Sunday, February 26, 2012

Men v. Women

What's the deal with women and men? Both complain about each other incessantly, and neither is willing to compromise.

Does that just make everyone stubborn? Or is there something else going on?

I grew up with four brothers and no sisters. Therefore, I speak 'guy.' Instead of using adjectives to describe things, males use noises a lot of the time. For example, "I was driving down the highway the other day, when BAM!!!!!! My engine just fell right out of my truck."

Women, on the other hand, take nine minutes to describe why they were driving along the highway, what they were wearing, what kind of hair day they were having, and what they had for lunch, before they ever get to telling the 'punch line,' as it were.

I don't understand men; the ones I've met are concnerned with who wins the National Championship game, which draft beer is on special, and who will get picked first in the NFL Draft.

I don't understand woman; they all say they hate drama, yet it seems to fuel their social lives in only a way a woman can understand! They're caught up in appearances and not showing any flaws, and one-upping everyone.

Tips for guys:
Turn the tv off and listen to what she says.
Don't wear sweatpants every day.
Don't be a smart-aleck or you will pay dearly for it.

Tips for girls:
Tell him how thankful you are, that he takes care of you.
Don't complain about everything.
Let him have guy time.



If anyone else has anything, please feel free to tell me. Everybody needs help communicating to the opposite sex. Good luck!

Sunday, February 19, 2012

True Beauty

What is beauty?

Do you find it in the perfect foundation that makes your skin appear flawless? The body of a movie star, caught in action at the beach?

Or is it something within... something that appears in your eye, like a sparkle, or a hint of depth? Is it the kind words you retort to the criticism you receive?

A few years back, I came across a video that exemplified society's twisted perception of beauty. We're so focused on the OUTWARD appearance of people that sometimes we skip right over a person, even if they have a heart full of love and passion.

Judging a book by its cover is wrong, and so is judging a person based on their clothing, hair, pimples, or natural beauty. And even if that person is beautiful by accepted standards, they might be competely 'fake.'

Watch how they made this woman into a supermodel.


I'm learning to accept my flaws for what they are. They make me who I am. Being flawed is perfectly fine. It's what makes us unique, and what makes us beautiful. Embrace who you are!


"Beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:30

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Managing Time

As daily lives become more busy, things constantly fall to the wayside.


I'm constantly reminded of an old white house with a wrap-around porch, with an old couple rocking back and forth sipping iced tea, waving as the cars pass.


What happened to that down time? We used to have it. Even French people know when to quit working--why don't Americans?


For some of us, there simply isn't time for that. With school, work, and family events going on simultaneously, we are forced to pick and choose which to attend, and which to ignore. Not only is this a terrible habit, but it also leaves the person feeling guilty and behind (that is, if they have a conscience).


Lately, I've found myself choosing work over everything else. Since I am paid to be there and put forth effort, my mind somehow justified itself into thinking everything else would still be waiting for me.


In the meantime, homework assignments, tests, and extra credit opportunities were slacked upon... even attendance. Obviously, I've realized focusing on work is the wrong choice.


So I'm left with two options: school, and family. It's tough to choose between any of the three, but school must be the number 1 priority since I'm paying them to attend. My family will, hopefully, understand.


That still leaves the question of time-management skills. Were it unecessary for me to sleep, I would have no such problem! But since I am old and need at least 8-hours a night, I've set up some boundaries for myself. Interestingly, they are all time-wasters, and most are found online:
1. No facebook
2. No pinterest
3. No ebay
4. May respond to friends' texts, but not hang out, and DON'T start a conversation
5. Only allowed on angel, outlook, and blogs


Some people by my age have mastered the idea of time-management, but it's a relatively new concept for me. I've not been driven up to this point. Whether it be because I disliked the curriculum of a class, or felt too weighed-down, the w ork did not get done.


I'm now accountable to all of you. I know I'm capable of great grades, if only I can find my focus. If any of you have tips on how to stay up-to-date on assignments while juggling work and home lives as well, please comment!