Temper Tantrums!

Last night I threw the temper tantrums of all temper tantrums. The key to a "Holland'' being upset, is that we are really quiet (the only time in my life that I'm quiet). I thought my mother had been inconsiderate of me. Now, keep in mind, my mom is the most considerate person in the world. It's not something she does, just something she is-how she was raised. Nonetheless, I thought she had been inconsiderate of me, and for some reason, on this occassion, it was more than I could stand. I got home and talked to my dad, but not her. At that point I was being a brat, but then, the realization that I had been a brat made me feel worse. So as I marched upstairs, I was both hurt, and mad at myself. As I sat upstairs, I kept running it over and over in my head. In no time at all I was so upset, I couldn't help crying. My brother and his girlfriend came in, and I didn't go down to speak to them. I couldn't do so without being upset. The longer I sat up here, the more I thought about it, the more upset I became.
I finally washed off my face, and went down, attempting to be normal. My brother said something he thought was funny (it wasn't), and I went to sit in the other room. There came the tears again. I went back upstairs, more crying. I ended up spending half the night locked away, and today my parents left the country for a trip.
As I thought about my temper tantrum, and how badly I would feel if something were to happen to my parents, I realized that I had missed out on something by being locked away. The family was having a fun moment, just sharing each other's company. And my behavior locked me out of it. The other thing I realized was that it was my decision to miss out. But that decision was made because as I was upstairs, I was talking to myself, talking myself through the situation, making myself more and more upset. That really is always the way with things. Something minor happens, or we perceive something to have happened (whether it did or not), and instead of dealing with it, getting over it, etc., we convince ourselves that it really is tragic. In the end, we're the ones who miss out. I'm still kicking myself for my ridiculous temper tantrum!

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I'm Havin' a Part-y!

Hello Hello Hello!
I've just gotten on quickly to say that I'm having a party at my house and I'm SO EXCITED!! I've been cleaning all day, cooking and baking, and now candles are lit, everything is set out, I'm just waiting on the guests. You should come, too!

Later tonight, I'll tell you about the fit I threw yesterday and how embarassed I am! In the meantime, I'm Havin' a Part-y!

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Inauguration News!

I hope many of you caught the inauguration today. Due to my recent unemployment status, I was able to see most everything. I love the sound of the band (orchestra is probably a more appropriate word), checking out the clothing, and watching Uncle George gives his speech at the luncheon. When he's in a comfortable environment, Uncle George seems like the type of guy you'd want to sit and chat with. He makes jokes, and his eyes get shiney when he says "my dad," the same way you or I would. his speech was criticized because he used the word freedom 28 times. Funny, isn't that the core of American life?? The President spoke strongly and confidently. When he took the oath of office, he said it with strength. The President stated that we would promote freedom, and where ever it was sought, we would be there to help. During the cold war era there were several uprisings; several groups who sought help from Western sources. But those sources were too busy focusing on what they wanted, and countries like Hungary continued under the iron curtain despite their belief that if they shouted loud enough, the Western world would back them. I like the idea that we don't respond when it is convenient, but when it is right. I loved the Benediction by Pastor Caldwell from Houston. He went through the Lord's prayer, but as he said each section he made it more specific. What I didn't like about today? The protestors launching snow at police officers. I'm a firm believer that it is our right to voice our opinion, but the manner in which some people do so bothers me. I feel convinced that the majority of people protesting there today have never made contact with their congressman. They've not followed the express means allowed. Instead, they stood there today holding homemade coffins with flags draped over them. I have no problem with protestors being present. That is the American way. The manner bothers me.

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Inauguration Time!

Tomorrow, January 20th, is the second inauguration of President Bush. Inauguration Day is a day full of moments that make you proud to be an American. Whatever your political views, tune in and see what you think of the speeches, the safety precautions, and the celebrations! Then drop me a line to tell me what you think.

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I'm NOT a Feminist!

I'm not a feminist, but I feel offended by Dr. Lawrence H. Summers (President of Harvard University) when he outright states that women may not have the aptitude to succeed in the math and science fields that men have. Summer believes that biology may contribute to the lack of female representation in the math and science department staff in major universities, and not the fact that women have only been allowed into such fields in the last century, and have only been accepted even less time than that. I hate to be annoyed, but unless there's something wrong with my biology, his theory is ridiculous. I scored perfect on the science section and near perfect on the math section of my ACT's, AND I'm a female. Shocker, I know! What's not a shock is that while the women who attended the conference where Summers was speaking felt very surprised that one would suggest they were naturally inept at the very fields they were excelling in, the men thought the women were blowing it out of proportion. Argh...

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Cell Phones a Hazard???

While reading my daily dose of the New York Times this morning, I saw a little discussion on one of my very favorite things. My celly. The truth is cell phones have become an obnoxiously huge part of our lives. For people who maintain long distance friendships and relationships, it's a must. It makes us accessible, my mom worries less (aww), I worry less, and I do a lot of business while on the road. But we all know that driving and talking on the celly in New York or D.C. will earn you a big fat traffic citation. Same is true is most European cities. The fact is that I have long agreed with this idea. Let's face it, I know that sometimes on my phone I pay more attention to dialing than to those little yellow lines and find myself drifting. I've said that if the law comes to MI, I'll just run right out and buy a hands free and be happy about it. Until today! According to Courtney Radsch's article, a study done by AAA shows that only 2 out of 50 accidents have cell phone involvement. The fact is, according to the article, that while cell phones are one of the distracting factors, they're just one. They're not a leading cause of...anything. Apparently hands free is just as much a problem as hands on cell phones, the problem is that you're thinking about/paying attention to what's you're saying and what's being said, and not to the road. I'm thrilled to know they're not taking my cell privileges away, not anytime soon, at least!

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Lee Ann Cracks the Code!

Why The DaVinci Code, of course!! In this week's ninetyandnine, Lee Ann brings out the good, the bad, and the history of Dan Brown's enormously popular novel, The DaVinci Code, in this week's article, Dan, Mary, Leo, and the code we can't quit cracking. I admit, I've been hugely interested in the novel, if only because of its amazing success. I suppose I wanted to know what all the fuss was. Thanks, Lee Ann for clearing that up!!

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Inspiration Anyone?

After a week of feeling more than a bit down, I've finally found inspiration. The truth: I don't know why, there was no lightning moment. I didn't stumble upon some random bit of wisdom. I just feel inspired. Inspired to do what, you may ask? To be the best version of myself. I just finished my February edition of "O" magazine (I adore Oprah. Anyone that giving and that tender-hearted moves me). In it Oprah outlines a 12-week plan called "Living your best Life." I like that idea, living your best life. It's so easy to become weighed down by things, depressed, lonely (that's right, Valentine's is exactly 4 weeks away), frustrated, bothered--but those emotions do not lend towards our being the best version of ourselves. Negativity breeds more negativity. To be the best version of myself I need to:
1. Unclutter my rooms. The worst of my habits, clutter makes me feel frustrated, and frustration makes me feel like I can't accomplish tasks.
2. Get over it. Realizing God's figured out my life, even if He's yet to clue me in, makes it a hunded times easier to get over things I face.
3. Enjoy the sparkling snow. I hate cold weather, but a recent article I read states that people who "take time to stop and smell the roses" live more happy lives than those who don't.

What can you do to be the best version of you? I hope you do it, starting right now.

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HELP!!

Help me! Help me! I've...disappeared??? Somehow it won't let you see me at 90&9. But I see me. I'm still here, I promise!! Don't stop checking!!

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I reserve the right to quote you unless otherwise specifically requested