Rent Me

[Galveston, TX.  Taken on April 26, 2014.]

Tuesday's Tune: Heartbeat

Have you ever been in some kind of dance with another person, where you don't know if you're even in a relationship?  Even more confusing, you can't define what it is you have, you don't know where it's going, or if it's even going at all.  Yet, you can't let it or the person go because the thought of being without makes your heart beat so hard that it hurts.  And even when you think that you've presented a cool front and you intend to keep your heart to yourself, you realize that your heart has given away your true feelings because the other person can feel your heartbeat loud and clear.

This song, "Heartbeat," by Enrique Iglesias featuring Nicole Scherzinger, makes me think of all the "dances" I've had.  Apparently, this song came out in 2010, but I don't recall this song at all (really, where was I and what was I listening to?). 

Have you heard this song before?  What do you think of this song?

Napping

Earlier last week, I came home at a normal time, rather than staying late at work.  With the sun setting later and later, it was still light out by the time I got home.  With the recent longer days and nicer weather, I often take that time to enjoy a good run or nice walk.  Yet, on this particular day, it was cold and windy, despite the deceptively bright shining sun.  So I came home and napped.  I napped for a good couple of hours and it was a wonderful nap.  I don't even recall dreaming.  I easily went to sleep and woke up without feeling groggy.

I don't know why I don't nap more often.  I find it hard to fall asleep outside of my usual sleeping hours. I'm also realizing that I need to sleep more.  I once knew a person who was like the Energizer Bunny, he just kept going and going.  He really made me feel lazy.  Now, in comparison to others, I'm realizing I'm like the Energizer Bunny (although I don't think I've changed my ways or habits).  My body needs a good rest every now and then.  Yes, I will try to incorporate napping into my adult life and nap more often.  I even napped yesterday and it was yummy.

I hope that you take time to get more sleep and incorporate napping into your life.  Do you like taking naps?

Happy Easter

Today was a beautiful day.  I'm so sorry that I didn't capture it at all with a picture or two.  I had forgotten my camera at home and it didn't occur to me to just use my camera phone.

Since the weather was beautiful (it was 75 degrees F and I actually wore shorts and a tank outside), I got in an early walk.  I then spent some time in the afternoon with my dear friend and some of her family members.  I don't know if she knows, but it meant so much for me to see her and her family, especially when I'm so far away from my own family members.  Thank you, my dear friend.

I ended the day with a well deserved nap.  I know I have to prepare for this coming week, but I'm happy revel in today's adventure.

How was your Easter?  Did you spend it with family, friends, or anybody significant?  Hope you still continue to have a Happy Easter.

"Freak" Snow Storm

It's the middle of April and last night a "freak" snow storm hit much of Minnesota.  It's not really a "freak" snow storm because it's pretty common for snow storms to occur at this time of the year.  Just because it's been officially "spring" for the last several weeks doesn't mean that spring has actually happened.  I like to call it a "freak" snow storm because I'm trying to lie to myself that much of winter has passed, even though I know winter doesn't really end until May.

Last night, I left work at my usual time, rather than wait for the traffic to die down.  It was a long and slow drive, but I'm glad that I left while the sun was still out (it's not as if I was able to see the sun).  There were parts of my drive that were almost blizzard like conditions due to the blowing snow and limited visibility.  I think my driving conditions would've been worse had I driven at night.  When I got home, my car got stuck in my driveway and I had to shovel it out (of course with help of my next door neighbor), just so I could park it in front of my garage.

Yesterday's snow storm dumped about twelve inches of snow in my neck of the woods.  This morning, I had to dig myself out of my house.  The snow is heavy and wet, and my tree branches are doing their best in giving in without breaking.  More snow is expected, even though I think it'll all melt by the weekend.

I hope you're having a good day today.  Enjoy the weather, where ever you are at. 

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Image credit:  http://www.juniorlibraryguild.com

It's already the middle of April 2014 and I've been having a hard time picking up a book to read (any book, to be honest).  I haven't been feeling like myself lately and I don't really know why.  I love reading, and I read a lot of news and articles on the internet.  Maybe that's one of the contributors to my problem:  I'm finding it hard to disconnect from the internet and focus on non-electronic entertainment.  Ironically, I came across an internet article about the young adult book, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, written by Sherman Alexie.

Since this book came out in 2007, it's been banned by many schools and libraries across the US for its "inappropriate" language, adult themes, and racism (among other things).  The general story is written in a diary format from the perspective of the main character, Arnold Spirit, Jr.  He writes about his family, living on an Indian reservation in the Pacific Northwest, and attending an all white high school during his freshman year.  The book moved me, made me laugh, cry, and hope for a better future for all children in Arnold's situation.

Like the other young adult book I read, this book deals with very sad and very real situations.  Yet, the main difference is that this book is told from a teenage boy's perspective and the language is a lot less oppressive.   One could easily finish this book in one day.  I really liked this book and encourage you to purchase it or check it out from the library.  Read the book, not only because it's notable and will affect you, but also because it's been banned (take a stand against the banning of books).

Please let me know what you think of this book if you've read it or get a chance to read it.

If you want to find out more information about the banning of this book, go to this webpage:  http://bannedbooks.world.edu/2011/06/26/banned-books-awareness-absolutely-true-diary-parttime-indian/

If you want to find out more information about banned (and challenged) books in the US, go to this webpage:  http://bannedbooks.world.edu/2011/06/26/banned-books-awareness-absolutely-true-diary-parttime-indian/

Cupcakes

[Taken February 7, 2014.]

Tuesday's Tune: What Did I Miss

Over the weekend, I watched the movie Think Like a Man.  It came out in 2012 and the sequel is coming out in June 2014 (yes, I'm a bit late in discovering this movie).  I really liked the movie.  What immediately caught my attention and still has me captivated was this song, "What Did I Miss" from this scene.  In the movie, it's known as Track 7.

After some research on the internet, apparently the song's written by Pop Wansel, but there isn't a full version of this song that's been released (it may have only been a mock song for the movie).  Regardless, I'm not the only one who's in love with the song.  The above cover of the song is the closest thing I could find to a "complete" song.  I know it's short, but the song conveys such a wistful mood.  Not all of the lyrics are correct in the above cover, so I've typed it up below (yes, I really do like this song a lot, not just the lyrics but the music).
 

Let me know what you think of this song.

What Did I Miss Lyrics, by Pop Wansel

Last night I had a dream about a dream
About you
(Yeah, yeah)

 Now every time I think
It seems to be
About you
(Yeah, yeah)

One minute I was over love
A second later I was a part of us
Where did you come from
When did it happen
Why am I in love
What did I miss

Last night I had a dream about a dream
About you

Friday's Quote: Winston Churchill

"I am always ready to learn although I do not like being taught."---Winston Churchill

I like to believe that I am a student of life.  I am always willing to learn, especially in the last few years.  I'm noticing that as I get older, I become even more eager to learn and am open to new things/opportunities that come my way.  I don't want to look back and think to myself that I was the cliche - an "old dog" that couldn't be taught a new trick.

Now, just because I'm a willing student doesn't mean that I always like being taught.  Some of the experiences I've gone through have been painful.  I am grateful for the lessons I've learned, but in looking back at some of my life lessons, I sometimes wonder if the lesson could've been taught to me in a different way, a less painful way.  I guess, depending on the lesson, there was no other way to learn it.  For example, I've had to learn through several relationship failures that I don't do well with "little romances."  I somehow get too involved and it's always hard for me to emotionally let go.  I'm just not good with little romances, and I just need to quit with it altogether or maybe I need to build higher walls if I want a little romance.

Regardless, I hope you are always willing to learn.  Have you had any experiences that you hated the teaching process, but loved the lessons learned?

Tuesday's Tune: Girls Chase Boys

"Girls Chase Boys" by Ingrid Michaelson is such a cute song.  What I love about the song is that it points out how the chase is the same, regardless of gender.  I really don't think women have it easier than men.  I think we're just as lonely as men and we have as much fun as men too.  I also agree that we shouldn't make the chase harder than what it is because it becomes another obstacle to getting together, especially when one is rebounding from a broken heart.  Yes, all the broken hearts in the world still beat and I have faith that a broken heart will not deter one from the chase of finding love.

Hope you enjoy this song.  Let me know what you think of it.