Picking your words

“It’s a beautiful day and I can’t stop myself from smiling. If we’re drinking, then I’m buying,” It’s a Beautiful Day, Michael Bublé

I realized today there is a way to tell the type of person someone really is, and it is so simple I am annoyed I never came to this conclusion before. When a person decides which word between we and I to use, it can tell you a lot. Which of these words a person chooses to use in certain contexts is a choice whether they really realize they are doing it or not.

It may or may not mean a person is selfish, but it is a window into the person. Some people may never realize they are doing it, but I am sure some do. Those that do probably have always been this way, but what about those that don’t realize? Should you slowly start to pull away?

Some people crave attention so is this their way of fulfilling that craving? Should you give in and just accept it? Or should you demand recognition? What would Laura Bush do?

I think she would just let it go. Why make a big deal about not getting a we but instead an I from someone? Does it really matter? I would really hope getting recognition for something isn’t anyone’s main goal for doing something. But if it is, then maybe you should be speaking up. But if you do speak up, does that make you an (insert bad word here)?

Now I get very uncomfortable with attention, but I understand others may not necessarily need it but want credit. So to them I say, speak up. If you think you deserve just as much praise for being a part of something with someone else, then let it be known. But do it in a classy, Laura Bush way, nobody likes an (insert bad word here).

As for me, it doesn’t really bother me. I now believe that I can tell a lot about someone by which word they choose to use, but that is on them. I am not going to judge them for it, we all are different. So next time someone leaves me out and makes something solely about them I will simply ask, what would Laura Bush do?

Author’s Note: I don’t really know why, but I just really like this song from Michael Bublé. It may be the lyrics, the rhythm, or just the brass section, but whatever it is I love it!

Staying quiet

“We can try to understand The New York Times’ effect on man,” Stayin’ Alive, The Bee Gees

There are a lot of lessons that can be learned by deciding to live my life, as best I can, by asking myself what would Laura Bush do? One I have really come to understand is how staying quiet when it comes to advice giving is sometimes the best bet. Laura Bush is always polite and remains classy, and I shall do the same. Most times people don’t even listen, so why bother?

Any dangerous situations always warrant speaking up, but it is the other times I have decided to just remain quiet. I will politely nod, agree, and let it go. When people come to you for advice, yet do the opposite time and time again, it is frustrating. And it gets old, really old. Even with the best intentions when giving advice, people don’t want to hear about that. They essentially want you to validate whatever it is they say, so I have decided to do just that. If anything, it will surely end the conversation quicker.

There is a difference between venting and seeking advice. Venting is a whole different ballgame. When someone needs to vent, they don’t want your take, they want to just get it out to feel better. But when you contact someone specifically for advice, one would think they want to hear from you. For one reason or another, they trust you and want your help. And what a slap in the face it becomes when they continually don’t listen.

Not all advice is always going to be perfect. There are topics that I admit I am not the one to seek wisdom from. I am up front when it is time for those topics. I am not saying to take all advice given, I am saying to at least think about it. When someone keeps making the same mistakes, same outcomes, listen to those close to you as there is a reason they are saying what they are.

And above all, don’t overreact. If someone gives you advice that you may not particularly like, don’t get defensive. Someone needs to look out for you. If you take time to let said advice sink in before attacking, you may just realize there are good intentions behind the advice.  

The past couple of weeks I have had a couple people talk to me and in the end, my words meant nothing and things turned out how I feared they would. It happens and I don’t believe all my advice is brilliant, but my reason behind said advice was one of good. But after another round of not being listened to, and me having to pick up the pieces yet again, I had an epiphany. Now I know why Laura Bush doesn’t engage. She is the brilliant one.

I will always be there with an ear to listen, but before I speak I am going to think of Laura Bush. If the topic isn’t anything dangerous to the person or anyone else, I am just going to agree and kindly support any decision they come to. I may not agree with the decisions, but I support my friends and if it is what they want, then it is what I want as well. It may not be the right thing at all times, but it is as close to being Laura Bush as I can get and that is always right in my book.

Author’s note: Any one that doesn’t respect the music of the Bee Gees is really missing out. Sometimes all you need is a great pop tune to get your day going!

No good

“I hope you make a lot of nice friends out there, but just remember there’s a lot of bad and beware,” Wild World, Cat Stevens

The last few days I have had the distinct privilege of seeing both the best and the worst in people. This has brought me to an unfortunate conclusion — there is just no good in some people. It is sad, but it is true.

A downfall of mine (so I am told by numerous people) is that I always try to see the good in people. No matter the person, I can find the good. It may not be much, but it is there if you look hard enough. I am a firm believer in never letting anyone bring you low enough to hate, but sometimes even I question it. Not hating someone, but finally realizing there just isn’t any good in there to see.  

One of my brothers said something to me that has always stuck, “Kitt, sometimes your faith in people outweighs your common sense.” No, he wasn’t calling me dumb, I don’t think, but he was warning me, and reminding me, of some of the hurt in my past. I do have faith in people, but I do know when enough is enough. It just might take me a little longer to get there.  

When you realize that everything someone has ever said to you was a lie and what you wanted to hear in that moment, all manipulated to get what they want, you realize there is no good. No one deserves disrespect, even those that may fall for any lie or action. But what does it say about you when you think someone isn't a good person, but everyone around sings their praises? Who is right and who is wrong? Does it matter?

I understand that history dictates a lot of these feelings, but when that doesn’t really come in to play and you are just taking someone at face value, is it wrong to think poorly of someone? I try to let people make their own judgment of others, so the feelings I have about someone are mine. Of course if you hurt someone close to me, I will harbor ill will, but again that goes back to there being history.

So next time I am sitting there listening to people speak highly of someone when all I want to do is scream everything I know about this person, I must think what would Laura Bush do? She would stay quiet, while possibly biting her tongue to ensure she remains that way. What does it matter if my opinion differs? In the grand scheme of things, this really will have no prolong effect on any of our lives. This is why they make vanilla and chocolate, everyone can decide for themselves.

It is very tough to get me to badmouth anyone, again I believe in letting people draw their own conclusions on people. As tough as this is, and how tough it will be for me not to speak up, knowing I am acting in the manner Laura Bush would act will make it so much easier. When life hands you unkind people, simply ask — what would Laura Bush do?

Happy 4th of July

“Mind the music and the step and with the girls be handy,” Yankee Doodle

Happy 4th of July everyone! This is a holiday that I really like since it celebrates two of my favorite things — America and birthdays! Does it get any better than those two things? Does it get any more Laura Bush? Nope!

Today is more than a day off and fireworks, it is day to wear that red, white and blue and be proud. I may not like the direction our country is going in some areas, but I still love my country. I still love being an American. I still love all things U-S-A. Well not all things, saying ‘Merica bugs the crap out of me and I find it a tad offensive. So other than showing pride by using that word, I love all the patriotism alive and kicking today.

But will you have that pride tomorrow?

I admit that I do get annoyed at the people that are only patriotic certain calendar days of the year, as if they need a reminder to be a proud American. That is great you are thanking the troops today, but how about thanking them every day? How about not needing a calendar to remind you that the country you call home is having a birthday. How about just waking up every day and saying thank you? You should try it.

When I get annoyed by those people that seem to be patriotic only when it involves a day off, I think what would Laura Bush do? She would let it go, and so do I. Who am I to say when someone can and can’t be patriotic? I am nobody, just a proud American. I am thankful that patriotism still exists in today’s world whether it is 365 days a year or just one day.

So go out there today and fly those glorious colors, rock that patriotic t-shirt, eat your barbecue, thank the troops, and just have one great birthday celebration for our country. America!

A new year

“But fools gold shines like diamonds in our eyes,” Fools Gold, Fitz & the Tantrums

Well, another birthday has come and gone for me. It explains my recent exhaustion and lack of entries. That, and just life. The funny thing about birthdays is it is the one day out of the year that you learn what you mean to people. Of course you have some sort of idea where you stand daily, but being your birthday is your day, you really learn.

As I have written before, I don’t expect people to love birthdays as much as me. But I do expect something. And thus, the focus of this blog. A couple examples and how I handled them by asking, what would Laura Bush do?

Earlier last week I started to hear from someone I hadn’t really spoken to much the last couple of months. For whatever reason, she just decided to cut me out of her life. That was her choice, and while I didn’t understand why, I accepted it and moved on. She was texting me like she once did, but I knew it was because of some tension between her and another friend. I dealt with it. I responded to her texts, what’s the point of making a big deal?

Come my birthday, she really went out of her way to wish me a happy birthday in many different forms. It was awesome. I agreed to plans with her to celebrate the day and was looking forward to it. Well fast forward, she cancelled. I understand that life gets in the way, but it was still really hurtful. And at that moment I knew once and for all where I stood with her. I knew it was time to just completely walk away. I realized that I am like Laura Bush. I won’t fret over it, I won’t get angry, I won’t make a scene or question it. I will be classy and I will walk away. I will always be polite and kind when it comes to her, but I will no longer set myself up to be disappointed. Laura Bush always remained classy in tense situations, and so will I.

Another funny thing about birthday is those you hear from, and those you don’t. I heard from people I haven’t spoken to probably since my last birthday. Partly thanks to Facebook and once someone mentions your birthday, the whole world knows. Even when you don’t list your birthday, like me, people still know. I thank all those people who took the few seconds out of their day to write happy birthday. Those wanting to wish me a happy birthday kept a smile on my face all day.

But what about the ones that either half assed contacted me or not at all. Is this a sign of where I stand? I say yes and hint taken. No excuse needed for why you forgot or waited so late, I get it. All the best. The friends that I was “close” to forgetting or just sending me one lame text, I will remember. I don’t require gifts for my birthday, not necessary, but how about a phone call? How about really being apologetic for a late mention?

So how would Laura Bush handle these people? Well the ones that didn’t even bother contacting you, she would say good riddance. She would be classy about it, but she would still take the hint. It might be hurtful, but clearly in the end, it will be best. Same with the “close” friends, I will begin my pulling back starting now. I will remain classy about it, but maybe just stop making first contact. That one might be a little harder for me, but I am going to try. I still have an amazing group of friends and endless phone dates ahead of me, I will be fine — and classy!

As I start the next year of my life, I might be down a few friends, but I have gained some new ones that are fitting in just right. I am going to go in to this year still asking what would Laura Bush do and continue to see the results. My birthday may have shown me where I stand with some people, but that isn’t a bad thing. Now I can start my year off fresh, surrounded by great people, and continue being happy. Happy and classy — it is what Laura Bush will be doing. Cheers to another year, and more blogs!

Birthdays

“Every time that I look in the mirror, all these lines on my face getting clearer,” Dream On, Aerosmith

As I sit here thinking what to blog about this evening, my birthday is quickly approaching. As the hours tick by, closer my day is coming. When birthdays roll around every year, you can’t help but start reflecting on your life. My life the past year has drastically changed, but my loyal readers are already more than aware of that fact. So instead, I want to write about celebrating.

Growing up the youngest of five children, my mom did an awesome job, and still does, of making our birthdays special. She always wanted to give us one day that was just ours. We pick the menus, she gets us the gifts we want, and dad goes along with it. Sometimes when we open our gifts, it is the first time dad has seen them as well, he is a great sport. I have no doubt that my love of celebrating others’ birthdays is a direct result of my mom. I really do love birthdays, just not my own.

The older I get, the more low key celebrations become. My surprise 30^th party was legendary, but what about non milestone birthdays? People grow up and have their own lives, so celebrating is no longer a priority. I have had to accept this fact. But my question is, should I? Do we ever get too old to celebrate?

I say no! No matter what I do, I will celebrate my day. My mom will throw me a wonderful family party, and those that can make it will be there. I can’t possible blow out my own candles without help from my niece and nephews. For once in my life, I will be selfish and celebrate me. Who says I have to celebrate with certain people? If someone can’t make it, or expects me to change my schedule for them, I will just go with it. No ill will, life happens. It may hurt, but life goes on. Plus, I have a surprise concert from a friend to look forward to. Ahhh, I really want to know the surprise!

I am really uncomfortable being the center of attention or being selfish, but on my birthday, I am sure going to try! I already feel uneasy about it, but if you can’t be selfish on your birthday, then when can you? I think Laura Bush would totally agree with that.

I have survived another year. I (hopefully) will wake up in the morning and greet another day by asking, what would Laura Bush do? Cheers!

The World Cup

“The cup of life, this is the one. Now is the time, don’t ever stop,” The Cup Of Life, Ricky Martin

The world cup is everywhere. You turn on anything and there is something about the matches, players, fans, etc. It really is unavoidable. And you know what? That is awesome! The pride, the patriotism, the athleticism — it is truly a beautiful thing.

That being said, there is also so much negativity from folks that it is frustrating. And that my friends, is what I will be discussing today. It may not be an example of how I am living my life like Laura Bush, but then again it might just be. No one is a bigger supporter of all things U-S-A than the Bush family. Never has there been an event where our athletes are on the world stage that the Bush family has not supported. Even when they are not in attendance, their support can be felt and known. Just another reason I love that family, especially Mrs. Bush.

A problem is, as unfortunate as it may be, soccer has never been as big in the USA as around the world. And when people don’t understand it, they judge. Those that haven’t taken the time to study and learn the game, miss just how beautiful the sport is. It is fast moving, it is non-stop, it is exciting, it is fluid, it is beautiful.

Like any event that doesn’t happen every year, such as the Olympics, there will be bandwagon jumpers. While I dislike bandwagon-ers very much, they don’t bother me as much when it comes to people uniting for one thing — their country. I was a soccer fan in high school, but that doesn’t make me think any less of someone that really is just watching because it is the World Cup. I say, welcome! I still don’t know everything there is to know about the sport, but I will watch and I will celebrate the sport. It may not be something I watch regularly like baseball, but I will gladly take the judgment from others when I do. Bring it!

The old joke is how watching soccer is like watching paint dry. I get that. Sometimes no one scores in 90 minutes and a tie is Ok. It happens, but watching the struggle in those 90 minutes can be quite entertaining. How is watching soccer more boring than a NASCAR race? A race may give you the opportunity for a wreck, but soccer gives you the opportunity for a goal.

Plus, very few sports have participants more athletic than a soccer player. The pure strength, endurance, grace and health demonstrated via soccer players makes all other sports’ athletes suffer by comparison. And easy on the eyes to boot. Thank you soccer for David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo for their perfect faces, body, hair — well you get the point. To watch soccer players is to watch some of the most well-trained and conditioned athletes out there. They may not look like weight lifters or anything, but they are rock solid and more athletic than most. To run for 90 minutes, you almost have to be pure muscle. And take it from a distance runner, enjoy those orange slices at the half since every marathoner loves to see the orange stop at a race.

The point of this is not about how hot soccer players are (that is just an added bonus my friends), it is about either supporting the sport or shutting the hell up. You don’t like soccer, that is your choice, but just stop talking about it. I don’t like basketball, but do you see me talking about it? Nope. Just because I don’t enjoy it doesn’t mean any one else cares. How selfish would I be to think my opinion on the matter will change anyone’s mind? And who knows, someday I may learn to love it given the chance. Have you given soccer a chance? Have you really studied it? Have you looked past your negative thoughts, and the ones others push on you, to watch it? If you have and you still don’t like it, I applaud you for trying. Just keep it to yourself.

So as the world prepares for their teams to take the field, I ask you to be nice. If you don’t care for the game itself, support the patriotism, athletes, and your fellow man that wait four years for this event. See the beauty in the event as a whole. Avoid the negativity from friends and the news, and focus on the beauty. Focus on seeing the love from athletes, coaches, families and fans uniting for one thing — to win that cup. I can’t wait! And maybe, just maybe, find myself a soccer player. What would Laura Bush do?