My Message to the Guys

For the past 2 weeks I've been doing some orthopedic clinic work at the VA and I've met some very terrific veterans and people in general. I've had the chance to serve the people who so graciously served our country. This experience thus far has been fulfilling, yet frustrating; but there are a few things I've noticed and would like to pass on to the guys...

#1: Health is important. As much as you hate to admit when you hurt or when your sick; and no matter how much you hate to go see the doctor... you need to go! Waiting til you fall apart trying to seek help is not going to help you.... Believe me!

#2: It's okay NOT to be tough ALL the time. For the last 2 weeks I've been helping to give knee injections at the VA ortho clinic and most of the patients are guys. It's funny to see and hear their reactions when its time to bring out the needle. Some tough it out and pretend it doesn't hurt... I'm sorry but any time a needle is stuck thru your skin especially into your knee joint (not very much cushion there)... its gonna hurt...Stop Frontin'!!! Some admit it hurts but says it wasn't too bad, and then there's the ones who are terrified before you even touch them. The termed 'cry babies' that start to sweat or pass out well before you even get your gloves on. It's funny to see them, but its also very cute. Seeing them have no shame in admitting a little vulnerability is in a way... attractive. So I say to all you guys out there... its OKAY to show emotion. In fact, I [we girls] think its cute!

#3: You know how guys always talk about how soft 'their girls' skin is and how they just love to touch/rub it and like the feel of nice smooth skin...well news flash! Smooth skin is not just for women. What?, you think we want to lay beside you and have your crusty feet and skin scratching us up. Sorry boo, but crustiness it just not a good look. And since I've been working with the guys at the VA., I've seen a ton of crusty feet and ashy legs. And don't for a second think that lighter skinned people are excused, b/c I've seen some seriously ashy legs on those of lighter skin. So, my advice to men of ALL colors... STOP BOYCOTTING THE LOTION!!!

All Tried Out

Ahhhhhhh.... why does it seem like the harder I try the harder it is to please... to be appreciated... to just plain 'get it right'. I have always tried to be 'good'. I was raised in the church where they teach you to honor thy father and mother, to respect your elders, and how obedience is better than sacrifice, blah blah blah etc etc etc. And I've always tried to do that. I have traded in and past up 'things' that I wanted to do, because those 'wiser' than me asked me not to, or told me to do otherwise. I'm the one in my family that went to school, that made good grades, that graduated from high school with honors, went to the prestigious university, and am now in grad school working towards more. I am 25 with no kids, no credit card debt, paying my own bills with my own money, and not having to ask anybody for help. As a matter of fact, i'm like the new 'go to' when other people need help. I have an older brother, so I learned from his f*** ups what to and not to do. I never really got a chance to 'mess up' or be 'irresponsible' cause more was expected of me. I knew that and that's why I wouldn't let myself succumb to such things. Don't get me wrong... I know I'm not perfect, but why come I try to do all that I can, and its still not appreciated. No matter how much I do 'do right' for some reason, its never enough. Somebody somewhere finds something that I should or shouldn't be doing, accusing me of not doing what I am and doing what I'm not. I don't disrespect them and tell them what they may or may not be doing wrong, so what gives them the right to treat me that way? Like at this point, I'm so tired of trying. I've tried all my life to make other people 'proud' of me or respect me, but do they really respect me if they keep treating me like this? Like let's keep in mind that I am human, just like them. And sometimes, you just don't feel like doing what they want to do every time they want to do it... and why should I?!? Can I not just be ME??? Is that not enough? Honestly... right now, I don't care. I'm tired! I'm soooooo tired of trying. Trying to please, trying to pretend like stuff doesn't bother me, tired of not being appreciated for who I am and what I do. I'm done! I'm so done trying! You have TWO options... accept me 'flaws and all' or leave me the h*** alone! So, go ahead... pick one!