Having been overseas myself now, I have noticed some very important things. The culture I was able to experience has so much more respect for themselves, in what they do and who they are. Whether they are the train-sweeper or the person at the convenience store, they take pride in what they do. Always.
I have noticed that a lot of people here do not do that all the time. Yes, I have been guilty of it, too. Sure, we all do things we don't like. But when we don't like them, we don't put all of our effort into them and they turn out half-assed.
Another thing I noticed was that even though I did not know their spoken or written language, they were accepting of me. I would nod my head and say, "thank you" and they would nod back, smile at me, all the while saying something in their language. Because of this, I have realized that when people come here, we automatically expect them to learn this language, learn the customs here.
I don't agree with this. I do not feel that anyone should ever have to be forced to learn this language. It's not right. We are too demanding. "Well, they come here, so they should learn it." No. They don't say that of us. Because they accept us for who we are. It's so sad that we cannot accept diversity among people. Whenever I think of all the languages in the world, I think of the Tower of Babel. I am constantly reminded of that story in the Bible, where we became diverse in our languages, so that no two people of different cultures would ever understand each other.
I guess people forget that diversity is the key to the world coming together.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Through it all...
I will still be there for you.
One of my friends posted a link to a video on Youtube today. I watched it and it made me tear up and realize how true it really is. You see, you may be gone, but I am always right behind you, supporting you. Whenever anyone asks me about you, my face lights up and I smile really big. I am so proud of you and all that you have accomplished. Yes, I miss you. But I understand why you are doing what you are doing. And that makes me love you even more.
Some days are harder than others. You know this, I know this. It doesn't mean that I miss you any less on the other days when it's not so hard. I always miss you, no matter what. You are the first person I want to talk to when I am having a bad sad, when something good happens, when I want to share a funny story. It's hard knowing that I can't pick up the phone. My head knows not to call you, but my heart doesn't. I am pretty sure that the hardest part of our relationship is behind us. We made it, it didn't break us. I am a woman who refuses to let any obstacle or hardship become greater than my love for you. There are times when I cry at night. But it's all worth it, because I get to still hear your voice and see your voice, I get to read your thoughts to me. I know that I will never give up and stop fighting. Because you haven't. Nothing will ever overcome my love for you- it is always going to be there. Like stars in the night.
Today is one of those days where I miss you more than most. As always, I am extremely proud of you. I have told you before that this isn't forever, and it's not. You are my rock, my comfort, my partner in life. I am the woman you left behind, who is still behind you. When you get back, I will be the woman still by your side, standing with you.
One of my friends posted a link to a video on Youtube today. I watched it and it made me tear up and realize how true it really is. You see, you may be gone, but I am always right behind you, supporting you. Whenever anyone asks me about you, my face lights up and I smile really big. I am so proud of you and all that you have accomplished. Yes, I miss you. But I understand why you are doing what you are doing. And that makes me love you even more.
Some days are harder than others. You know this, I know this. It doesn't mean that I miss you any less on the other days when it's not so hard. I always miss you, no matter what. You are the first person I want to talk to when I am having a bad sad, when something good happens, when I want to share a funny story. It's hard knowing that I can't pick up the phone. My head knows not to call you, but my heart doesn't. I am pretty sure that the hardest part of our relationship is behind us. We made it, it didn't break us. I am a woman who refuses to let any obstacle or hardship become greater than my love for you. There are times when I cry at night. But it's all worth it, because I get to still hear your voice and see your voice, I get to read your thoughts to me. I know that I will never give up and stop fighting. Because you haven't. Nothing will ever overcome my love for you- it is always going to be there. Like stars in the night.
Today is one of those days where I miss you more than most. As always, I am extremely proud of you. I have told you before that this isn't forever, and it's not. You are my rock, my comfort, my partner in life. I am the woman you left behind, who is still behind you. When you get back, I will be the woman still by your side, standing with you.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
This and that
I am a bake-aholic. I find recipes and want to try them. These are iced pink lemonade cookies. So yummy and decadent!
This little gem is blue velvet cupcakes. Just like the red ones, but with a tiny amount (less than called for) of blue gel food coloring. My goal is to one day open my own bakery. Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Headed back...
to school!
I am so excited about this! I just filled out my FAFSA for the first time by myself. I dreaded it because I thought it would be hard. But it was really easy! Plus, the IRS made it easy by being able to link my info from them to my FAFSA.
This is the right direction for me.
This wasn't my first choice in schools. In fact, I hadn't even considered it until 2 weeks ago. My first choice rejected me. I was upset for a bit that afternoon, and then I realized that I had other options. So I contacted another school, asked to set up a meeting for yesterday. In the meantime, I applied at another school, finally sent them my transcripts, etc. I cancelled the meeting at the first school, because I didn't want to go there. It was just another option. And then I found out I got into the second school today. Things have a way of working themselves out.
I just have to remember to have patience, and to always believe in myself. Sometimes it's hard to do, but it's getting easier because people are actually believing in me.
I am so excited about this! I just filled out my FAFSA for the first time by myself. I dreaded it because I thought it would be hard. But it was really easy! Plus, the IRS made it easy by being able to link my info from them to my FAFSA.
This is the right direction for me.
This wasn't my first choice in schools. In fact, I hadn't even considered it until 2 weeks ago. My first choice rejected me. I was upset for a bit that afternoon, and then I realized that I had other options. So I contacted another school, asked to set up a meeting for yesterday. In the meantime, I applied at another school, finally sent them my transcripts, etc. I cancelled the meeting at the first school, because I didn't want to go there. It was just another option. And then I found out I got into the second school today. Things have a way of working themselves out.
I just have to remember to have patience, and to always believe in myself. Sometimes it's hard to do, but it's getting easier because people are actually believing in me.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Completely Unconditional
No strings attached.
That is what unconditional love is.
To love someone for who they are and what they do, for the beauty you see within. To see the good in them, to strive to do better for yourself. To bring out the best in them, and know that they bring out the best in you. To know that whomever you love may not love you back the way you want them to, but are willing to still tell them how you feel.
Conditional love is something in which no one deserves. It is what it says. Conditional. There are always things attached to it. People who love someone conditionally will view it and wonder, "what am I getting out of this? How does this affect my life?"
Conditional love never ends very well, whereas unconditional love goes on forever. I'd rather love someone unconditionally than with conditions. Even if it meant that they may not feel the same way towards me. Still better than conditional.
That is what unconditional love is.
To love someone for who they are and what they do, for the beauty you see within. To see the good in them, to strive to do better for yourself. To bring out the best in them, and know that they bring out the best in you. To know that whomever you love may not love you back the way you want them to, but are willing to still tell them how you feel.
Conditional love is something in which no one deserves. It is what it says. Conditional. There are always things attached to it. People who love someone conditionally will view it and wonder, "what am I getting out of this? How does this affect my life?"
Conditional love never ends very well, whereas unconditional love goes on forever. I'd rather love someone unconditionally than with conditions. Even if it meant that they may not feel the same way towards me. Still better than conditional.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Age is but a number
If you think about it, age really is just a number.
I have been told that I am anywhere from 17-22. It is extremely flattering, even though I am not those ages. I have been told that I blend in so well with the younger crowd.
It's not because of what I do (such as drinking, partying, etc.). Or even because I wear clothes that they wear (even though I do keep up with fashion, even I can't pull off the styles they can).
It's just in how I look. I do drink a cup of coffee 5 times a week (well not anymore, it's Summer). I don't eat junk food. I don't drink like I did when I was 21 (and even then, it wasn't like a lot of people). I don't smoke. I don't do drugs of any kind. I don't drink a lot of caffeine (other than the aforementioned cup of coffee).
I don't look my age, but I do act it. However, I feel younger than I actually am. How old do I feel, you ask? I feel 16. I don't know why, but I have felt 16 for awhile now. Other than getting my driver's license at that age, I don't know think it was a greater age than any other age.
I have found that if a person is positive, is motivated, surrounded by amazing people, they will feel younger than their actual age. If that is quite the opposite, then the person will most often feel older.
I have been told that I am anywhere from 17-22. It is extremely flattering, even though I am not those ages. I have been told that I blend in so well with the younger crowd.
It's not because of what I do (such as drinking, partying, etc.). Or even because I wear clothes that they wear (even though I do keep up with fashion, even I can't pull off the styles they can).
It's just in how I look. I do drink a cup of coffee 5 times a week (well not anymore, it's Summer). I don't eat junk food. I don't drink like I did when I was 21 (and even then, it wasn't like a lot of people). I don't smoke. I don't do drugs of any kind. I don't drink a lot of caffeine (other than the aforementioned cup of coffee).
I don't look my age, but I do act it. However, I feel younger than I actually am. How old do I feel, you ask? I feel 16. I don't know why, but I have felt 16 for awhile now. Other than getting my driver's license at that age, I don't know think it was a greater age than any other age.
I have found that if a person is positive, is motivated, surrounded by amazing people, they will feel younger than their actual age. If that is quite the opposite, then the person will most often feel older.
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