The walk...

[thedarksiren2]

was great.

The sky is still incredibly drizzly, and we have flood warnings until 5 AM.
The roads were flooded all day. Drivers got kicks out of splooshing us innocent walkers. Thank goodness I was wearing my boots and have a god umbrella! HA!

*flips off st00pid drivers*

I got a li'l spooked walking down this brick road...bindrune, remember the one that had waterfalls during the rain at orientation? THAT one...but I got over myself and thought about Mary Poppins, and then classic films I should see, and how I always try to sing "Singing in the Rain," but never quite finish because I don't know the words...

Athens was very quiet walking to Brough. I saw a few random people, but the streets were relatively empty. I noticed a big clock tower on top of one of the dormatories, and wished I could hear it ticking...I love the sound of ticking clocks. Very peaceful to me.

I figured out that the second-floor doors are really easy to unlock, unlike the main floor doors. I am glad to know this. My life will be simpler now, as I cannot, for the LIFE of me, seem to get those other doors open.

Life is SOOO complex, I know.
~;P

Well, now that I have everyone's undivided attention...

Leave a comment if you want to know what I really think of you, and I’ll reply and tell you. No lies, all honesty...be prepared, for I shall give both the good AND the bad! Cuz I'm keen and brave and shtuff.
~;D

I triple-dawg dare ya.
heh.

P[dot]s[dot]

I am being a good Dawn Dawn and only eating the salads and soups and other various good-for-you meals at the dining halls. Also snagging a lot of fruit for my room. I am encouraged by their menues, really. More proof that I shall no gain those fifteen pounds...YAY! Tonight I had french onion soup and a salad. Rather tasty, I must say!

I had faith in me all the time, honestly. This just makes things easier.

Comments

[android23.livejournal.com]

Hit me, baby.

[thedarksiren.livejournal.com]

There's always seemed to be a layer in you that's just been untouchable to most people. It seems like your closest friends have access, as it should be, but I would venture to say that even they don't have all the goods on you.

Your talents and gift for socialization are definitely your prize characteristics. Of course, I have seen others try to steal that glory, and thus a force was to be reckoned with...~;)

I believe you have far more admirers than you can possibly handle, although you certainly seem to indulge in them, regardless of how maddening they can be. I admire you for your charisma and ability to seemingly let things roll off your shoulders without much effort. I also admire your ability to utilize so many tools, musically and socially, with which I feel I am not very adept.

Last but not least...I sometimes miss the social-smoochings...they were fun, and left zero stress on my shoulders. That's always a good thing.~8)

Woo-Ha

[krylon64.livejournal.com]

::insert witty comment here::
...

Waits to be judged...

Re: Woo-Ha

[krylon64.livejournal.com]

HOLY SHIT!...don't you realize that this is my first comment to a livejournal.com journal entry journal journal...EVER...?

WOOO

Took me long enough damnit.

Re: Woo-Ha

[thedarksiren.livejournal.com]

mmyup.

*smiles giddily & feels all special & shit*
~;D

Re: Woo-Ha

[thedarksiren.livejournal.com]

whoa...

*stands speechless for a moment to consider the nature of this request*

Well, I have told you pretty much any and everything I have ever felt about you IRL. I guess that we could both agree that our level of communication seems to be less adequate than it was just a few months ago, but with all that has happened - your move to AZ, mine to Athens, and all the life in-between and visits from people all over the f#@!ing place, well...life has happened, and we are both rolling about in it, doing our best to survive as we're consumed.

In the midst of all that, a certain piece of me, the less-than-secure piece you have had no problem pointing out on several occasions as of late (I appreciate the honesty, but sometimes wish you'd consider the changes I'm going through and be a little more gentle - there, that's something~;P), worries that my recent decisions to back away have impacted the trust between us, which I never wished to do. I often find myself wondering whether there was more to be said after a phone call, if you feel the awkwardness as much as I do. I would hope you would say everything to me that you wished to say because, as always, I am open to anything and everything, and take the good with the bad (even despite my li'l whining above~;) no matter what.

Also, I am glad to hear that you're going out more, meeting with friends and going to coffee shops for poetry readings, etc. I have been worried that you don't go out enough. I know money is a factor, and in as much as I enjoy talking to you on the phone and/ or 'puter, there is something to be said for human interaction, vis-a-vis, and it keeps the mind and spirit healthier that way. You moved out there to escape the dark, dim world of PA, and I thought perhaps also the loneliness of it as well. I think you should explore as many places and get to know as many people as possible out there, and enjoy the beautiful place you're living with them all. Phoenix is a gorgeous place...I know you have Todd, Jesus, and Joerael & Shannon, but I think expanding to a few more people from less-familiar (AKA "safe") spaces might renew your spirit a bit more, to go alog with the change of space and time.

Overall though, I guess I just need you to know that I treasure your friendship tremendously, and do not wish to compromise that because of fear or misunderstanding, ever. There's a reason you're a chocolate-peep, and not many people have that title in my life...you mean a lot to me. I hope you know that, always.

[ras-sinister.livejournal.com]

When I first decided to try and eat more vegetables, I was living in a dorm. The only stuff they had that wasn't nasty, overcooked, and drenched in butter was salad. Well, now I would consider such a salad to be at least nasty. I ate and ate until my stomach was ready to burst. I left the dining hall. A couple hours later, I was even hungrier than I was before "dinner." Thing is, it was mostly water. I probably burned more calories chewing than I got from digesting. The salad was mostly iceberg. Iceberg lettuce has no nutritional value to speak of. Blech. French onion soup is usually made with beef stock, which means virtually all of its calories come from cow fat. Another blech.

You could interpret this comment as a sanctimonious food nazi spouting off, but really, I just like to talk about food, whether I'm saying something good or bad about it. Please don't take it personally.

If I asked you what you really think of me, would you post that in this semi-public forum? That would not be nice. It would be better if those who answer your challenge got private responses.

[thedarksiren.livejournal.com]

First and foremost, I never take your words as merely "spouting off." I know you have strong opinions and thoughts that like to come forth, and appreciate them always. I don't think I have ever taken anything you've said too personally, unless you deemed as a personal remark and said I should. Besides, you have a lot of information on eating and health, so paying attention to you is a good thing!

As for the salad bar here, they have romaine lettuce, and lots of nuts and an array of veggies, so my choices are wide-open. You can knock the cow broth all ya want...I still enjoyed it~;)

As for the opinion matter, the question was posed in this venue, so this is generally where I would post my opinions...kinda the point. However, if someone wished me to send my thoughts via personal e-mail, I would totally grant them that wish. I have had a few people answer this question about me already, and have enjoyed hearing both the good and the bad - it is interesting to get the perspectives, and since I don't feel I have anything to be ashamed of, nor do I feel the need to hide anything, I didn't mind it.

If you would like my opinion in an e-mail, send me your e-mail addy - the last couple times I have tried to e-mail you it hasn't gone through, unfortunately.

[jjjiii]

Me.

[thedarksiren.livejournal.com]

hey you.

*smiles*

Well, first of all, I am glad you enjoy the name guppy so much, as I truly loathe the name Chris, and don't think it suits you anyway. I think you knew this already though, so...

When I first met you, you had this mysterious yet cynical edge that I found incredibly intriguing. You definitely had some skeletons in your closet, but you always seemed to let them out when someone asked the right questions or went to visit your site (I still have your card, the one you gave me at TYR the second time we met~8)

I find myself sad for you a lot over the past year, but can only feel so bad because, really, you know the forest fire you're fighting most intimately, and I would venture to say you even know how to extinguish it, but you choose not to. That, in and of itself, saddens me more because you should seek out happiness, in my opinion. And if you're not seeking out happiness in your life, then why?

This is not to be taken as my saying I have a side to take in any of the situations you're in...I don't. I just know that the guppy I met a few years ago had a much stronger zest to his spirit, and now that zest seems to be extinguished and replaced by a great deal of anger, bitterness, and resentment, things I do not identify with, although I can understand to some extent.

Overall and mostly, I value you as a friend, and trust what you have to say. You've never bullshitted me, always been very blunt and to-the-point. Also, you've stuck up for me in a couple situations where others did not. For that, I am forever grateful. I cannot explain how much that meant to me.

If I had one wish for you, it would be for you to find one of your dome homes, decorated as you wished, where you could work from inside with little to no interruption. The kitchen would be filled with an endless supply of my tacos - or, at least the meat in them ~;) - and the grounds would be a haven for pugs and their cookie monsters to run rampant.

Hit me up with some honesty.

[tulpa-team.livejournal.com]

Not just the facts, please, ma'am...

Re: Hit me up with some honesty.

[thedarksiren.livejournal.com]

The first person whom I've not met IRL to ask me to do this, and a great challenge at that!

Well, when I first met you, it was under a different identity *smiles*, and a seemeingly more enthused one when it came to life and exploration, particularly of the mind and spirit. I found you interesting for these reasons, which was why I added you. There is a strong creativity in that mind of yours, triggered by deeply-rooted emotions and a playful sprite kicking around, no doubt!

Here recently, under this newer identity (of the two I initially knew you by via LJ anyway - technically I now have four names to go by...~;D Such the adventure, knowing you this way) I have found myself concerned for your well-being, despite the limited level of knowing you that I have. Then again, I see you working through, moreover, sorting through all the things nagging at you in whatever context they seem to be doing so, and it is good to see the muses are still allowing you to express the pain and swirling thoughts the way that you have. Admittedly, I am not happy to see the sadness eminating from you, but I am glad to see that you are letting it come out and breathe, rather than drowning in its waters.

I enjoy reading what you share with this electronic world, and am happy that I have met you. I hope to get to know you better over time, but for now, it is, overall, easy to just fall into the joys of getting to know you because you make it such.

[off.livejournal.com]

hope you're having fun down there.
judge away :)

[thedarksiren.livejournal.com]

Ya know, it's funny. I heard so much about you for YEARS before I ever actually met you...between Mike Hellraiser and Rick, you were spoken of daily, at least.

The thing was, I never saw you, so this character, "Poop," seemed to be an imaginary friend to two of the strangest men, yet most wonderful guys overall, I've ever known.

Then *POOF!* you were visible and existent, and this smiling, goofy guy with incredibly beautiful, playful eyes and a warmth that struck my curiosity. I was relieved about this, mind you - a couple of the kids in BLU were not that friendly to me the few times I met them, and I was ascared you would be the same. Imagine my delight when I found out otherwise!

I am not one to easily feel comfortable with people in general. You give off this sense of comfort and ease, your silliness makes people let loose a bit, which I think is a wonderful trait, if not an admirable one.

What I have seen of your dealing with others is that, once you are a friend, you are a very loyal one, and your emotions run far more strongly than you often let on. I've had a little help with that last part lately - I am flattered that you let me see those parts here on LJ, and thank you for that.

Overall, it is a joy getting to know you, on any and all levels. Your facets are lovely.~8)

And thank you...Athens is greeting me well, although fun isn't necessarily the word I would use so much as finding my niche. ~8)

[wraptboy.livejournal.com]

I had to reply...you triple-dawg dared.

[thedarksiren.livejournal.com]

*scoffs*

You better duck when I see you next...LIKE YOU NEED ME TO ANSWER THIS!!!

You know what I think of you, silly boi.
~;P

OK, ok...it WAS a dare...I will get back to you on this. I have to think of something to address, honestly. I tell you pretty much any and everything I think of you, so...yeah. Gimme a minute. or four.~;)

damn bumblebees...

[thedarksiren.livejournal.com]

so, ok. I like you and shtuff. you're groovadelic like very few can be. You live your life in a beautiful and amazing way, and I know of many people who envy you for your ability to just get everything out through your art and now, with that studio...well, yeah. Forces and reckonings and shtuff.

BUT...(you knew there was a but~;) I think it would do you some good to get away from all those familiar and safe spaces. I left, so there goes one. You have your new studio, meaning away from the house. There's two.

The thing is, you've worked so hard on yourself on so many levels, yet you seem to still be hiding yourself from the world. Seems counter-productive to me in many ways, but that's just me. And really, despite my telling everyone my opinions about them, we both know that this is ALL ABOUT ME!!!~;D

*ahem!*

I think you should go out more, particularly with guy friends. Smile and flirt, meet eyes with those giant blue babehs, and pierce right through some beautiful girl's soul with them! You have that ability...really, you do. I love ya, as does Kelly, but hanging out with girls ain't gonna help ya pick up the chicas, ya know???

So yeah...GO GET 'EM!
~8D

Re: damn bumblebees...

[wraptboy.livejournal.com]

Yeah, you're right. One of the things andragon said when we were talking a bit ago was that if you want something you have to be it. For example, if you want light...then be one.

That stuck with me. I feel a bit of fruition to my efforts happening around me. Feels good overalll. The point is I'm doin' more of that sort of thang. Still picky and not easy to settle...but I think I'm ok with that.

Re: damn bumblebees...

[thedarksiren.livejournal.com]

yes, you are doing these things. And being picky isn't a bad thing...if it were, I'd be a friggin' kettle, ya know?~;D

(((HUGZ!)))

love ya.

[dyadfaerie.livejournal.com]

i wanna know what you think of me!!!

tit for tat...~8)

[thedarksiren.livejournal.com]

OK, so here's this pretty, adorable girl, right? And she has these gorgeous eyes and a great smile. Physical beauty is definitely there.

It took me a while to see the more, for lack of a better term, organic side to you. I could see you at clubs and shows, nudging your way into the scene and slowly bu surely, your presence was well-known. The shyness seemed to dissipate considerably, which I think is a good thing, overall.

I had my worries about you at first, honestly. It seemed like you were more about *fitting in* than being who you are. Something has changed that, however, and it's such a fantastic change, certainly for the better. You are happy, and it shows. For this, I am glad.

I can't go much deeper than this because we don't know one another very well. I find you a pleasure to talk with though, and wish you and nomadoh all the happiness in the world! You two are very lucky to have found each other!

Re: tit for tat...~8)

[dyadfaerie.livejournal.com]

You make me blush ;)

[theswede.livejournal.com]

Be as mean as you like; I can take it. Well, probably. ;)

WTFEVER!!!

[thedarksiren.livejournal.com]

be mean, indeed.
~;P

Well, I have a bunch of memories of you more than anything, all good ones too, which is a good thing and quite notable.

You've never stopped meaning a great deal to me, no matter the amount of time or distance between us. You have this amazingly strong and passionate personality which can get you into trouble with some people. With me though, I am overall just tremendously entertained by your debates and intensity...it's all a part of that firey personality that makes you the most fabulous Swede I've ever known!

Oh wait...you're the only Swede I've ever known...nevermind.
~;P

There is this stubborn edge to you, however. I know I'm not one to talk, but this is about you, remember?~;) I remember butting heads with that stubborness a few times, and have worried here and there that it might get you into a whole lotta grief that you don't need at some point. You've always wound up doing all right though, so I don't worry much anymore. I do think of you often, and send good ju-ju your way whenever you wander past my thoughts.

You're still wonderful, kind, considerate, intense, have the sweetest smile and pretty eyes to boot. I couldn't imagine you any other way.

Re: WTFEVER!!!

[theswede.livejournal.com]

*deleted several attempt at replies*

You just leave me speechless, hon.

Re: WTFEVER!!!

[thedarksiren.livejournal.com]

~;)

[bigjohnsinging.livejournal.com]

you've always been candid with me, but if you left anything out, go for it.

also, i'm proud of you for eating healthy. it's difficult to be good in a new environment. often we, i know i, seek comfort foods, which for me are never healthy.

good luck with all things.

[thedarksiren.livejournal.com]

Yes, I have told you all I think of you and then some, I think. I am glad you are aware of this, and don't feel the need to ask now.~8)

And thank you...I am trying to remain aware of myself and my new world as best I can!

our candid friendship

[bigjohnsinging.livejournal.com]

i know we didn't see each other all that often, but something about you being so far away and unattainable, i find my self missing you greatly. just knowing i won't run into you at a karaoke show or taco night or whatever, has made my world a little more empty.

i've always enjoyed your company, your voice and our email and LJ discussions.

anyway, remember, think suma cum laude and settle for magna cum laude. Ha!

love, big john
ps: have you listened to ole' blue eyes yet? i hope your were pleased with that rendition of My Funny Valentine.

Re: our candid friendship

[thedarksiren.livejournal.com]

no settling here...I will always strive for excellence! HA HA!~;D

Yes, the CD is lovely. Love the v-day song!

[ex-caleea.livejournal.com]

I don't think you know me well enough, but ... ok ... Hit Me ... just not hard, I bruise easily.

=)

[thedarksiren.livejournal.com]

you're right, I don't know you very well, although I have seen you from afar for MANY years, and perhaps even longer than you realize. Also though, I watch a lot more than I talk, so maybe I have something that you didn't think I would? Lessee...

Initially you put off this very sweet, quiet-girl persona that wasn't quite convincing to me. For that, for the feelings of uncertainty I had, I stayed a few extra inches away...habit, more than anything.

I realized a little later it was a protective front, although I have never asked nor have I presumed to know what it was or why.

That front seemed to diminish over the past year, something about your finding joy in and around your life, I imagine. You seem quite happy with your man, and that keeps us a little more at-ease and real with the world because, in love, we find comfort and security, so we become more of who we are. It's been nice seeing you come out to play.~8)

How'd I do?
~;)

[ex-caleea.livejournal.com]

*grins* Well, depending on the situation and how much alcohol I consume, I'm not all that quiet. When I'm sober and around people I dunno (Like at Angie's house), I shut up. =)

As for the protective front, I get that A LOT from people. Only a select few ever really open up to me, and they tend to be Libras and Scorpios. *laughing* I make wonderful, yet not extremely close, friendships with Capricorns. Even though I'm Aries and should a leader and a hard nose, I'm too much Pisces to be like that.

Overall, you were pretty dead on. I kinda hope I get to know you better through your writings on here. And if ever you want to see a ... well, darker side to me, add gothic_gidget to your list. I vent about things there, and I tend to be more creative with my descriptions. The entries are NEVER long, and I try to write there everyday, but have not been able to lately. Once winter sets in, you can be sure that there will be a lot to write. Seasonal depression really sucks, and I'm all prepared (this time) to deal with it.

*hugs*

[thedarksiren.livejournal.com]

Yay alcoholic courage! wuddah-wuddah-hoo!!!
~;D

As for the protective front, I get that A LOT from people. Only a select few ever really open up to me, and they tend to be Libras and Scorpios

Well, it was more *your* front I was referring to, not others. Unless I just got totally confused about the way you responded, which is quite possible...it's still early, and I haven't had any coffee LOL

I make wonderful, yet not extremely close, friendships with Capricorns

You know I'm a mergoat, right? ~;)

Even though I'm Aries and should a leader and a hard nose, I'm too much Pisces to be like that.

Eh, with the exception of perhaps one Aries I know, most of those rams I have been friends with are pretty happy being just to the right of the leader. So long as they have the stage-lights, anyway, and you've definitely got that going for you.

Is Pisces your rising sign?

As for your other journal, which I will add, I think writing more openly and earnestly is not such a *dark* thing so much as a real thing, and there is nothing dark or dismal about that. I understand the winter depression - I get S.A.D., and believe you me, this journal will get a bit darker as well. However, I think as we get to know one another better, we may be able to remind one another of the light in our lives perhaps??? Let's make a deal, OK?~;)

[ex-caleea.livejournal.com]

*giggles* Well, if I could just not associate beer with smokes ... my lungs would love me a bit more, I think.

On protective front: I thought you meant YOU put up one when around ME, which is not so unusual. When I meet someone that is ... more outgoing than I am, ya, the shield goes up, only because it sometimes is a lot to take in at one time and I'm not sure how to deal with it, as well as if the vibe they give off is icky.

On Capricorn: Since I do skim over your Horror-scope entries from time to time, that is how I knew. Also cimmerayn is one, as well as a former best friend, who decided I wasn't a good enough friend to her and stopped talking to me. And since I moved out of Cimmer's Warren Road house (for many a reason), we detatched and floated away. It may be brief, but I'm prepared if it's not. =(

On Leader Aries: I am on the cusp of Pisces (March 23), and I tend to have a quite few of those traits. My rising sign, if I remember correctly, is Leo, but I'll have to do my chart again. It's been a while.

On LJ: I tend to talk more about daily life rather than express deeply how it makes me feel. Caleea is light, Gothic Gidget is dark. I don't like mixing the two. No reason, just preference.

Lastly, on Winter Depression: My seasonal depression starts after Samhain, usually, and doesn't end until ... just before Beltane. I lost a lot of friends and family during this time, and I go into "I miss them" mode. This is why Samhain is going to be so important to me this year. I am hoping it will help me to celebrate their lives, rather than grieve still their deaths.

[helenoftroy1478.livejournal.com]

Hit me!! Shoot away!

[thedarksiren.livejournal.com]

HA! OK...

I remember you intrigued me when I first met you in school. It's that whole quiet yet obviously aware of the world thang that you've got. People who have that always intrigue me.~8)

I think you are one of the most guarded people I have ever met, honestly. It's not a bad thing...we all have our reasons, but it has taken me a while to feel like I was allowed into your world other than on a mere social-level. I think the combination of working on music for One Aside and then, most especially, this past summer in Italy, has allowed me to feel closer to you, which is wonderful. I love all the glimpses you allow me to see and the parts of your life you allow me to see and be a part of. I thank you for the honor and flattery that comes with that priviledge.

On a more fun note, you have the BEST crass about you! You'r quiet, or so people think. In reality, you have this sassy dialogue going on in that pretty head, and it is well thought out as well as strategic and witty. I love hearing you when you spout off about things!

I am glad that you and dv8productions found one another. It is certainly the most relaxed and happy I have seen you in the time I've known you. I couldn't think of a more fun and adorable couple, honestly!

As for your music, well, you don't need me to tell you this because I am pretty sure you're aware, BUT, because it's nice to hear and I really do mean every word I say, I envy your talent on the piano. I can see in you the same cathartic release and connection with your instrument that I feel when I sing. It's a very intimate level of communication that you are able to utilize like few I know. Your talent is amazing.

Finally, I am glad to call you my friend, and hope this made you smile.~8)

comment

[erik-j-meyer.livejournal.com]

Leave a comment if you want to know what I really think of you, and I’ll reply and tell you. No lies, all honesty...be prepared, for I shall give both the good AND the bad! Cuz I'm keen and brave and shtuff.
~;D

ok

Re: comment

[thedarksiren.livejournal.com]

well, one of the first and strongest memories I have of you is a totally unexpected phone call around 9AM about ten years ago. You called and asked me for my measurements. I was like, "What the...???" Not shortly after, I received a chainmail bikini in the mail from you.

You're this quirky, fun, light-spirited person who has always brought joy into my life. You say some of the silliest things, your snail-mail skills outdo pretty much everyone else I have ever known, what with all the playing cards, stickers, other oddities.

Behind that constant grin lies a very passionate yet wise person whom I am glad to call a friend. You have a lot of knowledge, and never cease to surprise me with some of the information you have rolling about inside. I admire you for your involvement in your spiritual endeavors, as well as for your constantly positive outlook on things. I think the world has a lot to learn from you on all these levels.

[connectionism.livejournal.com]

even though we haven't had much of a chance to hang out in person, lay it on me. ;D

[thedarksiren.livejournal.com]

Oh, yet another person whose eyes say more than her mouth IRL!~;) Don't worry...it's one of the reasons I like ya.

you bring this light with you everywhere you go, it seems. Realizing I haven't seen you much, BUT, in the times I have seen you IRL, you're always smiling that sweet smile, and behind the sweetness lies this mischief that I think bladernr is one of the few privy to see and experience.

You are strong and passionate about your life, which is another quality I consider to be fabulous in you. You have worked hard, and withstood many let-downs yet you always get right back up and persevere. There is something to be said for all that...tenacity, I guess? The word escapes me...

You definitely make bladernr happy though, which is just another point for you in my book.~8)

Anyway, I think you're on a level of beautiful that few people are, and hope that when I get back in December for break you will get coffee with me at least once!

[connectionism.livejournal.com]

*hugs*. you are too sweet!

its funny, before you posted your reply, I had thought about how I would describe you. And 'you bring this light with you everywhere you go, it seems' is exactly how I would describe YOU.

Anyway, you better make time for some java with moi when you get back. ;D

[thedarksiren.livejournal.com]

*blushes*

thank you...quite the compliment.

I will...swear by it!

[laneybee.livejournal.com]

hmmmmm...not quite sure I wanna hear this but hit me anyway!

Oh come now...

[thedarksiren.livejournal.com]

Like I have ANYTHING to say bad about ya! LOL

how to start this...hmm...well, first off, you're as much like a sister to me as my own family, what after almost 13 years of knowing you??? Jeezum crow! Can you believe that shite???!!!!

You're easily one of the most loyal people I know. Don't tell Deb I said this, but considering some of the crap my sister has done and put people through, you've always stood by her, no matter what. And you've got this tremendous, loving heart, and that shows with your actions/ interactions with others. Both of these qualities are very admirable, and reasons I adore you.

You love caring for people, regardless of how that caring affects you (OK, so I lied...well, not exactly, BUT, here's what I guess you could call the *hard* truth). I have seen you, time and again, sacrifice what you wanted for the wants/ needs of others, sometimes even when I could see worry and/ or fear in your brow (those eyebrows are VERY revealing, btw~;)

The good news to all this is that, particularly over the past year or so...maybe longer, considering my sense of time is falling to my mother's side of the family (again, SHHH! Don't tell 'em I've said this!~;D) this trend of yours is slowly but surely disappearing. I am happy to see you are thinking more about yourself and thus, taking better care of *you*, the one person who needs care right now. You're entering a phase in your life where you need to figure out wtf is best for yourself (she says like an older sister...I swear, we totally adopted each other!~;D) and, although it's a slow process, figuring it all out, you're doing pretty darn well.

26 is a good time to get things together and start making more permanent marks on your record. At least for me, when I turned 26, everything seemed a li'l, well, not easier to define, but rather, more definite, no matter how much I truly thought it was going to be momentary. Not that I worry about you with this sort of thing, but seriously, think through every action, not only because it has an impact on those around you (although, again, I love the fact that you do consider what and who's around you - fabulous trait!), but because it has a lasting impact on your life, and in the long run, you've got to decide what your life will be like, belief in pre-destiny and all that aside! You were blessed with free-will, so what're you gonna do with it?

I say, take some risks, live it up and smile more. I don't think of you as a generally unhappy person (then again, you only post here once in a while and I see you once in a blue moon, really...ya posturing that joy, or is it sincere, sistah?) but make sure you're doing something to make *you* happy at least once a day. It doesn't have to be anything huge, just be sure to look for a passing butterfly, or take note of the trees swying in the wind...simplicity really is quite lovely!

Hope I didn't hit ya too hard!~;)
Love ya!*MUAH!*