Wednesday, February 18, 2009
You Can't Please Everyone
Heaven knows, I've tried. I used to be the type of person that couldn't stand it if someone had an inkling of a negative thought about me. I would still rather have everyone think I'm the shiznit, however, it's exhausting to try and be something you're not. I've learned that once you're up on that pedastal of never wanting to disappoint someone that when you do, suddenly you're not the shiznit and nothing you can do will change it. You can try and rectify whatever it was that got you into trouble but it seems like the harder you work to please the more of a mess you make yourself. Learning to say no is one of the hardest things to do for some of us. I've always been envious of people that can just say no and never care about what kind of effect it has on others. I think that learning this technique is the ONLY good thing about getting older. It's not really that you don't care for others, it's about knowing your strengths and weaknesses. It's about caring about the effect on those closest to you, like my children and husband. It's also most importantly caring about the effects on yourself. Is it selfish to be this way? Maybe a little, but for the right reasons. I can say this for sure... if I say no to you it's because I want to be completely there for you when I say yes. I don't want to half-ass my efforts and be resentful and act like some sort of martyr. It has become a pet peeve of mine to hear people pleasers out there who after they've agreed to something, whine about how put out they always are and how no one else cares as much as they do. I can identify with this because that is what I'm trying to avoid in myself(which is probably why it bothers me). I don't want that for myself anymore. Come on everyone and join me! Say no to at least one thing a week, consider this a challenge. The world won't end, it won't rain fire and you won't be struck by lightning because you said no. You will have more free time to learn how to not feel guilty afterwards... and when you do (it will happen) - get over it! Freedom now!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
You Can't Handle the Truth!
One of the best lines in a movie. Jack Nicholson facing off with Tom Cruise in A Few Good Men. Love that movie!
It's also true for the most part. If someone asks you how you are and let's say you're not having the greatest day, do you really tell them how you're feeling? Or are you like me and say "Good", even though I don't really feel good at all. But really, no one wants to hear the truth. There are some people out there and you know who you are, they will tell their whole life story when you ask them how they are. These are the people I like to call "Debbie Downers". Not because I'm not concerned about them but because something is always wrong. You ask, "how are you" and the response will undoubtedly begin with "Ugh, I woke up late because my dog kept me up whining all night", and end with "Now, I have this terrible headache I can't get rid of", etc and so forth. So, even though I try and handle the truth, sometimes I just can't handle their truth.
Another form of the "truth" that can't be handled has been labeled by comedians and funny people everywhere - A woman asking her husband/boyfriend if she looks fat in whatever she's wearing. Really? I'm sure this happens because it wouldn't be used to describe women so frequently, however WHO DOES THIS? If you look fat in something it's because you are fat. It's certainly not because you're clothes are making you look that way and if they are making your fat look fatter, it's because you're in denial and buying the WRONG size. My husband can attest to me having never asked this question, I'm not a moron and I don't need him to tell me that I'm busting out of my jeans - I can feel it and see it for myself. So all of you ladies out there who can't handle the truth, don't ask the question!
The most important truth, it seems so many people are struggling with is that Jesus is our Saviour. He came to this earth and died on the cross so that we can have eternity with him. It seems that for whatever reason the times have changed so drastically that if you believe this, then you are not being inclusive. It's strange to me that people like Madonna who believe in Kabbalah or Richard Gere, who believes in Budda are somehow respected for these beliefs and left alone. The same isn't true for followers of Christ. It seems like if someone has faith in Jesus, then they are thought of as "Holy Rollers" or made fun of. Jesus told his followers that the road would be a hard one if they were going to follow Him. Matthew 5:11-12, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in Heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Jesus is the way, the TRUTH and the life!
It's also true for the most part. If someone asks you how you are and let's say you're not having the greatest day, do you really tell them how you're feeling? Or are you like me and say "Good", even though I don't really feel good at all. But really, no one wants to hear the truth. There are some people out there and you know who you are, they will tell their whole life story when you ask them how they are. These are the people I like to call "Debbie Downers". Not because I'm not concerned about them but because something is always wrong. You ask, "how are you" and the response will undoubtedly begin with "Ugh, I woke up late because my dog kept me up whining all night", and end with "Now, I have this terrible headache I can't get rid of", etc and so forth. So, even though I try and handle the truth, sometimes I just can't handle their truth.
Another form of the "truth" that can't be handled has been labeled by comedians and funny people everywhere - A woman asking her husband/boyfriend if she looks fat in whatever she's wearing. Really? I'm sure this happens because it wouldn't be used to describe women so frequently, however WHO DOES THIS? If you look fat in something it's because you are fat. It's certainly not because you're clothes are making you look that way and if they are making your fat look fatter, it's because you're in denial and buying the WRONG size. My husband can attest to me having never asked this question, I'm not a moron and I don't need him to tell me that I'm busting out of my jeans - I can feel it and see it for myself. So all of you ladies out there who can't handle the truth, don't ask the question!
The most important truth, it seems so many people are struggling with is that Jesus is our Saviour. He came to this earth and died on the cross so that we can have eternity with him. It seems that for whatever reason the times have changed so drastically that if you believe this, then you are not being inclusive. It's strange to me that people like Madonna who believe in Kabbalah or Richard Gere, who believes in Budda are somehow respected for these beliefs and left alone. The same isn't true for followers of Christ. It seems like if someone has faith in Jesus, then they are thought of as "Holy Rollers" or made fun of. Jesus told his followers that the road would be a hard one if they were going to follow Him. Matthew 5:11-12, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in Heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Jesus is the way, the TRUTH and the life!
Friday, February 13, 2009
I'm a Valentine Scrooge
I know that towards the end of my rant about this pink and red holiday that I may come across as being bitter, but I assure you I'm not... at least not anymore. Perhaps I was... many moons ago as a youngster in grade school and that's where my scroogieness began.
My son Logan is now in the 3rd grade, so I've been to my share of Valentine's parties. My other son, Holden just had his 1st taste of this holiday. They both love it, not because of the love but because of the all the sugar they will consume in an 8 hour time span. And so it goes... a "list" of all the students names will be sent home about a week in advance. Another list will be sent with it that gives me a choice of what kind of "treat" I should buy (not make, BUY). I get it, I might make something and then someone will get sick, yada, yada. Not sure that buying things anymore is such a great idea either it seems. Peanut paste anyone?
Well, back in the day... I remember a much different experience. 1st of all there wasn't a list sent home to the parents with ALL the students names. Excuse me? Where was the insight when I was in school? I busted my butt making my V-Day sack! I carefully glued my red and white doilies on and drew little hearts all around. I would then write my name in big bubble letters so everyone would see how to spell it (one l please). I would be so excited that next morning and could hardly wait to get to class and see how overflowing with valentines my sack would be. As I walked into the classroom all giddy with excitement and then approaching my sack to see how many people loved me and peering into it only to realize that 2 valentines were there, and one was from the weird kid in class. It was only until the teacher would announce that we would deliver our valentines during the party that my sadness would subside. I had more time and had 2 valentines to start with! I do have to say that back in the day a Valentine party was a PARTY. No fruit or veggies, SUGAR and lots of it. HOMEMADE sugar at that, cupcakes and cookies and candy... Oh my! So now, the moment of truth, our sacks! Well, it did have more cards and goodies in it this time but wait a minute? Don't we have like 25 kids in here? But I have only like 15 valentines? There must be some mistake... oh wait, here's a big one! Oh, it's from the teacher. This BITES! There was always the popular girl whose sack was really overflowing - Shelley Reid was the girl at my school, bleck! I still have it in for her!
Oh well, so Valentines Day isn't what it once was, too bad really. I think it built character to have your bubble letters burst. Everything is way too politcially correct these days. Heaven forbid if you don't give everyone a card and a treat. Don't make the party food - buy it!
I mean look at me now! I totally think this is one way overrated holiday and I'm saving my husband from the headache, not to mention the money. So what if I'm a Valentine Scrooge, I come by it fair and square!
My son Logan is now in the 3rd grade, so I've been to my share of Valentine's parties. My other son, Holden just had his 1st taste of this holiday. They both love it, not because of the love but because of the all the sugar they will consume in an 8 hour time span. And so it goes... a "list" of all the students names will be sent home about a week in advance. Another list will be sent with it that gives me a choice of what kind of "treat" I should buy (not make, BUY). I get it, I might make something and then someone will get sick, yada, yada. Not sure that buying things anymore is such a great idea either it seems. Peanut paste anyone?
Well, back in the day... I remember a much different experience. 1st of all there wasn't a list sent home to the parents with ALL the students names. Excuse me? Where was the insight when I was in school? I busted my butt making my V-Day sack! I carefully glued my red and white doilies on and drew little hearts all around. I would then write my name in big bubble letters so everyone would see how to spell it (one l please). I would be so excited that next morning and could hardly wait to get to class and see how overflowing with valentines my sack would be. As I walked into the classroom all giddy with excitement and then approaching my sack to see how many people loved me and peering into it only to realize that 2 valentines were there, and one was from the weird kid in class. It was only until the teacher would announce that we would deliver our valentines during the party that my sadness would subside. I had more time and had 2 valentines to start with! I do have to say that back in the day a Valentine party was a PARTY. No fruit or veggies, SUGAR and lots of it. HOMEMADE sugar at that, cupcakes and cookies and candy... Oh my! So now, the moment of truth, our sacks! Well, it did have more cards and goodies in it this time but wait a minute? Don't we have like 25 kids in here? But I have only like 15 valentines? There must be some mistake... oh wait, here's a big one! Oh, it's from the teacher. This BITES! There was always the popular girl whose sack was really overflowing - Shelley Reid was the girl at my school, bleck! I still have it in for her!
Oh well, so Valentines Day isn't what it once was, too bad really. I think it built character to have your bubble letters burst. Everything is way too politcially correct these days. Heaven forbid if you don't give everyone a card and a treat. Don't make the party food - buy it!
I mean look at me now! I totally think this is one way overrated holiday and I'm saving my husband from the headache, not to mention the money. So what if I'm a Valentine Scrooge, I come by it fair and square!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Just a Suggestion
I will tell you right now that I was not an Obama fan but I'm trying to respect him as our President. I will try and listen with as much of an open mind as I can muster but irony is just not wasted on a mind like mine. I'm not sure if any of you read my comments on Oprah (the penny pinching self-improvement show she did) but I have a suggestion for her, a show idea if you will...
I think it would be fan-stinking-tabulous if she would have the whole current administration on her show with the whole senate and congress included. At the same time bring on all the "professionals" some might say "self-help gurus". I'm thinking the author of "The Secret" would be a great addition as well. The gurus would undoubtedly give the great advice they gave to all of us "Create a POSITIVE wish board!" Put up happy pictures and quotes of the way you "want" your life to go. Right? Or how about having the Penny Pinching family that was on the other day? They could go over our National Budget for them and start crossing off all that crap we don't need right now, Oh Happy Day! You would think this would be so easy since Obama and Oprah are BFF's. Doesn't he watch her show? Hmmm, maybe she gives him anxiety too.
I think it would be fan-stinking-tabulous if she would have the whole current administration on her show with the whole senate and congress included. At the same time bring on all the "professionals" some might say "self-help gurus". I'm thinking the author of "The Secret" would be a great addition as well. The gurus would undoubtedly give the great advice they gave to all of us "Create a POSITIVE wish board!" Put up happy pictures and quotes of the way you "want" your life to go. Right? Or how about having the Penny Pinching family that was on the other day? They could go over our National Budget for them and start crossing off all that crap we don't need right now, Oh Happy Day! You would think this would be so easy since Obama and Oprah are BFF's. Doesn't he watch her show? Hmmm, maybe she gives him anxiety too.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
The Blog World
I have had so much fun writing on this blog and receiving such sweet comments from fellow bloggers. It's very tempting to create a world that only exists here on my blog but I've tried being honest about who I am. My outlook on certain situations is far from the way I would like to be but I know God is still working on me and I'm ok with that. I really want to be real and not pretend like I have everything under control because there are days when I am SO not in control of my feelings or thoughts. My life has been very full and I know God is looking out for me in so many ways. He blessed me with who could possibly be the best mom while I was growing up and still to this day she looks out for me and my sisters. My husband and I have had a rough road but we love each other and have been blessed with 2 wonderful boys. We both believe in commitment and that it's not so much about the warm fuzzy feeling than it is about being faithful to each other and to live God's plan for our lives. He intrusted us with these 2 boys and hopefully they will learn that even though life is hard at times that running away from problems isn't the way to go and there is too much good that would be missed if you give up. I want to be very real on my blog. I don't want anyone to think I have all the answers or just share all the happy times, so I've come up with some facts about who I am (so far).
1. I'm very sarcastic and sometimes even cynical in my thinking.
2. Although I am those things I try to find the good in everyone.
3. I trust until someone proves they can't be trusted and I have a very hard time trusting that person after that.
4. I find humor in almost everything (not tragedy though, by any means)
5. I learned a long time ago not to gossip and if I'm not comfortable telling someone how I feel to their face then I don't talk about it behind their back.
6. I don't know if I believe in being in-love, I believe that it takes work to live with another person and that love evolves into a greater feat of human strength.
7. I think that the love I have for my children is unexplainable and have an irrational fear of being taken away from them.
8. I have depression and take meds for it. I have very strong feelings about getting help for this condition and if you needs meds then by all means, take them! (Sorry Tom Cruise)
9. I have very few girlfriends and always wished that weren't the case. But I do have one of the greatest best friends anyone could hope for and she is a girl!
10. I've never understood why I haven't had close girlfriend relationships. It could be because I don't enjoy shopping, I LOVE football and would rather be watching the game than in the kitchen (not sure how that tradtion was started but it's a dumb one), I don't do drama (at all!), I think you should tell someone how you feel and then get over it and just accept each other because life is too short. (these are just a few reasons but I think I'm on to something)
11. I used to be very organized but am struggling with this now for some reason. I blame my husband - it has to be his fault somehow.
12. I sometimes secretly wish I could just spend a week at a hotel by myself, so I can rejuvenate my mind and soul.
13. I'm not perfect, won't claim to be and I want people to be able to relate to me. Which is why I don't like Martha Stewart, who has the time to do all that fussy crap she does?
Well, that's about it for now. I will write stories on here that are happy and some that aren't. I don't want others to try and fix my messes because that's God's job but I do appreciate advice and encouraging comments always. I love being a part of this world that is BLOG.
1. I'm very sarcastic and sometimes even cynical in my thinking.
2. Although I am those things I try to find the good in everyone.
3. I trust until someone proves they can't be trusted and I have a very hard time trusting that person after that.
4. I find humor in almost everything (not tragedy though, by any means)
5. I learned a long time ago not to gossip and if I'm not comfortable telling someone how I feel to their face then I don't talk about it behind their back.
6. I don't know if I believe in being in-love, I believe that it takes work to live with another person and that love evolves into a greater feat of human strength.
7. I think that the love I have for my children is unexplainable and have an irrational fear of being taken away from them.
8. I have depression and take meds for it. I have very strong feelings about getting help for this condition and if you needs meds then by all means, take them! (Sorry Tom Cruise)
9. I have very few girlfriends and always wished that weren't the case. But I do have one of the greatest best friends anyone could hope for and she is a girl!
10. I've never understood why I haven't had close girlfriend relationships. It could be because I don't enjoy shopping, I LOVE football and would rather be watching the game than in the kitchen (not sure how that tradtion was started but it's a dumb one), I don't do drama (at all!), I think you should tell someone how you feel and then get over it and just accept each other because life is too short. (these are just a few reasons but I think I'm on to something)
11. I used to be very organized but am struggling with this now for some reason. I blame my husband - it has to be his fault somehow.
12. I sometimes secretly wish I could just spend a week at a hotel by myself, so I can rejuvenate my mind and soul.
13. I'm not perfect, won't claim to be and I want people to be able to relate to me. Which is why I don't like Martha Stewart, who has the time to do all that fussy crap she does?
Well, that's about it for now. I will write stories on here that are happy and some that aren't. I don't want others to try and fix my messes because that's God's job but I do appreciate advice and encouraging comments always. I love being a part of this world that is BLOG.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Look What I Got!
I received this award from Tim Thompson from his Fort Thompson blog! Since I'm new to blogging I am so honored to have been mentioned by him. He has very funny and sweet stories about his beautiful family that I truly enjoy reading. (And I'm not just saying that because he gave me an award!) Also, since I'm new I have no idea how to link to his blog as I've seen done on others blogs so I'll just post his blog address: http://fortthompson.blogspot.com/
Thanks Tim!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Yes, I would like some cheese with my whine!
How the heck am I supposed to get of a rut when I keep being submerged in it? I know everyone is having money trouble but I DON'T WANT ANY MORE TROUBLE! I've had 2 calls today from collection agencies and no, I do not talk to them. I have a theory that whomever invented voicemail had strict intentions of avoiding these asinine people. They call and say "It's very important that you return my phone call" and they even have the audacity at times to use your first name as if they were calling on friendly terms. Not only did I receive these pleasant phone calls today but I also happened upon Oprah Winfrey's show today. Let me just say this, I used to like her very much and I still respect that she does very good things- but for Pete's sake, how many self-improvement shows can someone do? Damn, if I had her money then there wouldn't be a problem that taking off and ending up on a beach wouldn't cure. Today's show was all about finances and how people could save money in this tough economy. I'm sorry but the irony of Oprah's wealth and her having a discussion on how I can penny pinch my way to wealth wasn't wasted on me. I think I was a penny pincher in a past life I'm so accustomed to it and frankly Oprah, you're shows give me anxiety.
I hope I speak for all penny pinchers everywhere when I say "Kiss my penny pinching butt Oprah!"
I hope I speak for all penny pinchers everywhere when I say "Kiss my penny pinching butt Oprah!"
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