Happy Monday morning, everyone.
I hope that you are all off to a fantastic start to the week! By the time most of you begin to read this I will have finished a venti latte, be elbow deep in Monday morning paperwork and getting prepared to strap on the back-pack vacuum and clean my wonderful store like a crazy woman.
As much as I truly LOVE work, Sundays off have become my favorite day of my week. On Sundays, everyone in my family is off from work and we all get to hang out together. To be honest, my family needed some time to adapt to the new time with my energy on Sunday mornings. Yesterday, however, dad and I spent the day together. After long run, dad took me out in his Corvette. He tricked me though, and we ended up at a car cruise. I would have been mad, but we went out for ice cream afterwards.. so, I can't really complain. We tried to sit on the deck for dinner, but after a few short minutes my ginger dad thought that he was going to get sunburned. So, that was that.
After dinner, my family and I watched 60 Minutes and the featured story was based on a poverty-stricken area in Florida. All of the subjects in the feature were young kids that lived in their parent's cars. Their parents were all jobless, and the kids lived in the cars with multiple family members and, often times, with their pets. As the story unraveled, it became a realization to me that this phenomenon was an epidemic in Seminole, FL. The children brushed their teeth at random gas stations before they went to school each day. Other kids at school knew that they lived in a car, and some of the kids at their school also lived in cars. In one elementary school, 15 students talked about what it was like to live in a car; it was simply a commonality.
One of the girls lived in her father's van, and told the 60 Minutes' anchor that she wanted to go college to be a lawyer. When asked about what it was like to live in a car, she said, "You do what you have to do, it's only life."
After the episode of 60 Minutes aired, over one million dollars was raised for the homeless in children in Seminole, FL in just one year. The previously mentioned girl was granted a full four-year scholarship to a college in Florida.
All of this got me thinking....
In America, there are millions of homeless people. MILLIONS. Very few people are willing to help those individuals. However, after just ONE news story about the homeless children in Florida, ONE MILLION DOLLARS were raised.
Why did it take a news story to get the non-homeless to help out the homeless?
In a world where so many bible-thumpers are quick to donate 10% of their annual salary to their church and brag about it; I'm wondering how many of those same people pass the homeless on the side of the road every day and don't take a second look.
With some many different beliefs to chose from, why have so few people chosen to believe in humanity?
Last Wednesday, I bought a group of homeless men dinner. When I passed them in downtown Pittsburgh on my PM commute, I pulled my car over and gave them a slew of prepared food from the Market District. I've never seen a more grateful group of individuals than I did that day.
Every week, I buy the latte of the stranger behind me at Starbucks. Sure, they have the money to buy their own latte, but kind gestures are so rare that they can truly make someone's day. To me, any opportunity to give another human being something (especially when they are in dire need of it), is an opportunity worth taking.
I can certainly tell you that buying food for the homeless was not a one-time occurrence for me.
I'm not independently wealthy, I don't have an abundance of extra money and I have a great deal of expenses of my own. If I can buy the homeless a meal once a week, so can you.
Here's to exhibiting generosity to complete strangers, all for the love of humanity.
Xoxo
View the 60 Minutes story, here!
Monday, July 30, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
This Week, In a Nutshell
Gooooood Monday Morning!
Before I begin, allow me to give my brother some face time. As it turns out, he found out about his mention in last week's blog, and he's a little fired up. He would like me to clear a few things up in this week's edition.
"Dear readers, it has been brought to my attention that in the post published last week, I omitted critical facts that were detrimental and misleading at the cost of my brother's meticulous reputation as an upstanding citizen in the local community. My characterization of Larry's actions as 'stealing' were inaccurate and prejudicial. As you well know, crime of theft requires mens rea; the knowledge that one's act constitutes a criminal offense. Since there was no intentional act, Larry's actions, at worst, would be classified as a misunderstanding."
My brother would like everyone to know that, on numerous instances before he helped himself to the bubblegum previously mentioned, Mr. Bob, in fact, encouraged us to take candy, pop and ice cream at our leisure. He would also like for everyone to know that he strongly believes that the bubblegum was returned un-chewed.
Now, that we've got that out of the way, I'd like to continue on with this blog with short stories from the previous seven days of my life. Here. We. Go.
I took baby Jetta to the body shop to get an estimate for her damage from the bumper car incident in the parking lot. As it turns out, the cost of repairs is $1,020. Luckily, only $500 of that comes from my pocket. Unluckily, I wouldn't have to pay anything if the dummy that hit me would have left their insurance information. Luckily, I get to drive daddy's Cadillac for the week while my Jetta gets fixed. You win some, you lose some.
Last week, I was granted the opportunity to catch up with a few of the kids that worked at my old store. They are all very special to me, and I was so happy to see all of them and be brought up to speed with their lives. I love you guys, forever.
While turning into a parking lot last week, I decided to allow a car pull out in front of me. Since my window was down, I simply said, "You can go" to the male driver and his male passenger. The passenger, approximately 20-years-old, then said, "You can go.....down on me." I wish I could have been angry, but I couldn't stop laughing. How did he even think of that so quickly. It rarely happens but, on this particular occasion, someone of the male gender out-wit me. Dang.
I found out, the hard way, that I may be a little too old for the south side shenanigans that occur on an everyday basis. On Saturday, I went out with a few friends and the things that I witnessed on my walk to and from the bars were simply some of the crazy people and events I've ever seen. I watched two fat girls in tiny dresses fall to the ground and squirm around as they were unable to untangle their limbs from one another. I saw a 90lb white girl choke slam a black girl that threatened to "kick her ass." I saw a girl impale herself on a parking meter (there was blood). Additionally, an Indian man picked me up. No, not figuratively, literally. My feet were off of the ground. So, other than gatherings at friend's houses, I think I'm over venturing to the south side. Sorry bout it.
Lastly, but certainly not least, I would like to address the concept of having a bad attitude. At the end of the day, talking about other people doesn't make you a better person... it makes you rude and petty. Yelling at someone doesn't make you correct... it makes you boisterous. Stomping around doesn't make people want to speak with you to talk about your problems.... it makes them want to avoid you. Not following instructions does not show that you can take a stand... it makes you appear to be incompetent. Everything listed about doesn't make you respectable, it makes you a child. I don't even understand how so much inconsideration or immaturity can still exist in anyone over the age of 16, but it does. Beware of the bad seeds. Don't let them bring you down, use them as an example of what you are not, and never want to become.
And just in case there was any doubt, I'm still loving every aspect of my life each and every day, and I wish the same for every one of you.
Here's to a happy and successful week,
Xoxo
Before I begin, allow me to give my brother some face time. As it turns out, he found out about his mention in last week's blog, and he's a little fired up. He would like me to clear a few things up in this week's edition.
"Dear readers, it has been brought to my attention that in the post published last week, I omitted critical facts that were detrimental and misleading at the cost of my brother's meticulous reputation as an upstanding citizen in the local community. My characterization of Larry's actions as 'stealing' were inaccurate and prejudicial. As you well know, crime of theft requires mens rea; the knowledge that one's act constitutes a criminal offense. Since there was no intentional act, Larry's actions, at worst, would be classified as a misunderstanding."
My brother would like everyone to know that, on numerous instances before he helped himself to the bubblegum previously mentioned, Mr. Bob, in fact, encouraged us to take candy, pop and ice cream at our leisure. He would also like for everyone to know that he strongly believes that the bubblegum was returned un-chewed.
Now, that we've got that out of the way, I'd like to continue on with this blog with short stories from the previous seven days of my life. Here. We. Go.
I took baby Jetta to the body shop to get an estimate for her damage from the bumper car incident in the parking lot. As it turns out, the cost of repairs is $1,020. Luckily, only $500 of that comes from my pocket. Unluckily, I wouldn't have to pay anything if the dummy that hit me would have left their insurance information. Luckily, I get to drive daddy's Cadillac for the week while my Jetta gets fixed. You win some, you lose some.
Last week, I was granted the opportunity to catch up with a few of the kids that worked at my old store. They are all very special to me, and I was so happy to see all of them and be brought up to speed with their lives. I love you guys, forever.
While turning into a parking lot last week, I decided to allow a car pull out in front of me. Since my window was down, I simply said, "You can go" to the male driver and his male passenger. The passenger, approximately 20-years-old, then said, "You can go.....down on me." I wish I could have been angry, but I couldn't stop laughing. How did he even think of that so quickly. It rarely happens but, on this particular occasion, someone of the male gender out-wit me. Dang.
I found out, the hard way, that I may be a little too old for the south side shenanigans that occur on an everyday basis. On Saturday, I went out with a few friends and the things that I witnessed on my walk to and from the bars were simply some of the crazy people and events I've ever seen. I watched two fat girls in tiny dresses fall to the ground and squirm around as they were unable to untangle their limbs from one another. I saw a 90lb white girl choke slam a black girl that threatened to "kick her ass." I saw a girl impale herself on a parking meter (there was blood). Additionally, an Indian man picked me up. No, not figuratively, literally. My feet were off of the ground. So, other than gatherings at friend's houses, I think I'm over venturing to the south side. Sorry bout it.
Lastly, but certainly not least, I would like to address the concept of having a bad attitude. At the end of the day, talking about other people doesn't make you a better person... it makes you rude and petty. Yelling at someone doesn't make you correct... it makes you boisterous. Stomping around doesn't make people want to speak with you to talk about your problems.... it makes them want to avoid you. Not following instructions does not show that you can take a stand... it makes you appear to be incompetent. Everything listed about doesn't make you respectable, it makes you a child. I don't even understand how so much inconsideration or immaturity can still exist in anyone over the age of 16, but it does. Beware of the bad seeds. Don't let them bring you down, use them as an example of what you are not, and never want to become.
And just in case there was any doubt, I'm still loving every aspect of my life each and every day, and I wish the same for every one of you.
Here's to a happy and successful week,
Xoxo
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Achieving a Happy and Stress-Free Life
No matter how much I strive to remain happy and positive on an everyday basis, I can't help but notice the constant negativity that is plaguing the world around me. To be honest, it's unbearable. Watching the people around me being miserable does not make me miserable, it just makes me wonder why their life is so shitty and why mine is so happy. Then, I realized... it's not that my life is any better than theirs, I just have a better outlook.
While I may not be able to change the way that these negative Nancy's function, I can offer some tips for achieving a happy life:
1. Smile
I once read a study that said smiling could actually fake your brain into believing that you're happier than you actually are. I don't know the validity of the study, and I couldn't even name where I read it, but here is what I do know; if you walk around like a grumpy goose, no one is going to think "gee, I'd really love to be friends when them." It's far easier to walk around looking happy, or at least content, than it is to look pissy pants. Angry looking people are an epidemic at airports. I don't know why everyone is always so angry looking... we are about to travel REALLLLLY far and fly 30,000 plus feet in the air at speeds of 500 miles per hour. Like, hello... just be pleased that you get to participate in an activity of this caliber.
2.Don't participate in arguments
Seriously, just don't do it. If someone is yelling at you... just stand there. Trust me. Before you know it, the person who started the argument will run out of juice, and you will still just be standing there, saying absolutely nothing at all. If you think about it, it's truly a wise move in the game of life. Less is more, especially in this case. If you say nothing at all, the other person looks just as dumb as they would if you verbally assaulted them.
3.Remain Drama-Free
Up until a few days ago, I didn't know that dramatic people still existed in my age group. Sadly, they do. Whenever someone brings drama into your life, ignore it. Anytime someone utters the words, "She said...." don't believe it. Unless you personally heard someone say something, go ahead and assume that it isn't true. Whenever someone is yelling, don't yell back. When two people around you get into an altercation, don't take sides. If your friends back stab you, quickly come to the conclusion that they aren't really your friends. No sense in wasting time or energy on any of those situations.
4.Be Kind to Everyone
If everyone would just respect everyone that they encounter, the world would be an infinitely better place. There is absolutely no reason to be rude to anyone. Last week, a very old man walked right in front of me while I was patiently waiting in line at Subway, and I just let him go. Besides the fact that he was 80 years old, I wasn't in a hurry so there was no need to get worked up about the five minute delay. Holding the door for someone, allowing someone to merge into your lane in front of you and saying "thank you" are all simplistic ways to be kind to others. Just try it, you may be surprised at how accomplished you feel.
5. Know Your Worth
Don't live your life thinking that you are better than others, but understand what you deserve. Set goals for yourself, and understand what you are capable of achieving. Set standards for yourself, and for those that you surround yourself with. When you cant meet those standards, re-evaluate the way you're living. When others don't treat you the way that you treat them, avoid them. You cannot force anyone to become a better person. You can, however, prevent yourself from becoming a bad person.
6.Value Every Moment
Realize that, for every single thing you do throughout the day, some people out there are unable to preform the same task. When you wake up, realize that not everyone gets another day on earth. When you step out of bed, realize that not everyone has the ability to move on their own. When you shower, realize that not everyone has a home of their own to bathe in. When you call your parents, realize that some people aren't able to call their parents because they don't know who they are or they have passed. When you get to work each day, realize that 10% of Americans are still jobless. If we spent more time adoring what we DO have,we'd forget about the things that we don't have.
While I actively practice all of these actions and mindsets each day, even I have moments of weakness. For example, a few days ago a woman was going the incorrect way in a one-way parking lot and gave me a nasty look. Next thing I know, my car window is down, and my mouth is uttering the words "stupid bitch." The point is, you can't always be positive. However, if you need tips, now you know where to find them!
Until next week, here's to happiness,
Xoxo<3
While I may not be able to change the way that these negative Nancy's function, I can offer some tips for achieving a happy life:
1. Smile
I once read a study that said smiling could actually fake your brain into believing that you're happier than you actually are. I don't know the validity of the study, and I couldn't even name where I read it, but here is what I do know; if you walk around like a grumpy goose, no one is going to think "gee, I'd really love to be friends when them." It's far easier to walk around looking happy, or at least content, than it is to look pissy pants. Angry looking people are an epidemic at airports. I don't know why everyone is always so angry looking... we are about to travel REALLLLLY far and fly 30,000 plus feet in the air at speeds of 500 miles per hour. Like, hello... just be pleased that you get to participate in an activity of this caliber.
2.Don't participate in arguments
Seriously, just don't do it. If someone is yelling at you... just stand there. Trust me. Before you know it, the person who started the argument will run out of juice, and you will still just be standing there, saying absolutely nothing at all. If you think about it, it's truly a wise move in the game of life. Less is more, especially in this case. If you say nothing at all, the other person looks just as dumb as they would if you verbally assaulted them.
3.Remain Drama-Free
Up until a few days ago, I didn't know that dramatic people still existed in my age group. Sadly, they do. Whenever someone brings drama into your life, ignore it. Anytime someone utters the words, "She said...." don't believe it. Unless you personally heard someone say something, go ahead and assume that it isn't true. Whenever someone is yelling, don't yell back. When two people around you get into an altercation, don't take sides. If your friends back stab you, quickly come to the conclusion that they aren't really your friends. No sense in wasting time or energy on any of those situations.
4.Be Kind to Everyone
If everyone would just respect everyone that they encounter, the world would be an infinitely better place. There is absolutely no reason to be rude to anyone. Last week, a very old man walked right in front of me while I was patiently waiting in line at Subway, and I just let him go. Besides the fact that he was 80 years old, I wasn't in a hurry so there was no need to get worked up about the five minute delay. Holding the door for someone, allowing someone to merge into your lane in front of you and saying "thank you" are all simplistic ways to be kind to others. Just try it, you may be surprised at how accomplished you feel.
5. Know Your Worth
Don't live your life thinking that you are better than others, but understand what you deserve. Set goals for yourself, and understand what you are capable of achieving. Set standards for yourself, and for those that you surround yourself with. When you cant meet those standards, re-evaluate the way you're living. When others don't treat you the way that you treat them, avoid them. You cannot force anyone to become a better person. You can, however, prevent yourself from becoming a bad person.
6.Value Every Moment
Realize that, for every single thing you do throughout the day, some people out there are unable to preform the same task. When you wake up, realize that not everyone gets another day on earth. When you step out of bed, realize that not everyone has the ability to move on their own. When you shower, realize that not everyone has a home of their own to bathe in. When you call your parents, realize that some people aren't able to call their parents because they don't know who they are or they have passed. When you get to work each day, realize that 10% of Americans are still jobless. If we spent more time adoring what we DO have,we'd forget about the things that we don't have.
While I actively practice all of these actions and mindsets each day, even I have moments of weakness. For example, a few days ago a woman was going the incorrect way in a one-way parking lot and gave me a nasty look. Next thing I know, my car window is down, and my mouth is uttering the words "stupid bitch." The point is, you can't always be positive. However, if you need tips, now you know where to find them!
Until next week, here's to happiness,
Xoxo<3
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Taking Risks and Embracing Change
Hello, and happy Thursday to every single one of my lovely followers. Please, accept my apology for my 10 day sabbatical; it will never happen again. I just-so-happened to be living the dream in the middle of the Pacific ocean on the fantastic island of Maui. It was magical, but I am glad to be back! More on this later...
I hope that everyone had a great holiday yesterday. Just in case you were wondering how I spent mine; I worked! I started off my day with a ginormous latte and I rocked out to Misery Business by Paramore on my morning commute. (Jenna, I always think of you playing the air drums when I listen to this song). Work was busy, but no one yelled in my face or tried to steal SO all and all I had a spectacular day.
This blog will be a vast assortment of short tidbits from both my current life and things that I have observed others do. The ultimate theme: change is good.
Two weeks ago I was presented with a great opportunity for a promotion within my company. I quickly accepted the offer. My new job placement is quite far from where I currently reside, and I was very comfortable working at my store that I had grown to love over the 15 months. I was excited about the promotion, but deep down inside, anxious about how I would adapt to a new position and a new store at the same time. Happily, I can tell everyone that WHILE I MISS MY KIDS FROM MY OLD STORE VERY MUCH, I happen to absolutely adore my new placement. I couldn't possibly be any happier in life. And, while driving to work is a bit more time consuming than it once was, the benefits far outweigh the lengthy commute. I feel truly blessed for this great opportunity.
Last week, the Affordable Healthcare Act was passed. While some people embraced the change with open arms, it seems as though the majority of my Facebook friends threw quite the shit fit, if you will, when the bill passed. I don't like politics at all, and to be honest, I am not well-informed enough to preach to anyone about what they should believe. Beliefs are personal, and should be created as an individual. However, here is what I can tell you. As the daughter of a person who genuinely struggled to attain healthcare after being forced to take early retirement due to deteriorating health conditions, I understand where frustrations arise surrounding our health system. To deny someone, anyone, that is sick or dying, healthcare or health insurance is absolutely asinine. Perhaps if your brother, sister, father, mother, grandma, cousin, or best friend was on their death bed and could not afford the healthcare that they needed but were denied insurance because of a pre-existing condition, you would have a firm understanding of what it's like to be part of the 15% of Americans that live each day without health insurance.
Last week, America joined other countries such as Iceland, Kuwait, Finland and 29 OTHERS that offer universal healthcare. So, for all of you crazy conservatives that are throwing a temper tantrum about the "tax," perhaps you would appreciate it more if you watched someone struggle for their life. No matter how many times you say "tax," hearing "let them die" is worse. Embrace the change, give it a chance, stop complaining.
A few months ago I purchased a plane ticket to visit Germany. Unfortunately, things don't always work out the way we like them too. Instead of crying like a baby, I was veryyyy polite to the customer service representative for US Airways and he allowed me to transfer my plane ticket to Hawaii. Lucky me! It was the best vacation ever and the most beautiful place I have ever seen in my entire 24 years of existence! While heartbreak sucks, change can always be turned into a positive event if it's viewed correctly.
I hope that everyone has a great weekend, and I will write again on Monday since I neglected you for two consecutive Mondays! Additionally, my blog has officially hit 5000 views, so thanks for those 1700 hits per month! You are all angels :)
Here's to embracing change with a smile on your face,
Xoxo <3
I hope that everyone had a great holiday yesterday. Just in case you were wondering how I spent mine; I worked! I started off my day with a ginormous latte and I rocked out to Misery Business by Paramore on my morning commute. (Jenna, I always think of you playing the air drums when I listen to this song). Work was busy, but no one yelled in my face or tried to steal SO all and all I had a spectacular day.
This blog will be a vast assortment of short tidbits from both my current life and things that I have observed others do. The ultimate theme: change is good.
Two weeks ago I was presented with a great opportunity for a promotion within my company. I quickly accepted the offer. My new job placement is quite far from where I currently reside, and I was very comfortable working at my store that I had grown to love over the 15 months. I was excited about the promotion, but deep down inside, anxious about how I would adapt to a new position and a new store at the same time. Happily, I can tell everyone that WHILE I MISS MY KIDS FROM MY OLD STORE VERY MUCH, I happen to absolutely adore my new placement. I couldn't possibly be any happier in life. And, while driving to work is a bit more time consuming than it once was, the benefits far outweigh the lengthy commute. I feel truly blessed for this great opportunity.
Last week, the Affordable Healthcare Act was passed. While some people embraced the change with open arms, it seems as though the majority of my Facebook friends threw quite the shit fit, if you will, when the bill passed. I don't like politics at all, and to be honest, I am not well-informed enough to preach to anyone about what they should believe. Beliefs are personal, and should be created as an individual. However, here is what I can tell you. As the daughter of a person who genuinely struggled to attain healthcare after being forced to take early retirement due to deteriorating health conditions, I understand where frustrations arise surrounding our health system. To deny someone, anyone, that is sick or dying, healthcare or health insurance is absolutely asinine. Perhaps if your brother, sister, father, mother, grandma, cousin, or best friend was on their death bed and could not afford the healthcare that they needed but were denied insurance because of a pre-existing condition, you would have a firm understanding of what it's like to be part of the 15% of Americans that live each day without health insurance.
Last week, America joined other countries such as Iceland, Kuwait, Finland and 29 OTHERS that offer universal healthcare. So, for all of you crazy conservatives that are throwing a temper tantrum about the "tax," perhaps you would appreciate it more if you watched someone struggle for their life. No matter how many times you say "tax," hearing "let them die" is worse. Embrace the change, give it a chance, stop complaining.
A few months ago I purchased a plane ticket to visit Germany. Unfortunately, things don't always work out the way we like them too. Instead of crying like a baby, I was veryyyy polite to the customer service representative for US Airways and he allowed me to transfer my plane ticket to Hawaii. Lucky me! It was the best vacation ever and the most beautiful place I have ever seen in my entire 24 years of existence! While heartbreak sucks, change can always be turned into a positive event if it's viewed correctly.
I hope that everyone has a great weekend, and I will write again on Monday since I neglected you for two consecutive Mondays! Additionally, my blog has officially hit 5000 views, so thanks for those 1700 hits per month! You are all angels :)
Here's to embracing change with a smile on your face,
Xoxo <3
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)