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Monday, May 28, 2012

Memorial Day 2012

There are so many holidays that take place each and every year. There are well-known ones such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hanukkah as well as silly ones such as National Sandwich Day (which I did a post for!) and Appreciate a Dragon Day. Today happens to be Memorial Day. Memorial Day is most certainly one of my favorite holidays. Every year on Memorial Day my family goes downtown for the parade. My grandfather, a WWII Coast Guard Veteran, goes with us. Every year, he wears his Coast Guard hat. We bring flags, chairs, and blankets. We set up in the best spot we can find, and then my parents hand me a twenty and we go to the little bakery to get goodies! Mom likes anything custard-filled, my little sister tends to get cookies, and I get something different every time. Then we sit in the heat until the parade starts.

Now, I don't know if you are aware of this, but on Memorial Day during a Memorial Day Parade, you are supposed to stand as a veteran walks by. Needless to say, my family and I spend most of our time on our feet, applauding the veterans as they pass. I hate it when I see people (who are obviously capable of standing) remaining seated as the veterans walk by. This year, we had a man walk by at the beginning of the parade and inform everybody to stand as a veteran walked by to show respect. Even with this reminder, people still disrespectfully sat on the sides as hard-working veterans walked by them. I hate seeing disrespect like this. However, I digress.

Generally, if someone in the parade notices a veteran on the side watching, they find some way to specifically acknowledge that veteran. The best part of my Memorial Day weekend is always watching the veterans, police officers, firemen, etc acknowledge my grandfather as they walk by. This year, more people acknowledged my grandfather than ever. In car after car, the driver would spot him and point at him, often mouthing "thank you" as they drove by. People in the cars who could not make it to the side of the road made a point of getting his attention and thanking him for his service. But the best part was those walking on the road. There was one point where there were lines and lines of fire trucks and every single fireman who passed by my grandfather walked to him, shook his hand, and said, "Thank you for your service, sir." Every single fireman. Police officers came and thanked him. A lady stopped pushing her stroller and ran over to shake his hand. At one point, a little girl (probably around 8-12) saw her mother shake my grandfather's hand and proceeded to walk over to my grandfather, take his hand, and say, "thank you." So young, but still acknowledging what he did for our country. My eyes were full of tears for most of the parade. Each handshake, each "thank you" put me in danger of spilling tears over onto my face and into my lap. My grandfather made such a sacrifice for America - just as every single veteran has made. I love to see him and all the other veterans being thanked for everything they have done to keep our country safe. Because, you know what? They deserve it.


Thank you to all veterans, especially my grandfather, and all those currently serving in the army. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.
Happy Memorial Day!

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Shove it Down the Throat

Hopped on my blog today to check out how everything was going and I found 51 page views within the last 24 hours. Wow, guys. You are amazing. That's honestly so many more page views in 24 hours than I have ever had. Thank you for making me feel as though this blog is wanted. You guys make me think that maybe my writing is worth reading.

Today I think I'm going to write on a rant that I had this morning on twitter. Here I can say everything in a much clearer way - 140 characters doesn't always cut it!

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At least once a week I hear or read someone complaining about religious people "shoving their religion down people's throats." I'm honestly quite sick of the comments. I am a Catholic. I believe and agree with everything the Catholic Church teaches. I often tell people who are going through a rough period that I will be praying for them, and I will often make my opinion known in conversations - even my Catholic-based opinions. Regardless of what I say, though, I never push my opinions down anybody's throat. I will argue my points and explain where I am coming from, but I willl never force my opinions on people. I respect what other people believe and I in no way think that forcing someone to believe something is the right way to go about life. When I talk with you about what I believe, it is the same way others talk about their beliefs on gay rights or drinking. When you talk about what you believe, do you think that you're forcing it onto people? I certainly hope now. Religious people can have a discussion about religion just the way a homosexual can talk about being gay. There's nothing wrong with explaining why you believe something.

Guess what. I pray for all of you every single day. By praying for you, I'm not forcing my religion upon you. Rather, I am doing everything in my power to help you out. You believing that it won't work doesn't mean I can't try to do it to help you.

When a friend of mine has a headache, I offer her some sort of pain medication. Now, she could look at me and say, "I don't believe that medicine works! Stop trying to force it on me!" I would calmly reply that I wasn't forcing it on her; I was simply offering her an option that I believed would work. I was doing everything I could to make her life better for her. I may even explain to her the reasons I believe the medicine would work. At this point, she would still be free to tell me that she wanted nothing to do with my medicine, and that would be perfectly fine. She doesn't have to accept my help. The fact that I did my best is all that matters.

The same goes for religion. If you are having a tough day, then I will always offer up a prayer for you, because I feel as though the prayer will help. If you don't think that it will work, then so be it. I certainly did nothing to hurt you and also clearly forced nothing on you. I just did my best to help in a way I thought would make your life better.

Now, I'm not saying that no religious people ever shove their religion down people's throats. I'll be the first to admit that yes, some people do. However, what many non-religious people don't realize is that people who aren't religious shove their lack of religion down people's throats just as much as religious people do. Why is it "okay" for someone to shove their non-religious beliefs down someone's throat? It's not. People need to look at what they are criticizing and think about whether or not they do it, too. Yes, I know it's annoying to have something "shoved down your throat." However, people are doing it far less than one may think - and it's happening on both sides.

Next time you want to complain about someone shoving something down your throat, try to remember the fact that it (most likely) isn't their intention and that they are only trying to help - the same way you would help a sad person feel better or a child reach something.

Love always, Trisha xx

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Lauren

Please ignore my lack of eloquence; I have not written in quite a while and I'm sure it will be obvious that I need some brush ups.

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I found this amazing girl on twitter within days of creating my first account. She struggles terribly with self image and has both eating disorders and depression. I have made sure to pray for her often because I know her pain. It's terrible to look in the mirror and hate what you see. This girl looks at herself and thinks that she is ugly and fat. I've never agreed with her, and I've tried to make this known to her in the best way I could. I know that she deserves so much more than she gives herself, and I hope that she overcomes her struggles.

Today, she posted this on Instagram: http://instagr.am/p/K7EufDQfY2/

A picture of her in a bikini. With the following caption:
"so um this is a test to myself to see if I can do this so here goes; I haven't worn a full bikini in about 6 years since my eating disorder wouldn't let me, so this is kind of like a milestone in my life, lol. yep my thighs touch and are so out of proportion compared to my stomach, yes my stomach isn't as toned as it could be and yes I have scars along the tops of my thighs but all in all, right now, I'm not that bad, right? I mean a little bit more toning up and losing a couple of lbs and maybe I could even pass for decent. but idk I've realized that it's not about how other people look at me anymore, it's about how I look at myself and about being good enough for me. I probably won't ever be good enough for me but idk yeah I just wanted to see if I could do this. maybe one day this summer I'll find the courage to actually wear this on the beach in public, for the first time in 6 years. but idk. we'll see. so yeah, this is me, the real me, no breathing in, thighs touching and scars. it's all I'll ever be and maybe one day, it will be enough."

I teared up while I read this. I am so proud. It would be terribly hard to post a picture of yourself like that if you had been in her shoes - I, of all people, know. She is an absolutely beautiful girl - beautiful inside and out - and I was so proud when I saw this. My eyes were full of huge tears and I was in my room clapping and smiling my head off.
his girl took such a big step toward recovery. I've watched her struggle for years and now I get to watch her head burst through the water into the beautiful light. She is so brave.

I very much hope that this is the first step of many to complete recovery for her. God knows she deserves it.
I hope that those around her take strength from her act of defiance against her eating disorder. I will continue to pray for her in the hopes that she will continue to find this strength inside herself, just as I will pray for every single person with an eating disorder or depression in the hopes that God will lead them to the light they deserve.

You are stronger than whatever may be troubling you. You can overcome it. Lauren is just one example of a girl who defied her troubles and showed her impeccable strength. People do it everyday, and you can do it, too. You are stronger than your monsters.

"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."   - Christopher Robin

And with that, I leave you. Love always, Trisha xx

Welcome Home?



So, did you miss me? I've decided to get going on my blogging again. Hopefully this turns out to be something worth reading. My goal?


Or, ya know, some of the things, because do you really want me to blog everything? I didn't think so.

The above, by the way, is an internet meme from the blog http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/ which, by the way, I have been reading for quite a long time and love with all my heart.

Anyway, I hope that something good comes of this.


Love you all. Trisha xx

Monday, May 21, 2012

DATE A GIRL WHO READS by Rosemarie Urquico



I carry a copy of this piece with my in my purse everywhere I go. I love it with all my heart.




DATE A GIRL WHO READS
by Rosemarie Urquico
(In response to Charles Warnke’s You Should Date an Illiterate Girl)
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Date a girl who reads. Date a girl who spends her money on books instead of clothes. She has problems with closet space because she has too many books. Date a girl who has a list of books she wants to read, who has had a library card since she was twelve. 
Find a girl who reads. You’ll know that she does because she will always have an unread book in her bag. She’s the one lovingly looking over the shelves in the bookstore, the one who quietly cries out when she finds the book she wants. You see the weird chick sniffing the pages of an old book in a second hand book shop? That’s the reader. They can never resist smelling the pages, especially when they are yellow. 
She’s the girl reading while waiting in that coffee shop down the street. If you take a peek at her mug, the non-dairy creamer is floating on top because she’s kind of engrossed already. Lost in a world of the author’s making. Sit down. She might give you a glare, as most girls who read do not like to be interrupted. Ask her if she likes the book. 
Buy her another cup of coffee. 
Let her know what you really think of Murakami. See if she got through the first chapter of Fellowship. Understand that if she says she understood James Joyce’s Ulysses she’s just saying that to sound intelligent. Ask her if she loves Alice or she would like to be Alice
It’s easy to date a girl who reads. Give her books for her birthday, for Christmas and for anniversaries. Give her the gift of words, in poetry, in song. Give her Neruda, Pound, Sexton, Cummings. Let her know that you understand that words are love. Understand that she knows the difference between books and reality but by god, she’s going to try to make her life a little like her favorite book. It will never be your fault if she does. 
She has to give it a shot somehow. 
Lie to her. If she understands syntax, she will understand your need to lie. Behind words are other things: motivation, value, nuance, dialogue. It will not be the end of the world. 
Fail her. Because a girl who reads knows that failure always leads up to the climax. Because girls who understand that all things will come to end. That you can always write a sequel. That you can begin again and again and still be the hero. That life is meant to have a villain or two. 
Why be frightened of everything that you are not? Girls who read understand that people, like characters, develop. Except in the Twilight series. 
If you find a girl who reads, keep her close. When you find her up at 2 AM clutching a book to her chest and weeping, make her a cup of tea and hold her. You may lose her for a couple of hours but she will always come back to you. She’ll talk as if the characters in the book are real, because for a while, they always are. 
You will propose on a hot air balloon. Or during a rock concert. Or very casually next time she’s sick. Over Skype. 
You will smile so hard you will wonder why your heart hasn’t burst and bled out all over your chest yet. You will write the story of your lives, have kids with strange names and even stranger tastes. She will introduce your children to the Cat in the Hat and Aslan, maybe in the same day. You will walk the winters of your old age together and she will recite Keats under her breath while you shake the snow off your boots. 
Date a girl who reads because you deserve it. You deserve a girl who can give you the most colorful life imaginable. If you can only give her monotony, and stale hours and half-baked proposals, then you’re better off alone. If you want the world and the worlds beyond it, date a girl who reads. 
Or better yet, date a girl who writes.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Thanksgiving

I have loved, love now, and will always love holidays. They are a time of joy and happiness, regardless of the stress they may cause. They are a time of family and love. I adore holiday seasons. However, the holidays are always hard for me with the depression. I don't think that there's anything in particular about holidays that sets me off, but there's always enough little things to overwhelm me. Always too much happening at once, too much sound, too much movement, too many people, too many things to think about. Regardless of this, I still love holidays.
My family hosts Thanksgiving every year. My mom's side of the family all come together, carrying food and stories and love. My mom is one of eight children, and I am one of almost 20 grandchildren. For years we have all gotten together at my house to share our thankfulness, watch the Lions, and stuff ourselves full of food. In the past few years, however, we've seemed to have less people come for thanksgiving. Most of my cousins are older than me, so many have moved away and have their own jobs and lives. I have a few aunts/uncles who live out of state and everyone else just has their own business to deal with. So, for whatever reason, we only had fifteen people at my house yesterday. And, trust me, fifteen is nothing, especially when my immediate family is five people alone. It seems as though everyone was just otherwise engaged this Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving came and went. Aunt PC asked if my brother, sister, and I had seen Santa come in the parade just like every year. Aunt SB and her two kids were late, as expected. The Lions lost - no surprise there. The younger girls all hid themselves away in the basement and sang and danced as usual. My cousin PA and I talked and he gave me advice, as he always does. But however "normal" this Thanksgiving was, there were so many things different. My house was so empty. The table wasn't long enough, there weren't enough voices. When we went around the table to say what we were thankful for, the boys just talked about wanting to watch the game; nobody gave the long speeches that we're all used to hearing about friends, love, and family. Nobody called Ireland to talk to our relatives. The apple pie didn't have my Nana's message carved into the top. The whole atmosphere was different.
And, just because it was a holiday, my depression welled up inside of me and threatened to take over once again. I mingled as best I could. I stayed with the relatives before dinner, helping out in every way I could. I talked with my cousin PA who I'm comfortable with, I carried things out to the dinner table, I got people drinks. Everything normal, nothing out of the ordinary. Dinner came, and suddenly I needed air. Too many people, too many voices, too many people wanting to talk to me. Trying to stay close to my mom, trying to stay with people but eventually failing when the conversations around me turned to things that didn't concern me. I'd leave, rally in the silence of a different room, then come back. Sit with my family, smile and nod, and eventually just feel too much turmoil inside of myself to continue. After a time I just removed myself from the situation. Watched football for a few minutes in the room where nobody talked and everyone glued their eyes to the television, washed all the dishes and loaded them into the dishwasher, wandered, wandered, never staying anywhere too long, unloaded the dishwasher, and at last found refuge on the computer. The family slowly trickled out earlier that they should have, leaving me alone for the evening.
Today my mom talked to me about it. She noticed that I hung around until PA left and then started to distance myself. She wishes that I'd stayed around the family more. I know that I've disappointed her. I know that, lately, she's viewed me as not trying as hard as I should in anything, and I know that this Thanksgiving was no exception. I should have tried harder to mingle, I should have tried harder to socialize. I should have stayed around the family more.
I should try harder in school, at home. I should be a better daughter, a better student, a better friend. I know that I've disappointed those around me. I just don't know how to make myself better. This depression makes everything so hard. I want to be better. I do. But how do I fix everything inside of me when I feel so hopelessly broken?

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

too much to do + cross country

Today the class started presenting their projects. I thought about going today, but I decided that I wanted a day to process everything about this project for myself before I tried to describe my experience to my classmates. Let's just say that I decided that the point of this project has been made. I wanted to get myself to turn to writing to help solve my problems. Today my mom handed me a thank you card to write out for my coach. I sat for a few minutes and, realizing that I had no idea of what to say, immediately ran over to the computer and pulled up my blog. It's now a habit for me to write when I need to untangle my thoughts. That's what I wanted in the first place, and that's the habit I've formed. But now I've got to stop thinking about Daffodil and start thinking about tomorrow. Tomorrow is my cross country banquet. I have to write a thank you letter to my coach and write out a speech to give to my girls. And write it out on notecards, because one of the girls wanted me to write it out on notecards, and if that's what will make her and the rest of the team smile then that's what I'll do. Heck, I'll even practice it in my room. But first the daunting task is to write it. But before I get lost in that I have to do the coach's thank you card. And I have to write my Daffodil project response and turn it in online. And I have calculus bookwork. And I have to have Siddhartha read by Friday. And that's not even the half of it. Sigh. See why my brain is frazzled? Anyway. Coach. Here we go.


Dear B -
Every year us girls This has been such a great year. The girls don't Every year of cross country has its trials. As a team, there is no way that we could get through these troubles without you. I know that you may not feel our appreciation throughout the season, but we finally have this chance to show you how much you mean to us. This year may not have been the easiest, but it was the year that you showed us your strength the most. You're an amazing coach, B. We owe so much to you. You're a great role model in our lives and we are so glad that we have you to lead us. You teach us so much - not only about running, but about life. Thank you for everything that you've done for us.
Love, [insert girl's names here]


Okay. There we go. Once I get started, it works. Sometimes it's just getting those first words out in a way that feels good that troubles me.


Okay, now I have to write my speech. I know that technically I don't have to write anything out beforehand (nobody in any of my years of cc or track has pre-written anything), however I wouldn't feel right if I didn't. After all, I have so much to say to my team and I don't want to forget any of it.
But I have so much to do. So I don't really have time to think about this right now. Agh. And did you know that there are only nine days until Thanksgiving? And that my family is hosting? And that I have to help get the house clean, too? Goodness gracious my mind truly is everywhere.
Focus. Cross country. Banquet. What to say to the team. Uhm. Here we go with the starting thing again. I'm not as good at this part...
Okay. I just did my Daffodil project response. Now I think that I can maybe write a little bit. Maybe. Uhm. Uhmm. Uhmmm.
Maybe I'll just outline some points I want to make.


  •  
That was a great first point. *facepalm*
  • I have a lot of things to say to you. I'm not going to be able to say them all tonight because if I did, we'd be here all night. And all day tomorrow. And all day the day after that. I'd probably never shut up. So yeah, I can't say everything here. Know that I forever have more to say to you.
  • Mom says to tell you that I love you and I'll do anything for you except lie, cheat, or steal. Anything. Except maybe prostitution. Yeah, I can't see myself doing that for you guys either.
  • Don't drink and drive. Don't do drugs. Don't get pregnant until you're married (RH...).
Ahh, I'm not getting anywhere. Time to look up cheesy team oriented quotes? I think so...
I am a member of a team, and I rely on the team, I defer to it and sacrifice for it, because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion. - Mia Hamm
Well that was the only good one I found on that one site I was on. There are too many "team" quotes that are about particular teams and such. Irritating.
 I can't make that writing black. Ugh that's annoying.


  • B is an amazing coach. He really knows what he's talking about. Listen to him. I'm serious.
  • You all have done so much for me throughout the years. I really appreciate everything you guys have done. You've helped me through the toughest parts of my life. You guys give me infinite strength and joy.
  • I will always be here for you guys. Remember that I'm always a text, a facebook message, and email, a phone call away. If you ever need help or advice or just need someone to talk to, I'm here. I'll laugh with you, I'll cry with you. I will always be here for you guys.
And once again my brain is fried. How is it that I have so much to say but no words to explain my feelings? Am I just dumb? Am I incapable? There are so many words and feelings in my heads, so many things that I need to say to these girls. Things that I need to get out to them. Why can't I find the words? Ugh. I'm done for now.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Technology

I should write a post. I'm not exactly in the mood to write a post, but I'm going to do it anyway. Please ignore any sarcastic comments that I may or may not make.

Today I spent the day going to a bunch of stores with my mom and sister. We went to a couple dollar stores, Michael's, a baking store, party city... Starbucks... maybe somewhere else? I don't even remember. We were picking things up for the team banquet this Wednesday [freak out moment: OH MY GOSH THE BANQUET IS WEDNESDAY AND I STILL HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I'M GOING TO SAY! ACK! Okay, I'm better now]. Even though it wasn't really how I wanted to spend the day, I had a really nice time with my family. At Michael's we (as usual) picked the slowest line. It's crazy how, no matter how the line looks when we get into it, it's always the slowest line. Hmm. While we were standing in line, one of the workers told us that if we looked up a Michael's coupon on our phones, we could use the coupon in the store. The lady behind us started looking on her phone - which she didn't know how to use very well - and was searching everywhere for the coupon. I pulled out my phone and found it fairly quickly, and then showed her how to use her phone to get to the coupon, too. She was so grateful that someone "very smart with computers and technology" was there to help her out. It got me thinking that this is one of the reasons people should stay close with their older loved ones. Besides the obvious reasons like "they're family" and "we love them" people should look at how they do with technology. In my experience, myself and my parents are always helping both sets of my grandparents with technology. My Nana and Gramps have a facebook account and they are constantly calling and trying to figure out how to send wall posts, messages, and chats to people. My Grandma and Papa have been recently trying to set up a Skype so they can keep contact with my uncle who left for Germany today, and they've been talking to my dad about all the things that they need to fill in and click. Even my mom has trouble with technology. She's getting better at it, but she still occasionally needs help on the computer or on her phone. In the past years we have progressed so much in the world of technology. We start to rely on it heavily, but we forget that those we love and care for don't know how to use it as well as we do. We depend on something that they have so much trouble with. People need to work harder to stay close to those older than them. The technology is blocking these relationships. We need to look at those around us and see how they are affected by the technology we depend on.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Appreciation

Mmm, cheese. The glory of cheese. On my fourth cheese stick in the last half hour. Just saying. But I'll probably stop now because dinner is coming.

My mom is currently on the phone with my uncle's long time girlfriend. I don't like his girlfriend. Her name is.... Gen (I made up that name.. haha). I don't really like Gen, to be frank. She is sick in a million ways and she smokes way too much and she always wants to lay in bed and do nothing. She's very irritating. She's never really been mean spirited, but she never takes care of herself or my uncle. Literally, she's been in and out of the hospital every day for weeks at a time. She's dying and she won't help herself by quitting smoking or doing anything good for herself. My uncle and her are terrible for each other and I wish they would break up so I wouldn't have to deal with her anymore. She and my mom are on the phone, and Gen is complaining to my mom about my grandma (my uncle and dad's mom). Gen is absolutely and unnecessarily slamming my grandmother. It's frustrating me. She has nothing to complain about. There's a lot going on because my uncle apparently has to go out of the country because he finally found a job. My grandma is very worried about him because he doesn't like travelling and she's just doing her best to be the momma she is and give the best advice she can. Gen is complaining about all the ways my grandma is trying to help. It makes me mad. My grandma does her best to take care of my uncle and Gen and she's always giving advice and helping in my uncle's job search and just generally taking care of them and everything else. Gen has no right to be so ungrateful to my grandma after all she has done for them.
Look at how many people don't appreciate the people around them. People receive so much care and love from others and they just ignore it. Every day I try to tell the people around me that I appreciate them. I work hard to try to make those around me see that I am glad that they are in my life. I wish people did this more. Too many people feel under-appreciated. They feel worthless, not cared for. So many people don't see the point of life because they just think that they don't matter to anybody. Let people know that you care for them. Let them know that they are important before they go too far to be saved.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

I'm waiting...

I've been a terrible slacker these last few days. I wasn't intentionally putting off my blogging, but it just didn't really cross my mind. I don't exactly remember how many posts that I am supposed to have, but I'm just going to hope that I have around the right number. This project isn't about the grade for me, it's about the impact that it has on my life. It really has helped me to better see that working on something big a little at a time gets things done. I always knew that, but I had never really put it into action in my life. The project came at just the right time, too, because it honestly helped me to get going on my college applications. Overall, it honestly helps me to feel better about myself and what I accomplish in my life.

Today I had the day off from school, which was a beautiful thing. I spent so much of the day waiting. I woke up and waited to get ready to go. I waited in line at the Secretary of State, got some paperwork, and then waited in another line at SOS. I turned in all my paperwork to get my license, then waited for the guy to put all of the information into the computer. I waited for him to hand me my temporary paper license, waited to get my picture taken. I waited in the car for my phone to find a nearby Panera, waited to order at Panera, and waited to get my food. I went to my fellow captain's house to work on paper plate awards. I waited for her to finish spackleing so we could get started and then we both waited for brilliant award ideas to come to us. I came home and waited to read my book, waited for dinner, waited until I had some time to just sit down and enjoy the day. I'm waiting for some secret package that my dad ordered for me. I spent the whole day waiting to be able to drive somewhere by myself and I have a feeling I won't get a chance to do that today. Waiting, waiting, waiting. Funny enough, but all of that waiting can get tiresome.
Even though I spent quite a bit of time waiting today, I did make sure to accomplish things. I woke up, ate, showered. I filled out paperwork, smiled for my picture, got my licence. I ordered and ate Panera, I spackled a wall. I thought of, designed, and decorated paper plate award after endless paper plate award. I read a tiny bit. I teased my sister, I rode my bike to Kroger and bought a bag of fritos. I ate dinner, I'm writing this blog post. And although this list is a lot shorter than my waiting list, it consists of things that took a lot longer than the waiting did. I got things accomplished today, despite my waiting.
People spend a lot of time waiting. They wait in lines at stores, they wait to vote, they wait on their chores. They wait for their problems to be solved and their lives to be bettered. People spend too much time waiting. They go without acting when action is necessary. They ignore the role they have in moving things forward in their lives, the role they have in bettering themselves and the world.
Waiting is necessary to some extent. It's true that we cannot spend our lives without waiting. We shouldn't spend our lives rushing past things so that we don't have to wait. However, we wait too much. People need to look at what their waiting on - to really look - and see if there is anything they can do to move their lives forward. We are here not to be idle, but to go on.