Doors

I have always been fascinated with doors. They are one of those things that for some reason inspire me. I continually think, "what adventure awaits behind that door?" All you have to do is turn a handle, push or pull a latch, and presto a new image is before you.

As of late, I have been trying to open the figurative doors around me. Some have opened easily, some have slammed in my face, others have been locked and I'm awaiting their key, and a few I have snuck through. The point is: I'm fascinated with doors and want to experience as many adventures as I can.

Internet you Stalk me!!!!!

Last night, I came home from a wonderful celebration and began doing my thing on the Internet. You know the usual, checking Facebook, banking stuff, examining stats and such, only to find that a high number of people seemed to have viewed my blogs.

Typically, I would not find this strange, but as I haven't posted anything for some time it was a bit peculiar. Adding to this, someone posted a comment with a link that they thought someone was looking for me.

Someone was an understatement. Multiple people were on my track for a day. Apparently, the Internet stalking all began with this lovely image here. A person--I seem to not know--posted the image/story above (on Imgur) and asked for help to find this girl (who it seems the Internet world decided was me). What followed was massive posting on the internet last night. 730 comments later on Reddit, and apparently I was considered found (I must say, I didn't realize I was lost to begin with).

At first, I found this a bit creepy. Then I thought about it, and realized, "Hey, it's an Internet world out there, you better get used to it, and figure out how to use this technology before you get left behind." Adding to that, I kind of find the whole thing intriguing. As a folklorist, the whole exchange of communication between people who don't know each other, possibly, is... well... mind boggling. Furthermore, how cute is it that a guy posts an image/story to find a girl. (Yes, I'm a romantic at heart. It's a curse and a blessing).

As to the Internet Stalkers who found me through Facebook. As far as I know, I have never been in ChatRoulette (if that is a web site), I could envision myself trying on mustache disguises for fun (but have not done so as of late), and I only know relatives in North Carolina--and lets face it, that would just be wrong. So in the end, I hope you had fun reading a few posts on your way to finding a girl that was never lost to begin with.

Oh Maxine

Last year I had the blessing, and luxury, to meet one of the most amazing women. When I met her, Maxine was 98 years old, strong, out spoken, and willing to share her laughter and story with me. I find it a connecting force when the barrier of age can be broken by listening. Maxine's story had its trials and tribulations, but she always focused on the good in life (wether it be the birds out her window, her caring neighbors, family, or Jazz basketball) and what she could do with her life. And she did many things. It was an honor to listen to her tell tales of growing up in a time when women didn't have the rights granted to us today. To hear how she helped mold education in this state. It was eye opening to my own life to hear how this women took life by the horns and did what she wanted to do (PhD at age 65). And it was warming to know that instead of focusing on all the hardships, in her later years she really wanted to talk about all the fun and the people that had been so kind to her.

I hope I find my perseverance and attitude as heartfelt and open as hers was.

Yesterday, I received notice Maxine passed away, almost one month before her 100th birthday. Today I find my thoughts on the time we were able to share together sitting on her couch in her living room looking out that big window, her story, and her personality, her smile, and how quickly a person can touch your heart. I hope she has grown wings, taken flight, and is now back with her parents, husbands, and son. To her I say, "Thanks for sharing your story."

What I've Learned About Myself...

... in the two weeks that lead up to "THE IDES OF MARCH!!!"

O.k. so the exclamations were used for dramatic effect. And though I am no soothsayer, I feel as though anyone who says "Ides of March" should do it with gusto.

Anyway... in this post, I would like to discuss a few words that apparently describe myself.

"Chatterbox"

This word was provided by friends. They said the one word that came to mind when they thought of me was: chatterbox. I am not wholly sure how this came about, seeing as I find myself to be a very quiet and shy person. Obviously, my interpretation is incorrect, because when I began to defend myself I realized, a whole slew of words were escaping my tongue, and said friends could not get a word in edge wise.

"Worrywart"

This is the one word I feel best describes me.

I am not a patient person (I don't like waiting, I like acting), and I see in no way how patience is a virtue (it seems like procrastination to me). Without patience though, a person can constantly find themselves worrying about things (i.e. money, career, relationships, family: you get the idea). It's a control issue. And patience (I must sadly say), I am doomed to learn over and over again.  But while I work on patience, I was told my mom is working on her "humility." Maybe one day there will be a story written on when Patience and Humility get together (I'm still waiting for that narrative :)).

"Gryffindork"

This incorporates both "chatterbox," "worrywart," and my nerdy-ness.

May I just say, "There is nothing anyone can do about this!" I seem doomed to talk about Harry Potter for the rest of my life. And to those people who are so kind to deal with me on a daily-basis, may I request, please be patient with me (for I know you all carry patience unlike myself). I promise to bake you cookies every now and then. You can even request a cake when I go on for hours, but please don't abandon this "chatterbox" of a "worrywart" just because I'm a "Gryffindork." (And please, oh please, don't end me like Julius Caesar).

Beware the Ides of March!