Two More Reasons

Among all of my other responsibilities in this world, I am a big sister to two incredible kids. I have an eight year old sister, A, who has Downs-Syndrome, and a barely six year old brother, G. Both are full of life and vivacious boldness that can only be found in little ones. Most days I have to exert all of my powers of patience towards tolerating their... flaws. On the other hand there are those days in which their smiling faces bring joy to my heart. Yesterday was one such day. My brother's hand waving vigorously two inches from my face was the first thing I saw when I opened my eyes and his big brown eyes followed. "Good morning, Sister! (giggle, giggle, giggle)" Oh boy! It's here again. Strangely enough his company wasn't as annoying as I usually find it; in fact, it was unexpectedly pleasant. It was only a matter of minutes and who follows, but A, she too on the hunt for my attention. Both immediately snuggled into my full sized bed... ugh... tight, tight fit! Still not completely back to my senses, I only listened to their giggles and their hushed bickering, as if I didn't know they were there. It was completely adorable and a great way to start my Friday. The entire day I had one or the other attached to my hip.

Their persuasions were irresistible as they entreated me to help them carve a pumpkin. And not just any old pumpkin, a pirate pumpkin. How could any loving big sister deny such a request? Bet you couldn't guess what I spent most of my morning doing! Yes, our pumpkin was complete with mustache, ears, an earring, and most importantly a three-corners hat. My artistic abilities are not quite as well-developed as I would like them to be, however they were thrilled with the finished product. It was quite something.

Throughout the rest of the day I found that since G turned six, he's become quite good at playing the Wii! Not only do I have to try, I really have to TRY! And the depressing thing is he still beats me a good 50% of the time.

They both are growing and changing faster than I realized and are completely different kids than they were at the beginning of the summer. It's incredible to watch and to be a part in raising two terrific people. They are two more reasons for me to be better than I am; I'm sure they'll be watching. I love you guys!

October 28th... TWICE!

There is a point where the human body drops out of complete and total exhaustion. For me, that point was about seven hours ago. Have you ever tried riding a horse over a course of jumps on the first bitter day of winter after being awake for nearly forty-eight hours? Let me tell you... it is a very, very BAD combination! My horse was feeling quite well today and decided he would much rather plow over the jumps that actually jump them. And honestly... I was too tired to care. I came home, still did not care, showered, and sat down. Another very bad idea. I kept telling myself I was awake, and I thought I was awake, but I definitely was not awake. An hour later I woke up only to realize that no matter how hard I may try, my eyes would not be opened. This pattern repeated itself until I finally gave in to the reality that I had no choice but to let the liberating veil of sleep encompass me. And at nine o'clock pm I awakened with a start to find that I had been sleeping for six hours. The only thing to greet me back into the world of living the was a blinding headache, a strange craving for spaghetti, and a need to write something. So as the world is winding down and most will be snuggling in for the night, I begin the day of October 28th all over again.

With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility...

You find out lots of things when you're sick. For instance, I now know that the ceiling light in my room looks distinctly like a pig, and when the sun reaches it's zenith, the crystals that hang from my windows dance in the warmth like fairies. It was after 24 hours of realizations like these that I began to go stir crazy and decided to embark on a Spider Man marathon. I've seen all three movies individually, but had never really embraced them as my own. This time while watching the series I identified with the continuing thread. It is a single piece of advice given to Peter by his Uncle Ben: With great power comes great responsibility. These words significantly alter the course of life that Peter chooses and the decisions he makes as he becomes Spider Man.

Now obviously none of us are Spider Man; however, it dawned on me that this advice is incredibly true and is applicable to everyone. Whether or not we choose to acknowledge it, we all have power in one form or another. For instance, we have the power to influence our own decisions and to develop our characters the way we see fit. This brings about the responsibility to use our personalities and resources for the better. Just as easily we can be unconsciously detrimental to those around us. Who hasn't at one point or another been affected by a random person who you happen to pass in daily life? This could have been a person who gave you a kind glance and bolstered up your confidence, or it could be a jerk who cut you off and made you spill your amazing mocha. Either way, you were affected, and both were equally as memorable. The power we have is vast and insatiable.

Some people spend their whole lives chasing the wind, trying to attain a more substantial life. But honestly, is their power going to increase? Are the people they affect going to remember them in a good way if their only goal is to be bigger and better than everyone else regardless of who is in their way? Hardly! Its is the little people that can make a big difference in this world. Remember: With great power comes great responsibility. So it got me thinking... what will I be responsible for today?

Needless to say, I have become a closet Spider Man fan. Shhhh.... don't tell the girls!        

Hibernation Mode

There is something about cooler weather that brings about a change in everyone. For instance, I am not one to eat frivolously, but now that I am in the house for a significant part of the day, I seem to be eating everything in sight! After I noticed a small amount of weight gain, I slammed on the brakes and ate only the bare essentials until I slimmed back down. That was about a week ago. Now I have officially gotten into 'fall mode,' and I discovered my blanket, sweaters, and lounge pants. Attractive, right? The good news is that you can't tell five pounds difference in weight in winter clothes! Yes! I'm saved! According to this new found discovery, I have gone on a baking spree and made a batch of turtle brownies. If I do say so myself, they are FABULOUS... and highly addictive! It seems like every time I walk into or through the kitchen they call my name and say, "Eat me! I am moist and gooey and you looovvvee me!" The depressing thing is that I cave to their pleas every time. How can I deny their chocolate drop eyes? I suppose it's all part of the hibernation mode that every person I know of tends to lean towards when the days get nippy. You begin to randomly crave brownies and chili (both of which I ate today). My old trainer was by far the worst hibernator I have ever known. About the first of November he wouldn't show his face in the barn without a very good reason, and on these rare occasions he was always adorned in the warmest clothes available and a coffee mug in tow. By the first of May when we all would shed our layers and show up in t-shirts, it was surprising to see how skinny we were! We got used to seeing each other in a Carhartt's and fluffy hats; in short we all looked like pumpkins. Strangely enough, I am not dreading the winter months are vehemently as I have in years past. I've already dug out my Carhartt... just in case. Plus, the cold gives me a really good reason to drink more coffee! A girl's got to stay warm, right?

Eminem - Love The Way You Lie ft. Rihanna

June 15, 2010 marks the day that musical artists Rihanna and Eminem released their newest single, “Love the Way You Lie.” Within days of its release, this #1 hit single climbed the musical charts and was being downloaded onto millions of iPods and MP3 players for indefatigable listening purposes. Over and over the lyrics of this song streamed into young minds. Although the sensation was widespread, the true meaning of the song lies beneath the surface. In late summer 2010 the music video, featuring Megan Fox and Dominic Monaghan, was also released. This not only increased the song’s popularity, it also shed some light into the deeper meaning of the seemingly typical rap incantation.

The song begins with an emotional solo by Rihanna disclosing the overall feeling of the verses. She begins, “Just gonna stand there and watch me burn/ that’s alright because I like the way it hurts. Just gonna stand there and hear me cry/ that’s alright because I love the way you lie.” Eminem’s harsher vocals envelop the mind into an immediate feeling of insecurity and paint a new scene, one that is filled with hate, and it is obvious that both individuals in the relationship are confused and raging. Domestic violence is hinted towards; however, deep repentance is also expressed. Then the artist explains how the relationship has changed from having “warm fuzzy feelings, getting chills used to get em” to being “sick of lookin at em… now you’re in each other’s face spewin venom in your words when you spit em,” and again abuse is described in a manner that alludes to a vicious cycle. In the last verse Eminem entreats his lover to stay and makes promises to change even though he knows what he says is a lie. Rihanna intercedes with the chorus telling that it’s “alright because I love the way you lie,” implying that she too recognizes the patterns. Megan Fox and Dominic Monaghan represent the characters in the music video and portray the highs and lows of the situation to coincide with the powerful lyrics.

In many ways the lyrics mirror instances in the artists’ own lives. After Rihanna’s experience with Chris Brown in February of 2009, she is well familiarized with domestic violence. Eminem is also no stranger to the ways of malevolence after he allegedly abused his wife, Kim Mathers, in 2006. Throughout the music video Rihanna is placed in middle of a burning building with ruins all around her, while Eminem stands in an open field surrounded by a seemingly peaceful atmosphere. The vast contrast between the background scenes shows the effects that their personal situations had on them. The contrast could symbolize how unaffected Eminem is by the whole concept of abuse, whereas Rihanna is deeply affected by her hellish surroundings. Her piercing eyes seem to be out of tears, replaced with hate and the room is literally crumbling down around her. To both artists this music video, immersed in fire, was obviously something much more personal than “just another song.”

Every fire needs fuel. In the case of Fox and Monaghan’s characters, this fuel was jealousy. The initial fight in the music video is caused by Monaghan having another woman’s number written on his hand. Notice, though, that is was not the man who made the initial physical move. On the contrary, Fox was the one to attack Monaghan. Although Monaghan’s reaction was far beyond self-defense, it was clear, as Eminem stated in the lyrics, that her “temper’s just as bad as mine is,” she’s “the same as me.” He also uses the perfect illustration when he says, “that’s what happens when a tornado meets a volcano.” The reaction turns into an explosion that is so immense that neither knows how to handle it. However, Fox isn’t as innocent as one might think. By conscientiously flirting with a man in a bar, she gives Monaghan another reason to provoke a physical match not only with her, but also with the innocent man. Repeatedly, the violent behavior was caused by jealousy.

The feelings of intense hate that Monaghan and Fox have are countered by a passion that is convincing enough to hold both together. The display in the music video puts one in mind of a person attempting to conquer a drug addiction. The harder they try to pull away the stronger the temptation becomes and neither are strong enough to overcome it. Eminem describes it as being “high on a love/ drunk from the hate.”  They admit how controversial their love is when he says, “It’s so insane/ cause when it’s goin’ good its goin’ great/ I’m Superman with the wind in his back/ she’s Lois Lane/ but when its bad it’s awful.” This is symbolized by scenes in which Monaghan and Fox look equally happy and content, contrasted by the fiery vengeance that is also portrayed. The continual surroundings of fire in the video represent how destructive their bond is to each other. They are playing with fire, literally but also metaphorically. When either one tries to break away, they are pulled back by a force that could be attributed mostly to infatuation or possibly legitimate love. Either way feelings of extreme love and hate change from minute to minute.

Most teens would probably agree that “Love the Way You Lie” is an incredible musical composition that represents the new age of modern music. One tends to wonder how much of the song these starstruck teens truly understand. The complexity of the song represented through the music video is far beyond the average listener’s thought, not because they’re deficient but because they often haven’t taken the initiative to consider intricacy of the relationship depicted. “Love the Way You Lie” is the epitome of a toxic relationship and serves as a bold statement in the way of domestic violence that merits attention from audiences everywhere.