more Quotes

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Just a laugh. You're welcome!

I can't sleep tonight without posting this tid-bit.

I have laughed until I am hurting. I have tears streaming down my face...

For those of you that "thought" you actually made the naughty list; here's the real reason Santa may have not made it to your house.

He had what some would call "technical difficulties."

*fyi- it's a .gif file, so if it's not moving, just click on the picture and it should bring up a new window with motion.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Christmas Eve Gift

I have spent the majority of the day at work, or bothering my honey while he has been trying to catch some much needed shut eye. I meant to write a blog earlier today, but for some reason I just couldn't find the time.

While on my way to work this morning, I concentrated on one single thought. ...

Christmas Eve Gift.

My grandmother "Mamaw Orell" (my dad's mother) is the one who introduced the saying to me years ago. As I drove to work, I turned the radio down and began to concentrate on the idea behind this phrase that my family (till this day) uses on the Eve of the greatest Holiday of the year.

As I was growing up, I never thought about the meaning. I only knew that When Mamaw came through the door, or when I went to see her on Christmas Eve, I could count on hearing those words come from her with that sweet smile to follow. ..and the most comforting hug I will ever have the pleasure of knowing.

As I began to think of the meaning, I began to reminisce about the days with my grandmother. I laughed when I thought of her silly songs she would play on the guitar and sing to me. I mourned for the homemade banana pudding and baked sweet potatoes she used to make. I cried tears of longing for her beautiful words of poetry and her incomparable sweet spirit. I miss her so much. As we age, we come to realize certain things about those who have left us along the path of life.

Mamaw kept me when I was too young for school and I still have very vivid memories of being with her and Papaw during those years. Those two people have had such an impact on me...regardless if I have recognized it until now, or not. I thought of this today, while I was seeing her face in my mind. And, I wanted to research the idea behind this phrase that reminds me of her during this time of the year.

So, I got on the internet and looked this morning.. then, when I got home I looked some more. I would like to share with you some of the things I found:

Christmas Eve Gift is generally more common in the Southern states. Some say it originated with the slaves. Some say it originated long before that in Europe. Then, there are some that say it originated during the height of the Great Depression.

Some families use it as a game. On Christmas Eve, the first one to say "Christmas Eve Gift" would be the proud recipient of a present from whoever their victim was. I read how several families used this as a part of their Christmas traditions.

Then, I found something tonight that made the biggest impact on me. "Christmas Eve Gift" is also used as a greeting (which is exactly how my grandmother used it). When you see family for this special holiday, saying "Christmas Eve Gift" announces that you are here and that you are bringing the gift of your presence for the gathering. During the Great Depression, families used this as their gifts to one another. There wasn't money to spend on material things, so they all realized that the greatest gift of all; is the gift of each other. We are the Gift.

My precious Grandmother was indeed a gift. And, not just on Christmas Eve. She was a lifetime gift that expired too soon... But, she was one of the best gifts I've ever been given. Tomorrow, I can guarantee that I will hear this phrase more than once. My family now uses it as a symbol of her. ...even more than when she was alive.

There will never be a Christmas that goes by that I don't think of her and remember the greatest gift she gave me. ... herself.

I pray that God Blesses you and your family with a wonderful holiday. Merry Christmas to you all.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Love is

“Loving can cost a lot but not loving always costs more, and those who fear to love often find that want of love is an emptiness that robs the joy from life.” --M.Shain

Is it possible to have a joyful life without love? I have thought about it..and it seems to me that every joy in life stems from love. Now, if you ask Auntie about love, she will tell you that there are so many different levels to love; that it is difficult to even begin to explain. 

This quote from Shain is making several points in one swift motion. But, I believe that the majority of the point would have to settle into the idea that if one is to enjoy life, and to be happy; one must love. Fear and hesitation will only cause emptiness and misery. Even animals understand the idea of love. 

"But Auntie, animals can't decipher love from another similar emotion. Animals don't have emotions. Animals only understand repetition and routine ideas based on gratification." Well, I see what you did there. And, I do think you have a point. Can animals understand "love" from their master or another animal? I'm not sure a dog can identify his feelings of loyalty and need as "love," but I would dare you to take a moment to watch this video:


Ok. Yes... I know that video is quite disturbing. I can't watch it too much.. it bothers me quite a bit. But, I want to point out the reason I suggested you view it. 

Do you think that dog ran out into traffic to pull the wounded dog to safety because he thought he would get a treat? .. or a scratch on the ear? I'm sure some of you will try to find a rational reason for the dog to do what he did. 

But, this is Auntie's World. So, I want to remind you of a little golden nugget: "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 NIV. You can believe in God, or not...but, I dare you to contest the idea behind that verse.

"But Auntie! If that dog understood love, then he has to understand fear, hate, greed, jealousy and numerous other feelings that just can't be understood by animals."

Really? ..hmm.. let's see.. That dog you have; that you've had for ten years and babied like he is a human?.. How about you go get a brand new dog and see if jealousy is exhibited at some point. Fear? Have you ever seen a dog who has been beat or mistreated? How do they react to loud noises or sudden actions? Give him a bone. See if he doesn't growl and snap at another dog if they try to take it away.

No, this blog isn't about a dog. I just got side-tracked. Sorry bout that. I just wanted to prove a very valid point.

So, with that in mind.. let's finish this up: Auntie style.

Love.

Is it worth it? Even with all of the hurt that could be involved? .. Absolutely. I have loved many times in my life. I love hard. I love fast. And, I love with my whole heart.. because of that, I am hurt a lot. I count on people to be like me. I feel that if I love like that, it will be returned in the same manner. But, the thing is: it doesn't always work that way. SO, I get hurt repeatedly.

I still take nothing back. Every tear. Every heartache I've had because of love, I cherish. Why? Because I believe that people are worth it. I believe the amount of time I spend loving someone..is not wasted. People need that. They need to be loved. They need to feel appreciated and wanted. I know that this doesn't apply to everyone, because everyone will not share my same feelings about the situation...

But, this is my blog. I am going to explain things the way I see them. The way I think they should/could be. And, I believe that the real tragedy is the one who is too afraid to love. The feeling of loving is just as deep and good as the feeling of being loved. I wouldn't have it any other way.

There's nothing greater in this life that you could expend your time and energy on.

Love is...


Thursday, December 15, 2011

Sometimes change is good

If you do what you've always done, you're going to get what you've always gotten.

Why is it that we refuse to change, even if we know this way is hurting us? Even a rat knows to change course if this way is blocked. So, why is it so hard for humans to do the same?

We're spoiled. We're stubborn. We think we deserve more than what we have. You may be happy with what you have, but there's always a part of you that believes it should/could be better.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not preaching! The things I say half the time are just random thoughts rolling around in my head..and, they generally apply directly to me. So, I guess you could call this an inside, ring-side seat to my brain. HA! Lucky you!
Come down front after the show and I'll do autographs.

"Man, that Billy Bob sure does have a good lil' woman there. She is a jam up gal. She's purty and can cook like my mama. Yeah, he got him a good one. Wish my wife was more like her."
"Didn't your wife get a second job last year so she could surprise you with a new pick-up for Christmas?"
"Well, yeah.. but she can't cook like mama."

Perfect sense. Sounds right to me! awww.. ok.. I won't make it one-sided..

"Girl, you wouldn't believe what Kenneth bought me just because he felt like it!"
"Oh my Gawd! What!?"
"A new Coach purse! I looked it up on the internet today, and it sells for $850!"
"WOW! I've been married for six years and I'm lucky to get a birthday card. But times are hard for everyone."
"Yeah, I just wish he would have asked me about it first, it's really the wrong color."

Really!?

I mean, really?

Ok.. so I know that I just totally made those two stories up, but you know exactly what I'm talking about. And, truth be told, you probably know some people who have done those very things.

So, what does all of this have to do with that impressive quote at the beginning? Let's tie it together. Auntie style...

It has been proven, time after time that the grass is greener on the other side. We all know that our life isn't perfect, but if only blah, blah, blah then it would be so much better! blah. You know why the grass is greener on the other side? ..it's being fertilized on a regular basis.

fertilized.

pooped on.

Everything comes with consequences.. especially when you're talking about change. "But Auntie! I don't need to change anything! My life is great just as it is!" Well, I completely believe you. I do! And, I am tickled if that's honestly how it is for you.

Are you married?

Do you have a child?

Are there any other people in your life ... besides yourself? If you answered yes to any of those questions, I have a surprise for you. Your life may be great 99% of the time, but I guarantee at some point, you're gonna be kicking rocks and gritting your teeth over something... because people are guaranteed to do one thing at some point... Piss you off.

Doesn't mean they are right, doesn't mean you are right. They could honestly be trying to help with something, and just screw it up. But it's bound to happen. We love them in spite of it, and we try not to take it personally.. but sometimes we just can't help it. This incident temporarily changes our otherwise stable course.

Tell me something..
what's the hardest part?... Getting lost? or finding your way back?
Falling down? or getting back up?

The challenge is to do it with tact and grace. ..so much that you impress your own self! "Hey! I didn't know I could do that! Go me!"

Have you done it before? Probably. Did you do it the same, exact way? I would bet not.

Let's entertain me for a moment and apply this to relationships. Why? Because everything is better when you apply it to a relationship. I don't know why.. it just seems to be more dramatic. I think it's because everyone can relate to it in some way... anywhoo..

Jimmy has been divorced for a while. Him and the wife just didn't work out. But, Jimmy is getting lonely and has decided to look for a new woman. He finds one. She's not a beauty queen, but she's a good girl. She cooks like mama. She doesn't hound him to do this or that. She gives him his freedom without question and supports him always. She showers him with love notes and cute girlie things that guys just don't get excited over. Well, Jimmy is just Jimmy. He's always been Jimmy and he will always be Jimmy.

After a little while, New Woman seems to constantly give without anything in return.

"But Auntie! Guys just aren't as mushy as girls. They don't know how to express their feelings."

BULL!

If you do what you've always done, you're gonna get what you've always gotten. I'm not talking about a change in your core values or personality..I'm talking about baby steps. Why didn't Jimmy and the wife make it? Who knows! But, I would put money on the idea that maybe Jimmy just didn't express himself as much as he could have. So, what happens? Jimmy remains the same with New Woman, and eventually New Woman feels like Old Woman.... and taa-daaa!!

Deja Vous!

See? A little change can go a looooong way!

I was talking with my best friend last night about this subject. ..Change.
At one point, I surprised myself with an idea. - Forward Motion. Not talking football here. I'm talking about moving towards a specific goal or idea. Not standing still, not going backwards. Forward Motion is detrimental to progress in everything in our lives. It is the key. The absolute power.

As long as one foot is consistently being placed in front of the other, you have nothing to look over your shoulder at; but the past.

Just remember.... If you do what you've always done, you're going to get what you've always gotten.

Is that your happy place? If it is?.. I sincerely congratulate you.

If it's not?.. Change is the answer. It doesn't have to be monumental. Just entertain this: if a worm can become a beautiful butterfly, you can become whatever you dream to be. All it takes is forward motion.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Blog Challenge: Day 30

Day 30: A picture of you today and 20 goals you want to accomplish.

I guess this is the end... I've finally hit day 30! I can say that this challenge has been fun. It has caused me to think some days, it has been very challenging at points, it has allowed me to share some of my deepest thoughts with you and I am so glad that I decided to follow it.

So, to end this thing up... let's get on with the 20 goals I want to accomplish. Whew.. this is gonna be fun.

1- I want to continue blogging on a regular basis. It gives me something to do and is an outlet for me. I really enjoy it.
2- It is time to get my body prepared for life. I know, I'm a little late.. but better late than never, right!? I am setting a goal to get healthy...in every way possible.
3- I want to control the way I think about things so deeply, sometimes. You all know how I feel about that..and how it bothers me sometimes that I think so much about something. I am getting better, I think. Still have a long way to go.
4- I want to learn to play the guitar.
5- I want to be a better mom, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, girlfriend, cousin... you get the idea. I just want to be a better person all together.
6- I want to learn to let people be what they are going to be, and not let it affect me.
7- I want to be debt free. I was there once, time to do it again.
8- I want a dog.
9- I want to retire one day..with enough money to be comfortable.
10- I want to live to be OLD.
11- At this point, I have a goal to finish this list, because it's more difficult than it looks.
12- I want to be able to just write one day for a living (maybe after I accomplish #9).
13- I want some jewelry. I seemed to have lost mine. So, I have a goal to get it all back one day.

Ok..you know what? I’m not sure 20 goals are that big of a deal. How about ONE goal? … I want to live today like it’s the best gift I’ve ever been given. Because it is. I want to smile, laugh and love. Today. If I am blessed with another day tomorrow, I believe I will do the same. All of the extra things in life that I plan on accomplishing are just icing on the cake. So, with that.. I conclude my 30 day blog challenge. In case you’re wondering: I started the challenge on September 23rd. So, this 30 day blog challenge has only taken me 74 days or so…
I think that’s progress, don’t you?

OH!.. I’m supposed to post a picture of me today.. Here ya go:

Monday, December 5, 2011

Let it shine

I have seen that a few of my friends are being eaten alive by the dreadful Monday Monster. Well, I have been inspired to reach out a hand and offer some comfort. Welcome to my Monday Motivation! I haven’t been in my normal happy mood, myself today. Maybe it’s the weather? Whatever it is, I am going to sit here and write until I feel better. I find that one of the best ways to make myself feel better is to spend a few minutes reading some quotes. So, I wanted to share a few with you and see if you can get anything from them.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
-Marianne Williamson

This is one of my absolute favorites. Whether you believe in God or not, this compilation of inspiration is profound. I would love to elaborate on this quote and give you some of my personal feelings about it, but I find that it pretty much speaks for itself. I don’t really think there’s much I could add.

So, read it one more time. Take each sentence as it is written and apply it to you. You are amazing. Think of the things you’ve accomplished. Yes, there are many things ahead, and right now it may look impossible to do it all (and to do it well), but you will do it. Just make sure that when the going gets tough, you stop and remember that your attitude will be the deciding factor when it comes to complete satisfaction.

Which leads me to my next quote…

“Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be.”
-Abraham Lincoln

I LOVE reading quotes by Abraham Lincoln. That man was so in tuned to himself and the world around him..and if he wasn’t, he was an amazing actor! Just google Abraham Lincoln quotes. See if you can read just 3 of them without becoming a huge fan.

How simple is this thought? Plain and simple. You’re as happy as you make up your mind to be. I can’t help but think of an Emo kid when I say that… lol Now, I’m not hating on anyone..don’t jump to that conclusion! I love ALL people (except for the stupid ones; but that’s another blog in itself).

I can visualize this kid with a painted on sad face. Hair in his eyes. Black finger nails. This kid has a 4.0 GPA and never takes a book home. His mom and dad pull in around $400K a year. Mom wants to buy him a new sports car for Christmas, but he would rather a beat up, 15 yr old Honda Civic.

Is he happy? Is he? I honestly can’t say. I’m not him. I know that there are parts of his life that would make ME happy, if it were mine. He may be happy. Who knows!? This may be exactly where he wants to be in life.

I’ll tell you one thing I’ve learned. As life changes, so do your objects of desire. I used to think it only applied to kids. You know, “I want to be a firefighter when I grow up” “I want to be the tooth fairy” “I want to be a cowboy”… only to find out that some things aren’t as appealing once you grow up and check into the full story.

Truth is, it doesn’t end with childhood. Life changes on a daily basis. ..this lends opportunity for new things to become appealing to you. What you once thought was repulsive, may now look quite appealing. What changed? You got a few years older? … nah.. Your attitude. You’ve come to realize that things aren’t always one way. You’ve seen how life can change by just the simplest act.

You can adjust yourself or you can go against the flow… either way.. You’re only going to be as happy as you make up your mind to be.

..and if you’re one of those people who like to mingle in public and actually interact with other people?.. please make up your mind to be nauseatingly happy. There’s nothing worse than being in a good mood (because you chose to) and running into someone who looks like they’ve been baptized in a vat of vinegar and just lost their best friend. Stay home, dude. Just stay home if you’re gonna be like that. I work hard for my good mood. Get your filthy stank off of me and go jump into a pool of macaroni noodles or something.

“Give light, and the darkness will disappear of itself.”
- Desiderius Erasmus

“Clap on, clap off.” You have now been named “Maglite.” The best way to beat the darkness is to flip a switch, right? I challenge you.. whatever your darkness is.. wherever you are in life.. find your switch and hit that sucker with a sledge hammer. Cut it on and beat the hell out of it so it gets stuck there. You are full of light. I promise you are. I feel it in my bones. You have my permission to have a bad day sometimes, or to be in a foul mood because you are upset about something… but you better be carrying a night light! Regardless of what happens… Give light.

“But Auntie, I don’t have light when I get that low.” BULL CRAP! Do you have a child? Do you have a pet? Do you have someone who loves you? Do you have a roof over your head? Find your light… and let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!!!

I’ll write again tomorrow or so.. I gotta go change out my batteries.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Back with a vengeance

So, yes- I will be finishing the blog challenge. I have only one day left, but I am still finishing it. I have found that if I don’t blog on a regular basis; random bits of “Auntie Thoughts” come out at random moments. While this isn’t always a bad thing, sometimes it’s not really convenient.

I had a very dear friend email me this past week. We talk on a fairly regular basis, and we share things about life and the way we see things. We have a lot in common, and we think the same. Ooooo!!!! Yes! Someone else out there thinks like I do! Scary! I know.

Well, maybe we don’t have ALL the same thoughts.. but it’s close enough. Closer than most.

So, while catching up on family and work and holiday mumbo jumbo, the question was asked, “Why is it that some of us cannot stop fighting for the truth to come out, no matter how insignificant it is?” So, I am going to answer that question in the form of a …. You guessed it!.. BLOG!

There really isn’t any background needed for this question to be answered. I believe you all know what the basis was for this thought. I would like to think that you all have human to human interactions on a fairly regular basis. ..and if that’s the case, you all know what I’m talking about.

These are my thoughts… Mine. Doesn’t make them right, doesn’t make them the rules, just makes them mine.

People are in a constant battle. No matter who you are, or where you’re from, how you were raised, or what you’re dealing with; you want to be right about something. Doesn’t matter what it is. You want to feel that the decision you’ve made or the way you’re handling a situation is right. No one likes to be wrong. So take that and let’s meld it into another area of the psyche…

“I told you so!”

Doesn’t that feel good? “I told you so.” When we are faced with an obstacle (doesn’t matter what it is- it can be a problem at work, an idiot who thinks they know it all, the dog pooping on the carpet, a family dysfunction)… whatever the obstacle is; we are going to pick an area that we believe is the right spot, and go with it.

“Well, Mr. Smith, it’s not my fault the machine exploded and created a whole in the Earth the size of Mt. Everest. I told Larry that those measurements were not correct.”

“Cops are the chosen ones. They are no fault, heroes of society. They walk with a big stick and rule with an iron fist; and they deserve respect! Each and every one of them!!....Even that one with the white powder on his upper lip.”

“Honey! Your dog pooped on the rug again. Maybe you should take him for more training. If he does it again, I’m putting him outside!”

“Aunt Freda isn’t coming for Christmas dinner. She isn’t comfortable with the dog pooping on the carpet. I told you he needed more training.”

This is my side, and I’m sticking to it. Oh! And while we’re at it.. don’t you dare come at me with another idea. This is the way it is; and that’s that!

But, what happens when the way we see things and the way we believe them to be; really aren’t the way they are? What then? No one likes to be wrong. No one likes to be challenged in a belief that they have created or studied to be true. So, what happens?

FIGHT TO THE DEATH!

Each and every microscopic point will come out. People will grab things from Jupiter and pull them here to defend what they are saying. Just to prove you wrong. They will do whatever they can to make sure you know they are right!

“Well, Mr. Smith, you see… after searching for hours and hours on Wikipedia, I finally found the right equation for the project. Bob said they weren’t right, but Wikipedia has never let me down before! It’s not my fault!”

“That cop was just testing the powder to make sure it wasn’t sugar… you know, to make sure innocent people were being carted off to prison.”

“The cat did it.”

“Good. Aunt Freda complains about everything and smells like preparation H anyway. Merry Christmas!”

So, what happens next is the kicker.. remember what I said about things not always being as they seem? That’s where pride gets hurt. But, if you know you’re right, and you know it for a fact… regardless of what it may mean to anyone else, it has to come out. If it doesn’t? You’re going to just explode. And, that’s a mess to clean up!

“Mr. Smith, I’m sorry. That day wasn’t the best I’ve ever had. I should have listened to Bob, he seems to be right 100% of the time. I just had a really hard time concentrating that day. I borrowed some sugar from my neighbor the night before, but I think something was wrong with it. I’ve been meaning to tell him about it, but the PD has him on nights this month.”

“……….”

“The vet said Fido has a medical condition with uncontrollable bowels and a lose anus muscle. It’s gonna cost $1,500 for the surgery to repair it. Poor Fido. Call that cop friend of yours and see if he needs us to haul some sugar for him. We need some extra money.”

“Aunt Freda is having a difficult time dealing with Uncle Fred being shot last year by that wacked out police officer, and she just can’t bring herself to attend family gatherings just yet. Here’s a card from her that says ‘Merry Christmas’, and a check for $500.”

DOH!

Really!? Nah.. it’s not always like that.. but I hope you get my point.
My point is: Doesn’t matter what you think about a situation, it’ll never be as descriptive as the truth. Why? Because it isn’t your situation and people are individualized for a reason. Plus, people are really great at hiding things..especially if they mean something.

I don’t really have any advice on the situation… it’s life. We live and learn. ..and do the best we can with what we have. Just remember, the truth is always out there.. Fight for it, or let it go. Your choice.

Oh!.. and Don’t Do Drugs!