"If you were all alone in the universe with no one to t alk to, no one with which to share the beauty of the stars, to laugh with, to touch, what would be your purpose in life? It is other life, it is love, which gives your life meaning. This is harmony. We must discover the joy of each other, the joy of challenge, the joy of growth."
-Mitsugi Saotome
-
So, it has been a long time... I guess two or three posts wouldn't get me a devout following. So, all four of you who've read in the past, I am very sorry for delaying this for you. I have so much I want to impose on you, but I am going to try and limit this slightly. There are two or three big things I want to cover. Oh, Hush! Boys, and Starting Over. So who is ready for some awesome blogging?
So, I want to start by pointing out this kinda totally rad group I know fondly as Oh, Hush! I first found OH when they added me as a friend on MySpace (a place for friends/music/movies/your mom). Now it isn't that uncommon that I get friended by random unknown bands from who knows where. I listened to the music that was up on the player and I REALLY liked the sound (very dance friendly, catchy in a good way, feel good) and thought it was very well produced for being one of the unknowns that usually finds me. And it just happened to be a plus that they had The Academy Is..., Cobra Starship, and Butch Walker in their very toppest friends. Well I left them a comment like I usually do to thank the people who add me when I like their music. I got commented back, which I always think is pretty flippin' sweet, and a good way to keep people interested. And then I started noticing that they had quite a loyal following, another good sign. I would go to their MySpace page to listen to the player (as far as I am aware that is the only way to listen), I would read their bulletins. Every now and then I would leave a comment and then generally *POOF* the next day or so there was a comment waiting for me. I loved it. Now, I clearly wasn't paying too much attention, because it wasn't until I read their Yes/No/Hell No We Won't Tell You blog (quite funny if you want to be amused take a couple of days to read it) that I not only realized that I didn't have any idea who made up the group. There is quite the mystery behind it all, and after reading 60+ pages of questions and responses, I came to a conclusion... I didn't care. As long as they were going to keep making fun music I was going to keep listening. Now what i think you need to do is take a moment to go ahead and check them out. I am sure that you'll love it, and they'd appreciate it too! (Click the Banner ^)
On to point two. I am two years single and for the most part I am perfectly happy with it. I know that a large part of self discovery happened in the time I have been single. I love who I am right now, and I am very proud of the direction I am headed. All of this said though, I still catch myself thinking how amazing it would be to have someone pull me close tell me how pretty I am in my pajamas. And I know I'm not the only one. I can talk to people day in day out about how much anyone of my friends wants exactly the same thing I think I do. Now I am certain there isn't anything wrong with anyone of us. I know this because I have amazing taste in friends and they are amazing people that anyone would be lucky to have. As for myself, I am trying to make myself a better person, I am trying to take care of the faults I know I have, the things I do that bother me that are certain to bother other people. The one thing I know for sure is that nobody, none of my friends or anyone else not my self needs to, nor should they try to change the fundamental things that make them who they are for someone else, it isn't worth it. Also in that same vein, you can't remain so stubborn in your ways and tastes. Be willing to be flexible, listen to their music (just don't quit listening to yours!), take turns when picking the movies you see. There is no chance you are going to find someone who likes everything the exact same you do, so be willing to bend a little. Don't entirely rule someone because they like Hannah Montana or gruesome, gory, horror flicks. That is only a part of who they are. And my last bit of advice, that I keep hearing over and over again; quit trying so hard. I've heard it over and over again, the moment you quit looking is the moment you find someone. Now this is clearly trickier said than done, because a person says 'I am done looking!' but then of course is checking over their shoulder at ever possible moment. Eventually one might get frustrated, but eventually we all find someone one. Just be patient. Good things comes to those who wait, right? I sure hope so.
Two things I want to remind you all of. If you are single, enjoy it while you can. There is so much to be learned about yourself that you can only do when you are a 'me' not a 'we.' And the more you know yourself and love yourself, the more attractive you become. And for those of you in relationships, enjoy them, take care of them, but don't rely on them. Don't stay in something that isn't good for you just because you are more worried about being alone.
And now I impart you with a few more words of my brilliant wisdom. So as my summer has officially began with my move and settle back home, I would like to begin by congratulating all the members of the class of 2008. Whether you are graduating high school, college, graduate school, or kindergarten, be proud of yourself. You have gained an experience of a lifetime in these past years. Never forget it. But please, don't dwell on it either. It is a big scary world out there, and I am no less scared than the rest of you.
I am planning on taking on Chicago in the fall, and I couldn't be more terrified. I recently was informed of my official acceptance and that was a weight off my shoulders. Only to be replaced by the prospect that I can only hope to get housing. Now to top of all this happy news, as most everyone I have spoken to can testify to, classes start the same day as my twenty-first birthday. So not only does this mean I will be in a strange city with a bunch of strangers, I will have class the day after I turn 21 and will have to wait almost an entire week to relish that lack of sobriety.
I love the friends I have made in my life time, each and everyone of you has meant something special to me whether we are still friends or not, close or we've grown apart, you have all made an impression and in impact, and I don't mean that lightly. I know there are plenty more people to meet and plenty more friends to make, but I just need to know that those of you that I have made especially at BV as I am cutting out time together short, you are very dear to me.
Chicago also presents me with the ability to reintroduce myself to the world. At home, I have lived here as long as i can remember, I grew up around the same kids, I graduated with kids I'd known since I was three. At BV I went in with a lot of baggage and I made the adjustment to not being home anymore. I made huge strides in personal growth and I thank every person who helped me along the way. Now that I feel like I am secure in who I am (or at least well on that way) and I hope that I can use the confidence I have developed as motivation to be less socially awkward and to put myself out there to the world. There are six billion people on this planet, and we all have something to offer. You just need to hold your head high, and be proud of who you are.
As a final point I would like to bring up the Iowa Flood of 2008. My family, our possessions, and myself are in no threat of danger that I am at all aware of. I cannot go to work until we are reopened, and there is no chance my mother will be working again for the next week. Though we are safe, I would like to take a moment to ask anyone out there reading to keep those who have yet to know the extent of the damage on their homes, properties, and business in your thoughts and prayers if you are the praying sort. If you are able to help I know they are never turning away hands. It is times like this that the strength of community is apparent and awe inspiring.
Peace, Love, and Sandbags,
Anna
Song of the Moment: A Fond Farewell - Elliot Smith, From a Basement on the Hill [song][lyrics]
[I'm not sure what it is exactly about this song that I absolutely love. It's beautifully depressing and well worth a listen]
TAI Song of the Moment: Slow Down - Almost Here [song and video][lyrics]
[quite possibly the first TAI song I saw the video for. Also when I realized the extreme prettiness front man william beckett possessed. I love the energy in this song. LOVE IT! Enjoy!]
Album of the moment: Narrow Stairs - Death Cab for Cutie 2008
[now I haven't gotten a great chance to absolutely absorb this album, but it is amazing. What less is there to expect from Death Cab? Narrow Stairs keeps in the traditions of great use of lyrics and amazing storytelling, with a sound that I find to be slightly eerier than their previous works. I do expect to fall in love with it even more when the time comes that I repeatedly listen to it. Check it out! Love it!]
On to point two. I am two years single and for the most part I am perfectly happy with it. I know that a large part of self discovery happened in the time I have been single. I love who I am right now, and I am very proud of the direction I am headed. All of this said though, I still catch myself thinking how amazing it would be to have someone pull me close tell me how pretty I am in my pajamas. And I know I'm not the only one. I can talk to people day in day out about how much anyone of my friends wants exactly the same thing I think I do. Now I am certain there isn't anything wrong with anyone of us. I know this because I have amazing taste in friends and they are amazing people that anyone would be lucky to have. As for myself, I am trying to make myself a better person, I am trying to take care of the faults I know I have, the things I do that bother me that are certain to bother other people. The one thing I know for sure is that nobody, none of my friends or anyone else not my self needs to, nor should they try to change the fundamental things that make them who they are for someone else, it isn't worth it. Also in that same vein, you can't remain so stubborn in your ways and tastes. Be willing to be flexible, listen to their music (just don't quit listening to yours!), take turns when picking the movies you see. There is no chance you are going to find someone who likes everything the exact same you do, so be willing to bend a little. Don't entirely rule someone because they like Hannah Montana or gruesome, gory, horror flicks. That is only a part of who they are. And my last bit of advice, that I keep hearing over and over again; quit trying so hard. I've heard it over and over again, the moment you quit looking is the moment you find someone. Now this is clearly trickier said than done, because a person says 'I am done looking!' but then of course is checking over their shoulder at ever possible moment. Eventually one might get frustrated, but eventually we all find someone one. Just be patient. Good things comes to those who wait, right? I sure hope so.
Two things I want to remind you all of. If you are single, enjoy it while you can. There is so much to be learned about yourself that you can only do when you are a 'me' not a 'we.' And the more you know yourself and love yourself, the more attractive you become. And for those of you in relationships, enjoy them, take care of them, but don't rely on them. Don't stay in something that isn't good for you just because you are more worried about being alone.
And now I impart you with a few more words of my brilliant wisdom. So as my summer has officially began with my move and settle back home, I would like to begin by congratulating all the members of the class of 2008. Whether you are graduating high school, college, graduate school, or kindergarten, be proud of yourself. You have gained an experience of a lifetime in these past years. Never forget it. But please, don't dwell on it either. It is a big scary world out there, and I am no less scared than the rest of you.
I am planning on taking on Chicago in the fall, and I couldn't be more terrified. I recently was informed of my official acceptance and that was a weight off my shoulders. Only to be replaced by the prospect that I can only hope to get housing. Now to top of all this happy news, as most everyone I have spoken to can testify to, classes start the same day as my twenty-first birthday. So not only does this mean I will be in a strange city with a bunch of strangers, I will have class the day after I turn 21 and will have to wait almost an entire week to relish that lack of sobriety.
I love the friends I have made in my life time, each and everyone of you has meant something special to me whether we are still friends or not, close or we've grown apart, you have all made an impression and in impact, and I don't mean that lightly. I know there are plenty more people to meet and plenty more friends to make, but I just need to know that those of you that I have made especially at BV as I am cutting out time together short, you are very dear to me.
Chicago also presents me with the ability to reintroduce myself to the world. At home, I have lived here as long as i can remember, I grew up around the same kids, I graduated with kids I'd known since I was three. At BV I went in with a lot of baggage and I made the adjustment to not being home anymore. I made huge strides in personal growth and I thank every person who helped me along the way. Now that I feel like I am secure in who I am (or at least well on that way) and I hope that I can use the confidence I have developed as motivation to be less socially awkward and to put myself out there to the world. There are six billion people on this planet, and we all have something to offer. You just need to hold your head high, and be proud of who you are.
As a final point I would like to bring up the Iowa Flood of 2008. My family, our possessions, and myself are in no threat of danger that I am at all aware of. I cannot go to work until we are reopened, and there is no chance my mother will be working again for the next week. Though we are safe, I would like to take a moment to ask anyone out there reading to keep those who have yet to know the extent of the damage on their homes, properties, and business in your thoughts and prayers if you are the praying sort. If you are able to help I know they are never turning away hands. It is times like this that the strength of community is apparent and awe inspiring.
Peace, Love, and Sandbags,
Anna
Song of the Moment: A Fond Farewell - Elliot Smith, From a Basement on the Hill [song][lyrics]
[I'm not sure what it is exactly about this song that I absolutely love. It's beautifully depressing and well worth a listen]
TAI Song of the Moment: Slow Down - Almost Here [song and video][lyrics]
[quite possibly the first TAI song I saw the video for. Also when I realized the extreme prettiness front man william beckett possessed. I love the energy in this song. LOVE IT! Enjoy!]
Album of the moment: Narrow Stairs - Death Cab for Cutie 2008
[now I haven't gotten a great chance to absolutely absorb this album, but it is amazing. What less is there to expect from Death Cab? Narrow Stairs keeps in the traditions of great use of lyrics and amazing storytelling, with a sound that I find to be slightly eerier than their previous works. I do expect to fall in love with it even more when the time comes that I repeatedly listen to it. Check it out! Love it!]
