Monday, April 27, 2009

Cleanse


So, I started an all fruits and vegetables cleanse today. The goal is to reintroduce vitamins and healthful foods back into my diet in a shocking way. The honest truth is that I have been on a junk food binge for quite a while. My body is craving leafy greens and sweet fruits. The plan is to eat as much vegetables and fruits as I desire and drink lots of water for at least 5 days. I'd like to stick through it for 7, so wish me luck!!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

A Note on Music

So, I realize that my last post was about taking a hiatus from arguing and allowing people to have their own opinions, but a new trend has come to my attention that is worth mentioning. That said, I am exercising my right to fight for "an issue that I am truly passionate about"- music. 

I recently noticed a sea of young high schoolers and college freshman wearing paraphernalia featuring classic rock gods. I was completely astounded to see a young generation appreciate the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, Weather Report, Led Zeppelin, Queen, etc. My initial review of this uprising was nothing but supportive and positive. I was extremely excited to see a generation abandon shameful artists not unlike Blink 182 or Three Doors Down (God forbid Nickelback). 

The honeymoon period of my new found cultural high hopes came to a screeching halt once I realized that it was merely just "popular" to "like" such artists- not to actually listen to or appreciate them. Sigh. My aggravation grew even further after exchanging a few words with one of these young oldies fans. He was so kind to enlighten me that all "modern" music "sucks." Wow- thank you, sir. Your profound musical opinions really have shown me the light. 

My problem with this attitude stems from my musical roots. I have been listening to "classic rock" for about 12 years- drawing much of my musical inspiration from the artists of Early Days- pun intended. My passion was further nurtured as a student at the University of North Texas. While working in recording for the College of Music and generally being on campus, I was able to witness the molding of the musicians of tomorrow. It was amazing to see kids of my generation studying Jazz, Classical composition, Rock, and world music- at probably the best venue for such courses.

I guess my problem with the "I listen to oldies" and "all new music sucks" mantras is that they are basically naive. Most of the students at UNT, now mastering their instruments, have been learning from and idolizing for year the same bands that are newly popular to like. Where is it that this kid thinks "modern" bands are getting their inspiration from? The answer is always the same. Further, I just generally have a problem with people who form a blanket opinion without research. Yes, a lot of new bands suck. BUT - there are many, many, many talented musicians on the cusp of breaking into the National music scene. Perhaps check them out before writing off an entire generation of music. 

On a final note, if you are not willing to dedicate yourself to changing something, then you really don't have any room to complain. Although I may not be a fan of all new music, I have a strong admiration for those who attempt to make it. 



Ok, off of my soap box now. 



-Sarah


Sunday, April 19, 2009

The Truth Hurts, But It Doesn't Have To

If you ever meditate, pray, or whatever you choose for peace, enlightenment, and self improvement, you may find yourself shaken to the core as your flaws are thrown in your face. If you can scrape yourself up for long enough to stop being bitter or excusing, you will discover that this is actually a great blessing. Your questions, although not remotely how you expected, have been answered. The beauty of human nature is of course, choice. Will you choose to continue your nasty behavior, or will you change and become a better person? This is after all, what you wanted.

Honest truth: I enjoy arguing. I am a natural debater- this will probably never change. The only problem is that it NEEDS to change. Well, maybe the direction that I channel this energy towards needs to change. I don't want to be a mean or difficult person. I don't want to fight only to win. So, I am going to stop. I am only going to fight for truth, right, and issues that I am passionate about. No more seeking victory just to make myself feel better or to put others in their place. This is not going to be easy, but almost nothing worth doing is. Admitting this to myself and to the world is no simple task, and I hope it doesn't make me seem like a terrible person. Even good people have bad habits. So, I am writing this here with the hope that you can find your peace and courage. 

On another note, I finished reading  Eat, Pray, Love today. I always feel sad at the end of a book. I read it quickly up until the last few chapters which I drag out for days. If it is an especially great book- like this one, finishing it is an even more difficult task. This book came into my life at the exact perfect moment which is comical seeing as how it is mostly about finding yourself and balance with the universe.  I absolutely recommend this book for everyone. 

I have a job interview tomorrow, so send positive thoughts my way. I am hopeful that it goes well, but I am honestly a little bit scared to make a change. I guess I'll see how it goes and then decide from there. Have a fabulous week. 

- Sarah 

Monday, April 13, 2009

Back Porch Musings

I've always been the sort of person that is constantly seeking fun, excitement, and relaxation. Even when I'm smack in the middle of it, my mind is always pondering the next joyful event. Today, I was sitting on my patio job hunting when it occurred to me that I should take a book out and sun bathe by the pool. My heart instantly filled with excitement as I speculated how pleasant the warm sun would feel. I would lounge by the pool, enjoy my book, and think of nothing else in the world. Well, that all sounded peachy until about 5 mins in and all I could focus on was how hot I was and how cool my porch had been. I would relocate to the patio, sip some ice water and continue my endless search from there. So, I did. About 15 mins into that new venture, I was shifting and moving and completely unable to sit still. Movement is my vice. I had just purchased two chairs to laze in on my porch days before- certain that they would bring me stillness, mental productivity, and relaxation. No such luck. The present has always been a struggle for me. This sort of behavior is definitely a pattern- when I'm reading a nice book, I'm thinking of a lovely bath. In the tub, I'm contemplating taking a stroll with my dogs. On our walk, I can only imaging how great a nap would be, and fighting to fall asleep, I dream of making dinner and listening to nice music- the list goes on. 

Tonight as I began to wind down- I started to think about what I wish I were doing. I've always wanted to meditate, and I have been seriously considering trying for a few days. I opened my computer to look for a few promising techniques, when I stumbled upon a friend's blog entry that named a few of his favorite guitar solos. Forgetting my original purpose, I began rummaging through my itunes library seeking MY top favorite guitar solos- for no reason at all. I did this for about 30 mins until I was content with the list I had made. Why is that I am so easily distracted from my purpose and so discontent with my current state? I WANT to be still. I WANT to meditate. I WANT to enjoy my porch and the sun, but for some unknown reason my mind will not allow this. 

I scored three job interviews today, and I am celebrating with a bottle of red wine and an old friend. After creating my epic (imo of course) solo list, I was inspired to pick up my neglected acoustic guitar and play a few tunes. My guitar, which I love dearly, has been sitting in the corner of my apartment staring at me for three months now. Why is it that we so easily avoid and abandon the things we love without a second thought? My guitar, of course, is much better of a friend to me than I deserve. After a few rough warm ups, my chops came flooding back. I suppose 9 years of crap is not easily forgotten no matter how hard I try. Playing truly does bring me a sense of joy nothing can imitate. In all of my reflecting, I have come to realize that perhaps playing is the closest I will get to being still. Playing is my meditation, and I can live with that. 

-Sarah 

For those interested:

At Least That’s What You Said- Wilco (Jeff Tweedy, all)
Poetic- Oso Closo- (Chris McQueen, 2:25)
While My Guitar Gently Weeps -Beatles (Eric Clapton, 1:50)
Time- Pink Floyd (David Gilmour- 3:30 )
What it takes- Aerosmith (Joe Perry, 2:37)