I've been reflecting on 2012 lately, deciding whether it was just terrible and I'm ready for a fresh start or if I'm ready to continue the good and see what else awesome can happen.
January - Kicked off the year splendidly. Went to Auburn on New Year's Eve, celebrated with some neighbors and older aged Auburn friends (for those of you who don't know, that means people in Auburn over the age of 23), rejoined a dating website, started talking to a few guys
February - Had about decided to move back to Birmingham more full time, had a roommate for about a week before said roommate got into some trouble and just up and moved out, watched one of my besties get robbed at gunpoint, celebrated said bestie's birthday in true Mardi Gras fashion, retreated to Auburn where I felt safe, came back to see Jimmy Buffett and do the tailgate. (*Bucket List Alert* Go to a Jimmy Buffett concert, do the tailgate, do the "Fins" dance - Mission: Accomplished) (Also, don't get me started on the car drama that day before and during the tailgate. Ugh!)
March - Junior League Mardi Gras "ball" (success!), best friend in Auburn's birthday, got a PUPPY (Gemma)
April - Saw Alison Krauss and Union Station (I cried it was so beautiful), Happy 29th Birthday to me (complete with a raging flare up - Ugh!), changed dating website city to Auburn, started talking to a few more guys, Junior League Walk/Run (Success!), found out I would be co-chairing the Arrangements committee for Junior League "next" year, MICKEY HART
May - Almost saw The Cult (I swoon just thinking about them, but that's all we're going to say about that since I didn't ever make it to the show), got shitfaced-skunked-schmammered with the bestie when I missed the show and made a fabulousss first impression on her new boyfriend when he came to pick us up from the bar, and talked to my mom while I was so SSS drunk and committed to going to Nashville before being THAT drunk (yes, all in one night, all of those things), saw Snoop Dogg the next night (let down), started acupuncture for flare up (awesome!), stupid, small-town car issues (a freaking tire broke and it took forever and a million years to fix), went to Nashville with Mom to see a couple guys from Celtic Thunder do their thang, saw Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean in concert (good show!), celebrated the marriage of one of my favorite bartenders and his awesome lady, got hit on by this guy I've known a few years (finally! .... don't get excited, I'm still waiting on him to follow through), started planning for the most legendary Auburn summer EVER
June - Got a job offer when I wasn't even trying!!!, started working even though it was in Birmingham, wondered when the f that guy was going to follow through on his flirtations, worked, worked, worked, skipped the Lady Antebellum concert (bummer)
July - Worked, worked, got a gold star, worked, the whole ex-favorite neighbor thing happened/wondered why the f I can't seem to get anything going with a decent guy, work, Auburn, MOTLEY CRUE/KISS!!!
August - Realized I had a serious, uncomfortable, fan-girl crush on Nikki Sixx (I swoon!), Auburn-Atlanta for work-Auburn-Birmingham, work, bought a bass, work, hippie identity crisis, work, Robert Plant (let's just say front row seats aren't all that awesome when you see more of the guy you're there to see than you could imagine), random outing to see the Lumineers/Old Crow Medicine Show (awesome!), PHISH/stayed out until 4 AM/met the coolest person ever, hippie crisis averted, worked, stayed up until 3 AM with him and friends two nights later, worked, earned a gold star at work AGAIN, saw Loverboy/Pat Benetar/Journey on 5 hours sleep, worked, worked, Auburn, worked
September - Work, fair, Junior League, work, cried at Joe Biden's speech at DNC, work, Auburn for LSU weekend (stayed out 'til 4 AM again), work
October - Work, finished work, Auburn with Space, Miranda Lambert (fun!), Bonnie Raitt (oh.my.soul.awesome!), saw my new coolest person ever again, cooked, caught walking-freaking-pneumonia, Halloween with the amateur skanks
November - Recovery from pneumonia, cast my vote for my man Barack, basked in the dim glow of a computer screen as I relived golden moments from my glory years as a poli sci major and watched the electoral votes for Barack keep adding up, adopted another cat (Lilly), visit from Mel and Laura for Georgia game, saw Velcro Pygmies at Supper Club, saw Southern Culture on the Skids (finally!!!), went to Huntsville to visit family, college friends, and coolest person ever (got a massage, manicure, room service, two nights sleep with no animals, and awesome dinner with college friends, and a beautiful drive there and back), Thanksgiving, had a come apart over being broken up with the Space-man
December - Broke my little toe, realized Lilly has a raging case of feline herpes, started bass lessons, cooked, partied, got all kinds of caught up in moving back to Birmingham, hobbled around, remembered why it is best that the Space-man and I are friends, ignored a text from the ex favorite neighbor, baked, baked, baked, cooked, partied, Christmas-ed, partied, slept, got Tangerine (my Volkswagen Cabrio) out of the shop, Lilly to vet to rule out upper respiratory infection/Gemma vomited everything but the kitchen sink in the exam room/Auburn/Happy New Year's Eve from Auburn! Love, Paige (broken toe and possible flare up), Gemma (super sensitive stomach and 2 meds), Lilly (raging feline herpes and 4 meds)
So, aside from the bass hobby, concerts, Gemma, Lilly and Wild Woman shenanigans, I will declare 2012 a bust. No new tattoos, no Widespread concerts, not a single freaking date with some guy other than Space ...
Now, on to CONCERT OF THE YEAR. There were so many - Alison Krauss, Mickey Hart, Motley Crue, Robert Plant, and Bonnie Raitt are the top five. This is so out of character, prior to this year, but I'm going to have to call it. Motley Crue was it. Then Mickey Hart, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Plant, and Alison Krauss. You know how many shows I went to, though, and the top five are really, truly, so almost tied.
I'm going to elect not to choose any more superlatives of the year, as all I can think of is most terrifying moment of the year, which I prefer not to relive. (See February and that thing about best friends and gunpoint. ::Shiver:: Ick! ::Shiver::)
Monday, December 31, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
On Advocacy
Today, during my multi-hour wait to see my endocrinologist (she is totally worth the wait, by the way), I heard a segment on the local news where people call in to a doctor and ask the doctor their questions in the doctor's realm of expertise. Today's subject was acid reflux. The first patient called in about how his prescription was really expensive and he had to take a lot of it. The doctor suggested he talk with his physician about switching to a different prescription and possibly having surgery. The other caller had a peds question, and the doctor said she didn't practice peds.
This irritated me for two reasons. First, the doctor on the show never once asked, "What are you putting in your body?" or "What kind of lifestyle do you live?" Now, I know some people just have reflux, but having been through my own medical problems, something I know about reflux is diet and lifestyle can significantly impact it. The doctor stuck to drugs and surgery as a solution. The other thing that bothered me was the people calling in were not calling their own doctor with their problems.
If your doctor will not listen to your concerns, fire him or her. Go to another doctor who will. If this is not an option, do not hesitate to push for a solution or complain to someone higher up (cheif of medicine, perhaps). If anything, ask a lot of questions, such as what are some alternatives to medicine/surgery, why the problem is occuring, what is the exact diagnosis, and what does it mean.
When I (finally) got back to see the doctor, I met with an intern first. He did a great job of doing a thorough history with me, but he did not like my resistance to take medicine for my thyroid. I have Grave's disease, which is an autoimmune type of hyperthyroidism. From what I have been told, many Grave's patients do not go into remission like I tend to. But, since I will go into remission without detrimental side effects (i.e. no symptoms of it affecting my heart or other major organs), I opt to wait and see if I will go into remission in a few weeks (with regular monitoring). The side effects of the drugs, combined with my history of going into remission fairly quickly, makes me not want to take the drugs. I also do not want a more permanent solution to my Grave's disease, like radioactive iodine, where I will have to take another drug with ill side effects for the long term.
Because I felt like he wasn't understanding where I was coming from, I reasoned with him. I lost around five years of my life to feeling like absolute crap. I have some more living to do before I start radiation treatments. I also am 29 and childless, but breastfeeding is very important to me and the drugs for hyperthyroidism are not compatible with that. He did argue (somewhat politely) that Synthroid was safe for breastfeeding, since it had the same chemical make up as thyroid hormones. Let's be real here, though. Synthroid is synthetic, man-made hormone, and it does have side effects. If it was totally safe, there would be no ill side effects. It can be passed through breast milk, and while deemed safe for the infant, I just don't know how I feel about the baby getting Synthroid through breast milk.
The intern also did not act as if he supported my decision to opt out of a flu shot. My reasoning? I've never had one before and I am healthy, and I will take my chances. I know if I get the flu and I have a very high temp, trouble breathing, etc. to go to the emergency room. Simply put, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
I'm not anti-drug. I just refuse to take something that has possibly ill side effects that is not necessary or will do more harm than good.
My endocrinologist finally saved me from her intern and I had a delightful appointment with her, and we have a proactive plan set up for my PCOS, now that everything else seems to be settling down.
It's a shame that it took me nine years to find a doctor who will proactively treat my PCOS.
Whether or not my endocrinologist agrees with me or actually respects me, I don't know, and I honestly don't care. What matters is she explains what is up with my body, the medicine, and how everything factors in together. She listens to what I say, repeats it back to me, and we reach decisions together on how to manage my illnesses. At the very least, I feel like she respects me as a person and a patient, and I am very satisfied with the care I have received from her. Hello?!? I spent nearly four hours at the doctor today - that's how important she is to me as a provider.
I haven't always been very good at advocating for myself. I've been the person who goes to the doctor with a problem, and does exactly what the doctor says. Sometimes it has worked out very well, other times it has sometimes been a disaster. I'm not anti-drug, anti-surgery, or anti-doctor, I'm pro-informed consent and pro-respect. If you aren't getting those two things, and you're having problems, you need to have a heart-to-heart with your provider or seek out another.
When it comes to what is going on with your body, I encourage everyone to be informed and work with their providers to make the best decisions for themselves. Also, don't let your insurance (or lack thereof) dictate what type of care or treatment you receive. (One time, I had this terrible insurance that would cover only one diagnostic test, and to get insurance to cover it, my doctor was going to put me under general anesthesia and use my surgery benefit. Since I only had one surgery benefit, and I knew I was more than likely going to have surgery, I asked if I could just pay out of pocket for the endoscopy, which is what we ended up doing, and was much cheaper and easier on my body than general anesthesia.)
I have a long road ahead of me to counteract a lifetime of bad habits, but I am so thankful for this crazy journey to put me in the mindset to conquer it, and I am also thankful for providers who will "team up" with me on what path to choose to conquer the battle.
This irritated me for two reasons. First, the doctor on the show never once asked, "What are you putting in your body?" or "What kind of lifestyle do you live?" Now, I know some people just have reflux, but having been through my own medical problems, something I know about reflux is diet and lifestyle can significantly impact it. The doctor stuck to drugs and surgery as a solution. The other thing that bothered me was the people calling in were not calling their own doctor with their problems.
If your doctor will not listen to your concerns, fire him or her. Go to another doctor who will. If this is not an option, do not hesitate to push for a solution or complain to someone higher up (cheif of medicine, perhaps). If anything, ask a lot of questions, such as what are some alternatives to medicine/surgery, why the problem is occuring, what is the exact diagnosis, and what does it mean.
When I (finally) got back to see the doctor, I met with an intern first. He did a great job of doing a thorough history with me, but he did not like my resistance to take medicine for my thyroid. I have Grave's disease, which is an autoimmune type of hyperthyroidism. From what I have been told, many Grave's patients do not go into remission like I tend to. But, since I will go into remission without detrimental side effects (i.e. no symptoms of it affecting my heart or other major organs), I opt to wait and see if I will go into remission in a few weeks (with regular monitoring). The side effects of the drugs, combined with my history of going into remission fairly quickly, makes me not want to take the drugs. I also do not want a more permanent solution to my Grave's disease, like radioactive iodine, where I will have to take another drug with ill side effects for the long term.
Because I felt like he wasn't understanding where I was coming from, I reasoned with him. I lost around five years of my life to feeling like absolute crap. I have some more living to do before I start radiation treatments. I also am 29 and childless, but breastfeeding is very important to me and the drugs for hyperthyroidism are not compatible with that. He did argue (somewhat politely) that Synthroid was safe for breastfeeding, since it had the same chemical make up as thyroid hormones. Let's be real here, though. Synthroid is synthetic, man-made hormone, and it does have side effects. If it was totally safe, there would be no ill side effects. It can be passed through breast milk, and while deemed safe for the infant, I just don't know how I feel about the baby getting Synthroid through breast milk.
The intern also did not act as if he supported my decision to opt out of a flu shot. My reasoning? I've never had one before and I am healthy, and I will take my chances. I know if I get the flu and I have a very high temp, trouble breathing, etc. to go to the emergency room. Simply put, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
I'm not anti-drug. I just refuse to take something that has possibly ill side effects that is not necessary or will do more harm than good.
My endocrinologist finally saved me from her intern and I had a delightful appointment with her, and we have a proactive plan set up for my PCOS, now that everything else seems to be settling down.
It's a shame that it took me nine years to find a doctor who will proactively treat my PCOS.
Whether or not my endocrinologist agrees with me or actually respects me, I don't know, and I honestly don't care. What matters is she explains what is up with my body, the medicine, and how everything factors in together. She listens to what I say, repeats it back to me, and we reach decisions together on how to manage my illnesses. At the very least, I feel like she respects me as a person and a patient, and I am very satisfied with the care I have received from her. Hello?!? I spent nearly four hours at the doctor today - that's how important she is to me as a provider.
I haven't always been very good at advocating for myself. I've been the person who goes to the doctor with a problem, and does exactly what the doctor says. Sometimes it has worked out very well, other times it has sometimes been a disaster. I'm not anti-drug, anti-surgery, or anti-doctor, I'm pro-informed consent and pro-respect. If you aren't getting those two things, and you're having problems, you need to have a heart-to-heart with your provider or seek out another.
When it comes to what is going on with your body, I encourage everyone to be informed and work with their providers to make the best decisions for themselves. Also, don't let your insurance (or lack thereof) dictate what type of care or treatment you receive. (One time, I had this terrible insurance that would cover only one diagnostic test, and to get insurance to cover it, my doctor was going to put me under general anesthesia and use my surgery benefit. Since I only had one surgery benefit, and I knew I was more than likely going to have surgery, I asked if I could just pay out of pocket for the endoscopy, which is what we ended up doing, and was much cheaper and easier on my body than general anesthesia.)
I have a long road ahead of me to counteract a lifetime of bad habits, but I am so thankful for this crazy journey to put me in the mindset to conquer it, and I am also thankful for providers who will "team up" with me on what path to choose to conquer the battle.
Monday, September 10, 2012
You mean we're almost halfway through with September?
Back in June, while I was on my way to Birmingham for a few days, I got this phone call. A couple of friends who work at L'Occitane at The Summit offered me this thing called a job. Initially, I declined, but as I was entering the most boring stretch of road on the way to the 'Ham, I had some time to think. It's a job offer that I wasn't even seeking. It would be very part time, so I would be able to see how it went with my bi-city lifestyle. It was INCOME. So, I took the job offer as a sign and accepted.
L'Occitane is a wonderful company to work for. They offer competitive wages, they are wonderfully philanthropic, they do their best to respect the environment, they are amazing to their employees, and they strive for excellent customer service. And they sell the only skincare that does not make my skin break out worse. I love L'Occitane. It's like working in a spa.
So, the original plan for the summer was to start the job, kick ass at it, become certified in childbirth education, plan an ah-mazing year of Junior League arrangements, and get a boyfriend.
Well, fast forward three months and two gold stars, and it's two weeks into football season. Um, wasn't it the beginning of June just a couple of weeks ago? I totes forgot to hang the orange and blue bow on my outdoor light last week, when I was in town. Well, at least I kicked ass at my job.
So, in the past three months, I have started a job, succeeded at job, failed miserably at keeping a home and training Gemma, begun wearing makeup and doing my hair and putting effort into an outfit nearly all the time, pined for a boy, had it out with another, discovered a new found love for hair bands, decided to learn bass, endured my first seriously real crush on someone unattainable, had a hippie identity crisis because of said hair band love, and realized that I have yet to start my childbirth education. As my new favorite saying goes, Nikki Sixx would not approve.
Why would Nikki Sixx not approve, you ask? Well, I was pretty much obsessed for a few weeks in August, and I read The Heroin Diaries, The Dirt, and This Is Gonna Hurt. In This Is Gonna Hurt, the wonderful Mr. Sixx encourages his readers to follow their passions and actually do them, instead of coming up with excuses not to. It was at this time I realized the job had to go (at least for now).
In a few weeks, I will be starting my childbirth education certfication, and in a few months, I will be going back to school to do my pre-requisites for osteopathy school. I am going to be a doctor, good grades and excellent MCAT scores permitting. I'm going to commit to Auburn until May, then possibly move back to Birmingham for the rest of the pre-reqs, so I can be closer to family. IF I do that, and IF L'Occitane has some availability to work me back in, I will be going back to work there. Big IFs, people. It's not that I want to move back to Birmingham, it's just a lot easier to keep up the grades and balance personal life there. Plus, I will be committing to at least four years of intense study in Auburn again.
L'Occitane is a wonderful company to work for. They offer competitive wages, they are wonderfully philanthropic, they do their best to respect the environment, they are amazing to their employees, and they strive for excellent customer service. And they sell the only skincare that does not make my skin break out worse. I love L'Occitane. It's like working in a spa.
So, the original plan for the summer was to start the job, kick ass at it, become certified in childbirth education, plan an ah-mazing year of Junior League arrangements, and get a boyfriend.
Well, fast forward three months and two gold stars, and it's two weeks into football season. Um, wasn't it the beginning of June just a couple of weeks ago? I totes forgot to hang the orange and blue bow on my outdoor light last week, when I was in town. Well, at least I kicked ass at my job.
So, in the past three months, I have started a job, succeeded at job, failed miserably at keeping a home and training Gemma, begun wearing makeup and doing my hair and putting effort into an outfit nearly all the time, pined for a boy, had it out with another, discovered a new found love for hair bands, decided to learn bass, endured my first seriously real crush on someone unattainable, had a hippie identity crisis because of said hair band love, and realized that I have yet to start my childbirth education. As my new favorite saying goes, Nikki Sixx would not approve.
Why would Nikki Sixx not approve, you ask? Well, I was pretty much obsessed for a few weeks in August, and I read The Heroin Diaries, The Dirt, and This Is Gonna Hurt. In This Is Gonna Hurt, the wonderful Mr. Sixx encourages his readers to follow their passions and actually do them, instead of coming up with excuses not to. It was at this time I realized the job had to go (at least for now).
In a few weeks, I will be starting my childbirth education certfication, and in a few months, I will be going back to school to do my pre-requisites for osteopathy school. I am going to be a doctor, good grades and excellent MCAT scores permitting. I'm going to commit to Auburn until May, then possibly move back to Birmingham for the rest of the pre-reqs, so I can be closer to family. IF I do that, and IF L'Occitane has some availability to work me back in, I will be going back to work there. Big IFs, people. It's not that I want to move back to Birmingham, it's just a lot easier to keep up the grades and balance personal life there. Plus, I will be committing to at least four years of intense study in Auburn again.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Identity crisis: Averted
Well, y'all, it's been quite a few weeks.
After Motley Crue, I just didn't find myself as excited about going to see Robert Plant, and, later, Phish. I don't know what it was, but all of a sudden, I found myself not caring about the hippie shows. Por ejemplo, I just couldn't bring myself to wear my tie dye maxi skirt and lace scarf to the Robert Plant show. I went all glam-boho-rocker to it.
For Phish, I really gave myself a pep talk, and said, "Hey, Paige. It's cool. You're going to feel a whole lot better wearing a skirt or dress, and you're going to want to not wear a colored knit. It's just one night. You can glam out later on."
Luckily, the little pep talk worked and I'm feeling back to my normal hippie self. I've always felt like my style was bohemian-with-an-edge, so I wasn't so surprised at the rocker-edge looks I'd been channeling. It was the lack of bohemian desire I was surprised about.
I even remembered how to do my jam dances.
All is right with the world again.
Btdubs ... Guess who was out until almost 4:30 this morning? Since there's no way it could be me, I'm just going to tell y'all. It was SO me. What's up?!? I'm a bit delirious from lack of sleep, but we went to the Phish concert, went to Avondale Brewery, and went to Marty's for a grilled cheese. Nommy. And I called it a night around the 4:00 hour.
After Motley Crue, I just didn't find myself as excited about going to see Robert Plant, and, later, Phish. I don't know what it was, but all of a sudden, I found myself not caring about the hippie shows. Por ejemplo, I just couldn't bring myself to wear my tie dye maxi skirt and lace scarf to the Robert Plant show. I went all glam-boho-rocker to it.
For Phish, I really gave myself a pep talk, and said, "Hey, Paige. It's cool. You're going to feel a whole lot better wearing a skirt or dress, and you're going to want to not wear a colored knit. It's just one night. You can glam out later on."
Luckily, the little pep talk worked and I'm feeling back to my normal hippie self. I've always felt like my style was bohemian-with-an-edge, so I wasn't so surprised at the rocker-edge looks I'd been channeling. It was the lack of bohemian desire I was surprised about.
I even remembered how to do my jam dances.
All is right with the world again.
Btdubs ... Guess who was out until almost 4:30 this morning? Since there's no way it could be me, I'm just going to tell y'all. It was SO me. What's up?!? I'm a bit delirious from lack of sleep, but we went to the Phish concert, went to Avondale Brewery, and went to Marty's for a grilled cheese. Nommy. And I called it a night around the 4:00 hour.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
The Great Friend Purge of 2012
Living an on-the-go, bi-city lifestyle, I have been pondering the best way to purge my wardrobe and belongings, but still have something left for decorating a home. Since I haven't gotten around to the purging of the clothes, I decided to purge the Facebook friends.
So, if you heard about this blog through Facebook, you're safe.
A few years ago, my cousin introduced me to a bunch of Sorority Life players so I would have "sisters" in my "house." I rarely interact with them, but I was kind of over some of the things they would post, and I wasn't sure how I felt about them seeing me on Facebook, but me not knowing them in real life.
Purge.
Then, there are some people I do know in real life, but I really am not friends with them anymore and we don't interact, and I would see stupid things they post.
Unfriend.
Then, the other day, there was someone in my family.
What had happened was ... she posted something ignorant about politics.
I have no problem with opposing viewpoints. I realize I am part of a minority in Alabama, being a liberal and all, but the thing is, I am OVER being ostracized for my political beliefs.
In April, I had some friends over for a little birthday party/craft night at my place in Auburn. All of a sudden, it was "You're pro-Obama?!?!" Like it is the worst thing in the world to be." Honestly, there are things more important than money and watching Fox News and reading/hearing/repeating untrue things (i.e. the new healthcare bill will create death panels ... not true, and don't get me started on "death panels" and our current healthcare system).
On Sunday morning, I woke up to see some story about a little girl who wants to be President someday and the first thing she wants to do as President is help all the homeless and poor people. So, the little girl's neighbor says, "Hey, I can pay you fifty dollars to do my yardwork and you can go give it all to the homeless man at the grocery store." In the story, the girl thinks that is ludicrous and the girls parents quit speaking to the neighbor.
It just pissed me off. Pure ignorance.
We don't give away our entire paycheck to others and that's not what being a "liberal democrat" is all about.
I'm not going around bashing "conservative Republicans" because I disagree with them. I don't go around spreading ignorant stories bashing their political beliefs.
I want to clear the negativity out of my life, and one great way to do that is Facebook.
Unfriend, cousin.
So, if you heard about this blog through Facebook, you're safe.
A few years ago, my cousin introduced me to a bunch of Sorority Life players so I would have "sisters" in my "house." I rarely interact with them, but I was kind of over some of the things they would post, and I wasn't sure how I felt about them seeing me on Facebook, but me not knowing them in real life.
Purge.
Then, there are some people I do know in real life, but I really am not friends with them anymore and we don't interact, and I would see stupid things they post.
Unfriend.
Then, the other day, there was someone in my family.
What had happened was ... she posted something ignorant about politics.
I have no problem with opposing viewpoints. I realize I am part of a minority in Alabama, being a liberal and all, but the thing is, I am OVER being ostracized for my political beliefs.
In April, I had some friends over for a little birthday party/craft night at my place in Auburn. All of a sudden, it was "You're pro-Obama?!?!" Like it is the worst thing in the world to be." Honestly, there are things more important than money and watching Fox News and reading/hearing/repeating untrue things (i.e. the new healthcare bill will create death panels ... not true, and don't get me started on "death panels" and our current healthcare system).
On Sunday morning, I woke up to see some story about a little girl who wants to be President someday and the first thing she wants to do as President is help all the homeless and poor people. So, the little girl's neighbor says, "Hey, I can pay you fifty dollars to do my yardwork and you can go give it all to the homeless man at the grocery store." In the story, the girl thinks that is ludicrous and the girls parents quit speaking to the neighbor.
It just pissed me off. Pure ignorance.
We don't give away our entire paycheck to others and that's not what being a "liberal democrat" is all about.
I'm not going around bashing "conservative Republicans" because I disagree with them. I don't go around spreading ignorant stories bashing their political beliefs.
I want to clear the negativity out of my life, and one great way to do that is Facebook.
Unfriend, cousin.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
The time I almost met (and married) a rock star
I hope I get this opportunity again, because a do-over would be ... well, amazeballs.
Last year, I saw Motley Crue for the first time. I knew of the members, except Tommy Lee, who I knew about and knew who he is. (You can't be a child of the 90's withouthaving seen
knowing about Tommy and Pamela.) In fact, I honestly think yesterday was
the first time I ever saw Tommy Lee fully clothed. I was in awe the entire show ... the pyrotechnics, the energy, the NOISE (ohmysoul, I am beginning to think I have a TBI from last year's show).
So, yesterday, I was pulling into the parking lot to see KISS and Motley Crue, and there are several buses and RVs in the lot. Not thinking anything of it, I was a bit perturbed when a huge van was blocking my way into the lot. Well, until we all noticed TOMMY freaking LEE!!!
What had happened was ...
Paige: Grrr. Woman, when you gonna move your big old van and let me in? Grrrr. Grrrr.
Everybody in Paige's car: [Start looking around, fixate to left of car, near the RVs and buses] It's Tommy Lee! I can't believe it's Tommy Lee!
Paige: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! It's Tommy Lee. [Thinking, get yo' camera, sista!]
Tommy Lee goes back into the bus.
Paige and her crew: Crap! He went back in. Maybe he'll come back out.
Tommy Lee comes back out, with NIKKI SIXX right behind him!!!!
I take a quick picture, EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! a little bit more, "Ohmigosh I got Tommy Lee's picture!"
Then, the van moves and I start driving to park, and think, "I should have quit 'eeeeeeeee-ing' and just rolled down the window and said, "Yo, Tommy, Nikki, what's up?!?"
I didn't even realize my dream man, Nikki Sixx was right behind Tommy Lee.
Love at first freaking sight, y'all. If only he'd seen me. (I was wearing a KISS shirt, though. Totally should have thrown the Crue shirt in the car, to be safe. Oops.)
Motley Crue was absolutely freaking fabulous, as always. I totally drooled over Nikki Sixx the whole time and boogied so hard when it came time for KISS, I was definitely worn out. KISS put on a fabulous show as well, Paul Stanley was awesome.
Possibly fun moment #2 of the night was when Paul Stanley was about to venture into the audience and said, "well, I can't go without an invitation," and there was a lull, and Ricky yells, "33!" (our box number). I was kind of hoping Paul would take us up on the invite, but no dice.
After the show, I dropped off Keri and (her) Tommy at her place, and LA and I went back to the 'Funk to find Ricky and Michelle. We swooned some more and I squealed even more. Unfortunately, they bands didn't want to after party at the 'Funk like Poison did last year. Bummer :(
So, Motley Crue, WE LOVE YOU! Come back anytime, and after party with us at Nana's! (And KISS, y'all are awesome too, but in the future, please, please, please play "Dr. Love.")
Last year, I saw Motley Crue for the first time. I knew of the members, except Tommy Lee, who I knew about and knew who he is. (You can't be a child of the 90's without
So, yesterday, I was pulling into the parking lot to see KISS and Motley Crue, and there are several buses and RVs in the lot. Not thinking anything of it, I was a bit perturbed when a huge van was blocking my way into the lot. Well, until we all noticed TOMMY freaking LEE!!!
What had happened was ...
Paige: Grrr. Woman, when you gonna move your big old van and let me in? Grrrr. Grrrr.
Everybody in Paige's car: [Start looking around, fixate to left of car, near the RVs and buses] It's Tommy Lee! I can't believe it's Tommy Lee!
Paige: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! It's Tommy Lee. [Thinking, get yo' camera, sista!]
Tommy Lee goes back into the bus.
Paige and her crew: Crap! He went back in. Maybe he'll come back out.
Tommy Lee comes back out, with NIKKI SIXX right behind him!!!!
I take a quick picture, EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! a little bit more, "Ohmigosh I got Tommy Lee's picture!"
Then, the van moves and I start driving to park, and think, "I should have quit 'eeeeeeeee-ing' and just rolled down the window and said, "Yo, Tommy, Nikki, what's up?!?"
I didn't even realize my dream man, Nikki Sixx was right behind Tommy Lee.
Love at first freaking sight, y'all. If only he'd seen me. (I was wearing a KISS shirt, though. Totally should have thrown the Crue shirt in the car, to be safe. Oops.)
Motley Crue was absolutely freaking fabulous, as always. I totally drooled over Nikki Sixx the whole time and boogied so hard when it came time for KISS, I was definitely worn out. KISS put on a fabulous show as well, Paul Stanley was awesome.
Possibly fun moment #2 of the night was when Paul Stanley was about to venture into the audience and said, "well, I can't go without an invitation," and there was a lull, and Ricky yells, "33!" (our box number). I was kind of hoping Paul would take us up on the invite, but no dice.
After the show, I dropped off Keri and (her) Tommy at her place, and LA and I went back to the 'Funk to find Ricky and Michelle. We swooned some more and I squealed even more. Unfortunately, they bands didn't want to after party at the 'Funk like Poison did last year. Bummer :(
So, Motley Crue, WE LOVE YOU! Come back anytime, and after party with us at Nana's! (And KISS, y'all are awesome too, but in the future, please, please, please play "Dr. Love.")
Friday, July 27, 2012
Am I the girl all the bad guys want?
I had a Carrie Bradshaw moment tonight.
The past few days, I've been wondering why I attract creeps and losers. I'm not that kind of person, so why is it they seem to want me?
I can't say much about what's going on, but suffice it to say a certain person from my past didn't handle being turned down very well and got a bit pushy about things over some text messages and I had to get mean and absolutely put on the brakes. Sad. I'm physically safe, and I do not feel physically threatened, so, I'm safe. No worries. Just going through some emotional stuff.
As a result, I have officially lost one of my most favorite friends. He is not the same person he was back in the day, and I had low expectations of that ever changing, but until the other night, there was always hope.
Not anymore. Because after what he sent me, I don't think my mother would ever allow us to be friends anymore. (This coming from a 29-year-old...)
This got me wondering about the creeps and losers.
Is it too hard to ask for a guy who has some class, treats women (and everything) with respect, and is intelligent? And NOT creepy? I'm not perfect, but I'm pretty freaking fabulous! I need someone who is as fabulous, or more, as a mate. And he needs to be a strong person, willing and able to stand for justice. (Even more awesome would be if he's down for some traveling and music festivals and other hippie-licious LEGAL activities.)
Of course, there's always the attraction factor. Honestly, though, if he's all of the above, I have confidence attraction will come.
While listening to Bowling for Soup tonight, the lyrics of "Girl All the Bad Guys Want" really hit home with me. The singer is talking about this girl all the bad guys want and he just thinks he's this loser who is so not at her level of cool and he wishes she would acknowledge him. I'm thinking, "but if you only knew me, I'd give you a shot."
I don't think I have ever really, directly bemoaned why the good guys don't notice me until now. I want a good guy. I pray for a good guy. I am ready for a good guy. Good guys with loser girlfriends, get rid of the losers and find me.
I started taking more pride in my appearance. I own very few pairs of sweatpants and pajama pants. I rarely wear them out of the house. I do my hair and makeup on a regular basis. I am an upstanding citizen with a college degree, hundreds of hours of volunteer work, who lives to have fun. I cook, I am nurturing, and I have other passions outside of pregnancy and childbirth and Widespread Panic concerts. (I just need to sit down and think and make a list. And get down to business about being involved with those passions, as well.)
And I will stand by my affirmation that I would rather be single than settle for less than I deserve.
I do not think I am the girl all the bad guys want, but apparently, they think otherwise.
The past few days, I've been wondering why I attract creeps and losers. I'm not that kind of person, so why is it they seem to want me?
I can't say much about what's going on, but suffice it to say a certain person from my past didn't handle being turned down very well and got a bit pushy about things over some text messages and I had to get mean and absolutely put on the brakes. Sad. I'm physically safe, and I do not feel physically threatened, so, I'm safe. No worries. Just going through some emotional stuff.
As a result, I have officially lost one of my most favorite friends. He is not the same person he was back in the day, and I had low expectations of that ever changing, but until the other night, there was always hope.
Not anymore. Because after what he sent me, I don't think my mother would ever allow us to be friends anymore. (This coming from a 29-year-old...)
This got me wondering about the creeps and losers.
Is it too hard to ask for a guy who has some class, treats women (and everything) with respect, and is intelligent? And NOT creepy? I'm not perfect, but I'm pretty freaking fabulous! I need someone who is as fabulous, or more, as a mate. And he needs to be a strong person, willing and able to stand for justice. (Even more awesome would be if he's down for some traveling and music festivals and other hippie-licious LEGAL activities.)
Of course, there's always the attraction factor. Honestly, though, if he's all of the above, I have confidence attraction will come.
While listening to Bowling for Soup tonight, the lyrics of "Girl All the Bad Guys Want" really hit home with me. The singer is talking about this girl all the bad guys want and he just thinks he's this loser who is so not at her level of cool and he wishes she would acknowledge him. I'm thinking, "but if you only knew me, I'd give you a shot."
I don't think I have ever really, directly bemoaned why the good guys don't notice me until now. I want a good guy. I pray for a good guy. I am ready for a good guy. Good guys with loser girlfriends, get rid of the losers and find me.
I started taking more pride in my appearance. I own very few pairs of sweatpants and pajama pants. I rarely wear them out of the house. I do my hair and makeup on a regular basis. I am an upstanding citizen with a college degree, hundreds of hours of volunteer work, who lives to have fun. I cook, I am nurturing, and I have other passions outside of pregnancy and childbirth and Widespread Panic concerts. (I just need to sit down and think and make a list. And get down to business about being involved with those passions, as well.)
And I will stand by my affirmation that I would rather be single than settle for less than I deserve.
I do not think I am the girl all the bad guys want, but apparently, they think otherwise.
Friday, June 29, 2012
My story, it kind of sucks, but it will be okay
Last week, I sent a rather hastily written email to a blogger I have been following for a few years. And she wrote back to me this week. And she asked me to tell her about me.
I started with the usual history ... born and raised, went to college, moved back home, moved back to college town kind of. And then, I thought it might be helpful to explain a little about why I made the choices I did, and how I ended up doing freelance work. So, out comes the sick story.
It sucks that I pretty much lost a few years of my life to being sick. Not deathly sick, just too sick feeling to do anything. The kind of sick that makes you a total homebody and makes all your friends think you just want to stay at home with the boyfriend. Don't get me wrong, I loved the Space-man, but I didn't spend all THAT much time with him when we lived together. He went out to his friend's bachelor pad nearly every night to watch some sporting event.
I went through the pity party. I went through the "why can't I just catch a break?" And now, I am at the "this is why I am the way I am."
I have some limitations. I can't party all night like I used to. (Not that I really want to, because I love my sleep and I love my mornings.) I can't clean an entire house, or tiny apartment, in one day. Some days, I just can't do much of anything.
But, those days are getting further and further apart.
I recently saw something or read something where someone said something (yes, all the "some"s are getting to me) to the effect of when you're down, you know God is working on something big for you. And He is. I just never felt Him stir my soul, guiding me on a certain path. I don't know how far I veered off from His plan for me, but I do know all that I have been through has led me to a place where I am closer, and more at peace (most of the time) with what He has in store.
For example, I lived with my ex boyfriend. Not my proudest moment, and I would be lying if I said I regretted it and I didn't enjoy it. We spent nearly all of our time together anyway, and we were both going through some things where it just made sense for us to take that step. But that step is what confirmed I really did want to be married. And that is why we finally broke up.
I finally, finally, finally, finally, broke up with Space, and a few days later, meet a guy (who ended up being a loser), and then a few weeks later, meet another guy, who turned out to be quite awesome. A long time later, I still don't have even a boyfriend, but I feel like one is coming. I hope. Sooner than later.
I have no father figures left in my life, but that's okay. It means I can have a glass of champagne at my wedding and not worry someone is going to fall off the wagon. It also means gift giving has gotten a lot easier. And it means while others are off celebrating Father's Day, I can have my pick of massage appointments.
I felt like crap for years, but once I began to mend, I started making up for lost time. I learned to make time for myself and be a little selfish. If no one else is going to spoil me the way I want to be spoiled, I will. It encouraged me to give myself permission to actually live the hippie lifestyle I always wanted.
Yes, I am quite embarrassed at how flaky I appear to be, but honestly, I am having a good time doing it.
Everything is going to be just the way it is meant to be, and it will be fine, because that is what it is meant to be.
I started with the usual history ... born and raised, went to college, moved back home, moved back to college town kind of. And then, I thought it might be helpful to explain a little about why I made the choices I did, and how I ended up doing freelance work. So, out comes the sick story.
It sucks that I pretty much lost a few years of my life to being sick. Not deathly sick, just too sick feeling to do anything. The kind of sick that makes you a total homebody and makes all your friends think you just want to stay at home with the boyfriend. Don't get me wrong, I loved the Space-man, but I didn't spend all THAT much time with him when we lived together. He went out to his friend's bachelor pad nearly every night to watch some sporting event.
I went through the pity party. I went through the "why can't I just catch a break?" And now, I am at the "this is why I am the way I am."
I have some limitations. I can't party all night like I used to. (Not that I really want to, because I love my sleep and I love my mornings.) I can't clean an entire house, or tiny apartment, in one day. Some days, I just can't do much of anything.
But, those days are getting further and further apart.
I recently saw something or read something where someone said something (yes, all the "some"s are getting to me) to the effect of when you're down, you know God is working on something big for you. And He is. I just never felt Him stir my soul, guiding me on a certain path. I don't know how far I veered off from His plan for me, but I do know all that I have been through has led me to a place where I am closer, and more at peace (most of the time) with what He has in store.
For example, I lived with my ex boyfriend. Not my proudest moment, and I would be lying if I said I regretted it and I didn't enjoy it. We spent nearly all of our time together anyway, and we were both going through some things where it just made sense for us to take that step. But that step is what confirmed I really did want to be married. And that is why we finally broke up.
I finally, finally, finally, finally, broke up with Space, and a few days later, meet a guy (who ended up being a loser), and then a few weeks later, meet another guy, who turned out to be quite awesome. A long time later, I still don't have even a boyfriend, but I feel like one is coming. I hope. Sooner than later.
I have no father figures left in my life, but that's okay. It means I can have a glass of champagne at my wedding and not worry someone is going to fall off the wagon. It also means gift giving has gotten a lot easier. And it means while others are off celebrating Father's Day, I can have my pick of massage appointments.
I felt like crap for years, but once I began to mend, I started making up for lost time. I learned to make time for myself and be a little selfish. If no one else is going to spoil me the way I want to be spoiled, I will. It encouraged me to give myself permission to actually live the hippie lifestyle I always wanted.
Yes, I am quite embarrassed at how flaky I appear to be, but honestly, I am having a good time doing it.
Everything is going to be just the way it is meant to be, and it will be fine, because that is what it is meant to be.
Friday, June 22, 2012
30x30
For the past couple of years, I have noticed a trend of people doing 30x30 bucket lists. I thought and thought about what to put on mine, and finally decided since life is so unpredictable and I don't always get to do what I hope to do, I am going to mostly make the list up as I go. There will be some long term goals and hopes and dreams on there, but it will be mostly "list as I go" and things I have done that I am so thankful I did. Without further adieu, let the list commence.
1. Cook in a professional kitchen - April 2011, Guest chef at Rags'
2. Join Junior League - August 2010, Junior League of Lee County
3. Travel to see Widespread Panic - September 2011, Knoxville
4. Become a doula - Spring 2010
5. Become a childbirth educator
6.
7. Make a list of places I would like to live and vacations to take
8. Create business plans for future business ventures, and map out a career plan
9. Have awesome concert tickets - done!
10. See Mickey Hart Band - April 2012
11. Go to a music festival outside of Birmingham - October 2012, Harvest Moon Festival, Callaway Gardens
12. Go on a vacation to Callaway Gardens
13. Put more effort into my appearance
14. Adopt a healthier lifestyle
15. See as many concerts as possible
16. See Jimmy Buffett and do the tailgate
17. Honor my body (regular mani/pedis, massages, adjustments, etc.)
18.
19. Get a dog - March 2012
20. Be assertive, not bitch-y
21. Do a total spa day (massage, hair, nails, makeup)
22. Celebrate the 30th at the beach with an Arabian Nights themed party (alternative plan: private)
23.
24. Establish and follow a wonderful organizational/filing system, a financial plan, start retirement fund, sort out wardrobe
25. Commit to a city
26.
27. Start the Porsche fund
28.
29.
30. Get out of the townhome. Let that baby go! (Unless Highland Park gets rid of the riff raff.)
5. Become a childbirth educator
6.
7. Make a list of places I would like to live and vacations to take
8. Create business plans for future business ventures, and map out a career plan
12. Go on a vacation to Callaway Gardens
14. Adopt a healthier lifestyle
15. See as many concerts as possible
17. Honor my body (
18.
21. Do a total spa day (massage, hair, nails, makeup)
22. Celebrate the 30th at the beach with an Arabian Nights themed party (alternative plan: private)
23.
24. Establish and follow a wonderful organizational/filing system, a financial plan, start retirement fund, sort out wardrobe
25. Commit to a city
26.
27. Start the Porsche fund
28.
29.
30. Get out of the townhome. Let that baby go! (Unless Highland Park gets rid of the riff raff.)
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Happy birthday to me
Today marks the start of the big 29. I've had an absolute blast in my 20's and will be sad to see them go, but I am also looking forward to my 30's. Wow.
Anyway, I don't really do new year's resolutions and I think 365 projects sound rather overwhelming, but I did ask for a camera and I have been thinking a lot about how to better myself. So, for this new year, I am going to begin a healthy me to start the next decade with. I am going to start by only eating potatoes and red meat 3 times per week. Potatoes I should be able to do fairly easily, but red meat will be difficult. No more massive pots of spaghetti to eat on for days at a time. As for the 365, we shall see. I think it will be a fun way to get me blogging again.
Anyway, I don't really do new year's resolutions and I think 365 projects sound rather overwhelming, but I did ask for a camera and I have been thinking a lot about how to better myself. So, for this new year, I am going to begin a healthy me to start the next decade with. I am going to start by only eating potatoes and red meat 3 times per week. Potatoes I should be able to do fairly easily, but red meat will be difficult. No more massive pots of spaghetti to eat on for days at a time. As for the 365, we shall see. I think it will be a fun way to get me blogging again.
Monday, January 30, 2012
6th time's the almost so-far charm
Guess what, y'all?
After some encouragement from a dear friend, I tried another dating website for the second time. Last year, there weren't that many people on it that weren't already on the one I started with. (I'm sorry if this makes no sense.)
Within 24 hours, I had been emailed by a not-so-bad, and definitely not creepy guy. Within 48-72 hours, I had been rated a 4 out of 5 by another guy. And I have been emailed by at least three other guys in the past few days. All this within one week. I actually feel like the hot stuff I am. LOL.
Now, if I could only snag a date within the next couple of weeks, that would be awesome!
After some encouragement from a dear friend, I tried another dating website for the second time. Last year, there weren't that many people on it that weren't already on the one I started with. (I'm sorry if this makes no sense.)
Within 24 hours, I had been emailed by a not-so-bad, and definitely not creepy guy. Within 48-72 hours, I had been rated a 4 out of 5 by another guy. And I have been emailed by at least three other guys in the past few days. All this within one week. I actually feel like the hot stuff I am. LOL.
Now, if I could only snag a date within the next couple of weeks, that would be awesome!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Harvest Moon Festival
Back in October, I failed to tell about my first "real" music festival. I say "real" because I really don't count City Stages and the Crawfish Boil as music festivals. I suppose they are, but when I think of music festival, I think "get the hell out of town and get your hippie on."
Harvest Moon Fest was at Callaway Gardens, a favorite local weekend getaway for me.
Thursday night, Andy came down to Auburn. We ate at Hamilton's (nommmmmmmm!) and chilled at the apartment. Friday morning, we ran some errands and loaded the car. The plan was to bring our own groceries and eat that as much as possible, since the food at Callaway is so expensive.
We checked into our cabin, unpacked, and I did some cooking. And we did some drinking. And, FINALLY, we headed out to the festival. It was super chill and I had a blast at the festival. My favorite part? Dancing, barefoot, in the sand by the lake, to the B-52s, in October, on my half birthday. It was amazing!
Saturday, we got up and cleaned the cabin a bit, ventured out to do some shopping, ate lunch at some restaurant (yeah, I know that totally defeats the purpose of bringing groceries), and my other friends arrived. Andy did his own thing and me and the girls and kids went to the festival, where we got some hair feathers. Andy met back up with us that evening and we had a wonderful night hanging out in the sand by the lake listening to live music. Everyone else was ready to go back before the Gin Blossoms, so I went back, too.
Sunday morning, we got up. I made breakfast. We packed and loaded the cars, and went back to Auburn. Andy and I lunched at Irish Bred Pub in Opelika (I highly recommend the Blue Chips!) before he went back home.
I'm guessing this was a small scale music festival, and it was just right for me. I was totally in my element, chilling out and enjoying the environment. The weather was perfect! I wore jeans and a shirt during the day and pulled on my fleece at night, but it was still warm enough to get barefoot. I definitely want to go back next year.
Some things I would have done differently: gotten my traveling companions together more ahead of time (and make them pay in advance), only brought snack-y things to eat, brought a swimsuit, and stuck to a schedule. I missed a lot of bands because we were distracted with other things. While I don't regret it, I would like to see the music, since it was what attracted me to the event. I also would have gotten some cash before leaving town.
Harvest Moon Fest was at Callaway Gardens, a favorite local weekend getaway for me.
Thursday night, Andy came down to Auburn. We ate at Hamilton's (nommmmmmmm!) and chilled at the apartment. Friday morning, we ran some errands and loaded the car. The plan was to bring our own groceries and eat that as much as possible, since the food at Callaway is so expensive.
We checked into our cabin, unpacked, and I did some cooking. And we did some drinking. And, FINALLY, we headed out to the festival. It was super chill and I had a blast at the festival. My favorite part? Dancing, barefoot, in the sand by the lake, to the B-52s, in October, on my half birthday. It was amazing!
Saturday, we got up and cleaned the cabin a bit, ventured out to do some shopping, ate lunch at some restaurant (yeah, I know that totally defeats the purpose of bringing groceries), and my other friends arrived. Andy did his own thing and me and the girls and kids went to the festival, where we got some hair feathers. Andy met back up with us that evening and we had a wonderful night hanging out in the sand by the lake listening to live music. Everyone else was ready to go back before the Gin Blossoms, so I went back, too.
Sunday morning, we got up. I made breakfast. We packed and loaded the cars, and went back to Auburn. Andy and I lunched at Irish Bred Pub in Opelika (I highly recommend the Blue Chips!) before he went back home.
I'm guessing this was a small scale music festival, and it was just right for me. I was totally in my element, chilling out and enjoying the environment. The weather was perfect! I wore jeans and a shirt during the day and pulled on my fleece at night, but it was still warm enough to get barefoot. I definitely want to go back next year.
Some things I would have done differently: gotten my traveling companions together more ahead of time (and make them pay in advance), only brought snack-y things to eat, brought a swimsuit, and stuck to a schedule. I missed a lot of bands because we were distracted with other things. While I don't regret it, I would like to see the music, since it was what attracted me to the event. I also would have gotten some cash before leaving town.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Why I won't date someone who can't spell
The other day, one of my friends and I were talking about how maybe I'm too picky about the spelling and grammar on my online dating websites. While I agree maybe I am being too picky, especially when I am anxious to start dating again, I still feel justified in this criteria. And I want to share with y'all why I think this is okay.
First, I get rather annoyed having to read what he has said out loud. I think, "If I'm having this much trouble now, how am I going to feel when we text, email and Facebook each other?" Yes, this might be a bit silly, and I know I let my friends get away with it, but I believe a person should have the right to minimize that behavior in his or her life and I don't want to be irritated with my mate, get a horribly misspelled text, and then be really pissed because I don't understand what he's trying to say.
Second, it shows ignorance. Maybe people aren't the best spellers and maybe grammar and punctuation just makes their head spin. That's fair. Numbers do the same thing to me, and I will be the first to admit I suck when it comes to finances (although, I am getting better). But, when I have to do something out of my comfort zone, I check my work and I ask for help. These people who misspell every other word, use semi-colons for no reason, can't use an apostrophe to save their lives, and basically spell like they talk, and don't think to use a spell check? Ignorance. They think they are fine the way they are, and their spelling and grammar is far from it.
Third, it shows laziness. Have you noticed people using "an" for "and"? These words are two different parts of speech. An is an article, and a conjunction. Do people not want to take the time to put the last letter on the word? I just don't understand it. What I call "text language" is also annoying to me. It's one (rather annoying, but more acceptable) thing to use it in text messages. Emails, instant messaging, and profiles are not places it belongs, among many others. How many times can I say I don't want to say my messages out loud to be able to understand the meaning? With the abundance of spelling and grammar check options available, why can't they be used? I feel like if someone is so lazy they can't make the effort to spell out entire words, or have their work checked, in what other areas will they be lazy?
Fourth, what does this mean for the future of our language? I learned it. I don't know every single rule, but I know the difference between to, too, and two and there, their, and they're. I spell out my entire word, unless I choose to use a contraction (and I use an apostrophe). I feel like if you have nothing else in this world, but you can speak and write clearly and properly, you at least have something. This is one of the best ways to fake being "smart." You may not be well read or you may not have much education, but at least you can appear to have had those experiences.
Fifth, and final, it shows hubris. I see all these profiles of guys who talk themselves up, trying to make themselves sound like the perfect balance between manly and sensitive. They might even have pictures showing how good looking they think they are. What I see, though, is a guy who is ignorant, lazy, and thinks he's hot shit. Hubris is bad enough, but in combination with ignorance and laziness, it's the worst.
Just so we're clear, a typo is a mistake I let go. If there are more than three or four per paragraph, I take a closer look at the person's profile. People aren't perfect, so we are bound to make mistakes. I just feel like if someone makes more than a few mistakes in a small space or amount of time, that person isn't just making mistakes and they clearly fall into at least one of the above categories.
First, I get rather annoyed having to read what he has said out loud. I think, "If I'm having this much trouble now, how am I going to feel when we text, email and Facebook each other?" Yes, this might be a bit silly, and I know I let my friends get away with it, but I believe a person should have the right to minimize that behavior in his or her life and I don't want to be irritated with my mate, get a horribly misspelled text, and then be really pissed because I don't understand what he's trying to say.
Second, it shows ignorance. Maybe people aren't the best spellers and maybe grammar and punctuation just makes their head spin. That's fair. Numbers do the same thing to me, and I will be the first to admit I suck when it comes to finances (although, I am getting better). But, when I have to do something out of my comfort zone, I check my work and I ask for help. These people who misspell every other word, use semi-colons for no reason, can't use an apostrophe to save their lives, and basically spell like they talk, and don't think to use a spell check? Ignorance. They think they are fine the way they are, and their spelling and grammar is far from it.
Third, it shows laziness. Have you noticed people using "an" for "and"? These words are two different parts of speech. An is an article, and a conjunction. Do people not want to take the time to put the last letter on the word? I just don't understand it. What I call "text language" is also annoying to me. It's one (rather annoying, but more acceptable) thing to use it in text messages. Emails, instant messaging, and profiles are not places it belongs, among many others. How many times can I say I don't want to say my messages out loud to be able to understand the meaning? With the abundance of spelling and grammar check options available, why can't they be used? I feel like if someone is so lazy they can't make the effort to spell out entire words, or have their work checked, in what other areas will they be lazy?
Fourth, what does this mean for the future of our language? I learned it. I don't know every single rule, but I know the difference between to, too, and two and there, their, and they're. I spell out my entire word, unless I choose to use a contraction (and I use an apostrophe). I feel like if you have nothing else in this world, but you can speak and write clearly and properly, you at least have something. This is one of the best ways to fake being "smart." You may not be well read or you may not have much education, but at least you can appear to have had those experiences.
Fifth, and final, it shows hubris. I see all these profiles of guys who talk themselves up, trying to make themselves sound like the perfect balance between manly and sensitive. They might even have pictures showing how good looking they think they are. What I see, though, is a guy who is ignorant, lazy, and thinks he's hot shit. Hubris is bad enough, but in combination with ignorance and laziness, it's the worst.
Just so we're clear, a typo is a mistake I let go. If there are more than three or four per paragraph, I take a closer look at the person's profile. People aren't perfect, so we are bound to make mistakes. I just feel like if someone makes more than a few mistakes in a small space or amount of time, that person isn't just making mistakes and they clearly fall into at least one of the above categories.
Monday, January 9, 2012
At least I'm consistent
Blog a bit, drop off the face of the earth, repeat. That's how I roll.
So, I got caught up in football season. I definitely had an exciting weekend. All was well until I had a little scare that Saturday night. Everything turned out well. But I was absolutely terrified for a few hours.
EG was dedicated the next weekend. What a sweet baby girl. More on her later. :)
Then there was more football.
Then there was a death in the family. I've tried writing about it, but it's kind of painful, still. I always envisioned celebrating my wedding with my family, and now that everyone is dying ... Yeah, so I'm losing my family, we're not getting to do much celebrating, and it's just really sad. And I am worried for my future kids. What if I start pursuing the adoption thing? It's just really hard to go there, but I kind of have to.
The holidays were celebrated.
Football season finally ended.
And here I am. Happy new year, y'all. As my mass text said, "May your 2012 be merry and bright!"
Let's have a happy year, okay?
So, I got caught up in football season. I definitely had an exciting weekend. All was well until I had a little scare that Saturday night. Everything turned out well. But I was absolutely terrified for a few hours.
EG was dedicated the next weekend. What a sweet baby girl. More on her later. :)
Then there was more football.
Then there was a death in the family. I've tried writing about it, but it's kind of painful, still. I always envisioned celebrating my wedding with my family, and now that everyone is dying ... Yeah, so I'm losing my family, we're not getting to do much celebrating, and it's just really sad. And I am worried for my future kids. What if I start pursuing the adoption thing? It's just really hard to go there, but I kind of have to.
The holidays were celebrated.
Football season finally ended.
And here I am. Happy new year, y'all. As my mass text said, "May your 2012 be merry and bright!"
Let's have a happy year, okay?
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