Life Changes in Your Twenties

Hi, everyone! I have missed you <3 

Now, before you guys start calling me names because I have left you out to dry (via witty internet banter) for the first couple of months on 2014; hear me out.  I have been very busy here in Baltimore.  I've spent the early portions of this year shoveling snow, inadvertently laying myself out in the front yard, memorizing every song produced by Lorde, chugging lattes and loving everything around me.  I also picked up three more stores, so between Royals and managing nine stores, I'm pretty blissfully wrapped up in my life.  

My roommate bought a puppy! He is a miniature golden retriever and we named him Casanova because he lives with all girls.  He's the friendliest dog alive but he struggles with where he should poop.  His favorite place to poop is the kitchen.  Basically, he's a work in progress.  But, we love him.

Ryan and I went to Philadelphia for Valentine's weekend and it was so much fun.  We went to Love Park, ate a lot of delicious food and enjoyed each other's company away from work for a full 48 hours. Also, I ate a hotdog which is in no way romantic but if you know me, you understand why this was a monumental win for Ryan.  This week, we are going to St. Martin for my birthday and I cannot wait to sit my butt in the sand and work on absolutely nothing but my tan with the one I love.  It's nice being a power couple. 

Now onto the topic of choice.

I need someone to give me a medical or a logical explanation for what the hell happens to one's ability to successfully consume alcohol throughout the duration of their twenties.  Now, if you're sitting there reading this thinking "I can still drink like a champion and I'm 25," then you, my friend, should seriously consider writing a book.

Allow me to explain. 

When I was in college I was an absolute blast.  I could drink almost anything.  I could stomach the cheapest any-kind-of-alcohol you can name.  My friends and I would go out all night, sleep for a few hours, and be at it again with absolutely no thought to it.  If we were feeling hungover, we would order Papa Johns, and get on with the rest of our weekend shenanigan plans.  We could mix liquor and beer in the same glass if we wanted to, and we would do that before we left the apartment for the evening.  We made jello shots on a regular basis and I swear to you I could consume an entire tray on my own.  I was a beer bonging champion at PITT football tailgates.  I could take shots at the bar all night and then spend the next day in the library. 

Then, I graduated.  My career took off and I rarely went out to any establishment where the consumption of anything other than wine was even an option.  

But every now and then I would try. 

On my 23rd birthday, my boyfriend and I got in a screaming match over a vodka cranberry at the bar and he was asked to leave.  That same year I was asked to leave a bar in Slippery Rock while visiting my brother after I poured a cup of water on a man wearing overalls.  Those that were with me will say that I was in the wrong, but he wouldn't stop saying creepy things to me and no means no.  Am I right, girls? That same year I threw up in my parent's powder room garbage can before sleeping on the deck.  On my 24th birthday, I threw up in the front seat of Larry's car after he refused to pull over.  I later found out that his refusal to pull over stemmed from the fact that we were actually on a bridge.  #Pittsburgh One Sunday morning I woke up with a tumbleweed attached to my Steve Madden flat only to realize that I had slumbered on 24th St. and my vehicle was on 7th.  Yes, those streets are in numerical order.  Unfortunately, I walked four blocks in the wrong direction before coming to that realization.  

Two weeks ago, Ryan insisted that we go out on the town with our friends in Baltimore.  Reluctantly, I agreed.  This was a mistake.  We went out and had a great time.  We participated in a Mardi Gras celebration where you paid $25 for "all you can drink."  And, we did. I mean we really, really, drank all that we could.  I spent the next day, in it's entirety, with my face on the toilet.  God bless Ryan for getting me ginger ale and for eating his lunch in the bathroom because the smell of pizza made me sick.  Ryan also needs to stop eating pizza from 7-11 but that is a topic for a different day.  I was unable to move without vomiting that day until roughly 3p.m. 

Now, I'm not telling you guys this story because I think it's hilarious.  I am telling this story because it was a legitimate life lesson for me and I believe that everyone should be given fair warning before they indulge in excessive alcohol consumption past the age of 24. 

You're welcome, fellow twenty-somethings. 

Another pretty cool thing that occurs in your twenties; you stop caring.  Not necessarily about everything, just about other people's thoughts.  In your later twenties, you learn to stop trying to please other people.  You start doing things for yourself. You do the things that make you happy and that better your own life and well-being.  

What a concept. 

You know what makes me happy? 

Hugging my dad.  Hugging him absolutely anywhere.  Because I love him.  Over-priced lattes.  Because I can afford them. Sitting Indian style, everywhere, especially on the floor.  Because I have really long legs and most of the time I don't know how to situate myself.  Rap music.  Because I think it's witty and well... hello.  Tanning.  Because a little sun is good for everyone, even if its artificial. Dancing.  Especially the genie in a bottle dance.  I will do this absolutely anywhere.  I love all of these things and I do not give a single care what anyone else has to say about them.  I don't care if I look weird sitting criss-cross apple sauce on the floor at an airport.  I don't care if you don't like tanning beds.  Yes, I know tanning gives you cancer.  You know what else does?  Everything. 

Now, with all of that being said, today is my 26th birthday.  Last night, I went out with a handful of my best friends and I am so unbelievably blessed and honored to be surrounded by such an amazing group of people. For every single one of you that spent last night with me, or that called or texted me, sent me cards, bought me wine... thank you.  Thank you for those things but most importantly thank you for your constant love and support, not just on my birthday, but always.  Every single one of you means the absolute world to me, and I could not be the person that I am today without each and every one of you. 

 Twenty-five was my best year yet, and I can't wait to see what twenty-six has to offer.  Now, if you'll excuse me, Ryan and I are off to St. Martin. 

I'll write soon, promise! 

Here's to another year of health, happiness, and success, 

Xoxo <3

Life Lessons from 2013

Happy last day of 2013! 

The following lessons are tidbits that I've leaned in the last year.  It is my aspiration that those reading this will save themselves many headaches and potential embarrassment in their future life endeavors. 

1. When people continuously talk a lot about who they are as a human being; it is usually false advertisement. 

If someone seems like they are too good to be true it's because the image that they have painted for you is a dramatic misrepresentation of their actual existence.  It's entirely up to you to decide how long will allow the fairy tales to unravel before your eyes as you ride a unicorn through the gumdrop forest. The moral of the story is; do not listen when people talk about themselves, let them show you who they are. 

Hint: When one prefaces sentences with, "It's not that I think that I'm better than everyone else but..." with regularity, it's actually because the dip shit honestly believes they are better than everyone else. 

(Yes, I said dip shit). 

2. Immaturity exists at every age. 

In 2012, I firmly believed that everyone in my age group had the mind of that age group. However, when a 25-year-old woman told a labyrinth of lies about me it really bothered me.  So much so that I ate a bowl of meatballs while crying at my parents kitchen table.  See, I'm not happy ALL of the time.   Anyway, once that loser was out of our lives forever via termination of employment, I thought that I would never have to deal with another immature person that was over the age of a middle schooler ever again. 

I was blatantly wrong. 

In 2013 the maturity of those in their 20s hopped on a submarine and took a nice little trip to the bottom of the ocean floor.  Top reason for immaturity amongst women in their 20s that just can't stop talking about you: jealousy.  

Bringing me to my next lesson..... 

3. Women are crazy.

I mean absolutely, positively, out of their minds, off their rockers, need-to-be-institutionalized crazy. Now, let me say that I have spent a great deal of time defending our gender, I really have.  But the performance that some of you had in the last year is worthy of an Academy Award. I request that some of you spend the early portions of 2014 making up fake scenarios and deciding what potential reactions would be appropriate or inappropriate for those situations. 

If your reaction involves a)lashing out on social media b)showing up somewhere unexpected or uninvited c) shouting at an ungodly volume or d)texting someone that you have never meant before then you need to get back to the drawing board because you have the reaction and decision-making capabilities of a toddler. 

4. Embracing change and taking risks are essential components to a happy and successful life. 

I've never heard someone say that they accelerated their career or enhanced their relationships or quality of life by staying exactly where they were.  Take risks as a challenge and run with the opportunities that life presents to you. Those people that matter in your life; they will stand behind you through it all.  Distance is no roadblock to love and support. 

Take a chance because, more than likely, the juice is worth the squeeze. 

5. Laughter really is the best medicine. 

The best days of 2013 and of my life were those that I spent laughing with my friends. If  you are having a bad day or you find yourself in a terrible mood, you need to reach out to a person that you know can make you laugh.  Even if the gratification is temporary, it is necessary. This is one of the best pieces of advice that I have to offer.   If you don't have a person that can make you laugh then give me a call and I will do my best to cut the tension.

__________

With the end of the year upon us, I think that it is very important that everyone takes some time to look back at the last 364 days to remember what 2013 had to offer to them: are you happy with your life? Your job? Your living situation? Your relationship? Your family? Your friendships? Your social status? Your body? Your health? Did you take advantage of bettering yourself over the last year?

More importantly: what did we give to others in 2013?  

If you found yourself on the receiving end last year, I urge you to spend 2014 giving.  Giving doesn't necessarily come in the form of monetary donations or pricey vacations or over-the-top presents or bending-over-backwards favors.  Just knowing that there are people, or even one human being on this earth that cares about your life can sometimes make all of the difference.  

People need people.  We need to know that we have each other's backs.  We don't need to write big checks, we just need to exist.  We need to be there for others and we need to be approachable for friendships, for happiness, for support for anything that can lighten someones burdens. 

Here's to 2014~ this is your year!

Xoxo

Building an Orphanage and Hope in Mexico

Some of the most vivid memories that I possess are from the early years of my childhood.  I can recall some aspects of my younger years as if they were yesterday.  

I remember preschool; the colorful tape lines on the carpet that represented our groups for the week, how the rice box was my favorite activity, ants on a log were my favorite snack, I remember the chipping blue paint on the bathroom doors of the church basement, how I took the class's stuffed bear to pizza hut and journaled about it.  My best friend was Chris.  I remember perfectly what his house looked like and I could sniff out his mother's perfume to this day in a perfume line-up.

In kindergarden, phonics was my favorite game to play on the outdated computers.  In first grade, I once raised my hand so excitedly that I accidentally poked my teacher directly in the eye.  In second grade, I crashed my bike the week before my communion and skinned both of my knees while knocking over the elderly neighbor woman onto her already injured hip.  My childhood neighbors were jerks and their dog was terrifying.  His name was Fudge. 
 
I could go on and on; but I think you get the point.  The most simplistic absurdities transformed into tiny molecules of memories that have made up my entire childhood outlook. 

* 

In november of last year, my assistant manager Zach traveled to Mexico on a mission trip with his church.  He came back to work the following week proclaiming that the trip had changed his life and told me that I should go with him the following year.  I agreed. 

* 

 On November second of this year, Zach and left Pittsburgh with a large group of members of his church and nearby churches. I could never have prepared myself for the experience that was about to unravel before my eyes. 

We went to Mexico to help the people. Ultimately, Mexico changed us. I have never been a part of such a magnificent experience in my years on earth. 

In Mexico, we worked on building an orphanage that will someday house 350 Mexican children.  Zach and I spent our time building a chimney. Believe it or not, I used a block saw without losing any limbs.   We also spent one entire day in Juarez,  handing out food and smiles to the homeless. I handed out cookies to  the children and though very few of them spoke English,  nearly all of them  we able to utter the words "thank you" as I placed the cookies into their bags.  Some of the children hadn't eaten food in nearly a week, something we take for granted. The children were so hungry that some of them would not allow us to place the food in their bags because the craved the nourishment at that very instant.  

We called this day "Mercy Day" and it was my my favorite day of the trip.  It was an amazing and heartbreaking experience.  It was amazing because we were able to feed so many families but it was heartbreaking because we, eventually, ran out of food and no one that was involved in Mercy Day could speak to when these human beings may be able to eat again.  

For me, the trip to Mexico came at a perfect time.  For as happy as I am, I sometimes find myself being caught up and brought down by the hustle and bustle of stress, work assignments and anything else that doesn't seem to play out just the way I'd like it to.  

Part of my transition to Baltimore was learning to adjust to the idea that I cannot control every aspect of my life.  Accepting the promotion, and now being in charge of 450 people, I quickly realized that a) you cannot influence everyone at the same time and b)change will not occur overnight.  During my transition I felt like I was constantly needing things.  I needed more sleep, more coffee, more time for touch bases with my teams, more hours in a day, more conference calls, more people willing to adjust.  I needed more, and when I didn't or couldn't get it; I was frustrated.  I forgot about the basics and the fun and I lost track, temporarily, of the things that mattered most. 

Every job has its moments and days and weeks of stress.  The reality is that things cannot always go the way you'd hope them to.  But when I calmed down, and I looked back at all of the things that I believed I needed; Mexico helped me to realize that I may not have ever "needed" a single thing in my life. These families need food.  They need water. They need hope.  They need clothing.  They need shelter.  They need safety.  

When I got back to Baltimore, I did a lot less complaining and a lot more acting.  When things didn't go my way I focused on the things that were going my way; my health, my family, the fact that I had a roof over my head and a full stomach. I focused on the basics.  I used every opportunity as a chance to better myself and those around me.  I came back from Mexico with a new outlook on life.  

I am eternally grateful for the experience in Mexico.  I am thankful for the resources for which I was able to make the trip to help others.  I am thankful that Zach suggested that I come with him, and that he was able to put up with me for the week.  I am thankful for all of the friendships that I made along the journey.  I am thankful for the small impact that I was able to make on the people of Mexico and for the great impact that they made in my life. 

Here's to opening your eyes and seeing the value of the smallest things, 

Xoxo

Influence

Today is the first day of the rest of my life. 

As most of you already know, I received a promotion last week to be a District Manager for Abercrombie & Fitch.  I have worked for this company since 2007.  Throughout college, I worked part time and in January of 2011, I became a part of the manager and training program.  In march of 2011, I became an assistant manager.  In July of 2012 I was promoted to be the store manager at South Hills Hollister and in December of that same year I was promoted to be the store manager at Ross Park Hollister.  Instead of running a single store, I will now have seven throughout the state of Maryland. 

This promotion is the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me.  I love this career and this company more than anything in the entire world.  Over the years, I have created friendships with colleagues that will undoubtedly last a lifetime. 

Sometimes, life throws you for a loop (or two, or ten).  

If you would have asked me how my life was going two months ago, three weeks ago, and yesterday: I would have different answers every single time. I won't reflect on the negative events or people because it's not worth my breath or my typing but I will say that, ultimately, everything worked out exactly the way it was supposed to. 

When I was younger I used to watch One Tree Hill.  In one of the episodes, Peyton poses the question: "Imagine the moment in your life when all of your dreams come true.  It's the greatest moment of your life.  Who is standing next to you?" 

So, there I was, experiencing the moment when all of my dreams came true.  The most important people in my life were standing next to me.  I wouldn't have had it any other way.  I am so grateful for every single one of you.  I can't even describe it.  All of you (and many more) have become members of my family.  Every one of you has influenced me to succeed.  

The fact that I got to spend my promotion day with so many members of my anf family was absolutely amazing and I am so thankful that everyone was able to celebrate with me. 

Over the last couple of weeks, I have received countless cards (which I LOVE), from a wide variety of people that have worked with me over the last couple of years.  Each one of these cards is packed in my suitcase to take to Maryland with me.  These will remind me that change is good (often times GREAT)  and sometimes, all someone needs is a little bit of inspiration to succeed just like we have.  To me, it's almost funny that everyone writes out cards thanking me for what I've done for their career.  Truly, you all need to be thanked by me.  Each one of you has been one portion of the rock that has held me down even when times got tough.  I am eternally grateful for the friendships that we have made and I know that you guys are all going to do amazing things. 

I received a new phone this week with a new number, so if you guys do not have my information yet just send me a text on the old number.  My calls and texts are being forwarded for the next couple of days.  Just because I don't live in Pittsburgh anymore doesn't mean that you can't call me for any miscellaneous questions that you may have. 

Off to Maryland I go!  I'm taking all of you with me in my heart! <3 

Here's to embracing change, 
     accepting challenges
and exceeding expectations 

Xoxo 

September and New Beginnings

Happy Monday and happy September! 

It has been nearly a month since I last posted a blog and I am sincerely sorry.  To those of you reading this right now, please forgive my neglect.  Allow me to explain myself...

As mentioned in my previous blog, the month of August brings about a very strange time of the year for those of us that work in retail.  Now, as most of you know, I adore my job.  I love going to work each morning more than most yinzers love Kennywood.  To most people, it doesn't even make sense how much I enjoy this career.  However, the month of August, and the back to school season has literally sucked the life out of myself, my wonderful assistants, and my 80 employees.  I cannot even begin to thank every one of you that stood beside me for any portion of this season.  Thank you for not giving up on our business.

Last week, I posted a link on Facebook to an article entitled "Maybe You Get Bad Customer Service Because You are a Bad Customer."  This article was published in the Huffington Post by a writer named Matt Walsh.  If you happened to miss this amazing piece of journalism, please read it here. 

Now, I don't work at a fast food restaurant, but I do open my doors (and porch cabana) to the general public every day.  Every morning during the month of August, I opened those doors with a positive attitude, and every evening I left feeling defeated and trying to gather one or two positives interactions to get myself through the next day.

You see, with the back to school season comes increased business.  The business, we can deal with.  After all, that's what we are there for.  We are not there; however, to be verbally abused by anyone that is having a bad day.  That we cannot handle and we shouldn't have to. 

See, a lot of my friends poke fun at me because I know nearly everyone whom works in the mall; food court employees, the workers at the nail salon, the woman at the Sweets from Heaven, etc.  The reason that all of these people say hello to me is because at some point I was nice to them.  At some point, my smile and "have a great day"  stuck out to them enough to form a relationship with me.  You may think that this is cute, but this actually speaks volumes about the way that the general public treats the people that wait on them.  I, though, know this feeling.  There are about five customers that come into my store frequently that stand out in my mind as friendly human beings.  They are always happy, but the reason that they stand out so much is because nearly every other person that I encounter is absolutely 100% miserable. 

I won't harp on everything that happened to myself and my staff during this back to school season but I will pinpoint a couple of instances.  On one occasion, we found a used tampon on the sales floor.  You know, because that is where self-respecting human beings dispose of those things.  A woman told me that "if I wanted to work anywhere other than the mall, I would need to acquire some actual skill."  A man told me that I would be personally be paying for his gas money to get back to South Hills Village.  A woman insisted that I immediately fire one of my 17-year-old associates on the spot because she forgot to take the sensor off of one of her items.  When I say "told me"  I actually mean that I was verbally abused by a screaming lunatic until I lost interest or they ran out of breath.  

Now, I am not telling these stories to gain anyone's sympathy.  I am telling these stories so that each one of you takes a step back before they treat anyone, especially a stranger, like a piece of garbage.  When someone scans something at a store and it rings up incorrectly, it can be rectified, it's just a lot easier to fix when you aren't screaming your head off. Take a deep breath, please.

I'd be lying if I said that I didn't get to my car at the end of a few August days and cry with my head on the steering wheel.  But, I'd be failing myself if I let one or multiple miserable human beings ruin the career that I love.  So, I'm not going to do that.

I am going to face this new month and this new season with a new state of mind-- letting go of all that was the month of August and the angry people that I was faced with day in and day out. 

I encourage all of you to begin this month with a new outlook on the way that you treat the situations in your life and, more importantly, the way that you treat other people.  It doesn't hurt to smile or to be friendly to a stranger.  If you are in a bad mood, stay in your house.  Don't plague anyone else's existence.  If you feel the need to scream about something, scream into a pillow.

We are all human beings; it's about time we start acting like it.

Additionally, to those of you that have friends, boyfriends, girlfriends and acquaintances that don't treat you the way that you deserve to be treated; do yourself a favor and eliminate them from your life.  You'll thank me later.

Here's to treating others with the respect that they deserve, 
Or preparing to lose them, 

Xoxo

The Joys of Retail in August

Good Monday morning and happy August to all of you! 

Back to school is here,
The time of year we all fear.
Have mercy on us.

This is a quick haiku about what the month of August means to me.  Just to be clear, I'm not the only individual that feels this way and if you have any friends or family that work in retail, ask around about their least favorite time of year.

August is to retail stores what Valentine's day is to a florist.  August is what April is to H and R block.  August is hell.  It is a soul sucker.  However, it gives me some of the greatest stories of the year.  Now, Christmas is a different animal but allow me to share with you the difference between holiday shoppers and back to school shoppers.  Holiday shoppers generally understand that Christmas is a busy time of year and when they have to wait in a line to check out, they know why.  But, for some unknown and God forsaken reason, back to school shoppers have some sort of entitled feeling that I can't really fathom or explain. 

Actually, back to school mom that is screaming in my face, your daughter isn't the only 13-year-old in western Pennsylvania that has outgrown her super-skinny jeans from last year.  Unfortunately, she will have to wait in line to try on a new pair of jeans just like every other kid in the history of kids that was unsure of their pant size.  No ma'am, we do not have any additional fitting rooms and no I am not the architect that designed this establishment.  Yes, I know you think it's ridiculous, because you've used the expression "this is ridiculous" upwards of ten times in this conversation.  

No, I cannot honor your coupon that expired three weeks ago.  You see, there is a reason that there is an expiration date on the coupon.  Once it expires, the system doesn't recognize it anymore.  Oh, you want to speak to the manager?  Well, you already are.  No I'm not joking, I'm actually in charge here.  After all, that would be a very shitty joke.  I know you're thrown off because I'm young.  Sorry for being successful.  I'm also sorry that you cannot have a forever coupon.  Again, I know that you believe this is ridiculous.  You've mentioned. 

Actually ma'am, the lights are on.  No, I cannot turn the music down- it's either on or off.  I understand that you think it's loud but we must be doing something right because every kid in Pittsburgh is currently in line for the fitting room.  You'll never shop here again?  I bet my right arm that you do because that kid of yours is spoiled rotten which is why you're buying them an $80 sweater even though they will grow out of it by Christmas.   Now, that is ridiculous.

 I could go on for days but we will leave it at that for now.  I will also say that it's been about a month since someone urinated in my fitting room so, we've got that going for us.

Moral of the story is, I have been yelled at so many time over the last few days of business that I have originated a little defense mechanism known as the bucket of smiles.  I fill this bucket up with candy and keep it behind the register so that whenever someone begins to tell me about myself I can take it all in, smile politely, and then offer them a blow pop or a mint.  

So far, the BOS has worked wonders in combating bad attitudes.  It's one of the best ideas I've ever had. 


Now, what makes this job amazing during the busy seasons is that the company always finds a way to give back to those that need it most.  This back to school season, we are donating money to Autism Speaks, a charity centered around creating awareness and funding for children with Autism.  From now through Labor Day, for every extra pair of jeans that we sell over the company goal, $2 gets donated to this charity.  Last week, my store alone raised $412 dollars.  If I need to get yelled at my angry moms for charitable purposes, I will do it any day of the week. 

Speaking of charity, one of my best friends is running his first half marathon in a little over a month and he is doing it in the name of charity. Last week my blog had 450 unique views.  If all of you donated just $1 to Ryan's half marathon charity, he would be that much closer to his goal.  Let's change some lives and give to those that need it more than we do.  To learn more about Ryan's charity and to donate, click here.

That's all for now, 

Here's to being a little kinder to strangers,


Xoxo <3

Taking Strangers Home From the Bar

Happy Monday! <3

Spoiler alert: the blog title isn't what it sounds like.  Stay tuned. 

Allow me to apologize for my two week hiatus from blog writing as I had a very very busy couple of weeks at work.  Though stressful and hectic we survived and we did it gracefully and with smiles on our faces.  I'd like to take this time to welcome Tracy and Rob to our management team.  We are so excited to have you on our team and cannot wait to teach you everything that there is to know about the pier! 

Secondly, a special thank you to all 102 of my associates for helping to prepare for last week's amazingly successful regional visit and for helping us to attain our first perfect 5 secret shop of the year.  Mom loves each of you very much! 

Thirdly, I would like to take the time to congratulate one of my very best friends on his promotion to the international new store's team.  Jesse, I am so stinking excited for you and I cannot wait to hear all of your amazing stories and follow your journey throughout the world.  Despite the fact that you spend a great deal of effort convincing our district (and every waitress that we have ever had) that we are dating, I love you very much and I will miss the crap out of you.  I know that Liz is your favorite, but this is the best that I could do.  This picture is perfect, and so are you (high stress levels and all).  


Now, onto the stranger.

Last weekend, Cory and I headed out with some friends to Shadyside where I stumbled across a man, roughly my age, that was very very intoxicated.  Now, I know what you're thinking: no way, a drunk guy at the bar?  Groundbreaking.  

Give me a minute.

It was apparent to me that this man had been at the bar for quite some time.  He could barely sit up straight and his eyes were rolling into the back of his head.  He was also alone.  Any time anyone came up to the bar, he tried to strike up a conversation with them.  I watched six or seven people accept free drinks from this man and then walk away from him while laughing with their friends, leaving him alone at the bar.  The bartender continued to serve alcohol to this man until I walked up to him and suggested that we leave the bar area and grab a table. 

I began talking to this man, Tom was his name, and he shared a few pieces of information about himself with me.  First, he was a U.S. Marine.  He has been to Iraq and Afghanistan.  He has a daughter that is two years old.  His wife moved herself and his daughter to Virginia and does not allow him to see her.  He is 23 years old. And the one piece of information that stood out the most to me is that he said that he has never had anyone care about him the way I did.  

Reminder: I had known this man for roughly 15 minutes.

Yes, Tom had too many drinks.  Way to many drinks, to be completely fair.  However, the fact that at that very moment or at any moment throughout his life he believed for a single second that a complete stranger was the most compassionate person he has ever met really speaks volumes about his life and about the world that we are living in.

I offered to drive Tom home and he began to cry.  We continued talking about life and when the bar closed Cory, our friends, Tom and I all walked back to my car together.  Tom said he lived a few blocks away.  He didn't.  But, it didn't matter.  He sat in the backseat trying to make small talk with Cory while shouting out directions to his house that was about four miles from the bar.

When we got to his house, he thanked me and asked me if he could kiss my cheek.  He talked to Cory about how great I was and then he told Cory that if he ever hurt me, he would find him and kill him.  Tom exited my car and crossed the street to what I believe to be his home.  I don't know his last name.  I don't have his phone number.  I will never see him again and he probably woke up in the morning not remembering how he got home.

Here is the moral of the story: selfless acts fuel the world.

I gained absolutely nothing out of driving Tom home.  However, when I fell asleep that night, I knew that one life breathed easier for a period of time because of something that I did whether he remembers it or not.  

Now, if everyone could please remove their head out of their ass and care about someone other than his or her self for five freaking seconds, they could impact the life of another human being. 

I think it is also important for everyone to also take a moment and appreciate how it is actually mind-blowing that my boyfriend put up with this and many other adventures that I throw him into.  Love is an amazing thing.

I hope that everyone has a fantastic and successful week.

Here's to doing for those that can do absolutely nothing for you in return, 

Xoxo <3