this past weekend, i attended our church's servants retreat. to be quite honest, i really didn't want to go. ive been really jaded lately regarding church service (i'd rather not go into this now), however this weekend i was pleasantly surprised by how filled i got with the topic regarding the gifts in Romans 12. in addition, something that was truly needed this weekend was to built a bond with the servants in attendance. weekends like this, you get to speak to different people that you normally don't see on a regular sunday since we are all busy serving. it was a good time and then the icing on the cake came on the last day.
there were 12 of us who got onto an elevator. as soon as we get on, martha said 'imagine we got stuck on the elevator'...of course we kind of just joked around about it. the elevator opened on the second floor and mariam got out...we thought we were home free. somewhere between the 3rd and 4th floors, the elevator suddenly stopped and the comment all of a sudden became reality. i have never been stuck in an elevator before in my life. ive always heard about it and you watch stuff on tv where the elevator gets stuck and at the end it can fall all the way down. so i was stuck...all 11 of us were stuck. we called for help and used our cell phones to contact the rest of the people from the retreat just to let them know we were okay.
however i really didn't expect to be stuck for up almost 50 minutes. we kept the mood relatively light as we joked around a lot. we were thankful that we all knew each other, and that there were no kids stuck with us. the most calm person the entire time in the elevator was my dad. sometimes when people are silent they think something is wrong...but my dad had the right attitude. he had taken communion that morning and also for the first time in his life he was asked to hold the Offering of the Lamb in the beginning of liturgy. he was particularly touched by this and he gained a peace he's never had...so in his mind...whatever happens happens and just go with the flow...mr. star again, truly a star :D
i particularly got concerned as it got hot in the elevator and there was a lack of ventilation. i was concerned for the older people as time went on. we kept joking but we also resorted to prayer. yesterday was the feast day of st. george of el-mezahem. if my arabic serves me correctly...mezahem comes from the word of zahma meaning crowded....we sang a tamgeed or glorfication in the elevator mentioning this saint. we also sang kirye eleisons. we heard our group on the outside singing praises as well.
part of me understood why st. paul would praise God in a prison. i mean you can't really compare much between a prison and an elevator. both circumstances are very different but there's a similarity of being trapped and not being in control of the outcome of the situation. we resorted to God joyfully and with a knowledge that there's nothing we can do except praise God and ask for His mercy. this point really hit home as i started fanning myself and the person next to me.
the ending was particularly touching...we felt the elevator move and the power somehow back on. as we got to the lobby everyone greeted us (i did a zaghroota coming off the elevator), the greeting was very touching...they were cheering but i also saw the stress in everyone's faces. some of the mother's were crying and hugged all of us. one person rescued us with water. we had joked in the elevator that we should use this to take advantage of the situation...we wanted all sorts of special treatment with sandwiches and drinks to greet us. but we got something even more special...the love. we were all united in that moment. we knew that everyone was praying inside and out of the elevator. being stuck for that period of time felt like an eternity...and we were almost packed like sardines. we all bonded inside the elevator and we knew there was a bond happening outside.
the ironic thing was that the fire department showed up after we had just stepped off the elevator. apparently there was a lot of politics of trying to get out us and thankfully we were unaware of this. we also found out that we had lost power between the floors...also something we were unaware of. i dont wish to comment on the negative things since the outcome of this was favorable and everyone was safe.
our positive attitude and prayerful spirit is what kept us going. it was a take home lesson for me to always stay hopeful in a negative situation. i hope never to get stuck again in an elevator but for some reason, im thankful for this experience. our group somehow grew closer together and that is the true meaning of fellowship.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Wedding Photography Seminar
I don't have any cool title for this posting. I attended a wedding photography seminar yesterday so I wanted to share some of the info as well as my whole feeling on the subject.
I've said this many times, props and respect to all wedding photographers or any photographer out in the field. Photography is an art and you must love it in order so succeed in a cut throat business. I am not a cut throat, competitive business savvy person, however I know that good pictures come when you can connect with your subject. I know somewhere in my pictures I am able to do so, especially when I have a personal relationship with the people I'm shooting.
Here's some useful info and my reaction of course
Equipment--more specifically lenses: I understand why photographers charge an arm and a leg for their services. In addition to time post production, making photo albums, etc, they need to get lenses and perhaps an extra camera body to make the special day right. This particular photographer recommended 70-200 f.28 and 24-70 f2.8 85mm f1.4. now add that all together and the total cost of lenses equals: $4,808. I dont know about you, but for a hobbiest, this a killer in any budget. I'm writing a list of all the things that I can do with $4,808 (including an exotic trip to Europe and beyond), but again if you are doing this as a business, you are charging to cover the costs of this insanely expensive piece that enhances your pics. the 70-200 f.28 is huge because it is a telephoto lens and at 200mm zoomed in, you're still getting an amazing apeture..so it costs to get good lenses that allow a lot of light in the world of photography (and i hit myself for choosing such an expensive hobby). The lady giving the seminar shoots with a Canon but mentioned that Nikon lenses in general are superior (so everyone in the room including myself thanked God we had Nikons but the debate will always be there LOL)
Flash: I learned, when possible always use....I just bought a nikon speedlight sb-700 and I really dont know how to use it...I put it in ttl mode which is equivalent to auto mode. But flash is extremely useful in those low light situations and lit situations as well. Fun fact: flash freezes movement including at a low shutter speed :) the photographer yesterday mentioned she loves to use as much natural light as possible.
Then there was a lot of time focused on how to make it through a wedding. One must have an established relationship with the bride and groom prior to the wedding. Wedding photography has evolved into photojournalism, telling the story about the couple. There is some formality that is kept with wedding photography, but many people like to see the story behind the couple. A good photographer can tell this story, so that no matter if there are 100 weddings are at the same church or reception place, each wedding does not look a like. My personal view, is that when shots look the same with different couples same photographer, the photographer is not using his/her creative/artistic ability to show the story or personality of the couple.
Preparation before the wedding is key, knowing the lighting of where you're going. I think the word light or a form of it was used the most yesterday. Photography in general is having that perfect light and the perfect exposure....How do you make the person look their best. There were all other kinds of tips such is bringing a stepstool with you (especially if you're short like me) because shooting from below is not as flattering as above--go Facebook self portraits!
My whole view on this: I don't have the confidence, money or zeal to venture into wedding photography just yet. I was just too overwhelmed me in so many different ways. I am a little scared that I will lose the enjoyment of photography once turned into a business....so for now I'm going to continue to shoot my circle of friends, experiment on them until I gain that command and confidence. I still have a far way to go in learning about photography and the ins and outs of it. I know that every photographer starts with some sort of spark and passion. I know I have it, I just want to enjoy the hobby for now and see where it leads me..
I've said this many times, props and respect to all wedding photographers or any photographer out in the field. Photography is an art and you must love it in order so succeed in a cut throat business. I am not a cut throat, competitive business savvy person, however I know that good pictures come when you can connect with your subject. I know somewhere in my pictures I am able to do so, especially when I have a personal relationship with the people I'm shooting.
Here's some useful info and my reaction of course
Equipment--more specifically lenses: I understand why photographers charge an arm and a leg for their services. In addition to time post production, making photo albums, etc, they need to get lenses and perhaps an extra camera body to make the special day right. This particular photographer recommended 70-200 f.28 and 24-70 f2.8 85mm f1.4. now add that all together and the total cost of lenses equals: $4,808. I dont know about you, but for a hobbiest, this a killer in any budget. I'm writing a list of all the things that I can do with $4,808 (including an exotic trip to Europe and beyond), but again if you are doing this as a business, you are charging to cover the costs of this insanely expensive piece that enhances your pics. the 70-200 f.28 is huge because it is a telephoto lens and at 200mm zoomed in, you're still getting an amazing apeture..so it costs to get good lenses that allow a lot of light in the world of photography (and i hit myself for choosing such an expensive hobby). The lady giving the seminar shoots with a Canon but mentioned that Nikon lenses in general are superior (so everyone in the room including myself thanked God we had Nikons but the debate will always be there LOL)
Flash: I learned, when possible always use....I just bought a nikon speedlight sb-700 and I really dont know how to use it...I put it in ttl mode which is equivalent to auto mode. But flash is extremely useful in those low light situations and lit situations as well. Fun fact: flash freezes movement including at a low shutter speed :) the photographer yesterday mentioned she loves to use as much natural light as possible.
Then there was a lot of time focused on how to make it through a wedding. One must have an established relationship with the bride and groom prior to the wedding. Wedding photography has evolved into photojournalism, telling the story about the couple. There is some formality that is kept with wedding photography, but many people like to see the story behind the couple. A good photographer can tell this story, so that no matter if there are 100 weddings are at the same church or reception place, each wedding does not look a like. My personal view, is that when shots look the same with different couples same photographer, the photographer is not using his/her creative/artistic ability to show the story or personality of the couple.
Preparation before the wedding is key, knowing the lighting of where you're going. I think the word light or a form of it was used the most yesterday. Photography in general is having that perfect light and the perfect exposure....How do you make the person look their best. There were all other kinds of tips such is bringing a stepstool with you (especially if you're short like me) because shooting from below is not as flattering as above--go Facebook self portraits!
My whole view on this: I don't have the confidence, money or zeal to venture into wedding photography just yet. I was just too overwhelmed me in so many different ways. I am a little scared that I will lose the enjoyment of photography once turned into a business....so for now I'm going to continue to shoot my circle of friends, experiment on them until I gain that command and confidence. I still have a far way to go in learning about photography and the ins and outs of it. I know that every photographer starts with some sort of spark and passion. I know I have it, I just want to enjoy the hobby for now and see where it leads me..
Friday, June 17, 2011
Daughter of the Star
I am the daughter of the star. Truly I am...My dad's name in Arabic means star. This Sunday marks Father's Day here in the US. I dont think there is a father's day in Egypt, despite it being a patriarchal society. We all celebrate Mother's day with the frill but then Father's day rolls around and we're all too busy trying to find time to celebrate or find a different color tie. I even got a phone call to attend a Cirque du Soliel show with friends. When I mentioned it was Father's day...the person said go celebrate and come after. On Mother's Day that would be completely unacceptable but it's okay on Father's Day? Okay whatever.
So this blog is a tribute to my dad and father like figures. First.--Mr. Star himself. It's no accident his name in arabic means Star because he is a star on every level. My dad is older, but he still has that childlike quality in him that brings out an adventurous side in him. Going on family vacations is fun because he is willing to explore new places and food. yes, he maybe in bed by 9pm but the adventure during the day makes up for sleeping early. He is a great source of wisdom and I can go to him with any issue no matter how uncomfortable it may be. My friends also enjoy speaking to him. He reaches out to people and tries to encourage no matter what they're doing in life. I remember when we were searching for colleges for me to attend. He made sure he ate in every school cafeteria and spoke to students to get a feel for campus. I was embarrassed, but he didn't care since he wanted to make sure that the school I attended fit my personality (and also not get sick from the food). One thing is that he always encourages you to do the right thing, keep the peace with people...something that can be difficult especially when you're hurt by someone. He's fun to be around and I think I'm lucky. I'm not nearly the Star that he is.
Now to all the other 'fathers' in my life...the priests who we call Abouna our Father. Many of them have taken on that father figure role for me...spiritual father....there are few that know me inside and out and when the formality between priest and congregant is taken away, you truly see that fatherly figure in them. They have so many people to look after in the congregation, so I am touched when they reach out to me to see how I'm doing, or have a very candid conversation about what's going on in my life, or even better--just hanging out like normal people. I know priests, especially in the Coptic Church, are pulled in million different directions, but it's those times when you have a gathering or just ask your priest 'let's go out for coffee'...where the father/daughter father/son relationship is shown. So I appreciate the priests out there who have taken me under their wing as their spiritual daughter...
I'm not only a daughter of the Star but also of the King of Kings. Happy Father's Day!
So this blog is a tribute to my dad and father like figures. First.--Mr. Star himself. It's no accident his name in arabic means Star because he is a star on every level. My dad is older, but he still has that childlike quality in him that brings out an adventurous side in him. Going on family vacations is fun because he is willing to explore new places and food. yes, he maybe in bed by 9pm but the adventure during the day makes up for sleeping early. He is a great source of wisdom and I can go to him with any issue no matter how uncomfortable it may be. My friends also enjoy speaking to him. He reaches out to people and tries to encourage no matter what they're doing in life. I remember when we were searching for colleges for me to attend. He made sure he ate in every school cafeteria and spoke to students to get a feel for campus. I was embarrassed, but he didn't care since he wanted to make sure that the school I attended fit my personality (and also not get sick from the food). One thing is that he always encourages you to do the right thing, keep the peace with people...something that can be difficult especially when you're hurt by someone. He's fun to be around and I think I'm lucky. I'm not nearly the Star that he is.
Now to all the other 'fathers' in my life...the priests who we call Abouna our Father. Many of them have taken on that father figure role for me...spiritual father....there are few that know me inside and out and when the formality between priest and congregant is taken away, you truly see that fatherly figure in them. They have so many people to look after in the congregation, so I am touched when they reach out to me to see how I'm doing, or have a very candid conversation about what's going on in my life, or even better--just hanging out like normal people. I know priests, especially in the Coptic Church, are pulled in million different directions, but it's those times when you have a gathering or just ask your priest 'let's go out for coffee'...where the father/daughter father/son relationship is shown. So I appreciate the priests out there who have taken me under their wing as their spiritual daughter...
I'm not only a daughter of the Star but also of the King of Kings. Happy Father's Day!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Pink House on the Corner
It was that pink house on the corner that I took piano lessons from about fifth grade to my senior year of HS. I remember it was always on a Friday evening around 7pm. I remember the countless times I tried to get out of going but I would go every week. It was every week after a long day at school, I would sit down for 30 minutes trying to recant what I did or did not practice over the week. Some weeks were great some were not. It would be around this time of year that we would have our piano recital held at the Pleasantville Public Library. Right before my recital in 8th grade, I broke my wrist. I told my piano teacher that I would not be able to play in the recital, but she had other plans for me. That year, I played the right hand of the song that I was supposed to play, while she played the left hand....it turns out the doctor who treated me heard about this and was pleased.
I know that throughout the years, as much as I hated going to take piano lessons, the more and more I was appreciative of them after I stopped taking lessons. There was a relationship far beyond the scales, sharps, flats, on the piano. My piano teacher was not only just a teacher, she became a mentor and a friend. About 5 years ago, she passed away. I was devestated and I couldn't exactly express my feelings about how I truly felt. It was like someone who was part of my life was there no more, even though I had not seen her in ages after her move to North Carolina. My heart ached also for her daughter who was pregnant with twins. After she died, I remember heading straight to Barnes and Noble and picked out a bunch of CDs for Chopin and Mozart. She was a catalyst behind my love for classical music, which by the way I dont listen to as often, but should. I don't touch my piano anymore, but I know I need to pick it up again...more for a tribute for her.
So this morning, I attended the wake for her husband...her husband is being buried today on their wedding anniversary. Her husband will be by her side today. Today was a remember not just for me to remember her husband, but my teacher. I see her face in her kids and grandchildren. I sensed her spirit today and could almost hear her voice. She was also a support for my mother... it's people like this who enter your life you cherish for the amazing lessons in life they teach you. These lessons all came from the basement of the pink house on the corner.
I know that throughout the years, as much as I hated going to take piano lessons, the more and more I was appreciative of them after I stopped taking lessons. There was a relationship far beyond the scales, sharps, flats, on the piano. My piano teacher was not only just a teacher, she became a mentor and a friend. About 5 years ago, she passed away. I was devestated and I couldn't exactly express my feelings about how I truly felt. It was like someone who was part of my life was there no more, even though I had not seen her in ages after her move to North Carolina. My heart ached also for her daughter who was pregnant with twins. After she died, I remember heading straight to Barnes and Noble and picked out a bunch of CDs for Chopin and Mozart. She was a catalyst behind my love for classical music, which by the way I dont listen to as often, but should. I don't touch my piano anymore, but I know I need to pick it up again...more for a tribute for her.
So this morning, I attended the wake for her husband...her husband is being buried today on their wedding anniversary. Her husband will be by her side today. Today was a remember not just for me to remember her husband, but my teacher. I see her face in her kids and grandchildren. I sensed her spirit today and could almost hear her voice. She was also a support for my mother... it's people like this who enter your life you cherish for the amazing lessons in life they teach you. These lessons all came from the basement of the pink house on the corner.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Lessons from a wedding
This past Sunday I had the opportunity to take my camera and new skills to practice at my friend's wedding. It was a lot of fun but also very exhausting. I have a new found appreciation for photographers who shoot weddings, parties and any other event.
Here is what I took from my experience:
1- wear comfortable shoes. I shot in high heels and by the end of the night I couldn't feel my feet or legs. I would have been able to move around more...but fashion does come at a high price. I understand why wedding photographers, especially women tend to dress down at these events.
2- this particular wedding didn't have a professional photographer...so people were snapping and getting in each other's way. There needs to be better coordination...
3- to shoot a Coptic wedding...I cannot get some great shots for the mere fact I'm a woman and I'm not allowed in the altar area, this means I need to team up with a male photographer.
4- it's important to know the ceremony before you go and the shots you want....I also find that taking candid shots are so much fun and turn out to be the best pictures. Giving a behind the scenes look for me is often what I like to display to people
5- it means a lot more when u have a personal relationship with the couple. I wanted them to look their best
6- know your lighting...so important to get to the church or venue early and figure things out. When things get started you don't have time to adjust.
7- have fun...
8- I dont think I could do this for a living just for the mere fact that it is stressful...lol I still need to find what I enjoy shooting...weddings are fun but it is a lot of work.
My pics should be up soon.
Here is what I took from my experience:
1- wear comfortable shoes. I shot in high heels and by the end of the night I couldn't feel my feet or legs. I would have been able to move around more...but fashion does come at a high price. I understand why wedding photographers, especially women tend to dress down at these events.
2- this particular wedding didn't have a professional photographer...so people were snapping and getting in each other's way. There needs to be better coordination...
3- to shoot a Coptic wedding...I cannot get some great shots for the mere fact I'm a woman and I'm not allowed in the altar area, this means I need to team up with a male photographer.
4- it's important to know the ceremony before you go and the shots you want....I also find that taking candid shots are so much fun and turn out to be the best pictures. Giving a behind the scenes look for me is often what I like to display to people
5- it means a lot more when u have a personal relationship with the couple. I wanted them to look their best
6- know your lighting...so important to get to the church or venue early and figure things out. When things get started you don't have time to adjust.
7- have fun...
8- I dont think I could do this for a living just for the mere fact that it is stressful...lol I still need to find what I enjoy shooting...weddings are fun but it is a lot of work.
My pics should be up soon.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Truth
'And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free' -John 8:32
This verse is one of my favorite verses in the Bible...so simple yet it states a promise that the truth makes or sets (in other translations) us free. Arriving at the truth is the issue. So many of us are blinded by the truth in our everyday lives. We are running around like crazy to the point that sometimes we either don't recognize the truth or we just dont want to face it. More often than not, it's the latter. Not wanting to face the truth---but why? It's supposed to make us free. Yes because the truth hurts. When we take those few seconds to stop and realize that the situation, relationship, job, or whatever it may be is not for us, it hurts. It hurts our pride and it makes us question everything in life. It's the truth that what we have become so used to whatever it is, we know that with that truth we're about to lose it. There's a fear of loss and failure that comes along with finding out the truth.
But it's the truth and it makes me free. Freedom. When we finally let go of whatever it is...we feel relief...that relief is freedom from whatever binds us, the veil is lifted. In the short term, as we gain our freedom from whatever...we deal with the mourning stages of what we just lost, wishing that somehow we still have it again. As time goes by we get stronger...looking back we realize that we were truly bonded...slaves to the thing that kept us from seeing the light. St. John speaks thoroughly in his gospel and epistles about light and darkness...
ex. 1 John 1: 6-7: "If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
wow. you know we also have to remember in finding the truth, facing it and acting upon it....that everything will be okay....God has amazing promises and I really can't count how many in the bible but here are some of them:
'So I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you' - Joshua 1:5
'Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go'- Joshua 1:9
'The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace' -Exodus 14:14
'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope'-Jeremiah 29:11
Those are just some...so many more I can post....but when you do encounter a 'truth' in your life...know that God is knocking on your door, asking for you to change and to come to that truth. That truth is for your benefit, not destruction. It's out of love, not hate and more importantly it's essential for your salvation. So I pray that God reveals the truths in our everyday lives so that we may live in the truth of Light and spread it others.
This verse is one of my favorite verses in the Bible...so simple yet it states a promise that the truth makes or sets (in other translations) us free. Arriving at the truth is the issue. So many of us are blinded by the truth in our everyday lives. We are running around like crazy to the point that sometimes we either don't recognize the truth or we just dont want to face it. More often than not, it's the latter. Not wanting to face the truth---but why? It's supposed to make us free. Yes because the truth hurts. When we take those few seconds to stop and realize that the situation, relationship, job, or whatever it may be is not for us, it hurts. It hurts our pride and it makes us question everything in life. It's the truth that what we have become so used to whatever it is, we know that with that truth we're about to lose it. There's a fear of loss and failure that comes along with finding out the truth.
But it's the truth and it makes me free. Freedom. When we finally let go of whatever it is...we feel relief...that relief is freedom from whatever binds us, the veil is lifted. In the short term, as we gain our freedom from whatever...we deal with the mourning stages of what we just lost, wishing that somehow we still have it again. As time goes by we get stronger...looking back we realize that we were truly bonded...slaves to the thing that kept us from seeing the light. St. John speaks thoroughly in his gospel and epistles about light and darkness...
ex. 1 John 1: 6-7: "If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
wow. you know we also have to remember in finding the truth, facing it and acting upon it....that everything will be okay....God has amazing promises and I really can't count how many in the bible but here are some of them:
'So I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you' - Joshua 1:5
'Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go'- Joshua 1:9
'The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace' -Exodus 14:14
'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope'-Jeremiah 29:11
Those are just some...so many more I can post....but when you do encounter a 'truth' in your life...know that God is knocking on your door, asking for you to change and to come to that truth. That truth is for your benefit, not destruction. It's out of love, not hate and more importantly it's essential for your salvation. So I pray that God reveals the truths in our everyday lives so that we may live in the truth of Light and spread it others.
Monday, May 23, 2011
random days
it's the season...the fasting in the Coptic Orthodox Church has caused for all events to be put during non-fasting periods. In some years, the non-fasting days are limited...however this year, we are only fasting for 52% of the year...not bad. However it's the month of May and already I've been at so many grad, birthday, baby and bridal showers and the engagements and weddings are yet to come. Since everyone in the Coptic community somehow knows each other and if you speak for more than an hour you'll find that you are related from the 18th century....however these gatherings while I'm very excited for the person we celebrate, it's mentally exhausting.
Most of my friends are married and some of them have kids. We attend many of the same functions. After I get the whole 'ou2balik' and that i have to 'wait on the Lord' speech that an amazing guy is going to drop from the sky hopefully by age 40, I'm stuck hearing conversations that are not exactly inviting to the single person. I hear complaints about husbands, about the latest home project and the latest thing to do as a couple. If my friends have kids...I get to hear all about diaper rash, what the kids are allergic to and all other sorts of things. I sit there normally in silence...I don't have anything to contribute to the conversation. I remember one event I attended--I sat in a corner alone eating the delicious catered meal at a kids bday party....then the married people decided to come keep me company, only to speak about their honeymoons...yah ok. I felt invisible and praying to God that the conversation would end soon. Yah I love to travel and even I subscribe to travel and leisure magazine, but this was too much. Point being...there's more to life then just hearing about your married life and kids. Yes I love your kids and actually playing with the kids is more fun than the adult conversations that make me nauseous...I always leave remembering what bonded our friendship before life changed and I still hold onto that bond. I'm a little more selective in what events I attend. I like to have a good time and enjoy great conversations with people.
So there are those random days, the unplanned days where you end up going out with a bunch of girlfriends for a simple starbucks run. Those are the best. Simply because you talk about everything under the sun, bare your soul and come out feeling like a normal human being. You don't feel invisible like at the functions before because you don't belong to the married with kids world...People ask what is going on in your life and you would be surprised at how much people struggle, or listen to them about their latest victory choosing a new hobby. It's normal. It's those conversations you wish others would stop for one minute to just ask what is going on in your life instead of ranting about how your husband can't seem to get the point of leaving the toliet seat down (he's a man, not a dog). it's those conversations and heart to heart conversations that can make a difference in a person's day/week/month. I don't ask for much, but I do ask for just for those to be cognizant that not everyone around them is living in the same type of life. Just as I am subjected to listening to conversations about your crazy married world (w or without kids) I would hope that you could step out of your world for just five minutes to see how others are doing. I know that I may seem harsh...but I still love all my married friends...we are bonded in friendship for a reason.
So here is for random days, for random times to my girlfriends who take the time out to make sure that we are still sane, give an outlet to vent and just enjoy the laughter that is harder to find these days. God bless +
Most of my friends are married and some of them have kids. We attend many of the same functions. After I get the whole 'ou2balik' and that i have to 'wait on the Lord' speech that an amazing guy is going to drop from the sky hopefully by age 40, I'm stuck hearing conversations that are not exactly inviting to the single person. I hear complaints about husbands, about the latest home project and the latest thing to do as a couple. If my friends have kids...I get to hear all about diaper rash, what the kids are allergic to and all other sorts of things. I sit there normally in silence...I don't have anything to contribute to the conversation. I remember one event I attended--I sat in a corner alone eating the delicious catered meal at a kids bday party....then the married people decided to come keep me company, only to speak about their honeymoons...yah ok. I felt invisible and praying to God that the conversation would end soon. Yah I love to travel and even I subscribe to travel and leisure magazine, but this was too much. Point being...there's more to life then just hearing about your married life and kids. Yes I love your kids and actually playing with the kids is more fun than the adult conversations that make me nauseous...I always leave remembering what bonded our friendship before life changed and I still hold onto that bond. I'm a little more selective in what events I attend. I like to have a good time and enjoy great conversations with people.
So there are those random days, the unplanned days where you end up going out with a bunch of girlfriends for a simple starbucks run. Those are the best. Simply because you talk about everything under the sun, bare your soul and come out feeling like a normal human being. You don't feel invisible like at the functions before because you don't belong to the married with kids world...People ask what is going on in your life and you would be surprised at how much people struggle, or listen to them about their latest victory choosing a new hobby. It's normal. It's those conversations you wish others would stop for one minute to just ask what is going on in your life instead of ranting about how your husband can't seem to get the point of leaving the toliet seat down (he's a man, not a dog). it's those conversations and heart to heart conversations that can make a difference in a person's day/week/month. I don't ask for much, but I do ask for just for those to be cognizant that not everyone around them is living in the same type of life. Just as I am subjected to listening to conversations about your crazy married world (w or without kids) I would hope that you could step out of your world for just five minutes to see how others are doing. I know that I may seem harsh...but I still love all my married friends...we are bonded in friendship for a reason.
So here is for random days, for random times to my girlfriends who take the time out to make sure that we are still sane, give an outlet to vent and just enjoy the laughter that is harder to find these days. God bless +
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