There never seems to be enough time, ever, does there? It's a common phrase that you hear come out of the mouths of those who are stressed, over worked, and not many options. They need to get things done, they need more time to accomplish everything. This kind of feeling of searching for more time comes in waves usually. When you're in college there just is never enough time around finals to study, finish all your papers, and participate in some fun activities. When you're working there isn't enough time to work, to enjoy time with your family, and do little things with your life. You could be unemployed and a hermit, and that feeling of searching for more hours in the day never ceases to come at some point.
December is a prime example of a month where there just simply are not enough days. I blame Christmas. Do not get me wrong, I love Christmas and the holidays. I love the different events that happen around the season. I love Christmas music. I especially love that never ending cheer that everyone seems to be contagious around the holiday times.
However, it all seems so rushed. Not just in the sense that we start prepping for Christmas around a few weeks before Halloween (which is annoying enough). It is also the fact that our schedules are so packed from Thanksgiving right up until Christmas. It is, as they say, the nature of the beast. A blessing and a curse.
Thanksgiving happens, and then, suddenly, we have Christmas parties within the week after, and then we have to really finish up our Christmas shopping because all the sales have already passed (thanks Black Friday). Then it is more Christmas parties. Then we have to finish writing our Christmas cards and get them sent out, because how embarrassing would that be if you sent them out AFTER Christmas. Faux pas, I dare say. Then someone else invites you to a Christmas party, can't say no because it is the holidays after all. Then you have to buy everything for the holiday party YOU are throwing. Right after that there is a Christmas concert at a church that you're performing in (when there was time to learn how to master the hand bells is a great question, with no answer). Then you have to go to the store and start buying baking supplies, because you remembered you have to make Christmas cookies for 50 people, even though they're already making their own Christmas cookies.
Suddenly, it is December 23rd and you have to go caroling with a youth group and watch Elf. Oh, and you still have yet to get your father a Christmas present.
Clearly, I am overreacting to my own life. Also, I am overreacting because it is December 8th and I have tons of time.
However, I think I am being accurate in my predictions for how the rest of this week will go. There is too much squeezed into 25 days. Now, that I am thinking about it we have lost 8 days and now I only have 17 days. That is basically two weeks. Why should I even keep trying to keep up? Plus, it snowed yesterday that is really going to slow me down. Now, I basically have about a week to get everything I need to done. Impossible. I should just not try at all and eat some Christmas cookies that other people gave me.
Children, and buy children I mean anyone under the age of 22, because I am now old and at liberty to say this, simply do not understand this stress. This time of the year is magical, filled with snowball fights, and Santa pictures, and toys. If you're too cool for that (or in college) then you have stupid finals, which are stressful, but it's just some tests and papers...you get them done and then it's smooth sailing.
I would kill to have a final, because finals end, a semester ends and there is a fresh start in a month. Plus, you get a month long break! How awesome is that? Now? No breaks...it never ends. It's like having a never ending course in college where the professor (God, or some other higher power that is clearly trying to destroy us all) just owns you. Throwing pop quiz after pop quiz and there's no time to even prepare.
Okay, I'm a little cynical, but if you saw my calendar over the next few weeks...you'd feel my pain.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Activism, like totally trendy
I have a lot of peeves. Really. Ask anyone who has had a conversation with me, there are usually certain things that just bug me. It's hard to pinpoint them all the time, because usually they just occur and all of a sudden I'll realize how much it bugs me, and I'll proceed to bitch about it. The ironic thing about 75% of the things that I complain about on a regular basis is that I'm guilty of them. I don't like it when kids in my youth group just put their headphones in when I'm trying to have a conversation with them. However, whenever I travel anywhere with my family I have headphones in which requires my parents to repeat nearly everything that they say. Whoops. There are also some other things that I do that I hate when other people do, but naturally it is completely acceptable when I partake in these activities. For instance, people who are just "trendy" and "hip" kinda bother me. We get it, like you're super cool because you're fashionable and organic. While that is pretty annoying, what's worse is when things that are used for social justice issues suddenly get thrusted in the spotlight and lose their purpose for being considered trendy or hip.
What happens here is that an organization will have a great product to either benefit those in need or to spread awareness. Word spreads, as it should, but before you know it word has been passed on that the entire purpose of the product is lost.
An example of this is the organization To Write Love on Her Arms. (info on TWLOHA can be found here) The organization started out to help fund the rehabilitation costs for Renee Yohe. T-shirts with her story and the logo "To Write Love on Her Arms" were sold and her story became known all over the country and then the world. Once Renee had overcome her addictions the organization focused on spreading awareness for depression, and mental health issues. Speaking tours and concerts were held and those who supported the cause attended. Different shirts came out and continued to sell. Selling these shirts online was not good enough, and the shirts began to sell in stores such as Hot Topic or Zumiez. Suddenly, the purpose of the shirts and the activism for the cause began to fall short. I wore a short one time and someone came up to me and said "man, I love that band". Hmm...
A current item that people all over the world are loving are the popular shoes TOMS. (info on TOMS can be found here) These shoes were created to provide shoes for a child in need. Every pair of TOMS bought will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. It's an awesome organization. However, the "cuteness" of their shoes made them little more than the latest fashion must have. Even so that designers have copied their style to only benefit them and not children in need.
Now, don't get me wrong...it's great that these organizations are gaining momentum and spreading the word on issues like mental health and poverty. However, what happens when they go out of style? Where is the momentum going to be then? Every trend eventually ends. Social justice issues should not be used just as the latest trend or this years "in" item. These organizations are fighting real issues. There needs to be more information provided on these issues when they're sold, so those who purchase them know exactly what the issues are and how they can further help the cause other than buying a cute t-shirt or a trendy pair of shoes.
Look at the (RED) campaign that was sponsored by the Gap to help those affected by AIDS in Africa. After the products they were selling became less trendy, everyone lost interest. While organizations still promote the (RED) campaign in different ways, it is not nearly as talked about, and do not care nearly as much as they used to.
Of course, like all things that I dislike or complain about. I am guilty of this. I'm passionate about several social justice issues, but usually it is because something trendy came out that brought my attention to it. I own several TWLOHA shirts, a pair of TOMS, a sweatshirt and watch from HelloSomebody (http://hello-somebody.com/), a beanie from Krochet Kids (http://www.krochetkids.org/), a few bracelets from some other places, and a bag or two from another place. All of the products I bought because they were trendy and it was an added bonus that they helped some other people. With the exception of TWLOHA I know very little about different organizations I have supported through my purchases. What does that make me? A monster? No, at least I don't think so. However, something else has to be done to bring further awareness and to continue supporting and fighting these issues, because those in need who rely on these organizations don't care about trendiness. They don't care that the product is in fashion around the world or not. They just need help, in any form.
What happens here is that an organization will have a great product to either benefit those in need or to spread awareness. Word spreads, as it should, but before you know it word has been passed on that the entire purpose of the product is lost.
An example of this is the organization To Write Love on Her Arms. (info on TWLOHA can be found here) The organization started out to help fund the rehabilitation costs for Renee Yohe. T-shirts with her story and the logo "To Write Love on Her Arms" were sold and her story became known all over the country and then the world. Once Renee had overcome her addictions the organization focused on spreading awareness for depression, and mental health issues. Speaking tours and concerts were held and those who supported the cause attended. Different shirts came out and continued to sell. Selling these shirts online was not good enough, and the shirts began to sell in stores such as Hot Topic or Zumiez. Suddenly, the purpose of the shirts and the activism for the cause began to fall short. I wore a short one time and someone came up to me and said "man, I love that band". Hmm...
A current item that people all over the world are loving are the popular shoes TOMS. (info on TOMS can be found here) These shoes were created to provide shoes for a child in need. Every pair of TOMS bought will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. It's an awesome organization. However, the "cuteness" of their shoes made them little more than the latest fashion must have. Even so that designers have copied their style to only benefit them and not children in need.
Now, don't get me wrong...it's great that these organizations are gaining momentum and spreading the word on issues like mental health and poverty. However, what happens when they go out of style? Where is the momentum going to be then? Every trend eventually ends. Social justice issues should not be used just as the latest trend or this years "in" item. These organizations are fighting real issues. There needs to be more information provided on these issues when they're sold, so those who purchase them know exactly what the issues are and how they can further help the cause other than buying a cute t-shirt or a trendy pair of shoes.
Look at the (RED) campaign that was sponsored by the Gap to help those affected by AIDS in Africa. After the products they were selling became less trendy, everyone lost interest. While organizations still promote the (RED) campaign in different ways, it is not nearly as talked about, and do not care nearly as much as they used to.
Of course, like all things that I dislike or complain about. I am guilty of this. I'm passionate about several social justice issues, but usually it is because something trendy came out that brought my attention to it. I own several TWLOHA shirts, a pair of TOMS, a sweatshirt and watch from HelloSomebody (http://hello-somebody.com/), a beanie from Krochet Kids (http://www.krochetkids.org/), a few bracelets from some other places, and a bag or two from another place. All of the products I bought because they were trendy and it was an added bonus that they helped some other people. With the exception of TWLOHA I know very little about different organizations I have supported through my purchases. What does that make me? A monster? No, at least I don't think so. However, something else has to be done to bring further awareness and to continue supporting and fighting these issues, because those in need who rely on these organizations don't care about trendiness. They don't care that the product is in fashion around the world or not. They just need help, in any form.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
29 Years
Today is my parents 29th wedding anniversary. In this day and age, that's a huge deal. I never really thought so, though, until I started telling friends how long they were married around their 25th anniversary, and they thought that was so cool. After all, a majority of the families I know have gone through a divorce and a remarriage or two. The depressing statistics show us that half of marriages end in divorce, which really makes he idea of marriage even more terrifying than it already is. Committing yourself to one person forever is one thing, but then the fact that there is 50% chance that that marriage is going to fail...that doesn't give a lot of hope.
Throughout the 29 years that my parents have been married, it hasn't been all cutesy poo moments and rays of sunshine. There were a lot of fights in our house, there still are. There were even tiny moments of my childhood when I didn't understand why they didn't just get a divorce like some of my friends' parents did...it just seemed easier.
That's the thing is though...divorce is the easy out. If there is one thing my parents are, they are fighters, and they do not take the easy roads. Unless, of course the GPS tells them to, then they have to...just ask my dad.
Something that I noticed in my parents is that they are a team, they are partners. For 29 years they have supported each other through thick and thin. It wasn't always how such relations are portrayed on television, in a dramatic fashion, but they support each other and my brother and I in subtle ways. As a family we all had each others backs, because that's how my parents raised us.
My mother taught us to appreciate how hard our dad worked to support us. My father taught us to listen to my mom...because to this day, she is always right. Seriously.
They raised us to believe in a God who forgives, and loves. They raised us to appreciate everything we own. They raised us to know that grades weren't everything, that having fun was more than allowed.
The way I see family is a support system. A team. That's what my family is, and I was blessed with the best captains. They're flawed, and they don't make excuses for that. But they're partners, and they have never given up on each other or my brother and me.
Considering its all I've known, I'm not really sure how else a family successfully runs. I just know I wouldn't have it any other way.
Here's to 29 more years together, Mom and Dad.
- Candidly Catherine
Throughout the 29 years that my parents have been married, it hasn't been all cutesy poo moments and rays of sunshine. There were a lot of fights in our house, there still are. There were even tiny moments of my childhood when I didn't understand why they didn't just get a divorce like some of my friends' parents did...it just seemed easier.
That's the thing is though...divorce is the easy out. If there is one thing my parents are, they are fighters, and they do not take the easy roads. Unless, of course the GPS tells them to, then they have to...just ask my dad.
Something that I noticed in my parents is that they are a team, they are partners. For 29 years they have supported each other through thick and thin. It wasn't always how such relations are portrayed on television, in a dramatic fashion, but they support each other and my brother and I in subtle ways. As a family we all had each others backs, because that's how my parents raised us.
My mother taught us to appreciate how hard our dad worked to support us. My father taught us to listen to my mom...because to this day, she is always right. Seriously.
They raised us to believe in a God who forgives, and loves. They raised us to appreciate everything we own. They raised us to know that grades weren't everything, that having fun was more than allowed.
The way I see family is a support system. A team. That's what my family is, and I was blessed with the best captains. They're flawed, and they don't make excuses for that. But they're partners, and they have never given up on each other or my brother and me.
Considering its all I've known, I'm not really sure how else a family successfully runs. I just know I wouldn't have it any other way.
Here's to 29 more years together, Mom and Dad.
- Candidly Catherine
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Mary Tyler Moore meet Jennifer Aniston
Did you know that Nick at Nite was still around? Me either. However, I did realize this when I heard the network was airing episodes of Fresh Prince of Bel Air a year or so ago. When I heard this I was surprised, but just figured that it was a natural part of life. Cest la vie.
About a month ago, however, it was brought to my attention that the 90s sitcom about 6 lifelong friends, aptly named "Friends" would have it's reruns aired on Nick at Nite. Suddenly I became offended. At 22 I realize that I am not that old. I'm not a teenager and I need to deal with being called an adult instead of a kid or a college student. However, I am also not old enough that shows I grew up on are to be replayed for the next generation. Nick at Nite is rushing the natural course of life...that you hit a certain acceptable point that your childhood TV shows can be put on late night cable television.
I spent many summers when I was younger watching shows on Nick at Nite that were long before my generation. These shows included the wholesome goodness and classic comedy that never gets old like Green Acres, I Dream of Genie, Mary Tyler Moore, and of course the Brady Bunch. I am no prude, but there was something nice seeing the wholesome untainted humor that these shows had. Plus, when something sexual was brought up they used the hilariousness of the innuendo, which makes it about 10 times funnier...instead of just coming right out and making a penis joke.
Watching these older shows was also a little history lesson for me...I saw a couple have 2 separate beds, which caused me to ask my parents why. They then explained that television shows weren't allowed to show a man and a woman share a bed...regardless if they were married. This then caused me to ask why.
What are the kids who watch Friends on Nick at Nite going to ask? Why is Joey so stupid?
They could just turn on CBS and watch How I Met Your Mother, because, let's be serious...they're virtually the same show. Just replace the coffee shop with the bar and BAM.
I guess I just don't want to admit that Friends has been off the air for quite some time now and that it is an "older" show, worthy to be placed in TV retirement (Nick at Nite). Or maybe I also have to admit that the older shows from the 60s would never be considered acceptable to watch in this day and age...womp.
- Candidly Catherine
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
Wow...
There's something really sickening about this. 1 in 4 children of the Scranton area. An average part of the united states to say the least...
Another rainy day
Once again NEPA is hit with another grey cloud...happy first day of fall.
So long summer. We had a good, sunny, run.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)