I think I'm back.

Ready to write again!

Ok, wow. It's been a long time since I last posted anything. My blog came to mind quite a few times, but I just never had the right words in my head to create something meaningful on here. I was also busy. Very busy with work and vacations, and changes, and family and LIFE.

Over these past few months, I've really been thinking about how much time I spend on social media and trying to cut that time down. But it's so hard, because these days, that's what we live by. Like for instance, I feel so silly when I realize I never leave my phone. I'm not just talking about when I leave the house. No, I mean when I go from room to room. Or even to the bathroom. I always take my phone and it's just ridiculous! So then I'll try leaving it. If I'm going to the kitchen to get something, or to the living room, I'll leave it in my bed room. And then I miss an important phone call. Of course. So I guess it's just a matter of delicately understanding the line between how much is too much. I get so annoyed when I see people using Facebook as their diary. Or their daily log book. I really don't understand why people don't understand that the world doesn't care what you do, every. single. hour.

I think about Twitter. I have an account. And at one point, a couple years ago, I was on it every day. Now? I'm never on it. I like what it is. It's cool for a lot of people and a lot of reasons. But I realized lately, when thinking about it, that in order for me to really use it to it's full potential, would mean me looking down at my phone way too often, and not looking around my own surroundings enough. I could be missing out on life's greatest pieces of art, because I thought that tweeting or reading tweets about other people's lives were more important. They're just not, for me.

Anyway, a LOT has gone on this past year! And I thought 2012 was a great year! My last post was in Feb. At that time, I was somewhat dating a guy, long distance. We hadn't 'named' it yet, and hadn't made things official. But now as I'm writing this, we've been "officially dating" for almost 8 months, and still long distance! (He's in Alabama and I'm still in Idaho!) Happy moments have been made though! ;)

I can't say that long distance relationships are easy. I also can't say they aren't worth it. Some might not be, but ours? Totally worth it. It's so hard to be away from him and only getting to hang out every couple of months is not super fun. But we don't plan on this lasting for forever. I mean, if we were, now then it would be pointless. But this is just where we have to be, how it has to be, and why it has to be for now. And until it can move forward and change, we're just relying on the Lord to help and keep us strong in the meantime.

My job was crazy this summer! As I've mentioned, I'm a wedding and event planner and stylist. Last year (2012) I was an intern. It was a busy summer, but very fun! Some hiccups along the way, but nothing too extravagant. This year? I am a lead assistant, and it was another busy and fun summer. However, we had some major hiccups and learned a LOT of good lessons! When you work with people, couples, families, relatives, and other vendors, you just have to realize, you're going to encounter every kind of person, and they are not always going to be easy, nice, or respectful. And you just have to be prepared to deal with it anyway. ;) But never the less, it was a good season.

My boyfriend and I were able to be together four different times, from Spring break, to a beach vacation with my family, his sister's wedding week, and then I just spent a month down in Alabama. I was visiting, well yes, him, but also spending time with my relatives there. It was a nice month away, getting to relax, and getting to spend non-vaction-but-actual-regular-time with him. :) (I was also sick with a nasty cough/cold the first two weeks :P)

Now it's the beginning of November, the leaves have been covering the ground, Christmas is hinting through store catalogs and displays, commercials and my Spotify account, and I'm realizing I need to make a Christmas gift list! Where did the time go?!? I absolutely LOVE this coming time of year and cannot wait to get it officially started, with Thanksgiving!

So many more things have been going on and changing as of this year, but it's all for the better. I think. I hope.

Anywho, now that I've got my re-introduction//coming back after a few long lost months, I will end this, so I can begin writing my next and new thoughts that I would like to share. :)

Happy raking. (Not.)
t.

Facebook: some good, some not so good.

So lately I've been thinking about Facebook: the pros and cons.

Is Facebook consuming the qualities we have to communicate with each other? Or even replace our inner heart's privacy?

I had a moment of realization though, tonight, about how years ago, when Facebook didn't exist, much less all things Internet, everyone did just fine. People would get together and actually talk about each others lives, and life itself. It was mystery or exciting.

Sure, with the Internet, there are many pros that come along with it, including staying in touch with friends and family who live miles away, even oceans away. And I'm grateful for it in that way!
But I feel as though everyone uses it as an excuse to spend their lives on it like everything depends on what Facebook says. Like its the only form of communication worth using anymore. When you read about each others lives on Facebook every day, when do you even just get together over coffee and talk like you don't already know what's going on?

People waste plenty of time scanning through, yes- some amusing or interesting, but just meaningless amounts of stuff; nothing that beats going outside in the fresh air and doing something more important with your life.

One thing I've noticed over the past few years is how people tend to "over-share." When someone is struggling, they'll post a prayer or religious thought for all their friends to see. But I wonder if they spend the same amount of time actually just talking with their Maker, or praying about the real matter in silence to the world? A lot of things just need to be kept between you and God. Sure, you can (and a lot of times need to) share with maybe a few trustworthy people who will be of true support or encouragement. But you don't need to outwardly secretly (figure that one out) share with your 500 "friends." Yes, of course there are a few times when you want to tell the whole world (i.e. you're free of cancer, you're engaged, ect.) but not EVERYTHING needs to be shared like that. Mostly to those whom you don't know or even care about. (Admit it, you don't care nearly as much about other people's Facebook info as what you hope others will see from yours)

Now obviously tons of Facebook is dedicated to businesses and artists alike. That's great! I'm just talking about the personal time and communication.

Anyway, like I said, I know there are pros- good and useless. But Facebook is not the only thing in life that matters.

t.