I keep debating whether or not I should even try to keep up with this blog. Especially within the last year or so, I've been very neglectful and will go months without writing a thing. I feel a little bad about it, but most of the time it completely slips my mind until I remember it. Then I can't think of anything to write or don't feel like I have enough time to devote because (obviously) I tend to ramble for quite some time with no clear purpose.
ANYWAY, a lot of things have changed in my life recently. I got married just over two months ago, I started graduate school a little after that, and I'm in a new town. Well, city, I guess. The combination of new things is going well so far. Graduate school is very interesting (for the most part) but takes up quite a bit of time. I knew it would be different from undergrad, and those differences are pretty much what I expected: more work, but more intriguing. With undergrad you have all those core classes that you care nothing about; with grad school it's all related to information you want to know. I do have one class I find extremely boring, but it's mainly because I already learned it in undergrad (hats off to Blalack) and the professor tends to digress and ramble. It's probably what I would do as a professor, which is not a good thing. Practicing counseling can be so nerve wracking. You're trying to truly listen to your client while thinking, "Should I ask about that? What does that mean? What do I say when he or she stops talking? What's going on here??" If only we could just go with empathic listening and help people with that. Actually, we found out that only 15% of the success of therapy is determined by what the counselor actually does as far as therapy. The rest is the therapeutic relationship, having someone listen, that kind of stuff. That takes the pressure off a little bit, because it means (to me) that I only have 15% in which to do damage. ;)
Being married is fun. It's difficult, but it's fun. I say it's difficult because it's entirely different than before I was married. You have another person to consider when you're planning your life. Real life gets in the way of spending time together, and spending time together can get in the way of real life (which obviously causes problems for me being in grad school). The fun part comes when you come home to someone, you always have someone to do things with, all that good stuff. Plus, planning your life together is fun - it's just a little more complicated than it would be with just yourself to worry about.
Wow. I didn't even get that far and I'm running out of juice. Maybe it won't be that long before I post again - but you never know.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Thursday, July 08, 2010
Why I'm an Oxymoron
When I first started this blog, it was my freshman year of college at Union. I don't recall exactly what led me to start a blog; I believe my sister had one at the time and I thought, you know, I wouldn't mind letting people know some of my thoughts and what's going on in my life. I've had a prayer journal for over ten years now, and I have also occasionally kept other journals with random entries and never regularly. It's great to look back at my journals and see where I was at that time and what I was focused on or worried about. It's also amusing, apparently, because when my fiance read some of old journal entries (I mean like 15 years ago old) he found it very amusing when I wrote about some guy stalking me that I did NOT like. Yes, I was eight. Yes, I remember that - that kid was creepy.
Anyway, I've found a blog to be a conundrum. Often I have gone months without writing a thing, because I cannot think of what to write. Well, I can think of things to write about, but I find that I am afraid to post some things. Like, poetry that is depressing (which is honestly about the only kind I write) or my opinions on certain political issues. Why am I afraid, you may ask?
Because I don't want to disappoint you.
I'm big on disappointment. I hate being disappointed, although I believe I am doing better at that. I loathe the idea of being a disappointment, of being less than you think I am. I keep things to myself because it's easier than having you misunderstand or judge me for it. I was raised to worry about what people think, and as much as I try to deny that I do - I do. Big time. The standards I set up for myself often have more to do with others than me or God, and those standards are high. Which means I often fall short of them. Which means I am often disappointed with myself. I am my toughest critic, by far.
As for the reason I am an oxymoron...
I revel in not being what people expect. I love shaking up expectations, throwing people off, showing a side they didn't think existed. Maybe it's a joy in showing people that they don't know me as well as they thought they did. I want to blow up stereotypes and throw down conventionality. I want to be different, noteworthy, someone that sticks in your mind.
Maybe everyone feels that way to some extent. I don't believe myself to be alone in this clash of how to live my life. These two ideas are not completely at odds, however. I want to be different, yes, but who I am with different people changes - and that's where expectations come in. Give me my conservative friends, and the conservative me appears, holding back certain thoughts that might offend or turn away. Put me with my more liberal friends and I'll talk about anything - almost. I have some friends that are quieter than others, with whom I become more outspoken; when spending time with those more boisterous, I recede somewhat and fade more into the background than the forefront.
It makes me think of DID - dissociative identity disorder, or more commonly known as multiple personalities. Fascinating stuff; read Sybil or watch "United States of Tara" if you ever get the chance. The thing about the different personalities that someone with DID exhibits is that each personality is essentially a facet of that person's full personality. The main focus of DID treatment is integration - integrating each separate personality into the full and true personality, which eventually becomes the whole person. We each have varying facets of our personality that reveal themselves depending on the situation in which we find ourselves. This is completely natural and I believe is actually a survival technique.
I remember when I was getting ready to come to college, and I was so excited about the opportunity to meet an entirely new group of people that had no idea who I was, where I came from, or what kind of person I was. I realized that as a result of this anonymity, I could be whoever I chose to be - more importantly, I could be the person I always was, the person that most people in my life didn't know because it might be disappointing. Using that opportunity as best as I could, I made some incredible friends in college with whom I could be more myself than ever. I found a (future) husband that is fully aware of who I am, probably more than anyone else in my life. No, definitely more than anyone else. And that is something worth fighting for.
So I want to be open about things, but I know that dropping all the walls more often than not leaves you more damaged than before. I don't want to disappoint you, whoever you may be, but I want to be more than you expect. There's so much I wish to say, but the need to meet your expectations overrides my desire to exceed them.
Is it better not knowing? I feel that if you know I hold things back from you that you will wonder what exactly those things are. Maybe you'll just imagine the worst and throw it around in your mind until it becomes fact. Trust me in this: I believe that I am protecting you. I know how it is to be disappointed in someone, and how much pain that can cause.
I don't mean to sound despairing, because I am not. This is something I've thought over for years, the fight between being seen and being safe. To end this lightly, I must say that I am so very thankful for Ryan, the man I waited for all my life, the man with whom I can be me.
I'm so glad he is fine with my burping. ;)
Anyway, I've found a blog to be a conundrum. Often I have gone months without writing a thing, because I cannot think of what to write. Well, I can think of things to write about, but I find that I am afraid to post some things. Like, poetry that is depressing (which is honestly about the only kind I write) or my opinions on certain political issues. Why am I afraid, you may ask?
Because I don't want to disappoint you.
I'm big on disappointment. I hate being disappointed, although I believe I am doing better at that. I loathe the idea of being a disappointment, of being less than you think I am. I keep things to myself because it's easier than having you misunderstand or judge me for it. I was raised to worry about what people think, and as much as I try to deny that I do - I do. Big time. The standards I set up for myself often have more to do with others than me or God, and those standards are high. Which means I often fall short of them. Which means I am often disappointed with myself. I am my toughest critic, by far.
As for the reason I am an oxymoron...
I revel in not being what people expect. I love shaking up expectations, throwing people off, showing a side they didn't think existed. Maybe it's a joy in showing people that they don't know me as well as they thought they did. I want to blow up stereotypes and throw down conventionality. I want to be different, noteworthy, someone that sticks in your mind.
Maybe everyone feels that way to some extent. I don't believe myself to be alone in this clash of how to live my life. These two ideas are not completely at odds, however. I want to be different, yes, but who I am with different people changes - and that's where expectations come in. Give me my conservative friends, and the conservative me appears, holding back certain thoughts that might offend or turn away. Put me with my more liberal friends and I'll talk about anything - almost. I have some friends that are quieter than others, with whom I become more outspoken; when spending time with those more boisterous, I recede somewhat and fade more into the background than the forefront.
It makes me think of DID - dissociative identity disorder, or more commonly known as multiple personalities. Fascinating stuff; read Sybil or watch "United States of Tara" if you ever get the chance. The thing about the different personalities that someone with DID exhibits is that each personality is essentially a facet of that person's full personality. The main focus of DID treatment is integration - integrating each separate personality into the full and true personality, which eventually becomes the whole person. We each have varying facets of our personality that reveal themselves depending on the situation in which we find ourselves. This is completely natural and I believe is actually a survival technique.
I remember when I was getting ready to come to college, and I was so excited about the opportunity to meet an entirely new group of people that had no idea who I was, where I came from, or what kind of person I was. I realized that as a result of this anonymity, I could be whoever I chose to be - more importantly, I could be the person I always was, the person that most people in my life didn't know because it might be disappointing. Using that opportunity as best as I could, I made some incredible friends in college with whom I could be more myself than ever. I found a (future) husband that is fully aware of who I am, probably more than anyone else in my life. No, definitely more than anyone else. And that is something worth fighting for.
So I want to be open about things, but I know that dropping all the walls more often than not leaves you more damaged than before. I don't want to disappoint you, whoever you may be, but I want to be more than you expect. There's so much I wish to say, but the need to meet your expectations overrides my desire to exceed them.
Is it better not knowing? I feel that if you know I hold things back from you that you will wonder what exactly those things are. Maybe you'll just imagine the worst and throw it around in your mind until it becomes fact. Trust me in this: I believe that I am protecting you. I know how it is to be disappointed in someone, and how much pain that can cause.
I don't mean to sound despairing, because I am not. This is something I've thought over for years, the fight between being seen and being safe. To end this lightly, I must say that I am so very thankful for Ryan, the man I waited for all my life, the man with whom I can be me.
I'm so glad he is fine with my burping. ;)
Friday, June 18, 2010
And for the Recap
Alright, the US pulled it together. Major props. Donovan brought them back with their first goal, then Bradley sunk in the equalizer. Both fantastically placed goals. The defense seemed to pick it up and Howard kept being awesome.
Now I have a problem with the ref. He called fouls left and right, first mainly against the US (18 in all) then finally realized that Slovenia was pulling a few fouls (16 to be exact) themselves. Then...THEN. Then Edu came through on a free kick and sunk it in the goal...and he blows the whistle. No problem... Wait. Against the US? For what?! The goal is disallowed, and they of course replay it over and over again because the commentators can't figure out what the heck happened. Let's see... You've got TWO US guys being full-on HUGGED by Slovenia defenders, Edu and everyone else ONSIDE, and NO FOULS FROM THE US SIDE.
SERIOUSLY?!
As you might imagine, I was furious. Where did that call come from? There was no justification for it whatsoever, and you, Mr. Dumba** Ref, just cost US a goal, a win, and possibly a ticket to the next round.
Congratulations.
You're an idiot.
Now, as you can tell, I get fired up about stuff like this. Namely, sports. Namely soccer. My fiance mocks me for it and doesn't understand when I start yelling at the screen that yes, I do realize they cannot hear me, and no, it doesn't matter that they can't. I am passionate about my sport, and I am not ashamed of it. Just wait till he sees me next year with the Women's World Cup... We'll be married before then, so he'll just have to deal with it. ;)
Regardless of whether the US continues or not, I'll keep watching. I just love to see beautiful soccer played, no matter who's on the field. I doubt Italy will repeat, but it's a distinct possibility. Spain also has a good shot, as well as Brazil, as always. I'd love for a smaller team to come through and win, and there's always a good chance of that. After the US goes, I'm not sure who I'll go for. I could go for Spain, I think. They looked great in their opening game. England might have a decent shot, but I can't take them seriously for some reason. Maybe they'll surprise me. They're definitely not hurting without Beckham.
We'll just see what happens. And you'll probably read about it here, since I'm sure I can't refrain from it.
Now I have a problem with the ref. He called fouls left and right, first mainly against the US (18 in all) then finally realized that Slovenia was pulling a few fouls (16 to be exact) themselves. Then...THEN. Then Edu came through on a free kick and sunk it in the goal...and he blows the whistle. No problem... Wait. Against the US? For what?! The goal is disallowed, and they of course replay it over and over again because the commentators can't figure out what the heck happened. Let's see... You've got TWO US guys being full-on HUGGED by Slovenia defenders, Edu and everyone else ONSIDE, and NO FOULS FROM THE US SIDE.
SERIOUSLY?!
As you might imagine, I was furious. Where did that call come from? There was no justification for it whatsoever, and you, Mr. Dumba** Ref, just cost US a goal, a win, and possibly a ticket to the next round.
Congratulations.
You're an idiot.
Now, as you can tell, I get fired up about stuff like this. Namely, sports. Namely soccer. My fiance mocks me for it and doesn't understand when I start yelling at the screen that yes, I do realize they cannot hear me, and no, it doesn't matter that they can't. I am passionate about my sport, and I am not ashamed of it. Just wait till he sees me next year with the Women's World Cup... We'll be married before then, so he'll just have to deal with it. ;)
Regardless of whether the US continues or not, I'll keep watching. I just love to see beautiful soccer played, no matter who's on the field. I doubt Italy will repeat, but it's a distinct possibility. Spain also has a good shot, as well as Brazil, as always. I'd love for a smaller team to come through and win, and there's always a good chance of that. After the US goes, I'm not sure who I'll go for. I could go for Spain, I think. They looked great in their opening game. England might have a decent shot, but I can't take them seriously for some reason. Maybe they'll surprise me. They're definitely not hurting without Beckham.
We'll just see what happens. And you'll probably read about it here, since I'm sure I can't refrain from it.
A Rant for You
I shall start off by saying that I never had high hopes for the US team in the World Cup. The US men struggle to compete. Their highest finish was 80 years ago, in third place. They reached the quarterfinals in '02. I believe we have the talent to get further and even win, but it's difficult for them to pull it together. This year just seems to be a disaster. The defense keeps falling apart and letting only halfway decent goals through. Right now it's halftime at the Slovenia game, and they're down 2-0. It's all because of defensive breakdowns, and it appears that Onyewu is the main culprit. Talk, people! Tim Howard, I feel sorry for you. You're hurting but playing anyway, and I give you props for that, but you have no support from your back line.
I also have a problem with the team's style. I've watched several teams play this week, and I was blown away by just how beautifully Spain and Italy play. Their passing is just gorgeous! Hardly a stray pass or bad touch - they just link passes together like...I have nothing to compare it to. Then I watch US. Ugh. It's like passing was completely skipped in training. They pass to other teams' players, empty space (with no one there), the sideline. They try to push through with brute force, and, honestly, sometimes it works. They just had ten chances within about four minutes, but none of them found the net. Slovenia actually has a defensive line that acts like they know what they're doing.
I'm not against teams having different styles, but the US isn't making theirs work for them. I give them about ten years before they figure it out. Until then, I'd much prefer watching the US women team. Which reminds me, NEXT YEAR!! :D
(and by that I mean that next year is the FIFA Women's World Cup - hecka yeah)
And now back to the game that USA needs to get back to as well...
I also have a problem with the team's style. I've watched several teams play this week, and I was blown away by just how beautifully Spain and Italy play. Their passing is just gorgeous! Hardly a stray pass or bad touch - they just link passes together like...I have nothing to compare it to. Then I watch US. Ugh. It's like passing was completely skipped in training. They pass to other teams' players, empty space (with no one there), the sideline. They try to push through with brute force, and, honestly, sometimes it works. They just had ten chances within about four minutes, but none of them found the net. Slovenia actually has a defensive line that acts like they know what they're doing.
I'm not against teams having different styles, but the US isn't making theirs work for them. I give them about ten years before they figure it out. Until then, I'd much prefer watching the US women team. Which reminds me, NEXT YEAR!! :D
(and by that I mean that next year is the FIFA Women's World Cup - hecka yeah)
And now back to the game that USA needs to get back to as well...
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Doses of Optimism
I don't consider myself to be an optimist. Sometimes I am, but it seems that I usually take the glass-half-empty view on things. I found a website yesterday that is amazing. Each little story makes me smile, and many have almost made me cry.
It is often said that humanity is declining, that true human kindness is a very rare thing. I would like to disagree. The world has definitely changed, but so much stays the same. There will always be people who think only of themselves and what others can do for them, but there will also always be people who spend time with a mother who lost her son on Mother's Day, people who treat the handicapped just like anybody else, people who will take time out of their busy schedule to assist someone injured up a flight of stairs, people who will lay down their lives to help those they love. Those people do exist, and we are surrounded by them. We can be those people.
So remember that when you complain about how the world has gone to shit, you can do something about it. Show kindness, exhibit love, give encouragement. We don't do those things enough, and I am completely at fault for not doing my part. This has nothing to do with being righteous or working your way to Heaven - even if you don't believe in God, this applies to you. This is about the pursuit of happiness. Not just your own, but others' as well. Pursue someone else's happiness. Isn't it worth a little embarrassment to see a smile on a stranger's face?
www.givesmehope.com
It is often said that humanity is declining, that true human kindness is a very rare thing. I would like to disagree. The world has definitely changed, but so much stays the same. There will always be people who think only of themselves and what others can do for them, but there will also always be people who spend time with a mother who lost her son on Mother's Day, people who treat the handicapped just like anybody else, people who will take time out of their busy schedule to assist someone injured up a flight of stairs, people who will lay down their lives to help those they love. Those people do exist, and we are surrounded by them. We can be those people.
So remember that when you complain about how the world has gone to shit, you can do something about it. Show kindness, exhibit love, give encouragement. We don't do those things enough, and I am completely at fault for not doing my part. This has nothing to do with being righteous or working your way to Heaven - even if you don't believe in God, this applies to you. This is about the pursuit of happiness. Not just your own, but others' as well. Pursue someone else's happiness. Isn't it worth a little embarrassment to see a smile on a stranger's face?
www.givesmehope.com
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