In my experience I have found anticipation to be a wonderful tool. It can be a very useful emotion when channeled appropriately. However, I have also found that anticipation sometimes holds me back. When I have an event, or the end of an event to anticipating, it can be very motivating. When work piles up, or life gets tough its nice to have something to look forward to. But I'm guilty of taking it too far sometimes.
When I'm constantly anticipating the future I waste the potential of the present. There's days, like this one, when I look back and wonder if I was doing anything more than just existing? Did I do or say anything that mattered today? Was I an encouragement to anyone? Did I make the world better in any way? Did I show even the slightest glimpse of Christ through my words and actions? --- If not, then what a terrible use of my time. What an awful waste.
Sometimes I can't figure out whether I want to jump five years into the future or 5 years into the past. And I can't think of a worse outlook to have. How ungrateful is that for the time I'm given?!
I know I need to start getting better at living in the present,(though not for the present). Perhaps I'm worried that the one will turn into the other.
I know there is purpose in every single day, I'm just too busy anticipating tomorrow to search for it.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Laurel's Life Theories Part 10
Matching theory:
Successful couples aesthetically match. The concept of matching is something Laurel feels strongly about, but has a difficult time explaining. Obviously there is no definition of a “normal” person, everyone is abnormal, couples need to be abnormal in similar ways. Example 1: a guy with a mohawk, and an eyebrow piercing does not match a girl with light blonde hair and perfectly done makeup.
And this concludes our entertaining look into the mind of Laurel. I will leave you with just one last thought....a direct quote in fact.....Laurel’s way to remember her birthday:
“My birthday is two less days than a leap year in February in June”.
Successful couples aesthetically match. The concept of matching is something Laurel feels strongly about, but has a difficult time explaining. Obviously there is no definition of a “normal” person, everyone is abnormal, couples need to be abnormal in similar ways. Example 1: a guy with a mohawk, and an eyebrow piercing does not match a girl with light blonde hair and perfectly done makeup.
And this concludes our entertaining look into the mind of Laurel. I will leave you with just one last thought....a direct quote in fact.....Laurel’s way to remember her birthday:
“My birthday is two less days than a leap year in February in June”.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Laurel's Life Theories Part 9
PDA Theory
The level of appropriate PDA is on a continuum. If you as a couple, are only with one other person, then there is to be no PDA on any level, for the duration of that hangout, you and your significant other are NOTHING more than good friends. As the number of people grows, to ten or twenty people the level of PDA can progress to hand holding, and anything less than kissing on the lips. In a movie, minimal PDA is permitted, in the form of hand holding, and cuddling. The one exception to these limits on PDA is if you are somewhere far far away in a distant country away from everyone you every knew or would risk running into. If that is the case, please engage in as much PDA as possible, simply for the fun of it.
The level of appropriate PDA is on a continuum. If you as a couple, are only with one other person, then there is to be no PDA on any level, for the duration of that hangout, you and your significant other are NOTHING more than good friends. As the number of people grows, to ten or twenty people the level of PDA can progress to hand holding, and anything less than kissing on the lips. In a movie, minimal PDA is permitted, in the form of hand holding, and cuddling. The one exception to these limits on PDA is if you are somewhere far far away in a distant country away from everyone you every knew or would risk running into. If that is the case, please engage in as much PDA as possible, simply for the fun of it.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Laurel's Life Theories Part 8
Girls Night Out Theory
Prior to getting intoxicated, when women go out together they should have a discussion before hand of what decisions that want to make. Example: If a girl says she doesn’t even want to dance with a boy, then it is the job of her friends to not allow her to dance with any boys. Unfortunately, if a girl while sober, says she wants to hook up with every boy in the club, her girlfriends are under no obligation to stop this from happening when drunk. The exception of course being if you are the designated conscious, then you can get all up in her business.
Prior to getting intoxicated, when women go out together they should have a discussion before hand of what decisions that want to make. Example: If a girl says she doesn’t even want to dance with a boy, then it is the job of her friends to not allow her to dance with any boys. Unfortunately, if a girl while sober, says she wants to hook up with every boy in the club, her girlfriends are under no obligation to stop this from happening when drunk. The exception of course being if you are the designated conscious, then you can get all up in her business.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Laurel's Life Theories Part 7
Baby Theories Part B
Time of Birth/Conception Theory: it is important to plan out the birth of your child so that their birthday will fall during an ideal time of year. Not only should obvious factors be taken into account such avoiding a birth on public holidays such as Christmas, New Years, Easter etc. But it the ideal birthday will also fall somewhere in between the birthdays/anniversaries of other family members. As a general rule of thumb, birthdays in the summer months are safe from holidays, and provide you as a parent with cheap birthday party options such as a backyard pool party. Rule of Thumb 2: Keep birthdays at least 3 weeks apart from one another.
Time of Birth/Conception Theory: it is important to plan out the birth of your child so that their birthday will fall during an ideal time of year. Not only should obvious factors be taken into account such avoiding a birth on public holidays such as Christmas, New Years, Easter etc. But it the ideal birthday will also fall somewhere in between the birthdays/anniversaries of other family members. As a general rule of thumb, birthdays in the summer months are safe from holidays, and provide you as a parent with cheap birthday party options such as a backyard pool party. Rule of Thumb 2: Keep birthdays at least 3 weeks apart from one another.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Laurel's Life Theories Part 6
Baby Theories Section A
Name Theory: Naming a child is one of the most important decisions you will make. Not only does it affect your life, but it will affect your child’s life even after you die. Certain factors MUST be considered when deciding on a baby name. 1) The possibility of finding a nickname within the child’s name. Nickname’s are great, your child should have the option of presenting themself with their formal or nickname. It allows them to have 2 names to pick from throughout their life, and the choice will likely change with age. 2)The name you choose must be appropriate for the birth order your child is in. Example: if you like the name Steven, that is a great older brother name, but not a good younger brother name. Therefore, pray that your first born is a boy. 3) The name you choose must be appropriate or adaptable for all life stages. 4) Lastly, certain names coincide with certain times of year, obvious ones are Noel, April etc, however, all names have subtle indicators of seasons, or in the very least they can rule seasons out. Example: Laurel is not a fall name. It is probably not a winter name. It could be a summer name, it could be a spring name. Example 2: Megan is a transition month name, it is not a winter name, and it is not a summer name.
Name Theory: Naming a child is one of the most important decisions you will make. Not only does it affect your life, but it will affect your child’s life even after you die. Certain factors MUST be considered when deciding on a baby name. 1) The possibility of finding a nickname within the child’s name. Nickname’s are great, your child should have the option of presenting themself with their formal or nickname. It allows them to have 2 names to pick from throughout their life, and the choice will likely change with age. 2)The name you choose must be appropriate for the birth order your child is in. Example: if you like the name Steven, that is a great older brother name, but not a good younger brother name. Therefore, pray that your first born is a boy. 3) The name you choose must be appropriate or adaptable for all life stages. 4) Lastly, certain names coincide with certain times of year, obvious ones are Noel, April etc, however, all names have subtle indicators of seasons, or in the very least they can rule seasons out. Example: Laurel is not a fall name. It is probably not a winter name. It could be a summer name, it could be a spring name. Example 2: Megan is a transition month name, it is not a winter name, and it is not a summer name.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Laurel's Life Theories Part 5
60/40 Theory
At different stages in life you should always have a balance of 60/40. At a young age, the balance is 60% work (school etc.), and 40% fun. This continues through adolescence, young adulthood, until the age of 40. By the age of 40, a person is well established in their career, they have worked hard to get there, now they should enjoy their success, and the ratio switches to 40% work, 60% fun (stop working overtime, concentrate on family, travel). At the age of 60, the ratio switches again to 60% work 40% fun. Yes you are retired, but now you have to concentrate more on health, and finding ways to make your life purposeful. . The ratios also apply to the type of food consumption during those years (60% healthy 40% decliciousness).
At different stages in life you should always have a balance of 60/40. At a young age, the balance is 60% work (school etc.), and 40% fun. This continues through adolescence, young adulthood, until the age of 40. By the age of 40, a person is well established in their career, they have worked hard to get there, now they should enjoy their success, and the ratio switches to 40% work, 60% fun (stop working overtime, concentrate on family, travel). At the age of 60, the ratio switches again to 60% work 40% fun. Yes you are retired, but now you have to concentrate more on health, and finding ways to make your life purposeful. . The ratios also apply to the type of food consumption during those years (60% healthy 40% decliciousness).
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Laurel's Life Theories Part 4
5 Children Theory
1 child is bad news because they will be socially inept, bad at conflict resolution and spoiled. In addition, if the parents separate, the only child is the sole connection between both sides of the family.
2 children is bad because there is a good chance that they will not get along, and there will be constant direct competition.
3 children is bad because there is middle child syndrome, and likely there will be two that get along and one that is excluded, (often oldest and youngest get along).
4 children is bad because you are still running that chance that 3 will get along and 1 will be left out. However, 4 is an improvement from 3.
5 is ideal because: you can’t go higher because unless you have a rapist van, you cannot travel together. Also there is no way 4 will gang up on one, it will split up 2 and 3. There is also more of an age gap between youngest and oldest, therefore there are more older children around to mentor and take care of the younger siblings.
Sub Pet Theory A: Laurel knows that not every family can afford 5 children. One way to determine how many children you can afford is to think of whether you can also afford a pet. This does not mean you must purchase a pet, however if you have one child and you are financially stable enough to also support a pet, then you are able to handle most random, unexpected expenses in that child’s life. The concept is that for every child you have, you should be able to support that number of pets, and I mean real pets, like dogs. Example: If you have 4 children and want a fifth but you’re not sure if you can afford a fifth, you probably can’t because you would also need to be able to support a fifth hypothetical pet.
Sub Pet Theory B: When a child has their 6th or 7th birthday, it is a great idea to get your child a pet. A pet teaches your child about responsibility, and it gets them to be active. By 6 or 7, the child understands what it means to have a pet. Perhaps a good pet is a hamster. Naming a pet is also a real point of pride, by allowing your child to name their pet, it creates a strong association with that pet and increases the likelihood of a strong, continued dedication to that pet.
1 child is bad news because they will be socially inept, bad at conflict resolution and spoiled. In addition, if the parents separate, the only child is the sole connection between both sides of the family.
2 children is bad because there is a good chance that they will not get along, and there will be constant direct competition.
3 children is bad because there is middle child syndrome, and likely there will be two that get along and one that is excluded, (often oldest and youngest get along).
4 children is bad because you are still running that chance that 3 will get along and 1 will be left out. However, 4 is an improvement from 3.
5 is ideal because: you can’t go higher because unless you have a rapist van, you cannot travel together. Also there is no way 4 will gang up on one, it will split up 2 and 3. There is also more of an age gap between youngest and oldest, therefore there are more older children around to mentor and take care of the younger siblings.
Sub Pet Theory A: Laurel knows that not every family can afford 5 children. One way to determine how many children you can afford is to think of whether you can also afford a pet. This does not mean you must purchase a pet, however if you have one child and you are financially stable enough to also support a pet, then you are able to handle most random, unexpected expenses in that child’s life. The concept is that for every child you have, you should be able to support that number of pets, and I mean real pets, like dogs. Example: If you have 4 children and want a fifth but you’re not sure if you can afford a fifth, you probably can’t because you would also need to be able to support a fifth hypothetical pet.
Sub Pet Theory B: When a child has their 6th or 7th birthday, it is a great idea to get your child a pet. A pet teaches your child about responsibility, and it gets them to be active. By 6 or 7, the child understands what it means to have a pet. Perhaps a good pet is a hamster. Naming a pet is also a real point of pride, by allowing your child to name their pet, it creates a strong association with that pet and increases the likelihood of a strong, continued dedication to that pet.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Laurel's Life Theories Part 3
Breakup Theory
For every year that you are dating, you must take 2 months off from dating following a breakup. Example: if you have been dating for 3 years, you must wait 6 months until you date someone new.
For every year that you are dating, you must take 2 months off from dating following a breakup. Example: if you have been dating for 3 years, you must wait 6 months until you date someone new.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Laurel's Life Theories Part 2
Shower Theory
For the majority of individuals, showering is a daily event, during which 5-10+ minutes are spent standing idly. This time can be much better used doing squats while washing your body, lunges during face washing. Weights can be used in the shower for super ambitious individuals, especially while taking a bath. Process: shampoo, wash face + lunge, rinse with head fully back to also wash face, conditioner, soap body and squat, wash conditioner out of hair, shower head comes off of holder, adjust heat/pressure setting, and start from neck down rinsing soap off of body.
Sub Towel Theory: towels can be re-used, and can be cross used as both hair and body towels. However it is difficult to remember which side of the towel is for hair, therefore, the side with the tag is always the hair side.
For the majority of individuals, showering is a daily event, during which 5-10+ minutes are spent standing idly. This time can be much better used doing squats while washing your body, lunges during face washing. Weights can be used in the shower for super ambitious individuals, especially while taking a bath. Process: shampoo, wash face + lunge, rinse with head fully back to also wash face, conditioner, soap body and squat, wash conditioner out of hair, shower head comes off of holder, adjust heat/pressure setting, and start from neck down rinsing soap off of body.
Sub Towel Theory: towels can be re-used, and can be cross used as both hair and body towels. However it is difficult to remember which side of the towel is for hair, therefore, the side with the tag is always the hair side.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Laurel's Life Theories Part 1
I am currently in my week-of-death school wise, I haven't had time to sit down and write. However, tonight I decided to begin a mini-series on the very unique world view of my roommate Laurel. Laurel enjoys openly discussing her opinion and theories on life, some are logical and have my support, others are arbitrary and ridiculous. Regardless, they're all entertaining. So, to begin this is Laurel's Theories on Life Part 1, all views expressed are purely those of Laurel and do not necessarily reflect my own personal opinions and beliefs. I am aware that in a way, this mini-series goes against the very nature of my blog, that of sharing simply my own thoughts/experiences etc. But, I am hoping to extend, for a short time, the disclaimer of "This is Just Me", to "This is Just Us", because some of this stuff is really just too good not to share.
Laurel's 2 Year Dating Theory
Firstly, In a relationship, if someone asks the question “is this going somewhere?” The answer has to be “yes” otherwise said persons shouldn’t be dating. Second, after 2 years the answer to the question of marriage should be “yes”, that doesn’t mean marriage must immediately take place, but both parties need to mutually agree that you WANT to get married, otherwise you are wasting each other’s time, and opportunities to get into successful relationships. The only situational circumstances that apply are if one or both individuals are in highschool or in completely different places in life, example: one person graduated doing missions in the congo, the other starting undergrad in Canada. Additional reasoning is that: if you are in a 4 year relationship that fails, the next person you date will feel inadequate until they are also in a relationship with you for 4 years or longer.
Laurel's 2 Year Dating Theory
Firstly, In a relationship, if someone asks the question “is this going somewhere?” The answer has to be “yes” otherwise said persons shouldn’t be dating. Second, after 2 years the answer to the question of marriage should be “yes”, that doesn’t mean marriage must immediately take place, but both parties need to mutually agree that you WANT to get married, otherwise you are wasting each other’s time, and opportunities to get into successful relationships. The only situational circumstances that apply are if one or both individuals are in highschool or in completely different places in life, example: one person graduated doing missions in the congo, the other starting undergrad in Canada. Additional reasoning is that: if you are in a 4 year relationship that fails, the next person you date will feel inadequate until they are also in a relationship with you for 4 years or longer.
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