Fighting for...

Above, one of my long time favorites coupled with one of my new. Both bring to surface so many emotions, so many memories and allows opportunity to ponder the future - with its incalculable hopes and dreams. I'm wondering... Why would we deem it acceptable to lie to ourselves while lying to others is simply disallowed?!! Why would any of us think this is okay? I tend to believe that the majority is guilty of exactly that. I just wish that we could all 'come home' to whatever place it is that makes us happy, to a place that inspires us, to a place that encourages us to find joy in the good. I wish that we could all 'come home' to a place that allows and accepts us to be..... I wish that everyone could find someone that will fight for them and help them recognize the incredible possibilities they absolutely possess. I wish that everyone had someone to see the good in them when they fail to see it in themselves and to help push them forward each and every day to achieve greater and greater things. I wish that everyone could find someone that would just love them, every day, all day, for the rest of their lives.

???

Some of us are sharks and some of us are minnows. However, some situations require us to be the opposite of what we are. But not all of us are able to do that. If we're a shark, we can only be a shark. And, if we're a minnow, then we can only be a minnow. But what if we don't want to be a shark or a minnow? What if we want to be robo-carp or a Histiophryne psychedelica? What then???

Swing life away...

Swinging is an activity that can pretty much be enjoyed by people of all ages. Wouldn't you agree?! There aren't many things in this life like that, so...I regard it as something special. Anyway, I feel like this idea of swinging portrays well my life. I'm swinging life away. Just picture it. Picture yourself sitting in the most amazing swing known to man. But, you're not alone. There are numerous and identical swings right next to yours, and you are about to swing with many. Swinging brings with it a great sense of freedom. It allows you to look at the world from a different, sometimes in a quickened and sometimes in an almost slow motion kind of view. Though sitting, it requires thought and action. Whenever I picture myself or someone else swinging, I always see smiles upon the faces. Though the process of swinging, to the eye, can seem monotonous, there is actually a new adventure to be exposed to with each experience. Children require someone to push them, as they are unable to exert enough bodily force needed to create motion. I'm sure to some it can be a bit intimidating, as it presents a kind of battle with gravity. But once realizing that it's okay, the thought of never stopping enters. Swinging can be quite relaxing. Good and meaningful conversation can be made while swinging. Smiling and laughing can easily take place. Swinging can be done alone or with someone. It can even be done with many, if accommodations allow for such. Anyway, I think, almost always - swinging creates joy. So, who wouldn't want to 'SWING LIFE AWAY,' especially with the people they love.

Spending Time...

From our childhood on we are taught the following, "If you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all." So, what I'm wondering is, what about that statement of advice is so hard to grasp on to?! Because, in my opinion, as a human race, we haven't very well succeeded in doing that. Of all the things that we're taught, why does this one seem to get overlooked, forgotten about, or purposefully ignored?! Speaking of the majority of the population, for we can all be found guilty of this at some point or another, we don't bite our tongue and let the opportunity of gossip and belittling pass us by. Instead, we seem to latch on to any opportunity to tear others down and belittle them. I don't think we do this intentionally, rather, thoughtlessly. If only we would think about the things we want to say before we actually say them, I tend to think that there would probably be a lot less being said. What is one persons struggle becomes a moment of triumph for another. Just because we don't all share the same set of trials and hardships and temptations, in my opinion, doesn't mean that we can't reach out and try to understand the position of another and help lift them out of what might very well be a dark place for them. Other peoples trials and struggles and moments of weakness don't exist to give us some right to dance around them or walk all over them in celebration for ourselves. The way I look at it, somehow we were blessed or lucky enough for it to not be us. And, because of that, we should use the strength we have to help lift another. One of my favorite quotes goes like this, "What happens to a few, happens to all." So, the way I see it, someday, sooner or later, it is going to be us, me or you, that falls, that struggles, that makes our way into a weakened and/or dark place. And, all I know is that I hope and pray that someone will be there for me. That someone will have the strength and courage to bite their tongue about the details of the situation, whatever they may be, and help me get back on my feet again. You know, rather than telling me what a loser I am, or how sinful I am, or what a bad person I am, or whatever the case may be. Because, I'm pretty sure that I'd be able to handle the bulk of that all on my own. Don't get me wrong, in this crazy world we live in, there is RIGHT and there is WRONG. What is right is right and what is wrong is wrong. And, no matter how much the world might try to make that not so, the fact of it remains. We don't have to and shouldn't accept wrong doings. We don't have to and shouldn't agree with wrong ideas. We don't have to and shouldn't support wrongful practices. Hate, loath, despise the wrong doings, the wrong ideas, the wrongful practices. Make your feelings known about the subject. Fine. But concerning the person, well, if able - try to help. And, if nothing else, just walk away. I don't know that much about anything, however, one thing I do know is that the little things we say and do can have a HUGE effect. Not only that, but a HUGE, LASTING, effect. All it takes is something small...to make a situation/a person's life so much better, or so much worse.

SOMETIMES...

I've had a lot on my mind during these recent passing days. The journey forward, the constant battle, the ever changing view that surrounds us. Sometimes things come at you so fast you can't even see them coming and they are over before you can even make a move, or open your mouth to speak, or even create a thought. Life challenges us. It creates situations for us. Some that are comfortable and enjoyable, but many that are not. So often we find ourselves asking, WHY? Why this, why now, why me? WHY? The fact of the matter is, we don't know what lies ahead. Life and living is founded upon faith. Each passing moment holds a degree of uncertainty. We just have to be prepared for it, even though we don't know exactly what to be prepared for. The key is finding joy in the journey and making every moment count. O, one might reach heroic heights By one strong burst of power. One might endure the whitest lights Of heaven for an hour. But harder is the daily drag, To smile at trials which fret and fag, And not to murmur nor to lag The test of greatness is the way One meets the eternal Everyday. -EDMUND VANCE COOK- I'm grateful for my life here on earth. And though I certainly waste moments, moments I could be sharing and loving and giving and serving, I hope and pray that until I get it all figured out and get on a better and more efficient time schedule - the moments that I am out doing count for something, and are of worth to those around me, those that need me. I am always reminding myself of this great truth... IT ALL MATTERS. EVERYTHING MATTERS.

Well...

I know "they" (I don't know who "they" are, I just know that "they") say you should NEVER SAY NEVER, but...are there things that, truly, you would never ever say or do? I don't know why, but...I've been thinking about this a bit lately. I think being able to answer this question may help one realize how well they know themselves. I've thought of things that I would never do. However, as I considered each one and came to understand some relative and possible unpredicted circumstances, I realized that there may in fact be cases in which I would do them. Perhaps there are circumstances that would require us to do things we never thought we'd do. But I do believe there are some things, even if it's just one thing, that we would actually NEVER do. What do you think?

One of my goals for this year...

So, I've set many goals for this year, one of which is to read a book a week. And so far it is going well. I have already started a list of those I know I want to read. I am wondering if any of you have any suggestions for me. If so, I would love to hear.

Now, for 2009...here is an example of how it started...I wonder what to expect of the rest of it...

Have you ever done this? If so, how about this? Actually, something more like this would be more accurate with real events. But then, how would I know? I was not a witness to the event. I WAS THE EVENT! If you have done the second of the two, then you already know that such an incident would leave you with many scrapes and bruises, much soreness and stiffness, and an entertaining (I don't know if that is the best word to describe the situation - miraculous might be more like it) story to tell. Both of the aforementioned were a part of my weekend adventure. One that ended far better than many of the possible and much worse options. What an experience it was! One that I will surely never forget. I'd post pictures of the scrapes and so on...but, I'll spare you that view.

Some closing moments of 2008, sooooo late...

My brother and I took a trip to Brazil and Paraguay at the end of November, beginning of December. It was such a memorable trip. Quite honestly, I believe I left a portion of my heart in Paraguay. The people there are welcoming, accepting and incredibly loving. The people I met there feel like family, and I can't wait for the time when I get to go back and see them again. Here are a few pictures to prove that I really did go and that I LOVED IT!!!!!

What?

A snow day. No way! I am loving this weather, by the way.

The true inspiration of my blog title...

I've appreciated and loved this song for a great while. The lyrics, to me, are meaningful and applicable to life. A thousand empty windows. Though it's true that we have to figure things out for ourselves, and in a way, find our own way, I'm truly grateful to meet amazing people along the path. Those who inspire and lift me, those who care. I'm grateful that we can come together and work it all out. It's a great song. I hope you enjoy it too.

AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN.

...S'YADNOM HTIW TI SI TAHW

Defending oneself...

Just wondering if any of you have ever felt like this..... Constantly on the edge of your seat feeling the need to be prepared to defend yourself against any wrongful accusations. Unaware of when it will hit next. I really don't like that feeling. I know you're probably thinking that in some way I must be guilty of something, otherwise there would be no need for my worry. I'm not guilty. I do not enjoy living my life in constant defense mode. I'm not the battling type. Don't want to be, either. But, I can't allow for others to walk all over me, hence the need for being prepared and on the defense. Am I wrong here? Any thoughts? HAVE YOU FELT LIKE THIS BEFORE?

AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN.

New blog title...

I've been wanting to change my blog and title for awhile. I guess all I needed was a certain, recent experience to inspire me. SHOUTING OUT LOUD... I believe there are both good and bad, positive and negative reasons to shout out loud. So, I felt it would be an appropriate title for my blog, since life is full of it all...you know, the good, the bad, and everything in between. I apologize for the upcoming randomness of this post. I don't get frusterated, angry, stressed out, overwhelmed, very often. I try to live my life with the least amount of drama. Truthfully, calm and quiet is usually how I roll. But, don't get me wrong, I'm always up for adventure, crazy randomness, a good time, laughter. I've recently learned to embrace great moments of spontaneity. You'd be surprised! Something happened to me very recently, which has made me want to "shout out loud." In dealing with the negative things life throws my way, it's usually quite easy for me to just throw them behind me, forget about them and move on. In fact, that's really how I always deal with things. However, on rare occasion something happens that really affects me and fills me with the need to "shout out loud." Now, if you even know me at all, then you know that I'm not really the shouting type. So, when I am filled with this need to shout out, you won't hear me in the street, or anywhere for that matter, yelling at the top of my lungs. Rather, I shout out in a more inward sort of way. Anyway, none of this is really important. I'm pretty sure the world wide web is not the appropriate place to vent feelings of frusteration, confusion, and so many other human emotions, so I'll spare you the brutal details. Shouting out Loud... My new blog title. Just curious, when something happens in your life that you can't control, but the effects of the event affect you deeper than can be explained, what is your way of shouting out loud, in other words, dealing with it?

I've been tagged.....

So, I've had to ponder this for a bit. 7 random things about myself, hmmmmm..... - I alphabetize everything (movies, books, CD's, magazines, letters, bills). - My clothes are all organized by color. - For a few months now, I have been dealing with a relentless case of insomnia. This makes life pretty interesting. Lots of thinking time. - I don't like going barefoot. Either flip flops or socks are necessary. - I am always reading, I don't know, maybe 10 books at a time. I love to read and even though I am involved in one book doesn't stop me from being interested in several others, all at the same time. - I hate getting my hair cut. Hate it! But, I also like my hair to be healthy, and realize that a regular trim is necessary. - I love school. I would spend the rest of my years being educated, learning new things always. One day I will go back to school for maybe a second and third bachelors degree. Choosing what to study is my problem. That's me!

Drive 1300 miles for what, where?

This weekend I drove 1300 miles to witness a world renowned event. I bet you can't guess what kind of event it was. Albuquergue, New Mexico was the destination. Balloon Fiesta was the event. The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is the largest balloon festival in the world. Over 700 balloons participated. I can't even begin to express what a thing of beauty this was. Yes, I have a thing for hot air balloons. But, even if you don't, you couldn't help but be fascinated by such a site. True, it may seem like an awful long way to drive to see balloons enter the skies for a couple of hours. Trust me, you can't understand how worthy it is of such a drive until you've witnessed it yourself, in person. I think I am going to make it an annual thing. I've already got that weekend marked on my 2009 calendar. I apologize now for the overwhelming amount of photos. I just want you to feel like you were part of the experience. Other noteworthy parts of the trip -Eating at Cracker Barrel -Discovering Candelerria -The picture show -Coming to know the use of what now are several abondened factories in downtown Albuquerque. Really!? -Realizing that I apparently have 2 jobs I didn't know about. One at the Hobby Lobby and the other at Sephora. Seriously, I'm sure that everyone reading this knows me at least well enough to know that it isn't likely I would/could get a job at Sephora. My roommate said that people maybe hoped that I worked at these places because I'm an approachable person, which I took to be a great compliment. IT WAS INCREDIBLE!

CROSS VEGAS

Last night I went to Cross Vegas, which was right here in my Vegas backyard (Desert Breeze Park). My roommate and I walked up there to check it. There were thousands of people in attendance. I haven't ever been much in to bicycle racing, but this event was a lot of fun. Lance Armstrong was there racing. I snapped a few photos of him, which I will post. My roommate got some better pictures, so I will upload those when I get them. Anyway, it was an exciting night with the cow bells ringing. Crazy that this great event was just right here in Vegas. I mean, it's not everyday that you get to see Lance Armstrong do a full on cross race within momentary walking distance of your house.

Every now and then it happens, I can be spontaneous!

Last night I did do something spontaneous. I went to a concert. Now, I realize that concert going is not usually a spontaneous act. That is, unless you only heard about it the night before. Then there was the question of who to go with. I bought a ticket online, with less than 24 hours til the concert. I went by myself, which many thought was a stupid idea. But worth it, with the alternative being to not go at all. To describe them in one word, Rodrigo y Gabriela are, GENIUS!!!!! Their unique sound and talent make them brilliant. I've never seen or heard anything like it. And their live performance was great. They were having so much fun up on that stage. She even played barefoot, which I thought was awesome. I've had their CD for, I don't know, it seems like maybe a year now. I listen to it on a daily basis, almost. The experience was incredible, to say the least. It made me want to come home, get out my guitar, start playing, and never ever stop. But, even if I did that, I still wouldn't be able to pull that sort of genius off. Check it out! Rodrigo/Insane + Gabriela/Brilliant = "Insanely Brilliant"