Words Do Matter, Even If You're "Kidding"

You called a six year old girl on the playground stupid. When she got upset and told the teacher, you said you were just kidding and didn't really mean it. The girl forgot about it the next day, and the teacher blew it off. Boys tease girls that they like. 

You called a twelve year old girl in class nerdy. When she was offended and complained to her mom, you said you were just joking around. She didn't take it as a joke, but everyone else let it go. Boys will be boys. 

You called a sixteen year old girl in the cafeteria a slut. When she felt hurt and explained it to her friends, they told her it was because you wanted her. Because you liked her. She was stung by the comment, but everyone told her to forget about it. Boys insult girls that they want.

You called an eighteen year old girl easy. You said she was too feisty. Too sassy all the time. You told her she was angry all the time and that she constantly had the face of a bitch. You said she needed to do her hair and make-up differently because it would make her look better. You told her to stop talking about things that made her happy because she talked about them for too long and you just didn't want to hear about it. You made fun of her every move. 

She was damaged by every single insult, but you habitually said you were just fucking around and didn't actually mean it. She complained to her friends, but they told her to take a joke once in awhile and to not be so uptight. Boys tease girls that they like. Boys will be boys. Boys insult girls that they want. 

But I bet you didn't know that the girl you insulted for personal amusement cried about it. She tried to change herself to make you stop insulting her, but it never ended. You abused her so badly that she thought about hurting herself. She hasn't gotten there yet, but she could. You wounded her every time you spoke to her, and you didn't even notice, nor did you care. 

Make sure you think about what you're saying before you say it. Make sure the psychological damage to that girl is worth your personal pleasure and your friends' laughter and respect. Make sure her emotional instability is worth your insincere friendships that are based on your ability to degrade that girl. Make sure it's worth it. 

Sticks and stones may break bones, but words definitely break minds and hearts. There is always some truth behind every insult, whether you say you're kidding or not. Think before you speak, because that girl is an emotional wreck due to the wounds and pain you have inflicted on her. 

Tuesday Ten - Favorite Show Tunes

HEY Y'ALL. So in an effort to post more on my blog, I am starting this new thing called Tuesday Ten. Every week on Tuesday, I will post a list of 10 things in regard to a certain subject. Today the subject is my favorite songs from musicals; this list was especially difficult because I LOVE SHOW TUNES. Without further ado, here is my list of the BEST show tunes! 

10. Miracle of Miracles - Fiddler on the Roof 

But of all God's miracles large and small / The most miraculous one of all / Is the one I thought could never be / God has given you to me 

9. Tomorrow - Annie 

The sun'll come out tomorrow / So you gotta hang on til tomorrow / Come what may 

8. Cell Block Tango - Chicago  

He had it coming, he had it coming / He only had himself to blame / If you'd have been there, if you'd have seen it / I bet that you would have done the same / Pop! Six! Squish! Uh uh! Cicero! Lipschitz! 

7. Seasons of Love - Rent 

How do you measure, measure a year? / In daylights, in sunsets / In midnights, in cups of coffee / In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife / In five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes / How do you measure a year in the life? / How about love? 

6. For Good - Wicked 

So much of me is made of what I learned from you / You'll be with my like a handprint on my heart / And now whatever way our stories end / I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend 

5. Cabaret - Cabaret 

When I go, I'm going like Elsie / Start by admitting from cradle to tomb / Isn't that long a stay / Life is a cabaret, ol' chum / It's only a cabaret, ol' chum / And I love a cabaret 

 

4. On My Own - Les Miserables 

Without me / His world will go on turning / A world that's full of happiness that I have never known 

3. Anything Goes - Anything Goes 

The world has gone mad today / And good's bad today / And black's white today / And day's night today / When most guys today that woman prize today are just silly gigolos / So though I'm not a great romancer / I know that I'm bound to answer when you propose / Anything goes 

2. The Winner Takes It All - Mamma Mia 

The game is on again / A lover or a friend / A big thing or small / The winner takes it all 

1. Defying Gravity - Wicked 

I'm through accepting limits / Cause someone says they're so / Some things I cannot change / But til I try I'll never know

A Letter To My High School Teachers

To All Of My High School Teachers - Mrs. Ward, Mrs. Regan, Deacon Giard, Mrs. Poirier, Ms. Coan, Ms. Moros, Mr. Brudz, Ms. Stoyles, Mrs. Reilly, Ms. Mannion, Mrs. Janecko, Ms. Casey, Mrs. Shattuck, Mr. Healey, Mrs. Hicks, Ms. Milas, Mrs. Andrews, Mr. Amidon, Mr. Menner, Ms. Raffles, Mrs. Jacobs, Mr. Hammer, Ms. Ridel, Mrs. Gilbert, Coach Calande, Mrs. Heaney, Mr. McConville, and Mrs. Marcucio: 

Let me start off by saying thank you. I was very lucky to have people in my life so dedicated to their jobs. I was fortunate to learn from each of you. There is something I took away from each class - some good and some bad. Most of you taught me lessons that I will carry on throughout the rest of my life. I graduated with more than grades on my report card. I left with values and life lessons that could never be graded. 

I am writing this letter now because I did not realize the impact you had on my life until you were all gone. Let this be a reminder to all of your current students: you are spoiled, just like I was. High school teachers were adults in my life that cared about me and wanted the best for not only me, but all of their students. 

I want to thank you for being difficult teachers. I now appreciate all of your challenges because it prepared me for the level of college work. At the time, I hated when I had a paper and two tests due on the same day, but now I am grateful for those sleepless nights. It was conditioning for my higher education. 

This letter is addressed to all of my teachers, even the ones I did not particularly "like" in class. You helped me focus on the content of the class and not the teacher; it is impossible to like everyone. Not every professor is going to be my favorite, and the same goes for the subject. I may not be interested in the course content, but that does not excuse me from not doing well or trying in the class, and I learned that thanks to you. 

For the teachers who truly loved their job, thank you. It was noticeable that you cared about the subject matter and that you wanted each of your students to care as well. You respected your students, and in return, you gained respect from them. I never wanted to let you down. You helped me try very hard in every aspect of your classes, and you expected nothing less than my best efforts. Thank you for motivating me to try my hardest with all parts of school. You all helped me become a better student in the quick four years I spent in high school. 

Thank you for guiding me in the right direction, for helping me find what I love, and for teaching what you love. All of your students have benefited and will continue to benefit. I wish you the best of luck with the rest of this school year. Try not to miss me as much as I miss all of you. 

Thank you for everything. 

Love and Blessings, 
Your High School Graduate 

50 Things I Believe

During senior year, I had to do a project for my religion class in which I had to create a list of 50 things I believe in. After coming upon this list recently, I have revised it slightly, therefore making it more of who I am now as a sophomore in college. The following list states 50 things that I currently believe in. 

1. I believe in God. 
2. I believe that God has a plan and a purpose for me. 
3. I believe that friendship cures sadness. 
4. I believe that music creates happiness.
5. I believe that dancing is good for the soul, no matter how "badly" it is done. 
6. I believe that life is about making mistakes and learning from them. 
7. I believe in the power of a good attitude. 
8. I believe that hard work combined with prayer produces the best results. 
9. I believe that happiness is more important than pride. 
10. I believe in unlimited possibilities because only God holds the key to my destiny. 
11. I believe in the power of forgiveness. 
12. I believe that spending time with family is good for the soul. 
13. I believe that spending time with God creates a lasting inner peace. 
14. I believe that God is in each and every person. 
15. I believe in the power of kindness and generosity. 
16. I believe that education is for everyone. 
17. I believe that world peace is possible and will be achieved one day. 
18. I believe that everyday may not be good, but there is something good in everyday. 
19. I believe in the power of a smile. 
20. I believe that problems are merely guidelines, not stop signs. 
21. I believe that our imaginations make us infinite. 
22. I believe that pain demands to be felt. 
23. I believe that life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it. 
24. I believe that I have nothing to fear as long as I keep Jesus in my heart. 
25. I believe that I cannot survive without God's grace and mercy. 
26. I believe that sharing a meal with someone yields intimacy. 
27. I believe in fighting for social justice. 
28. I believe in chivalry. 
29. I believe that every single person is beautiful. 
30. I believe in standing up for the poor and the lonely. 
31. I believe that death is okay because it unites us with God. 
32. I believe that I am a princess because God, my Father, is a King. 
33. I believe in happy endings. 
34. I believe that every single human life is important and valuable, beginning at the moment of conception. 
35. I believe that I will change the world. 
36. I believe that positive thinking is one of the best cures. 
37. I believe in the power of giving. 
38. I believe that love is stronger than hate. 
39. I believe in second chances. 
40. I believe that I have the ability to help others. 
41. I believe that every single human being has dignity because we were all made in the image and likeness of God. 
42. I believe that I can achieve anything my mind can conceive. 
43. I believe that actions speak louder than words. 
44. I believe in miracles. 
45. I believe that laughter is the best calorie burner. 
46. I believe in flaws because perfection is overrated; one cannot photoshop a personality. 
47. I believe that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 
48. I believe in the red, white, and blue. 
49. I believe in myself. 
50. I believe in you. 

Dear Future Husband (No. 1)

Dear Future Husband, 

I'm sorry. I'm scared. And I'm excited. 

I'm sorry for my past. For giving my heart away too easily. For having a twisted perception of men. For not having trust. I'm also sorry for my present. For constantly searching for you instead of being patient. For forgetting to pray for you. I'm even sorry for my future. For the mistakes I will make. For letting my emotions drive me at times. For not following through on things I may promise. 

I'm sorry for you. For the temptations you deal with everyday. For the girls who show a little too much. For the lie that being a man means being physically strong and hiding emotions. For the expectations I already have - the ones you feel like you have to meet, but know you won't always be able to. I'm sorry for your past hurt, whatever that may look like. 

More than sorry, I'm scared. I'm scared for the bad times. For not living up to your expectations. For being a bad wife or mother. For fighting. For potential financial stresses, even though I know that ultimately doesn't matter. 

But even more than sorry and scared, I'm excited. I'm excited to meet you. I'm excited for you to experience my awkwardness. I'm excited for the mountains. For the jokes and the laughs. For the happy tears. For our future children. For serving the Lord together. For dancing and singing in the kitchen. For worship and fellowship in the family room. For deep conversations. For working in the mission field. I'm excited for the valleys. For the hardships and the tears. For the trials that will shape our relationship. For the times when we know the only thing pulling us through is our love for the Lord. I'm excited for all of the moments we will share.

I'm sorry and scared and excited. I don't know when I will meet you, but I pray that temptations are small and that the Lord prepares you for my craziness and sensitivity. I pray that He softens your heart, opens your eyes, and prepares you for everything that may come. But most of all, I pray that you lean on Him and love Him more and more each day, more than you will ever love me. 

Love, 
Your Future Wife 

A Letter To My Best Friend

Dear Lauren, 

Did I actually just use your real name??? 

I really cannot find words that are strong enough to express how much you mean to me and how much I thank you for all the things you have done for me and all the times that you were there. I just wanted to let you know how much I need you, and how much you mean to me. 

You're my dearest friend - the person I always turn to with my heart and soul. You're always there for me, ready to offer an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, or a heart to feel. You've been there through both the good times and the bad times. You were my light and warmth when the road got tough. You encouraged me whenever I hesitated. Not all friends stand by you through your joys and sorrows, but you've always been there for me. Thank you.

I've met a lot of people in my life, but I've never met anyone else quite like you. I knew from the start that there was something special about you. You touched my life and wouldn't let go. You brought me unimaginable joy, and you have made me feel like a better person who is able to take on the world. I think we were destined to become friends, and I'm grateful for God who brought us together. True friends are hard to find; that's why I'm glad I've got you. 

You are so special to me, and you cannot be replaced. You are always willing to help no matter what the situation holds. You always support me in everything I do. I hope one day you can lean on me as much as I've leaned on you. Your friendship helps me realize how blessed I truly am. I thank God for bringing you into my life, because I would not be the way I am today without you.

All you have to do is say the word, and I'll be there to lend a hand - day or night, sunny or snowy, happy or sad. I don't know if many people in this world would understand, but to have a friend like you is finding a silver heart in a bag of sand. You are the only one I can tell my soul to, who can relate to me like no other, who I can laugh with to no extent, and who can help me with all the problems I have to face of my life. Never have you turned your back on me, let me down, or told me I wasn't good enough. You crack me up with laughter and touch my heart with your kindness. I love you more than words can say, and I will no matter what happens. 

I look up to you because you are strong, caring, and beautiful (among other things!). I hope you know that I will always be there to listen to you, laugh with you, cry with you, and help you in all the ways that I possibly can. Through smiles and tears, laughter and heartache, you've been a part of my life. Going through this time of not hearing your voice or seeing your smile is rough. I look forward to the time we share, and I cherish all the memories we have already made. 

You always put other people first. Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated. You have impacted so many lives, and I would not be the person I am today without you. In times of trouble and in times of thanks, you stood by my side and held me up.You supported me when I was in tears from sadness and from joy. I've never needed anyone in my life as much as I need you now. 

Nobody will ever find another person more special than you are. I would fall apart if anything ever happened to our friendship. Everyday it just grows stronger and stronger. You are worth more than real gold. I could never imagine life without you, because that would be like an overused pencil - extremely dull. You play a major part in my life, and I hold you incredibly close to my heart. I treasure your soul like no other. You've helped me so much during the time I've known you, and I only hope that I can return the favor. 

I love you so so so so much, and I can't wait to see you again soon so we can sing and watch movies and drive around aimlessly together. I miss being the DJ of our car rides... But until then, keep making memories, and call me whenever you need me. Don't miss me too much! 

"Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints on your heart." 

All My Love and Lots of Prayers, 

Lindsay (Your BFF 5ever, because 5 is greater than 4.)

Dragon Tales

Well the poll has closed, and the results show that Dragon Tales was many people's favorite childhood show. For those of you who haven't seen Dragon Tales, it is basically about two children, Emmy and Max, who wish upon a dragon scale and then go to Dragon Land to hang out with their dragon friends. This seems rather innocent and simple, but looking back on Dragon Tales, the show had a few not-so-childlike aspects to it.

1. Dragon Land is a horrible place. In one episode, Max and Emmy are stuck in a castle with their dragon friends. They are not allowed to leave for reasons never made clear. In another episode, they had to run to a treehouse before the purple sticky goo started coming down from a cloud. There are furies in flowers and scary sleeping giants who can be woken up with just a short argument. Dragon Land is a hair-raising and unsafe place for little children to be.

2. The dragons aren't even likable! On the surface, they're just dragons who little kids love. But when you actually look at their characters, they all have flaws.

• Cassie: small, reserved, anxious, insecure, wimpy.
• Ord: overweight and greedy lunkhead who is only concerned with the growling of his stomach.
• Zak and Weezie: two-headed dragon, one of which is pitiful and the other of which is a troublemaker. 
• Quetzal: the elderly father figure who is magical, but if you look at him more closely, he's actually a complete piece of crap, leading me to my third and final point. 

3. The magic in Dragon Land is hoarded by Quetzal! Zak and Weezy constantly irritate each other because they literally share a body, and in one episode, Quetzal pulls out two magical stones and tells them to recite a simple poem while holding them. After a flash of light, they are magically separated. THOSE TWO DRAGONS WERE CONJOINED FROM BIRTH AND YOU'RE JUST SEPARATING THEM NOW?!?! Quetzal could've given them two separate bodies from the start with no pain or danger involved. What kind of misanthrope keeps this miracle to himself???

I guess when we were kids, we enjoyed the pleasant mythical creatures and watching them go on adventures. We never saw the true horror lying beneath the surface of Dragon Tales.