Qwerty

Time for the dreaded cell phone search. Never buy a phone based on solely what it looks like. I figured this out after I went to CNET and found slight problems with each selection. Phone A had a flimsy joystick, while Phone B lacked something in the keypad area--like roomier keys. I didn't know a phone could have so many maladies. Wouldn't it be something else if we could be aware of dysfunctional traits upon meeting new people? Oh, don't say this to him because he is sure to display a lack of empathy in all situations...involving sheep. He really hates sheep. Oh well.

Mission Slurpy Straw Accomplished

Yo. I took a break seemingly, so today will be
Day 4: Today I went last minute wedding supply gathering with a friend. As a treat I received a hot pink pedicure. Well, the pedi is actually an excellent compensation for taking pictures, but I'd like to think it is partly for enduring the 93 degree weather. You know, I've always been reluctant to get pedicures in the past. The thought of putting my foot in someone's face does not strike me as good manners. Though. They were wearing masks and gloves. And, to be fair, my feet are in good health; I try to maintain non-scaly extremities. Okay, I need to deviate from this topic now!

Curious about my title? I'm getting there. One of the last stops was at Sonic. I tried a new drink: Mango Breeze. FYI, it's carbonated. The picture did not tell me that. It just revealed peachy colored icey-goodness. Darn. Okay, so this drink had a red straw I was supposed to slurp on. I'm proud to say that seven days has made a big difference with my comfort level--my jaw can open like a hungry lion cub again. I tested my limits with sushi insertion yesterday. Although I cut my sushi in halves, I'd like to think that small venture was a success as well.

I'm still hungry for books. I am currently working on "Beneath a Marble Sky." I'm sure to provide some kind of review for it shortly. Oh, "Holes" was nothing short of delicious. It's recommended.

Tip #2: Look people in the eyes when you talk to them.

Chubby Minus One

Day 3: The mirror gave me two round cheeks again. I gargle-gurgled salt water and walked into the kitchen. As my mom handed me my ice pack, she told me one of the cheeks was closer to its original size. Fo real? Back to the mirror. This time, sure enough, I saw a slightly deflated cheek.

Yesterday I started reading "Holes" by Louis Sachar. I love the blatant jokes that act like effective jabs in one's gut conscious. What does that mean? I'm not sure. I just know what I enjoy. Younger reader books work for me right now. I'm going into the children's literature field after I graduate. I'd like to do an in-depth study on a particular author or trend. You know, with some genres or styles of writing, the reading is exhaustive. I never feel this way with youth stuffs--though, in my opinion, just because someone writes a book for children or young adults does not disqualify the intelligible information in the books. In some ways I find picture books deeper and more diverting than older reader novels.

Tomorrow I may finally leave my house and do something. Regardless of how self-conscious I feel about my appearance, it may be exactly what some random doctor would prescribe. As I type, I'm force-smiling to work my muscles.

P.S.--Thank you Taylor Swift for my slight appreciation for country music. I'm a fan.

Tip #13: Retrace the steps to your childhood retreat. Even if you have to walk through your mind. Find the swimming hole, snocone stand, treehouse, fort and play!

Chubby Cheeks

Day 2: That's right. I'm still chubbified from the wisdom teeth removal. I woke up at about 5:00 am with calls across the house. Once I had some codeine and my beloved ice pack face wrap, I was back to REM.

If I only knew I would have a pregnant dream! I remember crossing my yard and stopping to crawl on my belly, collecting abandoned jacks. My neighbor's yard looked icy, but it was just appearances. I walked cautiously, though, and I approached the entrance of a sort of hospital. Only this hospital was confusing. I went through a stream of hallways--none of which were deliveryish. And I didn't even look pregnant. This I don't understand. When I finally found my family and walked into the correct facility I was admitted to a room. I had bruising on my face and skin discoloration. My shower had a bloody towel over the showerhead. Once I accepted that I would not give birth that day, I walked back to my room where I was accosted by two different people who wanted to use my computer (all of a sudden I was in a school type place). I saw this guy I keep meaning to give pictures to, in real life, and he put his head up in the air and sauntered down the hallway. Away from me. I learned that one of ones interested in my internet was going to misuse my good nature and kinda take my computer hostage.

I don't remember how it ends. The detail alone is freaky.

Today I shall:
1) Watch "Revolutionary Road"
2) Attempt to brush my teeth without spitting out blood
3) Read one of my many new books (I'm obssessed with buying books whenever I can.)
4) Make another list
5) Hopefully progress to something more solid, foodwise

Tip #5: Make a present. For yourself. Wrap it up and everything.

Gotta Start Something. Sometime.

I've had this on my mind for several days. And quite like I'm used to doing I let the idea chill on the freezer shelf. I didn't want to hastily commit to something I was not ready for. Then I stopped fretting. I want this summer to be more than a break from teaching and attending graduate school. I talk about finding meaning in life. Seeking answers. But how do I justify my intent?

This is more for me at this point than I feel comfortable admitting. I am ready to unhatch a plan called "The Summer of Giving." What I want more than anything is to be able to give back a certain serenity to myself. It's nice and all to think of myself as a "good" person. I try to help people when I can. I have volunteered when I considered it an appropriate action in the appropriate circumstances. Yet what I want to do is take selflessness a step further than what I have attempted. Selflessness to cure selfishness.

For the remainder of the summer I'd like to explore what options I have to spread positive energy. I imagine it like a circle starting with myself, extending through people I meet, and returning to a self-evaluation. I think I'm a feeling sort of person. I'm very expressive and emotive. I'm definitely one to wear my heart boldly on my sleeve.

And so I begin.

Day 1: Resuming recovery. I had my wisdom teeth out yesterday. Experiencing this small bout of pain puts the general image of pain in perspective. I mean, I winced and cried over two piece of bloody gauze that were set in place to collect part of the natural healing process. My parents were able to afford the surgery, which had its cost even after a healthy dose of insurance contribution. I wonder what happens when people can't afford what seems like basic necessities to me. A teeth cleaning, wisdom teeth extraction (if needed), a trip to the hair salon for regular trims, shots (when needed). And I think to pregnancy. I cannot imagine not having health insurance when I have to go through that ordeal. I've seen some of my friends who had to undergo the preggers thing a little earlier than they anticipated. Well, earlier than what they wanted. It's tough. After these disconnected thoughts (though I know they must be connected in some way), I'm utterly thankful that I am one of the chosen. What do I mean by chosen?

I do not have to wake up in the middle of the night and flee armies who are against me. I am clothed, warmly sheltered in the winter and cooly in the summer, I have delicious food within my reach whenever I desire it, and I love and am loved deeply.

There should be no questioning this fortune, I know. I just feel like I need to show my appreciation. I fully believe in good returning to those who create it, or try to.

Tip #47: Smile everytime you look in the mirror. Not at your image but at the image you can create.