"Happiness Depends Upon Ourselves." -- Aristotle

Well, Aristotle... no offense... but I am only partially buying what your selling here (or I guess what you've already sold). I am no Aristotle... I'm young but from my 23 years of experience I can say that sometimes, well most times, my happiness does depend on others.

I just had two of the best weekends in my recent life, all because dear friends came to visit. Just the sheer fact that we were together made them happy and joyous occasions.

I have another friend whom all I have to do is pick up the phone and in one minute of talking with her she can tell me if I'm being reasonable or not and I instantly feel happier because I have a friend like her who I can always count on in my life, no matter how far apart we are.

I have a roomate who is the true Polly Anna of our apartment and always has something positive to say when life isn't going my way or even when I am being unreasonable. I think just the fact that she puts up with me on a daily basis and doesn't judge me makes me a much happier person overall.

I have a mother who listens to me babble on about life for hours on end (literally, people) and loved me enough to let me move hours away from her (without a fight) to purue my dreams and ultimately my happiness. I can say that without her approval I might not be here living an independent life and doing what I set out to just a year and a half ago and the fact that I am makes me incredibly happy.

I have other friends who value my opinion enough to open up to me and ask my advice on personal matters, I am happier because I can be there for them... and feel more reassured because I am not the only one who has problems... both are good things.

You see... I've come to the conclusion that I am a people person, generally, they make me happy. [Unless they utterly disappoint me, which is another blog entirely]. So, if happiness really does depend on ourselves, then mine starts me seeking to surround myself with people who make and keep me happy.

So, thanks to all of you who have been there for me [you know who you are]. Sorry I've been lacking in this blog lately, I've been busy being a new graduate student and working on other projects. Thanks for your support and readership, it turns out that my book idea has really blossomed [thanks in a big part to my writer's circle] and I'll have to sign-off here for a while.

Moving beyond blogspot is a big step and for me, it will be an anonymous one. I can't keep two co-topical blogs right now, but hope to come back to this one for periodic updates.

Again- thanks for reading!

Loyally,

Kristin

The View From Where I Sit

Realizing and ack-nowledging that our own viewpoints aren’t the only ones that exist is vital. Our individual perspectives are so important to how we communicate everything, especially how we try to communicate our emotions.

So where do I sit? Literally, right now I am sitting in the middle of the living room surrounded with about 40 purses I’ve used over the last 5 or so years. Most people would first say that is an obnoxious number of purses, which I cannot deny. They are all unique and all so me. For a long time (long in my lifespan, anyway) people have recognized things as being so “Kristin Garnett” or so “KG” (Kristin in her college years). I’ve been on the receiving end of so many fabulous finds, many which sit in front of me now, simply because they match my sense of style/personality.

I was trying to convey this to my roommate and she, very nicely and in a trying-to-help type of way, held up one and said, “When was the last time you used this purse?” That simply wasn’t the point, so I launched into stories about most of them. Gifts, dates, trips and great bargains I knew each one of them and their story. Then it hit me, to her they had a shelf-life and to me they were years and years of memories. She probably holds her memories in other things like the sea shells from her family trips to the beach or the decorative flowers we bought our hair for her last birthday party.

A few weeks ago I got rid of several large bags of clothes and felt this same way. I looked through the racks and remembered the reason I bought them or where I wore them, packing up these purses too is just all too much at one time. First, I really need to write down some of these memories so I don’t ever lose how vivid they are in my mind right now.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that from where I sit it is okay to hold on to your memories as long as you aren’t living in the past. I’m actively being a part of the present and I am extremely excited about the future. However you hold onto the memories; on tiny bits of napkins, notes from middle school or in my case clothing and accessories, the important part is that you remember them and write them down so you’ll never forget.

A popular quote I’ve heard is to never regret something that once made you smile. After some googling, I found out it is originally by Amber Deckers (not Mark Twain). Well… I guess that depends what makes you smile in my opinion. For the most part I would agree, and I thought it was very relevant in the case of memories.

I hope this makes sense from where you are sitting.

Loyally,

Kristin

Take Nothing Forgranted.

In reflection of the last few months I’ve found myself to be a lot quieter than normal. I’m living life and enjoying myself but in times I would have normally just opened my mouth to hear my own voice, all I’m hearing these days is silence. It’s an interesting thing because the quieter I am, the more I find myself online either by phone or computer. The more I’m googling, facebooking, writing, researching, etc… but all of this online. I started to feel like the more I was communicating online, the less I was face-to-face.

I know that generations before mine have said that letter-writing is becoming a lost art. I absolutely abhor that idea and have always been a prolific letter writer, even the old-fashioned-hand-written-snail-mail letter. I still send them, and I’m not just talking about Christmas cards either.

Where is this going? Well, whether or not you still handwrite lengthy letters, I bet you do some type of writing every day. Be it facebook /twitter updates, emails or even texts we all write to communicate ourselves in some way each day. I find all forms of social-media communication to be absolutely fascinating, I keep up with it because it is part of my job, but it has become almost an obsession. Which marketers are getting results on what platforms, how celebs are chatting it up with their fans 24/7 in 140 characters or less and how my classmates choose to correspond with one another.

We are truly living in a world where anyone can publish their works with the click of a button. We have powers, cyber powers. We can attract our facebook friends and twitter followers to all kinds of websites [I’m guessing you realize that is how you got here… end example]. Some just our opinions but some can be causes we feel are worthy enough to share. Our profiles and webpages are giving us the power of promotion each day, and what are we doing with it?

I work in promotions and I can say I am not doing nearly enough to promote the things that are most important to me. A week or so ago I got a twitter follower request to my personal account from an artist whose name I didn’t recognize. Curiosity made me visit his profile, his bio was succinct [obviously not my specialty] yet enough to make me listen to his music. He described his music as “ear-itching” and for me it really was, in a good way. I listened to everything there was to listen to then moved to the video section where I found his YouTube channel. After listening to an incredible JM cover I found this song:

Call Me Family

How profound, I thought to myself. Using his talents to bring attention to such a horrible and taboo topic and in such a unique way, it really touched me and I went to the website and figured out how I could help. It was a beautiful song, and a beautiful thing. I’ll be anxiously awaiting the day Nate Fowler makes his way to Missouri to perform, until I can thank him in person for this epiphany, I hope this entry will do.

I promote things every day, it’s my job, yet it’s the REALLY important things I wasn’t even making a dent in. This self-proclaimed social media guru is officially humbled. Never take anything for granted, even the words you choose to share on your facebook or the last lines of your email signature. In an increasingly computer-mediated world, we must embrace the powers we have.

Use them for good and not evil nor nonsense.

Loyally,

Kristin

What the World Needs Now is LOVE.

I have had the privilege of hearing some incredible music the past month or so and as always; it’s had an impression on me.

I live in the “Live Music Capitol of the World,” that’s what a lot of marketers say anyway. Regardless of the title, there are tremendous amounts of musical talent here.

I love most any show but when major recording artists or groups come to town I do try my best to see their shows. I love to hear their stories and Restless Heart was no different.

Their lead singer did a great job of narrating their musical journey through numerous top 10 hits of the past 25 or so years. They had an amazing light show (pictured above) but those things are just a small part of what made me want to write about this.

Also pictured above in the front was the band member who we just happened to be seated closest to. I really enjoyed the music, but I more enjoyed watching him play it. I’d say his eyes were closed 50% of the show but [to me] it’s not impressive entertainers or elaborate props that make a show great… it’s the actual music. I don’t think I ever made eye contact with him but I sure felt every emotion he did. Great music just stands alone, you don’t have to package it nicely or in my opinion even sell it well.

Then when it was almost the end he sang this original song called “Home.” He told the story of why he wrote it and although I’ve never heard it before I was so touched by it; I will probably remember it forever. From the second row I saw a man more than twice my age cry on stage, completely vulnerable to an entire auditorium and loving every minute of it. It was therapeutic for me to just watch him… I can only imagine how freeing that actually would be.

Later that same week I went to see a long awaited [by me anyway] concert featuring John Mayer… or who I like to call the love of my musical life. His opening act was surely entertaining; they paraded around the room and had fun with the crowd. My friends and I danced around to a few of their songs and I really did enjoy myself… but for me nothing compares to what lied ahead. I spent two glorious hours standing and soaking in the wonderful sounds of John Mayer live in concert. No song is ever the same as the record cut and every guitar solo is intensified.

I’ve heard it all about John Mayer, from “I can’t even stand to watch him sing” to “I can’t believe you support that woman hater.” Here is what I have to say. If you can’t stand to watch him sing, then don’t. The beautiful thing about lyrics like his, are that they make their own image and you don’t have to see him to hear that. I’m not showing support of his lifestyle by going to his concert. I love his music and he is very talented at playing it. Unfortunately, I know a lot of people who do things I don’t “support” but that doesn’t mean I don’t acknowledge their presence in the world or even the room for that matter.

Instead of wasting all that negative energy tied up in hating what they stand for or morally opposing it through slanderous (though many times truthful) words, I wonder what would happen if we prayed for the people we don’t see eye to eye with? Not to pray that OUR eyes see more clearly but that God’s will would be done. Speaking of music, I heard a beautiful song on the radio that said, “What the world needs now is love.” I think that is so true. Even if you don’t pray- don’t allow yourself to waste time on negativity.

Instead of putting up a wall and keeping people we don’t “approve of” out of our lives, why don’t we show them kindness and let our actions lead them our direction. So, although I do think it is pretty atrocious what Mr. Mayer has said about the leading ladies of his life… I’m going to try and pray for him that he might find true happiness and not feel the need to treat the people he is closest to the worst.

No matter what I will probably always love his music and as long as he has concerts, I’ll be at every tour. We could all use some positive energy in our lives so next time you hear a story like John’s kiss and tell escapades or even your own neighbors infidelity, just remember this extremely long blog post.

I’m trying to do my part to spread a little love, one reader at a time.

Loyally,

Kristin

The Things Dreams are Made of.

I have been on a "blogging sabatical" so-to-speak. I've been busy but among other things just really didn't know what to write. I am not the type to bore someone with my daily doings/ramblings, so I really only try to write in here when I feel like I have something of worth to write. Not that the last month hasn't been worthwhile, just a lot of soul searching and music listening.

I am quickly realizing that music is one of the constants in my life that makes anything possible. From working on tedious tasks at work to working out to sleeping. If you have trouble sleeping and you haven't tried calming/relaxation music... you really should. A sample track came on my digital picture frame and I have been getting to sleep earlier and earlier every night.

But... I didn't write this post to chit chat about Enya music, now did I?

Almost exactly 13 months ago, I was visiting Branson and went into Walgreens and found the above pictured bamboo. It had a pink pot, so I was immediately drawn. Then, I read the description and found out it was lucky bamboo. I'm not much for superstitions, but I needed some luck at the time. I was just two months from graduation and jobless with no real leads.

So, I bought the bamboo and literally told my friend I was with that my wish was to just hear back from my current (now) place of employment. I didn't even have to have a job there, just hear back and gain some closure or something. It was really my dream job, and consequently that dream came true.

Fast forward 13 months and I am talking with my dear mother. She is going through a change of jobs and gets a call back from her dream job. She is torn because of the time commitment and worried if she turns it down she will have regrets later. The irony of this conversation astounded me, I was so worried to move to Branson. Would I meet new friends, would I like it there in the off-season, would my dream job ever contact me? Most of all, would I regret it if I never tried?

Regret is a powerful thing, there are pros and cons to every situation. I am absolutely certain that I did the right thing by moving here and ultimately I have gotten what I dreamed for that day I bought the bamboo [which now appropriately sits in my office].

This is what I have learned about dreams... they can change and evolve, they would probably stay the same if you had never achieved them them, and most of all they aren't always what you expected... and that can be alarming but it is O.K.

The other thing I've learned about dreams is that achieving them only leads to bigger and better ones. I may not remember my dreams I have at night, very often, but the ones I produce while awake aren't just day dreams, they are slowly becoming reality... and that in itself is fantisically terrifying.

So, I will close with these words of advice...

Dreams are a lot like wishes, you never know when they will come true... so choose wisely.

Loyally,

Kristin

Party Like its 2010?

They definitely could NOT write a song about 2010- It’s just not catchy like 1999 was. I’ve decided I’m not holding it against the year and proceeding with optimism accordingly. I must confess though… I had two previous “Happy New Year” blog entries planned earlier this month, both of which I’m glad I didn’t end up publishing.

One, the farther less mature, was a post about my pet peeves from 2009… things that really irked me so-to-speak. From tactless jokes about wages/earnings to inappropriate uses of social media as a platform for dreadfully private discussions, it was all going to be in there and let’s be honest- it was going to be harsh. I have all the little post-its right here next to me, because the temptation to write that “witty banter” is SO strong. I always think of little things then compile them later, and these pet peeves just seemed to be revealing themselves so it must have been a sign, right?

Wrong, absolutely wrong. I have got to grow up and address my issues head on, no matter what examples have been set for me by friends, family, acquaintances, other bloggers or even my crazy neighbor Billy for that matter. Writing about them isn’t going to make them change, confronting them like a pit bull (one of my [sadly] more routine methods) isn’t either, I HAVE to find a happy medium somewhere. I will, I’m actively working toward it and this blog/purge/commitment to the cyber universe is the first step. Even if nobody reads this particular post, I still feel like I announced it so it will hold me accountable.

My other blog was going to be a “year in review survey”. Pretty standard, I’ve done TONS of surveys in my day… but also not the most original or captivating idea- thus I was not sold. So, I get this brilliant [eesh] idea to make my OWN survey and cater it to what I want to reveal about my 2009. Seriously, Kristin? Seriously? How is that at all different from typing out all your pet peeves, aside from maybe highlighting your most prized moments along with it- which if you were a decent blogger should be in here anyway. Yep, I was harsh on myself but it needed to happen. I am a *dun dun dunnnnnnnn* adult now [that was a sound effect, duh] and I should be more mature than that by now. I’m ripping up those pesky post-its right now and trying my very best not to look back.

So, with saying all of that, here is my real New Year’s post. I didn’t make traditional resolutions this year, I spent a lot of quality time in prayer in hopes these resolutions would be revealed to me. I believe it worked. I have been doing an amazing job keeping up with my new daily devotionals, when I don’t do a day [bound to happen] I have been catching right back up and spending time in His word through a different way. Last year I bought a “one year Bible” much to my chagrin the pages were numbered for the days of the year. I was so upset by this, how could I possibly start my one year bible on any day but Jan 1? Roomie C kindly pointed out I could start whenever I want, it’s not like I wouldn’t end up back at the same place with the same result at the end… I started to heed this advice but failed. Happy to report I’m doing great and asking for the discipline to keep going.

If you are looking for a unique way to experience The Holy Bible [or even if you aren’t really] I highly recommend a one-year Bible. Each day I have a glimpse into New Testament, Old Testament and usually a Psalm, Proverb or both. It does take some basic Biblical reference knowledge to put the stories in perspective however.

My other resolution [more like revelation this year] was go back to the gym. Again, I was doing well at one point last year then I lost my momentum. I’ve been doing awesome at attending new classes and challenging myself to keep a schedule. I’m very happy to report a side result of these aerobics classes is I have been sleeping so much better than I was. I am actually tiring my body, what a concept! Maybe I’m getting the hang of this grown-up thing afterall? Not hardly, I’ve got new tax forms coming at me from all directions this month AND I just started a Roth IRA/mutual fund. It just never ends…

So- this entry was long for “Happy New Year” I hope it is our [that’s right I’m calling your attention mystery reader] best one yet!

Loyally,

Kristin

Do you hear what I hear?

Silence. Silence is what I hear in our apartment this cozy winter night. Aside from the hum of the dryer it is completely silent. It seems this is my new "grown up" Sunday night ritual, with a cup of tea in hand I'm always the last roomate up left to ponder my thoughts, do laundry, and even clean... I simply cannot sleep on Sunday nights, as a result I end up being quite productive.

Right now I am sitting at the kitchen table staring at my first grown-up Christmas tree. Doesn't seem like it should be that big of a deal but as I sit here I realize just how much has happened since last Christmas. It's been a busy year! I've owned my first car, graduated college, rented my first apartment, moved to a new town, gotten my first job... It's been a whirlwind, truly.

2009 has been a year of many firsts for me, and I'll never forget it. Everyday there is some new "first" from registering for new tax forms in Taney county to my first time changing our porch light on a cold, cold night. (Much to my happy surprise there were no tools necessary for this adventure) They may seem like small things, but all those small firsts sure do add up.

2010 will bring another first for me now. I've never been to Virginia but will be traveling there in March for the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Summit, CLT2. It stands for "Campus leaders today, community leaders tomorrow." http://odk.org/news_and_events/news?mitem_uid=49 It is a real honor to be chosen and I cannot wait for March to get here now. This definitley gave me the boost of energy I needed right before our off-season and something to look forward to. I should be getting my text in the next few weeks and although it sounds geeky I am SO EXICTED. At first I got slightly nervous about studying since I am a little rusty, but now I cannot wait to crack open the book again and feel like I have a purpose again!

As I was telling my Mom this news she was very proud (of course) but made a very funny observation. Last year at that time I was "following the civil rights trail" with woods around the world program. http://wwuwatw.wordpress.com/ While both are very nice things to do it is not your "typical" spring break type of activity. Guess this confirms my true geekiness. Oh well, I'd rather be doing these things anyday. I simply cannot wait.

This was really a great Christmas present to me so my Christmas has started early this year. I hope you [my mystery reader] have a wonderful Christmas. Tomorrow I am actually finishing my Christmas cards... anything postmarked by December 24th counts, right?

Loyally,

Kristin