Problem Solving...

So I have this tendency to become attached to my friends' problems. These problems have absolutely NOTHING to do with me and have no (or very little) effect on my daily life. So, why then, do I care so much about their issues? I get legitimately upset as if it's my problem. I don't understand why. This need to protect them takes over and then I can't drop the issue/s until it/they're taken care of. I hate seeing my friends suffer and I hate even more when they convince themselves that it's their fault when it definitely is not or when they think they should stay with someone because they used to be amazing and they hope they go back to being amazing or some other reason that should not play a factor in the decision.

One of my friends was being taken advantage of and I didn't say anything for the longest time. Now, if you know me, you know it is unlike me to keep my mouth shut. lol. When someone starts taking over your apartment and is there more than you and doesn't seem to think they need to help with rent and utilities, that's a problem. Now why did that upset me? It shouldn't. It has nothing to do with me, it's not my apartment that's being invaded by someone who somehow doesn't realize how selfish they are (or they just don't care.) I hated seeing my friend get upset every time he went home because he couldn't just be in his apartment. That's an issue. When my friends have issues with their significant others, I usually sit there and listen. Most of the time they're minor issues that are easy to fix. Other times, they're issues that keep repeating over and over and over and over like a broken record. Why put yourself through that? I wouldn't say I'm a believer in "once a cheater, always a cheater" but I do believe that if there was even a suspicion of cheating, that person better go out of their way to gain that trust back, not continue to do stupid things and hurt the person they "love" over and over for years. Again, that shouldn't bother me. It's not my boyfriend.

So I've decided I'm going to try to be less involved in my friends' issues because it only adds stress to my life when there's no reason for their to be stress. I have no problem listening to whatever troubles they may have but I need to learn to care less. It can't be healthy to get legitimately upset over things that have zero effect on my life. I love my friends and will do anything for them, but it's really hard for me to sit around and watch them struggle and be hurt. I guess at some point you have to just let it go and let them go through the pain and suffering until they figure it out and finally stick up for themselves.

Post Thanksgiving Thoughts

Well today was Thanksgiving (or I suppose yesterday since it is now 1:40am) and some experiences I had today made me think about how lucky I am and how thankful I really should be for what I have been given in life. I have to say, I've been very spoiled in my short life-time thus far.










My family:
Is very close to each other and we've been through a lot together, all of which has made us stronger and closer. We're crazy, but who doesn't have a few nuts running around during the holidays? We've always had food on the table, leftovers for days, and presents under the tree. So many people can't say that simple sentence. Not only have I been fortunate to always have a place to call home, but I've always had people to pick me up when I fall.

My parents:
I had the strongest mother a person could ask for; I have never seen anyone fight to survive like she did all while trying to convince everyone else things would be ok. She was always there for me and I could tell her anything, literally. She didn't judge, she was just there to support me. She went to every single dance recital, choral performance, band review, chaperoned school trips, she never missed anything. She always went above and beyond what any normal parent would. She also took way too many pictures, something I have definitely inherited, poor Caesar.  My dad is also one of my best friends and I realized how lucky my brother and I were. We've been going on trips around the country and state since we were little, Disneyland being a main destination point. Today while Caesar and I were on Space Mountain, the woman behind me made me realize how few people have that same experience. As soon as we left the tunnel that takes you up to the top of the roller coaster and she saw all of the "stars" she gasped and said "wooooow" just like a little kid would. This is a grown woman and here I am with my eyes closed because the tunnel makes me dizzy. lol. I can't thank my parents enough for what they have given me so far in life.

My boyfriend:
I have so many reasons to be thankful for how lucky I am to be dating the person I know I am going to marry and how lucky we were to meet so young in life. We weren't able to go home and be with our families today but we got to be with each other and that is more than I could have asked for. I love the way we still play like we're little kids and play little jokes on each other while we wait in line or sit down at dinner. I love the way we find ways to compete all of the time but still keep it playful. I love that we can play pinball, air hockey, foosball, and that video game from the 70s and be perfectly content. I love the way he takes care of me when I'm sick and can make me smile and/or laugh even when it's the last thing I want to do. I love the way he knows me so well and knows when I'm going to do something clumsy. I love that he makes me want to be positive and a better person. I love that he wants to be there for me. I love that his family and I get along so well. I love the way he squeezes my hand and pulls me closer to him if someone is coming toward us and he thinks they might bump me. I love the way he protects me. I love that he never even raises his voice at me even in a heated argument. I love the kisses he gives me on the forehead or top of my head. I love the way he brushes my hair out of my face and tucks it behind my ear, but mostly, I love the way he just looks at me with this little smile on his face. It's like nothing else matters and I am completely content with the world. I am so thankful our lives are going in the same direction and we have grown closer together instead of further apart.

My friends:
I have THE best friends. They're an amazing support group and are always there for me no matter the reason.

Life is funny the way it works, I'm just thankful my life has worked out this well at such a young age.