As of tonight, the neighbors right outside my gated condo entryway have decorated their house and yard in fully lit Christmas decorations bordering on overdone tacky [refer to below image for a reminiscent look & feel--and feel free to visit the source at TackyChristmasYards.com for more examples. But I warn you, it's not for the faint of heart..!]. Less is more, my friends. This marks the first official non-commercial Christmas decorating sitings I've personally made this year of 2009. Now, I have "Jingle Bells" ringing through my head somehow...and out my mouth. Coincidence? I think not. A tad premature, no?? At least here down South, our true fall (weather-wise) has just begun this past week! Thanksgiving is weeks away. Now we've moved into the winter stage already? Please...just NO?
Now the Jingle hop has begun...
AND..being the incredibly sweet, caring, sharing type of person I am, I've provided an
EASY OPPORTUNITYfor you to share in this premature Christmas celebratory music. Oh, Yes. ENJOY! May it bring you as much persistent, never-ending "pleasures" as it has been doing for me..for the past 2+ hours!
===~~~===
On a more spiritual note, ringing true to the original and true meaning of Christmas as I see it: Today at church, one of the pastors spoke on James 1:27--Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. He pointed out that orphans and widows are those who have the least amount of opportunity, but the most responsiblities. I thought that quite striking. Jesus constantly led the example of honing in on these two groups of people, and for good reason.
The other thing that stood out to me was this statement: If you really love someone, you'll invest in them--the matters of their heart, what they're passionate on. This is true with others around you, and true between you & God. Regardless of whether or not the person you love's passions always coincide with your own..that comes later. Just as a husband may feign interest in certain tv shows, shopping or the like for the wife..compromise from real love should come without too, too much of a struggle. Sacrifice for them and trust me, you will reap the rewards.
As we enter the holiday season, with Thanksgiving around the corner and a time of gifts galore soon thereafter to follow, it is my hope & prayer that we take the time to not only focus on appreciation for the many blessings provided us in life, but also remember those like the widows and orphans and others in similar situations..those who this year will go without much of what we all take for granted. I challenge those who read this to think beyond all the getting and frivolity fun activities alone--as enjoyable and pleasing as they may be--and take action in helping make others' holidays brighter in whatever ways you can--big or little, involved or simple. If you haven't already learned,giving into others' lives brings more true joy and satisfaction to your own than any present or event ever could. I've found that the material things of this world are ultimately unsatisfying, petty, worthless..choose to move above and beyond such preoccupations to something incredibly more meaningful and fulfilling. Life is heartrendingly closer to perfect that way, I kid you not.
Everyone has unique giftings. Are you willing to explore to see how your own can best be used for the benefit of those in need around you?
The Challenge--should you choose to face it--
will change your heart, will change your life.
TRANSFORMED. What a perfectly stunning, lovely thought, is it not? I can transform ya, I can transform ya [Sorry, couldn't resist! Catchy, slightly annoying song!].
So. That's the Jingle Bell, That's the Jingle Bell, That's the Jingle Bell Rock!!!
You may recall that in my last post I mentioned my little thing with Harry. I admit our relationship already looks to have severed ties once again. We kind of have that “on again, off again” thing going for us..or against. At any rate, I thought this time I’d share about my connection with one of the true leading ones in my life currently. His name is Jim. We’ve been going out for years now..multiple times a week, in fact. I love him, very much so. He never fails to give back for what I invest in him..nor make me all hot and breathless bothered when in his presence.
So, what’s the problem? Here I am on my dates with Jim..and others keep intruding! It’s like that time I was at the sports bar and went to get my friend a glass of water from the bar—yes, really just water!—because our waitress was seriously lacking, sad to say. This guy tries to hit on me, in the most annoying of ways seen too often in my years here on this crazy planet. A gruff “Hey, what are you?” and that’s it. Come to find out he was interested in my ethnicity not nationality as he ignorantly (stupidly? refer to previous post) claimed. And that he was actually on a date himself already…when she interjects with a prominent “I hate Chinese”quip. We were both half...and apparently never will age. Well, never one to steal a guy away (and uninterested in this halfie regardless), I ended up focusing my chatting with her whilst we three waited for our bar services. Even though she labeled Yuengling as reminiscent of pickles. Sigh.
So for the flip side, take this weekend, for example. Well first, I should probably explain exactly who this Jim character is..in case you have yet to figure it out. His full name is Jim Gym. Mm, now you know. Jim G., one of my main men. So, back to the story!
Enters cute, decidedly muscular (..and decidedly short) boy. He wanders back and forth blocking my POV, where I have strategically placed myself on the treadmills by the Free Weights section. And we all know what the vast majority part of the population works out in that area. Hey, incentive for working out harder & longer--Don't judge. I’ve seen him around before—our gym is not particularly large. I complete my cardio time, head to get water refilled and grab sanitizer. *Safely first, kiddos--STDs abound in ALL places!* Dumbbells Boy rushes over to “happen” to get drink then, too. ***Side note: Fellows, just a tip--the gym is actually in reality NOT the preferred place by most females to be picked up. Albeit flattering, you choose to approach us in our worst possible conditions when super-sweatified not to mention [trying to] focus on our workout at hand? No, please just no.*** From this point on, I sigh inwardly, knowing I’m in for trouble.
Dumbbells Boy: Cheesy Smile. How long did you run for??
Me: Curt Frown. Just 20. [*Minutes not miles—I’m not a fitness beast, sorry. Yet!]
DB: Ohh, haha, I can only do that much, too…actually, only 10..heh. Expectant smile #2. [1/ Thanks for the insult—I could’ve gone longer if my time allowed! 2/ I call BS—you look like you frequent the gym 3x as much as me..At Least!]
Me: Yea, well I just got back from out-of-town and I’m kinda sick—you should stay away or you’ll catch something! [I’d have said “seriously sick” for more bang, but too many are too paranoid about the stupid hyped up swine flu to start that puppy up.]
I turned and walked away hurriedly before I could see any sort or facial reaction much less even for him to be able to respond, thinking this was cause enough to understandI’m not feeling it.I mean, he did seem very sweet and slightly shy (always cute), that he’d probably be a fun friend to have. But experience has taught me most (if not all) males will not go out of their way to approach in such a situation unless for ulterior motives I was not interested in promoting.
Although I rarely chitchat much with anyone while on “Jim” time, I proceed to talk to the woman on the treadmill next to where I cleaned off my own, so he would see it’s nothing special that I even spoke to him at all. Simultaneously, I admittedly feel somewhat remorseful over cutting him off. Was I too mean? Rude, perhaps?? Apparently, this “over-niceness” is one of my pitfalls..for he came back twice to chat more wherever I happened to be throughout that session. The first was to ask me questions on which piece of equipment on a weights machine to use for best results. I somewhat scoffed in his face. You, Mr. Muscles, are telling me you don’t know how this equipment works nor which one works which muscle group? Pleaseeee..you could probably give me a lesson or two..or ten. If I wanted, that is. I texted my friend for advice, who told me to go for it, for I always cut guys off before giving them a chance (another subject for another time). But alas, my shallow nonnegotiable on height weighed in heavily. So I ran.Literally. Well, practically. The second time I saw him approaching again, 5 till closing time anyhow, I literally race walked away to my car. I saw him come outside and look around, having trailed me to the outskirts at a distance.
Hello?! I’m with “Jim.” Leave me alone. Thank you very much. Now I get the pleasure of no doubt seeing him again on one of my next dates with Jim G. Maybe I need to start wearing headphones again (but they always fall out of my small ears!). My body language, death stare and “Boys Lie” shirt is apparently not always cutting it for me..and I can’t quite fathom brushing a complete cold shoulder by not responding when someone talks directly to me. Perhaps you all can see and understand a little more of my own “crazy” side. Boys remain idiots nonetheless (again, refer to previous post), this one notwithstanding. Lethal combinations, I tell you.
I suppose I find out soon enough, for I'm now headed off on another date with Jim as we speak...
I'm not really "reading" this book. I don't need to..I (amongst many others!) could write it myself. A friend pointed this out to me today, outraged that his idea had been taken and marketed by someone else. According to this particular friend, guys are idiots and girls are crazy--so the right balance between the two must be had for any given relationship. Go out of balance with mismatched extremes that don't add up, and you've got yourself either a very "never a dull moment" relationship overly filled with sparks flying every which way..or none at all, really. Scary thought? Perhaps.
This concept is actually quite simple..easy to understand & has much merit, I believe. It's one I often spout to friends and strangers alike. Just recently, there I sat with two girlfriends and a token male...we got into boy-girl discussions with one girl lamenting over boys gone bad and *BAM* out it came, vehemently, from my mouth [naturally it had to be mine]: "Guys are idiots!" All eyes turned towards token male. Oops. I quickly pat-rubbed down/apologized to this male I had literally just met. He later within the day proved my point notably, but then, surprised I was not.
Examples abound. Where to begin, really. Why guys persist in believing and even boasting, beaming in light of their suave mastery of the female sex..when there is much evidence to the contrary? Simple. Because boys are stupid. Case of demonstration *albeit not the best amongst my selection, had to choose from many, based purely off personal experience alone! Many more exist...I chose this one to lessen the sting on the poor males who partake of this post and no doubt will misinterpret it => Please also note that further unnecessary convo took place but were omitted because the dialogue merely served to demonstrate the same point over and over again. And also note that tone of voice/body language/short answers alone should've been clue enough for this poor, naive boy to understand I was decidedly not interested*:
Gas station Boy: Brushes past me at close range while I wait in line, intentional contact of the contents of his hand and my person now accomplished. [Congratulations, GSB, you got my attention..positive be it not.]
Me: Classic shrug-sigh. [*Perhaps I'd be less annoyed (not to mention turned off horrified) if said contents in tow did NOT consist of garbage bag freshly removed from the bathroom facilities!!]
GSB: Goes out of way to ensure he is the "lucky" one waiting on me at registers. Sooo..how old are you?
Me: Classic sigh followed by also classic response frequently used, that easily puts males in compromising positions. How old do you think I am? I guarantee I'm older than you think (and hope, no doubt). [See, I even gave him a hint--I'm too nice.]
GSB: 19? [It wasn't enough of a hint, apparently].
Me: Classic sigh #3. Way off.
GSB: Well, still young enough. Heh heh. You go to school?
Me: Raises eyebrows. Seriously?! You're the only one laughing, kid. Thinks of best possible escape plan. No, I am DONE. *in all senses of the word!*
GSB: I'll help you pump your gas..can I?
Me: I'm perfectly capable. Do it all the time, in fact. No.
GSB: After practically begging to continual "NO"s for awhile-Well, at least let me walk you to your car. It's dark outside..it's late!! Unsafe! [Yes, the randoms outside are really what I'm concerned about right now..]
Me: NO. I'm fine. It's brightly lit. Thanks. Exits store with quick, pronounced steps. [Politely nice this time-perhaps therein lies my downfall with these idiot male types.]
GSB: Follows behind me outside. Mouth silent *for once, albeit in this moment it all-the-more resembles creepy stalker material*
Me: Stops and turns. One eyebrow now raised in questioning annoyance.
GSB: So you think I could get your number?
Me: Sigh #37. Take one of my many hints, please?! Persistence does NOT always pay out. I don't give my number out to randoms, nor do I want to..now. To you--not to you!! HELLOOO!
GSB: Surprise act ensues. ME?! I'm not random. "Blah blah" too many invalid reasons why are spouted out.
Me: [Curtly] Yes, you are. Attempts to turn away...
GSB: Well, do you come here often??
Me: Enough is enough, I've been more than patient, albeit curt. You. Stay in school, kiddo. Study hard. Walks to car [& freedom at long last!] at quick pace.
NEXT! Let's be honest. Males aren't the only ones with issues. Why do girls go buck wild over non-existent things they convinced themselves are real threat/problem..and therefore attack attack attack (verbally and sometimes otherwise!)? Simple. Because girls are crazy. I am "man" enough to admit it and believe it. Case of demonstration:
Crazy ex-GF (I've never met nor talked to..a fact soon to change.): [texting to my once torn-to-bits number obtained from bottom of boy in question's trash can] You ******* **** *** *****! Stay away from him if you know what's good for you!!! And so on..and so forth.etc etc etc
Me: Eyebrows fully raised, eyes now fully open, confuddled. I had to look up one of the words...
Crazy G: How dare you! Who do you think you are??! If you don't leave him, I'll blah blah blah!!! ROAR.
Me: He's just a friend. This is none of your concern now, regardless. Move on..live your own life. RAWR
Crazy G: Why should you even want to be friends with someone who does this? He lied to me!!
Me: Hm. Why do you want to get back with him if he's such the complete jerk you claim?? [I know, this was me being crazy to provoke her--see, a double demonstration! How nice!]
Crazy G: Attack Attack Attack!
Me: Sigh sigh sigh. Yawn. Annoyance kicked in. Then anger, at said boy for involving me by his lies.
Idiot Boy in Q's solution to this now constant harrassing and threatening going days on end? Wanted me to change my number. For his crazy ex! Let her win? Never! His logic? That's what he did to attempt escape from her. HA! I see how well that works for him, not to mention this was HIS problem more so than mine. I am NOT revolving my life around a higher level crazy girl delusional to the nth degree on who I was to her ex. So, I made him deal. But sadly, the story did not end there. Why? Because he's a boy. Boys are stupid. He again mishandled the situation (that not to mention wouldn't have even existed aside from his lies), causing further turmoil, so I ended up taking matters into my own hands. I hashed it out directly with her-lioness to lioness-and thus guaranteed never to hear from the poor crazy again. And that, my friends, was that. History. The End.
The key to remember is that each male and each female are only stupid and crazy, respectively, to certain, varying degrees. The tricky partof all this is finding the proper balance of idiot-crazy ratio in one relationship. It is oftentimes easier said than accomplished. The most we can do is try..keeping in mind the light of this simple concept. Just look--it applies to situations all around you of all sorts of natures. Small, significant. Personal, work. Familial, romantic, friend. You name it.
So the next time you find yourself scratching your head wondering what in heaven's sake just happened, just remember: Boys are stupid. Girls are crazy.
My other (female) friend always jokes about wanting to make "Boys are stupid" shirts, but she really does want. I wouldn't mind one myself, to be honest. This choice phrase often finds its way into our conversation, to excuse or explain various actions, lack of actions, misuse of words spoken, ridiculous situations caused by the male sex, etc. However, I think to be fair, we'd have to put "Girls are crazy" on the back. Yes, yes? Any takers??
In other related news, I've re-discovered an old love, one I used to not be able to live without. He helped me through so many situations, and messy at that. Involved, tangled..ehh. Yes, his name is "Harry" and I find him useful once again. Harry Hairbrush. It's been quite awhile, but I think you may be here to stay this time. Some of you who know me know I don't ever brush my hair..not when it was long, not when it is short (like now..but fastly changing). However, the inherent benefits I once deemed nonexistent now seem to be re-surfacing as *gasp* true. Either that or maybe my hair is being especially difficult and uncooperative lately so this brush re-connection was inevitably forced to result!
In other completely unrelated news, FAlL*now you see, my title is actually spelled "f-a-little L-big L" to give double meaning and relate to my entire post full of randomness!* Yes, dear Autumn. I miss it. Back to FL post-NY/DC trip of unplanned nature, and it spoiled me, BIGtime.
"I HAVE AN IDEA!" No, wait..it's just my failed attempt at properly pointing out the lovely autumn leaves in all their glory. Pictures (from my cam, at least) do not do it even HALF justice. But mercy to my camera, my memories shall have to suffice. Highly recommended if you live in a place with no true fall same as I: Visit a place that does during this vividly colored season. Highly recommended if you do live in a place with true fall: Appreciate and treasure it--not all can bask in this heaven on earth everywhere you go. In fact, I did save a leaf..but neglected to bring it back. Sadness. I rest in the fact that in a mere month I get to see these many-colored spendors again! Joy.
My dear aunt is currently unconscious in the hospital, after being discovered unresponsive since yesterday morning. She has a DNR order in effect since her days battling cancer. She's been in recovery from it for awhile now, but struggling nonetheless. This still comes as a shock to all the family. We try to rest in God's comfort and peace during these uncertain hours..but it is a challenge, to say the least. Is this the end...or new beginnings? Similar to 2 posts ago, this is once again a very real reminder to me that not all in our lives is within our own control. I could plan to be Chief Director of my group in another year, or schedule a trip to NY to visit my aunt and family for next month...but whether or not this all becomes reality remains to be seen. Some aspects are within my grasp, dependent upon my own actions or lack thereof, while others are completely out of my hands, much as I may try to the otherwise.
I can easily plan out my life, my activities, my days. We should have goals and such; that is a given. But Flexibility..swinging with the twists & turns. How do you fare?? Fact of life--much as we try--we cannot control it all..not even our own lives. Some aspects remain in the hands of others..and ultimately, God's. For, after all, He knows best. He knows how these situations we deem "crappy" or "unfair" will work in us a better person to prepare us for what life has in store for us in future times.
~I did not plan to scream bloody murder upon being attacked 1am in my friend's parking lot by some guy I never met when exiting my vehicle, but it happened. *Don't worry--he turned out to be a friend of a friend's friend and no permanent damage done; life is not always what it seems, either! Bonus lesson.*
~I did not plan to come back at past midnight Saturday after a fun, utterly exhausting day in the unrelenting humid heat at EPCOT's Food & Wine festival to find an AC leak flooding my carpet flooring (a leak I had just paid out to be fixed a mere 2 weeks ago, I might add), but so it was.
~I did not plan to be with and drive my close friend back and forth around town to take care of her accident-ridden car after it spun out of control on Sunday and find time to work the moments inbetween and around that and the AC fix that cost me another bundle *albeit I bargained him down more than 50%! *, but I did..gladly.
Life throws us curve balls of all sorts; it is up to us how we react...and so our true characters are thus revealed. How do you react when life does not go as planned? Do you swing with the new beats as they come? Such is the test of you. Who you are.
I know I have much yet to learn in life..my reactions and abilities to deal with stressful situations, juggle all my responsibilities, balance my opportunities..all these are areas to be reckoned with for me, personally--definitive room for improvement! Life is such a growing journey, nonstop until the day we end this life and enter into the next. The most I can do throughout it all is appreciate the easy and the rough times for the value they provide and enjoy the ride..for life is quite the ride, yes?
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. My heart & prayers remains--now & always--with all those who have been or are going through this ordeal--you and your loved ones..just as it is with my aunt. I very much look forward to the Making Strides walk at the end of the month. What better example is there than seeing women who have struggled and prevail above and beyond their cancer ailments..step-by-step moving forward all the stronger for the experience, as undesirable as it is. Power symbolism..examples we can learn from and mirror in our own trials of life. Think PINK, my friends.
Reflection at the beach...no place like the calming ocean waters. Nothing between you, the water & your thoughts.
Side note: For those who do, I'd appreciate prayers for my aunt and all the family. ***The unknown is indeed a scary place to reside..but sometimes, we have no choice but to remain until life moves us beyond.
===~~~===
UPDATE: My dad just informed me my aunt passed away today. She fought a good fight, willing herself to survive to live on years after her bout with cancer to be able to spend precious moments with her children and grandchildren..and leaving behind a notable example of the strength of will & positivity in all things--for me and all those who choose to follow. I love you so much, Aunt Joan. Now & always. <3
I decided to brave (my brother's words, not mine) with my parents a two-day road trip from my visit up North with all the family back down South to save a flight for later, since I seem to be traveling much more frequently lately. Two days nonstop in a confined space with my parents. Well, this should be..lively, to say the least.
1st driver: My mom. 1st sign we're in trouble: She forgot how to back out of the parking space (!!!). And how to get to the main, well-used highway. 1st entertaining Q of the day (also compliments of my mom, a mere 5 minutes into our journey): "How's the sandwich? Is it very big and hard to maneuver?" As McDonald's new slogan reads "OPEN REALLY WIDE." But alas, it was Burger King.
And thus, with that question, began the nonstop ramblings from my sweet, dear mother (Hi, Mom! Love you! Very much!!). Whether anyone responded or not, questions included. No breathing required between two of the many thoughts voiced aloud, no need to even finish a sentence started necessarily. Same as our bike ride earlier that morning. From generational differences to work issues to nephews mistreating her (haha). She outbeats me any day (or I suppose I should say, now you know where I got it from!).
The other thing--the kicker--is the repetition. Doesn't matter if it's same day, or even an hour (or less!) later, topics just discussed are free game when it comes to my mom. How to deal? At first my dad and I just used the good ol' "ZZZ..I'm sleeping" technique..real or imagined. But then I found myself being awoken to prominent, firm statements such as "I could use the other half of my [big] burger right about now..[like yesterday!]" or "Right? Don't you agree? Jenn!! You don't agree with me??!" Finally, I decided I'd at least attempt a more proactive way to squelch such frequented repeats: Mom: Re-begins topic #17. Again. Me: Hmm, so let's see...is this the 3rd or 4th time you've talked about this? I mean, for today..? Dad: Jenn, you can't change her. Me: SIGH.
Other highlights? TRUE LOVE, exhibited: No words just deed--talk, after all, is cheap. Silently, she hands over her last 2 treasured bites of burger to my dad, who had none. Sigh..so sweet.
Communication without words, continued: Dad: Holds out bag of trash to seatbelted, reclining individual sitting next to him Mom: SIGH..I was just getting comfortableeeee. *insert whiney tone here* Me: Well, we can't have that, now can we?! Mom: I KNOWWW! For heaven's sake!!
But sometimes, it's a lack thereof in communication, with or without words: Me: [Always the hungry one] Mmm, I smell something really good!! Mom: Cracker Barrel! (Their favorite roadtrip restaurant, heavily frequented at least 2x per trip. And they're located everywhere, lucky me...!?) Me: Noooo, it smells like coffee! Dad: Hands over his iced coffee Me; No, I don't like Hazelnut. Dad: Sigh. [Offers watered down coke] Me: Noo, I'm not thirsty, thanks. I just like the smell of coffee. Dad: [Double] SIGH. ~=~=~ Random: Mom: [In urgent tone, as hand reaches back and dips into a bag of chips] Ahh, where's my toiletry bag?!! Me: Definitely NOT in there..! =~=~= Mom: [Upon 3rd self-stainage of her shirt that day] Huh, this shirt is really not doing too well today, is it?? Me: Yes, Mom. It's the shirt.
The conversation also turned deep at times.. Discussing hair lengths for me (Yes, I said we talked about any and everything, didn't I?): Dad: ...but then, you never look ugly. Me: HA. You're biased! Dad: I've had a lot of wisdom and experience over the years; I 'm a connoisseur of the opposite sex...it's kind of a curse. Me: ... ~=~=~ Dad: That's man's Achilles' heel. Me: What? Women?? Dad: Yes. Pretty women. Men are very visual. Me: I knowww...sigh. Dad: Do women have that problem? Me: Mm, not as bad. Dad: I don't know, someone seemed pretty enthralled by a bunch of sailors the other day... Me: I know..but most were young. Like freshman! [um..pics to be posted on FB soon! Shhh. ] Dad: Well..there IS something about uniforms! Me: I am NOT a PUMA*!!!
*For those not in the know: Puma=young version of cougar, a pre-cougar so to speak; women typically in their 20s who like younger men..like I am (age-wise, not the boys!). But I admit, my dad speaks wisdom. Man in uniform is instant +1.5 points in my book!Hello, Officers!
Conclusion? Yes, I love my parents. Very much so. Who wouldn't??
May it bring you as much persistent, never-ending "pleasures" as it has been doing for me..for the past 2+ hours!
*, but I did..gladly. 
I know..but most were young. Like freshman! [um..pics to be posted on FB soon!
