Blast from the Past

It's About to Get Real...

‎"Think about how often you find yourself lowering your expectations in an attempt to insulate yourself against disappointment."

My thoughts are really scattered today, so please excuse any rambling that ensues from this point forward.

I can't tell you how often in the past 5 years that I have literally told myself, "I can't expect this much of {insert person/place/thing}", in some lame attempt to stop myself from being disappointed when what I expected doesn't happen. Guess what? I was still disappointed anyway, so what good did it do? None. In fact, it did far more harm then good. By continually lowering those expectations, I grew to not expect anything at all. It's sad, really.

This well-timed quote, found on facebook, has really got me thinking. I have to stop. I have to move forward, into a more peaceful life. I need to have expectations of greatness, no matter the looming cliff of disappointment. If I fall off the edge, it's going to hurt when I hit the bottom, regardless of how far I fall. Leaving myself inches from the ground isn't anyway to live. Greatness desires/deserves risk.

So, in another well-timed find this morning, I'll leave you with a song (how classy of me)...



Lyrics:

Regrets collect like old friends
Here to relive your darkest moments
I can see no way, I can see no way
And all of the ghouls come out to play

And every demon wants his pound of flesh
But I like to keep some things to myself
I like to keep my issues strong
It’s always darkest before the dawn

And I’ve been a fool and I’ve been blind
I can never leave the past behind
I can see no way, I can see no way
I’m always dragging that horse around

And our love is pastured such a mournful sound
Tonight I’m gonna bury that horse in the ground
So I like to keep my issues strong
But it’s always darkest before the dawn

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah
Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaaah

And it’s hard to dance with a devil on your back
So shake him off, oh woah

I am done with my graceless heart
So tonight I’m gonna cut it out and then restart
Cause I like to keep my issues strong
It’s always darkest before the dawn

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah
Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

And it’s hard to dance with a devil on your back
So shake him off, oh woah

And given half the chance would I take any of it back
It’s a final mess but it’s left me so empty
It’s always darkest before the dawn

Oh woah, oh woah…

And I’m damned if I do and I’m damned if I don’t
So here’s to drinks in the dark at the end of my road
And I’m ready to suffer and I’m ready to hope
It’s a shot in the dark and right at my throat
Cause looking for heaven, for the devil in me
Looking for heaven, for the devil in me
Well what the hell I’m gonna let it happen to me

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah
Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

And it’s hard to dance with a devil on your back
So shake him off, oh woah

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah
Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

And it’s hard to dance with a devil on your back
So shake him off, oh woah

Inspirational Quotes

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

— Lao Tzu

Book Review

I recently finished Book 3 of The Russian Trilogy by Noel Hynd.

Overall, a great Mystery series.  What really stands out is the amount of research and information.  It's stellar, and I really enjoyed it.  Check it out if you are a history buff.  It's entertaining AND educational.  Can't beat that!

October Unprocessed!

What would happen if I went for an entire month without eating any processed foods?

Well, that's what I intend to find out.  October Unprocessed 2011 starts today!  I've taken the pledge and I'm going to try to fulfill it!

So what is unprocessed food?  Easy!  It's any food that could be made by a person with reasonable skill in a home kitchen with readily available, whole-food ingredients.  Think "REAL" food.  All those fruits and veggies in the produce section... unprocessed (and usually quite pretty, not to mention tasty).  Boxed mac and cheese... think again, it's processed.

So, it's not going to be easy (which is laughable, but unfortunately true).  It's not that it's hard to do, it's those days when I'm feeling tired, and I don't want to slave away in the kitchen.  But, no matter!  I'm committed!

Want to join me?  Take the pledge and get started!  I'll be sharing my journey here.  :)