What passes for life...

life

[lahyf] noun, plural lives

–noun

• the condition that distinguishes organisms from inorganic objects and dead organisms, being manifested by growth through metabolism, reproduction, and the power of adaptation to environment through changes originating internally
• the animate existence or period of animate existence of an individual 
• the general or universal condition of human existence
• any specified period of animate existence
• a particular aspect of existence
• animation; liveliness; spirit
• a person or thing that enlivens

Have you ever thought about the word 'life' and what it actually means? I didn't realize there were so many definitions of the word (that's not even all of them!). These were the most interesting to me...especially the last one. A person or thing that ENLIVENS. The other definitions are perfectly fine, but seriously!? Who wouldnt' want to enliven people?! I need to be that kind of person. Honestly, we all need to be that kind of person.

The past few years haven't been all that great as far as life goes, but in retrospect I have nothing to complain about. I'm healthy, I'm loved, I have everything I need to carry on living in this life. It's time that I actually start living it. I mean, it's one thing to exist...it's something totally different to actively exist and to exist in a way that brings life to other people. People can be alive but not be living. It's a cheesy sentiment, but its so true. I think that a person should be more than just alive...they should 'do life'. Be active in the things that you do; in the lives of others; in your community; in your world. You only get one shot at this and it would be such a waste not to experience all that you life has to offer and, in turn, all that you can offer life.

For me, i'm sometimes afraid of what life has in store. I think most people are afraid of the unknowns in life. I have no clue where my life is going to end up, but I'm ready to be excited about the prospects. Realistically, I don't currently have any prospects in most areas of my life, but I know they'll be there eventually. I have to be patient and live the life that I want to have instead of simply making it through each day without any hope for tomorrow. I want to be the kind of person that enlivens others. That has to be an amazing feeling. Life should be about more than making your own life the best that it can be...you should at least try to improve the lives of others, right?

Something to think about (for both you and me).

   Peace.
-M

One week In...

Well, I'm one week into my Country Music Challenge and I have a confession. I didn't really listen all that much last week...

In my defense, I was working a summer camp and didn't have access to any sort of music device.  So, I can honestly say that, other than the praise and worship music from camp, I didn't listen to any other music either. That's okay right? Should I add a few days to the challenge or just leave it as it is? hmm....

In the short time that I have been doing the challenge (and the total of 3 days that i've actually listened to a substantial amount of country music) I am already finding myself with songs stuck in my head...and to tell you the truth, I don't really mind all that much. Am I becoming a country music fan? Or is it merely a result of what i'm hearing having no choice but to get stuck in my brain? I guess I'll find out as time goes on.

I have learned a few things about country music though...I'll share them as the challenge goes on. Here are a few:

You can't go wrong with a song featuring Jimmy Buffet. Truth.

I tend to enjoy the southern rock vibe more than the twangy more traditional vibe.

Beting pretty gets you further than actual talent in some cases, much like all other music genres.

Also, I'm mildly obsessed with the song "Colder Weather" by Zac Brown Band. For serious. What's wrong with me?! It really is a great song though...

FYI: My future posts won't be all about this challenge...It'll just be a segment or occasional post. I'm also going to start spotlighting country music artists soon...starting with the great Loretta Lynn. She has always been fascinating to me.  Until then...

   Peace.

-M

Country Music Challenge...

I have decided that I need to broaden my musical horizons and therefore I have given myself a music challenge. It's kind of easy to give yourself a challenge (chances are it won't actually be all that challenging) but for people who know me, they know that country music is not in my musical vocabulary. It seems only fair to the country music genre that I give it a try. So i've given myself a 1 month challenge.

Starting today, I will listen to nothing but country music (with a few rules/exceptions) for 1 month (June 20-July 20)....It' won't be too difficult, right?

There are only a few rules (self-established, of course):

1. When i'm in my car, I have to have the radio on and at an audible volume!
2. If I'm at home and I have the radio on, I have to have it on country.
3. There are 3 radio stations that I can listen to (all country). One plays top 40 country (is that actually a thing?), and the other two play a variety of classic and modern country...(bring on the twang!)
4. I obviously cannot control the radios of those around me, so if I happen to be in someone elses car (or within hearing distance from any other music device) I can't help it.
5. On the off chance that all three of these stations are on a commerical break, I can switch to a different (non-country) station for a max of 2 songs. (I have to be strict or i'll never switch back!)
6. At work, I'll listen to a country Pandora station (or a combination of several).

That about covers the rules. Now, I guess i'll explain why I decided to do this in the first place...

1. I've always considered myself to be a "music snob" of sorts and I have come to the conclusion that it's no fun. It practically breaks my heart when someone won't give the music I love a listen, and it's hypocritcal for me be the same way towards country music fans and the music they love, right? right.
2. I might actually grow to like it. Sure, i'm not going into this with the anticipation that i'm going to be a die-hard country music fan by the time I'm done, but perhaps i'll find elements that make me want to add country to my musical arsenal. Stranger things have happened.
3. I'm on the verge of bored with my current music catalog and I think I need something different. This challenge is definitely different!
4. If this challenge goes well, perhaps I'll try some other genre in the future...or maybe just a band...except Nickelback. I'll stick with my "music snob" status on that one...for life.

I plan to catalog some of my findings along the way (how scientific sounding, right?). Enjoy.

Peace.
-M

And One Adorable Little Boy...

Camp starts tomorrow!

It's likely that I will be too exhausted to update this in the next week.

 ...So...

I'll just leave you a picture of the MOST adorable nephew a girl could ask for.

Love him.

    See you in a week!

     Peace.

    M

Here We Go....

I have decided to embark on this blog journey as a means to say what I have to say (well, technically write what I have to write, but you get the idea)...I will warn you up front that most of what I have to write is entirely pointless to anyone who isn't me, but perhaps you'll see something I don't. That being said, I feel it only right to explain a few things....

The Logistics of Blogging (according to me):
I'm obviously new to this whole 'blogging' phemonenon, though I hear it's been around for a while or something. I'm not even sure if i'm supposed to refer to my writing as "a blog"...is that some sort of blog faux pas? If so, I hope I am forgiven.

On to the good stuff...

The Basics (explainatory):
The name of my blog:  Rabbit trails and Pot holes: musings of curiousity and more. The name sort of speaks for itself. Moreso, it's a testament to the way my brain works and how my thoughts tend to end up when put on paper.

That leads me to my next explaination (possibly warning)--How my mind works--I tend to lean towards a stream of conciousness method as opposed to attempting to form any sort of legitament argument with my words. I over-think, over-analyze, and over-write. My arguments/writings have holes (potholes, if you will) my thoughts aren't always going the same direction (hence the rabbit trails). I make no appologies for this, nor do I discourage comments on this very thing. I welcome a good argument as long as people aren't malicious.


Why I write--I think it's important for whomever decides to read this to know that I don't write for anyone but myself. I write because it helps me cope; with life, events, feelings, whatever is on my mind. I can rarely express my feelings while they are happening...I have to sort them out through a process...that process is writing. Simple.

My Approach--I try to take a comedic approach to most things I write (though I realize that most of this comedy really only strikes me as funny). You'll find a lot of sarcasm in my words, and that isn't meant to offend..it's just me. If you don't enjoy sarcasm, than you won't enjoy me.

A Precautionary Side Note:
Also, as a safety procaution to myself (and anyone that may have inspired a particular topic) I rarely post my thoughts of something as soon as it happens. I like to let a little time pass to avoid any sort of word vomit moments. They happen, but can usually be avoided. Plus, this caters to my over-analytical writing style.

So, that was a lot of words..used to say very little. I hope you enjoy what I have to say, and continue to read. If you decide you'd rather read something else, that's okay too.

peace.
-M