Writer's Block

As you can see from my frequent posting, I have had a slight case of writer's block. Typical I know. I'm a twenty-something, that has a blog about whatever I want it to be about, and yet, I have writer's block. I have several posts that I've started and never finished. And sadly, I believe I started those prior to my last post in March. I'll blame it on the beginning of the year, which held several major life changes: A got a new job, we switched churches, and moved closer to DC. I use "I blame" very loosely (meaning I know it wasn't that). I was probably just plain lazy and unfocused, which I shall blame on being a twenty-something. Man, I am good at assigning blame.

Really, I'm just poking fun at my generation and how sad we are. If you would like proof and comical relief, please view this video: Stuff Twentysomethings Say. Yes people, we are that pathetic. And yes, I really want to read the book 101 Secrets For Your Twenties by Paul Angone.

Alright, so what is the point of this post?  I honestly feel like I've had writer's block and I really am as lame as those people portray me, as a twenty-something, to be.

I live in America. I have a degree. I have an awesome job. I have an amazing husband. I have good friends. I have a great family. And most importantly, I'm free to have a relationship with God and not be persecuted for it. I have multiple positives in my life that should inspire me to write (on my blog that no one reads).

I know that I get caught up in my problems (or what I think are problems) and I know that I shouldn't do that. I lose sight of all that is good in my life when what I should be doing is putting on my big girl panties and dealing with whatever it is. Life is all about perspective.

What I'm trying to get across is said beautifully by Robert Frost. He says, "In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on." Pure genius.

-J

28 Days in a Black Dress...

Project Little Black Dress 2013

Well hello there! (I say to myself because I have a blog that I rarely write and have zero followers). Really that parenthetical part isn't necessary, especially after the February that I have just experienced.

Let's get started...

How much is a life worth? What is the price tag you would put on yourself? Pick one, "priceless" isn't an answer. So, now I have to answer that since I just made my non-existent followers answer that. Hmmm...this is a rather difficult one. I don't want to say too high because I like to think I'm humble, and I don't want to say to low because then I'm too humble. Let's go with $1 billion since this is a trick question anyway. My point is that it's difficult for us in the US to put a price tag on a human being. We think of ourselves as priceless or that we're invaluable.

Why does it even matter? Why am I even asking this question? Well, it all stems from my good friend, Elisa, over at the Average Advocate. This gal is quite an amazing person and I am quite fortunate to know her. She has a heart full of passion for those who suffer from injustice and a will to change the world. She is quite dangerous now that I think about it. She is the definition of an advocate. (Seriously, if you asked me the definition of advocate, I would say Elisa). She is always seeking to educate others on the injustice in the world and how we over here in the grand ol' country of the US of A can help those in need, those who can't help themselves.

Falling Down

And my first pause in writing has occurred.  At least it's only a pause this time around.  Normally at this point, I would give up because if I cannot be consistent then I shouldn't be blogging.  However, I usually have about three posts and I currently has 7 (this post will make 8).  Another contributing factor to the demise of my previous blogs were the content and the focus.  I as I mentioned in a previous post, I thought I needed a specific topic to always blog about.  I don't feel that way now, I think if this blog should have a specific direction to take, it'll emerge from my ramblings.  Hmmm...so I guess this post is to say this blog ain't going no where for now. :)

Also, a ton of things have taken place in my life since my last post.  Not all huge, massive life-changing things, but things that matter to me and the direction of my heart and my life (on a smaller scale).  Looking back now, it seems that this pause was a pause for me not necessarily from this blog.  The learning lesson I've just pulled out is that every now and then we need a pause.  A pause from life to think about things and regroup.  To pull out your life goals and reexamine them; then refine them.  If you don't have any, then maybe it's time to make them or at least begin to develop them (or realize you need them in the first place).

I really wasn't planning to have a deep and meaningful post, but as I was writing those thought popped into my mind.  I wouldn't call this the "deep and meaningful" post, however, it now as me thinking and I will be following up with a more though out response to the revelation I just had.

Stay tuned...

-J

Gratefulness?

Hmmm....gratefulness...  What does that mean?  Well obviously I know what it means, but I don't always remember to be grateful.  Just for fun I looked up the definition because I like to know official definitions of words, so here it is:

1. Appreciative of benefits received; thankful.

2. Expressing gratitude.

3. Affording pleasure or comfort; agreeable.

 

As a person that has had a pretty decent life, for that reason alone, I should be grateful.  On top of that, I am a Christian and believe that Christ died so that my sins are forgiven, I should show gratefulness for that one every single second of every single day.  I have an amazing husband and friends and family, again I should be grateful.  I have a good job and have had the opportunity to attend two higher education institutions.  My list of things to be grateful for go on and on and on and on and on and on.

 

And yet, I fail every single day to show and express my gratitude.  The question is, am I supposed to?  Are we supposed to express our gratitude?  I think yes, but to what extent.  Is there a point to which we have expressed our gratitude fully?  Is it Biblical to be grateful?  I'm sitting in class right now, so I can't actually go study to find out but it's on my to-do list.  It's too bad I don't have followers on here, because it would be nice to know what other think on this topic.  Without reading the Bible, I feel like it is probably written in there that we need to express gratitude and be grateful for life and things (even if they aren't too great) because God has provided them for us.  I do not have a response for how often or how to express it.  I think we do need to express gratitude but I'm not sure of the frequency.

Follow-up to come soon, I just wanted to point out that I have been a Debbie Downer and should stop being that way because I am complaining about things that others in the world will never have an opportunity to participate in or do.  I have a great life and I am grateful.  I just need to spend more time with the Lord so that I can express it.

Oh Happy Day(s)!

This is a happy happy post (and slightly delayed)! Friday was my first PAY DAY!!!! Oh so exciting! It is nice to know that I am finally going to start paying off all the debt I've incurred over the past how many ever years it's been since I begin college.  It's also very relieving to know that A and I will be able to pay our bills and finally begin saving for an emergency fund! I really never thought this day would come, but it has and I am EXTREMELY grateful! I know I'm using a ton of exclamation points, but I'm just that happy! :)

Also, we have needed a new vacuum for some time now.  A has wanted a Dyson since we got married (we registered but didn't receive that gift for some reason, ha ha).  I thought was not a fan until I started reading and hearing testimonies of their greatness.  So I was trying to scope out the best price for either a new or refurbished one.  I know I could check craigslist.com but my thought process was that if we're going to splurge for the Dyson, we may as well get a new(ish) one that we know for sure works.  I then remembered that Best Buy carries things like that.

So yesterday, A and I decided to head to Best Buy and check out their Dyson selection.  I had one in my head that I wanted until we got there and it was tiny...  It's hard to see a small vacuum and believe that it works well and will last.  Even though I read good things about the small one, I couldn't bring myself to purchase it.  We then had to make a decision between the two larger models, the price difference was only $50 bucks.  I liked the ball for it's flexibility but A thought the larger one would be more durable.  Guess which one we got...the ball.  Let's be honest, a large part of why you choose a Dyson is for the ball.

We went with the Animal DC41 version because we have a dog and he sheds a ton.  We also found out that they make a pet grooming attachment and bought that as well.  We haven't tried it yet because we forgot how much Finn hates vacuums, plus he has a grooming appointment tomorrow.  We want to make them work for their money, ha.  Below is the awesome vacuum and attachment.  A did the vacuuming yesterday and said it works really well.  I'll post a review once I try it out.

The best part about all of this is that even though it cost an arm and a leg to buy, we were able to select 18-month 0% financing with our Best Buy card.  We used that when we bought our television (except we had 36-months for that) and it really helped spread the payments out and make it more affordable even though we're paying the same amount. AND, on top of the great financing option, we got a Best Buy gift card for $120 dollars! Umm...WOW! Yes, it would have been nicer as a rebate, but that's the biggest gift card I've ever received, especially just for buying something that I wanted anyway.  I know I have no readers yet, but if someone find this post and you've been thinking about a Dyson, now is the time at Best Buy to purchase one.  Here's the link: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dyson+-+DC41+Animal+Bagless+Upright+Vacuum+-+Iron/Rich+Royal+Purple/2961997.p?id=1218367480171&skuId=2961997 Happy shopping!

Thanks for reading...

-J