Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Attention To Detail
Have you ever sat back and watched people? Just complete strangers. I find it interesting to observe how they handle news, how they treat other strangers, the way they interact with friends... the whole nine yards. Sometimes I go to a Starbucks (where I happen to be now) with my laptop and plug in my headphones, but keep the music off. You would not believe what people will say when they think no one is listening. These are not just casual comments. These are things that should never cross the lips of any human ever. Beyond their words, they always have some sort of habit. Having lived in the same small area all my life I have begun to recognize regulars and the patterns they have developed. 90% of them I have never met, and probably never will. Yet our paths cross all the time and I continue to observe them arrive at the same time, park in the same area, order the same drink, maybe even make the same terrible joke, and walk out the door to face the remainder of their day. Occasionally I find myself musing about what kind of a life they live, making up an entire story about who they are and why they treat people the way they do. Sometimes I actually find out their story and I have to say, I am rarely wrong. My main observation, however, is that the majority of people I see have absolutely no idea how much of an impact their actions have on everyone else's day. Say a man comes in and on his way smiles and holds the door open for a lady. Now she's smiling and will in turn be more likely to treat the barista with the kindness and respect they most definitely deserve. Kind customers do wonders to improve your work day. Now say a customer comes in later on, but is having a terrible day. The barista (whose day hasn't been ruined by the previous customer) has the opportunity to turn around the foul mood of the patron who just walked in. It all causes a ripple effect. Had the man let the door slam in the lady's face, she probably would have been ticked off and given the barista attitude. After working hours upon hours with customer after customer giving him or her attitude, the barista will have no desire to be kind to someone else having a bad day. And why should they? Sure it's their job, but if you're not feeling it, there isn't a thing on this earth that can force you to be genuinely kind to someone. Then everyones day is ruined. Too often people are focussed only on themselves. I can't fault them, we live in a self preserving society where every day we are taught to stop at nothing to succeed. Consider the most enjoyable friend you have. They're kind right? They don't ramble about themselves and their woes. Be like that person. Pay attention to little details. Remember those little details. Be kind and go about your life with patience. Don't be the one who gives attitude and ruins another persons day.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
May Flowers
This has been a most unusual morning.
On a standard morning my alarm clock brings feelings of great resentment and a muttered stream of carefully calculated obscenities. Today went in a new direction. First of all, I woke up a few minutes before my alarm clock which can only mean that for once in my life I am fully rested and prepared for my day. Not only that, but it is May 1. The first day of a new month. And I remembered to say "rabbit, rabbit". Now when it comes down to it I wouldn't say that I believe in luck at all, nor am I even slightly superstitious...but when I remember to say "rabbit, rabbit" before talking to anyone else on the first day of each month I swear that the next 30 days turn out just a little bit better then the months I don't. Perhaps the memory of promised good fortune stays in the back of my mind and leaves me feeling slightly more optimistic for that month. Or perhaps I'm simply imagining the whole thing and repeating the name of a soft furry animal has absolutely no correlation to the natural ups and downs of life. All I know is that today is off to a great start. The sun is shining bright with the heat offset only by a strong spring breeze, and I am not at all worried about the exorbitant amount of homework I have yet to accomplish in the few hours before I go into work. I have my coffee in my hand and beautiful blooming flowers surrounding my while I soak up a few rays in an attempt to blend my awful tan line.
What more could I want?
On a standard morning my alarm clock brings feelings of great resentment and a muttered stream of carefully calculated obscenities. Today went in a new direction. First of all, I woke up a few minutes before my alarm clock which can only mean that for once in my life I am fully rested and prepared for my day. Not only that, but it is May 1. The first day of a new month. And I remembered to say "rabbit, rabbit". Now when it comes down to it I wouldn't say that I believe in luck at all, nor am I even slightly superstitious...but when I remember to say "rabbit, rabbit" before talking to anyone else on the first day of each month I swear that the next 30 days turn out just a little bit better then the months I don't. Perhaps the memory of promised good fortune stays in the back of my mind and leaves me feeling slightly more optimistic for that month. Or perhaps I'm simply imagining the whole thing and repeating the name of a soft furry animal has absolutely no correlation to the natural ups and downs of life. All I know is that today is off to a great start. The sun is shining bright with the heat offset only by a strong spring breeze, and I am not at all worried about the exorbitant amount of homework I have yet to accomplish in the few hours before I go into work. I have my coffee in my hand and beautiful blooming flowers surrounding my while I soak up a few rays in an attempt to blend my awful tan line.
What more could I want?
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Shoot.
Sooo life got away from me for a few months and I completely forgot I started a blog. On the bright side, I have plenty to write about! Silver linings, right? I may as well start at the beginning to catch up...
January brought on some interesting experiences- for instance I planned, purchased, and cooked the food for a group of 50ish high school students going on a weekend retreat. It was SO much fun and I couldn't have done it without my friend Ashley. She was such a huge help with letting me crash at her house and checking my math [pretty sure no one is surprised by the fact that I barely passed high school math] to make sure I wasn't making any horrendous mistakes.
I also got my eyebrow pierced. Let me just state right now that I am VERY prone to impulsive behavior and did NOT fully think this one through. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love it and if I had to do it over again I would make the same decision...but not everyone was on the same page as me. To be honest I don't know what put the idea in my head that I needed a hole in my face. My eyebrows are already uneven due to some unfortunate childhood experiences, maybe I thought this would disguise the missing patch and cover the scar? It kind of worked I suppose. The only thing that did not go according to plan was my dad's reaction... he was not digging the piercing and I had to swap out the bar for a clear retainer [shhh don't tell the little old ladies that were giving me grief]. I suppose I assumed my mom would have been the one to object but she was completely indifferent. She is kind of a closet rebel though.
Nothing stands out to me about February other then Singles Awareness Day [aka Valentines Day]. Call it feminism or call it independence but I do not, nor will I ever need a man in my life. A day will come when I will want a guy to come along and sweep me off my feet, but until that happens I am perfectly content the way my life is now. It seems like such a drag to have to talk to the same person day after day out of obligation and ask how they are doing. As if anything monumental could have possibly happened in the few moments since you last asked them. Does anyone enjoy this process? Do we really care what their answer is? Can't we just assume that if anything interesting happens they will call us with the news? Forgive me...I digress. I could go on for hours about my current disdain for being in a relationship.
Moving on.
Ahhh March. The most glorious, wonderful month of the year. A relaxing time to enjoy a little basketball with the start of March Madness. Or the onset of anticipation for spring and warmer weather. Last but not least, the beautiful month that contains the marvelous day that I 'graced' the earth with my presence. My birthday happens to fall on the 30th and with each day that precedes it my excitement builds. In 2012 my birthday was a dud. I was completely forgotten. 2013, however, was a new year. I spent time with the people I love in my favorite city of San Francisco, and was also able to go to the Warriors game with my dad. NOT ONLY did they win, but Matthew Perry was there and in my direct line of vision. Could the day have gone any better? I think not. Well...maybe if Charles Barkley suddenly made an appearance in my life, yes, but I am a reasonable person. I am thankful for the day I had.
I suppose this brings us to April. This has been a chaotic month, primarily surrounding work and the turnover rate that has skyrocketed for my store. Employees have been fired, they have quit with little or no notice, and managers have walked out never to return. In all this craziness I still love my job, but it has driven me to want to take up boxing. I know I say a lot of things...but I think this one is actually going to happen. I already have the gym membership AND I already have a mild addiction to exercise. Plus I enjoy fighting. How could this not work out? Enough about that. My most joyful memory from April was the semi-not-really-surprise visit from Devin and Leah. I definitely don't see them often enough, and spending the day with them in San Fran and then eating at the BEST restaurant was fantastic. It brings my heart joy just to think about it and reminisce. Someday we'll all live closer together, but for now at least we know how to make the time we have count.
Those are the highlights since January. Consider it the equivalent of the sports center recap of my life. More [hopefully] to come later, but for now I am off and on to experiencing new things [which I will inevitably end up sharing with you]. Farewell, and as my father would say, "Good luck in the future".
January brought on some interesting experiences- for instance I planned, purchased, and cooked the food for a group of 50ish high school students going on a weekend retreat. It was SO much fun and I couldn't have done it without my friend Ashley. She was such a huge help with letting me crash at her house and checking my math [pretty sure no one is surprised by the fact that I barely passed high school math] to make sure I wasn't making any horrendous mistakes.
I also got my eyebrow pierced. Let me just state right now that I am VERY prone to impulsive behavior and did NOT fully think this one through. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love it and if I had to do it over again I would make the same decision...but not everyone was on the same page as me. To be honest I don't know what put the idea in my head that I needed a hole in my face. My eyebrows are already uneven due to some unfortunate childhood experiences, maybe I thought this would disguise the missing patch and cover the scar? It kind of worked I suppose. The only thing that did not go according to plan was my dad's reaction... he was not digging the piercing and I had to swap out the bar for a clear retainer [shhh don't tell the little old ladies that were giving me grief]. I suppose I assumed my mom would have been the one to object but she was completely indifferent. She is kind of a closet rebel though.
Nothing stands out to me about February other then Singles Awareness Day [aka Valentines Day]. Call it feminism or call it independence but I do not, nor will I ever need a man in my life. A day will come when I will want a guy to come along and sweep me off my feet, but until that happens I am perfectly content the way my life is now. It seems like such a drag to have to talk to the same person day after day out of obligation and ask how they are doing. As if anything monumental could have possibly happened in the few moments since you last asked them. Does anyone enjoy this process? Do we really care what their answer is? Can't we just assume that if anything interesting happens they will call us with the news? Forgive me...I digress. I could go on for hours about my current disdain for being in a relationship.
Moving on.
Ahhh March. The most glorious, wonderful month of the year. A relaxing time to enjoy a little basketball with the start of March Madness. Or the onset of anticipation for spring and warmer weather. Last but not least, the beautiful month that contains the marvelous day that I 'graced' the earth with my presence. My birthday happens to fall on the 30th and with each day that precedes it my excitement builds. In 2012 my birthday was a dud. I was completely forgotten. 2013, however, was a new year. I spent time with the people I love in my favorite city of San Francisco, and was also able to go to the Warriors game with my dad. NOT ONLY did they win, but Matthew Perry was there and in my direct line of vision. Could the day have gone any better? I think not. Well...maybe if Charles Barkley suddenly made an appearance in my life, yes, but I am a reasonable person. I am thankful for the day I had.
I suppose this brings us to April. This has been a chaotic month, primarily surrounding work and the turnover rate that has skyrocketed for my store. Employees have been fired, they have quit with little or no notice, and managers have walked out never to return. In all this craziness I still love my job, but it has driven me to want to take up boxing. I know I say a lot of things...but I think this one is actually going to happen. I already have the gym membership AND I already have a mild addiction to exercise. Plus I enjoy fighting. How could this not work out? Enough about that. My most joyful memory from April was the semi-not-really-surprise visit from Devin and Leah. I definitely don't see them often enough, and spending the day with them in San Fran and then eating at the BEST restaurant was fantastic. It brings my heart joy just to think about it and reminisce. Someday we'll all live closer together, but for now at least we know how to make the time we have count.
Those are the highlights since January. Consider it the equivalent of the sports center recap of my life. More [hopefully] to come later, but for now I am off and on to experiencing new things [which I will inevitably end up sharing with you]. Farewell, and as my father would say, "Good luck in the future".
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Back To School!
Tomorrow starts off the beginning of a new semester! I have been attempting to trick myself into being 100% on board with this whole excitement thing, but I'm not quite there yet. The thought "Aww crap...school starts Monday" just has this uncanny way of sneaking into my brain. I blame it on the terrors of my K-12 forced education experience. Go America! Bleh. Not to mention it will be a Monday. Does anything good happen on a Monday? I think not. I suppose deep down I know that even though I'll be spending the next couple months studying nutritional guidelines and food management, (which in and of itself doesn't sound too thrilling) I will thoroughly enjoy it because it is a program that I love AND chose on my own to be a part of. This time school is a choice, but hey. Old habits die hard. My only wish is that this cold which has mysteriously infected my system will disappear without the slightest trace by the time I open up my eyes tomorrow morning. That's not asking too much is it? I can't even remember the last time I was sick and it has really knocked me off my feet. However, I am sure no one wants to hear me complain. Now unfortunately I completely lost my train of thought and to spare you from an endless stream of cold-induced whining I will end this little snippet of a story here and bid you sweet dreams. Good luck with school...work...your future...and whatever you set out to do tomorrow. I wish you all the best.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Words, Letters, and Pages.
I suppose it shouldn't be a secret that I love to read. The feel of each page between your fingers...the words hidden within a cover... the countless hours of thoughtful inspiration that comes with writing a masterpiece, it all fascinates me. What makes some people better at forming words, sentences, or ideas then others? Who decides that one compelling story is deserving of an award while another sits unnoticed on a shelf? I am intrigued by the knowledge that can be gleaned from a book. I wonder about the motivation behind an authors words. What could have possibly motivated them to choose a particular topic to write on? Did they really think out and hide all of the symbolism that English teachers find? Words are beautiful to me. They can be so encouraging and mysterious and cause one to feel an infinite range of emotions using the simple alphabet that we learn as children. My favorite quote changes almost daily, but here is one that I found by accident and fell in love with almost immediately. I hope you appreciate it just as much as I do.
"I can't really tell what's beautiful anymore. I passed two young fellows on the street the other day. I know who they are, they work at the garage. They're not churchgoing, either one of them, just decent rascally young fellows who have to be joking all the time, and there they were, propped against the garage wall in the sunshine, lighting up their cigarettes. They're always so black with grease and so strong with gasoline I don't know why they don't catch fire themselves. They were passing remarks back and forth the way they do and laughing that wicked way they have. And it seemed beautiful to me. It is an amazing thing to watch people laugh, the way it sort of takes them over. Sometimes they really do struggle with it. I see that in church often enough. So I wonder what it is and where it comes from, and I wonder what it expends out of your system, so that you have to do it till you're done, like crying in a way, I suppose, except that laughter is much more easily spent."
-GILEAD, Marilynne Robinson
"I can't really tell what's beautiful anymore. I passed two young fellows on the street the other day. I know who they are, they work at the garage. They're not churchgoing, either one of them, just decent rascally young fellows who have to be joking all the time, and there they were, propped against the garage wall in the sunshine, lighting up their cigarettes. They're always so black with grease and so strong with gasoline I don't know why they don't catch fire themselves. They were passing remarks back and forth the way they do and laughing that wicked way they have. And it seemed beautiful to me. It is an amazing thing to watch people laugh, the way it sort of takes them over. Sometimes they really do struggle with it. I see that in church often enough. So I wonder what it is and where it comes from, and I wonder what it expends out of your system, so that you have to do it till you're done, like crying in a way, I suppose, except that laughter is much more easily spent."
-GILEAD, Marilynne Robinson
Saturday, January 5, 2013
On My Mind
I have always struggled with how to respond when people say "Oh that's great that God can give you hope when you're going through something difficult", but in their head you KNOW they're thinking "They're just weak and need a crutch to fall back on". I wish I had the courage to come out and say you know what, I am weak and I'm ok with that. I believe 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 that the power of Christ is made great in my weakness. I have never felt a more releasing joy in my life then the day I accepted that strength and perfection are not mine to master. If you want to judge me for my choice so be it. Just know that I do not judge you for yours.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Reflections
So its been a while... I didn't realize time was passing me by so quickly until I looked at the calendar and realized there are only a few short moments left in 2012. Crazy stuff has gone down this past year and today seems like a good day to reflect on all I've been through. After all, isn't that the point of today? I try to avoid making resolutions that I know will be broken by the end of next week...but there is no harm in figuring out what you can improve on. Just a quick look at the past 365 days:
-Life Changing Events-
1. In March I heard the news that my dad had suffered a major heart attack a few hours after I had seen/talked to him. His recovery was relatively short and the event was incredibly hard on the family BUT I can honestly say that I was never worried or doubted what the outcome would be. The whole event was nothing short of a miracle and an answer to prayer. From the time I heard the news until even today I have been surrounded by love, patience, mercy, and support. My friends and family are incredible and I am so thankful for them, they are a huge blessing to me.
2. In June I graduated from high school. THANK GOD. I am so over that place and glad to be out of it.
3. August came around and I started college. I couldn't be happier with the program I am in and the direction it's taking me. I can't imagine doing anything else with my life.
-Things I Want To Work On-
1. Being kind and generous. (As a first response, not an afterthought)
2. Open up a little more. My days of being socially shy are over!
3. Being genuine. I don't want to give anyone I meet in this next year a reason to doubt me and what I stand for. The people I most respect have this quality and my goal is to emulate that.
-What I Have Come To Terms With-
1. I will always be awkward and a little bit nerdy...but all the best people are. Right?
2. You cannot win everyone over, but you can still love them regardless of their feelings toward you.
3. No one gets enough sleep in the 'Real World', they just get by off of a caffeine overdose and happy moments.
WELL. Happy new year! I hope 2013 is even better for you then 2012... And now that the fireworks outside my house have stopped, I'm going to bed. Goodnight. Wish me luck for staying awake at work tomorrow.
-Life Changing Events-
1. In March I heard the news that my dad had suffered a major heart attack a few hours after I had seen/talked to him. His recovery was relatively short and the event was incredibly hard on the family BUT I can honestly say that I was never worried or doubted what the outcome would be. The whole event was nothing short of a miracle and an answer to prayer. From the time I heard the news until even today I have been surrounded by love, patience, mercy, and support. My friends and family are incredible and I am so thankful for them, they are a huge blessing to me.
2. In June I graduated from high school. THANK GOD. I am so over that place and glad to be out of it.
3. August came around and I started college. I couldn't be happier with the program I am in and the direction it's taking me. I can't imagine doing anything else with my life.
-Things I Want To Work On-
1. Being kind and generous. (As a first response, not an afterthought)
2. Open up a little more. My days of being socially shy are over!
3. Being genuine. I don't want to give anyone I meet in this next year a reason to doubt me and what I stand for. The people I most respect have this quality and my goal is to emulate that.
-What I Have Come To Terms With-
1. I will always be awkward and a little bit nerdy...but all the best people are. Right?
2. You cannot win everyone over, but you can still love them regardless of their feelings toward you.
3. No one gets enough sleep in the 'Real World', they just get by off of a caffeine overdose and happy moments.
WELL. Happy new year! I hope 2013 is even better for you then 2012... And now that the fireworks outside my house have stopped, I'm going to bed. Goodnight. Wish me luck for staying awake at work tomorrow.
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