Truly Unselfish

Very seldom do we know a "truly" unselfish person. Fortunately for me, I do ... my daughter. She always thinks of others first but manages to stand up for herself. I'm very proud of her for this characteristic.

One true act of unselfishness is to let go of someone you love. In the last three years she has had to let go of several people in her life, including her biological mother. This time Lauren had to let go of a pet. A few days ago, she found a stray pug who had recently given birth. She brought it home, and we spent the evening looking for it's owners. After a few days we gave up and Pugsley became ours. (She chose the name Pugsley because she is a pug and our last name is Adams. "The Addams Family" (snap-snap)

We took her to the vet and tried to make her become one with our two Jack Russells. In the end, our house wasn't the ideal home for Pugsley. Lauren had grown to love her, but two other territorial dogs and Lauren's allergies didn't mesh. She struggled but after some tears decided that Pugsley should go live with a friend.

Pugsley immediately took to her new owners and Lauren has visitation rights. Some may wonder why this is a big deal. It is because a 23-year-old girl made a very adult decision, and it was the right one. It amazes me how someone of her age, who has lost so much, can be so unselfish and considerate.

This is true character.

The Quiet Ones

Several years ago, an elderly lady in the church I attended told me, "It's you quiet ones that I pray for the most because you are often overlooked." At the time, I was taken aback and not sure of her meaning, but as years passed I understood it well.

It may surprise some of you that I'm a quiet one but it's true. I'm quiet by nature, but I'm very observant. Whether out for the night or in a meeting, I can tell you what everyone has done or who they've talked to, etc. One thing I learned when I was about 30 is that I could be quiet and let life pass me by or I could speak up and be part of. Of course, being the odd ball that I am, I pick and choose.

Another thing about quiet ones is that we are usually smart but don't let people know. We also tend to trust the least, and when we are betrayed we probably hurt more than your average person. If you're my friend I'm in your corner. If do me wrong it's hard for me to forget.

Quiet ones usually are overlooked because it appears as if things don't bother us. I think that's why the lady in my church said we need the most prayer. We need to be thought of and want to be thought of, but because of our nature people tend to think we want to be left alone

I've learned over the years when I need to speak up for myself. When I meet someone who is quiet I sympathize. I know what it feels like to have the fear of speaking up. But it should also be known that there is a peace with being quiet. We are typically loners, self-sufficient and most often are content with ourselves.

Some quiet ones may never come our of our shell. We all are who we are and should be comfortable in our own skin. If you meet someone quiet it doesn't mean they don't want to be your fiend so reach out to them. You may find them to be one of the best friends you've ever had.

It really is a word ...

There is a word I think more people should learn. The word is NO and is defined in the dictionary as: Opposed to yes, not, not any, not at all. I used to have a problem with using this word, but as I got older, not so much.

If there is something I truly do not want to do or do not feel comfortable with, I'm going to say no. I hear no everyday and haven't died yet. I hear it from my customers, friends and family. The sun will still rise tomorrow.

If someone asks you to do something you really do not want to do why say yes. You'll only be uncomfortable and you'll get nothing out of it. If the person who asks is a true friend they will understand.

Unfortunately for people who know me, I don't have a problem with the word. I'm just not going to be put in a position I don't want to be in. It's not worth what you go through.

Recently, someone I know was telling me of a situation she is in. She deep down knows she shouldn't do this but probably will. She will also probably regret it. Can I stop it? No. Not my job. It's her job to say no.

Mostly, we are afraid to say no because it might hurt someone's feelings or they may get mad. If the person feels this way, does it really matter? Is this relationship truly beneficial to you?

The good news is after you say no a few times it rolls off your tongue more easily. People get used to hearing you say it and don't react as negatively. Say do what you as a person want to do.

The word no won't hurt you. It may actually make you stronger.

Two and a Half?

It has been my belief for the past few years that most men dream of having a life like Charlie on "Two and a Half Men." Personally, I think the show is hilarious. One brother is a womanizing boozer, who write jingles for a living, and spends his spare time spleeping and sexing women. The other brother is a bumbling insecure man whose financial status sucks, and he has a smartmouth, dumb son who plays off the brother's characters beautifully.

The writing for the show is wonderful. It's smart, witty and crosses the barriers of many politically incorrect situations and comments. How often does this happen with successful TV shows?

But alas, trouble comes to the show in the form of the main character, Charlie Sheen. Personally, he can't keep from creating public scrutiny and is now stupidly criticizing those he pays him well. Okay, he makes how much money and wants to throw that all away?

I do hate the show is on the downslide because I think it has crossed so many lines and stayed alive. It's one of those politically incorrect shows that I can't help but enjoy in the privacy of my home because it makes me laugh.

What's my point? I don't really have one but then I'm talking about a show that doesn't really have a point. I hate it's been cancelled, and hopefully it'll all work out so we'll continue to be entertained. But even so, will it ever be the same?

Now, if I'm telling the truth, my favorite charcter on the show is the maid, Berta. She's bossy, sarcastic, works very little but gets free food and good pay. Sounds good to me.

Wait, I do have a point. While the characters of Charlie and Berta seem wonderful on the surface on a deeper level they aren't. What looks good isn't always as it seems, and as the old saying goes, "The grass is always greener on the other side." Maybe my side of the fence isn't so bad after all. :)