Dear Facebook, I accept checks and money orders

Can I have an honest moment? Even though I've taken a break from teaching, the language arts teacher in me is often activated  when reading articles, brochures, flyers, anything. But, there is one specific medium that I visit frequently and leisurely where I am bombarded with so many grammatical errors that it makes me cringe. You've most likely already guessed it. It's you, Facebook.

It's Okay to Not Share

Today I came across a video that had been shared on Facebook by one of my cousins. It was not the first time I had viewed this video, but I watched it again as if it was my first time. The video was a spoken word poem titled "Look Up". You may have seen it before. In a nutshell, it suggests that we spend less time consumed with technology, specifically mobile devices, video, games, and the internet/social media. The poet stressed that by allowing these forms of technology to consume so much of our time we are missing the special moments in life and eliminating others from our lives, ultimately isolating ourselves by becoming engrossed in a virtual reality. It also stated that too often we seek validation through social media or we allow it to make us unsatisfied with our own lives because others edit their lives to share only the best parts.

Happiness in the Simple Things

 Today I went out briefly to run errands with My Guy. My mission was to purchase a brighter shower curtain so that my bathroom isn’t too dark, get a shower curtain liner, pick up a storage box for photos, and have lunch at Panera Bread. After all was done and we were driving home, My Guy observed someone walking on the sidewalk and commented, “He is so happy just walking and eating his donut.” Unfortunately I missed the man because I was driving. He continued to say, “It’s amazing how something so simple and small can make someone so happy,” which led to a discussion of happiness.

Confessions: Guilty Pleasure

I love watching reality shows! I’ll even watch re-runs of the same show over and over again just to re-analyze anything that I may have missed. It is somewhat of a guilty pleasure. I pride myself as a woman who carries herself well, is well-spoken, who enjoys attending cultural events and exploring the outdoors. I admit that I do cringe when I witness “rachet” unbecoming behavior amongst my “peers” in my daily life, and I secretly look around hoping to not be judged according to my “peers’” behavior. They do not represent me. However, I quite enjoy watching the same craziness on television and am not offended. I go as far as to talk back to the screen when someone does something outrageous.

Independence is One of the Keys to Happiness

I am now pushing my mid-30s and I have just discovered that in order for me to be happy I need to become more independent. Now in many aspects of my life I am extremely independent. I have a job that provides an income that allows me to support myself; I pay my own rent; I recently paid off my car loan; I can make all of the purchases that I want without having to consult anyone;  I make my own decisions without having to answer or ask permission of anyone. I am the Miss Independent that Neyo spoke of in his song.

But …

Shake Off the Winter Blues

Shake Off the Winter Blues

I really think that I run on solar energy.

Today the temperature high is forecasted to be only 36 degrees but because the sun is shining so bright I feel obligated to go outdoors to experience it.  Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t plan on doing any outdoor excursions, but I do want to feel the rays of the sun on my face if only for a moment. Here is a list of fun things that I’ve done on cold but sunny days.

Question of the Day

Question of the Day

Which do you value more in life, financial security or balance and happiness?

The reason I ask is because I am presently in an ongoing conflict between each. I have ten years’ experience in my career and have made one lateral move during that time. The profession in which I work is touted to be rewarding. However, either I am not receiving these awards or I am too jaded to appreciate them. (I will let you know what I actually do in later posts. I have plenty to say about it.) I am always tired, stressed, riddled with anxiety, underappreciated, disrespected, agitated, and aggravated.  My job does not allow me to leave work at work.