Well, after last week's Random Thought Thursdays post, I received a lot of positive feedback. Most notably - I learned I'm not the only Elf on the Shelf hater out there. Woo!
So, with that being said, here's this week's installment of my random thoughts.
ONE: Social Media
I have a Facebook. Confession: I hate it. I find myself being annoyed by it more than encouraged. I've done the whole Facebook hiatus thing. Except Facebook emails you saying they miss you (not kidding). So, maybe I'll completely delete my account in the near future. We shall see. But I can with 99% certainty guarantee that I will never get a Twitter or Instagram.
TWO: Apologizing to Inanimate Objects
Ok, I have this problem which often tends to show itself when I'm at the grocery store. Whenever I run into anything (people, objects, air), I apologize. Now, this is a fantastic practice for when I happen to run into human beings. But, when all I'm running into is a display at the grocery store - well, I just look absolutely crazy profusely apologizing to cardboard.
THREE: Andy Williams
You know, that dude who sings, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!" Yeah, that's Andy Williams. I grew up not too incredibly far from Branson, so I would often hear his Christmas Show commercial play around this time of the year. But, I have to wonder, what was so "wonderful" around this time for Andy Williams? Every. Single. Year. I've never had a "most wonderful time" around this time of year. Never. Sorry, call me a Grinch, send me hate mail, I don't care. You will never convince me this is the most wonderful time of year. Never. Bah humbug!
Also, the author of this article is my new BFF. He states the truth about this "most wonderful time of the year" oh so beautifully!
FOUR: My Computer Hates Me
Every time I go to type on this computer, it decides I should write in Chinese rather than English. Today alone, it has switched to Chinese on me mid-sentence four times. Maybe I should just learn Chinese so whenever it decides to switch, I can continue to type and read!
FIVE: Engagement Season
It's the holiday season. Which means I can expect at least one of my friends to get engaged. If not a Christmas engagement, there will be a New Years one. Normally, I dread logging on to any social media site this time of year for this very reason. But then, I discovered the amazingness that is the tumblr page Bad Engagement Photos. Do yourself a huge holiday favor, click that link and check the website out. The photos, the descriptions, the tears of laughter you will produce. Go enjoy!
And there you have it - this week's installment of my random thoughts on this, yet another, cold December Thursday! And before you hate on me for complaining about it being cold in December, remember that I live in the Deep South. Isn't it, therefore, supposed to be warmer than freezing??
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Hey There, Depression!
You have NOT been missed.
But you sure have found a way to fantastically and successfully kick my butt this week.
Because if I wasn't already feeling down enough about life, you sure helped me realize things can always be worse.
My body deeply aches from hitting the gym everyday for 1.5 hours to try to work out you of my system. And yet, you continue to hang out. You've got your nails dug into me so deep that you're starting to bring about physical pain.
If you can be replaced by sleep and motivation in the very near future, that would be greatly appreciated.
Until then, I suppose today will be yet another day of hanging out in bed all day balling my eyes out.
And Andy Williams bragged about this being "the most wonderful time of the year"??
EDIT:
Are you a Christian woman who also struggles with depression? If so, you need to read this article by Serena DeGarmo. Seriously. Read it.
But you sure have found a way to fantastically and successfully kick my butt this week.
Because if I wasn't already feeling down enough about life, you sure helped me realize things can always be worse.
My body deeply aches from hitting the gym everyday for 1.5 hours to try to work out you of my system. And yet, you continue to hang out. You've got your nails dug into me so deep that you're starting to bring about physical pain.
If you can be replaced by sleep and motivation in the very near future, that would be greatly appreciated.
Until then, I suppose today will be yet another day of hanging out in bed all day balling my eyes out.
And Andy Williams bragged about this being "the most wonderful time of the year"??
EDIT:
Are you a Christian woman who also struggles with depression? If so, you need to read this article by Serena DeGarmo. Seriously. Read it.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
For This is Right
For the past few years, my family has been dealing with a lot of ugliness. I remember once, I told my dad that I felt so close to God, the closest I had ever felt in my life. His response: "That's precisely when the devil tries to interfere and tear you away from God."
Well, the devil sure has been trying to shove his way into my family. And, my family continues to amaze me with their faith in God. Their unwavering faith builds up my faith.
The other week, we studied the topic of love in Bible class. The topic centered mostly around the love a parent has for their child. Even though I'm not a parent, I am a child. I got to thinking about how this earthly parent-child relationship is comparable to God's love for and relationship with us, His children. Just like our earthly parents want the best for us, so does God. And, just as our earthly parents have instructed us, so has God. Most importantly, just as our earthly parents love us, God loves us - He loves us so much that He sacrificed His only son for us that we may have the hope of spending eternity in heaven with Him.
During the course of this Bible class study, I really noticed Ephesians 6:1 for the first time. "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right."
That last phrase really hit me - this is right. It reminds me a lot of a phrase I often heard growing up, "Because I said so." There was never further explanation because no further explanation was needed. Your parents told you to clean your room, you were to do it. Why? Because that's what obedience is all about.
Here's the definition of obedience: compliance with an order, request, or law, or submission to another's authority. You did as your parents instructed you because they had authority over you.
Well, God is our Father. He has authority over us. And yet, we so often want to tell God that we know better than He does. We so often like telling God, our Creator, that we're smarter than Him. He knows us better than we know ourselves (He knows what every inch of your body looks like, He knows every thought you have, He even knows the number of hairs on your head). But we have somehow managed to convince ourselves that we know more than Him.
So many today have decided that they don't want to obey God. Despite Him commanding us to do as He instructs. Despite Him telling us that obeying Him is what is right. Period.
My dad said something to me today that really hit me. I love it so much, that it's going to become goal #7 for this journey.
None of us are perfect; however, all of us must seek perfection in Christ.
I John 2:3-6 says the following: Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
Seeking perfection in Christ requires doing as He commands - because this is right. It requires doing all that God commands of us, not just what we feel like doing, what parts of his commands we like, what is convenient for us, or what currently fits in with our lifestyle. That is NOT obedience.
It is one thing to say we love God. It is another to show our love for God by obeying all of His commands.
For we can only be perfected if we keep His word, not our word.
Seek perfection in Christ, for this is right!
Well, the devil sure has been trying to shove his way into my family. And, my family continues to amaze me with their faith in God. Their unwavering faith builds up my faith.
The other week, we studied the topic of love in Bible class. The topic centered mostly around the love a parent has for their child. Even though I'm not a parent, I am a child. I got to thinking about how this earthly parent-child relationship is comparable to God's love for and relationship with us, His children. Just like our earthly parents want the best for us, so does God. And, just as our earthly parents have instructed us, so has God. Most importantly, just as our earthly parents love us, God loves us - He loves us so much that He sacrificed His only son for us that we may have the hope of spending eternity in heaven with Him.
During the course of this Bible class study, I really noticed Ephesians 6:1 for the first time. "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right."
That last phrase really hit me - this is right. It reminds me a lot of a phrase I often heard growing up, "Because I said so." There was never further explanation because no further explanation was needed. Your parents told you to clean your room, you were to do it. Why? Because that's what obedience is all about.
 |
| (Image courtesy of Google Images) |
Well, God is our Father. He has authority over us. And yet, we so often want to tell God that we know better than He does. We so often like telling God, our Creator, that we're smarter than Him. He knows us better than we know ourselves (He knows what every inch of your body looks like, He knows every thought you have, He even knows the number of hairs on your head). But we have somehow managed to convince ourselves that we know more than Him.
So many today have decided that they don't want to obey God. Despite Him commanding us to do as He instructs. Despite Him telling us that obeying Him is what is right. Period.
My dad said something to me today that really hit me. I love it so much, that it's going to become goal #7 for this journey.
None of us are perfect; however, all of us must seek perfection in Christ.
I John 2:3-6 says the following: Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
Seeking perfection in Christ requires doing as He commands - because this is right. It requires doing all that God commands of us, not just what we feel like doing, what parts of his commands we like, what is convenient for us, or what currently fits in with our lifestyle. That is NOT obedience.
It is one thing to say we love God. It is another to show our love for God by obeying all of His commands.
For we can only be perfected if we keep His word, not our word.
Seek perfection in Christ, for this is right!
Monday, December 16, 2013
The Mom Look
Like many, I live for the weekends. If it involves not having to get out of bed, not having to get dressed, not having to shower, not having to look cute -- I'm all about it!
But, this past Saturday, some children decided they were so excited about the steps located outside my door that they wanted to run up and down them. Repeatedly. While screaming. Loudly.
In case you're new here, let me restate the obvious - I am single. (If I keep saying it, does that increase my chances of a Christmas miracle happening??)
I don't have kids. Sure, I think they're cute. But not early on Saturday morning when they're screaming right outside my door.
Even though I don't possess children of my own, I have done quite a bit of babysitting in my life. I also got quite a bit of the classic "Mom look" growing up from my own mother. Between these two, I have learned how to throw a pretty good "Mom look" myself.
However, it's been a while since I've had to actually use said look on children. Result: the Mom Look is a play that's a bit rusty in my current bag of tricks.
Well, not only did these screaming children move me to get out of my incredibly comfortable and warm bed early on a Saturday morning, but they also moved me to open my door to a brighter light and colder temp than I cared to enjoy.
I flung open my door, gave the look to each of those 4 unadorable screaming children, heard a quiet "We're sorry..." come from the oldest of the group, closed my door, and crawled back in bed to silence.
Success.
(And I wonder why I'm still single...)
But, this past Saturday, some children decided they were so excited about the steps located outside my door that they wanted to run up and down them. Repeatedly. While screaming. Loudly.
In case you're new here, let me restate the obvious - I am single. (If I keep saying it, does that increase my chances of a Christmas miracle happening??)
I don't have kids. Sure, I think they're cute. But not early on Saturday morning when they're screaming right outside my door.
Even though I don't possess children of my own, I have done quite a bit of babysitting in my life. I also got quite a bit of the classic "Mom look" growing up from my own mother. Between these two, I have learned how to throw a pretty good "Mom look" myself.
However, it's been a while since I've had to actually use said look on children. Result: the Mom Look is a play that's a bit rusty in my current bag of tricks.
Well, not only did these screaming children move me to get out of my incredibly comfortable and warm bed early on a Saturday morning, but they also moved me to open my door to a brighter light and colder temp than I cared to enjoy.
I flung open my door, gave the look to each of those 4 unadorable screaming children, heard a quiet "We're sorry..." come from the oldest of the group, closed my door, and crawled back in bed to silence.
Success.
(And I wonder why I'm still single...)
Friday, December 13, 2013
The Single Life Facade
A while back, I remember reading a lot of blog posts by busy bloggers (most of them were moms). They would post a picture that made their life seem perfect and ideal. And then they'd post about what you don't see in that picture - which would include a detailed discussion of the mess that didn't make it into the photo frame, the tantrums that were thrown earlier in the day, the worries and tears shed by the parents over how to afford Christmas presents this year, etc.
Long story short, these were posts about how deceptively deceiving our lives as we choose to share with others can be.
Believe it or not, but the same applies for us singletons. We may post photos of us out on a weeknight with our friends having fun. We may brag on Facebook about how much fun we had on our last-minute weekend getaway. But our lives aren't perfect either. They, too, are deceptively deceiving.
In case you missed this announcement - I'm single. I am the chef, housekeeper, grocery shopper, income provider, bill payer for my household. I do it all. Sounds empowering, right? Kinda like, "I am woman, hear me roar!"
Well, here's the reality. Here's what you don't see on my Facebook --
Moral of the story -- the grass isn't always greener on the other side. My life is not exponentially easier, carefree, or more fun because I'm single. So don't let the singlehood facade confuse you. Because it's just that - a facade.
Rather than be jealous of what others choose to share via Facebook/Instagram/Twitter/Blogger, embrace the life God has blessed you with because He has a plan for you, a plan far greater than you can imagine. (Self, take note!)
Pretty sure I just established goal #6 for my journey...
Long story short, these were posts about how deceptively deceiving our lives as we choose to share with others can be.
Believe it or not, but the same applies for us singletons. We may post photos of us out on a weeknight with our friends having fun. We may brag on Facebook about how much fun we had on our last-minute weekend getaway. But our lives aren't perfect either. They, too, are deceptively deceiving.
In case you missed this announcement - I'm single. I am the chef, housekeeper, grocery shopper, income provider, bill payer for my household. I do it all. Sounds empowering, right? Kinda like, "I am woman, hear me roar!"
Well, here's the reality. Here's what you don't see on my Facebook --
- I fall asleep on my couch watching tv more nights than I honestly care to admit. There's just no incentive to leave the couch for a cold bed.
- I don't sleep at night because I can't. My mind is racing over how I'm going to pay the bills, do laundry, find time to grocery shop, what to cook with the limited food I have in my pantry, etc. And when I am able to sleep, I am awoken by a panic attack.
- I work out daily because it's one of the few things I know I can rely on. It's the one place where I can be reminded that although the rest of my life is a hot mess, I can still spin just as fast as the SAHMs or lift the same amount of weight I could lift last week (if not a bit more).
- My house isn't decorated for Christmas because I don't see the point. Nor do I have the time or energy for it.
- You know that amazing dinner I cooked the other night - which was the first time I've actually cooked dinner in months? Yeah, I'm still eating that dinner...3 days later.
- Yes, I went out shopping on a weeknight with friends till 8pm. But what you didn't see is how that night was spent watching them shop for their boyfriends.
- My loan repayment is due today, Friday the 13th. Because that is my luck. And it's also something you definitely won't see me bragging on Facebook about!
Moral of the story -- the grass isn't always greener on the other side. My life is not exponentially easier, carefree, or more fun because I'm single. So don't let the singlehood facade confuse you. Because it's just that - a facade.
Rather than be jealous of what others choose to share via Facebook/Instagram/Twitter/Blogger, embrace the life God has blessed you with because He has a plan for you, a plan far greater than you can imagine. (Self, take note!)
Pretty sure I just established goal #6 for my journey...
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Random Thought Thursdays
So, I suck at blogging (even though I promised myself I would recommit to it). Tell me something I don't know. Moving right along...
Life is still working on figuring itself out. Correction - I'm still working on trying to figure out my life. I could be like a large portion of my Facebook newsfeed and thank Obama for still being unsure about life, but I doubt he'll ever read this blog. Plus, it's not like I'm blameless in this situation. So what's the point?
Speaking of Facebook newsfeed, the other day I vented to a friend about how much Facebook annoys me at times. Yet, I can't bring myself to delete my account. I still have yet to figure out why I continue to torture myself.
All those frustrations led me to the realization that I have a blog. A blog that I was supposed to be recommitted to. So, why not start posting all my random thoughts (or rants) here? Because surely I can't be the only one with these thoughts.
Here's the premiere Random Thought Thursdays post (which could possibly be the last one) --
ONE: Elf on the Shelf.
Ok, I'll admit, I'm not married and I don't have kids. So maybe I don't truly "get it." But, I've seen all my Facebook friends post their adorable elves making unadorable messes on Facebook for a few years now. Year one, it was cute. Year two, it was starting to get annoying. Now, I am seeing more posts of these elves doing dirty (as in inappropriate) things and parents complaining about having to come up with something creative to do with said elves. Look, if you have to position a child's toy into an inappropriate position/act to find joy, inspiration, motivation to get your kid to behave, it's time to move on. Try something crazy like disciplining your child when they act up, or telling them "No!", or giving them the classic "Mom look" I got quite a bit of growing up, or (going way out there extreme here) try reading the Bible with them so they see they should behave because God commands them to do so (see Ephesians 6:1; Colossians 3:20).
TWO: Take Note Single Men!
In case you didn't read point one, let me restate the obvious. I am single. Husbandless. Childless. Which means I do basically every life task alone. Drive places in my car - alone. Grocery shop - alone. Live - alone. I'm alone. Now, I'm not crying or complaining over that (shout out to my therapist!). Being alone has been the story of the past 7 years of my life. But what I am asking is that if you're a dude and you see me out alone, please find a good, creative way to hit on me. I've heard the classic, awful, cheesy pick-up lines. Want to win my heart, or my number at the very least, get creative. Better yet, just be honest with me! No need trying to be someone you're not. Truth: if you can make me sincerely laugh - as opposed to awkward, get me out of here ASAP because I'm uncomfortable laugh - there's a good possibility I'll take you up on your date offer.
THREE: Birthday Celebrations.
And, just in case you can't tell from the above photo caption, my birthday is coming up. Confession: I'm not a big celebrator. [Insert shock and gasps of disbelief here.] Yeah, you read that right. Which means I'm typically not that person who runs around and brags to all her friends about her upcoming "special day." Nor am I that person who organizes my own party. So, if you happen to know my birthday is coming up (which you should now since I just told you) and you want to celebrate it, do me a favor and just tell me so. Because one of my many awkward life traits I possess is that I don't like asking people to celebrate myself. It's just...awkward...
FOUR: Holiday Hoopla.
I could not celebrate any holiday and be perfectly content with my life. [Insert round two of shock and gasps here.] I have exactly zero Christmas decorations up at my house. My mom called me all upset because all of my decorations are still at my parents' house. Yeah, I didn't shed one tear or have my blood pressure fluctuate one bit at that news. Now, I love my family and I'm all about spending time with them - especially considering the fact that 2 states currently divide us. But I don't need a holiday full of stress and stress eating to enjoy spending time with them. I'd totally support boycotting the holidays for one meaningful family vacation per year - preferably a vacation location that's warm and comes with a beach.
FIVE. Share the Awkward.
Ok, before you start going off on me on how I'm contradicting myself (see point three), hear me out. My life is like one big awkward moment. So, one would think that by this point, I'd be used to it and would be amazing at dealing with the awkwardness. False. I have, however, learned how to embrace and include others in on my awkward moments - I share the awkward. Some story is brought up that makes me uncomfortable (and is specifically brought up to make me uncomfortable), I'll start saying things I know will make everyone else uncomfortable. They'll start feeling uncomfortable, things will get way awkward for all parties involved, and suddenly the topic will switch gears. Don't believe me? Try it! This method has yet to fail me. And considering how many awkward moments comprise my life, that's saying a lot!
And there we have it, my blog friends. The first and possibly last installment of my random thoughts on this cold December Thursday! I even managed to throw in a few pics (go me!). Now I shall wait with bated breath for all the hate comments! Bring it on, haters!!
Life is still working on figuring itself out. Correction - I'm still working on trying to figure out my life. I could be like a large portion of my Facebook newsfeed and thank Obama for still being unsure about life, but I doubt he'll ever read this blog. Plus, it's not like I'm blameless in this situation. So what's the point?
Speaking of Facebook newsfeed, the other day I vented to a friend about how much Facebook annoys me at times. Yet, I can't bring myself to delete my account. I still have yet to figure out why I continue to torture myself.
All those frustrations led me to the realization that I have a blog. A blog that I was supposed to be recommitted to. So, why not start posting all my random thoughts (or rants) here? Because surely I can't be the only one with these thoughts.
Here's the premiere Random Thought Thursdays post (which could possibly be the last one) --
ONE: Elf on the Shelf.
 |
| In case you don't have friends with kids - because I've got tons - this is what I'm about to complain about. Just giving you a heads up! |
TWO: Take Note Single Men!
In case you didn't read point one, let me restate the obvious. I am single. Husbandless. Childless. Which means I do basically every life task alone. Drive places in my car - alone. Grocery shop - alone. Live - alone. I'm alone. Now, I'm not crying or complaining over that (shout out to my therapist!). Being alone has been the story of the past 7 years of my life. But what I am asking is that if you're a dude and you see me out alone, please find a good, creative way to hit on me. I've heard the classic, awful, cheesy pick-up lines. Want to win my heart, or my number at the very least, get creative. Better yet, just be honest with me! No need trying to be someone you're not. Truth: if you can make me sincerely laugh - as opposed to awkward, get me out of here ASAP because I'm uncomfortable laugh - there's a good possibility I'll take you up on your date offer.
THREE: Birthday Celebrations.
 |
| My 21st birthday celebration, where I managed to blow the candles clear out of the cake. Because that's how my birthday celebrations go. |
FOUR: Holiday Hoopla.
 |
| See this picture of this beautiful house all decked out for the holidays (courtesy of Google Images)? Yeah...my house looks absolutely nothing like this. Not one tree, not one ornament, not one twinkling light, and I definitely don't have a fireplace. |
FIVE. Share the Awkward.
Ok, before you start going off on me on how I'm contradicting myself (see point three), hear me out. My life is like one big awkward moment. So, one would think that by this point, I'd be used to it and would be amazing at dealing with the awkwardness. False. I have, however, learned how to embrace and include others in on my awkward moments - I share the awkward. Some story is brought up that makes me uncomfortable (and is specifically brought up to make me uncomfortable), I'll start saying things I know will make everyone else uncomfortable. They'll start feeling uncomfortable, things will get way awkward for all parties involved, and suddenly the topic will switch gears. Don't believe me? Try it! This method has yet to fail me. And considering how many awkward moments comprise my life, that's saying a lot!
And there we have it, my blog friends. The first and possibly last installment of my random thoughts on this cold December Thursday! I even managed to throw in a few pics (go me!). Now I shall wait with bated breath for all the hate comments! Bring it on, haters!!
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