Day 30: Write a letter to yourself

Self,

Congratulations on making it through an entire month of posts. I didn't think you could make it. Or perhaps, I didn't think you were capable of talking about yourself so much. Clearly, you have a bigger ego than we thought. 

I'm am, however, impressed you didn't lose followers when you expressed your thoughts on religion or politics or getting pregnant. Perhaps you have been wrong to change the way you act around every person you know. Although I would suggest you continue to tread softly. I've also noticed that on this blog you've had a chance to write to people you know very little about, and yet, no one has told you you're dumb, silly, or boring like you thought they would. Or perhaps those people are the ones who visited, but didn't come back. Either way, you worried too much.

Still, you have a lot to do. You have said many things that require follow through. Perhaps you still need to share more of yourself and not worry so much about what other's think. You pretend not to care, but I cannot be fooled (by you anyway). So keep changing, growing, sharing, thinking, and working. Every morning, resolve to be a better person than you were yesterday.

Stop settling for mediocrity. Stop letting other people live your life for you. Stop letting your fears consume you. Stop being what you think people expect. Work hard. Speak up. Get out there. Let your curiosities and interests overcome your reservations. Surprise people with your abilities, your knowledge, your love, and your generosity.

We're in this together, I'm pulling for you.

Sincerly, 
yourself

P.S. I also know you're not crazy for talking to yourself for so long - don't let anyone tell you differently.

Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself

One thing always comes to mind. I've said it before (see here, and here).

I want to be a better volunteer.

I want to make decisions without being prompted first.

I want to overcome my fear of being wrong and start doing something right.

Because for right now, I don't think I'm doing enough.

I am capable of more.

But even though I know what I should do, my inhibitions restrain me.

Day 28: What would you do if you got pregnant

Another topic I don't entirely appreciate, but will answer anyway.

1) I won't be getting pregnant. I have taken/will be taking precautions.

2) I won't be getting pregnant. Ever. I've decided it's not necessary. If at some point in the far, far distant future, I am unable to shake those motherly desires most women have at some point or another, I am going to adopt. Why would I bring a child into the world when there are already children who need to be taken care of and loved? Just don't tell my mother.

3) I won't be getting pregnant. But, for the sake of argument and that unshakable "what if" . . . If I were to get pregnant, I would be the best mother I am capable of being. Having an abortion or giving it up for adoption are not even considerations. I, no doubt, would have to rely on help from family and friends, but if I create a child, I will take care of it. Life is precious, even if you didn't plan on it.

I was told the movie's boring, but they are pretty cute.

 (oh, if I were to get pregnant, I would skip the prego pics. They always look odd)

always - see awkwardfamilyphotos.com for more

Day 27: What's the best thing you've got going for you right now?

As usual, I couldn't come up with anything, so I let a website do all the creative work for me today.

See Wordle.net and make your own :)

Day 26: Have you ever though about giving up on life

Yes. But that was a long time ago.

I was an awkward middle school student. My mother and I weren't getting along. It seemed like everyone in my life was changing (and I didn't feel the same either). My life felt pointless and insignificant, and in some ways, I felt my existence did more harm than good. So I thought - why not end it? I had heard of suicide pacts and there was something . . . romantic about them (provided you don't have a strong grasp on reality).

Luckily, however, teachers seem to figure out the need to address this issue. After several classes, lectures, and workshops - I realized the permanence of the action compared to the temporal nature of my problems. I still have moments where I don't feel as though I truly matter, but those moments should give me resolve to be a better person, rather than give up.

Also, I found an amazing book - After the Death of Anna Gonzales - which contains 30-something poems expressing the thoughts of characters after Anna has committed suicide. It's well-written, relatable, honest, and balanced. Here's one of my favorites from it:

Jordan Smythe

Once I had this jigsaw puzzle.

I worked on it every day.

It was the hardest thing I’d ever done,

But I finally got it all finished

Except for one piece,

Which was missing.

I looked for it everywhere,

Under my bed, behind the table, in the closet,

But the piece was just gone.

Pretty soon, when I looked at the puzzle

All I could see

Was the missing piece.

So I threw the whole thing away.

All my hard work, all my effort tossed in the garbage.

The next week I found the missing piece

But, of course, I no longer had the puzzle.

So why am I thinking about this puzzle today

When I hear about Anna Gonzales’s suicide?

I don’t know.

Maybe it’s one of those metaphor things.

Clearly, the audience intended to be young adults, but I still find these words a great reminder of how small our perspective can often be.

Day 25: The reason you believe you're still alive today

One reason? I think not. 

Here are a few of the reasons:

*God (and all things included)

*My parents love me and stopped me from doing stupid things

*I never rarely played with matches (one of many warnings)

*I drive responsibly (because my dad told me to)

*I have never fought in a war (because my mom wouldn't let me)

*I ate my vegetables

*Others fought/fight for me and my country (including my brother)

*The kindness of strangers (on whom I have always depended)

*DJ and Stephanie (Full House) made most of my mistakes for me

*I spend most of my time reading rather than partaking in other, more dangerous activities (like sky diving or horseback riding)

*I always park my car under a street light (luminescence scares away murderers, thieves and other unscrupulous characters - an email told me so)

*I chew my food slowly

*I don't live in a place with earthquakes or hurricanes, and tornadoes are relatively easy to avoid

*I'm still in my twenties

*Just lucky, I guess

Confession: I was bored and played with the font - it's still readable right?

Day 24: Make a playlist for someone and exlpain your choices

My sister and I are very different. I mentioned that previously. Everyone in my immediate family knows this. I've noticed, however, that people looking in from the outside cannot seem to get over our similarities. And we do have our ongoing jokes, our shared mannerisms, near-identical complexions (minus the freckles on my part), and the same color of brown framing our faces.

Still, our personalities and tastes are often as different as night and day. Music is a big example of where we diverge. Sure, we have some mutual appreciations (I've developed a playlist for that in case we're caught in the same car together), but the majority of my music she calls "trash," and most of her music I dub "cheese."

My biggest problem with her musical preference lies not in someone she likes, but rather in a group she does not. She hates The Beatles. I cannot seem to get over that. Who doesn't like The Beatles? She's crazy. Her defense: She says they sound too whinny and rough. She doesn't like the choppiness of some of their music and calls is old.

Warning: This is not a list of great Beatles covers (although some of them are pretty great). This list is intended to be ones my sister would like.

*To start, surprisingly we both like The Muppets. They covered several, but I like the jokes before this one the best. I don't, however, understand why they felt the need to include all the dogs.

80'stees.com has this on a tshirt!

*Across the Universe did its best to cover so many songs, but my favorite was when they used Oh Darling as part of an argument. Although, I think she would probably prefer the ones sung by Jim Sturgess.



*You've Got to Hide Your Love Away doesn't seem to have many good covers of it. But I did find one from Keane.



*Pesonally, I prefer Johnny Cash's version, but the sis doesn't appreciate him either, so I found a version of In My Life covered by Jason Mraz (who has a voice she likes).



*She's still warming up to Belle and Sebastian, but Here Comes the Sun is easy to get right. Coldplay and Rob Thomas also sing it pretty well.



*I think I am moving farther away from the type of musicians she likes, but I love Robin Williams and Bobby McFerrin's cover of Come Together.



*Across the Universe has been covered by some great artists, but Fiona Apple's version was great - I still think about Pleasantville when I hear it.



*If I Fell is one of my favorites, and I found this version a while ago.



Well, it ended up being a short playlist and I doubt she will like many of these versions either. She tends to like only artists who are still recording albums. It's sad, but I'm in the mood to cater. Any suggestions?

Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life

I feel like this topic implies my life is essentially over. Is this, my 24th year, the year in which I should stop talking about what I want to do and start nostalgically looking back on what I did/didn't do? No, I'm not ready to take on that perspective. I'm still too busy living - or at least trying to sort out this thing we've named life.

Henry Miller, as flawed as he was, certainly had an admirable way of seeing our existence. He jumped in with both feet and recorded his keen observations for anyone who didn't censor literature. Some of my favorite quotations are attributed to him. The above one is pretty good, but a much more better one is his command to "Develop an interest in life as you see it, the people, things, literature, music - the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself."

I suppose if I were to limit myself to one thing I wish I had done. I wish I had found this statement earlier. Life is so much more amazing if you're just willing to take an interest in it. There are too many things to see, read, feel, hear, and discover to be bored. How much have I missed because I was distracted by my own petty desires?

Day 22: Something you wish you hadn't done in your life

I've made mistakes. Some have taught me valuable lessons. Some were useless. One of my least favorite mantras is "no regrets." While I appreciate the value of experience, some things are best learned vicariously. My life has saved over and over again because I have seen the poor choices of others and avoided those choices myself. Still, I do wish I could have bypassed a few things. Rather than trying to pick one, however, I am going to resort to one of my lists.

Things I wish I hadn't done:

*Gone through a period of life listening to country music (I blame my JH softball coach)
*Watched the 3rd and 4th seasons of Heroes
*Skipped assignments in high school
*Kept an unprotected journal (my mother read it)
*Worn those pink jeans in grade school
*Waited so long to read Cry, the Beloved Country (and other amazing books)
*Taken the time I had with my grandpa for granted
*Committed myself to the major/career my parents preferred
*Quit taking piano lessons
*Ignored the litter on my walk today

If you can't learn from your mistakes, at least learn from your regrets.

Day 21: Is just ridiculous

I'm skipping this post. It's too far-fetched for my tastes. Also, I don't generally fight with friends, nor do I believe a fight a few hours before would alter my reaction to an accident.

I would, however, like to add an addendum. (Is that redundant?)

I feel like I said "drugs and alcohol are stupid, but I won't stop you." That wasn't my intention. It is easy for me to judge something I have no interest in. I suppose those who don't like blogging (do people like that exist?) could easily say the time I spend online is wasteful. We put a lot of energy into the things we enjoy. What I meant to say was you should be free to do what makes you happy. I just think some people can't find something to be happy about so they just try doing what everyone else seems to like.

Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol

First, I should admit my extremely limited consumption of alcohol and my complete abstinence from any nonprescription or Tylenol type drugs. In high school and college (when movies tell you it should happen) I was never offered anything. I wasn't even invited to the parties where I would have been offered anything. I guess my reputation as a straight-laced-Daddy's-girl prevented any attempts. And truthfully, I have never, nor do I intend to experiment with anything illegal. Although, if something were to become legal . . . yeah, I probably still wouldn't try it. Why? Keep reading.


I have strong reservations about taking drugs or consuming large quantities of alcohol because I'm a control-freak. Not so much that you would immediately notice, but I really, really hate losing control. I think it's the main reason I don't get angry or overly emotional. It might also contribute to various trust issues and my inability to watch 2 year olds for long periods of time.

Drugs and alcohol also - from an expense standpoint - don't make sense to me. I am reluctant to invest money into something so . . . unnecessary. An addiction to any drug is going to waste money and time. I could be saving kittens, sweeping sidewalks, or recycling. I'm not sure getting high appeals to me - where's the value?

In addition, alcohol and drugs affect people differently, require heightened restrictions, and a great deal of personal responsibility. But what you do for fun, relaxation, or socialization should be up to you.  The battle against alcohol is already lost. And one illegal drug in particular seems  acceptable in certain forms. Either way, it's not for me to decide and it's certainly not up to a government heavily influenced by pharmaceutical companies to decide.

Making something illegal does not decrease it's use. Might I suggest giving people something else to live for instead?

Day 19: What is your opinion of religion and politics?

Today was a better day than yesterday. I therefore have no excuse to evade the topic any longer. Although, I guess this post doesn't have to be about my particular beliefs - I could just talk about overgeneralized and easily corruptible institutions, but that could get rather dull.

First, Religion. From the outside, it's a quick label. Yes, I'm religious - meaning I have a deeply-rooted faith in God. I read the Bible. I study what it says. I pray. I take comfort in the relationship I have with Him. My faith gives me so much - joy, hope, peace, love, morality, integrity, understanding, and purpose. My faith begins with Christ. Basically, I believe He was who He said He was. Starting there, everything else falls into place.

a couple pages from one of my Bibles

Christianity sometimes (often?) gets thrown under the bus. People scrutinize it, find fault with it, and reject it at the first sign of trouble. Sadly, the criticism is frequently deserved. We hold ourselves to impossible standards and then act shocked when others fall short as well. We purposely err on the side of caution and then demand those carefully discerning what is right to be overcautious as well. We judge too quickly and take up a defense when we should repent, ignore, or accept. We give people truth when they need love and grace. Then again, perhaps I have held Christians to an impossible standard. We are all fallible people right?

Politics. They're everywhere right now. My parents are very definite about what they (and I) believe. I used to be definite too. I bought in to all the propaganda. Then I went to college and learned to think for myself. I realized the faults of the party to which my parents were so committed, but I reluctantly voted for the "lesser of two evils" in the general elections that came by. I've never really liked the party lines anyway. I don't understand supporting an unreliable person, let alone a party full of unreliable persons. I prefer to support ideas - the trouble is finding someone who supports them as well.

Some ideas that are important to me: Life is sacred. It's precious and must be protected, defended, and cultivated. People are precious and must be provided for, taught, and loved. But life isn't just human, we have a responsibility to take care of all life - including the earth. Personal responsibility is another important issue for me. I don't want the government taking care of every little detail of my life. I am responsible for my communities needs. I am responsible for my mistakes. I am responsible for meeting the needs of those around me. Finally, individual liberty is immensely important to me. Restrictions often just make bad people more creative. Obviously, some borders have to be drawn, but as much as is possible, I must be free to make my own decisions. So should you.

Sometimes I just want to vote based on names.

Day 18: Your views on gay marriage

I'm not sure why this topic comes before I give you any background regarding my political and religious beliefs, but even though I'm tempted to switch the days around, I feel as though I have fiddled with this list enough. I am certain, however, that many thoughts I share today will be reiterated tomorrow. Also, I apologize for the seriousness of these posts, but I don't generally joke about politics - which is sad because it shut out several potential career paths.

First of all, people lose all sense of decency in this discussion. They throw in red herrings, build up straw men, pursue non sequitur arguments, and commit just about every other logical atrocity there is. It's embarrassing. I rarely voice my opinion for fear of increasing the absurdity, intolerance, and tactless behavior. And I'm not talking about one side or the other - both sides are making the same mistakes.

Second, marriage and homosexuality are two different topics. Marriage (we'll start there) is something I have become increasingly disillusioned with. Perhaps I have lost faith in men and therefore cannot see myself putting up with one long-term, or perhaps I'm worried about becoming a nagging, manipulate wife obsessed with getting a better couch, but I'm not interested right now. I've seen so many people get caught up in their passions causing them to ignore advice from friends and family. They get married simply because it seems to be the next logical step, but they aren't committed to the relationship - just the happiness of the moment. Marriage is more than taking the next step, it's an unbreakable resolve to love someone "til death" regardless of circumstance or momentary emotion. Many people are so selfish the aren't capable of loving someone that much. I guess I'm saying that marriage is broken. It's become a means to combine income and pay less in taxes. Therefore, arguing to "preserve marriage" seems like a lost cause.

Homosexuality is one of the most personal topics in existence. It's talking about who you love. It's the entertaining of certain curiosities and feelings. It's mentioned in the Bible; it's mentioned in the Qur'an. Most religions address it in some form or another. Many condemn it. That's hard. It's difficult to listen to someone say your feelings are wrong. It's difficult to say someone's lifestyle is wrong. Luckily for me, that isn't the topic. The topic is gay marriage - or whether or not the government should allow it.

So here is my opinion (did you think I would ever get there?). It's not the government's job to determine the validity of a union. It doesn't do that anyway (see divorce). The government is merely interested in monetary concerns, visiting rights, and census counts. The only reason to fight gay marriage on a state level is because it complicates things. All the forms have to be changed, all the statements reworded. What do we do with the people who believe it's wrong? Hard questions have to be answered. But that's just laziness holding back a system. I believe you have the right to enter a union based on personal preference. None of my other beliefs should stand in the way of that.

Day 17: A book you've read that changed your perspective on something

I'm tempted to make a list rather than pick a single book. It seems like everything I've read has changed my perspective to some degree. Whenever I open my mind to someone else's line of thinking, I realize just how limited my thoughts can be. 

But even though the books I could list are many, I've decided to go with the most recent. I just read The Invisible Gorrilla: And Other Ways Our Intuitions Deceive Us by Christopher Chabis and Daniel Simons. It's based on a fairly well known study regarding our perceptions, and I've included a youtube video of the version I like the best (it works even if you've seen the original). Feel free to watch it before I bias you towards it's contents.

The study and the book demonstrate the ways common illusions can manipulate our ability to see the world accurately. We are biased by what we expect will be, mislead by what we think we will remember, overconfident in our abilities and in our knowledge, incorrect in judging cause and effect, and too often distracted by potential. What I'm trying to say is there was a lot to digest. It's a book to make you second-guess yourself (which I thought I was already prone to, but now I'm not so sure). Judgment is too often clouded by desire and familiarity and blind acceptance.

The Invisible Gorilla is both fascinating and enlightening. More than once I have thought about how easily my senses are mislead and misinterpreted by my own mind. I wonder if I've been giving the world funny looks lately. Also, it's case studies remind me of reading Malcolm Gladwell's books (which I love and recommend). Ultimately, this book is for anyone who believes too strongly in the power of intuition.

Hmmm, now that I think about it Blink by Gladwell actually argues for the opposite concept (i.e. trusting your gut reactions). I wonder what he would think of this book.

Day 16: Something (or someone) you could definitely live without

Gambling.  

After long consideration, I conclude that gambling is one thing I never have to do. I have no intention of buying a lottery ticket, pulling down the lever on a slot machine, placing a bet on a horse, or even using more than pennies to play poker.


Now, I don't believe there's anything morally wrong with gambling . . . it just doesn't appeal to me.

At first, I wasn't sure why. I mean, I like games. I love playing poker and I certainly enjoy the thrill of winning. Casinos are bright and flashy and part of me likes to hear the sound of a ball circling a roulette wheel, but something taints the experience for me. Actually, three things come to mind.

First, I hate to win at the expense of someone else. I suppose beating the house is a nice enough concept, but most of the time if you're winning, someone else is losing. I can't get over that. I am not a competitive person (just ask any of my previous coaches, they're probably still frustrated with me). If we play monopoly, I will probably let you win. Why would I waste money on a lottery ticket, when I could spend that money on something I will definitely profit from - like a caramel macchiato? Then, everyone wins - including Starbucks.

Second, local economies seem far too dependent on casinos. In several states, it's the only way they come close to balancing the budget. That scares me. Depending on an entertainment/unnecessary industry to maintain and finance government responsibilities seems like a terrible practice. It's not my field of expertise, however, so I won't belabor that point.

Third, it can consume you. I had a coworker who incessantly talked about playing craps. He carried a pair of dice in his pocket at all times, and whenever we had a break he would toss them. He would then try to explain why he won or lost, but I never could follow him past the pass line. If he had lost at the casino before coming in to work, you could tell. And if he had won before coming, you were in for a chatty evening. The only thing I knew would change his mood was another trip to the casino. He had two daughters, but I hardly ever heard about them. He seemed happy enough, but to me, his life was always a bit sad.

So, honeymooning in Vegas is a bust. Guess I'll have to find a different playground.

Day 15: Something you couldn't live without (because you've tried)

My immediate thought is coffee, but a quick search for blogs revealed 50 million results. I hope some of those were duplicates, but I did see several blogs devoted simply to coffee. But even though I'm not being original, it's the only topic that appeals to me at present. Probably because I just got a new creamer to try out. I would try it now, but it's a tad late. Clearly, the half-hearted attempt I once made to rid myself of the addiction was ill-fated from the start. And I'm glad. Coffee consumption is easy to justify.

Justification #1: Heath Benefits

*Preventing Cancer - several studies show coffee prevents certain kinds including decreasing one's chances of liver cancers, intestinal cancers, and even ovarian and prostrate cancer.

*Preventing Type II Diabetes - research is more limited, but a few have suggested that cancer decreases this risk as well.

*Preventing Gallstones - studies show regular coffee drinkers have a decreased risk of developing gallstones.

*Preventing Parkinson's and Alzheimer's - studies conservatively say there is an "inverse relationship" between coffee and the development of these neurological diseases.

*Improved Liver Functions - research is ongoing, but coffee and livers seem to mesh well.

*Exercise Benefits? - this one surprised me, but caffeine (when consumed in moderation) can be an "ergogenic aid" which means it can increase performance of certain systems, in coffee's case it can improves how well muscles work. So don't start drinking decaffeinated blends just yet.

(Most of this information was taken from Positivelycoffee.org)

Justification #2: Snob Appeal 

*Photo ops are plentiful when coffee is present, especially when reading. Also, using a coffee mug to cover the lower half of one's face is an easy option for the shy profile picture. See right, I don't know the guy, but I feel the need to copy his mug idea.

*Excuse to use snazzy words like "macchiato" and "percolation" and "huehuetenango"

*Plenty of readily accessible decorating themes

*Reason to hangout in a coffee shop with your computer - makes checking facebook a much more satisfying experience

Justification #3: Enhanced social situations

*Coffee is the world's most popular choice of drink and an immediate source of ice-breaking communication (see "do you like your coffee the way you like your men?" and other questions). Also, coffee houses essentially brought about the period of Enlightenment just by putting a few crazy, coffee-loving minds into the same room.

*Some of my favorite moments with friends have been at coffee houses. I don't think I'm alone in that.

*Coffee is great for lapses in conversation - one always looks thoughtful when sipping coffee and you can do that several times before you have to say something. Also, with the extra stimulation you're bound to have something to say.

Well, I feel better about this slight addiction.

Day 14: Officially Skipped

I admire people, it's true, but I've had no "heroes" to speak of. People are fallible; I learned that at a young age. So I can't tell you about a hero letting me down. Instead, I will share a book I read recently (because it was delightful).

I didn't read any great literary works this week. I ignored Shakespeare, Dickens, Hawthorne, Austen, Dostoevsky, and the like. Sure, I currently have library books entitled Death in Venice, The Fountainhead, Age of Innocence, and All the Pretty Horses, but no, I have not read them.

This week I opted for humor.

It all started when I asked a friend for a book fitting 3 qualifications:

1) it was written by a female
2) it was NOT chick lit
3) it was not Age of Innocence (because that's already on my list)

She thought about it for a day or two and then sent me here.

After reading the first essay online, I was hooked and decided I didn't care that it was old news (printed over two years ago!), so I traveled to the library and checked it out. I carried it around with me for several days, reading its pages and a laughing at it contents - often eliciting inquiries from those nearby.

I could tell you she's witty, keenly observant, audacious, etc., but I'd rather just include a few of my favorite jokes from the book.

It is my belief that people who speak of high school with a sugary fondness are bluffing away early-onset Alzheimer's.

. . . ten-year-olds of the world, you shouldn't believe what your teachers tell you about the beauty and specialness and uniqueness of you. Or, believe it, little snowflake, but know it won't make a bit of difference until after puberty. It's Newton's lost law: anything that makes you unique later will get your chocolate milk stolen and your eye blackened as a kid. Won't it, Sebastian? Oh, yes, it will, my little Mandarin Chinese-learning, Poe-reciting, high-top-wearing friend. God bless you, wherever you are.

What annoyed me was that I so often attempted to weasel out of things on purpose, it killed me to do it by accident. It seemed like a waste of whatever detailed lie I was going to have to come up with. 

I thought we had reached an understanding, the institution of marriage and I. Weddings are like the triathlon of female friendship: the Shower, the Bachelorette Party, and the Main Event. It's the Iron Woman and most people never make it through. They fall off their bikes and choke on ocean water.

Day 13: A band or artist who has gotten you through some tough times

Before responding I must voice a few concerns.

1. I'm not sure how many truly "hard times" I have faced. The hardest trial of my life so far has actually been watching other people face some tough realities and work their way through some difficulty.
2. Music is wonderful, but it's not going to be the difference between getting through a tough situation and giving up.
3. I listen to too many different artists and appreciate too many lyrics to give credit to just one. Therefore, I am going to make a list and I hope not to tread too much on the playlist topic still to come.

Music for when you're down:

Rachmaninoff - classical music filled with passion - I love getting lost in it. Just don't listen to Piano Concerto Number 2 - it will inevitably remind you of "All by Myself" which will defeat the purpose. Unless you wish to dwell, in that case, dwell away. This video is a humorous rendition illustrating some of his seemingly impossible chords.


Crooners - I don't know if it's because they included terrible puns in their lyrics, because they each had their own funny quirk, or because they loved to hear the sound of their voices too much, but I love them. Whether it's Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, Mel Torme, Sammy Davis Jr., Bing Crosby, or any other names Wikipedia might include, when I need I lift - I often turn to them. Escapism at it's best.

Smile - My favorite song from any crooner, I felt the need to include Nat King Cole's version (all others fall short). Sometimes peppy music seems cliche when you're feeling somber. This song is real, it's honest, and it's beautiful.


Brandi Carlile - I don't know if I would call her music uplifting (well, some of it is), but I would say I have gained much perspective listening to the ideas she explores through music. I keep coming back and back to it. I would have included a song of hers, but I couldn't decide which one.

Be Ok - Ingrid Michaelson has a way of making me smile. Also, this song was recorded in an effort to raise money for cancer research. In that context it gains greater meaning, because when dealing with certain burdens the goal is not to feel happy, but just to feel normal.


Details in the Fabric - I feel ridiculously girly for including a Jason Mraz song, but whenever I start to feel overwhelmed (instead of counting to ten) I just recall to mind the simple, but soothing lyrics of this song.

That's Life - Michael Buble (yes, another crooner) singing an amazing song made famous by Sinatra. I love it. And don't worry, the image clears after a 15 seconds or so. It was hard to find a good version of the song on Youtube.

Day 12: Something you never get compliments on

(feel free to ignore this one)

I have ne'er been praised on the curve of my nose
nor the shape of my chin,
nor the length of my toes.

I have ne'er been revered for my wonderful cough
nor my fabulous sneeze
though they've been heard a lot.

I was going to write something better than this
but naught seems worthwhile
when you're feeling sick.

Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on

How many times do people have to say you're nice before it's definitely true? Whatever the number, I'm certain I will qualify. 

I think most people intend a compliment when they label a person "nice," but I'm not sure it is one. I hate to take a negative spin on compliments, but whenever I hear the statement, I can't help but believe they really mean "bland" in the place of "nice." I describe people as "nice" when I can think of no other characteristic to comment on. 

I would, however, prefer to considered a boring nice rather than an off-putting mean or rude or inconsiderate.  

I'm keeping this post short because well, I'm a tad bit sickly and colds tend to inhibit my ability to think clearly for long periods of time (or is that the medication?). I'll end with a quote from one of Austen's most enjoyable novels.

 

 "I am sure," cried Catherine, "I did not mean to say anything wrong; but it is a nice book, and why should not I call it so?"

"Very true," said Henry, "and this is a very nice day, and we are taking a very nice walk, and you are two very nice young ladies. Oh! It is a very nice word indeed! It does for everything. Originally perhaps it was applied only to express neatness, propriety, delicacy, or refinement -- people were nice in their dress, in their sentiments, or their choice. But now every commendation on every subject is comprised in that one word."