It's a long one!

When I initially started this blog I did so with the purpose of having a personal documentation of events and feelings that I experience.  It has become less personal and more public throughout the years and now it's purpose has expanded into a few different categories.  One thing that has held constant, however, is my own outlook on life.  I like to think that I am optimistic.  I always look for the good.  I strive to do good, and to be good.  I try to the find good in everything and everyone.  

Now, I've exposed my fair share of rants, venting, and word-vomit (if you will) on this blog.  However when I look back into the archives of "wetnailsandmilk" I find that at the times when I was struggling the most  --

I posted nothing.  

-- I suppose that the lack of posts in itself is a representation of the low-points I was experiencing.  But I find it difficult to keep a genuine perspective on my "documentation" when there is nothing to show for the hard times.

That being said... I still can't bring myself to share my deepest feelings publicly, or openly explain the sad impressions that come and go.  I guess I'll have to get better at keeping a hand-written journal so that those times are lost completely.  But for now... I can tell you this.  My life seems to have been tossed around a bit lately.  I'm realizing that it's probably going to be like this for the next long while.  But, I don't like being sad.  In fact, I hate it.  I dislike the person that it turns me into, I dislike the feelings of loneliness and self-pity, I dislike the realization that I'm no different from the average emotionally-driven female, I dislike the wallowing, and more than anything I dislike the overwhelming feeling of being a burden to the people around me.  So.  I decided to not be sad.

That's not to say I'm not confused.  But I am not sad.  And in that, I find joy.  

Last night I was watching a documentary and was blown away by one person's words.  It was a man from New Orleans, in his late 40's, and it was after Katrina.  He took the cameraman into his house to see "how she fared".  

The house looked something like this -- except way, way worse.

The effects of the storm on his house were devastating.  It was clear that the water had succeeded it's height.  Nothing in or out of the home was salvageable.  But there this man stood, fixed with gloves and work boots, doing all he could to make best of the situation.  He was asked how he felt about everything and his remarks were what really impressed me.  He said, "It is what you let it be.  Can't let it get you down, or let it get you bitter. Let it make you better."  He said that everyone faces storms. "But you still here, and lookin' forward to tomorrow."

It is what you let it be.  Better not Bitter.  

Chose, decide, and act on the idea that it's not so bad.  Chose to be happy.  And more important than that, decide not to be sad!

Let it be better.

I will leave you with a smorgasbord of things that have been great lately.  

-Some friends introduced me to an incredible, beautiful campsite.

-I had fish and didn't hate it.  

-I finally got over 10,000 points in a game of Farkle.

-I taught myself how to change some lights on my car.

-My car finally passed it's Safety Inspection.

-Got my parking ticket down from $100 to $20!

-Got higher than a 40% on an Econ test (believe me, this is HUGE!)

-Have had 2-3 bowls of cereal every day since Tuesday. Great!

-Got from bed to class in 12 minutes today. 

-Made a dragon out of cookies for Chinese New Year!

-Have been able to make time to go on walks as often as possible.

-I spend time on Temple Grounds as often as possible.

-Finally getting to know my roommates better!

-Came up with a killer name for the house ... The FORTRESS.  It's the best.

-My ipod has been working better than usual.  Listening to great music!

-Had some fantastic Thai Curry (and didn't get too sick from it! BOOYAH!)

There is so much more to add to the list, so I'll just leave it there and say that I have incredible friends.  It's amazing how people pull through for you when you need them most.  Along with that, the church is true!  I can see the blessings from the gospel in my life every day.  

Alright.  That's all I have to say about that.  If you're still with me, I hope you have an excellent evening and thanks for stopping by!  And remember, 

LIFE IS GOOD!