The who, what, where, when and why of it all

I've been asked quite a few times why I blog. Honestly, I'm not sure there's an easy answer to that question.

I'm not doing it for money (I wish!).
I don't have a specific niche like a fitness blog or healthy recipes or even educational ideas.
I definitely don't have deluded dreams of becoming a professional writer. I know I'm not a gifted writer. Many bloggers are. Just not me.
It is simply a personal blog. A little glimpse into my life. I truly don't think the story of my life is so much better than anyone else. Trust me, my life is probably boring in comparison to most people.

It started because when Menace and I moved to Taiwan to teach, it was how we kept our friends and family updated about what we were doing and that we were in fact, still alive. But when I came back home and went to teacher's college, I realized how much I missed it. Which is why I started this one. There's something therapeutic about jotting down some words and sending it out into cyberspace. 

I've always enjoyed writing as an outlet and when I was growing up kept a journal/diary. What girl didn't? I still have those old diaries and sometimes when I'm looking for a good laugh or have an overcoming feeling of nostalgia, I like to look back and read those stories that seem so meaningless now. I'm pretty sure in elementary school I had a crush on everyone and reading Judy Blume books caused me to overthink everything.Things like why weren't my boobs growing faster (I still wonder when they'll come in fully), and when would I have my first kiss.

I even have a book of things I would write. Things like poems and (when I thought I would be a singer when I grew up) songs. I keep it hidden and tucked away. I never shared these with anyone. It was embarrassing to me - as a very shy little girl - to have people read something I thought so personal. But I've kept it up over the years. I still won't let anyone read it. Stay out of my room please.

Everyone has a story. Everyone has a voice and something to say. I guess the reason I blog is I like to think that some little anecdote I've shared makes someone out there smile or nod and say "I know exactly what you mean!" It makes us all feel a little less alone. A little less weird. Although I still get extremely embarrassed and shy when friends of mine come up to me and say they love reading my blog. It is so surprising sometimes at who is reading my little blog. Although, it's good to know there are people out there actually reading it and enjoying it.So thanks and read on my friends!

Does this make me a bad person?

We've all had those moments. When we wonder if we are the good people our parents raised us to be. To  treat others how they would like to be treated or if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all, etc. Although I really do try to be nice to everyone, there are certain instances when I have myself wondering..."Am I a bad person when...?"

1. I avoid eye contact with homeless people. I don't work in a big city where I'm accosted everyday by a homeless person but when I am approached, I try to avoid eye contact and walk away as quickly as possible. Don't get me wrong, I have and will give some change if I can. You can't ignore them all the time. But yesterday, when I was driving home from work and that cardboard sign flashed me at a busy intersection I rolled up my window up and suddenly paid attention to nothing in particular on my radio. I really didn't have change either but even if I did, the chances of me doling it out would be slim to none. The advance only stays green for so long!

2. I don't like showers. No, not the cleansing kind. I take those daily. But bridal and baby showers to me are just so painful. I LOVE celebrating the happy occasions in my friends and families lives, and I really do wish I was loaded and could give them extremely extravagant gifts. But, showers just feel so obligatory and forced. You can only sit through so much toilet paper bride. It's extremely difficult to 'ooh and aah' over a set of mixing bowls. If it were a group of guys doing a shower you know it would turn into a drinking fest - which I would support, except at the baby shower. Inappropriate.

3. I laugh when other people fall down or hurt themselves. I think we've all had that moment when we burst out laughing at someone else's pain. I mean how can you not find it hilarious when a baseball hits someone square in the ass while they're running to third base? Sure, that's gonna leave a mean bruise and they are probably in pain. Our first reaction is often to burst into hysterics. It's human nature to try to laugh off something that is obviously painful to try and trick ourselves and others that it doesn't hurt. Otherwise I don't think America's Funniest Home Videos would have been so popular.

4. I find some children intolerable. We say that all children are beautiful in their own ways and that they say the darndest things. Which is true. I love kids, their energy and their innocence. But if that Nanny show on TLC has taught us anything, it's that some children are just little assholes. Unnecessary temper tantrums and spoiled to the bone. I have absolutely no patience for this and can't believe what their parents will let them get away with. I would have gotten a swift kick in the ass (with steel toe boots) if I acted in that way.

5. I hang up the phone on people. Telemarketers and other annoying people are always calling our house and even my cell phone. I will often just hang up the phone on them in mid sentence. I have tried in the past to make up excuses and explain to them why I couldn't chat, but to no avail. So I often resort to just hanging up. I feel bad about it though. I know these are people just doing their job and trying to make money but they are wasting my time and their breath.

You may have read this list and think to yourself...what a monster. But I assure you, there are other qualities about me that aren't so questionable.

• If we share an appetizer or some food, I will always let you have the last one. (As long as I'm full and it's not fried pickles. Otherwise, every man for themselves.)
• I will let you sneak in front of me when traffic is slow and heavy. Unless of course you are that jerk that tried to speed up ahead of everyone in the lane that is shut down. Then you deserve to wait.
•  I will always tell you if you have something stuck in your teeth or weird stuff on your face. No one should be punished like that.

 

I tried lipstick once. I don't recommend it.