Lee-Way Heart to Heart

Ever hear that humans are always their own toughest critic? I have come to notice that not only are we the hardest judges on ourselves but also on those we love the most. We push and we shove them into little moldings of what they should be to us instead of what they should or want to be for themselves. And in turn, they end up resenting us and we them for not being enough or for not understanding. It's a terrible game we play that only results in more pain and anger than was necessary. If we could all just take a few steps back, remove all of our personal prejudices and thoughts and really view a person for all they have to offer and want from life... if we take a moment to really see THEM versus see the person WE want from them... I think things would be so much different. We could honestly want the best for our lovers, our friends, our families... we would able to understand what we label their stupidities or their faults and take time to nurture their weakness and harbor their strengths. That's what helps a person grow. Not amplifying their mistakes or reminding them of how they haven't improved, we need to remember how hard some struggles are to get through and though it may be simple for you, they are not you... so try and give them that help and space they need to flourish in their own body. Why make them feel less than what they are? Challenge them in ways that make them happy to exceed their limits. Why make someone you love dread any part of themselves or their lives? If you truly love them, selflessly and unconditionally, then allow them to embrace their potential and be not a fiery wrath but a guiding light. And then maybe... you both will end up happier with each other.

Charlie

So we didn't get the miniature dachshund and to be honest, I'm really glad. We debated on getting a sugar glider but ended up getting Charlie our Australian Terrier. He's one and a half years old and is calm and amazingly obedient. He sits and stays and has the cutest little legs. We were going to rename his Bosley or Bosco but he responds to Charlie and we don't want him to become unresponsive to his training. Right now Kris and Charlie are sleeping next to me. Kris' head on my lap and Charlie right next to him. He's exactly what we were looking for in a dog, I wis Luna could have been this well behaved. I'm still curious how Kris is going to deal with his mother. He made this extravagant story and is convinced it'll work. I think he got me Charlie to pick me up from the rest of the stress in my life. Things with my mom are almost unimaginable. Kris and I had a really long talk about whether I would stay or go and now with her financial issues, there is no way I could move back home anyways. Thinking about it stresses me out. (sigh) I want to hold it off til' at least after the holidays. Then I'll tell my mom about me and Kris living together and all the dramam with school. I know she won't understand but I can't just move to Hoffman Estates, be away from school and my boyfriend, and my work, and my friends. I don't know there's just a lot going on and I'm only at the brink of it all. I'm just really glad that at least things are good at home with my two sleeping boys. Heh.

The Wretched Truth

So I've basically been avoiding this moment for the last year and a half. And there it is waiting for me on my doorstep. I hadn't been worrying about my mom changing jobs since I found out that she was directly affiliated to UIC. But now that we have new insurance, I need proof of full-time schooling.Shoot me now. So not only will she find out that I'm not at UIC but if she pays attention to the address she'll notice that I am no longer living at my old address. And of course this all had to happen right before the holidays. Funny how we always think we're doing things for the better and when the finally come out they really were all for the worst regardless. Hi Mom, just wanted to tell you that I'm not at UIC this semester. I wasn't full-time because I dropped Chemistry. And well, Kris and I live together. Surprise! Merry Christmas! (sigh) She's going to freak out and tell everyone so at Christmas they can all freak out at me. Then Kris is not going to want to spend Christmas with us. And then her and Rob will want me back home. Oh man... maybe I can just tell her that I am really trying to figure out my life on my own. That I haven't done the best job but that I'm still trying and will find my place eventually. It's going to crush her no matter how I say it and in turn will devastate me. Given that I've tried to tell her many times and she's been having so many other problems. I just wanted to figure out myself. And now here I am about to let it all spill all over the floor. I don't know. She's going to kill me. And then I don't know what comes next. There is no way for me to win this round. I'm going to have a heart-attack. Dumb. Dumb. Dumb. Maybe they'll let me be. Maybe they'll be upset and then I'll finally have a clear slate and all this stress and worry will be gone because there won't be anymore lies. Honestly, I just want my mom to know the truth. I don't need anyone else to know. Knowing her, she'll tell them. But if I could just tell my mom. Let her know that my life hasn't been as easy I've played it out to be. Let her know how hard it's been and how I get a good amount of what she's going through. I don't know. Maybe she'll see how much we love eachother. That we've made everything work well so far. Maybe she'll see anything... something... I am going to lose my mind before the night is through. I don't even know how to start.

Leave Out All The Rest

Oh how terrifying blank slates can be. I haven't written in a while and I'm glad at least a lot has happened in its place. Thanksgiving came and went in the blink of an eye. Lucky for me, this year Thanksgiving was also my birthday. I got to spend it with my family and with Kris. My little sister loves him which is a lot to say because she doesn't really let anyone hold her but my parents and me. My mom was even surprised. There was a ton of food, in ice-cream cake, and most of my family was there. It was really a lot to be thankful for. We stayed til' everyone left and Kris had no complaints. He usually gets antsy but as of late, he's been really great with giving me time and space with my family. And he's been getting closer to them too. The night prior, Kris and some of my friends took me out to Bourbon Street. It was my first bar/club experience and I had a lot of fun. I felt kind of bad though because I went with my guys friends and I hated feeling like I was leaving them alone. I need more girl friends pronto. There was so much dancing and of course I picked that night to wear stupid pointy shoes. Heh. My favorite drink is definitely a fuzzy navel. I've probably had over 20 over them since my birthday. A lot of creepy guys tried dancing with me and my friends and Kris had to keep saving me. Kris almost killed this guy who kept saying his name was St. Paul St. Paul. I got a free Bourbon Street t-shirt and Kris stole St. Paul's lighter. It really was a great night for me. Lots of techno, amazing drinks, and people I love. What more can a girl ask for?

So after Bourbon was Thanksgiving then after Thanksgiving was work and then my birthday party. Phew. That's a mouthful. Anyways, I'm glad a billion people didn't show up for my party because we honestly don't have the space for it. Some of the most important people in my life showed up which made me really happy. My cousins, Louie, Mike, Ryan, and Gina Moy. People who I haven't seen in over a year came just to spend a little time with me. Simple gestures can mean everything sometimes. I really wish Krystn could have come but with all the chaos life has been throwing at her, I completely understand. I love you Krys and want you to know that you are the epitome of strength to me. I really hope we can see eachother soon. Overall, my party was good. People stayed til' late and we played some really fun drinking games. I got three bottle of X-Rated, my Panda DS game from Ray (weird), my Kirby game from Mike, some flowers from AJ, an external harddrive and some boots from my parents, and cash which went toward my new phone. Heh. It was a good night.

So here I am. Just finished catching up on my shows and thought I would catch up here too. Since I've turned 21 I've been to The Lodge, Groucho's, The Rail, and of course Bourbon. I had some 10 cent wings last night which was really good but they kind of screwed us over on the drinks. I also got to see an improv musical with Kris, Winnie, and Artis which was really funny. I plan on going the next time they play and I'm off. Since we've quit WoW, Kris and I have been doing a lot more and spending a lot more time together. He thought I was asleep last night in the car but I could kind of hear him talking and he was telling Artis that we was really glad we were doing more stuff together. I'm kind of sad for him that he left WoW, I hope he goes back in a less addictive way. Til' then we've both picked up Tamagotchi's and they are our new obsession. Maybe more wings tonight and hopefully things will start looking up for everyone. It's Christmas time. That snowy but loving time of the year. I can't believe time is moving so quickly. I wonder what will happen this year when the hands meet. Hopefully something good.

Penny for Your Thoughts

If only she knew that I have begun to comprehend her struggles.
Late on rent. Angry collectors. Knowing when its too costly to eat.
Trying to provide the best for those your love and barely scraping by to make it.
Sometimes not making it at all.
Selling your possessions just to keep as close to comfortable that you can.
When every dollar counts. When every fraction of a penny has meaning.
Because you hope that they can all come together to give one lasting something... anything.

I hate to see that you struggle like me.
Because you have always worked hard to keep what you have.
To have better. To provide better. At all costs.
Me, I'm just beginning. Entering the world stage left.
Still finding my control and my whims.
Pushing my limits and realizing what it means to break them.

But now as I grow older and I see things so similar to you, I really wish I could help you because you deserve it. When I left, I honestly felt that you were well off. New husband. New baby. New home. New life. Living downtown with a fridge of expensive chocolate.
I thought you wouldn't struggle like we did.
Like you did for me when I was little.
But here we are, turning point of an era.
Part of a generation where money is deteriorating by the second.
And I hate to see that you're still working so hard to keep it all together.

You never fail at making me feel at home.
You never fail at making my heart miss you.
Home cooked meals. Laughter only family can provide.
I know now that though we are so similar,
we insist on a difference to keep us apart.
But though our pockets are empty and our worrisome hearts are full,
I wish you knew that I see you and that I wish so many of the same wishes that you do.