30 Things: Day 30

your favorite song
 
"Given to Fly" by Pearl Jam

He could've tuned in, tuned in
But he tuned out
A bad time, nothing could save him
Alone in a corridor, waiting, locked out
He got up outta there, ran for hundreds of miles
He made it to the ocean, had a smoke in a tree
The wind rose up, set him down on his knee

A wave came crashing like a fist to the jaw
Delivered him wings, "Hey, look at me now"
Arms wide open with the sea as his floor
Oh, power, oh

He's.. flying
Whole
High.. wide, oh

He floated back down 'cause he wanted to share
His key to the locks on the chains he saw everywhere
But first he was stripped and then he was stabbed
By faceless men, well, fuckers
He still stands

And he still gives his love, he just gives it away
The love he receives is the love that is saved
And sometimes is seen a strange spot in the sky
A human being that was given to fly

High.. flying
Oh, oh
High.. flying
Oh, oh
He's flying
Oh, oh

30 Things: Day 29

in this past month, what have you learned?

I have learned that I am strong.
I have learned that The Teenager and I can pack up our house and move in three days if necessary.
I have learned that this entire year has been one incredibly long test and it's finals week. Just have to hold on for a few more days.
I have learned that my girls are truly the reason I do this every day.
I have learned that I still believe in kindness and love.
I have learned that I am smarter than people give me credit for.
I have learned (again) that my siblings are numero uno.
I have learned that where there is a will, there is a way.
I have learned that music really is the best medicine for ... everything.
I have learned that life never stops. You never actually stop encountering problems, challenges, heartache, or happiness. It's the way you deal with these things that determines your happiness and peace.
I have learned that no matter how early I order holiday cards, they still won't be mailed until after Christmas.
I have learned from my mistakes but realize I still have a lot more to learn.
I have learned that a temperamental furnace can be excruciatingly frustrating.
I have learned that people are good. All of us.

30 Things: Day 28

a picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then.

October 2010

December 2011

(c) j.h. 2011

the truth is. i have changed more in the past year than maybe my entire life. not physically. i mean, well, that too. yes, my hair is much shorter, i weigh a baby less, i live in a new town, i have two daughters instead of one, and i have a million more wrinkles.

but my soul has changed. my core. i wish there was time to write about how in one blog post. no. actually i don't. i'll save it for later. 2012 is going to be big. you just wait.

instead, i'll sum up the past year with one word: defining.

no deep meaning or vaingloriousness intended. but to the person who sent me the message below: no i don't think i'm wise. i'm lazy. period. the end.

"one day, if you're lucky, people are going to hate you as much as they love you."

my most awesome blog-hate mail yet:

"Maybe you will blog about how smart and honest and perfect you are. Maybe you will just stick to your usual arrogant tone and write about ... how you are a living angel destined to be translated to heaven. the end.  (I got that from you...and I didn't forget to capitalize.  I think its cool.  My trademark.)  You are not clever. You are not funny.  And you have some of the worst taste and poorest judgment when it comes to general propriety in what you write in a public forum.  Step down from your high horse.  Stop pretending you are Walt Whitman or Hemingway."