To each his own. To me my own.

Posts tagged “Random Thoughts

The tickle factor

I do love to laugh – always have, and always will. At anything and everything… whenever appropriate, that is. I’ve never been the kind of person who will giggle at anothers expense, though; like when someone trips, falls out of a chair, etc. Guess I just never found humor in a situation that had the potential of embarrassing another individual.

Last night my guy and I found ourselves in a discussion on being ticklish. Not actually tickling, just discussing it. πŸ™‚Β  So it seems that the older we’ve gotten, the less ticklish we’ve both become. Has anyone else run into this?

Even in my twenties, I was very ticklish in many many areas. But now… well you really have to catch me on a good day to implement the ole’ tickle factor. Unless, of course, it occurs during a romantic moment when I’m trying to remain serious. Yes, it does seem to only happen a ‘whim’ nowadays. This seriously saddens me!

There’s already a shortage of laughter in the world. But to see yourself losing that every-faithful ‘auto button’… well, let’s just say I’m taking that one pretty hard.


Out of the darkness

A very bright spot happened yesterday. I received a phone call from my daughter, who couldn’t wait to let me know she’d landed the job she’s been interviewed on for the past several weeks. It’s a much coveted placement in one of the southeast’s leading healthcare systems, Carolinas Healthcare System (CHS). Getting her foot in the door in a sector of this large facility is a dream come true for her, as they are well-known for their advancement from within. Carolinas Medical Center (CMC) is the flagship facility of Carolinas HealthCare, and the division she will work in. As one of North Carolina’s largest hospitals, it serves as the regional referral center for western North Carolina and northern South Carolina.

To gain a career within a sector of the ‘Tree of Life’ facility has been her dream for some time now, starting well before her college graduation this past May. It’s truly a blessing that it came about a) without her having an inside source, and b) being so fresh out of college, even with having a bachelor’s in Psychology. We’re all aware of the shortage of jobs nowadays, not to mention how difficult it is for a fresh college grad to get their foot in, well anywhere.

While I admit that her being my own daughter might more than sway my opinion, one only has to experience the pure ‘effervescence’ she emits while in her presence. She’s like a burst of fresh spun air – and her personality just rocks. Heck, I’d have hired her too.

Effervescence… thanks, Dad! There’s no other word I can think of more fitting. Bet ya didn’t think I’d use that one, did ya? πŸ™‚

It also comes at a very pertinent time in her life – next month she will be moving into her own brand new apartment and embarking upon a whole new ‘life on her own’. Only now, she also gets to embark upon a new career. So happy for my babygirl!

Signed, Proud Mama


Searching

I’m still at a loss for words – for this I am sorry.

My nieces take my breath away with their beauty… both of them.

I see my own daughter, her father and family completely torn to pieces.

As am I.

My thoughts go every which way but loose. What set of problems could penetrate the mindΒ so,
that this would become the only answer.

It has all become a mind game to me – of whether this really happened… or not.

There are far too many people depending on your strength for their own selves.

You are way too young to exit.

All the people who turned out tonight love you so… and the tears of tough men abound.

I wish you and I had talked before you left. I so wish for that.

A little bird sits on the window sill, watching me type… and still I think of you. I do believe you must be happy beyond words right now.

And at peace. Finally, at peace.


Dear Friday:

I love how very awesome you are. I realize you’re only celebrated on a weekly basis, but please know that tonight, my dearΒ Friday… this is how I intend on celebrating your sweet array.

With a bit of this…

And this….

And afterwards, a little bit of this…

And finally, this…

TGIF, everyone.


If you really knew me…

Even recently, I’ve seen a few posts of this kind. I find them intriguing, and thought I’d take a stab at it myself. I’ll be the first to admit it really worked the ole’ brain a bit. If nothing else, it forced me to take a step back and take a good look at myself – which isn’t a bad idea to do from time to time…

If you really knew me, you would know: That every day I make a valiant effort to laugh heartily at least once. Laughing is my favorite thing in the world to do, and nothing else has ever matched the euphoric feeling it brings me.

And over here, in the darker corner… we have the times that I laugh in order to keep from crying.

If you really knew me, you would know: That I despise a blatant liar. Unless I believe the truth will really hurt your feelings, I’ll be completely honest with you. I know there are exceptions that run the gamut on this… with that said, I simply cannot justify not getting that same truth in return.

If you really knew me, you would know: That I’m really somewhat of a loner. I hate crowds and even large groups of people. I would be perfectly content to come home from work on a Friday afternoon and not leave my condo again until Monday morning.

If you really knew me, you would know: That as cliche as it may sound, all I’ve really ever wanted in life is to be loved. Totally, completely, wholly and without reserve. I believe this particular type of love to be easily recognizable by it’s recipient.

If you really knew me, you would know: That my tolerance for small children is marginal at best. Not just any small children… but the small children of today’s world. The children who are bribed, petted and spoiled by today’s parents in order to semi-behave.

If you really knew me, you would know: I love the ocean and it’s inhabitants so much so, that I can get really emotional just talking about it if I allow myself.

If you really knew me, you would know: That I abhor drama – in any way, shape or form. If you bring drama close to me and I see it for what it is, I will most certainly turn my back on you and walk away. Because I can.

If you really knew me, you would know: That the ability to write means everything to me. It doesn’t matter to me that I don’t write professionally. If I go one single day without writing something, anything – I feel like a huge part of me is missing.

If you really knew me, you would know: That I’m very opinionated on two subjects: politics and religion. It really doesn’t pay for me to argue the subject of either one, because I’ll stop at nothing to prove my point. By then, my blood pressure has usually skyrocketed past the safe zone.

If you really knew me, you would know: That I’m one of those dreaded perfectionists. I struggle daily with this debilitating trait that so often makes my life more difficult than it should be.

If you really knew me, you would know: That I strongly uphold marriage vows, and I believe that there are ZERO excuses for infidelity within a marriage. The pain that results from this type of cowardly betrayal may lessen with time, but the scars will remain forever.

If you really knew me, you would know: That I feel just as strongly about domestic violence. In fact, maybe even more so. I’ll have to get back with you on that one.

If you really knew me, you would know: That I worry way too much of what others think of me. I do know I’ve literallyΒ spent a lifetime trying to reroute this warped way of thinking. At this point, any improvement in this area is looking kinda shady.

And over here, in the lighter corner… I’ve come to realize that shade trees sometimes provide an incandescent lift



Sometimes…

I always enjoy conversations with my Dad. I can always depend on him to give me his honest opinion as well as a fresh male perspective on things, no matter how deep the subject matter. The other day he and I were in a discussion and he said something that really made me think. He told me, “sometimes you have to close one door in order to open another“. Now, there’s a world of difference between this saying and “when one door closes, another one opens”.

Case in point. A few posts back, I wrote ‘August first’ in which I described the one-year anniversary my boyfriend and I had, and some reflections I had of that year. In doing so, I also felt the need to clarify some ‘trying times’ that had occurred just a couple weeks prior to that. I told my Dad of this and why I felt this need to explain myself. Then he said it… “well, you know – sometimes you have to close one door in order to open another.” It makes a lot of sense if you think about it. I closely relate this little nugget of wisdom to ‘tending to unfinished business’ or ‘tying up loose ends’. I love wise sayings like this one which serves to ‘simplify life’ a little more… which I think we all could use more of.

Thanks, Dad.


A fish named Bonnie

Oh how I’ve missed my little blog! I feel the weight of a thousand plus words just waiting to be written, though I’ll spare you that one today. It really is amazing how dependent I’ve gotten on this ‘release valve’ of mine (I love calling it that) and when I can’t write, or vent, well – it’s like a part of me is missing.

Late last week I graciously acquired a case of the intestinal flu. I have not been this sick in at least twenty years – it literally landed me on my ass. This is something that I would not wish on my very worst enemy. I was more than a little concerned over our beach trip and the fact that my boyfriend would also contract this highly contagious virus, since we’d been together for dinner just the night prior. Amazingly enough, as of right now post-weekend – he’s still virus-free. I thank the Lord for this.

So we had our little beach trip. πŸ™‚ K called it ‘one of the most amazing times he’s ever had’ to which I have to agree. Ironically enough, his sister and her husband were also taking a trip down there, staying 2 blocks up from us! It made for double fun, we got together for a bikini lunch on the beach then had dinner later at Murrell’s Inlet, and barhopped a couple of venues there on the tiki strip.

Saturday night, we went out to the infamousΒ Garden City Pier (I heart this place) where in peak season, a band plays at both ends of the pier. We actually found a table at the end of the pier where the band Coldshot was playing. Keith made a dream of mine come true when he stood and held his hand out to me for our first slow-dance ever on the pier. I can honestly say I have never been more in love with him than at that very moment – and it’s that moment in time I know I’ll remember for the rest of my life.

Another first happened when we were in the ocean – we were about waist-deep (chest-deep with the waves) when he noticed about 100 or so feet out a pack of dolphins gracing us with their presence. As the waves allowed, we watched them move rhythmically in and out for about 8 minutes from one side of the ocean to the other, until they finally faded from our sight. I’ve never physically been in the ocean and privy to dolphin sitings all at once, and we both felt very privileged.

I’ll even go so far as to say it was magical. But then again… so was the dance.


GripesΒ©

No one likes a person that constantly complains. I like to refer to them as ‘downers’, because let’s face it – unless it’s done in humorous fashion, it does bring you down. Sometimes though, you just need to get things off your chest. Things you might normally let slide or roll off your back on a daily basis can mount up and come out in a very bad way if you don’t unload every once in a while.

So, gentle readers, be forewarned that today will be my bitch day. Hey… I’ve done a ‘things I love’ blog before. It’s only fitting that I have a ‘things I hate’ one…

  • I hate running across people I call ‘provers’. These people basically need to have whatever you tell them proven right then in order to believe you.
  • I hate when I say something about a restaurant that I went to the night before, and a downer is listening and informs me that they don’t have any food in their cabinets.
  • I hate when I pay extra for a Marie Callendar’s frozen entree for lunch, and the contents ends up being smaller than that of a Lean Cuisine or Healthy Choice.
  • I hate the fact that apparently I’m the only person at work that has the expertise of changing a toilet paper roll. I’ve tested this theory several different ways on many occasions.
  • I hate when a stranger 20+ years your elder brazenly uses their age as an excuse to advance ahead of you – and I’m not just talking about lines.
  • I hate when a guy believes certain chores are not made for them to do.
  • I hate when a guy postpones vacationing, even a simple 2-day beach trip – then suggests tagging along with his mother for the weekend on her trip.
  • (Red flag)
  • I hate when a guy suggests hopping on your cellphone plan, and you blog about how much that bothered you – then the next night he tells you he’s hopping on his mother’s plan.
  • (Dark red flag)
  • I hate when normal grooming habits are forgotten or ignored. Everyone I meanΒ everyone knows how I feel about this.Β Enough said.
  • I hate when an otherwise enjoyable trip to a local Japanese steakhouse is thwarted by patrons who believe your space should include their conversations and children.
  • I hate when my financial situation is prejudged by another, as in “you should be doing okay now that your car is paid off”.
  • I hate when people have trouble addressing a problem and end up just letting it go without confronting and/or attempting to fix it.
  • This list will most definitely be continued at a later date. Until then… thank you, dear readers, for the unload.

A Voice

I have a good friend that’s decided to bite the bullet and start blogging. Not only is she an extremely smart and beautiful lady, but well-versed. I’m willing to bet she will enjoy it – and I look forward to reading. I’ll be sure to cue you in on the page when she gets it up and running.

Many of us have been subjected to broken trust and loyalty throughout our lives – some more than others. The last thing you need is to keep it all to yourself… what you need is to be heard. An outlet, a source which you may unload on every once in a while. A while back I suggested that a blog might be the very venue my friend needed. It provides an opportunity to be heard, a chance to voice anything and/or everything you’ve wanted to say for a long time now. She asked me ‘do you think the word bitch in my title would be offensive and draw negative feedback?’ To which I replied chuckling, ‘ya know, there’s always going to be something that offends someone out there.’ And that’s true, no matter what.

It got me to thinking about life in general, and how it is we’ve arrived at the point of being a functioning adult human being… exactly what it is that has made up the mindset, emotions and character of who we are now. Do I believe that we continually change throughout life? Yes. Do I believe that what we’ve been through in the past actually shapes the person we are today, as well as the person we are to become? Absolutely. We will not be the exact same person a year from now as we are today. These changes will be determined by the events and occurrences within our lives, and how we choose to react or deal with them. Like my grandmother always told me… ‘bunny-rabbit…it ain’t always easy’.


A Rainbow in my Pocket

Rain, rain, and more rain. And more in the forecast… bring it on, I say. We’ve had a bit of the wet stuff this weekend. I simply love thunderstorms. A good hard rainstorm seems to enhance whatever mood you’re in, which isn’t always a good thing.Β To me, the intense force of a storm is calming. I can sleep my very best during a thunderstorm.

Two different rainbows arrived after the showers yesterday. Rainbows may be seen whenever there are water drops in the air and sunlight is shining from behind at a low altitude angle. The most spectacular rainbow displays happen when half of the sky is still dark with rain clouds and the observer is at a spot with clear sky in the direction of the Sun. This is why we often will spot a rainbow when it’s raining and the sun is shining. The result? A breathtaking, sometimes double, rainbow. A beautiful rainbow that I want to hold onto forever.

In other news, I saw the movie Inception yesterday. This is a must-see in my opinion! As much as I love dreams and the analysis of them, I really ‘got into’ this movie. Yes yes… I highly recommend.

Watch the trailer here, after clicking ‘enter site’. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’ll blow your mind. http://inceptionmovie.warnerbros.com/


To Mom

She said it herself about a week ago. ‘When she hurts, I hurt’. Well, my turn to say it now.

When she hurts, I hurt. My precious mother. I don’t want to get too technical on here for reason of privacy. But what I will say is that she’s been through way more than her share of hurt and heartache in her life. So much so, that I’m often amazed at the fact she hasn’t ever broken.

Yesterday was a birthdate of extreme significance to her. That in itself is always hard, when that time rolls around – as well as several other dates throughout the year.

Quite often I look at her strength, which she would probably argue the fact that she has, with much admiration. She has pushed through the hardest of times all while exuberating class and dignity. Not just part of the time… but all of the time.

She’s dedicated much time and patience in teaching her only child what it truly means to be a real southern lady. While I haven’t always been the best student, the old saying is true… you never stop learning.

So, Mom – know that you have an admirer out there. Though it’s for certain I’m not the only one – your baby girl will always be your number one fan.


BREATHE

I recently received an email entitled “Courage”. It got me to thinking. What exactlyΒ is courage? Furthermore, what about the courage to love?

Fairy tales? No such thing. Forever afters? Hac-tuiii. Pardonne moi….

I have to laugh to keep from crying, more. For the past couple of days my face has resembled something monstrous and I’m growing weary of it. Quite simply, my heart is breaking. Right now I just feel like retreating inside my cave for, well forever.

The Courage to Love. I’ve always been a firm believer of the old saying ‘If you love something, set it free – if it comes back to you, it’s yours. If it doesn’t, it never was.’ Well… up to a point, anyway. One should never go so far as to allow their selves to become a doormat for anyone else.

I guess I’m old fashioned, I’ll admit that. I am southern, after all. I’ve never been one of these feminists who mandate equality of the sexes, and never will. It’s my belief that women shouldn’t ‘chase’ men – it should be the other way around. I also believe that if a man loves a woman enough… I mean really loves them… they won’t let her go without a fight. They’ll Β do anything and everything to keep her – anything less than that simply isn’t real. Call it what you will – it’s an illusion. Don’t fool yourself. Life’s too short.

Hey, self – remember this: I Myself, will NOT… break. Already been through Hell and back once – and I ain’t planning a return trip anytime soon.


Post Pardon

So remind me please of why I’m up at 4:30am perched behind the keyboard. Maybe it’s because after lying in bed for over two hours prior with my brain scrambling at 200+mph, I opted for the only escape hatch in sight – my computer. Yes, today should be a nice little productive day at work. Seriously, I’m thinking maybe I can just submerge myself in the huge workload I’m supposed to have coming and forget about everything in my personal life for a few to eight hours.

I’m living the whole once upon a time theatrical bit. I don’t know what it’s gonna take in life for me to realize that there are no fairy tales, nor fairy tale endings. The reality is, no matter how happy you are, or how happy you think your partner may be – there’s always going to be that third person infiltrator. Hell, maybe fourth fifth and sixth, for that matter. They may come sooner, they may come later, but make no mistake – theyΒ always show up. And sometimes, they just walk right on into the house without even knocking. Without being asked or invited. Because that’s what a little harlot infiltrator will do. Oh, sorry… just thought I’d throw an example in there for ya.

Oh, girl… you should always ‘fight for your man’! Love will prevail… stand tall and don’t let anyone infiltrate what you have, break out the big guns!

Ummm – nuh.

I am not in my twenties or even thirties anymore. Trust me when I say the old ‘fire in me’ can still be ignited – but itΒ won’t be happening for the soul purpose of an attempt to save a relationship. I learned a long time ago that doesn’t work… it simply cannot be that one-sided.Β So what am I saying? That I am well past the point of exhausting myself in a heated battle or debate over a) how a partner should handle said infiltration, b) addressing the harlot personally, because it’s not me who should be taking care of the situation, c) launching an all-out war, thereby leaving not a shred of doubt as to how I really feel… or d) any or all of the above. No, instead, I’ll just opt to gracefully take a step back. If the situation continues… well, I don’t know how graceful it’ll be, but I will be bowing out completely.

Simply put.


Tropical Storm Bon (nie)

I love looking at pictures of hotels and condos for rent at the beach. With all the online photo galleries and virtual tours they have now, it’s almost taking a little mini-vacation.

Almost.

K and I spent a good bit of last night checking out different places online. Our one-year anniversary is only a couple of weeks away, and we’ve talked about trying to head down to the coast for a couple of nights. I can hardly believe it’s been a year already…

Last night he took me out to a place called Logan’s not far from his house. They have the second-to-best ribs I’ve ever had in my life. Simply delectable… fall-off-the-bone-waste-not-a-bit-of-meat goodness. I’ve only experienced one place that beats Logan’s on ribs, and that would be TK Tripps at the beach.

For a four-day week, this sure has been a long one – I’m thankful for the Friday. The heat has been immeasurable this whole week, with highs around 98-100ΒΊ.Β Thankfully, we’re getting a break starting tomorrow with hopefully some rain and definite lower temps.

K told me last night that the next-up tropical storm will take the name Bonnie. Well well well. I distinctly remember over a decade ago when Hurricane Bonnie ripped through Myrtle Beach. It’s hard to fathom the name has already made it’s way back around again. I never did score me one of those “I survived Bonnie” t-shirts back in ’98…

Happy weekend, everyone.Β β™₯


Venus and Mars, perspectively

It’s the century-old question. Can men and women have a happy healthy relationship along with having a close friend(s) of the opposite sex? And remain friends, notwithstanding an affair? How about if that ‘friend’ existed before you came along, and you’ve always noticed or ‘felt’ this closeness between the two of them?

There are boatloads of opinions out there on this. Instead of a theological approach on the subject, I’m instead opting to provide you with my very own raw opinion. A Bon-view, as I like to call it. This ain’t gonna be pretty… could even get messy – might be a good idea to go ahead and don those rubber gloves from underneath your kitchen sink.

All joking aside, most man-moves can, are, and will forever be excused in the fact that they are men. I’ve grown not only to expect this, but to accept it as a fact of life.

Now, onto what I’ve learned.

Virtually any area of infidelity is contingent upon the type of woman that is playing along.

That’s right, I just said it. I believe the woman to be the deciding factor in whether an infidelity is to occur in a relationship, whether she’s the relationshipee or the outsider. Folks I’ve seen it, I’ve lived it… it’s a fact. And I seriously beg a debate.

Ladies… have you any wonder about the woman your man speaks so eloquently of, whether or not they were ‘friends’ before you came along? You’d damn well better have. Men… how about that guy friend of your girlfriend’s that she’ll meet for lunch from time to time, talk with on the phone, etc.? Is it really platonic? True enough, it could be platonic in both cases. The end result, though, will be determined by **none other than** the woman’s own moral convictions and willpower.

So by now am I sounding like a paranoid schizophrenic? Okay, I’ll give you that. The paranoid schiz in me was instilled by another, and it’s a daily struggle to keep that part of me buried. Maybe I arrived that way after realizing there will always be certain women out there that need the attention so badly they’ll resort to anything – including infiltration of a known relationship, be it marriage or other. The attention whore, for lack of a better word. Believe me ladies, when I tell you they are out there. Worse yet? They could be the very one that you perceive to be a good friend. Having been on the receiving end of the infidelity stick, I can tell you it’s humiliating and mentally draining – to say the very least.

So to wrap up my little rant for the day, in short – this is what I believe… and this is what I’ve lived. I want so very badly to protect myself in the future from this very damaging act. But just what is the answer? I realize that trust should be the key. Keyword, should.

Ladies, back to you…


Rest, Relaxation and Reality

I got a full night’s rest last night without waking up even once, until about 0830 this morning. My guy took me to see the movie Eclipse last night, what a great movie. No, I am not one of those over-40 women who gush over the boy stars (but umm, let me say there’s only one thatΒ I still consider a boy…) πŸ™‚ I think what I love so much about the saga is it’s the perfect mix of action, drama and romance. And let’s face it, it’s unrealistic – so the Piscean in me basks in that dreamy part of it too. Anyway, I won’t spoil it for you – just to say if you haven’t yet seen it, it’s a must-see.

A day off, finally. What a joy to not have anything to do or anywhere to go. Pressing, that is. Time is at my own pace, and come what will. The weather is cooler, humidity is down, sun still shining, and hallelujah Praise God I’m off for three whole days. Even a simple trip to the grocery store and to tan was enjoyable this morning. Rode with the windows down and my hair blowing, just like it was spring again.

Now, if someone would just invent a Virtual Vacation to the beach, I’d be just peachy. Everyone I know is either en route there, or on the way back. I’m serious when I say everyone. Well, almost. Most of my friends on facebook are, my daughter is, my cousins are, I don’t need to go on. Guess I’ll be there one day soon, hopefully. My friend is getting married at the beach on August 22nd, so I’ll definitely be there on that day even if I have to drive down alone for that. She so deserves this most perfect day in her life and I’m so happy for her.

I do love fairytale endings… and they happen so rarely in Real Life. Hmmm, maybe the fairytale is what I love so much about the Twilight Saga.Β β™₯


Bits and Pieces

I gazed down at myself as I sat down in my car seat this morning and discovered a spider had hitched a ride down the stairs with me. Lovely. I should be used to it by now I so hate spiders.

On a brighter note, here comes our holiday finally and with it the three-day weekend. Longer for some, I know, but I’ll take the extra day and not complain a bit. I recently made a friend who frequents the lake (via boat) and she invited us out this weekend. I’m SO STOKED I couldn’t be more excited if I were going to the beach. Wellll, I might be a bit more excited about that – but this is still major to me. I haven’t had a good day out on a boat in well, I don’t count last year because the boat never even moved from it’s stationery spot. So, three years now. That’s far too long for ole’ water-Bon to be a land-lubber. Craving the ocean too, but that’s a whole other story. The lake will most definitely temporarily suffice.

So, Eclipse has come out. All of my New Moon buddies have seen it so far and are telling me it’s mega-awesome, so I can’t wait to see it. My guy said something about Monday and it probably will be less crowded that day. One friend of mine was going to see it for the second time last night. The last movie I went to see more than once was Nights in Rodanthe, which I saw 3 times at the theatre. I didn’t know it at the time, but that movie was to become a staple in my newfound single life.

I have a friend who is taking his girlfriend to the beach this weekend – and planning to ‘pop the question’ to her. From what he said, she’s wanted this for a long time, and what better time than July 4th holiday? I’m such a romantic, so I bask in stories like these. I got all sappy yesterday when I heard what he was planning, and the girls at work were laughing at me. I can only explain it by saying that I’ve never in my life had anyone who actually wanted to marry me, so I guess that’ll make a person a romantic if nothing else will. I can’t wait to hear how he did it when he gets back in town… will he propose on the pier? On the beach? Or maybe at Broadway, standing underneath the fireworks after they start… my goodness, I love that idea….

Stay tuned. πŸ™‚


Mellowing out

Although there have been multiple studies done that actually suggest the opposite – it’s my own experience that we get more emotional as we get older. I’m not talking about the more generalized emotions – being happy, angry, fearful, etc., but the more ‘philosophical’ ones. The types of emotions that tend to make a person ‘linger’ a bit more on the past, or ‘delve back’.

Is it true though? Do we get more emotional as we age? I can only comment on what I’ve seen personally, which is that I’ve seen more than a couple of mature men cry when reflecting back on certain times in their lives – in particular, times they wish they could go back and change. In each instance, the individuals appear different now than how I was told they used to be. Different how? It’s kind of hard to put into words. Softer-spoken, and rarely if ever angered – just to name a few.

What changes in us chemically as we get older that tends to make us more ’emotional’? And is it ever possible for a person to ‘change’? I don’t know the answer to the first question. As for the second one, I believe wholeheartedly the answer is yes. Maybe I’m wrong, but I consider being more emotional and ‘in-tune’ with yourself and others to be change. One thing I do know – the pill of regret is seldom swallowed. One of the saddest things you’ll ever see is a person reflecting back on losing the best thing they ever had in life.


Never can tell…

I’ve been thinking about the word unpredictable. To me it almost always preceeds an unfavorable outcome. Almost.

Unpredictable: Something difficult or impossible to foretell or foresee.

A drive in to work in the morning. I’m in the left lane, cruising along, not bothering a soul. Situated in a nice little flow of moving traffic who I like to term ‘dancing partners’. Everyone seems to know what they’re doing – almost. Enter car on the right that I’m getting ready to pass, just like all my other dancing partners just did… I see the impatience radiating from the car’s body. That slightest move left and quick jerk back right, ever so desiring to be in my position.

Unpredictable. Move on past ’em – quickly now.

How about that family member who all your other family members simply dread to be around. This person lives to create turmoil, speaks ill of you behind your back, and continually strives to be in the midst of controversy.

Unpredictable. Let’s keep on movin’.

I’m watering my many flowers, and along comes a large thirsty wasp like they so often do these days. Don’t even waste your time telling me ‘It’s okay, just don’t panic. Stand still and everything will be fine’. I’m outta there.

Go, quickly. Unpredictable.

Let’s say I’ve been out on the beach a few hours now, and it’s mid-afternoon. I take note of the darkening sky in the distance, and know what will probably be upon me soon – a thunderstorm. Or, maybe not.

Hey I’m at the beach, in this case I’m stayin’. Who cares if I get wet? πŸ™‚

Photo Courtesy of http://campusedgeccu.wordpress.com/


She’s gone country

I love country music. It calms me… soothes me.

It amazes me how we all change with age. The fact is, we all do change – even if it’s only something others recognize in us. If you’d told me even a year ago that I would want to listen to nothing but country, I’d have slapped you then told you to go find your mama. Seriously though, I was a metalhead growing up, all the way through my twenties. Still love that era, and pretty much all the 80’s music. Once in my thirties, I increased my musical genre by adding in alternative to the mixture. As well, I’ll always love my alternative. None of this will ever fade or go away, I’ll always consider it my musical ‘roots’.

It amuses me to watch people’s reaction who haven’t seen me in a while when they hear me singing or listening to country music. ‘I can’t believe you listen to country now!? All the time?!’ (jaw dropping in succession). ‘What on earth made you change to country?’

Hmm. Good question…

Back to my theory that we all change in time. Well, sometimes that change comes about in unexpected venues. My most recent ‘growth’ just happened to manifest itself within my music selection.

I find myself craving it. There’s almost always something a song offers that I can relate with. The morals seem high, the love always radiates from them, at times they can be hilarious, and they’re not shy about their love for our Lord. So many of the songs actually mean something personal to me, or signify a person or time in my life. There’s too many instances like this to even start listing, so don’t worry, I’ll spare you the boredom.

The sweet melodic tones of country music seems to soften, or at least take the edge off of life. For me, anyway. πŸ™‚