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This morning as I woke up I read an article someone had posted to their facebook. It was an Elite Daily article highlighting chivalry to be dead, from a mans perspective. Find it here: http://elitedaily.com/dating/sex/why-chivalry-is-dead-from-a-mans-perspective/

As I read, I agreed with some points he made that "dating" should actually still be dates instead of hooking up.

The article was poorly written, with curse words strewn about while the author is trying to portray a "stand up guy," confusing. 

Then I got to toward the end. His conclusion? It's WOMEN who are at fault! Excuse me? He claims that "the real problem here" is that women let it happen. I have been appalled and infuriated with people's perspectives more than once in my life. However, to completely blame a societal shift on one gender alone is absurd. 

Has this guy ever heard the phrase, "It takes two to tango?" 

He proceeds to say that if he does anything nice he's categorized as a "stage-five-clinger" when he's "not looking for a girlfriend, nor...a wife" ARE YOU KIDDING ME. He wonders where the hooking up comes from?

The author, John Picciuto, wonders if women will one day "wise up and [ask for what they deserve]" but until then "men will get away with putting in the bare minimum." 

How is it a woman's fault that men do not treat her right or ultimately only want sex? 

I've had a lot of relationships, and I know what some people think of me, and what others might. But I'll tell you right now: THIS IS WHY. Because I stand up for what I believe in and how I want to be treated. So if you don't treat me right, I'm not going to stick around for more hurt. I am a woman who deserves to be respected and does "own the cards" as Picciuto puts it. 

To be clear you are more than welcome to enjoy hook-ups as well. You have that right, too. This article is disgusting in more than one way. So, men and women: start stepping up, respecting yourself, respecting a potential partner, and don't settle for less than what you deserve. 

When I look behind me at the path I have walked in life I want to see flowers, love, kindness, and truth. I don't want to leave a path of destruction. 

What will you be remembered by? How will you be remembered? What impression do you leave on people? 

What will your path look like? 

The Weight of the World

“A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they’d be asked the “half empty or half full” question. Instead, with a smile on her face she inquired, “How heavy is this glass of water?” The answers called out ranged from 8oz to 20 oz. She replied, “The absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If i hold it for a minute, its not a problem. If i hold it for an hour, i’ll have an ache in my arm. If i hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn’t change, but the longer i hold it, the heavier it becomes.” She continued, “The stress and worries in life are like that glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. Think about them for a bit longer and they begin to hurt. And if you think about them all day long, you will feel paralyzed - incapable of doing anything.” Always remember to put the glass down.”

Holy shit. The utter truth of this. 

Nursing School

Sometimes I wonder why I'm doing what I'm doing. Why I put myself through so much hell, no sleep no social life no free time. It's easy to forget the light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to nursing school. It's like a dark black hole that sucks you in and you're trying not to drown.

It's been the worst semester of my life. My hardest classes, I still hold a position in the sorority, I started dating someone, I can't even remember the last time I went to a party or social event. At least my cats are snuggly, amiright? I've also been sick a lot. So that really doesn't help. 

With all that said, I did have my pediatrics clinical this semester. It was wonderful. Such an affirmation of what I want to do with my nursing career. 

I had a job interview today at Children's Hospital of Michigan for a student nurse extern position. Basically I would be shadowing and working under a preceptor. It was like finding that light. Now that I have seen it I don't want to forget it or let it go. 

I have to finish this last year as my best ever because I owe it to myself. I've worked way too hard to let myself fall behind or fail. I am so exhausted but I need to remind myself of the end reward.

Now I will go write my care plan. Peace.  

America the Great?

Sometimes I think it may be because of my travels abroad. I've been to Israel twice and France. However, I recall having a love and respect for the world as a whole at an early age. I remember wanting to see, experience and live in every little nook and cranny of the world because I believed that on order to live my life and think and believe the things that I do; first I must understand the world as a whole.

This prelude leads to my topic of thought today. I understand that the Martin case is extremely complicated and that with the evidence it could go either way. However, to me it's depressing to see Facebook and twitter explode with hateful comments toward Zimmerman/the jury/judge. I'm not saying he's innocent or guilty. I have no way of knowing either way.
But what troubles me is someone's immediate capability to attack and verbally abuse people(s) they have never met, experienced, or understood. We are all blessed with the freedom of speech, and so am I. But don't you ever wonder how people can suddenly have so much hate. It couldn't just appear from thin air. It had to be present, waiting to be pressurized and ultimately released.

I wonder what we are teaching the youth and persons of our "Great America." I am blessed to be born here in a nation where I can choose my religion just as freely as my salad toppings. However, I don't use it as lightly as some. Please understand I don't see myself above these people; we all pass judgements on those we know nothing about. I, myself, included. I just wonder, though: why? Is it because as a woman I have been taught to scrutinize every other woman and make comparisons to myself? That's another topic entirely, I digress.

Think about it. How much time during a single day do you spend in front of a mirror, thinking of yourself, talking yourself up, wondering and worrying what others think of you?? These are important questions we don't ask ourselves enough. Why do we care only about ourselves? It doesn't just pertain to singular selfishness. We consider ourselves (the USA) the best. We worry what people think of us. So we keep up appearances wonderfully.

If America is number one but doesn't stop to help the handicapped up who have fallen, what are we king of? The answer is a garbage pile.

If we don't help the world become better, we are not better. It should not be selfishness and greed that propels us; but love, equality, peace and companionship.
I know not many people think the same way I do. But imagine the possibilities if they could. I'm not just a hippie with a dream. I'm a doer.

What have you chosen to be that portrays your soul without words?

my answers

(Kenny Kim photography)

Lately all I have been able to listen to is Brooke Fraser's new cd Flags.

If you haven't heard [of] her, I suggest you listen, and learn about her.

She is amazing; so human it's incredible, so inspiring.

Sometimes in our lives we need some kind of pick-me-up.

For me that has always been found in music. I have never heard anything more real

in all of my years of music. For me this album has been exactly what

I needed. Things have been so difficult lately and it's so comforting

to know there are still so many amazing things in this corrupt world.

I know this seems to be a lot to put on one album, but honestly: it can

stand up for it.

In this absurd time of my life, I am starting to find solace. Big time.

So thanks, Brooke Fraser (Litgerwood). Thank you for being honest,

real, creative, inspiring, amazing, caring, and exactly what I needed.

apathetic eagerness.

..I just feel like a lot of shit is fucked up right now, about a lot. Ive been having weird dreams lately. The other night my house was burning, but only under the floorboards, and I could see it, it just flamed, but didnt spread. And 911 was trying to talk to me about my grades..wtf? Ive been watching The Big Lebowski lately (therefore my mind has been on white russians), and last night I dreamt I took the end of a milk jug and just poured in vodka and kahlua, mixed it, and just walked around drinking out of the milk jug: interesting. That fire one seriously messed with my sleep though..I just laughed at myself when I realized Id been dreaming about being a glorified version of The Dude.

Wouldn't that be sweet though, to be a taoist/buddhist/partial nihilist. Yeah, if we could afford that. Its always "get a career with JOB SECURITY" "be a lawyer, be a nurse" "where will that class get you?" "you're taking philosophy, why, again?" Well: Fuck. That. Next semester I have Rel 300: archeology of Israel, Women in Gender Studies, and Phl 150: World Traditions. Im really looking forward to it, all together. The Rel 300 class will give me the opportunity to go to Israel next summer for 3 weeks and do an archeological dig, and world traditions is self explanatory, an overview of religions and traditions. The worst thing to me is that the Atheists know more about religion than anyone, generally speaking for the masses. How can you speak passionately about your religion and explain the differences when you know nothing of another religion. The prof is the same one I have now for philosophy, he's pretty awesome, I cant lie. The class is full but he invited me to come anyway.

Why is it never about passion anymore. We've all become fucking Zombies. We obey without questioning and using the very brains our creator gave us! We're zombies and we're going to breed zombies: its pathetic! I have a passion for knowledge. I dont give a fuck about a lot of things, but I do care about bettering my brain, using my knowledge, and expanding my intellect. When did we stop trying? When did we say that mediocre is acceptable, let alone desired!

It's like we're enthusiastic about going nowhere. Someone else will take care of that, right? No they fucking wont, so do it! Get off your ass and do something with your mind, your good will, and your reason. For as Kant says, that is your personhood. USE IT, dammit.

Phases of Life

This is my absolutely beautiful sister with my absolutely beautiful nephew/godson. He is amazing and makes every day more precious than the last. I can't believe how big they get to quick. You think he's just as normal as ever, and you can tell they have grown..but looking back on newborn pictures: it's so indescribable to see how they have changed.