An End to a "Friendship" Long Overdo

The older I get, the more I realize that experiences are often shared.  When I'm going through something, I think, could this really be happening? Would others relate? More often than not, the answer is yes. So, today I'm focusing on that one "friendship" that just doesn't make sense because it's two energies that are just not compatible. But for some reason, it endures the test of time because of life circumstances.  And then finally, it just has to end--for the peace of one or both parties. I experienced that full circle moment this week.  And I can honestly say, it's an end that definitely has a new beginning for me.
     It all began so many years ago.  Becoming friends with someone because our kids went to the same school, fighting the same fight, supporting our kids in extracurricular activities.  I've always considered myself a positive person--someone who seeks out the bright lights, the person who understands the concept of going high instead of hitting low.  Throughout the years, this person was the opposite of these qualities.  She always had a conflict with someone, a criticism of one person or another, a wrong that was done to her or her family etc. etc.  And as a supportive friend, I always listened. Always wanted to see the positive.  And there often were! We had some great times, fun conversations, but also frustrating moments. There were many times I would share my frustrations with members of my immediate family. And I have to say, it was difficult not to get negative about it which is something that I never want to cultivate. I've seen her lose so many people over the years, but each situation was never her fault. She was always wronged.
     As I'm getting older, raising & watching my sons grow closer to adulthood, I want them to seek out people in their life that will make them better people. In looking back, I often felt so many moments of negative surging rising within me in her presence.  Even the way she spoke about members of her family would either make me cringe due to the excessive boasting or hurt for the angry words towards an elderly relative. She has maligned other students--children--for the sake of her ego--even saying hateful words about people with special needs.  Hurtful things I never stood by, but also never called her out on--to keep the peace.  She has a kind side, a generous side, a compassionate side that can make a person lower their guard, but if you somehow get on her bad side (whatever her criteria of that is), she can poison you with her words.  Many have been on the receiving end of these attacks.
     Another friend of ours sent me an article on narcissism, and it was so spot-on with her personality. It made me realize that I can't control others, but I can control my reactions to someone & also who I decide to invite into my presence. After so many years of being surrounded by her drama, witnessing her hurt others & somehow make it seem as though her & her loved one are/were victims, she sent me a nasty text ending our friendship because I decided to remain friends with someone who she has vilified and who she insists has made her & her loved one a victim--forever it seems.  I refuse to be a part of that circle.  I accept her spurning our "friendship" as Divine intervention and what is meant to be for my life.  I release myself from the swirling of anger and hate.

 

I don't want to harbor resentment. I don't have room for that in my life.  And I don't know if she'll malign me with others or post hateful passive-aggressive messages on her Social Media, which she is well-known to do--but I'm going to choose to let it all go--to let a "friendship" go that needed to end.  And although she claims she has no use for my good wishes, I still offer it up. Because I want happy people on this earth--there's too much hate and anger already. 

   And moving forward, I will continue to be choosy about my friendships.  Just as it exists in my immediate circle, I want to be surrounded by positive & kind people.     

Update on Our Issues with Frontier and Our New Provider Choice

A few months ago, I shared our negative experience with Frontier Communications, their bad customer service and our feeling that we were scammed for a package price deal we never received. We did stop service with this company which weirdly enough gave us credit we will never use (another scam to entice us back?) and searched for a service that would mostly fit our television viewing needs.

 

 

I encourage others who are having troubles with this company to do research on alternative network providers that exist out there. When we were in the thick of these issues with Frontier, I came upon way too many people experiencing the same horrendous customer service exposure we received.  There are other kinds of options including streaming services I never knew about that provide local channels and recording services. We settled on YouTube TV which, I have to be honest, took a lot of getting used to. But I think we're getting the hang of it & are relatively happy with their service.  We pay much less which will allow us to sign-up for different streaming services at different times depending on what shows we want to have access to.  And overall, just feel so much better shedding a company we did not feel good about. 

Also, taking this opportunity to promote Lego Manatee! He needs so many more votes to become a real set. What an amazing opportunity for conservation awareness for these beautiful creatures if they became a Lego set. Vote for him: https://ideas.lego.com/projects/4e1b5ad6-912c-4f37-a8fb-2333779db8ec

Vote! 

Please Support Lego Ideas Manatee

My Husband and Sons are constantly working on new creative projects whether it be shooting video blogs, wall art, writing stories or building original Lego creations--it's always neat to see where their creations end up and whether or not they ever want to share their final products or just "shelve" them, literally or digitally. When my sons came to me with their Lego manatee build, I was beyond excited! Their Dad and I encouraged them to enter it into Lego Ideas and I honestly felt like it would be fairly easy to garner support from both Lego fans and Manatee Conservation fans.  But Lego requires tangible votes and I didn't fully comprehend the gigantic challenge in converting the excitement and support into actual votes that Lego would take seriously. It's a constant campaign...and it's a long journey.

Please vote!

Meaningful toys are difficult to find. Today's influencers focus on taking selfies in various positions and making news by who they're dating.  But conservation? That's a bit on the dull side, apparently.  That's why I love this Lego Ideas concept of a Manatee Build. Kids enjoy Lego in general so that works just on its own.  But building something with a clear message--in this case, the awareness and conservation plight of the Manatee--is delicious icing on the cake.  Lego plans on moving ahead with plant-based sustainable bricks and I believe this build would be a perfect meld.

Please Vote!

In order to vote for this Lego Idea, you have to have an account.  It's pretty easy to set up (just the same as setting up any online account).  It's free to vote and sharing the link would expose it to more potential supporters.  Take a look at the build closely, and decide if supporting it is something you'd like to do. And if you are so inclined please,  Vote! Vote! Vote!

Adventures of Lego Manatee:

Giving Aquaman a ride....

Always hungry!

          

Lego Manatee even went on a So You Think You Can Dance audition! He's really working it, so please vote for him!

Support the Brothers with Lego Manatee and Vote!!

 

When Books Just Feel Like a Hug

I periodically review--but mostly recommend--books that I enjoy and I make an effort to come up with interesting titles for the blog.  Thankfully, there are memes that inspire me. For this entry, this one stood out. 

Yes, sometimes, reading a great book does feel like a hug! Big shout-out to whoever came up with this gem! Here are my current recommendations:

 

Without You by Yesenia Vargas

This story begins at the tale end of high school when Ariana and Lucas first meet.  They are seniors and will be moving on to college upon graduation.  They fall in love and have to deal with all those crazy & scary feelings, but then must decide if the relationship is strong enough to withstand the distance post high school. It’s all about choices & as a reader I was rooting for them to make the right ones. The characters are of Latin descent & I loved how the author incorporates some language and culture while telling a very relatable story.  The main heroine, Ariana is strong and is a great role model for girls.  And Lucas is all kinds of sweet & kind. It’s not hard imagining falling in love with him.  I really enjoyed this beautiful story of young love.

Rock Her by Inglath Cooper  

The chapters alternate to tell the story in the perspectives of the characters: married couple Lizzy & Ty, their daughter Kylie, and rock star musician Ren.  I enjoyed “hearing” their voices because it shows how the same situation can be seen from so many points-of-view and not just a right or wrong, or bad person versus good person.  It’s also a look at how a marriage can pretty much implode on itself and how quickly the blame is attached to one particular person.  But every marriage takes two, and choices, even in small ways are made every day. Relationships are so complicated—between a man & a woman, and between parents & kids.  It’s all seen in this really entertaining story.

Escape in You by Rachel Schurig   

Zoe and Taylor are from different sides of the track, but surprisingly similar in their life struggles. Zoe feels trapped in her home life, having to take care of a mentally unstable mother.  Taylor is also trapped taking care of a mother who doesn’t hide her disdain of him and blames him for the loss of her son, Taylor’s beloved older brother.  They find solace in each other & develop intense feelings that could be love.  But they’re both afraid to trust in it and in each other.  Mix in some partying, alcohol, drugs and misunderstandings and you have yourself some serious life drama.  I found myself emotionally reacting during key parts of the story.  And I loved the romance between the two characters.  This love story is amazing. 

I hope you check out some of these titles! Let me know if you enjoyed them. I'd love to hear some feedback. 

A dream, a fantasy, a thought.....

 

Always thankful for everything & I love thinking of my gratitude as bookends!