredibly interesting experience, for the better and worse.
I had heard from friends that Careerbuilder.com was a great way to both submit your resume to potential employers and post your resume online to allow recruiters to see your credentials (if you are new to this process, you should definitely read this). Careerbuilder is a great way to network with companies that are actively interviewing for vacant positions, and I have received several opportunities from this web site, though one should know that not all employers are as credible or professional as their sales/recruiting pitch may sound. I encourage you to do research on the company before even taking an interview.
For instance, I applied for a sales position within an international company on Careerbuilder and was contacted within 48 hours by a soft-spoken lady, who I assumed to be the company's recruiter. We scheduled an interview, much to my excitement, and I decided to check out the company's web site just to see what I was getting into. I was a little under-impressed, but still had high hopes for my first interview.
I showed up for the interview at a nice office building in Franklin. I entered the building and walked by several very nice offices with glass facades and nice displays. I noticed a door off to the side, which at first I thought was a janitorial closet, as the other offices had glass entry ways. I passed by the door and noticed the company's name on the door. "This must be it," I thought and walked into the office.
My first impression was "dirty after hours club" and I took the walk of shame to the "reception" desk. I instantly realized that the soft-spoken lady who had called me wasn't the company recruiter---she was the receptionist. I was pretty sure that companies have specific positions to select applicants out, and act as company recruiters, so I began to question whether this interview was going to be a complete waste of time.
I sat down in an office chair and began to fill out pre-interview paperwork while listening to what sounded to be Bret Michaels being played in the reception area. That was it.
I decided to take a permanent bath room break and peaced out.. Come to find out one of my best friends Greg, had a similar experience where a company, who was also seeking college graduates, had him going to gas stations trying to sell predator's tickets for his second interview.
I had heard from friends that Careerbuilder.com was a great way to both submit your resume to potential employers and post your resume online to allow recruiters to see your credentials (if you are new to this process, you should definitely read this). Careerbuilder is a great way to network with companies that are actively interviewing for vacant positions, and I have received several opportunities from this web site, though one should know that not all employers are as credible or professional as their sales/recruiting pitch may sound. I encourage you to do research on the company before even taking an interview.
For instance, I applied for a sales position within an international company on Careerbuilder and was contacted within 48 hours by a soft-spoken lady, who I assumed to be the company's recruiter. We scheduled an interview, much to my excitement, and I decided to check out the company's web site just to see what I was getting into. I was a little under-impressed, but still had high hopes for my first interview.
I showed up for the interview at a nice office building in Franklin. I entered the building and walked by several very nice offices with glass facades and nice displays. I noticed a door off to the side, which at first I thought was a janitorial closet, as the other offices had glass entry ways. I passed by the door and noticed the company's name on the door. "This must be it," I thought and walked into the office.
My first impression was "dirty after hours club" and I took the walk of shame to the "reception" desk. I instantly realized that the soft-spoken lady who had called me wasn't the company recruiter---she was the receptionist. I was pretty sure that companies have specific positions to select applicants out, and act as company recruiters, so I began to question whether this interview was going to be a complete waste of time.
I sat down in an office chair and began to fill out pre-interview paperwork while listening to what sounded to be Bret Michaels being played in the reception area. That was it.
I decided to take a permanent bath room break and peaced out.. Come to find out one of my best friends Greg, had a similar experience where a company, who was also seeking college graduates, had him going to gas stations trying to sell predator's tickets for his second interview.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Nashville
So far my move has gone pretty well. I haven't had internet access until recently, so I haven't blogged in quite some time, but not having internet, cable or radio has been quite an experience in my new apartment.
I moved from Knoxville on the 24th of March, and into my new apartment in Nashville on March 28th. It is great.. It really is. I live off White Bridge Road in the West End/Belle Meade area of Nashville, which is a short commute to downtown or Green Hills. My apartment is a one bedroom, one bath, but considerably more expense than the ritzy University Heights of Knoxville :).
This move has really been a transition within a life transition. I am still job searching in an incredibly difficult job market, and fiscally speaking--my money life is certainly different than my college days. Money is tight now that I am still working at Olive Garden, though when I get a real job, my financial situation will be much better.
I do miss my friends in Knoxville, and I hope you are all doing very well. I changed my phone number, and recently put the new one on my facebook page if you haven't gotten it---I want to hear from you! If I haven't talk to you in awhile, Nashville is great and keep your fingers crossed for me job search wise!
I moved from Knoxville on the 24th of March, and into my new apartment in Nashville on March 28th. It is great.. It really is. I live off White Bridge Road in the West End/Belle Meade area of Nashville, which is a short commute to downtown or Green Hills. My apartment is a one bedroom, one bath, but considerably more expense than the ritzy University Heights of Knoxville :).
This move has really been a transition within a life transition. I am still job searching in an incredibly difficult job market, and fiscally speaking--my money life is certainly different than my college days. Money is tight now that I am still working at Olive Garden, though when I get a real job, my financial situation will be much better.
I do miss my friends in Knoxville, and I hope you are all doing very well. I changed my phone number, and recently put the new one on my facebook page if you haven't gotten it---I want to hear from you! If I haven't talk to you in awhile, Nashville is great and keep your fingers crossed for me job search wise!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Dimmy
So my hamster's name is Dimmy, and he is apparently quite the con artist.
The pet store attendant was adamant about keeping his food bowl full as "hamsters always need a source of food, so keep their bowl full. You don't want them going hungry."
Dimmy is quite large, and large meaning morbidly obese, and I have discovered the cause of his weight issue. That little sh*t has been taking his food out of his food bowl and hiding it under his shavings!
Now my gluttonous hamster is like a breath away from death. Thanks Pets Mart lady!
The pet store attendant was adamant about keeping his food bowl full as "hamsters always need a source of food, so keep their bowl full. You don't want them going hungry."
Dimmy is quite large, and large meaning morbidly obese, and I have discovered the cause of his weight issue. That little sh*t has been taking his food out of his food bowl and hiding it under his shavings!
Now my gluttonous hamster is like a breath away from death. Thanks Pets Mart lady!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Knoxville
I always find myself blogging at the early hours of the morning. I suppose it is the time of night that I have nothing to do but sit and think about things..
I moved to Knoxville at the end of my sophomore year in the early months of that summer. I can remember exactly how excited I was to escape the confinements that I had managed to lock myself into in Chattanooga. Here in Knoxville, I could be myself and live however I wanted without any kind of social backlash. I didn't have to be a closeted frat guy anymore. I could just be me.
I have made incredible friends with so many people here in Knoxville. So many of them aren't here anymore and have moved on to bigger and better things. Some moved to Nashville, others to Washington D.C., and one even finally made it to New York City (haha.. which is good, because he talked about it nonstop :) ). I consider all of you to be lifelong, and I feel so privileged to have you all in my life.
I have found love in the romantic sense here, an experience that has allowed me to grow in ways that I didn't know I could.
I have seen peoples lives change for the better and for the worse; some in devastating ways.
I know that Knoxville will soon be a part of my past, but this town will always be a major landmark in my life. I will look back with a sense of nostalgia and remember the incredible times that were had and the incredible people I met.
I suppose coming and going is part of the never-ending cycle of life. Sadly, It is time to close the chapter of my life entitled "Knoxville". Though, the characters who I met here will always be in my heart and in my life.
I moved to Knoxville at the end of my sophomore year in the early months of that summer. I can remember exactly how excited I was to escape the confinements that I had managed to lock myself into in Chattanooga. Here in Knoxville, I could be myself and live however I wanted without any kind of social backlash. I didn't have to be a closeted frat guy anymore. I could just be me.
I have made incredible friends with so many people here in Knoxville. So many of them aren't here anymore and have moved on to bigger and better things. Some moved to Nashville, others to Washington D.C., and one even finally made it to New York City (haha.. which is good, because he talked about it nonstop :) ). I consider all of you to be lifelong, and I feel so privileged to have you all in my life.
I have found love in the romantic sense here, an experience that has allowed me to grow in ways that I didn't know I could.
I have seen peoples lives change for the better and for the worse; some in devastating ways.
I know that Knoxville will soon be a part of my past, but this town will always be a major landmark in my life. I will look back with a sense of nostalgia and remember the incredible times that were had and the incredible people I met.
I suppose coming and going is part of the never-ending cycle of life. Sadly, It is time to close the chapter of my life entitled "Knoxville". Though, the characters who I met here will always be in my heart and in my life.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
First and Amistad
I know you have heard that new song by the Fray, "You Found Me". It is interesting because listening to the lyrics of the song provoke ideas that I have always had yet never really wrote about. Specifically---"I found God---on the corner of First and Amistad......all alone, smoking his last cigarette."
Consider that perhaps God isn't bound by Heaven. What stops him from just being someone you carelessly pass along the sidewalk? Maybe a homeless man begging you for some money or some old woman smiling as you walk by?
It is an idea that I find incredibly touching. It may sound crazy, but then again so does the idea that God, in all of his unfathomable power, isn't allowed to leave Heaven..
So maybe God, himself, is the person you are holding the door for, or smiling at, or even sacrificing a single dollar to..
Consider that perhaps God isn't bound by Heaven. What stops him from just being someone you carelessly pass along the sidewalk? Maybe a homeless man begging you for some money or some old woman smiling as you walk by?
It is an idea that I find incredibly touching. It may sound crazy, but then again so does the idea that God, in all of his unfathomable power, isn't allowed to leave Heaven..
So maybe God, himself, is the person you are holding the door for, or smiling at, or even sacrificing a single dollar to..
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Ideas v. Facts
I consider myself to be an optimistic realist, and I feel like I give people the benefit of the doubt. I try to be sincere and not judgmental, but shit some people make that difficult.
I like to believe that people are inherently good--that all people are sensitive to others' needs and selfless. The unfortunate reality is that most individuals are both dumb and inconsiderate--waiting tables has introduced me to this concept.
For instance, I was serving this lady not too long ago, and things started out fairly well. I greeted her with a smile and told her my name, and was semi-interrupted by her harsh request "I'll take a diet coke, extra ice." No big deal. (It happens all the time, in fact I would venture to say that maybe 3 out of 10 tables will answer a "hi, how are you doing?" with the response "diet coke".)
Anyway, I bring her her drink and she orders a pizza, which takes a little longer than the average entree as it is made-to-order. She then complains to me about 6 minutes after ordering that her food is taking too long, which isn't too uncommon either.
Really lady? There are kids in Africa that would wait 2 weeks to eat the meal that you are about to obliviously consume, and you are complaining that it isn't out in 5 minutes?
The thing is is that I encounter so many people that are so used to getting everything that they don't appreciate anything, and it astounds me. So many people that come out to eat need SO much attention, and are SO hateful about it. I really think some people get off on telling someone else what to do.
Another good one---a fellow server waited a table on my last shift that told her right off the bat "we don't have enough money to tip you, so sorry." Really? If you budget is that tight, shouldn't you be buying your spaghetti and meat sauce from Kroger? It would cost $3 there instead of $10 here. I wanted to throw hot coffee on them.
I try to be appreciative for what I do have, as I live in one of the wealthiest countries on the planet, and already have more than I could ever dream of needing. Why do few share this concept? When you go out to eat, be respectful and appreciative. When I have kids, they will KNOW THIS!
I like to believe that people are inherently good--that all people are sensitive to others' needs and selfless. The unfortunate reality is that most individuals are both dumb and inconsiderate--waiting tables has introduced me to this concept.
For instance, I was serving this lady not too long ago, and things started out fairly well. I greeted her with a smile and told her my name, and was semi-interrupted by her harsh request "I'll take a diet coke, extra ice." No big deal. (It happens all the time, in fact I would venture to say that maybe 3 out of 10 tables will answer a "hi, how are you doing?" with the response "diet coke".)
Anyway, I bring her her drink and she orders a pizza, which takes a little longer than the average entree as it is made-to-order. She then complains to me about 6 minutes after ordering that her food is taking too long, which isn't too uncommon either.
Really lady? There are kids in Africa that would wait 2 weeks to eat the meal that you are about to obliviously consume, and you are complaining that it isn't out in 5 minutes?
The thing is is that I encounter so many people that are so used to getting everything that they don't appreciate anything, and it astounds me. So many people that come out to eat need SO much attention, and are SO hateful about it. I really think some people get off on telling someone else what to do.
Another good one---a fellow server waited a table on my last shift that told her right off the bat "we don't have enough money to tip you, so sorry." Really? If you budget is that tight, shouldn't you be buying your spaghetti and meat sauce from Kroger? It would cost $3 there instead of $10 here. I wanted to throw hot coffee on them.
I try to be appreciative for what I do have, as I live in one of the wealthiest countries on the planet, and already have more than I could ever dream of needing. Why do few share this concept? When you go out to eat, be respectful and appreciative. When I have kids, they will KNOW THIS!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Unhappiness
You tell me I am imperfect and not good enough
then that you love me
You tell me that I am not sensitive enough
then you overlook how I try to love you
You try to control me
when it is my life to live.
You tell me that I should change
when its you that should change.
then that you love me
You tell me that I am not sensitive enough
then you overlook how I try to love you
You try to control me
when it is my life to live.
You tell me that I should change
when its you that should change.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Gluttony: the American dream?
I just heard on CNN that American banks gave out 18 million dollars in bonuses to employees while taking bailout money to stay above water. How the fuck are you giving that much money away when you don't even have that money to keep your business going?
That is the problem. The American dream is wanting more, more, more and needing more, more, more. We need more sports cars, bigger houses and more expensive things that are more glamorous than the expensive things we already have.
I see this ALL the time working in the service business. People don't even eat all of the salad and bread brought to their table, yet keep asking for more. It is as though everything on the table most be full at all times. Has gluttony become the American dream?
That is the problem. The American dream is wanting more, more, more and needing more, more, more. We need more sports cars, bigger houses and more expensive things that are more glamorous than the expensive things we already have.
I see this ALL the time working in the service business. People don't even eat all of the salad and bread brought to their table, yet keep asking for more. It is as though everything on the table most be full at all times. Has gluttony become the American dream?
Life Transitions
""The real world is a big change, more then you can ever imagine when you are sitting in the classroom thinking about the outside world."
-Anonymous business school grad, quoted in a recent story covering life transitions
With the closing of my college career, several doors have opened in my life. Though with each choice, there are drastic pros and cons to certain situations. I have always read that the transition between college and the real world is tough and very stressful for some, but no amount of reading could have prepared me for this.
I don't know what I want to do with my life, and I feel that now I am searching for something that might interest me, rather than where my passion is.
Having to face these decisions and practically map my life out has certainly been a reality check. A good reality check, but a very stressful one.
According to Drs. Randall S. Hansen and Katherine Hansen, "...it seems to be a harsh reality to many college seniors and recent grads that obtaining a job offer is very time-consuming and a lot of work -- and it's even harder to obtain the ideal scenario of having multiple job offers."
-Anonymous business school grad, quoted in a recent story covering life transitions
With the closing of my college career, several doors have opened in my life. Though with each choice, there are drastic pros and cons to certain situations. I have always read that the transition between college and the real world is tough and very stressful for some, but no amount of reading could have prepared me for this.
I don't know what I want to do with my life, and I feel that now I am searching for something that might interest me, rather than where my passion is.
Having to face these decisions and practically map my life out has certainly been a reality check. A good reality check, but a very stressful one.
According to Drs. Randall S. Hansen and Katherine Hansen, "...it seems to be a harsh reality to many college seniors and recent grads that obtaining a job offer is very time-consuming and a lot of work -- and it's even harder to obtain the ideal scenario of having multiple job offers."
Sunday, February 1, 2009
A Touch of Frost
For as long as I can remember, I have kept people at arm's length---in several senses.
I have always had a problem with trusting people, because in reality everyone fucks up. No one is perfect and everyone is going to let you down at some point. It doesn't mean that they don't care about you. I used to kick people to the curve for no real reason. Thinking you are too good is a shitty outlook to have, so if you have that mentality, you should change it.
I used to be a jerk. I never really cared for people that I dated. I mean don't get me wrong, I never cheated on anyone or pulled anything like that, but I never really allowed myself to care for people.
I feel like a lot of people live life with a cold heart, and I can speak from experience. It isn't worth it. Sure someone that was close to you might have betrayed you and jaded you, but you have to wake up--its happened to everyone.
The past 6 months have changed me in a lot of ways. I fell in love, and fell quite hard. It started out incredible, and still is after 7 months. Sure there are ups and downs, but everyone has them. (Those little bullshit fights are called " actually caring about someone")
This feeling has really changed my outlook on life, and I couldn't imagine going through life without it. I look back on past relationships and really see the significant difference in having something with someone you care about and haven had something with someone you don't.
This has taught me the necessity of complete and utter honesty, even if that means hurting someone's feelings. This has taught me what I want in myself, and in others and has made me a better person.
I have always had a problem with trusting people, because in reality everyone fucks up. No one is perfect and everyone is going to let you down at some point. It doesn't mean that they don't care about you. I used to kick people to the curve for no real reason. Thinking you are too good is a shitty outlook to have, so if you have that mentality, you should change it.
I used to be a jerk. I never really cared for people that I dated. I mean don't get me wrong, I never cheated on anyone or pulled anything like that, but I never really allowed myself to care for people.
I feel like a lot of people live life with a cold heart, and I can speak from experience. It isn't worth it. Sure someone that was close to you might have betrayed you and jaded you, but you have to wake up--its happened to everyone.
The past 6 months have changed me in a lot of ways. I fell in love, and fell quite hard. It started out incredible, and still is after 7 months. Sure there are ups and downs, but everyone has them. (Those little bullshit fights are called " actually caring about someone")
This feeling has really changed my outlook on life, and I couldn't imagine going through life without it. I look back on past relationships and really see the significant difference in having something with someone you care about and haven had something with someone you don't.
This has taught me the necessity of complete and utter honesty, even if that means hurting someone's feelings. This has taught me what I want in myself, and in others and has made me a better person.
Wow
I am watching HGTV, and they are showing a "remodeled" 70s trailer. Why spend 4 grand on a over 30 year old trailer? Come on people.
Monday, January 26, 2009
The end of the thread
Life is a very interesting thing--truly..
You will meet people who you will love, and people who will love you. You will meet people that will lie to you and mislead you, and others will do their best to steer you in the right direction.
But one of the worst feelings in life is when someone you love betrays you. Maybe it happens over a long period of time, or maybe it happens within a few hours, either way it is painful.
Life is what you make of these situations, whether you prevail or your life spirals downward.
I sincerely hope that when you have to face these decisions, you prevail--because you deserve to.
You will meet people who you will love, and people who will love you. You will meet people that will lie to you and mislead you, and others will do their best to steer you in the right direction.
But one of the worst feelings in life is when someone you love betrays you. Maybe it happens over a long period of time, or maybe it happens within a few hours, either way it is painful.
Life is what you make of these situations, whether you prevail or your life spirals downward.
I sincerely hope that when you have to face these decisions, you prevail--because you deserve to.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Facades
I think there is a certain importance in the idea of just being who you naturally are. Yes, I know. That seems to be an unpopular idea with a majority of the gay community.
You know what I mean?
For instance, I was talking to someone the other day, and he said something along the lines of "its the girly fags that give gay people a bad name." It is somewhat ironic as you can tell he is gay from a mile away, tans too much and is probably one of the most effeminate gay people I have ever met.
I think it is that guy who gives gay people a bad name. People who aren't strong enough just to be who they are, and find themselves molding into someone else they are nothing like. Sure you can pretend like you have some validation through manhunt, but who are you really kidding?
We all know these people. Those who present themselves as something they find more marketable than who they really are. Yes--it's them who ONLY talk about how many times they have hooked up and have to remind you every 5 minutes that someone out there finds them attractive on some gay hook-up site. Ok, we understand-- you aren't comfortable with who you are.
I actually commend people for being proud enough and man enough to be who they are. It is a little easier for some people as you may naturally fit in with certain culture expectations, but for others it can be very difficult. Anyone can clumsily try to camouflage themselves. But in the end, your sincerity is what is going to get you what you want.
Gay people of all shapes, sizes and mannerisms have tried to make it a point to have the right to be who they are. I just find it disgusting that some little queen prances around talking about how people being who they are is what is wrong with the gay community.
You know what I mean?
For instance, I was talking to someone the other day, and he said something along the lines of "its the girly fags that give gay people a bad name." It is somewhat ironic as you can tell he is gay from a mile away, tans too much and is probably one of the most effeminate gay people I have ever met.
I think it is that guy who gives gay people a bad name. People who aren't strong enough just to be who they are, and find themselves molding into someone else they are nothing like. Sure you can pretend like you have some validation through manhunt, but who are you really kidding?
We all know these people. Those who present themselves as something they find more marketable than who they really are. Yes--it's them who ONLY talk about how many times they have hooked up and have to remind you every 5 minutes that someone out there finds them attractive on some gay hook-up site. Ok, we understand-- you aren't comfortable with who you are.
I actually commend people for being proud enough and man enough to be who they are. It is a little easier for some people as you may naturally fit in with certain culture expectations, but for others it can be very difficult. Anyone can clumsily try to camouflage themselves. But in the end, your sincerity is what is going to get you what you want.
Gay people of all shapes, sizes and mannerisms have tried to make it a point to have the right to be who they are. I just find it disgusting that some little queen prances around talking about how people being who they are is what is wrong with the gay community.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The complexity of love
I always thought I knew what love was--not family or friend love, but romantic love. I didn't.
You see it on TV and read about it in books, but the actual complexity of love seems to evade a majority of people. No, it isn't always rainbows, balloons and poetry. In fact, it rarely meets the ideals of televised perfection. I have discovered what love is, and it wasn't exactly what I had imagined.
Yes, I am in love, and yes I love it, but love is boot camp for your emotions. There are a lot of ups and downs, but that is what makes you respect and want what you have. After all, you never want something that is easy----easy come easy go.
People tell me what love should be, yet most of those people tell me they have never been in love. Reality will prove that TV paints the "love life" as much more poetic than reality (don't get me wrong, it is great, but no one is perfect and nothing is perfect and I am very happy and very much in love).
You will have fights, and you will have disagreements, and if you are expecting to have love without these things, than you have unrealistic expectations. I see so many people say that they had someone great, but it just wasn't what they saw in the movies, and I begin to wonder is culture beginning to define love as something that isn't real?
I have talked to people about the idea of love and received responses such as "love should be easy or something you don't have to work for. It is something that just naturally happens." To this and those who believe this, I will tell you that you are just wrong.
Love isn't easy, and it takes work. People just wait for it to plop down in your lap without any effort or care, and it won't happen.
Now whether you think it is worth the effort to work through problems is your decision, but I will tell you this. There are very few people in your life that you will feel an intense connection with, and it be a mutual feeling. Those connections are worth working for and trying to make last--now I am sure that are some irreparable situations that may prove me wrong, but I am speaking generally. If you have something that makes you feel complete, you will have to work for it.
People have to realize that what comes easy leaves easier.
You see it on TV and read about it in books, but the actual complexity of love seems to evade a majority of people. No, it isn't always rainbows, balloons and poetry. In fact, it rarely meets the ideals of televised perfection. I have discovered what love is, and it wasn't exactly what I had imagined.
Yes, I am in love, and yes I love it, but love is boot camp for your emotions. There are a lot of ups and downs, but that is what makes you respect and want what you have. After all, you never want something that is easy----easy come easy go.
People tell me what love should be, yet most of those people tell me they have never been in love. Reality will prove that TV paints the "love life" as much more poetic than reality (don't get me wrong, it is great, but no one is perfect and nothing is perfect and I am very happy and very much in love).
You will have fights, and you will have disagreements, and if you are expecting to have love without these things, than you have unrealistic expectations. I see so many people say that they had someone great, but it just wasn't what they saw in the movies, and I begin to wonder is culture beginning to define love as something that isn't real?
I have talked to people about the idea of love and received responses such as "love should be easy or something you don't have to work for. It is something that just naturally happens." To this and those who believe this, I will tell you that you are just wrong.
Love isn't easy, and it takes work. People just wait for it to plop down in your lap without any effort or care, and it won't happen.
Now whether you think it is worth the effort to work through problems is your decision, but I will tell you this. There are very few people in your life that you will feel an intense connection with, and it be a mutual feeling. Those connections are worth working for and trying to make last--now I am sure that are some irreparable situations that may prove me wrong, but I am speaking generally. If you have something that makes you feel complete, you will have to work for it.
People have to realize that what comes easy leaves easier.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Recycled Hatred
Today was a great day for America, as President Barack Obama took office. I had the immense displeasure of working during the inauguration speech (not that I don't love my job, I just couldn't enjoy the event while serving 3 hyper-needy tables).
As servers walked out of the area where the TV was plugged in, a customer noticed their server leaving after watching the inauguration speech. The woman, who looked quite homely, asked the server "Are you back there watching that n*gger?"
After hearing this, It took a lot for me not to say something to this poster child for white trash, but I began to think about her hatred and what that has done to our world. I stopped and thought about her immense ignorance and imagined what Earth would be like without that.
It was hatred that killed Jesus Christ.
It was hatred that enslaved blacks.
It is hatred that creates racism and discrimination against all minorities.
It is hatred that rapes innocent people.
It is hatred that fuels most of what is wrong with Earth.
So I wondered--does this woman have any concept of the ideals that she may be passing down to her grandchild she eats lunch with? What kind of a person could say such a thing?
As servers walked out of the area where the TV was plugged in, a customer noticed their server leaving after watching the inauguration speech. The woman, who looked quite homely, asked the server "Are you back there watching that n*gger?"
After hearing this, It took a lot for me not to say something to this poster child for white trash, but I began to think about her hatred and what that has done to our world. I stopped and thought about her immense ignorance and imagined what Earth would be like without that.
It was hatred that killed Jesus Christ.
It was hatred that enslaved blacks.
It is hatred that creates racism and discrimination against all minorities.
It is hatred that rapes innocent people.
It is hatred that fuels most of what is wrong with Earth.
So I wondered--does this woman have any concept of the ideals that she may be passing down to her grandchild she eats lunch with? What kind of a person could say such a thing?
Fidelty
Why does it seem that young monogamous couples are hard to come by? Straight and gay?
I love someone. I only want to be with my boyfriend. Why has it become socially acceptable for couples, both straight and gay, to do questionable things while the other is not around? I honestly think it is impossible to build a great relationship with one person if you are sleeping with another.
I think the boundaries of commitment have been grossly stretched. I see cheating EVERYWHERE, at work, in circles of friends and in the social scene in general.
I just wonder where loyalty is? Maybe I am just too old fashioned.
I love someone. I only want to be with my boyfriend. Why has it become socially acceptable for couples, both straight and gay, to do questionable things while the other is not around? I honestly think it is impossible to build a great relationship with one person if you are sleeping with another.
I think the boundaries of commitment have been grossly stretched. I see cheating EVERYWHERE, at work, in circles of friends and in the social scene in general.
I just wonder where loyalty is? Maybe I am just too old fashioned.
Graduation
Why is it that when you think you have your life figured out, you find yourself running into a brick wall?
You always feel prepared, and then you catch a curve ball that you never saw coming. Is that the beauty of life? Being unexpectedly knocked over and being pushed out of your comfort zone?
I have always been a planner--someone that had some idea of where they were going. Now I find that my life can't be planned. I have no idea of where I will be in a year, and that isn't as comforting or as exciting as it may sound.
Though I suppose that is the beauty of life--not knowing how things will be, or what will happen or even who you will meet. It is all part of a process that even the planners in life can't control or anticipate.
Graduation has really knocked me on my ass.
You always feel prepared, and then you catch a curve ball that you never saw coming. Is that the beauty of life? Being unexpectedly knocked over and being pushed out of your comfort zone?
I have always been a planner--someone that had some idea of where they were going. Now I find that my life can't be planned. I have no idea of where I will be in a year, and that isn't as comforting or as exciting as it may sound.
Though I suppose that is the beauty of life--not knowing how things will be, or what will happen or even who you will meet. It is all part of a process that even the planners in life can't control or anticipate.
Graduation has really knocked me on my ass.
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