Mantra Mantra Man -TRA!

The idea of a mantra is something that i find to be really beneficial!
At first i was curious as to what exactly a mantra was, and come to find out it had many meanings, but the most common context of the word mantra is most accurate is 'an often repeated expression or idea'.

Lots of 'experts' and some not so experts recommend having a mantra, or repeated phrase used to calm or reassure oneself of their goodness, wholeness and capability. The idea of being your own biggest fan is something I think all of us at times should do. We should all jump on that train- it makes other people believe you too. Obviously that means a lot because it seems to be a recurring theme in my ranting and raving. Believe in yourself friggin heck.

Having a mantra, also to me involves having a theme. (This may be the same thing but i feel there is a minuscule difference). So i have constructed a list of songs that are relevant to my life right now.


Take a look see
http://www.playlist.com/playlist/18523738123/standalone


According to you
Is a cool song. It talks about what most people think she is, but she feels special with this person. I would like to think that this isn't particular to a significant other, but that someone like a good friend or a family member can make you feel this way. I think that it's a great feeling, and that everyone needs a someone. A reliable someone, an understanding someone, and your next biggest fan.


Beautiful
This song is a little coarse.. (those who don't like swearing, be warned) but i think that it why i like it. As individuals we aren't cut and dry. We aren't perfect and life does not categorize very well. Mostly i like the chorus of the song 'don't let them say you ain't beautiful' the most. 'just stay true to you'. Someone else is saying this- maybe your second biggest fan- always good to have another to reassure you. Theme to life because these mantras are applicable and inspiring to me.

Merry Happy
Good ol Kate Nash. It talks about a relationship, which are always... learning experiences but she realizes the individual aspect. Favorite line: 'I can be alone yeah i can watch the sunset on my own'. I think that characterizes me perfectly and the whole song is just lovely- thus the theme song to my life :)

Twenty-twenty surgery
This song is really cool because it is kind of nonsensical if you don't know the meaning of it.. to put it plainly- the 20/20 part is vision and clearly, and how he doesn't see things clearly so he may as well get surgery and figure it out. It it really satirical and has something to do with Johnny Cash.. if you can figure that out.
Last lines 'Your so sensitive, I am I am a machine' i like this because i feel the same way the vocalist is sometimes. I feel like there is always a lot of unnecessary drama involved in life, and people are a little emotional.

Like a Boy
Basically just a good song. Talks about the inequalities of society and how it's a bunch of bull.

Music is my boyfriend
Well.. it is :)

Curse of curves
Again with social crap, if you are pretty and you look good, you can get just about anything. Also concretes that it is ok to act like that and there isn't anything that we can do about it. And i have curves :)

Feel that Fire
Talks about doing a bunch of random things, and not letting life stagnate. It talks about her significant other helping her to 'feel that fire' when she can't. Basically to me it is considered a theme song because I don't ever want to be bored with life and will continue to try and embrace it 'to feel that fire'

U got the look
I mostly like this song because of the first line. "You walked in, I woke up- i've never seen a pretty girl look so tough" I like to think that i can kick just about anyone's trash and look good doing it! (biggest fan come on)

Unusually unusual
I think the whole chorus of this song is great. I think that uniqueness is really underrated. So I like to take pride in not being the same as everyone else. It is kind of an anthem to all women.

Yellow
Well it is my favorite color. I also like the first line in this song, 'look at the stars look how they shine for you.. yeah they were all yellow'. I think of yellow as a happy glad color and this songs just makes me warm all over, and never fails to make me smile and calm me down.

'Fight like a girl' isn't on here, but it is one a would encourage ya'll to look at. It reverses the social construction of 'girl' so I really like it.

Making a play list as a theme for your life is a lot more fun then you would think, so I would definitely recommend it. Ya know... just something to consider :)

Missing you like crazy.

Do you ever miss people even when they aren't necessarily gone? This strange phenomenon has finally caught up with me.

It is most prevalent to me with this certain individual, who although they are not far from me, and it would be so easy to talk to them, i can't. I miss them so much my heart hurts. I think about all the time we used to spend together and how we used to confide in one another. I think about all the laughter and tears we shared, inside jokes etc, and i really miss them. I have tried to restore this relationship, but i don't think they want to. It hurts my pride, but my heart even more, because all I can do it pray and hope they come around and realize that they need me. But I'm afraid they won't and it scares the living hell out of me. I'm not one to just spout off like this but I can't pretend it doesn't matter to me, or that it doesn't affect me. This person is one of the few that I never thought I would lose, but I know that I have, at least temporarily and it is doing nothing short but driving me mad. Come back. I'll forgive and forget if you can simply understand. At least pretend you care.

Moving on, it is so important to realize what we have, and to not take it for granted. I know that moms around the United States uttered at some point to every one of their children that 'some kid in Ethiopia (or Africa, depends on how geographically inclined your mom is (whaaaaat)) would love to have your ____". Blank is interchangeable with spinach, food, toy, sister, house, opportunities, etc.
Don't be afraid to love your friends, your family, and even if only for a second remember all the blessings that you have been given. Let them know if you can't say love that you appreciate them, and that you notice what they do. It makes a world of difference.
Now that I'm off my soapbox... i know i am a guilty party. I don't do it enough. I can't even think about what would happen if....
It is so morose to me, and simply is too real in my mind to even about, i can't entertain the thought for long- but I'm working toward it.
Just, ya know something to consider.

It's the most wonderful time...

Christmas!

Geez whiz I love this time. People are kinder, more thoughtful and patient. For the most part, if you get Christmas, and forget about yourself. If you can look past the hustle and bustel and really enjoy this time it's beautiful.

The snow is falling, the Christmas music is everywhere, the Christmas lights light up the sky, Carol-ers scurry along the sidewalk, those bell ringers never fall to appear in front of the stores, It's Christmas time!

As we approach the end of the year we should reflect on what it held for us.
Victories, whoas, accomplishments, disappointments, changes and what failed to do so.
It is of utter importance that we study our last year and realize who much we've conquered. Be it another year of school down, a dream job, a new friend forever, of the love of a lifetime. Goals that have been accomplished or new hobbies, maybe you've even conquered a fear or two.
These are the things that keep us trucking along this path we call life. They grab us and pull us back so we can see where we are headed. Whether or not we can see the next station ahead of us, we can now more clearly at least see the street lamp feet before us.
The disappointments of the last year we can look at in regards to how to make things better, how to avoid the hurt, frustration and short comings. We now know better, and we can expect better for ourselves. We are stronger and more wise, we have bent and not broken and we can rejoice in that victorious fact.

No matter the course of our year, there will always be things just beyond our grasp. We can not control the actions of others, nor should we expect to try. We have to not only accept, but realize that others actions effect us, as well as our actions effect others. We therefore must try to exercise patience and understanding for those that we do not agree with, while not with holding love. We can not know everything, and perhaps eventually our eyes will be opened to what happened, but until then, we have to understand it is not our decision. It is as this concession that we see how we are all so interconnected. We should choose carefully our paths and decisions.
Change will come, it is a promise. We have hopefully grown accustom to this truth and can try and take it in stride, but honestly somethings will always knock us on our butts, no matter the preparation we put forth. The only thing we can do is expect it to come.

I hope we can each look forward to the New Year with sparkling enthusiasm, starry-eyed optimism and just a dab of realism. Know the New Year holds change, expect to get as much as you put in. Press on and know that everything has a purpose. In the words of a new found favorite Maori Proverb "Turn your face to the Sun and the shadows fall behind you".

Tastes delicious!

Yum yum!


I've come to notice that everyone's tastes change. This phenomenon is apparent in anything. Music, movies, clothes, people.. etc. I've contemplated what in the world could be the reason for this.

It seems to me that I am always re-evaluating myself and my beliefs. This is not to say that I am a pushover, only that times change, people change and with that change, has to involve some adaptation. If you have ever met someone incredibly dogmatic, you know what i'm talking about. This is common in really old people :) These individuals have not changed their 'beliefs' or anything (not to mention their haircut) since 1953. It is difficult to speak with these individuals about certain topics because no matter how much you want them to see your p.o.v (point of view), they are going to stick to their guns. Frustrating? You betcha. It is increasingly so, especially when they will not listen, and you aren't even trying to convince them, you only wish that they see your view.

I feel that re-evaluating is necessary. There is a point you get to and realize that perhaps what you used to absolutely love, you can now merely appreciate. Maybe something you obsessed over, be it a favorite band or movie yada yada is still good or has some fantastic qualities, but it just isn't what it used to be for you. I beleieve that this is due (at least in my case) for a thirst for constant change. In high school, i was a really big fan of the band New Found Glory. I loved their lyrics, their fast paced fun tempos, amazing drummer etc, they were also one fo the first punk bands i listened to. I look at them now, and of course i am still a fan, but because i crave change, I have found other bands that are just as good or better than NFG. I still appreciate them, and when i they pop up on itunes or pandora, i smile and reminisce of my crazy high school days. Thank goodness i don't have to go back!!


When it come to values and beliefs, they don't necessarily have to change drastically, if at all. They are most people's core and what they are all about. By evaluating ones values, I think it helps to concrete them, to re-affirm why they believe this specific set of things. It is good however to reflect and make sure that you don't feel a certain way because it's easier, because that is what you were raised, or steal that set from a friend or another you are close with. It is critical to know for yourself and to have sound reason (or feelings) about a particular subject. As we were previously talking about media, it seems legitimate to ask if maybe we are partaking in a fad. Maybe we were, maybe we weren't. But bottom line is that tastes change. Some individuals are more prone to it than others, but that is expected. We grow. We certainly outgrow things. It is all part of our nature!

It all comes down to realizing times are changing, we are constantly changing and that it is good and healthy. The most important thing i would say, is to always think (or consider, thus the blog title). Never become stagnant because the world will continue to turn and whirl around you .

Too much of a good thing!

Good.
Acceptable. ace.advantageous. amazing. awesome. bad. beneficial. blessed. bomb. choice. cool. chipper. dandy. dashing.delightful. exceptional. extraordinary. excellent. fantastic. fabulous. fortunate. first-rate. great. grand. groovy. gnarly. happy. incredible. insane. keen. lovely. marvelous. not bad. neat. nifty. neato. outstanding. peachy. pristine. quaint. rad. sick. stellar. sweet. swell. smashing. SOOO good. solid. superb. scintillating. super. stupendous. super dooper. tiptop.unbelievable. unstoppable. voluptuous. wonderful. wunderbar. well.

If ya know me, ya know how i feel about words. I pretty much think they are the bomb.com. So i came up with a few.. different words to describe something, someone or ourselves.

60. That is the number of synonyms above. Most of them can be applied across the board, and others, such as sick and bad, can be more situational. When someone asks you how you are doing, throw one of these sweet a synonyms and people will believe you! And you in turn will also believe it!

Words have an unfathomable effect on the mind. Take for instance, you are walking down the street, someone curses at you, and tells you to ( a particular letter in the alphabet after e) off. That can either draw someone to tears, make them want to punch the dude in the face, or make them laugh. This is all just from a simple 2 words. Other words can also effect us in a positive way. Like hearing ' you look absolutely incredible'. It is so kind and warms my lil heart when hearing people talk positively about one another. Put that in your think tank before you decide to go blabber unkind words about someone else. Yaaay words!

p.s, i just really like flamingos :)

Stuff! Everybody likes stuff!!

So, i was thinking the other day (i know, weird) and my mind stumbled upon things. I know could i be more ambiguous? Things. Materials. Possessions. Why do we need them?! I am as guilty as many, and perhaps the key is just awareness, so i dubbed it worthy to go into my 'things to consider' blog.

We as a society are so concerned with owning things. The best cars, the best phones, the latest technology, the nicest clothes. We are trying to outdo our neighbors! We want more more more. But do we NEED more more more? Let me help ya out, the answer is no. The United States economy is in a world of hurt right now. I refuse to go into politics and play the blame game, but what would make this situation better? If our own personal debt was under control. Of course the market thrives on spending money and consumerism but, we could improve our situations. Affluenza as I have heard it called is our obsession with the need for things, which leads many to falsely correlate this to status and power.

"In this country, you gotta make the money first. Then when you get the money, you get the power. Then when you get the power, then you get the women." - Scarface


I'm not talking about women here, just perceived power.

Don't cars for the most part all serve the same purpose? I mean yeah you've got 2 door, 4 door, hatchback, sedan blah blah blah. They get you places you need to go right? What baffles my mind is why you would want to buy a truck if you don't work construction, don't go off roading, don't hunt, don't tow boats or toys etc.. Why? They are terrible for the environment, they suck up gas, they aren't efficient.. What is their purpose? Sports cars. When will you be alone in a high speed chase that you will need that incredible acceleration power? If you are climbing mountains aka Lambs Canyon, you may want something a little more powerful, but I'm pretty sure my little Honda- 4 cylinders front wheel drive can make it up that mountain with slight deceleration with four people in the car. I suppose it all depends on where you hold your priorities, in being showy and out thousands more dollars, or being efficient. Just saying.

Phones are pretty convenient, not gonna lie. Member when you could only call people? Crazy because it was only about 4 years ago that texting began to explode and now it completely dictates most of our lives! I'm quite the guilty party so i will not deny that! But now you can do anything! ANYTHING on your phone, Internet, shop, check facebook, twitter, myspace, friendster there are games on there, ways to find music, the list is exhausting! But do we need all of that? It seems to me that we are in trouble if we can not just disconnect from our phones when we want to. If you don't want to answer your phone, don't! If you don't want to text back, don't! One should not feel bad if they set their phone on silent or simply turn it off. We don't need to be in touch all the time. Of course it can be convenient, or course if you don't mind being bombarded with a zillion texts from everyone, that is your preference.




There are so many side roads i feel that need to be explored, but if I were to do so, i would be here until next year. We honestly don't need half of the things we think we do. The simple life seems the best option. As I mentioned above, no doubt they are convenient! Of course i love the fact that i could pull out my ipod and listen to my entire collection of music. That is ideal!

If you believe in an afterlife, a heaven of sorts, which i do, then maybe it helps to put into perspective that we can not take anything with us. We don't even get to take our bodies! So what is the use of having a flash car, some designer clothes, the newest ipod etc.? You know what seems important to have at that point? Relationships. People. Experiences. What do you have if you don't have them? If you have extra money why buy a luxury car when you can go on a stalwart whirlwind adventure?!

Of course the purpose of this is to 'consider' what was said and perhaps simplify our lives. Beware of Affluenza, and be aware of your habits and perhaps eliminate fluff and nonsense in life.

That is all :)

It's only awkward if you make it awkward.

We hear people say stuff like this all the time. It's only awkward if you make it awkward.
OH REALLY. I have a few things to say about about that, so trust me. I'mma drop some knowledge about awkward.

First item of business. It is completely mindblowing how applicable awkwardness is in any situation. Strange enough, the situation could permit little to no opportunity for awkwardness to poke its freakin weird looking self in, but it will find a way.

Instance one. You are at a party or social gathering, whatever, and the person you are with is the primary invitee if you will. Holy cow. In instances like this it's like you are standing in a Barcelonian street clad in brilliant shades of red during a bull run. The bulls being the awkward, stay with me. It looks as though the results could be disasterous. BUT. There are of course opportunities to combat the bulls. You have a choice here. You can either decide to be uber awkward,crash and burn and just pray that your friend introduces you and doesn't go off randomly leaving you to fend for yourself in this room full of bloodthristy leeches OR. you can choose to introduce yourself to whomever your friend is talking to, in a suave supa cool way. It's all in confidence. That is obstacle one. Your next obstacle of course, is how you are recieved. Hopefully your friend is awesome and has other cool people beside you that they hang with, because if you make a wise crack or try to be witty and the friend doesn't dig it you are slipping down that slope with record speed. Once again a recovery is possible. Get to a point where what this persons' negative reaction is, will not phase you. Find another person. Now you can usually pick these people out. They will look awkward. All by themselves. Probably abandoned, possibly like yourself. Try to strike up conversation if that crashes and burns let them know it was nice to meet them and you are outta there, and on to the next one. Now. You've found someone and you've had a fairly decent convo. you get to a lull. ASK THEM ABOUT THEMSELVES. it never fails. People LOVE to talk about themselves. promise. Ask things you really want to know. be interested.
Awkward situation avoided. You just roundhouse kicked awkward in the crotch :)



Alright. Instance two. You are held hostage on public transit or in class. Now this really isn't all that bad. All you have to do is talk to the person next to you. Not intrusively, especially if you can tell they are a closed or more conservative person. If they aren't responding, or pretending that you don't exisit you can always be a smart alec and make some passive aggressive comment about being too cool to talk to people. Which makes them feel like a mega tard and it is not on you anymore. You of course can always be open, if you are hard headed.

Instance three. Ever noticed looks you may recieve? Perhaps because you are wearing a witty shirt or bright colored shirt or have an awesome outrageous color in your hair. I've decided not nice people don't like color. The way to make this hardly awkward situation better is to just smile or look at them with a sort of anticipation like,' did you have something to say?' in a non threating way of course.

Those were situational potential awkwardness avoiders. Naturally we are faced with things like this on a daily basis and the awkward level is hopefully low. Would one not think that its particularly enjoyable to be placed in situations like this right? Well we also have control to an extent of awkward. If you know there is going to be a high likelyhood of awkward would you not just avoid that situation? Perhaps you KNOW if you go to a party that your ex will be at after he gets off work or something and you know you will not be able to handle it, wouldn't you avoid it at all costs? THEN DO IT. If you don't care or think it is humorous, like many fellow smart alecs agree then go!

That being said, i still have to get a few more things out of the way. Have you ever been in a situation that isn't necessarily awkward but is teetering toward it and someone else says, 'wow that was awkward!'? Far out people that is one of the sentences in the english language that should not be used. It's close to the sentence 'oh i thought you were pregnant, you know you sure look it.' really?! Really? Ted. Come on.

And my last grievance with awkward is how it is spelled. AWKWARDLY. kinda like the word abbreviation if ya know what i mean. Far out.

Anyway. The common theme appears to be, to avoid being awkward, DON'T BE AWKWARD. Just talk to people! Be confident, be brave and hard headed. That is the trick.

L.O.V.E

I love. People use that a whole lot these days. I love.... rain. I love... green. Really? I bet if ya lived in Thailand where all it does is rain and monsoon and storm i don't think someone would feel that way. Puke green is not a very pretty color either. But if you love it, you love it. When speaking about love i like to look at it as unconditionally. I, like everyone abuse this word that has so much pizazz and impact, so much strong emotion that is supposed to be elicited from it. I love Popsicles. If that was all i had to eat for the rest of my life, i don' t think i would.


Things i do love include my mom, dad and brothers, so my immediate fam. I love my music. I love smiling, when i mean it of course. I love laughing. I love MOST yellows :) I love sleep. I love singing. I love Hibiscuses

Things that almost make it into the love category include swimming, i really like longboarding. I really like palm trees. I really like reading. I really like pictures- taking them and having them. I really like nice boys. I really like smoothies. I really like Bob Marley.

Of course that isn't all that encompasses my strong feelings about.. ya know smoothies and such. I also feel though that there is no such thing as hate. It is however, possible to lend the phrase from The Grinch who stole Christmas, "loathe entirely". I think that this list should be very very short.
For instance i loathe the Cranberries and Avril Lavigne, their music, they could possibly be nice people, but sick.

Moral of the story: Call things as they are. You love it you love it, but you probably shouldn't hate anything.

Issue? Here's a tissue!

How i met your mother is a hilarious show. Just fyi. The show talks about situations that young single adults are placed in, and situations that are so unrealistic it's just for the sake of hilarity. There is one episode that I think is highly applicable, and i know all of you who have seen it probably agree with me, Karleen, Jess, Krystal, Ben.. Spoiler Alert

The Spoiler Alert episode happens when Ted starts dating a new girl. He thinks she is spectacular and really really likes her. Until the fateful day when she meets the friends (du du dun!) They obviously see a flaw with her but Ted does not. Ted has relationship blinders on, which happens all the time! Marshall ends up telling Ted that his girlfriend has the horrid habit of talking WAY too much. Ted ends up recognizing it and breaks up with her.

You know this happens in real life. Everyone has a but. Obviously some peoples are a lot bigger that others, and some people can look more easily past things than others. It also reminds me of the Oh moment episode, in which you find out something early in the relationship, or while courting that completely turns you off to the idea of dating or marrying them. Ted for instance discovers that one of his girlfriends has hit a hitchhiker and probably killed them, and another he finds a girl that was a super porn star.

Me and Jess have had this conversation before and asked each other what our 'Oh' moments are. It's kinda funny because, well, you aren't going to talk about your biggest faults with one of your best friends, even if they know what they are! So i was thinking about it. I am weird. That might freak some people out. I'll say just about anything, i have weird hyper spells, I'm not very consistent in my behavior ect. I sure there are others i don't know if those are necessarily 'oh' moments but i have others. I almost forgot! I smell things!


I have a problem. I like the weirdest smelling stuff. I just do! And then i can't stop smelling it and it's not good. Maybe if i didn't have the nose of a bloodhound i would not be presented with such a predicament.

White out
Tires
Hi lighters
Dishwasher soap
Fresh fruit
Paint
New car
Balloons
Pools
Phone books
Gasoline

Just a few. That makes me sound like a huffer.
Here are somethings that do not smell good to me

Lavender
Curry
Chocolate- though it tastes good
Coffee
Maple syrup (also tastes good)
Tar
Chewable vitamin c tablets
vanilla chap stick
New Clothes

Those aren't too exciting but you get the weird picture. Your nose is a powerful tool dudes. Utilize it.

Naked

Everyone likes to be a little bit naked a little bit of the time correct? Well. One of the funniest things i have decided is when people think you are naked and you really aren't, and you are walking around like you don't notice and or care.

Pretty sure that I get told on a weekly basis to just join a nudist colony and then i can be with people like me. You come into this world naked, why not leave it that way right? Freakin social construction. Sometimes i just wanna say eff you clothes, but i realize that it is not the clothes fault! They weren't like, 'oh i think I'm going to make things uncomfortable for the entire human race for the rest of the worlds' life Ba hahaha.' It's crazy people who decided naked was bad. Who decided that?!? I want to go wap them upside the head. The body is a beautiful thing. It is capable of so much!

Ok so when i get done swimming i take my straps off my shoulders and tuck them just right under my armpits, then i put on a towel. This gives the illusion that i am going sans clothes and man i get some of the funniest looks. I don't do it for this purpose, but it does make it more fun! Just for clarification, i do it because of my lovely man-shoulders. My straps dig into my shoulders and it kills so when I'm finitio i just pull them down.

OK ok so nude underwear. What is the purpose of that? To make it look like you aren't wearing underwear and that you are just going without? So it blends with your skin? This makes no sense. That worries people man. I will tell you a funny story though. So this person i know, probably me, was working one night as a waitress and was running around the restaurant. She was helping about 4 tables and one table came to give her the check. Turned out the dad of all people came up to her to let her know that her zipper was down. Now it wasn't like down and subtle it was down and KA BLAM! It looked like I was advertising my crotch. Very awkward. That is a day i will remember as one of three times ever being embarrassed in my entire life. It was only so bad because my underwear, while not being nude, they were a light peachy color..close enough. It legit looked like i had no underwear, or morals.

My question of course is why did no one bother to mention this to me earlier? One of the other girls said oh yeah my table (which was on the other side of the restaurant) wanted me to tell you that. I said 'why didn't you?!' and she said it had slipped her mind. How long ago was said table i wondered. Oh about 45 minutes ago.

Dang. People. Do someone else a favor and tell them when they 1. have their zipper down 2. have something in their teeth 3. Have something on their face 4. have a stain on their shirt. It isn't that difficult, and just think of all the trouble you are saving them!

So being naked, or nearly naked is neat, but mostly when you know you are :)

It's gonna be a bright and sun shining day :)

Reggae is NOT dead. It may not be prevalent, but it is not dead. living on a coast, or an island one will be much more exposed than us lovelies inland and over 500 miles away from the nearest coastline. But. Look at the way people around those areas live... They are happy people! Sun is shining, the weather is sweet.. (name that artist). So i am beginning to think that music has very much to do with your state of mind. It's like the yellow lines in the road. They show you were to go and guide you, but they can't keep you from going over the lines. And they don't get pissed if you cross over the lines. Music is much less evasive though. It allows you to go wherever you would like. But it won't get pissed if you don't want to live in the lines of the genre. People will judge you based on your musical stylings, but not music, no no. That's what i like about it.

On an average day i can honestly say i listen to about 8 hours of music a day. That includes some as background music, driving, when I'm at work..etc. I have tried to limit it and 'be still' if you know what i mean, but it is increasingly difficult. It weirds me out. Music keeps me functional! If i don't start my day with a little music, or hear anything, I'm off for the entire day.

Some would insist that reggae would put me in a weird coma 'whatever dude' kind of state of mind, but it is clarity people, clarity. It clears things up for me. And also puts things back into perspective for me. Like I have fore mentioned, music affects mood and it calms me down. Lyrics are critical at this point. They remind you that 'every little thing is gonna be alright.' That there is 'so much trouble in the world' but that it is possible to remove yourself from it to keep from spreading it. Material things, hmm. If you have good company, maybe a little ganja (maybe not) it is easy to just let go and enjoy people. Which is what it is all about, is it not? It does not deny that it rains sometimes, and that things aren't always going to run smoothly and without kinks, jerks and difficulties in the road, but it's all about the journey, and 'seeing clearly now the rain is gone'.

Reggae carries with it a sort of hope. Yeah I'm positive Bob didn't know me when he wrote his lyrics and sang his songs of Freedom. But he made them applicable to me. Songs of Freedom weren't necessarily written for just the Jamaican people trying to overcome the oppression of the government or the Apartheid in South Africa. But more widely freeing oneself of hate, of judgement, and materialism. Bob's purpose was to free oneself and to 'be true to yourself' in the words of his son Ziggy.

Reggae isn't just smoking pot and removing oneself from society and being a quiet rebel. It is about being true to yourself, recognizing reality and trying to make it everything you can. Yay for reggae i say. And if you are a hater, that is too bad. Maybe one day you can understand the underlying messages, many interpretations and strategic ambiguity as well of course as the beauty of reggae.

You were wearin Converse...

Ok. So if you had not guessed, by now you know that i have an intense thing with music. So anyway I was thinking about why certain people pick out certain elements of music to concentrate on, and what that is supposed to mean?! I know that if someone plays the guitar that's probably what they will notice first- same goes for the drums or rhythm or whatever. What if you take in the whole song? The composition if you will? What is it that makes you like a certain type of music or song or whatever? I'm going to revert back to nature vs. nurture... I think that music is more nurture.

But do you feel like certain types of music just connect better with you? Maybe the lead singer is singing your life story, or the rhythm goes right along to the beat of your heart. (holy corny) But you catch my drift. Music has the power to completely flip my attitude around, to make me feel better, or valid or whatever. It is just incredible.

Now. Are there certain songs or certain types of music that you can't quite wrap your head around why you are inclined to them, it's like an unspoken magnetism. Like your guilty pleasure song or whatever. For me it's certain random nonsensical rap songs. Songs that make absolutely no sense at all. 'Kiss me through the phone' and the lonely stoner song. 'Shake it like a salt shaker' is another keen example. Some of these songs make sense.. sort of.. on a superficial level, and others I don't even try to interpret them. I think it goes back to the fact of what i look for in music. While I find witty lyrics, beautiful metaphors and terrific analogies impressive and poetic, apparently i can overlook them if the song has an incredible beat or is composed uniquely or something. I also goes the other way too, I have found songs that i think the lyrics are mind blowing but the music or style or whatever is just mediocre. But it is much less magnetic to me.

So my point is, it is ok to like mediocre crap. If it sounds good on a dance floor, i mean lets face it, we aren't all listening intently to the lyrics. If you are loungin with people lyrics are more important, but not so much the other elements. Like what you want to like! That's the beauty of it all! Yay for music, don't you concur?

Oh spring Break

Are you in need of a little getaway? a SPRING BREAK perhaps?! Well me too! It's this week ps. I went to Zion yesterday, that was sweet. I went to St. George on Saturday, that was cool. I am going to Salt Lake tomorrow. That is also awesome. But if you are incapable of getting away, i have a proposition for you. You can have a mind vacay!

I know you think I'm off my rocker, and i am i know, but at least give your brain a little break. Its beautiful outside, for now haha. So i've got you some tropical images, aka weather porn, hahaha. You look at these beautiful places when you have not as awesome weather out and it puts you in a coma. Listen live at this site:

http://kccnfm100.com/

and viola you have a vacay! maybe hit the tanning bed too, just for good measure!
So you didn't have the time or money or whatever to go on spring break, its all good! Just take an hour to employ these tips for the haizter and you'll be feeling better in no time!

Men and Women.

I came across a particular email yesterday that had me in fits of giggles. It was entitled, "Rules men wish women knew". It was freakin awesome. Ready:

1. Crying is blackmail. Use it if you must, but don't expect us to like it
2.Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers
3. Your mom doesn't have to be our best friend
4. Those males with perfect bodies are all gay. Accept it.
5. Let us oogle. If we don't look at other women how can we know how pretty you are?
6. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it done, not both.
7. Chistopher Columbus didn't need directions, neither do we.
8. If something we said can be interpreted two ways, and one of trhe ways makes you sad and angry, we meant the other one.
9. We are not telepathic. We can not read your mind, so don't blame us for not knowing something you expected us to know without telling us. Conversely you aren't telepathic either so don't get mad other something you think we thought cause your guess is probably wrong.
10. Consider golf a mini vacation form you. We need it just like you do.
11. Women wearing wonderbras and low cut blouses lose their right to complain about having their boobs stared at.
12. Anything we said 6 or 8 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. All comments become null and void after 7 days.
13. Foreign films are best left to foreigners.
14. No, he doesn't know what day it is. He never will mark anniversaries on a calendar.
15. Ask for what you want. Subtle hints don't work.
16. Your ex- boyfriend is an idiot.
17. You have too many shoes.
18. You have enough many clothes
19. Anything you wear is fine. Really
20. Sunday= sports. It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.
21. Dogs are better than ANY cats. Period
22. If yuou ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.

ba hahahaha. Ok ready.
1. That is freakin hilarious. So true and i feel the same way!
4. I also agree. Sad story though
5. Ok that is what i like to call a cop out. Nice try though
6. Surprisingly that is fair enough!
8. I find that very sweet! They don't try to upset us, but they make mistakes
9 & 10. Ha ahahaha haha true story.
11. Ladies, this is correct, lets get with the program, what do you expect?!
12. That can be disputed. When they aren't nice things then yes throw them out. If they are promises... sorry guys gotta remember
14. Just write it on the calendar.
16. Also sweet. Idiot for not holding on to you, or for treating you that way.
17-19. Ha haha oh i love the differences between men and women.
21. Yeah!!
22. Once again, valid point men touche!

So just a lil dose of humor for the morning pretty great. I appreciate the differences between men and women i really do. I don't like however that they are polarized. We don't ALL think like this. You don't all think like that. It's a beautiful thing :)

It's your party so cry if you want to. geez.

So crying. We all cry sometimes, it's inevitable. What i am trying to fathom is why many do it so much. I think it is fascinating to observe the many ways in which individuals regard crying. Some HATE cry, or say they hate crying but do it a lot. Others claim to cry all the time. Some don't have a problem with crying. Other people just really try hard not to cry.

Well pretty sure i fit the try really hard not to cry group. I avoid it at all costs. Most of the time I can stop myself from crying. But the circumstances under which i cry boggle my mind. I cry when I'm mad. I mean raging. I'm not going to lie, that has to be the absolute worst time to cry. Seriously! If someone upsets you not by offending you to sadness, but by straight up pissing you off, you don't want to give them the satisfaction of crying!!! That is worse than a puppy rolling over on his belly with his tongue sticking out.

The other time of course would be at stupid country music videos. Eff. And movies. Even then i try to hide behind a pillow and swallow that softball that is pervading my throat. Two tears from one eye and one from another and I'm finitio. I guess that is something i am grateful for, that i don't cry for long. People say 'just let it out' and 3 tears is my quota. Kinda strange, not typical but it happens.

Ok but I have a problem when dudes cry. I feel like this magical role reversal just occurred and I'm the awkward boy trying to comfort the girl who is seemingly crying for no reason. I mean of course there are times to cry- absolutely! Big boys cry too. It is just insanely strange for me.

Now when you have the boys that cry all the time that just weirds me out. I pretty much run the other way. I just don't know how to handle it! The only thing i can think to say is 'suck it up man' with a clap on the back.

So my dilemma is, well being the dude. I haven't cried in front of a boy for.. almost two years now. Why do I know this? Because A. It was completely legit for me to cry B. I hate crying in front of people C. I REALLY hate crying in front of guys. Don't worry it only lasted like 3 minutes max, but my pride took a hit, I'm awfully prideful.. Yikes. But anyway moral of the story: Crying is necessary, even for dudes but limit it to semi-annually and it's good.

Dude. Seriously.

Ok short disclaimer: If you are a dude who is easily offended or will try to argue this point with me do not continue. I repeat, do not continue. What I have to say does not apply to the entire male population, just a lot of you. So don't argue with me there either.

What in the world is sooo hard about finding a dude who knows more than me about sports and follows them avidly? I have this insane interest in college football, not as much for pro football, and then some more for college basketball. I'm not even claiming to know a ton, just a sufficient amount! I find myself trying to talk sports with some guys i know and a common response i hear is 'I don't follow football, or basketball' whatever. I understand that we as college students are a little busy. We can't catch every single game, especially basketball. I get it i really do. Some people just play their sport religiously. And i can feel ya brothas. But it just seems that one would at LEAST know generally what was going on!

What i think may be our dilemma here is guys have the feeling that girls don't care for sports, and really wish that their boyfriends or prospects or whatever wouldn't watch and/or even listen to sports. Maybe guys feel perhaps their chances of getting a girl are slim if they fall into the category of a 'typical' guy. I am seriously finding more guys who can freakin tap and ballroom dance than those who follow sports. That seems incredibly strange to me. Growing up in a house where Saturdays and Sundays were Dad's as he usurped the remote for either basketball, football, rugby or cooking. Now. I know you guys are a little confused with me here, so just hold on. If you do happen to have some other random quality or skill along with following sports that is absolutely ok! Geez Louise if you can cook that is fabulous! If you dance, whatever! If you have a high interest in broadway musicals.. no comment.

I seriously never EVER thought it would be the case that I meet guys under this category! I know I'm not the average girl and you know what, I'm sure a lot of females appreciate your lack of interest in sports. And love the fact that you can dance until your toes fall off. So if that is your forte, nbd (that means no big deal ps). I just find it much more attractive if you make a good post or can set up a good pick, if you get really upset about the Cowboys loss, or that Duke is in the final 4... again. That shows me passion, and you being yourself.

Perhaps my issue stems really from a lack of genuity lately. I don't mind that you pay a little more attention to the game, just as long as you recognize it. If you like halo, cool! If you like shooting things, show me how! Just be who you are for heavens sake. Your luck with girls will go up. Or at least you weed out the stupid ones who will expect to change you.

Pants: Boo you Whore.

So Pants. Shorts. Skirts. Capris. We wear them. Some of us more out of necessity than anything else. Well geez. Pants are irritating. They don't even function completely properly anyway. How many cracks have you seen today? Be honest now, unless you're a little strange, you've seen more than you would have liked i'm sure.

They restrict movement, and freedom! Freakin pants. Shorts, not so bad, your calves thank you for letting them free, people who have to see them and bask in their whiteness may not concur. Skirts. Well. Skirts are actually not that bad. The big flowy ones at least. They are the best to take naps in. But prolly not the best for walking around on a windy day if ya know what i mean. Capris. What's so bad about capris?! I hear dudes comments like 'dude, capris are gay.' Well ya know what dude, you're gay. But if you are a dude wearing capris you probably are gay. And thats your thing.

I think we should just walk around without pants. Underwear, panties whatever you wanna call them, are actually fine by me. Because its just like wearing a swim suit! and i like swim suits. They keep eveything in with minimal restriction and don't use uneccesary fabric. Naw mean? Coming from a swimmer.. yeah it's the best.

Now. When you are getting ready tomorrow for whatever business transaction, i don't judge, think twice about putting on pants. Ok?

Hmm.

So. I figured i would try this out, i mean why not?! I've been thinking, about spring. You know when your body feels the change of season and leads the rest of you to believe that as well? Well, that's happening! My only beef, is if good ol mama nature changes her mind and it gets cold, or even freakin snows. I don't know if my fragile mind could handle that.

You know what else I find to be interesting? All of that mind over matter business. The mind is absolutely phenomenal and has so much power! Look at all of the processes we do daily. I can guarantee that each of us goes through a guilt-submission of guilt phase daily. We feel guilty for something and then convince ourselves that we were really right, by rationalizing. It just reminds me of some homework i was doing yesterday on this dude Kenneth Burke. He's a sociologist and has these ideas about guilt and social hierarchy. He talks about how it's all a social construction, and our interactions with other people are driven by this hierarchy that we place ourselves, but also the person we are interacting with. It sounds kinda mehh, but look it up if ya wanna, it's pretty interesting.