The Ten Blogs of Christmas (#1)

REASON #1

CHRIST

Without Him there would be no Christmas and without Christmas all my other blogs would be obsolete. Christ truly is the reason for the season. People always mention the special feeling that's associated with Christmas day and all the kind of magical stuff that happens. None of that would be true without Christ. Today would just be another cold, snowy winter day.

It is extremely important to remember Him on this day. I do not consider myself an intellect and there are certainly a great many things I do not know. However, I DO know one thing---Christ is the Savior of the World. I know and believe all that He did and stood for. I also know I still have many, many, many things to learn about him--but I am willing to do so.

As we say goodbye to another Christmas I hope that each of us can keep a little bit of the season in our hearts all year long. Hope, kindness, charity, friendship, peace, prosperity, love--can't we share these blessings all year long? I wish that we will--we're going to need them with the tough times that are ahead.

MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL!!!

THANK YOU FOR READING MY SILLY LITTLE WORDS.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du7-1c2ZMLw

The Ten Blogs of Christmas (#2)

REASON #2

GIFTS

I specifically mean the giving of gifts.

Yeah right, you know you like to GET gifts Steph. Don't pretend like you're one of those people who don't like gifts.

Yes, I do enjoy opening gifts--who doesn't? But I really, really enjoy the tradition of giving gifts to others. This is one of the only times of the year I actually enjoy shopping! It is fun to go out and find a gift for someone who is special to you. I am actually very happy with the gifts I found to give to my family and friends this year. Some of them have already opened their gifts and it was a treat to see the look of wonder and surprise in their eyes. That truly is a gift in and of itself.

SCHMALTZY, STEPH!

However, through my 5 years or so of working in retail, I have come upon the ugly side of gift giving. This monster will no doubt rear it's ugly head as I work tomorrow--which is very unfortunate. It is so sad how commercial this joyous holiday has become. I really don't like how people think they have to buy, buy, buy all kinds of crap. It's sad that parents think they have to buy shopping carts full of toys for each of their kids. Kids have too much stuff these days!

You sound like an old woman, Steph.

Yeah, well, I don't care.

People have forgotten why gifts are given in the first place! It's not about impressing people, or spending money, or keeping up with the Jones'! It's not about having the coolest gadgets or most popular toys. None of that matters!!! Gifts are supposed to come from the heart. The wise men gave the first Christmas gifts in honor of the birth of the Savior. The Savior himself did nothing but give during his lifetime and gave all of us the ultimate gift by paying the ultimate price.

It's not the gift itself that matters--it's the thought, the time, the preparation, and the reason behind the gift. It is a way to say how you feel about someone--it shows that you truly care.

That is why I like giving gifts to people.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNsvE33pRSw

The Ten Blogs of Christmas (#3)

REASON #3

CHRISTMAS MUSIC

Every year, sometime AFTER Thanksgiving, I pull out my Christmas CDs and listen to nothing but the sweet sounds of the season. I also listen to the radio stations that play nothing but Christmas music---however, their songs are not always sweet. It's a sad fact, but sometimes people who shouldn't be singing at all decide they need to put out a Christmas CD to keep up with the Jones'. I guess that's true with any type of music, though.

There are a lot of Christmas songs I love and it is hard to say which one is my favorite. I really, really love "O Holy Night", but it HAS to be sung by the right person. Unfortunately, that is a song that is commonly butchered. I also like "Silver Bells", "What Child is This?", "Baby, It's Cold Outside", and "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year". There aren't too many Christmas songs that I DON'T like. I guess if anything I just don't like a song that's sung badly.

The thing that is neat about this time of year is when you hear a Christmas song that you love but have forgotten about. It's also cool when you realize how many, many Christmas songs you know the words to. Any other time of the year I can't sing along to virtually every song on a station--but Christmas is different. I love the songs that bring out the spirit of the season. Music is such a powerful tool and should be a part of all of our lives.

And now, one of my all-time favorite songs from one of the best Christmas movies ever!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR_8kmOmxyk

The Ten Blogs of Christmas (#4)

REASON #4



FAMILY AND FRIENDS


That might seem a little generic because you usually see your family and friends all year long. However, I am referring to the family and friends you don't get to see quite as often. For reasons that are either a mystery or way obvious, this time of year is when you get to see these people. Christmas brings people together for celebrations and reunions. I love it when a friend from out of state comes home for the holidays. They come, of course, to see their families but it is also a treat for me! It would have stunk to live in the days without e-mail, telephone, or even airplanes.

However, I am a little bummed out too. Is it just me or do seem to happen less and less? It just seems like there aren't as many parties or reunions like there used to be. I don't know if this is just in my life or what. Maybe it is one of those, "When you get older people drift apart" kind of things--you know, those things that kind of bite.

Something I haven't really touched on yet is how this time of year can make you feel lonely or blue. I wasn't planning on getting into the negatives since these are supposed to be reasons why I LOVE Christmas--but I feel it kind of fits in with this particular blog. If you don't have loved ones around or if you are very, very, very single (ahem) Christmas can be lonely. I've known this feeling all too well, which is why I believe family and friends are an essential ingredient to the Christmas experience.

Here's something that kind of matches but not really--I just love it nonetheless!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkLAsPslUVM

The Ten Blogs of Christmas (#5)

REASON #5

CHRISTMAS MOVIES/TV SPECIALS

I really enjoy Christmas movies--the good ones I should say. There are certain movies I try to watch each year (they are the options for my poll on the right). Like with decorations a good Christmas movie is traditionally watched year after year. In my family we always enjoy watching "A Christmas Story". My parents like it because it reminds them of their childhood and I like it because it's just a really funny movie. Christmas movies sometimes have the power to bring everyone together in laughter and tears.

I had a scientific breakthrough this year--"It's a Wonderful Life" truly is an amazing movie!

(Wow Steph, what rock have you been hiding under?)

I just haven't watched it in years and I think that now that I am older I appreciate it more than I did before. So far it has generated the most votes on my little poll and I absolutely concur that it is the best Christmas movie ever (although I did vote for "A Christmas Story" but that was before I watched it).

This is going to sound cheesy but I also like watching the Christmas episodes of my favorite TV shows. I know they're often cliche and schmaltzy (especially shows from the 80s and early 90s) but I just love them! Who remembers the Home Improvement where little Mark Taylor sees Santa Claus, the Saved By The Bell where the gang works at the mall, or how about the infamous Simpson's where Bart shop lifts from the Try-N-Save? Then there's the always inspiring "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and the delightful "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" cartoon. Classics! I love them, I don't really know why. Memories, I suppose.

If you haven't already done so pull out your favorite Christmas movie and watch it sometime this week. You might need to dust off the VCR and stick in an old VHS--but it's totally worth it!

Oh, and the classic Christmas commercials are always fun too.

Like this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gq8_HwdGHHA&NR=1

The Ten Blogs of Christmas (#6)

REASON #6

LIGHTS AND DECORATIONS

Anyone who has ever been to my house knows that we are totally in to decking the halls for Christmas. My mother has dedicated an entire closet (a small closet, be it) in our basement just for decorations alone. However, not all her decorations fit in the closet, which is kind of sad. I have inherited that trait from her--although I am many, many years away from achieving the same level.

The thing I like about decorations is they usually have some sort of story behind them. We have some old ones from when my parents were first married and I even have an old Santa Claus that was my grandmother's. It is also nice to try and get a new decoration every year so a new memory can be attached to it. This is usually best with ornaments.

Speaking of ornaments, I think my favorite decoration of all is the Christmas Tree. Yes, I would prefer a REAL tree, but even the artificial ones are special. My parents have had the same one for most of my life, and it is BIG! TEN FEET TALL--WOOT! I have a weird thing now where I need a Christmas tree to be AT LEAST six feet tall. Any tree smaller than that does not count in my eyes. Christmas trees are also cool because there are many, many decorations (the ornaments) on a decoration. However, a Christmas tree is NOT a Christmas Tree unless it has lights!

Speaking of lights--I LOVE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS!!! Twinkling lights against the sparkling snow--what more could you ask for? If you don't have little Christmas nick-knacks you AT LEAST need Christmas lights. They are a must! I have to say I have one big pet peeve when it comes to lights. I do not like houses that are decked out in white lights--ONLY white lights! I'm sorry, but that is way, way too boring! It is okay to do all red or all green but all white is ridiculous. I also don't like houses that cover every corner in lights, i.e. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Yeah, I know I'm picky.

I definitely think lights and decorations help bring the spirit of Christmas to life. It just is not Christmas without a little holiday decor.

Oh, you've totally got to watch this--it's CRAZY AWESOME!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgrQdxzFAtM

The Ten Blogs of Christmas (#7)

REASON #7

SANTA CLAUS

You know what? I like Santa Claus! I think he's freakin' awesome!!! Just think about it--he's a guy who's not really young (at least, not anymore) and lives up where it is cold ALL the time. I mean, a lot of old people go to Florida, but Santa's so cool (pun intended) that he lives at the North Pole! He takes care of reindeer and gives jobs to poor little elves who have a hard time finding work on their own. He's also been married for a long, long time--hundreds of years, in fact.

Of course, the best thing about Santa is his willingness to travel all over the world just to give toys to children. How sweet is that? He never asks for anything in return--though I know he loves cookies and milk. Well, I guess he does have one request, "Don't be naughty--be nice." The nice children get presents and the naughty ones get coal. That's simple enough to remember, right?

No, no, don't be all "adulty" with me now. I do believe in Santa Claus! Even when you're old and grey if you still believe in Santa you still have a piece of childhood.

Santa is awesome!!!

And now a word from the king...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66MeELjLmw0&feature=PlayList&p=33550FE4BBB48958&playnext=1&index=7

The Ten Blogs of Christmas (#8)

REASON #8

FOOD (and drinks)

Although you might cry about it come January the food you consume during Christmas is absolutely wonderful! Ham, potatoes, eggnog, cheese balls, cocoa, pie, turkey, fudge, rolls, wassail, chocolate oranges, popcorn...the list is endless!

Something I find interesting is that this is one of the only times of the year where food can be given as a gift--and is thoroughly enjoyed. Have you ever received a big tin bucket full of 4 flavors of popcorn? Or perhaps a basket of cheese? Anything from the Western Nut Company? Ferrero Rochette (which are REALLY good, by the way)? Stephen's Cocoa from your neighbors? Uh huh, you see my point?

So food is a necessity--that is certainly certain! I mean, what kind of shindig would it be w/o some yummy grub?

Food=Win

That's all I have to say about that!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MadGwgiRgAM

The Ten Blogs of Christmas (#9)

REASON #9

WINTER BREAK

During Christmas you get a nice little break from school. It varies from what kind of school you attend and where you live but is still a break nonetheless. If, like me, you're a college student, this break is the much needed "sigh of relief" that comes after an extreme amount of stressing and studying for the cursed F-Word---finals.

(Come now, you didn't really think I meant THAT word, did you?)

Hmmm, this blog isn't nearly as long as I hoped it would be. I guess it is the kind of thing you don't need to ramble on about. Everyone likes a break from school, right? I sure do! The fact that you don't need to worry about homework during this time of year (unless your teacher is some kind of freak) is the icing on the cake. Right? Am I right?

Okay, well, enjoy this little clip then!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9re6CQZGFw&feature=channel_page

(P.S. If anyone can tell me how you can post a clip by doing the little screen thing I would be most grateful! :)

The Ten Blogs of Christmas (#10)

I haven't written a blog in awhile so I decided to do one a day to count down to Christmas.

Ten--isn't it usually twelve?

(I was going to do twelve but I sort of missed two days--heh, heh, oops.)

Anyway, so these blogs will talk about ten reasons why I love this holiday oh so very much.


REASON #10

SNOW

Yes, it is a pain to drive in but it just isn't Christmas without the white stuff. Just picture this scene---it's Christmas Eve and you're sitting by a fireplace (alone or with a sweetheart--if you have one). You're drinking hot cocoa (Stephen's--of course) and are snuggled up in a soft, warm blanket. As you debate about whether you're going to go to bed or wait for Santa a little longer you glance out the window. What do you see? Falling crystals against the dark of night. Glittering flakes of pure, white snow. Untouched by the hands of man or beast. It is the definition of serenity.

Oh man, I love snow at Christmas! I love that it covers the earth in white. It's so beautiful! I don't think I really have to say much else. I guess you could listen to "White Christmas" if you need further explanation. (Hmmm--good idea). I don't know how I would handle Christmas in a warm climate (well, Hawaii wouldn't be so bad). In the recipe for a "Perfect" Christmas, snow is a must--for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vPfOjAw5Z0

I Agree with Andy Rooney???

Yeah, I guess I do. Normally I find him a grouchy old man who hates everybody and is extremely liberal. Well, I guess all that is still true. However, I happened to watch him yesterday and I actually ditto what he said to the core.

"One of the ways we divide our year is with holidays. The Fourth of July is the beginning of summer. Labor Day is the beginning of a new year. New Year's Day isn't really the beginning of anything except a new calendar. Thanksgiving is our most American holiday and it's good because we don't have to DO anything on Thanksgiving except maybe eat turkey and watch football. That's why I object to the way it's being squeezed out by Christmas. The trouble is, there's no money in Thanksgiving for businesses. People trying to sell things want to skip right over it and get to Christmas. Christmas is far and away the most commercial holiday we have.

Some stores do 30 percent of their whole year's business in the period before Christmas. That's why they try to make it last a long time by starting it earlier every year. Here it is four days before Thanksgiving and the stores are already all about Christmas. The big department stores have their Christmas windows fixed up. They're good to look at, but they're too soon, that's all. It ought to be against the law to start Christmas before December. In the malls, some stores have had their Christmas decorations up since October. Kids are sitting on Santa Claus' lap telling him what they want before their parents know where they're going to get the money to pay for it. In New York City, they put up the tree in Rockefeller Center ten days ago - 41 days before Christmas. The Salvation Army already has its bell ringers on the streets, looking for Christmas donations.

Everyone is trying to make whatever they have to sell seem like a Christmas present. Shoes are not a Christmas present at any time of year. On television, there are unlikely Christmas gifts. How would you like a bottle of Pepto Bismol for Christmas? For the past six weeks, we've been getting magazines with special Christmas or "holiday" subscription offers. When you open a magazine, these holiday flyers fall out like confetti. In advertising, "holiday" is the new, religiously correct name for Christmas. I like Christmas presents, Christmas music, Christmas trees, Christmas cards. I like the Christmas spirit. What I don't like is the way people whose only interest in Christmas is money have moved in on a nice, non-commercial holiday as Thanksgiving. " - Andy Rooney 11/23/08

I was planning on writing my own "Don't Forget about Thanksgiving" blog but now I don't have to. Now all that there's left to do is wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

"Hate" Update

Okay, so I've been somewhat thinking about what I last wrote over the past week and I've realized a lot of those things I actually don't "hate" after all. Don't get me wrong--they still annoy me, but hate was, indeed, too strong of a word. There are things on that list I can change and there are things that I cannot change. There are things that don't really matter and things that are pretty serious. However, for the most part, I think it's okay. It's okay to dislike things. It's okay to be annoyed at things other people do. That's part of being human, right? Well actually, even my cats are kind of the same. I bought some Pounce treats for them and Malcolm will devour them whole while Miles sniffs them and just walks away.

I've learned something though--I don't want to be a hateful person. I don't want to miss out on the good things because I've focused mainly on the bad. That goes not only with my list but just in the world itself. Things are tough now but it's not all bad. I mean, just look at the gas prices. They've plummeted!!! That's so amazing to me!!! I mean, did any of us imagine this would happen any time soon? I sure didn't. See, that's one positive. There's one good thing that exists in the world. Hmmm, that sounds familiar...

"It’s like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were. And sometimes you didn’t want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened. But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something. Even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back only they didn’t. They kept going. Because they were holding on to something.

Frodo: What are we holding on to, Sam?

That there’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it’s worth fighting for!"

(Steph, you're the biggest dork in the whole world!)

Okay, a little cheesy, but I love it! Tolkien was a genius!!!

I'm not saying that I'm a hero or anything--I haven't really done anything at all. Things have just been so hard lately. I haven't really had a moment's peace this whole year--and that really sucks! But there have been people along the way who have helped me along and I am grateful for that. Some even helped by kicking me down--as weird as that might sound. I need to accept that fact that things have changed for me. I guess I got what I wanted--but I haven't accepted it yet. It's like asking for roses and being delivered ones made of paper. Not what I originally wanted but kind of better in the long run because paper ones won't die.

Anyway, that's what I've been thinking about lately. I don't really feel any better but I suppose it's a step in the right direction. I can't change how people act or what people do but I can change how I handle it.

That's what I've learned--again and again and again and again and again.

It never ends.

The blog for ME

No one else is going to benefit from this blog entry but I could give a crap less right now. To be honest, I am not doing very well right now. Actually, I am kind of ticked off. But none of that is really relevant. Well, maybe a little relevant--but I was planning on doing this entry irregardless of how I was feeling. There are a lot of little things that I hate. I know hate is a strong word to use and might seem unnecessary for little things. Nonetheless, "Hate" is accurate.

I don't know if I actually heard this somewhere or if I made it up in my head but I am going to do a little exercise that will, hopefully, help me get rid of some of my hatred. The theory is that typing them down will release the tensions into the void and I will be rid of them. It is supposedly therapeutic. I don't know if it works--but I suppose we will find out.

Things Steph Hates as of 11/09/08

*A crowd of people
*Ignorant people
*Self-absorbed people
*"Scientific" people
*Actors/actresses/entertainers who talk about politics--ON EITHER SIDE
*The shows TMZ, ET, The Insider, Access Hollywood--etc
*People who go, "Um hmm" every two seconds and nod at the person talking to them
*People who drive way too fast
*People who drive like morons
*People who come to the fitting room and have a cow that I only let them take in 6 items at a time to try on (I don't make the rules, I just enforce them!)
*A girl I work with--let's call her "Melody"
*That I keep failing
*That I just don't shut up sometimes
*Extreme BYU Fans
*Extreme UTE fans
*The fact that I am the one who has to call people to come in to work. I HATE calling people!
*People who come into the U.S. illegally
*The people in the U.S. who are OKAY with the people coming in illegally.
*People who stand and block the hallways after church and just yak, yak, yak! JUST MOVE!!!
*Parents who do nothing while their child is screaming and screaming.
*Parents who let their kids run around and knock stuff over.
*When I put a call on hold, call it out over the walkie-talkie, and I just get ignored!
*Being miserable
*When people tell me to just "Be happy". {Oh really, gee I never thought of that. What a concept!}
*When people overlook Thanksgiving as a holiday that comes BEFORE Christmas.
*The fact that I don't understand guys.
*The fact that guys are stupid.
*The fact that girls are mean.
*Being a girl.
*Feeling alone
*BEING alone
*The fact that I always make the wrong choice
*Feminists
*Male chauvinists
*Racists
*Bigots
*Mean people
*The people who said, "If you don't vote for Obama then you are racist!"
*Bossy people
*People who gossip
*People who talk on their phones or use their blue tooth devices while walking around a store.
*Those cell phones that are like walkie-talkies
*Those toaster-cars (Scions--I think)
*CROCS--those hideously UGLY shoes
*The fact that people can't just buy something and NOT return it
*Working on Sunday
*People who think EVERYTHING should be closed on Sunday. (Yeah, most things should, but not EVERYTHING. Not the hospital, the police, or a store big enough to get milk or medicine should that be required.)
*When teachers make you introduce yourself on the first day of class.
*When you lose points if you never, ever raise your hand in class
*When you study hard for a test then find out half of the crap you studied is NOT on the test!
*When you actually have a desire to do well in a class--yet do badly.
*When your class is full of 18 year olds--especially ones that think they are the cat's pajamas

Most of all

*I hate hating myself.



Anyway, I am going to study what I've written and figure out what I can do to fix it. I think I have too much hate in my life and, apparently, I have issues with people.

How sad.

Why I am less than pleased about the election

I don't like Obama's way of thinking. He's probably a decent person, a good father, and a nice husband but I still don't like his way of thinking. The fact that he is African-American has nothing to do with why I don't like him. He could be the Jolly Green Giant for all I care--I still don't like his way of thinking. It is nice that racial prejudices have gone away and that people are not as prejudice as they once were--but I still don't like his way of thinking. He had a good campaign and accepted his win graciously--but I still don't like his way of thinking. He promised his daughters they could have a puppy. That's cute--but I STILL don't like his way of thinking.

I hope I have made my point here. I don't agree with him, which is why I did NOT vote for him. You're supposed to vote for someone you agree with.

"What don't you agree with, Steph?"

A big thing is the "Share the Wealth" attitude he has. I don't think that is right.
If a person has earned his or her money legally he or she has the right to keep it for his or herself. They have the right to buy an expensive house, a crazy car, an elephant--whatever the crap they want. They've worked for the money so they deserve to use it how they want.

"Uh-ugh-b-b-but-what about the poor people?"

Of course those people should NOT be forgotten. Charities and other social programs are certainly important to help those who are truly in need.

"But we should MAKE the rich give some money to the poor!"

NO! That's not right!!! If they don't want to give then it is their right to not give.

"But that's not very Christlike on their part."

Yeah, you're right. But they have free agency too. If they choose to keep their money and not give it then that is their right. However, if they feel like giving, they deserve the right to donate to a charity or whatever. THE POINT IS THAT IT IS NOT RIGHT TO FORCE PEOPLE TO SHARE THE WEALTH!!!

There's another thing that bothers me. Actually, it probably bothers me MORE than sharing the wealth. I am honestly worried that our country will be attacked again. I am afraid that the world will see us as weak and that our enemies will use this to our advantage and try to further weaken us. Withdrawing the troops early shows that we are quitters. Who wants to be a quitter? I don't.

"But Steph, now European countries like us again."

WHO CARES? No seriously, who freakin' cares? There's a whole ocean between us. The fact that Sweden likes us again won't be a comfort if and when we get attacked by terrorists again.



There's tough times ahead, my friends. I don't know what will happen, as no one does. I do love our country and that is why I want what is best. I did not vote for Obama because I do not think he is the best man for the job. However, what's done is done, and I hope he turns out to be a good ruler after all. As of now, though, I am very, very scared.

HALLOWEEN!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtyJbIOZjS8


Darkness falls across the land
The midnight hour is close at hand
Creatures crawl in search of blood
To terrorize yawls neighbourhood
And whosoever shall be found
Without the soul for getting down
Must stand and face the hounds of hell
And rot inside a corpses shell
The foulest stench is in the air
The funk of forty thousand years
And grizzly ghouls from every tomb
Are closing in to seal your doom
And though you fight to stay alive
Your body starts to shiver
For no mere mortal can resist
The evil of the thriller
(mwa ha ha ha haaaaaaaaaaaaa)

Today's blog is all about the glorious holiday Halloween, otherwise known as All Hallows Eve, The Day of the Dead, Samhain, El Dia de Los Muertos, etc. etc. etc. Next to Christmas it is my all-time favorite holiday! I know I've already said some of this in my last blog but it deserves to be repeated due to the fact that I love this holiday ever so much! And now, here are some reasons why I love it so much!

Costumes:

I love dressing up in a costume! Yeah, tradition is part of it but mostly because of the artistic aspect of it. It is the one day you are allowed to transform yourself into something that you are not. The shy, reserved Steph can turn herself into a diva on this one special day. If you walk around with fairy wings and black face paint in the middle of March you can be arrested for disturbing the peace. If you wander around in a vampire cloak during the scorching heat of summer you'll probably be committed. But all the rules change on Halloween. The barriers of social mores are broken. Up is down, black is white, and so forth. It's awesome!!!

Now, I honestly don't understand how people DON'T dress up on Halloween! What is their reasoning? "I never know what to be?" WHAT??? That's ludicrous! You can be anything you want! And it doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Raid your parents' closet or dig around in your basement. You can come up with something if you just give it a little thought. It isn't hard, trust me!

Bottom line

DRESS UP!!!

Fear:

Fear is something that lasts the whole year but I see Halloween as a night to embrace your fears? (Wigga what?) Yeah, you heard me. You can stare your fear in the face and say, "Hey, you don't scare me tonight. It's Halloween!!!" I think those that truly get in to the spirit of Halloween find themselves on the same side as fear. OK, so that might be really lame, but I totally believe in the idea of it. Besides, fear is a totally normal emotion, and that's what's so great about it. However, if you truly are scared on Halloween, it is completely acceptable to be so.

Treats:

CANDY!!! REESE'S, SNICKERS, CHOCOLATE!!!!!!
Need I say more?

But no candy corn, please. Yuck!

Day before my birthday:

Ti's true, Halloween is "Steph's Birthday-eve". Perhaps that is reason enough why I enjoy this holiday. It is often been, for me, two days worth of parties, and who wouldn't like that? I don't know what else to say--it's just freakin' sweet!


Now I shall close by wishing everyone a Happy Halloween! Embrace the night, be safe, DRESS UP, and, most of all, HAVE FUN!!! Halloween=FUN, remember that!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jKBCyIgxqo

Winnifred's Spell

Ah-say-into-pie
Oppa-maybe-uppen-die
Ah-say-into-pie
Oppa-maybe-uppen-die
In-kama-koray-ah-ma
In-kama-koray-ah-ma
Hey, hey, hi, hi
Say, say, bye-bye!
Bye bye!

Ramblings about October

I have always liked the month of October. The leaves change, the weather begins to get chilly, and everyone is anticipating the second best holiday of the year--HALLOWEEN! Not only is Halloween a freakin' great holiday in and of itself, but my birthday is the day after. I am one of the few people I know that has two days worth of partying like that. (It's pretty sweet--but I am actually going to talk more about it later on.) October is a good month, unlike stupid September.

Anyway, despite all that goodness, there are a couple of things about this month that I despise. I don't like it when the weather yo-yo's like it's been doing. Yo-yo-ing is a September thing, NOT October. Seriously, it SNOWED today and it'll (apparently) be in the 70s later this week. What's that about? NOT COOL (ha ha, literally). My point is that when October rolls around we are all supposed to be ready with our jackets and sweaters with all our summer gear stored away for the winter. That's just the way it is supposed to be!

The second thing I hate about October is BASEBALL!!! I don't watch baseball and I think it is a boring sport unless you are playing it. However, I wouldn't mind it being on TV except for the fact that IT IS ALWAYS ON FOX WHEN THE SIMPSONS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE ON!!! There are certain days when I really need a "Simpsons Fix" but in October I am always denied BECAUSE OF STUPID BASEBALL!!! Ohhhh, that just annoys me so much!!!

Now, this doesn't always happen, but the overall October experience gets assaulted by the dirty games of the Presidential Election. I'm sure it would be unnecessary to tell you that this year has been ESPECIALLY dirty! Frankly, I am so sick of hearing about it I could very well hurl myself off of a bridge--in a sense. (And the sad thing is I haven't really been THAT involved in it at all.) I wish we could just have it next week just to get it over with. I kind of hate the fact my birthday will be spent still being annoyed and stuff.

The thing that bugs me the most about this month are the people who think they need to start thinking about Christmas! Now, this may be a topic for a future blog, but you should NOT PUT UP CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS OR START "CELEBRATING" CHRISTMAS UNTIL AT LEAST THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING!!! I know people who put up their stuff on my birthday. THAT IS WRONG!!! Thanksgiving is a very, very important holiday that is frequently overlooked (again, another blog topic for sure). But it is incredibly ridiculous when people and especially stores start putting out the Christmas stuff NOW!!! Last year at JC Penney the company made us have Christmas decorations up ON Halloween. I mean, the store was decorated for Christmas ON HALLOWEEN!!! You know how SICK that is? UGH!

CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN PEOPLE! HALLOWEEN IS AWESOME!!! AND DRESS IN A COSTUME FOR PETE'S SAKE!!!

But now, as a final thought, I just want to reiterate the fact that I like October very much. It's a good transition month. We just got over the craziness of the summer and we still have a little time before the madness of the end of November and December. It may be hard with all the ugly stuff going on, but let's all try to take a breather this month. I think it may help us all!

Oh no, she's done it again!

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Okay, Here’s What I Know as of Now

By Stephanie Summers

The hurricane has passed
The mighty storm has ceased
And all the rage has left me
****And as I survey the damage of the terrible
*******winds and rain
****I can only blame myself
****For the broken fences, toppled trees, scattered
*******shingles, and caved-in roofs
To say the very least

I created the storm
My feelings were enflamed
I fed kindling to the spark
****And now I sit here filled with immense
*******sorrow and guilt and pain
****The immature one, is me
****I let myself turn into one of those crazy
*******drama queens on TV
I’m so very ashamed

I stand now in rubble
Of the friendship I’ve killed
I look around, I ask it,
****I never should have used the word “Hate”;
*******it is such an ugly word
****I do not hate you, my friend
****I hate myself. I just unfairly put a target on you,
*******and fired
I beg it to rebuild

Those words I can’t unspeak
Have stabbed me in the heart
I took the time to sculpt them
****I thought I was being so clever with the
*******words I chose to use
****"Ha, ha, that’ll show him!”
****My heck, what is WRONG with me?
*******Seriously, no wonder I’m dateless!
Into that fiery dart

Revenge is no answer
“Getting even” is dumb
I thought it would give relief
****I admit I reveled in the thought of you getting your
*******heart torn
****Something some would call Karma
****But that’s not very Christian (literally) and I know
*******it is wrong
Instead it made me glum

It’s still true, you’ve hurt me
In much more ways than one
I do not think you meant it
****Because I have always known that you are
*******a good man. Yes, you are!
****That is why I once liked you
****And I should learn to be grateful for friends,
*******‘cause I’m lucky to have them
Besides, what’s done is done

The thing that hurt the most
Is that you lied to me
You kept all that a secret
****You said something like,
*******“I’m just not ready to date anyone now.”
****Then you asked her on a date
****One thing you’ve gotta know, girls talk to their friends,
******* always keep that in mind!
That’s SO not cool, you see?

Whether “He” is out there
Or whether “He” is not
Should not coincide with friends
****By “He” I mean “Mr. Right”, my future spouse,
*******the one who’ll love me
****Right now I doubt he exists
****After all I have done I don’t deserve somebody
*******to love me back
Though that happens a lot

I’m sorry I hurt you
And that I said those words
I don’t think you are a freak
****I don’t regret writing the poem
*******I just regret that I posted it
****That was hateful and cruel
****I know a lot of people don’t read my words, but you did,
*******I know it
There’s nothing wrong with nerds

I guess that I am sick
I know that I’m a fool
I need to be back on track
****It’s frustrating; I’ve already climbed a mountain,
*******now there’s one more
****Can’t my road ever be smooth?
****Yeah, yeah, “The Road Less Travelled”, I get it.
*******That is what I REALLY get!
Not a butt of a mule

To “Anon”, as you’re called,
To you, just this I’ll say
Thank you, thank you for your verse
****Although, I am pretty sure I know who you are anyway,
*******friend
****Can I still call you a friend?
****Your poem made it sound like I can,
*******but I would rather hear it first hand
You’ve helped me on my way

I wrote a poem yesterday

I wrote a poem yesterday

Here it is...

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I Get it Now

By Stephanie Summers

Now it all makes sense
Now it’s all quite clear
All I thought I knew
Has just gone from here
It was all a game
You made me the pawn
I guess I should have
Seen it all along
The clues were right there
Inches from my face
I was blind to them
(And that’s my disgrace)
How could you do this?
What went through your head
As you broke my heart
And left it for dead?
Did you truly think
I would not find out?
Are you that stupid?
I guess there’s no doubt!
I feel foolish
I am hurt and sad
But most of all I
Feel VERY MAD!!!
It may sound silly
Or it may sound dumb
But right now I don’t
Want some peace to come
I want the anger!
Even at my age
I think I deserve
To feel some rage
Give me this moment
Give me time to speak
Let me say the words,
“I HATE YOU, YOU FREAK!!!”
I may not mean it
As time passes by
But at this moment
“Hate” is not a lie
Don’t you dare, don’t think
I’ll be used again
I’m MUCH smarter now
Hear that? All you men!
Stop all of your games
Stop all of the lies
I have had enough
Of immature guys!

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You know what I like about having my own blog? It's MY OWN BLOG! I love the power and the responsibility of it (Yeah yeah, Spider-man, I know...)

I am not here to please anyone. I am just a girl who likes to write. I could care less if you like what I write or even dislike it. It's my blog. You don't like it, don't read it. But either way it'll still be here.

My Life

"There are places I'll remember
All my life, though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I've loved them all..."
-From "In My Life" by The Beatles

I've been thinking a lot about this part (which is the first part) of this song lately. I know I wrote about changes in an earlier blog but it is still on my mind. I have found myself stopped on the road of life. I honestly don't know what is ahead of me. It is not as though the road is dark; I am not stuck in sadness or depression like I was before. I am actually doing better than I was earlier this year. I've just stopped to look ahead and the road just seems ever winding. It goes on and on and I cannot see what lies ahead.

I know you're probably thinking, "Duh Steph, NO ONE can!"

Yes, that is true. I just thought that I would be able to see something once the darkness that had once consumed me drifted away. Is that a stupid thing to ask? I mean, shouldn't there be SOMETHING in my line of sight?

.C5R4FIJKA8fghjk (<---- Aack, my cat jumped on the keyboard. Silly kitty!) Anyway, I am thinking I should not dwell on it. If I dwell too much on things I make myself crazy! I think the best thing for me to do is just to keep moving on. "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming..."

So that's what I am going to do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZ5N4-X_HWU

Miles and Malcolm

Hello, hello my friends!

Yes, I have returned to the world that is called "blogging". I apologise for my absence. My heart has just not been in to writing due to recent events in my life. I just could not do it. I am even grossly behind on my personal journal, which I always prefer to update on a nightly basis. However, I must get back on the horse, as they say, and try to move on. I need to not dwell on things that I have absolutely NO control of!

Anyway, I wanted to write today about my two new kittens--Miles and Malcolm. I have had them for a little over a week now! This is probably going to sound uber-cheesy but I honestly believe that they have helped speed up my healing process. In one way they have forced me to forget about my "wounds" by taking up my free time so I can properly care for and love them. But in another way they have helped simply by loving me in return. Which, I must admit, is the greatest reward.

When I'm gone for awhile or even at work for the day they always run to greet me when I open the door and call out their names. When I'm sitting on the couch doing homework or watching TV they always come and lay on my lap or snuggle up next to me. They like to be held and I like to take them on one-on-one "field trips" around the house or outside to get the mail. They have become very precious to me.

While I was at work today I was thinking about them and about what I wanted to write today. Anyone who knows me knows that I love animals, especially pets. I have always loved pets, even when I was very, very young. I've realized lately why I love them so much. They are loving and caring by nature, especially to their human masters, or friends. Pets don't care what you look like, how much money you make, or what you are doing in your life. They just love to be petted, held, taken care of, and loved. Pets don't judge you like humans do. They are true friends.

Now I know there are exceptions. Not all pets are nice and not all humans are jerks. And I am not saying that my kittens are my only friends either. I am blessed to have many great HUMAN friends in my life (some are probably reading this blog right now). But I just wish we could all, myself definitely included, learn to love unconditionally as pets usually do. Perhaps that is why pets were put on the Earth--to teach us to be kind.

But there is one question I must ask---how can people not like pets? I can understand if your allergic to them but how could you not have a pet because you hate pets? How is that even possible? I just don't get it.

Cómo me estoy sintiendo

Si usted sabe la historia usted la sabe pero si usted no lo hace entonces yo no va a decirle porque lastima. Sin embargo, aquí están algunas sensaciones que tengo que puede verter la luz en cómo estoy haciendo hoy.

Me siento…

Herido, cepillado-a un lado, achy, dolorido, triste, pisoteado, golpeado-abajo con el pie, sin valor, absurdo, estúpido, roto, doloroso, indeseable, no bueno bastante, como un perdedor, muerto-dentro de, aspirar-seco, traicionado, negado, pisoteado, desgraciado, lastimado, vacío, solamente, y muy, muy infeliz.

“Ahora sé que tengo un corazón porque está quebrado.”

Estas palabras realmente ahora suenan verdad a mí.

No sé si o cuándo pararé el sentir de estas cosas pero asumo que ALGÚN DÍA. Estoy apesadumbrado de ser tan abajo. No deseo hacer cualquier persona sentir mal sino que realmente necesité expresar hacia fuera mis sensaciones. Ése es porqué esto se escribe todo en Español-bien, además del hecho de que me ayudará con mi clase.

CUANDO me siento mejor, pues soy seguro yo voluntad eventual, escribiré un blog feliz. Pero lleve por favor con mí hasta entonces como estoy en un lugar oscuro y aburrido. Necesito permanecer aquí un rato para curar.

Gracias por ser paciente con mí.

Never Gonna Give You Up

This isn't really a blog. I got this on another website and after I filled it out I found it so funny that I wanted to share it on here. The directions were as follows...

1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, iPOD etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
Before He Cheats (Carrie Underwood)
What? LOL.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
If Everyone Cared (Nickelback)
Well, I guess that's kind of my philosophy in life.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY?
Rebels of the Sacred Heart (Flogging Molly)
Hmmm, I guess I like rebels--good rebels(?)

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Mercy (Duffy)
Well, yes actually. Wow!

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Leaving Town (Dexter Freebish)
"I'll still be here when you get back." Yeah, that's kinda me. Not really my life's purpose but okay...

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Everywhere (Michelle Branch)
A one word motto eh? Sure, why not.

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
The Main Title from "Rudy" (Rudy Soundtrack)
Ha ha, they don't think anything. There's no words. Classic!

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
You Get What You Give (New Radicals)
Meh, maybe. I don't really know.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
I'd Do Anything for Love... (Meat Loaf)
Not really

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WANT TO SAY TO SOMEONE?
Requiem For a Dying Song (Flogging Molly)
Yeah maybe...

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
The Sweet Escape (Gwen Stefani)
No, that really doesn't work.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
The Prayer (Josh Groban and Charlotte Church)
Well, I pray for the people I care about, so this works.

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Take a Chance on Me (ABBA)
Ha ha, okay...

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU GET OLDER?
Drift Away (Uncle Kracker)
That's freakin' hilarious right there!

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Mrs. Robinson (Simon and Garfunkel)
No, no, very no. Maybe if I liked Mrs. Robinson, but I don't!

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Hometown Glory (Adele)
Gee, what a rip-roarin' affair that would be!

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Dancing Queen (ABBA)
So my funeral will be more exciting than my wedding? Harsh...

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Candle in the Wind (Elton John)
No, not really interested in Marilyn Monroe.
(EDIT: Or Princess Di---thanks TJ :)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Sally's Song (The Nightmare Before Christmas)
That actually IS one of my fears. Weird...

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Too Shy (Kajagoogoo)
That's not a secret. I am too shy sometimes.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Josh Groban)
That's just really, really weird.

DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST KISS.
Killer Queen (Queen)
Um, no. Maybe if it was called Killer King. No, not even then.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL WEEKEND?
I Believe in a Thing Called Love (The Darkness)
That's awfully vague and doesn't really answer the question.

WHAT WILL YOU NAME YOUR FIRST BORN CHILD?
Billie Jean (Michael Jackson)
HAHAHAHAHA!!! No WAY!!!! Awesome!!!

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Still Alive (GLaDOS)
HA! I WON'T DIE!!!

IF YOU HAD A SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Crush (David Archuleta)
I would crush people? Like the Hulk or something? Hmmm

WHAT WILL THE TITLE OF THIS JOURNAL BE?
Never Gonna Give You Up (Rick Astley)
Okay, you're the boss.

CONFESSIONS (dun dun dunnnnn)

(Oh my gosh I am SOOOO BORED TODAY!!!)

Have you ever wanted to get something off of your back but have been too afraid to say it in fear that someone will think you are crazy? Well, I have decided that a blog is a perfect tool to use to solve this problem! There are some little “secrets” I have had that I am tired of keeping under wraps.

First off, I like watching court shows (the ones on Fox 13). I don’t know what it is about them but I find them immensely entertaining! The things people sue each other over are just completely ridiculous sometimes. It is so funny to watch people just dig themselves into a hole and to make complete fools of themselves. My favorite one to watch is Divorce Court, mostly because of Judge Lynn Toler. She is so funny!!! I like Judge Joe Brown too because he's kind of dead pan and sarcastic sometimes. And, because I am sure you’ll ask, I like Judge Judy sometimes—but mostly she is just mean. On a plus side, I do not get to watch them now that I am back to work and it’ll be significantly less now that school has started again. It probably is for the best because, as some would definitely say, it is mindless, I.Q. dropping TV.

My second confession is that I have not seen the original Star Wars trilogy since I was probably 8 or 9. Also, in junior high and high school I HATED all the movies, except for Episode 1. I remember specifically making a college in a class with my likes and dislikes and Star Wars was placed firmly in the dislikes. Now, before a mass mob breaks out I want to say that I do not feel that way anymore. From what I remember about the original trilogy I think they are very good. Yes, I DO need to watch them again and I plan on doing that someday. I also want to say that I have NEVER liked Episode 2 and yes I realize now that Episode 1 is cheesy and weird, but I still kind of like it.

Third I have to confess that I have been a closet fan of Gwen Stefani for years and years now. Some of her songs don't make sense and a lot of the time she is really weird but I like her nonetheless. It all started in 6th grade when my friends introduced me to the No Doubt album Tragic Kingdom. You know the feeling you got when listening to something "grown up" that was kind of like, "Man, this is cool! So this is what being a teenager is all about?" Yeah, so in a sense I attribute that album to my transition from preteen to teen. Actually, that album is still the only one I own but have have a dozen or more of her songs that I've bought or, ahem, downloaded over the years. And I will say this, despite the fact that she's blond, I've always thought she was very, very pretty.

Finally I have to say I really don't like watching Bill O'Reilly. In fact, I hate watching Bill O'Reilly. I don't know what it is about him but I just can't stand listening to him! HE'S SOOOO ANNOYING!!! It's not that I disagree with him, it is just how he presents himself. He's really cocky and self-absorbed. I know that Hannity and Rush can be like that too but to me O'Reilly is that but ten fold. And on that same thought I hardly ever listened to Rush in the past and I don't listen to Hannity anymore because I'm just not really into talk radio anymore. That's right, Steph the Hannity-obsessed-fan girl is no more (but it is still sweet that he waved to me, ha ha). That Steph died after I left Utah State. (I do like Glenn Beck, though. He's funny and really entertaining!!!)

These, of course, are not ALL my secrets but I do feel better releasing them into the void. Blogging has turned out to be very therapeutic and well-worth my time. I hope reading my blogs are worth your time. Oh, one last thing...

ANDREW, WRITE A BLOG, WRITE IT NOW!!! SERIOUSLY...

Changes

I want to write today about the subject of change. I cannot say that this topic is recently on my mind because, in fact, it has been a part of my everyday thought process for almost six years now. In a way it has been a burden on my mind and I would like to alleviate the pressure a bit. I figured today would be as good a day as any after hearing the marvelous homecoming talk from newly-released Sister Meredith Law.

I have never really liked change. As Steve Martin says in Father of the Bride II, “This town hasn’t changed much in the last forty years and as a man who’s not big on change, this town fits me like a glove.” (That may not be the exact wording but you get the idea). I do not know all the reasons for my dislike though I am sure there are many. I do know that change most always brings about a feeling of uncertainty. It’s like going through a labyrinth—you never know what creature will pop out! The fear of the unknown is strong and, at times, most inconvenient.

Despite all of that there have been numerous instances of change in or around my life as of late. Graduating high school, changing colleges, changing jobs, moving out/in, watching people get married, meeting people’s children, seeing people leave and return from missions, and so forth. I know I am not really old (I’m 23) but these changes sure make me feel it. It is not uncommon to hear that my friends often feel the same. In a strange kind of way it is pleasing that I am not alone. However, change affects us all differently, so in a way I am alone.

I know it is August but the one thing I have learned this year is that change is NECESSARY. That was totally cliché, but I absolutely know it is true. We as humans have been subject to change our whole lives. Every year we celebrate a day that marks our body as having aged another year. And all year round we experience the changing of the seasons. We watch the renewal in spring, the maturity in summer, the harvest in autumn, and the hibernation in winter. Change is necessary, change is important, change is vital, change can be bad, but change can also be good.

After all I have written it might be surprising to learn that I, in fact, now want change. It is both liberating and relieving when you finally get the strength to pull yourself out of a hole. Or, I should say when you realize you WANT to pull yourself out of a hole; when your eyes are opened and you see how awful a place the hole really is! Getting out of the hole was a change; a hard change, but an awesome change. (And yes, I did have help getting out of the hole. I needed the strength of the ladder which is the gospel. But that is another topic altogether.)

Oh my, I have written a lot already. I thank you for sticking it out this long. It was very therapeutic to release my thoughts into this void we call an internet. I just want to end by saying that I am looking forward to the changes that await me. Yes, I am still a little wary, but I supposed it is only natural to be. If I look back at all the bumps in the road I have already crossed I will try not to dwell (though “dwelling” and “worrying” are second nature to me), but to try to use the experiences to my advantage. And although she probably won’t read this I must again say WELCOME HOME MERRI!!! YOU WERE GREATLY MISSED!!!

Accents

The last couple of days I have been listening to a lot of Celtic punk/rock music. I normally don't like punk music but for some reason I enjoy this. As I was working today I suddenly realized why...it is the accents. Just as I had come into this realization a guest came up to me and asked for a fitting room. Guess what he had? An Irish accent!!! Irish accents--oh, how dreamy!!!



(Schmaltzy Steph, really schmaltzy...)



So while I worked the rest of today I began to ponder about accents themselves. Irish accents, Scottish accents, British accents, Australian accents...what IS it about them that are so appealing? The only answer I have is that they are just different. I don't mean different in a negative sense but different like unfamiliar to what we're accustomed to.

And then I began to ponder about my "accent". When I worked at JC Penney there was this girl who moved here from Brooklyn, New York. She had a very strong Brooklyn accent and (until I found out she was psycho) I enjoyed talking to her and listening to it. The funny thing is that she told me that she really liked Utahn accents. She said it is funny how we say "cool" and thinks the "oh my heck" is hilarious. Now, the only Utahn accent I've ever been aware of is the occasional removing of the "T" like in "Lay-in, moun-in," and so on. But I've never really thought I had a definable accent like that.

So the question I ask is do I have an accent or do I just not think I have one because I am used to it? Did that Irish guy from work yesterday think my accent was "dreamy" as I did his? (Unlikely) Do people in London think that they don't have an accent while everyone else does, like how I think?

Oy gavalt! My mind is schlepping like a schmeared bagel!

El Bloggo Numero Uno

Hey, so I decided to join the blogging business. Well, it's not really a business, but it is certainly pretty popular amoung the kids these days. But seriously, I know a couple people who have blogs and Andrew told me I should start one too, so here I am!

To draw a little from my own experiences, as of late, I would like to talk about a little thing called COMMUNICATION. It is amazing to me that in this world of telephones, cellphones, texting, e-mail, social websites, etc. that a simple thing called communication is so hard to come by!

Wait, what?

Yes, you heard me. Why is it hard to "Tell it like it is" to somebody? Why when somebody is being a jerk you can't just go up and say, "Hey! Quit being a jerk, ya jerk!" Why is it so hard to say what is really on your mind?

Ok, so I know that there has to be a certain amount of self-censorship when you're out in the public eye. I certainly couldn't expect to keep my job if I told some mothers that they are letting their teenage daughters dress like hookers. And I suppose it is a good thing that there are laws against yelling out profanities and stuff like that.

I guess what I'm really asking is why I have such a hard time communicating with people? Why can't I tell someone they've hurt my feelings without feeling horrible myself? Why do I speak epistles in my head but only blurt out randomness?

Hmmmm, perhaps blogging will help solve these problems. One can never tell.