Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Rain, rain go away

Don't get me wrong I don't have a grey cloud following me around. Things are pretty great in paradise. It's when I take my boat and row over to the slave house that things take a turn for the worse.

Let me preface this: I love my job, no really! I absolutely love the relaxed environment, the knowledgeable colleagues, PTO, easy schedule, and so much more. BUT this month has proven to me just how behind most of the world really is when it comes to technology and how rude they can be when they are frustrated. It has been a busy month to say the least.

The times are changing! Why aren't people catching up? You can't get online and print your W-2? Well sorry to disappoint ya but USPS will not be here much longer! Everything is online now a days. There are computer classes that can help you better navigate the world which is literally at your fingertips.

It's my rant for the day. I am thankful for the actual rain we received today. It always makes the world feel more refreshed. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day :)

Life's little treasures

In this day in age everything and anything is all about instant gratification. We need it now. We want the latest and newest edition. We crave for more. We love it now and hate it tomorrow. We must live in the moment because that's all we have so basically eat, drink, and be merry because who cares what tomorrow brings.

That's the message the media sends out through movies, TV shows, and music. George Strait tells us "I'm not here for a long time I'm here for a good time". Or Ke$ha who proudly announces in just about every song "to make the most of it" who cares about tomorrow's consequences? TV shows like Two and a half Men or Anger Management produce bad role models like Charlie Sheen. Yes I recognize that he stars on both series at one point but he is the epitome of my exact point I'm trying to get across. I don't think I need to explain just how movies affect us. They should just change the rating system to validate what is really being portrayed.

It used to be enjoyable when I could go to the movies with family and friends and not be disappointed because the selection didn't include all R rated movies except for a PG family movie. It's sad to see how the world is changing little by little we have lost values and morals. Instead of enjoying what matters most like family, nature, animals, and taking part in the lives around us we look to electronics when bored.

5 of life's little things:

I enjoy watching the leaves turn gold and auburn during fall.
I love to hear the ocean beat against the sand, fast and powerful then gentle.
The smell of fresh cut grass is so crisp and vivid in my memories that I imagine it to be so much sweeter when I actually encounter it.
Singers are so talented, their voices carry emotion and travel right through me. ( I love to sing so I'm thankful Im not tone deaf).
Sifting my hand through fine sand while feeling its cool temperatures warm up against my fingers feels wonderful.

You see all these experiences are dying in our culture. We can no longer see, hear, smell, touch, or taste what is around us and appreciate it. It's an ancient art form and those who know how to understand it are not passing off the information. For our children's sake I hope we will find a way back to the path. And enjoy life's little things...

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Dreams vs Insomnia

Lately I've been having some weird dreams. I usually didn't ever remember my dreams because when I was a child I wished to not dream. I had to give up the good dreams so that I wouldn't have nightmares.

But recently I wake up and remember at least one or two of my dreams. Sometimes it's just bits and pieces of the nights dreams.

Josh like any male dreams about being a ninja. Basically the perfect archetype for the hero. He is a protector by nature and it seeps through to his subconscious. He's such a stud in his dreams. He always gets the bad guy and has all these amazing skills like sword fighting, and jiu jitsu.

I on the other hand have dreams about cleaning the kitchen (that's my angry dream coz no one wants to help but everyone makes a mess). I dream about going to work and never being able to leave because my stack of work never seems to dwindle. Other times I have nightmares most of which I wake up crying, sad, and hurt. Those don't last too long in my memory bank mostly it's a nightmare of emotions not visually.

I realized my undesirable dreams have become quite frequent visitors for about the past two years. It's been a whirlwind of change during the past two years and maybe my subconscious is fighting me or rather the unconscious part of me. Perhaps I am battling my id, who clearly does not want my ego to win. Therefore my dreams are a representation of what life would be like (i.e. NOT fun). My id teases my ego by demonstrating what a drag life could be as an adult. But my ego knows better than that... It's the constant struggle to leave behind childhood and enter adulthood. Something very few of us want or even fully achieve.

So while my id and ego duke it out my super-ego stands watch and referees.

Resolution: Dream catcher

Friday, January 25, 2013

Girls night

I had the great pleasure of spending my Friday night with two amazing girls: Chloe and Julie Eisermann.

Chloe is an intelligent fifth grader with a colorful personality that is both appealing and gracious. She plays the violin like nobody's business! And has eyes the color of spring as winter melts away both piercing and kind. I love her enthusiasm for all things girly (something we both share). Her goodness radiates from her sweet smile, it is hard to resist not giving her one back. There's an energy within her that is contagious and fun.

Julie on the other hand is young and quiet. She follows her sister, mimicking her every move while still retaining her uniqueness. This adorable little first grader stands her ground when necessary but quiet is her refuge. With her wispy brown hair out of her face you can see her sage green eyes earnestly looking back at you. Although she is shy, if you allow her she has so many opinions to offer up. Plus she's great at picking nail polish colors that go well together!

No doubt they will grow up to be beautiful women inside and out. They have a strength they gather from their amazing mother. I had a fantastic time talking and giving our cuticles attention. Makes me so much more excited for motherhood and the possibility of daughters.

Their middle sister Heidi couldn't make it tonight because she had a school project to work on but I look forward to getting to know her as well.

It was a great girls night!!!

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Bad to Worse

Today was awful to say the least.

From the time I woke up this morning to the time I came home it has all blurred into a big blob of bothersome period of living.

My sister Giselle could usually alleviate my moody moments with her witty words however now I turn to Josh. Usually he says something sweet to me with an earnest look in his eyes and kindly kisses me to soothe my woes. In my case today, I would need all those things times a 100 to begin to alleviate anger built up inside.

It starts with a pinch and soon it turns into punches and finally your on the floor looking up as fists are pumped in the air victoriously. (I imagine my Mii after a match against Josh in just about any sport)

If we let the anger build it can destroy us. So what if the neighbor thinks you can't park! Maybe he was in a bad mood. The woman on her cell phone can't make up her mind on which lane to take. Maybe she just got some bad news and has to take a different route than planned. Or that Mr. Know-it-All employee is rude and argumentative. Perhaps he is just old and cynical? Lol he probably needs to be killed with kind words. My "favorite" today was the man calling in for his wife demanding (and cussing at me) to have her W-2 mailed to their address because they don't know how to use a computer. It's 2013 .... Keep up with the times!!! Or find someone to show you.

Bottom line: no one wanted to take responsibility for their actions. My neighbor wants to blame me bc he parked too close to the white line. The woman on the cell phone looks surprised when people honk at her... Get a Bluetooth or get off the phone and pay attention. Mr KIA blames me for the fact that he misread the brochure full of important information on the changes to his benefits! Apparently except means to include in his vocabulary. And least of all the over zealous frantic husband trying to get his taxes done before you are even allowed to file them! HnR Block isn't going anywhere last I heard.

That's my rant for today. I usually try not to be negative in my posts. No one likes a sour puss. So my turn... I should take responsibility for allowing these little things to frustrate me and put a pinch in my day. I have removed myself from humanity and after some needed alone time I am feeling relaxed. I am blessed to have made it through today :)

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Distractions

I have already failed my writing goal this year of not writing everyday but I will continue nevertheless.

Yesterday was awful at work. The seconds couldn't have gone by any slower and work couldn't have been any busier. When I got home I was beat but I still managed to gather enough strength to go to the mall with Josh.

It was nice spending time with him during the day (he's been working til 9pm just about every night). It almost felt like date night.

Josh bought a new backpack for school, which he starts today! I got my ring cleaned and inspected. We took pictures in a booth (it's my krptonite... I see a booth and something takes a hold of my legs and somehow I end up inside taking funny/cute pictures).

The best part was seeing Josh get all excited when he saw Swords, Knives, and Beyond!! It's not really called that but might as well be. It was like giving candy to a child or jewelry to a woman. He was so enthusiastic about looking at the merchandise. His collection holds about 20 at the time and he's gunning for 500 (no pun intended). Heirlooms he calls them. One day our sons or daughters will be nerds or violent. JK :)

Knives are pretty good tools. Josh happen to put one in my purse just in case a dog (and I don't just mean the ones that pee on hydrants) attacks me. I've already used mine this morning, of course it was to cut off a string hanging off my shirt. Maybe that means he's not ready to put a gun in my hands. I do have a bit of bad history. Accidents happen! Lol my scar looks pretty cool now that's its healed.

So we cuddled as we watched a redbox movie at home and we had a perfect happy ending to our night. So my distraction is a good excuse to slack a bit on my daily writing.

Families that play together stay together.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Fake it til you Make it

I heard it all the time in choir class in high school and it definitely served as a good life lesson.

Being an adult there's a lot if things we have to do wether we like it or not. I don't like to wash dishes but I do it because I have to. Kids have to eat their veggies to grow up and be strong. Men have to talk about their emotions to connect with their wives. The list is different for every person but whenever I come across a chore I hate to do I fake it til I make it.

I believe the paths we take in life apply as well. Every decision we make brings on us a consequence wether good or bad or both. We grow as children and make friends. Some try to find themselves by trying a little of everything. Most people fall in love once or twice. Marriage is an important decision as well as children. Choosing a career is among the big impacting decisions but they all have side effects as I like to call them. Some days are better than others... We just have to fake it til we make it.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Literally

Every year my father likes to adopt a new learned word in which case he uses in excess during any and every conversation.

This past year his word was: literally.

I mean he literally used it after every word, literally. And he would even tack it and the end of every sentence.

His enthusiasm was beyond measure. His hand gestures, pitch, and facial expressions were an added bonus.

So in his honor... I found him a funny. I look forward to his new word in 2013.



Thursday, January 17, 2013

Born this way...Or Not

What makes us who we are?

Darwin's cousin Galton liked to think of it as nature versus nurture.

We've heard it over and over again. There are countless studies. Different views and opinions.

Recently I've had friends and loved ones make decisions that takes them on a completely different path than the one they originally started. An action causes a reaction and thus a chain of events proceeds.

I've always been a quiet, shy individual but I wonder if my parents had stuck me in acting classes would I have blossomed into what my environment prepared me for? Or would I have just sunk instead of swimming?

As young children our nature runs wild until the nurturing part comes in and we begin to learn social acceptance. During these phases in our lives where we learn how to act, how to obey, or how to be accepted: Is there really any changes happening or are we just pretending to be accepted? Do we follow in order to please or be rewarded?

What I have learned over the years is that I had innate qualities and talents when I came into this world of which it is my responsibility to share and expand them. Many of the qualities I possess now also derive from learned experiences and from mistakes or risks I have taken. Sometimes I have even let things happen to me which have changed my course entirely and then "Meli", my inter voice says, "Recalculating" (Yes, of course it's in a British accent).

I am a product of
love,
joy,
religion,
youth,
leadership,
commitment,
faith,
power,
knowledge,
and only I decide, who I become, my destiny.   

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Shopping with a man

Don't try to stop me. I know the side effects. I have been warned.

Josh and I decided to go shopping today. Of course his idea of shopping includes walking at warp speed through the mall from the sunglass hut to Dick's. NOT OKAY!

He's been working a new job which is taking up a lot of time and today is his day off. So we decided to spend "quality time" together: annoyed yet satisfied.

You see there's some endorphine in the body that releases a chemical, enabling us to be happy after making a purchase even though I'm annoyed that I can't really BROWSE the store and he's annoyed because I'm taking too long to decide if emerald green or fuchsia looks better on me (he just nods and agrees). Men just aren't good shopping buddies (there are some exclusions).

But I take whatever time I can get with him because even though I know I'll end up tired from running through the mall, I'll have him by my side.

Maybe any time is quality time?

My language of love is physical touch. He's usually extremely touchy in public. Maybe this isn't such a bad idea :)

I'll just have to get my retail therapy in some other way.

*side note: I wish my sisters lived in town

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

CHEERS to New Years Resolutions

A Successful 2013=New blog design + 1 Post everyday - Sundays + 33,000 hits

My vacation is over and I have decided to return to the land of the writing. As you can see there are a few changes for this year. I won't be specifically talking about the "Challis'" every post because well that would be boring and narcissistic (that's what Facebook is for).

To be honest I had been lacking the right amount of creative juices and kick start to put me into gear. Writing after all is like any other talent or hobby. You must practice and shape your craft. After watching "The Carrie Diaries" I felt injected with an immense desire to write and similar to the main character, Carrie, in the show: find my voice (or in my case redefine)


From a very early age in life, I felt drawn to the written word. Anyone who knows me understands one thing above all else....I am a listener and observer. Quite ironic that I talk for a living (for now anyways).

I thought I had it all figured out somewhere in between Sophomore and Junior year in college. Lo and behold I was completely wrong. Living away from home, becoming an adult, traveling, and failing or falling a few times in life amounted to "Rites of Passage" and nothing more. I had a miniscule idea of what it could be or maybe what I thought my voice should be but no clear definition set in place. A few months after graduating the craving to constantly write dissipated. I was left with an emptiness that lasted what seemed like an eternity. A few dark months and very minimal writing later, a change wrought within me. Like a click of a button instantly my life was rearranged (or maybe finally fell into place). It was as if I was looking through a kaleidoscope and seeing bright colors and shapes for the first time.    

2012 brought much needed light and love into my life. So I was busy cultivating, remembering, enjoying, and understanding those moments of life (among other things which leave little time for writing).

My goal for 2013 is to take my short lived life experiences along with those of strangers, family members, or friends and insert them into my writing. Through my words I hope to give people an experience of emotions. Most of all I want my voice to be heard and for it to make a difference.