♥Music 2

I know I just made a song post, but this song is too wonderful to pass up. Music is precious to me in the ability songs have to express feelings inside me. It is such a powerful high to listen to a song that I can completely relate to.

A shout out to Kari who introduced me to this band!

The Cave - Mumford and Sons

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtEasM--AQg

Read the lyrics here! http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/3530822107858766939/

The first few times I heard this, I mostly just loved the sound of his voice and also the incredible banjo bridge. Beautiful music! I also loved one particular line: "I'll find strength in pain." That is such a difficult thing to do, but its the only way to overcome obstacles in your life. As I listened to the song more, I realized more and more what a powerful message it was. Here is my breakdown of what this song really means.

To me, this is about a previous Life Path: one that was leading you to destruction/unhappiness; but it was all you knew and all you cared about.

You finally see the light and know its time to choose a new path. Its difficult to acknowledge how wrong your old life was for you. So you hope for the best. Its painful, but you choose to find strength in the pain of chaning your ways instead of feeling defeated.

You leave everything behind in pursuit of the "truth," or this new life, because you know it is exactly what you need to become whole. However, your old life keeps tempting you; you want to slip back because the truth is difficult and terrifying to face.

Coming into your new life, changing your life path: these are life altering events. Everything you knew was a dark cave of ignorance. Leaving that ignorance is completely bewildering. However when you see the maker's "hand" in it all (or when really KNOW you made the right decision in changing), it becomes so clear how you are finally your own person.

Every single person needs freedom. And above all, you need to know WHO you are meant to be. Knowing that is the hardest and most important struggle people endure. And in the end, it is what defines your entire life.

As I said, I can really relate to this. I have definitely had several life-altering challenges and changes in my life. I am sure many people are silently (and not so silently) surprised at the ways my life has changed and the person who I have become. But I don't think most realize what a difficult JOURNEY it was to where I am. And I think even fewer realize that I truly feel like the path I am currently on is one in which the feeling of knowing who I am has never been stronger. And I wouldn't trade that for anything. I know the choices I have made. I know the strength I have gained from overcoming many trials and obstacles. And I know I am a better person for it. I know who I am.

Do you? :)

love,
lisapink

P.S. One of these days, I'm going to blog in detail about the challenges I've had to overcome and how I found my way to where I am now. At least, I'll blog about it once I find the courage. One of my biggest fears is exposing deeply personal emotions to others. That fear has hindered my ability to make close friends. I know its far past time to change my ways. Thanks Mumford and Sons, for being an inspiration to me!

Dreaming of Vacay

As the weather gets warmer (slowly), I find myself longing for warm sand, hot sun, and cool ocean waves. I WANT THE BEACH. I absolutely adore the beach. Its such a relaxing and fun environment. This summer, I would really love to go on vacation to southern California and soak up some sun.

Here's the problem. Babykins and I aren't exactly rich. We do okay, but there's not much left over at the end of the month. Especially since (fingers crossed) Babykins will be going back to school in the fall. However... I want this dang vacation!

So maybe for now I will just dream about it, and save every penny I can. And probably pretend that I really and truly am going, because otherwise dreaming about it will just be depressing.

Ah hem. Let the dreaming commence. (quick preface: planning dream vacation = planning a fun trip that costs as little money as humanly possible)



San Diego Vacay 


It begins with a road trip. Babykins and I, hitting the road: taking turns driving, arguing over whose music to listen to, listening to audio books, piles of snacks in the back seat, and having plenty of time to chat the way you can't when your week is compiled of working/eating/sleeping.



We'll stop in Las Vegas just in time for dinner. And of course, in time to take in a few sights. I don't really know what there is to do in Vegas besides that. I guess we could try to take in a show, but that seems awfully expensive. So we'll probably wander the strip, and take pictures of the tourist traps. Babykins will try his hand at gambling, lose a few dollars, and pull out extensive trivia on why the game is rigged against him. And that will probably be the whole of our Vegas experience. But Vegas is probably a good stopping point anyway (especially since the rest of Nevada sucks [no offensive to Nevadians]).

And then! And then! Off to San Diego! This is the perfect destination for us. 

It has something that we will each enjoy.

For Babykins:

I asked him why he wants to go to these places in particular, and he responded with, "Because I'm a massive nerd-child." A little bit true! ha. Babykins loves animals. He's constantly trying to convince me that we should one day own all sorts of crazy animals (african wild dog, a monkey, ferret, lizards, maybe a cheetah or two... well, the list is never-ending).

Perhaps if we frequent places like these, his desire for a million pets will be tamed. Okay, probably not. But he'll have fun here anyway! And I will, too. I remember loving Sea World as a kid. I've never been to the Zoo, but I hear its freaking awesome.

For Me: I just want to go to the beach!

And on this beach, my activities can be briefly depicted with the following:

Read. Take photos. Nap. Listen to music.

That's pretty much it. Perhaps once and awhile I'll join Babykins for playing in the surf/building sandcastles. If we get tired of the beach (doubtful), we'll wander the city to see what its like.

Life is hectic and stressful and altogether exhausting. The number one thing I want from this vacation is to have a chance to completely relax. I know, its a far-fetched dream. But this dream of a brief respite is something that I can use to keep me going on the days life really hits me hard. That's not such a bad thing, is it?

If anyone has tips/advice/ideas on how this dream can be achieved on a minuscule budget, please let me know!!

love,
lisapink

♥Music

Rolling in the Deep - Adele

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYEDA3JcQqw

There's a fire starting in my heart
Reaching a fever pitch, it's bringing me out the dark
Finally I can see you crystal clear
Go 'head and sell me out and I'll lay your shit bare

See how I leave with every piece of you
Don't underestimate the things that I will do

There's a fire starting in my heart
Reaching a fever pitch
And it's bring me out the dark

The scars of your love remind me of us
They keep me thinking that we almost had it all
The scars of your love they leave me breathless
I can't help feeling

We could have had it all
Rolling in the deep
You had my heart inside of your hands
And you played it
To the beat

Baby I have no story to be told
But I've heard one of you
And I'm gonna make your head burn
Think of me in the depths of your despair
Making a home down there
It Reminds you of the home we shared

The scars of your love remind me of us
They keep me thinking that we almost had it all
The scars of your love they leave me breathless
I can't help feeling


We could have had it all
Rolling in the deep
You had my heart inside of your hands
And you played it
To the beat

Throw your soul through every open door
Count your blessings to find what you look for
Turned my sorrow into treasured gold
You pay me back in kind and reap just what you sow

We could have had it all
We could have had it all
It all, it all it all,
We could have had it all
Rolling in the deep
You had my heart and soul
And you played it
To the beat


Passionate song about heartbreak and personal strength? Yes, please.
love,
lisapink

Positive Steps to Start the Day: a Manifesto

"I've got troubled thoughts and self-esteem to match. What a catch."  --Fall Out Boy

Today I woke up grumpy. Despite going to bed early I could barely make myself get up. And when I did, everything seem to irritate me. As I drove to work, annoyed with life, I listened to Fall Out Boy tell me how I felt. Troubled thoughts and low self-esteem are not the way to start off the day!

A positive attitude in the morning is vital to me. I've noticed if I can have a good mood in the morning, than life in general seems a little bit better. I think this morning if I had taken the time to gather my thoughts and calm myself, I wouldn't have arrived at work with such a bitter feeling. I need to do better at that. So I am officially dedicating this blog post to ways I can start my day off on the right foot.

POSITIVE STEPS TO START THE DAY: A MANIFESTO

Spend a moment outside. Take deep breaths of fresh air. Appreciate the beauty of the world.

Do a few simple stretches. 

Today will a good day. Work will go well. I will be happy.

I am strong, confident, intelligent, and beautiful. I can overcome obstacles.  

LOVE LIFE
IT WILL LOVE YOU BACK

love,

lisapink

Sun(Cuddle)Day

Prologue: I keep trying to call Jesse, Jesse. But its too weird. I never call him Jesse. So I'm going to have to refer to him as Babykins. Sorry, blogosphere.

I love Sunday's. I adore them. I look forward to them all week, and then cherish them once they have arrived.

Sunday is Cuddle Day.

I work Monday through Friday, 9-5. Its a pretty normal schedule, and not one I mind too much. However, Babykins' work schedule varies. Often, its Tuesday through Saturday, 11-8. Because he works much later than I do, it always feels as though we only have a moment to be together before my eyes start drifting shut and he has to put me to bed.

Okay, this is off topic, but YES, Babykins puts me to bed. Literally. Its so cute. :) Babykins is strange in the way that he does not seem to require much sleep. This, in addition to his later work schedule, means that he doesn't really get tired until 2 or 3 a.m. However, I start getting sleepy at 10 p.m. So most nights as I crawl into bed, he will come to bed with me and cuddle for a bit until I fall asleep. Then he gets up and plays guitar until he's actually tired. He knows I can't fall asleep without him. I know how lucky I am to have a Babykins who will take care of me like that. Ah! I love him. :)

Anyway. The absolute necessity of going to work each day means that we don't get to spend all that much time together during the week. And then comes Sunday. We both nearly always have Sunday off. So each Sunday, we get to be together THE ENTIRE DAY. I love it. We never really do anything all that interesting. Usually we spend it watching movies, reading, or just hanging out. For instance, right now as I type this blog Babykins is standing a few feet from me, jamming on his guitar. Oh, and now he came over to give me a kiss. I just love that we have this day to relax while enjoying each other's company.

I have ten hours of Sun(Cuddle)Day left. And then roughly 154 hours until our next Sun(Cuddle)Day. I think I might ask Babykins to put down the guitar and hold me.

love,
lisapink

The Government's Plan to Hate On Women

You won't find me talking about politics much on here, but today is an exception. Last night Republicans attempted to pass a bill that would cut off funding for Planned Parenthood institutions nationwide.

I found out about this proposed bill last month when I went in for my refill of birth control. I was immediately  livid. I could not believe that they wanted to devastate a wonderful program designed to keep women healthy. 90% of Planned Parenthood's services are preventive: birth control, preventing the spread of STD's through testing and treatment, and screening for cervical and breast cancer (1). These services are available to the 17 million women who do not have health insurance (2). 17 million women who are just trying to get by and can't afford much of anything. 17 million women who, if Republicans had their way, could possibly have had an unintended pregnancy, or not realize they had an STD, or not have anyone to go to when they have concerns about their health as a woman. Personally, without Planned Parenthood, I'm not sure if I could afford birth control. All because the Republican party decided they didn't want to let go of a few million dollars that's floating around this country.

I understand that Republicans don't want to provide funding for abortion. And let me tell you right now, I disagree with abortion. I love children. I don't think anyone has the right to terminate a child's life before it even gets a chance to begin. There are thousands and thousands of couples out there praying to God every night that they'll be able to adopt a child. Maybe if less people chose abortion, there would be more answers to prayers. However, that being said, I also believe in an individual's right to make their own decisions. I've seen firsthand how a woman's circumstances when she unintentionally becomes pregnant may be so overwhelming, so terrifying, so potentially devastating, that abortion may seem like a lifeline. I hurt for these women. But I also believe that they are stronger than they give themselves credit for.

Perhaps I can see the Republican's point of view in stating that they don't want to pay for abortions, even though it takes away many women's right to even have that choice available to them. But the bottom line is: "abortions accounted for just under 3 percent of the procedures Planned Parenthood provided in 2009" (3). Okay. So because you disagree with 3% of what this organization does, you're going to completely cut off funding to the 17 million women who desperately need it? Not cool. Also, I'm pretty sure that those abortions are already banned from using federal money.

Luckily, Democrats saved the day! (I'm going to happily believe it was because of my efforts to sign the petition to save Planned Parenthood!)

I am a woman. And as a woman, I believe it is so vital for us women to stand up and fight for our rights! Women have come so far in history, but that doesn't mean that still today there are injustices that happen all around the country and especially the world. We need to fight those injustices, however big or small they seem. Perhaps I am biased, but I believe that women are special. They are beautiful, loving, courageous, and strong in ways that men can never fully understand. We can't let men, or even other women, tell us any differently. I am proud to be a woman. It is so important for us to be responsible for our health, because we are responsible for tomorrow's generation. I am grateful that federal funding for Planned Parenthood was saved and vital health care will continue to be an option for 17 million of us. Women: keep on keeping on.

love,
lisapink

(1) http://www.plannedparenthood.org/about-us/who-we-are-4648.htm
(2) http://www.plannedparenthoodnj.org/library/topic/health_care_reform/list_benefits
(3) http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2011/apr/08/jon-kyl/jon-kyl-says-abortion-services-are-well-over-90-pe/

NEWsies

Aren't first blog posts so awkward? "Hi, my name is Lisa and I've been a blogger for ten minutes!" I feel like I'm introducing myself at AA or something. Let's make this painless.

Facts About Me (Just In Case You Truly Know Nothing About My Life)

1. I'm 21. 
2. Boyfriend is Jesse. He's 22. 
3. We've been together for roughly a year. 
4. We live in a cute little apartment in Sandy. 
5. I've lived in SLC for about four years.
6. I'm from small town in Logan, UT
7. I work at a home security company as the "Office Manager"
8. Hobbies are: reading, digital photography (visit lisapink.art), watching tv/movies, cuddling, shopping, enjoying the outdoors, and... other terribly exciting things...

Well anyway. Got that over with.

Now I'd like to expound on Fact Number Four. Jesse and I just recently moved into a new basement apartment in Sandy. I am OBSESSED with it. It is the most darling little place! Its in a quiet, slightly older suburb close to the freeway (but far enough away that you can't hear semi's blasting by in the middle of the night!). Right behind our apartment is an open marsh, which is wonderful because we hear birds singing in the morning, bullfrogs calling at night, and we still have a great view of the mountains.

By far my favorite thing about the new place is the kitchen. Our last apartment had a shared kitchen, which really we did not ever use. Now that we have our own kitchen, I find myself wanting to do things like... MAKE DINNER. If you know me, you know that's a pretty big deal. When I lived alone it was always way too much effort, and I usually frozen dinner'ed it. Or ate out. :)  But now it just feels so nice to make a little meal for the two of us to enjoy. 

We've lived there for about three weeks now and we're nearly unpacked. Our new place does have less storage, so there's been several trips to D.I. to get rid of non-essentials. But I've been doing great at getting things somewhat organized! I'm not sure why, but I really have such a strong desire to make this a home for us.  

Hopefully in the next few weeks I can post a picture of our completely unpacked, set-up, fun little place!

Stay tuned!

love,

lisapink