Do more than talk about; act on it

Happy Friday!

and

Happy Early Halloween!

It is Friday once again. Treat yourself with a candy bar in the spirit of Halloween! There is much I have to catch everyone up on so I will get right to it.

Last Friday, if you didn't know, I got my two wisdom teeth taken out, and I'm still having a little pain or soreness. I have been telling people that I made it through the worst of the pain, and now it's lessening a little bit each day (depending if I took any pain medication...) with the help of ice packs and heated rice socks. Progress!

Today a supervisor of mine retired. Sue Olive, with 37 years (right down to the day) of work, is officially retired. Since I'm better with typing or writing my thoughts, I'll share my thoughts and wishes this way. The first thing we bonded over (that I can remember) was breast cancer. She is a survivor and so is my mom. From then on, we talked about food (specifically ham salad!) and oldies music. I will miss her smiling face and unique laugh and hearing stories about her grandkids. 

I wish you all the best, Sue! Enjoy those adorable grandkids of yours, and come by often (on weekends I'm working, obviously) to catch up!

My aunt Jan Racine turns 60 (I mean 25) today! Even though there are 225 miles (it's accurate, I checked) between us and we haven't seen each other in a while, it doesn't change the love and respect I have for you. It just makes the time I do get to spend with you all the more precious to me. You are one of the many people who helped me when I was a struggling college freshman. Thank you for all the love, all the support, all the advice, and all the things I've learned from you. 

I hope you enjoyed the day doing anything and everything you wanted to do because you do so much for others and you deserve it. Happy birthday!

This post's topic hit me when I was in my Russia/Soviet Union class yesterday. We talked about Leo Tolstoy's short story [K]Holstomer: A Story of a Horse. There is a part in the story, told from a horse's point of view, that talked about the humans needed to have many things, be able to call things and animals "mine", and talk means more than actions. Tolstoy hit the the center of what is still in today's society. He knew this and pointed it out.

Let's take a step back. Am I saying this applies to all human beings? Of course not. A huge majority in society today still believes, whether they will admit to it or not: 

• getting more and more things makes you happier
• talking means more than actions 
• having more "possessions" makes you grander and/or lofty

Growing up I was taught: actions say more than words ever will; things don't make a person; and possessions will only satisfy you for only so long. Those are lessons that are tested almost every day. I need to remind myself I might wish I had the 'in' clothes, shoes, accessories, and etc, but I know that's not what matters. People can have all "that" but not a good work ethic or a kind heart or a honest tongue; than all those "things" mean nothing. 

"You can talk for hours and it won't mean much." Talk is cheap. That's how the saying goes. It may be cliché, but it's an honest one. People can say one thing but immediately contradict it with their actions. When it is said, "People lie," they don't always mean with only words. Saying one thing but doing something to directly contradict it? That's a form a lying that doesn't get much notice. Actions matter. Sure, to a certain extent, words matter. But you aren't going to remember what someone told you if you had a bad day; you're are more likely to remember if someone hugged you, or gave you a shoulder to cry on when you needed it the most. We don't always need words; sometimes we need someone to just be there. 

I can't remember the exact amount, but someone who make/has above a certain amount of money aren't any happier than someone who is struggling to get by. This is something that shouldn't be surprising to anyone. Money's value can only go so far. It can't buy you true friends or a loyal significant other. If you are able to buy that, it's conditional and it won't be dependable. 

In the long run, money won't mean anything in the end. 

In the long run, possessions won't mean anything in the end.

In the long run, words won't mean anything in the end. 

The only things that will matter in the end is the people who stuck by you through it all, and the things you did for others without expecting anything in return. 

Until next week,

 

Thought of the day

Going through the motions is not really living

Happy Fri-Thursday!

For those who are read my blog regularly or semi-regularly, you know this is a day earlier for me. Which is out of the ordinary. 

No, I'm not trying to be an over-achiever. Tomorrow, (today for me) I'm getting my wisdom teeth out. This is exciting news!

It's really not.

This is all I can think about right now. I can't eat from midnight Thursday into Friday until I don't know when.

Even after I'm cleared for food, I have to eat soft foods. On the bright side, you know what that means.....

 ICE CREAM. SMOOTHIES. SHAKES. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Anyway, back to original topic at hand: update on my life. Not much has changed in the last week. But I do have another article published; here's the link. 

I asked myself today, "Melissa, are you actually living or are you just simply going through the motions and sometimes enjoying myself?" It's a valid question. What does it mean to really live? 

Does it mean doing things you have always been too afraid to do?

Does it mean taking the time to enjoy the little things in life?

Does it mean being spontaneous?

Does it mean being daring and maybe illegal?

Does it mean doing all the things you wish you would have done sooner? 

Only 19 years on this planet does not really qualify as enough time to experience life to properly answer that question. Here's what I do know. The difference between living and going through the motions is realizing you want more for yourself out of life than what you have and then having the courage to pursue whatever it is you want with all engines running at full-steam. 

For most people, myself included, the first part isn't the hard part usually. More often than not, it's the actually doing it part that's harder. The reason for this? Because it's real. 

Some of us, we say we will do something, like make a change to start living in the moment, but we can't always follow through. There are various reasons why. An extremely common one is we are scared. 

It's true. You are most likely lying to yourself, if you disagree with me. We are scared of making that huge of change in our lives. What we tend to forget is that it's okay to be scared. We get to a certain point in our lives we think we won't ever get scared again, and if we do, it's a sign of weakness. Those assumptions are clearly wrong. Getting scared means what's happening is real and you realize you could lose it (or someone). 

Is that a sign of weakness? No. That's couldn't be further from the truth. It's normal. In our younger years, our fears were most likely things like the dark, clowns, spiders, snakes and etc. Sometime as we get older, those childhood fears change into less concrete items and more abstract items we are (most likely) aren't able to stop from happening like losing a loved one or not being good enough for someone or falling in love.

What helps with really living and getting the most out of your life?

 And take one step at a time. As the saying goes, "Rome wasn't built in a day."

Until next week,

Thought of the day

Sometimes we have to learn make the sacrifice

Happy FRIDAY!

Hello, all readers of mine! Did you read that top line, because if you didn't, I suggest you read it again. JBIF (Jumping Because It's Friday) is the new acronym I just came up with. Another reason for you to enjoy today is the fact is you survived this week with all its trip-ups and stumbles. YAY! GO YOU.

Another reason for me to be happy is that I survived this week of three tests or mid-terms. Although, I have two tests next week, but I will remember I can do it and survive.

Other reasons: IT'S HOMECOMING FOR UNI. That's pretty exciting. I will be working during the parade and half the game, but life isn't always going to work around my work schedule. Sacrifice is a part of life, and I am continuously experiencing and learning that. Life lessons sometimes need to be taken with a smile plastered on your face.

*********

The main focus of this post is to talk about a topic many people experience frequently- some more than others- if their day-to-day lives. It's something that can be a hard or easy decision for people to make. Depending on how the decision will affect yourself and/or others in your life, it can almost be a decision someone makes without even thinking about it. 

Sometimes the effects of our decisions we make have consequences we didn't anticipate or we couldn't avoid. We don't always realize how the decision we make now will be worth it out in the end. 

 Sacrifice

In life, this something that can be guaranteed as something you will have to go through. The cool thing about sacrifice is that it's a life-long process, and it's not something we figure out once and think it will be the same situation every time. Circumstances will be different. Context around the decision will be different. Your mind-set will be different. 

Parents. I realize all parents are not like mine. They make so many sacrifices for their children. You want that last piece of cake? Go ahead. It's almost an automatic given that parents put the needs and wants of their children ahead of their own. Some parents don't mind making because they believe they are doing it out of love for their children and just want to see their children happy. Others believe differently. It's for this reason (among others) that I'm thankful for my parents and all the sacrifices they have made for me, because they didn't have to do it. Thank you, Mom and Dad.

Military and other emergency response people. While some might have strong opinions when it comes to these people and their actions, I believe we all could agree on the fact they are putting their lives on the line to protect us and that's something we should recognize that brave sacrifice. What we often forget is the family and friends of these brave people who make the incredible sacrifice that they do. I don't say this as often as I should, but I'm thankful for those brave people. Thank you, members of the military and other emergency response teams for ensuring my safety and getting me assistance when I need it.

Siblings (specifically older for me). This is true for me. They have sacrificed nights out to watch me for my parents. Or the times Mom said they had to take me with them if they went somewhere (obviously having your little sister tag along wasn't cool). For the times when they put up with the stupid and maybe embarrassing things I would say about them in front of their friends or someone they liked liked. Also for the times they let me watch whatever Disney channel movie happened to be premiering that night. They have made so many sacrifices for me, and I appreciate for putting up with my antics and quirks. Thank you, Billy and Rachel.

Family and friends. For those who don't already know, I have many quirks and strange aspects of my personality. There are a couple that I think my family and friends have a hard time with. No-filter on what comes out of my mouth sometimes (re: most of the time) and that I talk to myself. Sacrificing their time to be patient with me while I likely backtrack what I maybe should have filtered. Also they sacrifice their reputation when they are with me out in public and I say something without thinking or if I start talking to myself in public. Thank you, family and friends.

Take the time to thank those who have made sacrifices for you.

Until next time,

(Oh God. The Toy Story 3 feels are coming back to me! Ahh!)















Thought of the day

 

Siblings: forced by nature; friends by choice

Happy Friday!

Guess what? You made it through another week of life. And if that's not something to celebrate, I don't know what to tell you. It's been quite a week for me, and I'm ready for a break. Strangely, I'm usually always ready for the weekend.

Here's the links to my latest articles from The Odyssey. 

A little update on my life. On Wednesday, I had an interview with STEM on campus for a student communications assistant position. It went as well it could, and I'm hoping things will work out like they should. If I get the position, it would be an amazing opportunity for me. If not, I can take comfort in knowing I tried and I gained more experience with interviews. I'm just trying to keep a positive mindset. 

Also on Wednesday, my big brother, Billy, turned 26 years old! It's hard to find the words to describe how much I love this guy. He's been there for me when I had my accident and whenever I needed advice about anything from car troubles to stressing over classes. He's not perfect (no one is), but he's taught me right from wrong, how to be sarcastic, how to ride a bike, and so much more. 

Thank you for always being you, Billy! 

"Bro.ther (person): 1. a role model for learning how to be a good person. 2. a model to compare potential boyfriends against. 3. a best friend for life."

Onto my topic of this post which is....I don't know. I know I have called wolf many times when it comes to saying that. There are too many thoughts going through my mind for to pick just one to talk about. 

Okay. After procrastinating long enough, I decided on a topic. This topic is something that many people take for granted sometimes and play a big part in our lives. We sometimes forget to take the time to thank them for all they put up with. Something I have touched on a little bit already.

Siblings

I realize that not some people are not as fortunate as I am with two older siblings. Sometimes I forget to thank them for all they have taught me, all the good and bad times, all the crap they have had and continue to put up with me, all the love and support I have received, and all the times they needed to snap me out a bad mood. 

Sometimes, we fight like no other which makes my mom just shake her head most of the time. But there are other times we are getting along, laughing, and just enjoying time with each other. It's those times where my mom just looks between us and smiles that secret smile of hers. I have thought about that smile so many times and what it might mean. My theory is that she's happy and content with her children getting along and experiencing what it is like to means to have someone who will be there no matter what. 

I saw somewhere that asked the question, "Do you ever look at someone and they could be doing the simplest thing and think to yourself, 'Man, I really love you.'" That happens with my siblings and extended to my family. Sometimes I love just watching them all getting along, making memories, enjoying each others company, and I am completely content with my life in those moments. 

Thank you, Rachel and Billy for putting up with me.

P.S. You are sort of stuck with me either way. 

Until next week,

Thought of the day

Is social media a reliable source of news?

                                                                       

                                           Happy Friday!

For the ones who are dedicated readers, you would know that this post is a little late. It's been a stressful week once again, unfortunately. Also, if I make any mistakes, my apologies, I am working from my phone because I didn't want to drag my laptop out my bag.

I hope all as is well with my readers. 

Today, with all the seemingly never-ending violence on college campus, I want to talk about social media involvement with it. Social media can be a powerful tool for spreading the news quickly but not always accurately. For some people, social media is how they get updated when something happens. It's not a bad thing. I know this is how I get updated sometimes because I'm so busy doing homework, working, etc. that I don't hear about something until someone tells me and/or I see it trending on social media.

There is one particular way word of mouth and social media are alike. Sometimes the events sparks assumptions or guesses that spiral out of control. "I heard that is also happened during the event." "Well, I heard that this happened from so and so." This makes it hard to determine what the truth is and what's false. For this reason, social media should not probably be used to cite where you learned about an event. Most people have good intentions to be unofficial news reporters, but we should leave things alone and keep our guesses about what happened to ourselves. That doesn't mean I think we shouldn't be involved and stay updated as much as possible and give our condolences to the respective parties involved. I believe we should let the people involved or closely related to talk about what happened. 

Why do we do this? A possibility is directly related to social media and other advancements changing us. We don't have much privacy these days; once something is online, it can't be taken back. An obvious solution is to watch what you put out on social media, and that's the one that works 100 percent of the time. We are constantly wanting to know how other people are doing and be in the know. We want to see if other people are doing better than us, and if it seems like they are, we get jealous and forget to appreciate what we have going for ourselves.

I'm guilty of that. I would almost bet that almost everyone is guilty of that. And it's so easy to be because you don't want to post about your bad day when others are posting about getting into relationships or graduating college. You don't want to look bad. We get selective about what we post to the point when we are almost lying about how our lives are really going. It's for that reason I respect people who are seemingly honest about their lives on social media. I'm trying to be honest about my life on social media. Am I always successful? No, but I'm trying and that's what counts.

  

Until next week,

Thought of the day