Random Acts of Wineness...Oops! I Mean Kindness

WOW! I was mighty discouraged today...especially considering that it's the holiday season. I gave my two-cents in the comment section of a news article about a woman in the UK who posted a picture of her Christmas Tree with about a million presents (I'm exaggerating) under it and has received lots of backlash. This isn't some private photo, she's actually a blogger (blogs about coupons, saving tips, etc) and she also has a Facebook page that is public, so the post wasn't limited to just her friends (and even though she says it was “accidental,” the picture is set to her profile pic SIGH!) My comment was simply that, yes, IT IS her business what she does with her money, how she spends it and shares her spending, but it's good to keep in mind that others are much less fortunate.

There is nothing wrong with being grateful for your blessings. There is nothing wrong with celebrating your good fortune and milestones. And I'm not in any place to judge or condemn those who do. But I would hope that considering how hard the holidays can be for some, how many are struggling just to get food on the table, let alone a gift under the tree, that there would be just a little more compassion from those who can, for those who can't. I was actually called an A$$HOLE by someone for simply saying that even though it's totally her business to share her pics and do what she wants with her money, the reason it may come off insensitive, is because she runs a blog/social media site, dedicated to penny pinching, so most likely her demographic is probably those who aren't rolling in the dough. And that I'd would have like to see her address in her defense post, if she also helps those in need, or donated anything to charities. But for those statements, I'm apparently a cold, awful, shrewd person. I'm not trying to defend myself or get anyone to take my side (didn't realize this was a war for that matter), I'm simply recognizing the irony of the situation and questioning if we, as a society, have our priorities backwards.

It’s understandable that some people are offended by seeing someone publicly "brag" about their abundance of presents adorning their tree, and others are defending said person that it's her life, she can do what she want...as she certainly can. People assume that those upset are jealous and looking to attack someone, and I get that too. My issue is simply that this is NOT what Christmas is truly about. I'm not going to get into the religious/spiritual aspect of it all either, but simply stated Christmas is about giving (and yes I realize that is technically what she is doing).

BUT it's not simply about giving gifts, or tangible objects. It’s about giving someone a piece of kindness, generosity and maybe even some hope. I'm not going to lie and pretend that my family members aren't being spoiled this year, because they most definitely are. But I know that in an instant those material things could all be taken away. But if something terrible did happened and I'm simply left standing with those I cherish the most around me, then that is perfectly  fine with me.

I encourage you all, if you haven't yet, to do something kind for someone else in the next two weeks. Give a little, share a little, pass along a smile, hug, or handshake. Before you receive and take in more to fill your home with, give something you no longer need to charity. Buy a toy or puzzle at the Dollar Store and take it down to a Toy Drive box in your area. ANY act of kindness makes a HUGE difference. That my friends, is what the true meaning of Christmas is about. Appreciation for what we have, acknowledgement of those that are without, and doing what we can to ease that burden...even a little.

Be well and safe my friends. Happy Holidays and I'll be back again in 2016!

CHEERS!
EJ

On the Eve of My Impending Birthday

I'll be 36 years old in less than 24 hour. "Ooooh big deal,"….I know, I know. But it's really close to forty and that scares the crap out of me! Why? Because it means that my thirties are almost over and once I hit that 40 marker, I'm no longer going to be able to get away with things I do now without risking that "She's acting too young for her age," stamp placed upon my stress-lined forehead. Some of these things include wearing distressed jeans, shorts with a 3 inch seam, going out to clubs (ya, like I'm doing that anyway), etc, etc. Though if you asked my fifteen year old, she'd tell you I should probably stop doing most of those things anyway.

The thing is, my age is catching up with me….and faster than I anticipated. With every new ache, wrinkle and random other thing that develops on my person, I'm realizing that I'm SOOO much farther away from my youth than I want to be and I totally took it all for granted. 

As I was on the stepper machine at the gym today, I thought to myself, "You need to kick 36's ass this year!" I had to stop myself from laughing out loud because I'm sure to the many senior citizen's that were there while I was, they'd probably give anything to be 36 again and here I am complaining like it's the end of my life. 

The truth is, I need to not take it for granted. Rather than let my mind flash forward to my Golden Years (God willing), I need to embrace the new opportunities that my next year of life may bring. Yes I totally need to get in shape, so I will be kicking my own ass this next year. I need to slow down and enjoy this so much more because it honestly feels like I just turned 26, as I remember the day like it was literally last week. Time is moving faster and faster and I can't seem to keep up with it and in the process my body is changing in some undesirable ways, and without my permission.

Life practically goes by in a finger snap and I want to enjoy it the best I can, moles, wrinkles, cellulite and all! 

-EJ

My Response to the "21 Rules That Men Have"

 

Came across this “list” today. As I read, the little voices in my head replied with sass, so I thought I might as well give them a chance to be heard by people other than myself. It’s all in the name of fun folks, so don’t get your pantalones in a bunch!

*Numbered items are from "the list". See the link at the end to read the original article.

1) Men are not mind readers.

WTHN: No shit Sherlock! You aren’t great listeners either.

2) Learn to work the toilet seat, you’re a big girl. If it’s up, put it down. You don’t hear us complaining when you leave it down. 

WTHN: Sure…as soon as your ass hits the cold, nasty toilet water in the middle of the night, we’ll definitely get to that “putting the lid down” thingy.

3) Crying is blackmail. 

WTHN: Crying is also an emotion. So is laughter, which is what I’m doing while reading your inept “man” rules.

 

4) Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints do not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work! Just say it!  

WTHN: Have to say I TOTALLY agree with you on this one. However, that look of frozen shock that you men often acquire as soon as we’re honest is a bit off-putting…just sayin’.

5) "Yes" and "No" are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

WTHN: Just be honest….words with more than one syllable confuse you. 

6) Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That’s what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.  

WTHN: Keep that attitude and sympathy will also be what the hot guy next door is for….

7) Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 days.  

WTHN: That’s fair. Does the same go for us for anything (or anyone) we did while we were in an argument or “on a break” within that time parameter?

8) If you think you’re fat, you probably are. Don’t ask us. 

WTHN: Spoken like a true gentleman. Single ladies, don’t worry there’s hope for you yet with “gems” like these out there.

 

9) If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one. 

WTHN: I like that approach, it keeps things simple. Same goes for us, but in regards to affection. If we give you a kiss or hug and you think it means we want to have sex, just assume the exact opposite.

10) You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself. 

WTHN: Does this same approach apply to sex? AND have you noticed how many women are in the workforce now doing “manly” jobs or telling men how to do them? This is because we figured this out a LONG time ago….we are just humoring you. Same goes for the sex part too.

11) Whenever possible, please say whatever you have to during commercials.  

WTHN: Ditto! 

12) Christopher Columbus did not need directions and neither do we… 

WTHN: Directions? You actually know what those are? I’m impressed!

13) All men see in only 16 colors. Peach, for example, is a fruit not a color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.  

WTHN: Most people born after 1990 don’t know what mauve is....

14) If we ask what is wrong and you say ‘Nothing’, we act like nothing’s wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.  

WTHN: “Nothing” is what men who behave this way will most likely be getting most of their lives. Lazy much?

15) If you ask a question you don’t want an answer to, expect an answer you don’t want to hear...

WTHN: I’m surprised you’re even able to differentiate which questions we don’t want answers to and which ones we do. Good job Sparky!

16) When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine... really. 

WTHN: PJ’s for the Hubby's company Christmas Party it is! Lord knows I need to have my eatin’ pants on!

17) Don’t ask us what we’re thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as football or motor sports.  

WTHN: If you literally just made sound effects like “UHHHHHH” or the static sound an old TV makes, we’d probably never ask you again because we’d finally know what really goes on in your heads.

 

18) You have enough clothes.  

WTHN:Those aren’t clothes, they’re smothering devices for lazy partners.

 

19) You have too many shoes. 

WTHN: Shoes can also be used as a weapon….

20) I am in shape, round is a shape!  

WTHN: Which makes it that much easier to roll your ass down a steep hill.

Thank you for reading this, yes I know, I’m sleeping on the couch tonight… but did you know men don’t really mind that? It’s like camping… 

WTHN: Couch, smouch. You’re out in the garage with the dog tonight! P.S. This is the color MAUVE. You're welcome.

Click to read the original "Men's Rules"

COMMENTARY PROVIDED BY Whinethehellnot