The Gift of Family

Typically, I carry the personal preference to wait a certain period of time before I write about it. I tend to withhold a lugubrious aspect of the situation and feel that may overpower the words I actually feel and desire to get across. . . .It's second nature to get caught up in emotion; which is not what I want to happen right now .... and with this in particular, this subject and these feelings intertwined in the subject ...it's overwhelming. It's deeply painful and yet; I wouldn't change a thing. Not for a second.

Please realize that it's only painful because the dynamics have changed. The center of my life...the prominent aspect of it for sixteen months is something I can't even begin to describe. The depth of what that means is unbearable to explain; perhaps even impossible. Mainly because I am still uncovering the meaning myself...but also because nothing could have prepared me for the impact that would quickly arrive...and the overwhelming love and emotion that I feel...that I will always feel.

.. I pray it never leaves me.

This graciously allowed me to be irrevocably changed.. These people are my family....but it's an entirely new dimension of “family” because they chose to be this way. We chose on a daily basis to be this close to one another; supporting each other and being dedicated through it all. It never quite made sense to me why these wonderful people went above and beyond for me...but I stopped questioning it a long time ago. I embraced the gift of unconditional kindness and allowed myself to experience it. At times I tried to mask the overwhelming shock I had through each time they displayed it...which ended up being countless; so I gave in....and...I couldn't be more grateful for it.

I am richly blessed to have a drastically deeper appreciation on life; to know an entirely new level of devotion and love like I do now is priceless. Over a year ago I made a promise to stay until the very end...without realizing it would approach rapidly. It is a bittersweet emotion that I will never look back on with regret.

This experience is crystal clear evidence of being one of my most prized possessions that consistently reveals itself. The blessings, the love, devotion, support and patience that I gained..is a gift I am profoundly undeserving of and yet..find myself drenched in by these amazing people. I am horrifically sad that my time experiencing this regularly got cut so short, though..but..that is both inevitable and undeniable.

Sixteen months just isn't enough time.

However, as life often reminds us, some things are simply out of our control. I have never been faced with incidences as powerful as I am now. Not this prominent..Not this close.. Not this..visual. For once, no adjective is necessary to describe this because.. it is vastly different. On one side; I feel utter melancholy to the most proper delineation. On the other; so full of pure happiness and joy to have the gift of experiencing this.

Something inside of me drastically transformed. I finally know the real meaning of love. When all you feel and surround yourself with is love and devotion...you can't help but be affected by it.

It shakes you to your core.

I suppose I should start from the beginning...in hopes of allowing you a piece of the gift that was given to me months ago.

I simply had no idea. ..

A friend knew about a lead from a friend. That was it and I went for it...

That friend and I scheduled to meet on a Saturday; he welcomed me immediately with genuine authenticity. A rare and contagious warmth radiated that enabled a feeling of being “home” in a place I had never been before.

My transformation was already beginning, I just hadn't realized it yet.

And true; I had dabbled in the line of work and knew enough to qualify; plus I was eager to utilize my medical skills....but it was how the interview was conducted that sold me......I was hired immediately. I wanted nothing more.

[...little...did..I...know...]

My life will never be the same...him hiring me was the biggest blessing in my life; in areas people only dream about...in ways...people only read about experiencing....I found myself profoundly undeserving, enveloped inside of, drenched with and wholly apart of.

Even though some days were strenuous; often times they were happy and light hearted.. Only about a handful of those days seemed impossibly frustrating and tested us all. The prominent consistency being each day started and ended with a hug and an “I love you.” Not one day went by without that; so regardless of what category the day was, it didn't matter to me. It was just life unfolding itself and we all experienced it together. Thats how I saw it...I didn't view it as a “job” that I was obligated with...it was life and we were living it.

This woman was my side kick. She was my adopted grandma, my protector, confidant, sister and friend. She laughed with me...goofed off with me, cried with me..got angry with me (and at me at times.) If she saw me sick or in pain she instantly tried to perform a sneak attack role reversal and take care of me in such a motherly and endearing manner.

There was something about knowing we still loved each other during the bad times...something so comforting knowing such devotion like that existed. Never had I had such a profound sense of acceptance before. It changed the way I see the world...I'm immensely humbled and in awe by all of this...

Her family rallied for me when I needed it the most...when my life obstacles nearly destroyed me; they were there for me. No questions asked. I always looked for ways to reciprocate to show my gratitude; which was difficult because they never asked for anything. That was never why they were there for me...

and Why? 


Because...It's just what families do.






R.I.P. My amazing "Mimi"...Thank you for sharing your family with me. You will forever remain deeply imbedded in my heart

Seek Answers.

Alright, as usual; allow me to first say that I realize we, as humans, are completely flawed (although varying in degree and category, of course.) Since I, too, am a human, I completely throw myself under the bus here along with each and every one of you. It's basically the equivalent of us hugging right now...just fyi.

I have always been fascinated with the human mind; how it operates and every chain reaction that follows the “why” to that answer and any domino affect that would formulate and so forth. How one reacts to an emotionally charged moment, positive or negative, can be vastly different to how someone else handles it.. I find to be both remarkable and horrifying. Perhaps that is one element as to why I find myself “set apart” from society and the average it deems necessary for certain people that flock to it. In fact: That notion is completely foreign to me; particularly more so in my adult life. Granted, that is just a speculation of mine but entirely feasible nonetheless. This is why I have a few main topics in this entry; I've derived much of my favorite opinions on human nature for this reason....I seek to find out what is not wired within me. I seek answers.

Here is something that never fails to leave me baffled and disgusted if I elicit the power to do so.

I'll simplify it, too. Not to be insulting at all but to possibly allow you to see the way my left brain dominates and why I feel this is such a clear opportunity that too many people run from.
Fact: We all live in “this” world.

It's in quotes because I think I just like using quotes too much;  not that I'm sitting in a dim lit room with incense and a lava lamp; feeling some form of synchronicity happening...nor do I dare put other countries in the same opinion I have towards America... ...I just mean that: We breath the same air, see the same sun and moon and walk the same earth, right? Okay. So..

We, as humans, all have the same opportunity in regards to bettering ourselves..even if it isn't pleasant at first. Even if it's scary. We do. We have that. We HAVE that!! I wish I could shake people sometimes and scream it, lovingly,  in their face to be honest but, as a psychology major, I'm not sure I should be admitting that fact...but just hear me out, please.

Since we are flawed human beings (and that fact I really do find beautiful because it puts us all at such a raw and humble place. ) However, WHY AREN'T WE DESIRING to MAXIMIZE our inner selves!? Why are we not only asking: “How much better could I be as a person?” or “What else do I need to do in this world?” But Why aren't we...
actually..

Doing it. Seeking to find those answers. Uncovering mysteries and beautiful (sometimes tragic) truth? Why? I know it's scary but.... if the outcome only glimmers failure but truly promises a deep and meaningful depth we no longer would have unraveled?

Why? It doesn't make sense to me.

You know how when we were kids we all had some object; whether it was a blanket, a pacifier or stuffed animal that was coined as our “security blanket” ? That one thing our parents eventually had to buy instructional books of mastery about in order to simply wash it without our worlds ending (or..until we heard the buzzer sound of the dryer letting us know we were going to survive.) Regardless of what it was or how attached we actually we were to it; at some point we held onto that object as if our lives depended on it and without it near..instant panic and fear permeated our little body.

Same page? K. Good..

I welcome anyone to answer this mysterious perplexity of mine:

Why is it that the vast majority of adults are frantically chasing after the same dirty and decrepit security blanket only manifested into a different form? It even seems like they hold onto the fallacious conjecture that their lives actually do depend on it? The despondency in that statement is that the lack of drive and motivation to have more than mediocrity in life because it somehow appears comfortable...is tragic. Why are so many complacent with their life? In no way am I attempting to conjure up negativity. Quite the opposite.

As I said, this is my opinion...however, it's a daunting one for me because I am constantly finding myself perplexed and dumbfounded at people. It saddens me that people settle for something that is a definite one..when they aren't willing to get out of their comfort zone and at least try for something huge.

I have always been told to “dream big” and well, 24 years later it is finally forming...but I never stopped trying or fighting for what I had faith in to be a possible outcome. At times it didn't seem plausible...but I never stopped. You shouldn't either.

I encourage everyone to at least try to step out of their comfort zone and try a hidden desire of theirs (as long as it is legal of course.) and actually risk “failing” because that means you are also risking the chance to succeed and uncover an amazing depth within your soul. Uncover a deeper, more meaningful definition of happiness.

So, please....

Seek those answers.

The Prominence of Negativity. To End This Habit.

Wow. I get it now.

[Meaning: I now have answers to a lot of my unspoken questions; even some to the verbal journey of confusion I traveled. I “get” what I will be needing to do to obtain “it”]

I am choosing to withhold the frivolous ( aka “ridiculous”) truth of how long it took me to get to this point. I am utilizing my rights as a citizen in America...or..something. Whatever. I'm not tellin'.

1. THAT is why I felt so defeated?? A. That is why it continued to happen. [even that didn't seem to be a negative sentence...it was just my routine.]
   
   That “vicious cycle” that all should pity and fear to find? Yeah thats pretty much solely self induced. If you allow it, I mean. It is a choice—one each individual is faced with and all behind a different mask of illusion. You take it because YOU decide to. It is no ones faults entirely nor are the derogatory sequence of events life gives at times in a competition of morale. Things happen in life...good...bad..everything in between. However, if it appears that the bad is increasing rapidly, or if it has already became prominant ...You might wanna re-evaluate your lifestyle. If you fail to discover anything...
   
   re-evaluate your attitude.
   
   The two negative mind sets that I imitated and even believed to own at one point will literally drain you; not even leaving exhaustion left over. Trust me, it happens. It's ruthless and in total error. I was the queen of this. Might have even invented it.
   
   If it were to manifest into a physical example: Think Brad Pitt and Edward Norton in Fight Club...without the bad ass movie aspect part. Not pleasant.
   
   Seldom (if ever) have I felt such a clear “light bulb” go off for me. And actually listened. It's fascinating how humans evoke defense mechanisms to cover certain areas of their lives in hopes of being unable to recognize it...only to discover those mechanisms just took us on the longest, most difficult wrong way on the road to our destiny.
   
   I chose not to say our “life” because you can be as negative and repugnantly close minded as you want and still live your life of breathing.
   
   Your destiny is that mysterious and beautifully feasible secret we get glimpses of when we are making the right decisions or being positive and healthy in our mind and in our actions.
   
   It is a never ending process of self discovery and growth but if done driven by destiny.. it's worth it.
   
   Side Note: (Isn't it interesting how a person or persons can repeatedly tell you something...and you “listen” but it doesn't sink in at all; then a stranger or someone you hardly know makes a remark not half as eloquent and loving and---just like that—it completely makes sense and stops you dead in your tracks?)
   
   That is definitely not what happened here with me ..not in a focal sense, anyway.
   I'm too stubborn for that paragraph to hold any truth next to my name..and that truth? I'm sick of.

Allow me to honestly introduce myself:

I am completely dominated by my left brain and lack what others term “common sense” due to my incessant need to thoroughly (“over”) analyze to reach a few conclusions per sub category that is my life; then dissect those, eliminate one (because only 2-3 are allowed to make it to the final round...but everyone knows that.), and THEN I will “go with my gut” instinct. Yup, just a normal laid back, easy going chick' who prefers facts, proof, charts, a statistic here and there....and a rock solid game plan. Or 3. My immense need for security and willingness to compensate for the lack thereof allowed this impenetrable denial inside of me that ANY action I took or thought or whatever...could be wrong. Nope. Not the straight A wordy chick with magenta hair.

How insidious and repulsive.

And now I feel the urgency to stop revealing such cool facts about myself. Lets move on.

Because thats a beautiful thing about life, you get to move on. You get to start over. Learn and change...

“There is literally nothing left for me to do that hasn't been done.”

Except...

this one.

But to let go is so difficult for me to do. Up until now I would have rather gone to the dentist or go head to head with a fire breathing dragon then trust anyone to do something reassured it would happen.

Perhaps getting that painful and expensive (yet amazing and beautiful!) 13” reminder on my rib cage wasn't all in vain.

I need a huge reminder like that. Habits and patterns are hard to break.

......

It is deplorable how invidious humans are capable of being. I am not sure why the word “trust” and “honest” haven't been omitted from the English dictionary yet. I realize we have free will and with that; able to do as we wish. Regardless, it's astonishing...mind blowing..and horrendous what certain people decide to do with this liberty.

You proclaim (borderline throw a fit) about how enormously drenched in trust you have instilled within yourself. Well, look at you boast now: What you are drenched with is lies and deceit and I dare you to prove me wrong. (I suppose I should mention that I am merely referring to “you” because I feel like it..and not to actually direct this to one single individual.)

THIS IS A FACT:

1. Being audible does not make you a veracious person.
   
   Props for the limited vocabulary that you are able to enunciate, though.
   
   I realize this is highly malevolent. I fully acknowledge the increasing bitterness and I am disgusted and at fault at this verifiable truth. Also, I am minimally attempting not to mention that I firmly believe certain people I have known in my life are so much more freakin' worse. (see? Minimal...oops.)

A-lot has happened recently. Incredibly prodigious events and also pejorative and repugnant events. I am demanding a middle ground!! I just am unaware at who would even be responsible for such alteration. So I will do my part.

This is my proclamation. Listen or don't. It doesn't matter.

No longer am I associated with such frivolity nor do I hold myself responsible for reasons regarding why I choose what I do.

I am incredibly happy in this current state of my life. I finally gave up fighting to have something that was never suppose to be in my life to begin with. This incredible and profound love that I have is so much more beautiful to let certain toxicity poison it anymore... I do NOT care what judgment and petty words you are obligated to speak behind my back. It doesn't affect me in the least.

I am happy.That is all you should care about (that is, if you are the rare definition of a “true” friend)

Nomination.

What a surreal moment today was. I was horrifically anxious...I felt like every muscle and fiber in my body was shaking noticeably...(which, was probably true.)

I shook the hand of each kind person around the executive table....They barely made me make an effort; they crowded around me as if I were a relative they hadn't seen since Christmas.

I say “kind” loosely because sometimes you just meet someone and you know they have overcome things..their eyes are a mix of warmth, tragedy, beauty and a “special something” that looks different on each person.

Today I looked into 16 of those.

I noted the obvious increase in my pulse... but forgot all about the bobbie pins stabbing me in the neck from my make shift scarf.

at that moment..I was so overwhelmed with this undeniable "in awe" "..I can't believe this" mixed with "ok, it's time..it's finally happening" type of coctail; Until that moment..I usually just preferred beer.

....he motioned for me to sit at the end of the table next to the box of tissues.

... "time for interrogation??" (at least they've heard that before and sympathized how intimidating the set up was.)

pulse...rising...

I couldn't decide if a joke or question would prolong the inevitable; I tried to do both...and it didn't work.

I did receive a few seconds to compose myself (which wasn't enough but I doubt any amount of time would suffice at that moment.)

I've been desiring this for so long.....something I've fought ruthlessly for but not sure who my opponent ever was.

“You have come so far just to be nominated and for that, congratulations...this is a tremendous honor..” (...oh trust me, I know.) and then the time ran out for breathing...and I don't think I did for the rest of the meeting.

“Go Ahead.....Tell us.”

I dove right in.

........I've been waiting for a moment like this..dreaming of it...

“Because I need this...”

I've never had an honor so evident before...

“only from mom but she has to say that!”    

I meant it....with every fiber that shook.

and questions continued..harder..more personal... ones catching me off guard..ones I knew were coming....others I changed quickly....a timeline of each thing I attempt to avoid talking about and yet is the core of who I am and why.

"This is why I write instead of talking!" (I knew exactly why the tissues were pushed towards me immediately.)

"how can you not be.."

“All I knew was love back then....”

“Will you put that in your book?”

Yes, it was memorable.

“I thought it was a nice edge.”

That's not why it's there...

But this is..and..I needed this..I can't describe this feeling..it brought up so much..but yet..defined my entire existence while also allowing me to finally be granted my calling..(a glimpse at least..but one I immediately became in love with.)

I am at a moment..where recognition is unnecessary.. but the nonexistent hands lifting me up to continue going the rate that I am...is unbelievably meaningful...the strangers that cried and laughed with me today..the unspoken beauty in the 16 eyes that stared as I choked up and spoke from the heart that hardly anyone else even knows about me..is surreal...

“...Because it needs to be heard...”

Those beautiful 16 eyes.

Quarter Life Crisis.

I'm not sure what sparked this volatile scare within me that I'm missing out on life but it is increasingly prevalent and causing severe vexation. Don't get me wrong; I am unquestionably grateful for my robotic abilities to overwork myself and fulfill my overly productive lifestyle. Particularly with only irritability and mood swings being the side affects signaling that I do take too much on. (my friends may differ in that opinion.) However, I am intensely weary and tired of it. I am technically not even due for a quarter life crisis for another year, but feel like I emulate the patient I have who is 65 years older than me. Sadly, even she has more of a social life and balance than I do. My friends are justifiably facetious deeming me the “old lady.” Usually, I agree but I need to stop this rapid psychological growth spurt before my physical body is in irrevocable compliance. I realize the natural process of aging but does it really happen this early? ..No, there has to be a fallacy in that thought process, right? Especially since the person who temporarily traumatized me and caused me to be an irascible person merely morphed into someone else...by my own accord, I'm sure.  Oh, but now he is blissfully out of my life. (Side note:  a lawyer bill is a horrible gift...marrying an emotional vacuum cleaner due to their insecure selfish parasitic nature? Now, THAT is the WORST GIFT EVER!...oooh to be set free.)

Don't worry, this is not another acrimonious entry about that. Back to me being old:

Here are the doleful facts that never fail to terminate my venting session: Finding a Solution for this Lamentable Lifestyle.

1. I have bills, thus, can't cut back on work.
2. I need my degree.. so, can't cut back on school.
3. The thought of slacking and risk losing my pretty 4.0 is a deplorable thought.
4. Fml.

Well, hm... There is nothing to do in order to cut back, alter, or level out my life without negative implications for my future I am so adamant about having as soon as possible. Nothing that I can contrive anyway. The rare time I am allotted to think about anything other than school and work occurs when I am sleeping. I highly encourage (IE: beg.) for ideas and suggestions. I've already taken a huge positive step by deciding never to marry anything that resembles psychotic …. Catty...sorry, but it is an undeniable stress reliever .

I need more ideas since I am technically not as old as my loving friends so often remind me that I am. I no longer want to miss out on the ephemeral joys and mishaps twenty somethings experience. I could do without the latter but even with my gracious leniency; “fun” is a fastidious luxury. I miss spontaneity so much, I crave unscheduled, un-timed moments with friends and family. Lugubriously, as it turns out, planning 30-60 minutes of spontaneous fun a month has adverse affects. I miss mere enjoyment without the guilt of unfinished homework assignments chillen' in my mind. I suppose, maybe, that one suggestion my college made about not taking anymore then 2 classes if a student works full time probably should have been considered.

Anna The Overachiever: 1. Anna the once laid back girl without 3 day planners: 0.

I definitely do not want to be like many people my age living without goals and utterly irresponsible. I just don't want to be in a rocking chair knitting blankets for other people's grandkids because I forgot to have children being so busy with everything going on in my life. I don't want to reflect on my youth and realize I spent it over doing it with frivolous productivity. Maybe prolonging graduating by taking 3 classes instead of 5 would be worth it. If it allows for more memories and laughter? It has to be. 

Degrees and paychecks are valuable, sure. 

Friendships, family and relationships? Nothing will ever measure up to that.

Would a life be more fulfilling if we knew the risks and obstacles before obtaining it?

I suppose this is where existentialism comes into play.

I just wish I had more of a concrete time line to things like memories, pain, happiness, mistakes, and existence. Maybe then I could further analyze the worth of each and properly utilize more efficient time management skills my awesome community college talks about.

Perhaps, it remains a mystery because if we knew the treacherous obstacles ahead of a beautifully gratifying life..we would focus on the harrowing events, forgetting all about the rest. I suppose mystery is what allows us to live in only moderate amounts of fear.

However, It is with great despondency, I have found the personal definition of what it means to feel and be, utterly enervated. To be drained of any and all emotion because to conjure them back up is far too painful. . .not to mention exhausting. This is what bothers me: Had I known the timeline to these sequence of events, I would have done things extraordinarily different. To face the daunting probability of repetition without intentional homicide (don't judge me...I know you've seen the show “Snapped.”) I'm simply too tired to start this whole process all over again. 

Despite the superhuman efforts that were miraculously made by yours truly, I am now forcibly about to witness a vanishing act in the convoluted magic abyss of the law. I believe a “WTF” is applicable here.

I should warn you: This in particular is a slight concoction of a self loathing pity party and a test of my jaded emotional state. However, the “backbone” if you will, is of the same source. The same source that it has always been and never successfully able to destroy. I really am at a loss of words but have that irritating and powerfully overwhelming force within that is screaming at me to say something with all I have at this horrific validity I never wanted to be, but of course, is life. This is my present reality and I have no brilliant nor perplexing idea actuated. I used them all. This is an inscrutable time. I wonder why...I need to know why.

I believe my mom is the one who spoke to me about your first instincts being the most potent. When we second guess that or allot time to pass, it becomes ambiguous. That is when confusion and contempt set up shop. I really wish I listened to my mom.

I miss the days when that's all it took; moms advice, some form of a sugar rush, and stealing my brothers GI Joe's so Barbie could finally leave Ken.

Hey….I never said I was normal.  

...Now if you'll excuse me, I am going to download a magic 8 ball app on my phone and leave life's journey up to fate from now on.