Take Control

I think that at some point, we all realize that it’s time to take control of our own lives.

This is your life. Why should you not be happy? There will always be times when it sucks. That’s life. Life wouldn’t be as miraculous and as wonderful as it is if we didn’t suffer at some point. You have to go through the storm to get to the rainbow. As corny (and horrible of a metaphor) as that is, it’s true. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take control.

I am tired of being in the passenger seat. My fortune cookies are even telling me that (truth. My fortune cookie from Panda Express said that I was now in the driver’s seat of my life, and we all know how legit those are).

I am tired of trying to be the good girl; the one who is always there to help and listen, the one people call when they need help. Some people use me. I know that, I’m not blind. I always thought “at least they knew they could rely on you”, but I’ve reached the point to where I don’t care anymore. I may be reliable, but if you aren’t going to be there for me then give me one good reason why I should be there for you.

I’m two weeks away from my second year of college ending and I have made some wonderful friends. In fact, I can’t name a single person that I’ve befriended that I wouldn’t want at my funeral. It’s the old friends that seem to never change that I’m going to have to let go.

Fall Out Boy said it best when they said “Sometimes before it gets better/the darkness gets bigger/the person you’d take a bullet for is behind the trigger”.

It sucks when you finally come to that realization. When it finally hits you, at first you’re kind of like “oh. Um, no?” and then, as it sinks in you accept it and it makes sense. After a while, once the process gets going, it’s freeing. It’s really a good thing.

That’s just my social life. I’ve decided that I’m also taking control of my health.

I’m not unhealthy, in fact my doctor says I’m doing well. I’m the wrong height for my weight (yay for being 4’11”), and that’s what I’m taking control of. I want to look adorable in the cute clothes I find on Pinterest. I’m proud of who I am, now I want the outside to reflect the inside. It sounds vain, but that’s alright. I’m not concerned about what other’s think. 

Remember To Turn On The Light

If there’s one thing I’ve learned as an “adult”, it’s that bad news is everywhere.

Humans are horrible. Everywhere we look there are people murdering, robbing, assaulting, and raping other people.  Innocent children are being abducted. Elderly are battling identify theft from the young.

We can’t even buy gifts online without fear of our credit card numbers being stolen.

I have plans to see a concert in Atlanta, Georgia this summer but my parents were so worried about the evils that I would face down there that I’m being forced to have another adult with me, even though I’m going to be 21.

It’s depressing.

This week alone we have faced bombs, shootings, factory explosions and that’s not including the ongoing problems in the Middle East, or the flooding in the Midwest United States.

It’s been roughly four months since the Newtown tragedy. CISPA has passed in the U.S. House of Representatives and gun laws are still out of reach. With all of this going on, it’s like the apocalypse has come early.

It’s hard to find hope, but it’s there.

and if praying isn't your thing, send thoughts and good vibes

Think of the men and women who responded instantly. Instead of running away when those two bombs went off in Boston, first responders (even regular civilians) ran towards them to help and start aiding. Marathon runners ran straight on to the hospital to donate blood.

Hopeless Records is auctioning items to raise money for the Boston victims.

Numerous people are trying to change laws to stop another tragedy like Newtown.

Then there are your everyday acts of kindness. There’s the kid who held the door for me today, even though it was pouring out. The husband and wife team I met who are battling deforestation in the Congo. Even the bands who give away free songs, just to make their fans happy.

There’s even a nonprofit organization dedicated to acts of kindness. Fittingly, it’s called The Random Acts Organization, and it is headed by actor Misha Collins.

There’s also a news organization dedicated to happy news, to show that there really is some good out there. 

The important thing is to remember that the good far outweighs the bad. For every human who does something unforgivable, there are 100 more who are bringing hope and happiness. We, the good guys, will always win. Always.  

Here are the links to the happiest news you'll find and the organization dedicated to being kind.

The Good News Network

The Random Act

School and Society

I don’t want to sit in an office. I don’t want to do research. I don’t want another job just because I have to have one.

I am going to graduate in two years, with nearly 20,000 dollars of debt. Some people have it a lot worse, and I am beyond thankful for the financial help I have received. But let’s face the truth: a degree in psychology and a degree in religion is not going to get me very far without going back to school for an eternity and gaining another 150,000+ dollars of debt.

I don’t want that. I thought about law school for quite a while. I’m good at research, I’m good at persuading people and in mock trials I’ve always come out with a win. In fact, all the mock-trials I’ve done have given me an adrenaline rush. Nerves build before going in, constantly reviewing flashcards to make sure I have my facts straight, and the heat rises to my cheeks when I get excited because I know I’m winning. But that was high school, that wasn’t real. The fact that I’ve only been in a public university for two years and I feel like my soul has been eaten, sucked away like a Dementor* makes me shudder at the thought of continuing.

For law school, another three years in a stuffy law program.

For a clinical psychologist, it’s another four years for a PhD.

For whatever-the-fuck I can do with a master’s in religion, it’s another two to three years.

All so I can build up debt, to get a job I hate, to pay off the debt, to maybe get a job I can put up with until death comes knocking.

No thanks.

So, I’ve decided I won’t plan on what I want to do. At the end of my four years here, I will take the GRE just in case I change my mind. Then I have about five years before the scores go bad. If by then I’m not doing something I love, I might go back to school.

I’m tired. I’m tired of paying people to force me into writing long, laborious papers that teach me nothing because if I don’t agree with this stranger’s opinion, I fail the class and have wasted my time for nothing.

 I will not fall into that trap. I will not reduce myself to sitting at a desk because society told me that I have to.

If the white picket fence, Craftsman-style house, and adorable little family is what you want, then absolutely go after it. If that’s your dream, do whatever it takes to make that happen.

It’s not what I want and I’m not going to let society tell me that I have to. If that’s the path I follow, it will be of my own accord and no one else’s. I don’t want the mundane job, the 9-5. If I work twelve hours a day, it will be because I’m working at something I love, something that matters to me. 

*Dementor- a creature from the Harry Potter series that survives by sucking all of your happiness away until it finally has reached your soul. Then, it sucks your soul out too. 

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A solemn note:

     My heart is extremely heavy for those injured, killed, and affected by the bombs at the Boston Marathon today. I cannot begin to comprehend why or how such things continue to be a part of a world that was meant to be so glorious. A post honoring all those affected will be posted later this week, after I am able to process everything and am able to properly honor everyone. Continue to pray for Boston. 

Introverted.

Being an introvert is tough.

 It’s not the same as being antisocial, having social anxiety, or being awkward. All of those do, however, play some part.

Being an introvert is not being shy, either. Too often, I see people who are shy or quieter saying “I’m an introvert”, and the internet is full of the “OMG, I’m just awkward *giggle*”. It paints quiet a bad image for people who are true introverts.

You’re welcome to Google what exactly an introvert is, however I will warn you that it’s not all true (this is the internet, after all).

It was only until recently that I realized I was an introvert.

I hang out with my friends and family. I have long conversations with good people. I love to laugh and have fun and go enjoy this glorious world we’ve been blessed with.

                I don’t speak unless I have had a chance to really think about what it is I’m saying.

                I don’t meet the eyes of whoever I’m talking to if we have never met before.

                It takes a lot of self-talk for me to actually go into a social situation.

                It took me years to build the group of friends I have.

                After a few hours, I feel the need to be alone or at home with people I know.

                I try to avoid groups of 5 or more.

                I occasionally feel both physically and mentally exhausted after social situations.

As you can tell, being an introvert can create quite the laundry list of problems. I’m in my second year of college and have made few new friends (although the ones I have made are the best!) because of the way we change schedules every semester. I’m occasionally deemed a snob/jerk/bitch because I am perceived to be stuck up because I don’t talk. In middle school, I was so worried about making friends that I had an anxiety attack nearly every Sunday and Monday night. 

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So I took a class to change. It’s a “reticent” communications class (instead of the regular, mandatory communications class) and is geared towards people like me. I have learned a lot, but I realized I don’t want to change. I'll finish the class because my university forces me to, but I think I'll disregard what I'm taught. 

My friends and family are perfectly okay with me being an introvert. They all know how I am and if I need time alone, they let me have it. They all understand.

It’s the rest of the world that’s a problem.

In a society of extroverts, us introverts are run over. There are some great, powerful minds out there filled with wonderful new ideas and solutions but we might not ever know because an extrovert is being loud and their personality landed them the job instead. If you remember my project, you might have noticed that it hasn’t started yet. That’s because I’m an introvert. I’m too nervous and scared to just start talking to someone. I have part two planned out and ready to launch, but I feel like I can’t start until part one is on its way.

Part of my reasoning for starting this blog was to give me a voice.

Of course, I have a voice. I can speak and I do enjoy speaking. Ask anyone in my circle: I’m obnoxious as hell. But because it takes me so long to actually warm up enough to speak, I’ve become a great listener. People latch onto that. They bring me their stories and their problems and I listen. I give advice if they want it. I become a (short-term) therapist. But when I need someone to tell my stories to, I don’t know where to turn.

Every time I attempt to be heard, someone listens… and then they turn it around and begin to talk about themselves. (There are exceptions, like my best friend Amanda. She is without a doubt my best friend and probably understands me more than anyone. We can go weeks without talking, and pick up where we left off like it was just yesterday.)

So this blog is my voice.

I have changed the tagline of my blog and have listed below a few things I think everyone should give a good look at. 

Maybe we'll be an internet support group. Maybe we'll be so loud, the world will hear us. 

Or maybe we'll just be friends. 

10 Myths About Introverts - I identify with and agree with everything presented here. I can't explain how I felt when I read this. 

The Power of Introverts-Susan Cain- Susan Cain gave a TED Talk on this very subject and, I don't know if TED Talks are still a thing but this is worth the time to watch. She hits on a lot of points that we all, introverts and extroverts alike, should keep in mind. 

Macklemore.

Do you have $20 in your pocket?
Do you find yourself popping tags?
What about your grandpa's clothes? Do you wear them?

If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions, don't worry! I'm here to help.

Ready?

....Macklemore has songs other than Thrift Shop. In fact, he has a whole album! A WHOLE ALBUM! And not just one! 

There. I said it and now you know. 

Thrift Shop is a great song. It really is, especially if you listen to the words, not just hear them. His whole album, The Heist, with Ryan Lewis is just...*insert all words from a thesaurus for the word glorious/awesome/astounding*. 

I hear people* complain about rap music and artists all the time. 

 They're sending the wrong message.

They don't make any sense. 

They're ruining society. 

WELL YOU'RE WRONG.

Because this guy exists, this Macklemore fellow, and he uses his powers for good (and yes, he is a superhero. SURPRISE!). 

He tackles society and doesn't stop and it's catchy. 

But you have to listen. 




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[In other news, A Rocket To The Moon's latest album, Wild & Free, finally dropped this week! Pick up a copy if you haven't, it's one of the best things I've heard this year]

*People is referring to the older citizens I've run across in Wal-Mart and various Internet forums. 

Music Monday

I had a special post for today, but the music gods bombarded me with some great new goodies. 

So today, I present to you three new and exciting announcements! 

ONE.
Lydia's new album, Devil, drops tomorrow! Today, they released the music video for the song "The Exit" and it is perfect. 

Lydia's music has always moved me. I cried the first time I listened to the song "Hospital" (off of album Illuminate). I expect this album to be no different. 

Devil drops tomorrow!

Watch and listen to Lydia's new song, The Exit

TWO.
There's this kid named Austin Nivarel. I say kid, but he's actually older than I am. None of that matters though. His music is good and he put up a new song from his upcoming album, What We Don't Say Out Loud.  If you like A Rocket To The Moon, you'll DEFINITELY love him. 

But let's say ARTTM isn't your thing. You are still going to enjoy Austin's music. I won't waste time trying to describe his sound. Words will never do it justice. Give it a listen and fall in love. 

Austin's new song, Fall In Love!

Follow Austin on Twitter to make sure you can snag a copy of his debut album!

THREE.
I'm a huge fan of Ryan Adams. The first real record (by real, I mean vinyl) I ever bought was Ryan Adams' Easy Tiger. I play it and his last album, Ashes & Fire the most. 

So of course I had a small excitement attack when I read that he had started a new punk band!
They're called Pornography, and while you won't see any one naked, the first song is available to listen to on soundcloud and well...the album title 7 Minutes in Heaven is appropriate. 

It drops on Record Store Day, or April 20th for those who don't celebrate the made up holidays like Pi Day and Record Store Day. 

More information can be found here!

Guys, there is a TON of music out there. You may hate some of it, and some of it may hit you with a force not even Obi Wan saw coming. The point is, you don't have to waste time complaining about how the radio sucks. Just explore a little bit  and you'll find the music. 

(If you haven't yet, you should watch Dave Grohl's Key Note Speech from this year's SXSW Festival. He hits on so many points. Dave Grohl has always been one of my music heroes and his speech just confirmed his spot at the top of my list.)

Make it a good week!

through the eyes of a child

I think too many people grow up. Not growing up in the sense that we naturally age, but growing up in that we lose ourselves to what society wants. Society and culture dictate that we go to college, get a 9 to 5 job, work to make money, make money to support a family, have a family with 2.5 children because that's what the U.S. census says is average. 

If that's what you want out of life, then by all means go for it. Everyone has their own dream and it's up to each individual to pursue it. It's in the act of pursuing that I think we get lost. We discourage our youth to major in something like religion because it seems pointless. What kind of job are you going to get as a philosophy and religion major? Practicality starts to win out. We end up with mounds of debt hanging above our heads and in desperation we succumb to society. 

We lose our "inner child" and become hardened by the realities we face every day. We shouldn't shirk the demands and responsibilities thrust upon us, but I do think we can approach them more like that of a child. I think kids know everything there is to know and we lose it at some point, then spend the rest of our lives trying to find it again. 

To see the world through the eyes of a child would be astounding. They take concepts adults can’t even grasp and make them unbelievably simple and explain them so well that they leave you with no doubt in your mind that they’re correct. They don’t see hate, prejudice, or fear. They show love, happiness, and friendship. Children are truly our greatest minds but we don’t acknowledge it. We say "you're twelve! you don't know!" and then have them shut up and sit down. We force them to grow up and they learn how the “real world” works.

 If we were to only hold onto a sliver of who were as kids, we could make the world such a better place. 

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"Love is when you're missing some of your teeth but you're not afraid to smile because you know your friends will still love you even though part of you is missing." -Emma, age 6