The Hard Times in Life

This past weekend, I found out a close friend of mine is not doing well. It came as a real shock, as the last time I saw him, he seemed to be doing well. And that wasn't that long ago.

I have been friends with him, his wife, and his son for many, many years. I met the husband and wife at least seventeen years ago, maybe more, and then they had their son almost sixteen years ago.

So this is going to be a very hard time for both me, and them. They are like family to me, and it hurts to see them going through something like this.

I was asked if I could help out with some household chores, which I will be doing soon. I know what it's like having a parent who's sick, so I know what they are going through, and I don't mind helping them out.

When I visited the wife the other day, she had called her husband to see how he was doing, and I got to talk to him for a few minutes. He was worried about everything at home, and how his husband, son, and dog were doing.

It broke my heart to hear him so worried like this. And that he is in a condition like this. Not just his worried state, but his physical health.

This just goes to show how precious life is, and not to take anything for granted. Life is precious, and can change in a second.

Nothing stays the same, and no one lives forever. Not here on Earth. So tell those you love how you feel, and remember what they have done for you.

So, to my neighbor friends, I will be there for you through anything that happens, now and always. You have made such a huge impact on my life, and I am so thankful that we have become friends over these past many years.

Thank you for all that you have done, and for being such amazing friends.

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Presents

Well, it's nearly that time of year again.

Time for the annual Operation Christmas Child shoebox present collection.

I heard about this organization a few years ago, and wanted to donate some presents, but kept missing the collection dates until last year.

Last year I was able to give two shoebox presents, one for a boy and one for a girl. I don't know where they went to, but I was happy to have been able to make two children very happy over the holidays.

If you don't know what Operation Christmas Child is, it is an organization that collects presents for young children, which are shoeboxes filled with toys and necessities, and then ships and gives them out all over the world.

You can check out more information on their website here.

It is an amazing thing, OCC. I am so glad I was able to participate last year, and hope to do so again this year.

Introvert...It's Not A Bad Thing To Be

I recently saw and read this article online, where a woman talks about being an introvert, and gives tips for others who know introverts.

I am an intovert myself, and I love seeing articles like this.

Being an introvert is NOT a bad thing. It does not mean we are snobby, or selfish, or anything of the sort. We just don't feel comfortable in the spotlight, nor do we feel comfortable talking a lot.

A major tip I have for people who know introverts, is to NOT force/ask them to change. They will shy away even more from social things, and from people.

If they have something to say, they will say it, and on their own terms, not because someone makes them, or wants them to.

I prefer writing/typing/texting to speaking, not because I don't like people, but because it's easier for me to organize my thoughts, and I can have more time to think about what I want to say.

I love writing, photography, and arts and crafts.

I would rather stay at home, reading, watching tv, listening to music, than go to a bar, a big party, or anything with a bunch of people.

I have a small group of friends that I hang out with often, and that I can trust. I prefer one-on-one or small group interactions to big groups.

Public speaking scares the crap out of me.

I am fine with being an introvert, although there are times when I wish I was more outgoing.

It's articles like the one I included in this post that actually make me feel good about being an introvert. People understand what we go through, and that extroverts need to understand that being quiet isn't such a bad thing.

Do not try to change introverts, as we won't want to change. Unless it is done on our own terms. Even if we do change, we will ALWAYS be introverts at heart, and that's ok.

So please, be more accepting and understanding of us introverts, and don't try and change us. We are pretty happy the way we are.

I Want to Play the Violin Again

Every time I hear violins playing, it reminds me of my elementary school orchestra days, playing the violin, and it makes me want to play again.

It also reminds me of when my sister used to play in her elementary school days. One time she showed me how to play a few notes, and when I played them, she wanted to show our parents that I could play them.

I played the violin in fourth and fifth grades, and quit after that. I am now regretting that decision, as I absolutely love the sound of violins, and really, really, really miss playing.

I still have the violin I played, but it is too small for me now. I have checked out prices for a full size violin (which is the right size for me), and they seem to be decently priced, so I will hopefully be getting a new one soon (key word *hopefully*!)

It has been quite a long time since I last played, so I will be really rusty playing the violin again, but I know I will get the hang of it again.

I just hope I'll play more often than I did in elementary school!!