Drinking Coffee and Helping Manatees

 I looked up the definition of "spirit animal" and found that the cheeky metaphor is interpreted as "someone or something a person relates to or admires". Based on that elucidation, I'm making the official decree that the manatee is my spirit animal.  I absolutely love the gentle, kind energy they radiate. Living in the West Coast doesn't allow me the opportunity to offer any grass roots help, but I can always continue to participate in raising awareness and support fundraising when I can. The Save the Manatee organization is the leading force in the conservation movement for manatees. If interested, please check them out to see what you can do to help no matter where you are on the globe.

I love their products and even proudly sport my sunglasses. 😊

 

Joining Save the Manatee is another awesome company I found, Manatee Gourmet Coffee, selling various types of coffees and merchandise with a portion of their proceeds going towards manatee causes. Check them out if you're a coffee drinker.  They have quality products. 

I love the manatees. I hope they can survive their latest ecological struggles associated with pollution.  They have some dedicated people working to help them, but their struggle is real. I send conservationists positive energy. Save. The. Manatee.

  

My Encounter With a (Walking Dead) Twitter Troll

I've always considered myself a contributor of positivity on social media.  For me that's simply focusing on subjects I enjoy while scrolling over things that I dislike or feel negative emotions over. I don't often engage in debates and especially make the most effort to stay away from what has become the ugliness of politics. Twitter, for me, is a way to express my feelings and I generally intentionally choose to share what I deem interesting, fun or useful information. I don't seek out conflict.  Being in some arbitrary spat with someone behind an anonymous screen (or in real life for that matter) does not bring me any kind of joy. 

That being said, I was engaged in a Twitter back-and-forth after I made a strong emotional opinion comment on a storyline from the show Walking Dead. It's strictly my opinion and doesn't degrade real life people--only make-believe characters on a make-believe show. I did include a cheeky hashtag--#WritersSuck--mostly to stress how much I dislike the storyline. If there's a better way to express that, I will certainly find one moving forward. Needless to say, I don't enjoy this show as much as I used to. The Huz was a fan of the beginning seasons and we've stayed watching out of some weird goal for completion. But again, that's just an opinion. If you enjoy it, then you enjoy it. 🤷

He blocked his responses at first but then opened them up again so I quickly took a screenshot for posterity. 

So this "Harry" felt the need to point out to me that the character of "Glen" is not real.  But then proceeds to mention the actor's name in his response...seemingly to make the point that the character is not real.  But I never referred to the actor.  I never exhibited (at least I don't believe so) to have issues with discerning the difference between was is real and what is make-believe. In fact, my in retrospect not-so-kind hashtag of #WritersSuck illustrates that I am aware that the aforementioned character is indeed fictional.
 

Evidently, with my response, I was feeling sarcastic and maybe, possibly a tad triggered. I don't know if "Harry" realizes it or not, but his response is what the internet often refers to as "troll"-like behavior. He essentially attacked my intelligence and the ability to discern reality versus fantasy. It's not engaging in discourse of the plot progression or even character development, which is a discussion I have no issues in participating in. 

He then proceeds to state his opinion on character development but then adds another insult about my ability (well, more specifically inability) to understand--apparently since it's against his own opinions.  His response is insulting and rude.

 I could have easily just ignored his ill-mannered responses to me, but I felt compelled to counter and engage. This exchange was small and overall insignificant, but for me, it's an example of the negative and arrogant ways people engage each other most especially on the internet. Opinions are not the same as facts and insulting people just to feel right or superior is a huge reflection on that person. You may think you've "one up" someone, but be assured, pompous intentions are transparent. It's perfectly acceptable to disagree with someone.  It is haughty and disdainful to believe your opinions are the only ones that should exist.

 Don't be a jerk. Choose kindness.

 

We Don't Look Like That Anymore (Memories)

Shutterfly sent me an email reminding me of these pictures taken in April of 2013. I love these surprise little "gifts" that show up that make my already grateful heart even more thankful of what truly matters in life.

They are now 16 & 19 & suffice is to say are much larger now. 😊

These two boys have been the subject of our photography for so many years.📸 I'm sure many parents relate--every moment feels special and it feels necessary to capture it. As I look at this particular picture, I see two boys that have changed so much yet, remain the same in numerous ways (their personalities have matured and obviously they're much deeper thinkers but their core characters are still very much there). We had so much fun with them as little boys, and we still continue to enjoy our quality time with them as young adults. To see places, things and events through the eyes of the offspring that you've raised and love beyond anything is a gratifying experience.  I value who they are and I'm immensely proud of them.
 

They still enjoy hanging out with each other.

I didn't have a healthy relationship with my father growing up and have a non-existent one as an adult. So, seeing the strong bond that The Huz has with the boys has always been incredible for me and I've always viewed their relationship with great reverence and appreciation. It goes without saying that he loves them beyond words, but if love can be seen as something tangible, I feel like one would literally be able to see it radiating out of him. He shows his devotion to them by being present and available for them for the important things but also for just shooting the breeze and a fun conversation. It's a bond that didn't just materialize when the boys hit a certain age.  It started from birth with his constant presence as their biggest cheerleader. As they grow further into adulthood, the bond is even stronger laced with not just a solid father & sons connection, but also a true and genuine friendship.

They're my little ones, even though now I'm technically "the little one".

I remember either seeing a meme or maybe reading an article about the importance of mothers taking pictures with their children because we get busy and focused on raising them we forget to be IN the myriad of pictures we take OF them. It's solid advice. I've been lucky to have a dreamy experience with motherhood. What I mean by that is that I super enjoyed getting to raise them and felt the joys of the stages of their development and milestones. We've made the best memories I endlessly cherish. That's not to say that I never felt exceptionally tired at times and immensely frustrated other times. My circadian rhythm will never be the same since becoming a mother and I'm not convinced that I've completely come out of what is cheekily referred to as "the mom fog". Parenthood and specifically motherhood is not some utopian experience (and if it is, good on you), but rather a series of some astounding ups and defeating downs. It's gigantic feelings of stress and worry and hoping--praying that decisions we make on their behalf are not damaging them. It's occasions of feeling tremendously proud of their accomplishments and feeling blessed at the phenomenal people they are. 

Motherhood is not a linear experience. It's a lot.  And it's all worth it.

 

Nothing is Taken for Granted, Everything is a Gift

I've been feeling a little mentally off lately. I'm not sure if it's a reaction to the empathy I feel for situations around me--wordly or far off and some closer to me personally. I'm trying to meditate and control the unnecessary worrying that I sometimes fall into because I know that just allows me to suffer twice. In the past, I would try to minimize my melancholy and/or anxiety (for lack of a better description for my "off" feelings) but now I know that it's okay to feel this way and with time, hopefully, it does pass on by. And from personal experience, it does.  It's a reminder to take care of my mental health and to concentrate on the things that bring much joy to my life--the loves in my life, the simplicity versus the chaos, and the long list of things I'm always thankful for.  

Simple joys: morning coffee, walking for movement and exercise & husband massages. 💗

The following art and poem is sad because this feels relevant to so many lives around me. That one flower seems far and unreachable, but there are flowers closer to you that you just haven't seen.

Please, turn around.

 

You're single and you need company.

You're in a relationship and you lack freedom.

You work and no time.

You have too much time on your hands and you'd like to work.

You're young and you wanna grow up to do adult things.

You're an adult and you like to do young people's things.

You're in your city but you wish you lived somewhere else.

You're somewhere else but you'd like to go back to your city...

Maybe it's time to stop always looking at what we lack and start living in the present, truly appreciating what we do have.

Enjoy the scent of your home before opening the door and going out in search of the perfumes of the world.

Because nothing is taken for granted, and everything is a gift.

Give it courage!

- Unknown Author

The Justification of a Slap Heard Round the World

Because I felt such strong emotions, I've given myself some time to reflect on Will Smith assaulting Chris Rock at the Oscars. My initial reaction was horror and disbelief at the act itself, but when I took to the internet and saw the comments of support for Will Smith, my feelings turned to disappointment in humanity. I couldn't grasp, and still can't, the concept that people were rooting for a man hitting another man because he said some awful things about his wife. 

I'm not going to even argue on that particular point. Insulting jokes are always hurtful. People should speak out on that and defend others from hateful speech.  As someone who advocates kindness above all else, I couldn't agree more with that notion. Words do matter. I've been in the direct line of hateful and unkind words and I, firsthand, know and relate to how painful being on that end can be.  And everyone should be mindful of what they say to others because we don't know what someone is going through and that one awful moment of hateful words can affect them in ways that are unfathomable.

But the solution to Chris Rock's irreverent comedy is not a punch to the face. For me, that stance is non-negotiable. Will Smith intentionally rose from his chair, calmly walked over to the microphone where Chris Rock was doing "a shtick" and proceeded to punch or slap him in the face, walked back to his seat then proceeded to yell out profanities to Chris Rock justifying why he did what he just did.  Chris Rock, to his credit, responded awkwardly then continued on with the show.

Then I started reading the comments: good for Will for defending his wife. How dare Chris Rock talk about Will's wife like that. He deserved it. Then I also heard from women: that's how you defend someone you love.  Or, I wish I  had a man who stood up for me like Will did for his wife. 

As a wife and mother of two sons, I can honestly say that I would never want either The Huz or my Sons to react in the way Will Smith did. Apart from the unwarranted violence, he reacted in an impulsive manner that in any other situation would have had dire consequences...a return punch that may have resulted in more violence and/or legal action.  There is always a better way to handle unkind interactions and punching someone is not one of those ways. It was not self-defense. It was a violent attack. Will Smith is in the privileged and unique position to have a strong platform in speaking out against bullying.  And he could have taken this opportunity to speak out against the insult that was directed toward his wife--bring more awareness to her medical condition and truly bring a voice to the struggles that people inflicted with it face. But instead, his actions took away, not only from the powerful awareness of the condition, but of the historical and magical night of him winning an Academy Award.

To his credit, Will made a public apology to Chris a day later.

 

I'm still trying to process that a major part of society who has opinions on this incident, are defending Will Smith and agreeing with his actions. For me, he did the wrong thing. As I've heard others say, full stop.  That's it.  Will Smith is, was wrong in hitting Chris Rock. And it breaks my heart that that stance is unpopular.  💔

Violence, in this case, was the wrong choice.

Redeeming Love: A Story that Touched my Heart (A Feature Film)

I came upon this movie just as a happenstance when I was scrolling through the movie section of a streaming service we currently have. I'm not going to promote that service because movies often come and go and jump around between streaming services.  I'm lucky to have had the chance to watch it as the subject and story, although extremely hard to watch at times, came full circle into an inspiring journey of loss, hardship, forgiveness, strength and love. 

The character of Micheal was unreal in the most hopeful way. The Huz, who was watching with one eye (and interested, I may add) while working at the same time, kept saying, "there's something wrong with him," and he meant it in the best way.  Michael is kind, non-judgemental, open minded, understanding and forgiving. He's the epitome of what a "Christian" person should aspire to, and unfortunately, I've never truly seen in actual life (although I've encountered many a "preaching" Christian). 

The character of Angel is a multi-faceted person,  having dealt with the hardships of life at a very young age through no fault or choosing of her own. She is understandably hardened by life and cynical of any goodness or kindness she encounters. 

Michael and Angel are the two main characters in the film, but there are a host of side characters to round out this very full story--characters you will feel the utmost sympathy for as well as characters you want to throw on the side of a boat in an ocean of hungry sharks. 🙅 Not sorry about it. 😑

I can tell you, while watching this movie, I found myself sad and angry about human nature. But there's also so many chances to feel hopeful as well.  And while I thought choosing this movie to watch was just to pass the time and maybe feel entertained, I felt that I received more from it that I would ever have expected. It's drama-filled.  And again, it's hard to watch at times, but there is a reason for everything and I did feel a payoff from my emotions. Because of the subject matter, this is for mature audiences only.  And it was also a movie adapted from a novel so read that too, if you're so inclined. 

   

Not About Gas Prices

As we waited in a gas line at 7am--a line that I've never seen formed at my regular station before this day--I was feeling all kinds of feelings about the situation. It made me think about the past two years and seeing people unfavorably react to situations outside of their comfort zone...shortages of toilet paper because people were hoarding, extremely long lines at popular grocery stores even though there were other places that didn't have lines, and people making current events into angry political discussions (does the Virus even exist, should we wear a mask or not, is the vaccine meant to microchip us?). I feel like everything that happens is somehow designed to yet again, polarize people and create a triggering argument (not a civil discussion) about one thing or another. 

I'm privileged that I'm able to go about my days feeling relatively safe. I live in a comfortable home with people I love. Our kitchen is well-stocked and are even able to enjoy a nice meal out every once in a while. We are able to enjoy entertainment in various forms (streaming services, books, music, video games and more) and going back to the subject of cars and gas, we're able to access transportation and get where we need to go. 

Are there ups and downs? Yes.  Always. Such as life. And it's ok to feel awful and even wallow in your sorrows when necessary.  But along with those moments, there is (and it's not just a famous saying) there is always, always something to be thankful for. 

Also, when things like increased gas prices, or supply shortages, or whatever else is going on in any given current time, we have to make adjustments in how we conduct life. One social media acquaintance posted that she decided she was going to make her own coffee instead of going to her daily franchise stop (there is so much savings in this choice). We re-adjust our budget when necessary, make cuts where we need to and lifestyle revamping (like maybe eating out less). It's all part of life and we're still more privileged than someone having bombs go off around them or calling a shelter your home. 

I'm not trying to minimize anyone's thoughts or feelings on whatever subject they want to rant about or dwell on. If that's what you want to do, do it. But I choose to just take things day-by-day, and focus on what I'm thankful for, always hoping that situations get better. 

Sending light & love out into the universe. 😘