All We Need Is Love

Just after posting my most recent post, I stumbled upon this on a friend's blog. Not only do I agree with it whole-heartedly, but I also think Machelle is AMAZING for blogging it.

Here's the original link: http://macjudd.blogspot.com/2012/01/all-we-need-is-love.html

Humanity is a funny thing. People in general are selfish. No one wants to share, and it seems like only a few know the true meaning of unconditional love. Why can’t we all work together rather than against each other, help the poor get back on their feet, and perform acts of service for everyone else. It is possible that in turn, it will humble us, and guide both parties to learn valuable individual lessons that will eventually better us as a people. We shouldn’t do nice things for others in hopes to better ourselves by putting ourselves in the mindset of “I need blessings and to be uplifted, better do some service for someone.” Shouldn’t we all just do nice and good things for the simple fact of “It’s just the right thing to do”? We all get so caught up in the who’s who and what’s what that we completely miss the most important thing in life, which is love. Love comes in many forms. Smiling at a stranger, holding the door open, hugging, showing genuinity, using kind tones in our voice when speaking, patience, the act of trying to understand someone else’s opinion (not everyone needs to completely agree, but at least not push it to the side just because it is ‘different’) intimacy, making parental sacrifices for children, humanitarian work etc. Some of us are fortunate enough to feel love from our parents, and siblings. Some of us are social butterflies and have many friends who you love and admire and vice versa. Some of us are fortunate enough to “fall in love” with a significant other whom we love and cherish dearly, and vice versa. Even though these are all different scenerios, they all come full circle when in comes to that feeling we feel inside when we are around those people. Our souls connect, we form a bond. True love is the aknowledgement of another, and the hopes that they are happy and well, and would love to do anything for that person so that they may achieve their most happy state. It is about losing ourselves for the betterment of another. Seems so simple doesn’t it?
Many people feel more entitled to something than everyone else, and demand only the best. They approach life with the mentality of “Ok world, what can you offer ME?” instead of “Alright world, I’m going to give it my best shot, how can I contribute, what is my place here?” We are all part of a machine on this earth, and each of us is a piece of that machine. No one person is more important or more valuable than another. We are ALL needed in order to make this machine run properly. The only way this will be successful, is if we all do our part. Together. And HELP each other along the way. Love. Forgiveness. Charity.
It is sad that in today’s world, we have manipulated the system so much, that it seems normal and ok to be selfish. To carry on that me me me attitude. Most of the young people are growing up in a digital world where there is becoming less and less of that need to connect souls, everyone just lives for themselves. Whether this is eventually going to help or hinder society, we need to be careful not to lose touch with the feelings and sacredness of our souls inside these mortal minds of ours. Of course it is our duty to do things in life to have the means to live, such as getting a job, providing for a family etc. It is all in the WAY and ATTITUDE that these tasks may be performed, as to have them be successful for the persons involved, as well as the community as a whole. It is only successful if everyone wins. We all need to take a step back, look at the big picture once in a while, and release ourselves from the hustle and bustle of being perfect in everyone else’s eyes. We need to focus on being our best selves, and not necessarily the best. Boom.
I have fortunately yet unfortunately had my eyes opened to the rawness that is, humanity & society. It’s a dog eat dog world out there, and many people are ignorant to the ugly plague of hate that is sweeping the globe. We need to wake up, and realize that we are all in this together. We need to realize what the definition of TRUE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE really means. Then practice it. No one is perfect, no one WILL be perfect. But don’t you love to watch people succeed? Lets all help each other get as close to our perfect selves as possible. :)

Homeless

Last night, I reserved a Redbox online. What could be better than a cozy dinner and a movie while snuggled deep down in my warm bed?? (Well... To watch a movie. Not soo much the dinner in bed part. Yuck!) When I got to the redbox, it was out of order, so I didn't get my movie. Don't worry! I found 2 more that I had wanted to see, so we're good.
anyway! Today, I decided to stop by the redbox after church to see if I could still pick it up.  I couldn't, but while I was sitting in my truck, looking something up on my phone, someone tapped on my window.  It was a homeless man panhandling.
I'm not sure what came over me, but I was nice for once. ;-) maybe because I was just at church, I dunno. But either way, I didn't have any cash on me.
So when he asked if I could spare any money, because he was hungry, I suddenly had a guilty conscience. How could I say no, if he was truly hungry..??
So I told him I didn't have any cash, but that I could go inside and order for him whatever he wanted.  He seemed really grateful to me. I asked him what it was that he wanted and he asked if he could have a coffee? I just looked at him and said, you're hungry and all you want is a coffee?? I was a little incredulous. If I was soo hungry that I had to panhandle, I'd ask for more than just a coffee...
So we went in and I ordered for him a  large coffee, a McDouble in a meal and a parfait. I wished him a good lunch and afternoon and headed out the doors. 
Being the skeptic that I am, I half expected him to throw it away and walk out the other doors with just the coffee. But after I went back to the redbox and then to my truck, he was happily chowing down on his lunch. I left the parking lot feeling pretty darn good. It's ok to spend money on Sunday if you're helping someone in need, right?? And gosh darnit, I helped someone, today!! Wooot!! Also, it kinda made me miss my Friday nights with the homeless youth in Portland. Good times, good times... rxpected

Anastasia

Everybody has that one favorite movie that they love, no matter what - right??  No matter how old you get.  The one movie that always makes them feel better when they're ill, or down or just wanna watch something that they can sing along to.  I have a few of those favorite movies, and this is one of them.

I have a lot of movies.  Anybody who knows me, knows that I have a habit of collecting movies.  Usually new DVDs are released on Tuesdays and can be purchased for pretty inexpensive at most Walmart's from tues-sat and then they go up to full price.  So that's how I've accumulated most of my movies.  About 200-ish movies, really...

So I was walking around Walmart with Somer on Saturday night when I stumbled upon this little gem in the cheap section and then it hit me.  Almost literally!  Why don't I own this movie on DVD??  I still have it on VHS and therefore am not able to watch it.

Sad, right?!?  I LOVE this movie!!  I know it by heart and I sing along to all the songs like a foool....

In fact... I've had several copies of this movie, cuz I love it soo much.  One such copy was hidden from me by my family because of over-use and as a result, LOST.  Another copy was loaned to a friend and never returned.  Another copy was a vhs gift and therefore never watched...

Today, I'm happy and excited to announce that I have a new copy of Anastasia to add to my collection of movies and watch over and over and over again to my heart's delight!

Happy New Year!

oiy!

what a year - right??

Here's the thing...  Last New Year's Eve was quite possibly the happiest night of my life.  I thought that everything from there on out was going to be cake.  crumb cake.  I had the man of (what I thought was) my dreams and the perfect almost step-kid and all the future plans and promises that went along with the fairy tale and the illusion that anything is possible if you're together.

That is... until I found out that it was all a big lie.

And then the rest of the year has been a roller coaster of emotions and drama set into place by one, single night and the snowball effect that it created for me.

The good news is... It's over and done with.  and I'm still free to do whatever I want!!  and please believe... I do!!  :D  *evil grin*

I caught myself doing something this week that I haven't done in a very, very  long time.  Dancing in my truck to the radio.  I honestly don't remember the last time I did that.  and it was FANTASTIC!!  It was warm out and Pink was on the radio and I was in a good mood and it was like all the planets aligned in a perfect way and ... *sigh*  it was just amazing to jam like I used to.  I felt more like myself than I've felt in a very long time!

Here's what I'm thinking!  I'm going to spend New Year's Eve gettin' kinda smashed.  Really.  Honestly, I don't really want to think about last New Year's Eve.  Or this year, for that matter...  That said, I have actually made a few plans beyond just New Years Eve.  I'm turning over a new leaf: The old me is back. Car dancing, and all!  And along with that is my 22 credit semester plus work and hopefully another gym membership (I really miss the gym...)

SO!  here, here!!  a toast to new beginnings....

Trans-Siberian Orchestra 2011

The most amazing light show I've ever seen, paired with lyrical and musical genius to produce quite possibly the greatest concert I've ever attended. 12 years running...

Some have referred to their special brand as "hard rock meets baby Jesus"

I was a bit disappointed this year.  Since their album "The Lost Christmas Eve" came out in '04 I've looked forward to hearing Queen of the Winter Night.  Hands down, it is my favorite Christmas song.  They didn't play it this year.  Also, I didn't meet the band after the show, either.  That's kind of a rarity for me, but I guess since I have an autographed copy of all of their cd's I can forego the ritualistic meeting of the band for one year.

I will say this, though...  Sitting on the floor, 15th row, (thanx, Somer!) does have its advantages!  You get "snowed" on in the middle of the show!!  actually, its bubbles.  BUT STILL!!  soo fun!  and your pictures turn out great!  (also, thanx to Somer) and not all blurry from being soo far away!  AND... a few years ago, the band added a sky run type thing.  so now, its kinda crazy to have that come down super close to you while the dancers and musicians are running above you.  VERY FUN!  

2 thumbs, way waaaaayyy up!

And lets be real honest here... No concert would be complete without Somer! 

 Dang, I love, love LOVE this girl!

couple o' random side notes...

I (re...??) discovered a couple things this week...

1. I think I move furniture around when I get frustrated, or upset... Right now, we're on the 4th arrangement in Studio 5, since August.  I'm not entirely sure what that says about me or my current lifestyle/situation right now, but just know that the most recent arrangement seems to be my favorite.  I think there's something a bit more comfortable about walking into a living room than a bedroom.  and I think my guests (few as they may be) recognize this as well...

I did run into one tiny snag, while moving said furniture around.  Any ideas how one might get a sofa from one end of an apartment to the other with a queen sized bed and love seat in the way??  Probably the best way to do that is to roll it.  Over the bed.  No joke, folks.  And I think this is really only possible around 3am.  Just sayin... In case you ever find yourself in this situation, I have figured out the most appropriate method.

2. I think its best that we not put our IKEA furniture too close to the heater for long periods of time.  While moving the furniture around in Studio 5, I found this: 

I've had this table for roughly 10 years and I've carried it from apartment to apartment to house to apartment because I love it sooo blasted much!  Brendan gave it to me, years ago before I ever moved away from home and it's long been one of my favorite end tables.  In this tiny studio, I didn't have as much room for it as I'd thought I would, so I stored it behind the sofa and it didn't occur to me that I might need to relocate it to my mom's (with everything else I own), when I turned on the heater for the season.

I'm sad to see it go, so I'm sure I'll have to get a replacement down the road.  For now...??  Hasta la bye bye friend.

Hair School (tres)

I. Love. these. people!!

Alan, Kelsey, Felicia, Cindy... and everyone else.

so uhm... end of semester, eh??  Kinda bitter sweet, actually.  And I will admit that I am a bit nervous for the next few... But I'm also super excited!

And... I'm happy to report that I aced all of my classes.  Woooot!!