Turning the Page

This year, I have a goal for myself. Become a better me. I'm cutting out as much clutter as I can in my life and I'm also trying to make myself physically better. After a long 2010, I'm ready for a great 2011.

2010 ended with me recovering from shoulder surgery as a result of a car accident. My apartment really took a backseat in my priorities. Cleaning was only completed in turns. Vacuuming was the only thing that I made sure got done more than once a week. So starting yesterday, I've began a cleansing process. I started in my kitchen, trashing anything which had expired and food storage containers which were either over used, or just plain old. I ended up with half a 50 gallon trash bag full of the containers. I then finished the bag off with a few things from the pantry. I basically took everything out of a cabinet and the pantry to rearrange and restock. The end result was a less cluttered and more organized pantry. I used to have my soda, water and gatorade sitting out on the counter (I don't like to keep it in the frig), now it has a place on a shelf in the pantry. I also went to Walmart for supplies today and found an over-the-door pantry organizer. I've used this to put my Ziplock bags, Saran wrap, and Reynolds wrap so it's easy to access when needed.

As for the cabinet, I used it for the heavier jars (my mom like to stock me up on my favorite peppers from WV - Oliverio's), baking supplies (confectioners sugar, measuring cups, etc), pasta, and peanut butter. I threw out a few baking things which had been opened and were probably spoiled.

On my Walmart trip I got a few organizers for my bathroom and bedroom, just to make things a little prettier and personalize my apartment. After three years, I'm finally making my apartment a home. Started with a hand-me-down mahogany, king-sized bedroom suit, followed up with my new sofa and ottoman, and for now, lastly, my new dining room table and chairs. I haven't had a dining room table for three years either. I hope to add to my dining room with a storage piece and move back to the living room for a new media center. I need more bookcase space, because the one I have is over flowing with books.

All in all, I'm happy with the start I've gotten. I planned to get more done today, but shoulder/back pain has me out for the count today. I also plan to hit the gym tomorrow if my body will allow me. If not, I'll continue to read my Kindle. Just finished Dracula, gonna read another Classic or Crazy Love by Francis Chan. I've heard Crazy Love is very moving and inspirational. I look forward to discovering it.

I plan on chronicling my year of change here on the blog. So please, bare with me.

If you don't want to be here...Leave.

Day in and day out, I deal with people who constantly complain about superiors, the rules, the things they have to do, and more. I go to cosmetology school. It's a school, they didn't just wake up one day and say "hmm, I think I'll go to hair school today". Actually, these brainiacs probably did.

Two Fridays ago, the owner of the company's son (who is second in charge) gave a speech at our weekly State of the Enterprise gathering stating we didn't have to be there if we didn't want to be. If we didn't like the rules we could go else where. If we didn't want to play on the team, we could go play on another team. I couldn't agree with the statements anymore than I already do.

You don't have to work for a boss you dislike, you can find another place to work. If you are going to school and don't like ANY of the teachers, maybe they aren't the problem.

I keep being told the people I am talking about are young and their parents are to blame. That they don't know any better. If they keep getting away with the nonsense, when is enough enough? When will they be held accountable for their actions? Because I am older and have held corporate jobs, gone to college, etc. I have to be held to a MUCH higher standard than those who are allowed to break rules and act foolishly?

Sorry I needed to vent today.

November 14th

To most people this date doesn't mean much. But to a small community, a community which I am a memeber of, it is a day of remembrance. It's the day which generations come together in memory of those lost in the worst tragedy in college sports history, setting a small university back twenty years in their football program.

On November 14th, 1970, 39 years ago, Marshall University lost 37 football players, 8 coaches, and 25 boosters/fans. As much as I don't like Bobby Bowden, he did right during the time right after "The Crash", as it is known.

As far as I believe, everyone should watch We Are Marshall. Being on campus while the film was being shot and around town as McG shut down the city to throw a huge pre-production block party with Matthew McConaughey in attendance and speaking on why he felt the story needed to be shared. It spoke to all the Marshall Grads and students. A town that hadn't been excited in years had a pep in its step. Shop fronts were cleaned up, buildings were painted, students cleaned the streets to beautify the drab city. Someone other than the Marshall community cared about our loss.

Every year, the fountain that was dedicated two years after the crash is the center of a memorial. The Memorial Student Center Courtyard and the Memorial Fountain become the focus of the day. On the anniversary of the crash, there is a moment of silence in which the fountain stops pumping until the next Spring.

Don't get me wrong, I still love my WVU Mounties and Florida Gators, but there is just a deeper connection with Marshall. I feel proud to where the green and white.

So tomorrow, while you are watching college football, or spending time with family (as I will be doing) take a moment to cherish what you have, and to remember those that have been lost.

WE ARE......MARSHALL!

GO HERD!