tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76118257858898917102024-03-13T20:59:00.327-07:00A WANDERING MINDEXPLORE. CREATE. BE.Emily Leina'ala Jarretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00863093661378431977noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7611825785889891710.post-4244293743742147102014-02-09T21:29:00.001-08:002014-02-09T21:29:23.869-08:00"Be My Escape" - Relient K<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
I can't change the past. No one can. So, how do you go about erasing the regret you face when a past decision haunts you in your present state? </blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/XtD2WlWRheM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Emily Leina'ala Jarretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00863093661378431977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7611825785889891710.post-75594567048759236162014-01-30T22:37:00.001-08:002014-01-30T23:03:22.094-08:00Be the Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
I just watched a movie called, "Hello Herman". This movie really got me thinking. But, first, a quick synopsis. I can't put it any plainer than what it says on the DVD case so, here it is, word for word.</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Sixteen-year-old Herman Howards makes a fateful decision. He enters his suburban school and commits a terrible act of violence. Seconds before his arrest he emails his idol, infamous journalist Lax Morales, telling him, "I want to tell my story on your show." Haunted by his own past, Morales is forced to confront the troubled teen, now an inmate with an uncertain future in this Michelle Danner-directed film that explores how and why tragedies like this can happen in our society.</i></blockquote>
I found this movie at the library yesterday and thought, "hmm, this could be interesting." And, it was. It really opened my eyes and got me thinking. Here's the big question it asks, "When, where, and how did it all go wrong?" Now, do not jump to conclusions and think that the movie is saying, "This is the reason why mass shootings in schools happen," because that is a wrong assumption. This movie only explores one of the many possibilities. This movie was made to draw awareness to an ever growing issue in today's society. However, watching the movie, my mind took a bit of a detour and took the idea a bit deeper.<br />
<br />
I was not focused so much on the shooting or even the events leading up to it. My mind was focused on the reactions of the "movie world". I do not believe in spewing an idea or thought, without first thinking of the consequences of my words, so I shall choose my next words carefully. In the movie there is a quiet voice a midst the shouting throng, who asked this question: "A life for a life. If we all lived by that principle, what does that make the world?" (In the movie the Senator answers, "Safe, Mr. Ferguson, that's what that makes the world." To which I disagree with , whole heartedly).<br />
<br />
It is the hardest thing asked of anyone, who is put in a situation such as this, to turn around and look their executioner in the eye and say, "I forgive you." In fact, the world would have you believe it is unnatural. They would say you were crazy. But, if no one takes that stand, what else is there to do but to continue the legacy of hatred and violence. We cannot undo what has already been done. However, we do have the power to prevent it from happening again - no, not by force or by another act of violence, that doesn't make any sense. I mean, by changing who you are, inside.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
<i>"Be the change you want to see in the world" - Mahatma Gandhi</i></blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://a4.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Video/v4/3f/a9/2c/3fa92c0b-74b7-1843-3ad2-b1f16ff5c690/poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://a4.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Video/v4/3f/a9/2c/3fa92c0b-74b7-1843-3ad2-b1f16ff5c690/poster.jpg" height="400" style="cursor: move;" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />Emily Leina'ala Jarretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00863093661378431977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7611825785889891710.post-6169311302662587182014-01-24T23:30:00.002-08:002014-01-31T21:43:51.525-08:00Out of Context<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tMc7dhTFv3Q/UuNkHTdNNII/AAAAAAAAAJw/9FcJTv3hYxM/s1600/20140124_235736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tMc7dhTFv3Q/UuNkHTdNNII/AAAAAAAAAJw/9FcJTv3hYxM/s1600/20140124_235736.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">I found me when I was with you.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">I found my voice, and what I could do.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444;">We </span></span><span style="color: yellow;">didn't</span><span style="background-color: white; color: yellow;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444;">need to pretend</span></span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: yellow;">when it was just us.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">You showed me what it meant</span><span style="background-color: white;"> <span style="color: #444444;">to trust</span></span><span style="color: yellow;">.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">To you, </span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;">everyone</span> </span><span style="color: yellow;">I would compare,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">though I shouldn't; it's unfair.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">You are you, and </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444;">no one </span></span><span style="color: yellow;">else</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;">deserves</span> </span><span style="color: yellow;">to be put aside on a shelf.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">I'll be me, when I'm with you</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">as long as you </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444;">love </span></span><span style="color: yellow;">me, and </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444;">your </span></span><span style="color: yellow;">love is true.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">It's easy to be </span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;">a friend</span><span style="background-color: white;"> for now</span></span><span style="color: yellow;">;</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">to find others while I've yet to be found.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">I'll live with the thought of you, </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444;">'til I find another</span></span><span style="color: yellow;">;</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">though, we'll never be through.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">I know you're my past, but I'm unsure of my future.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">When I look back we'll have grown further, apart.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">With relief I'll sigh.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444;">They'll believe me and</span></span><span style="color: yellow;"> not</span><span style="background-color: white; color: yellow;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444;">the lie</span></span><span style="color: yellow;">.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">I found me when I was with you.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">Now, alone, I finally grew. </span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="line-height: 21px;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">What you say vs what others hear. Besides the spoken and written word, what else do you take "out of context"?</span></blockquote>
<h2>
</h2>
</blockquote>
Emily Leina'ala Jarretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00863093661378431977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7611825785889891710.post-28278319945169434692014-01-23T21:03:00.000-08:002014-01-23T21:03:28.105-08:00Smog vs Vog...on a BlogUgh! Don't you just hate being sick? I've got a massive headache, a sore throat, dry eyes, and a runny nose. You know, the usual symptoms. But, being stuck at home - in these four walls - is more painful than all of that combined. I never used to be sick for this long; granted its only been three days. Maybe that's the usual time frame for people who've been born and raised in the mainland, but for me, its definitely UNusual.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You know, back at home, I had to deal with the Vog - volcanic air pollution. When it got really bad, my asthma would act up. Here, it's MUCH worse. I have to deal with the Smog. And it brings more than just asthma problems (see the above list). Next time I decide to move somewhere, I'm going to make sure I'm not trapped by mountains. Here in Utah they call it "inversion". Apparently, in order to clear the air, we have to wait for a good gust of wind to blow it up and out of the valley. It's kinda gross, actually. Stuck in bed...actually, stuck on the couch...I'm kinda glad I had an excuse to stay home from work. I am in need of a serious vacation. No, not from work...from "Life". Its good to be busy when you're busy doing something you love, but everything I've been busying myself with is not really something I'd prefer doing (did that make any sense?!). I'm working on that issue....</div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<div>
Anywho - I'm going crazy being this sick, for this long. If I had to choose, I'd prefer the vog over the smog any day. At least it would come and go quickly. You all may think I'm being over dramatic about a mere 3-day sicknes, but like I said before, this is highly UNusual. Gotta get rid of this smog...and soon!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" /></div>
</div>
</div>
Emily Leina'ala Jarretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00863093661378431977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7611825785889891710.post-67267076824511720792014-01-14T22:50:00.002-08:002014-01-14T22:55:48.346-08:00They were here, And so was I<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><em><span style="color: white;">Where you are, someone once was. Where you were, someone will be. </span></em></strong><span data-mce-style="line-height: 1.5em;" style="color: white; line-height: 1.5em;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<a href="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.4303608.7011/flat,800x800,070,f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-mce-src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.4303608.7011/flat,800x800,070,f.jpg" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.4303608.7011/flat,800x800,070,f.jpg" style="border: 0px;" /></a><span style="color: white;">(<em>A Road Less traveled</em> by Mugsy)</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">It's easy to face hard times when you know you're not the only one going through it. You don't look down on yourself, as much. You accept the fact that sometimes bad things do happen to good people. And, you find it doesn't hurt your pride as much when you ask someone for help. Especially, when the person you're asking, knows exactly what you're going through.</span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">I was never one to sit in my history class wondering what I could possibly learn from people who have long been gone. They had a story to tell, and I was always willing to listen. It helps me to view my life in a different perspective; helps me to appreciate what I have - even the struggles and hard times. Granted, not to say that it would be easier to live in one era than another, because problems will always arise, and the people living during those times will have to find a way to push forward. Learning about how people overcame their problems - surely their solutions could be the answers to our problems as well.</span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">We seek after books, music, videos - stories - that we can relate to. And because we do, we find our own courage to face whatever comes. We hope and pray, and have faith that all will work out, because it did for them, so why not us? Now, what reason could I possibly have to write all this? To help you see that when your stuck at the bottom of a mountain, and you can't see your way around it, REMEMBER! Someone has already left a path behind them that'll lead you to the other side. Take courage and press onward. Endure to the end, and you'll find peace of mind, heart, and spirit.</span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
Emily Leina'ala Jarretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00863093661378431977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7611825785889891710.post-4055118279096642392014-01-01T21:31:00.001-08:002014-01-01T21:31:45.823-08:00"Fol-de-rol and Fid-dle-dy Dee...<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
...Fid-dle-dy Fad-dle-dy Foodle. All the dreamers in the world, are dizzy in the noodle." (<i><u>Cinderella</u></i>, Rodgers&Hammerstein) Honestly, I'm one of those that believes if you want something bad enough, then you'll work your butt off to get it, otherwise, you could care less either way. These are a few of my "ideals" or dreams, if you will. <span style="font-size: 16px;">What I desire most, cannot be explained in words, but if I had to, these are the words I would use:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://gayecrispin.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/dreams-dont-work-unless-you-do-john-c-maxwell.jpg?w=590&h=834" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://gayecrispin.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/dreams-dont-work-unless-you-do-john-c-maxwell.jpg?w=590&h=834" width="225" /></a><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">My
Ideal…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i>Man</i></b>
– Handsome; well groomed. Intelligent; a thinker. Easy to talk to, easy to
understand. Arms that make me feel safe; protected. A smile that’s genuine and
kind. Hard worker. Patient. Loving. He doesn’t need to be rich or refined, but
instead, knows the value of earning an honest living. Caring father. The sole
protector of my heart, my home, and my family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Job</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> – Teaching. Learning. Traveling. Singing. Dancing. Making
people happy. Giving and taking in wisdom/knowledge. Giving someone a purpose;
a goal. Filling someone’s day with joy. Paperwork. Good paycheck. Ringing
phones. Desk. Computer. An environment welcoming to all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Home</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> – Location not important. Size; medium (three
bedrooms, at the most. Of course, depending on the size of the family). Updated
kitchen; doesn’t need to be brand new. Living room with an open space concept
connected to the kitchen. Family and friends coming to visit often. Backyard; a
must. A porch with a swing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Life</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> – A big family. Having a job I love. Waking up next
to the love of my life. Spending the day with those I love. Vacationing during
those holidays people usually vacation during. And, never having to wonder,
again, about what my life would’ve been like if my past had been different;
better. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br />
Now that I've put it out there, it's time to get to work. Dreams don't happen on a whim, and they don't come true by merely wishing it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
Emily Leina'ala Jarretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00863093661378431977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7611825785889891710.post-92101331249691375692013-12-29T20:19:00.002-08:002014-01-01T23:13:23.246-08:00Shut Up and Go!You might think I'm weird because I like watching my Korean&Japanese dramas. All I'm going to say is, even though they're cheesy and their scenarios a far reach from reality, they still have a great message hidden in every show that I've ever watched. The most recent is called: Shut Up - Let's Go (among its other names). The jist of it is about a group of guys who are from a low-class neighborhood - best friends and band mates - who are trying to find a way to survive in world where everyone believes they'll never amount to much. We often think too much; me more than anyone. Hence, the title of this blog. What we don't realize is thinking, alone, won't get us anywhere, until we do something with it. So, my motto for this New Year.....Shut Up and Go!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm not going to list off the things I hope to achieve this coming year, because those lists never really work out. I know they say: "Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail." But, all my plans tend to fail anyway. So, I'm not going to think about yesterday, nor am I going to worry about tomorrow. I'm going to think about today, and now. For all I know, that's all I've got left. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<img height="400" src="http://hdwallfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Happy-New-Year-2014-Wallpaper-Image-Pics.jpg" width="640" /></div>
Emily Leina'ala Jarretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00863093661378431977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7611825785889891710.post-40398200748756693392013-12-08T22:58:00.003-08:002014-01-13T03:23:13.856-08:00The Disappointment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-usYXDkXqIiQ/UqVp2gwIxvI/AAAAAAAAAIg/31Qx92fK9Ew/s1600/aLongJourney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-usYXDkXqIiQ/UqVp2gwIxvI/AAAAAAAAAIg/31Qx92fK9Ew/s640/aLongJourney.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
You were the "favorite". You were obedient...most of the time. You weren't perfect; you threw a few tantrums here and there. But, in the end you always went back to being the one that no one ever had to worry about because you always did what you were told. You always felt sorry for the ones that rebelled because their lives always seemed hard and difficult. You vowed to never let your life go in that direction. But, now you're here; tired and exhausted from just living a life you were told you should live, and you're wondering why your life is still as difficult as it is. "Wait a little longer," you'd say to yourself. "It won't be long until your efforts are finally recognized." With every trial and difficult time that you faced you repeated this to yourself, and it would reassure you for a time. Now, you're unsure.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's been a while since those self-encouraging words brought you comfort. Instead, they make you feel pitiful; pathetic, even. You often get that urge to run away; to leave them all behind. But, how could you? You made yourself believe that they need you; that they can't live without you; and you don't have enough confidence to face the world on your own. So, what else is there to do, except throw a tantrum for not being able to live the life you thought you deserved. You rebel. You go against everything you were ever told. You become a disappointment. Why? For what purpose? "Just because." </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The pride that builds up is intoxicating. You don't want to be used anymore than you not wanting to feel pathetic. This is the only way you know how to "fight back". When watching a show where the female lead is being bullied, put down, degrated, you tell yourself, "why isn't she more upset? I'd fight back if I were her." You get upset and irritated watching the whole story line unfold. "I would've left by now," you'd say. "She's pathetic." However, a part of you is hoping that everything will end up as it should be; with her finally happy. (And, it usually does). You can't wait that long. Not anymore. I guess being a disappointment is the only thing that makes sense....for now. Until you find the solution, for yourself, you've vowed to be the rebel. Shall I tell you how this is all going to end? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Everyone will begin to worry; you'll feel irritated. They will start telling you what you're doing wrong; you'll hate them for lecturing you. They just want to see you happy; you don't believe them. You'll push everyone away, and depression will take hold of your heart. You'll feel suffocated. You'll want to run away. Sooner or later you will; if not literally, emotionally. You'll become detached. Empty. You'll learn to smile at the right moments. You'll learn how to look happy. You'll learn to control your sadness; let the world see the truth, just enough for them to know that you're "just like everyone else". You'll forget yourself; your dreams, your desires, and all the things that used to make you happy. The only thing you'll be able to achieve is temporary happiness, because to achieve anything more than that, you'll have to open up and tell someone , and you refuse to feel pitied. This is how you plan to "fight back", by being the disappointment you think everyone believes you are - when you're NOT. </div>
Emily Leina'ala Jarretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00863093661378431977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7611825785889891710.post-52501451018243950992013-11-28T13:37:00.001-08:002013-11-28T13:37:12.133-08:00Black Friday ManiaBlack Friday is an oxymoron tradition. I understand the significance of a discount, but to hurt someone in the process in order to obtain that discount is ridiculous. It also seems a bit sad, because a lot of people try to do their Christmas shopping on that day. It kinda sends a message that, "I'm buying this as a gift for someone special, for Christmas. If you get in my way, I will hurt you." Man, imagine if the three wise men were like that. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wise Man #1: "I will give the child gold."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wise Man #2: "Hey! I was going to give him gold. Here, you give him this." (Throws a pouch at WM1)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wise Man #1: (Opens pouch) "Myrrh?! What is this compared to gold? I'm not going to give this to the Savior! The King of Kings! Here, you give this to the child." (Throws the pouch to WM3)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wise Man #3: "No way, I'd rather give the child my own mansion then perfume. This is nothing.I will give him the gold."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
[argument continues and gets a bit out of hand]</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
.....Anyway, I could go on and on. But, is that really what mattered? What is a gift, if it's not from the heart? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I understand that children only expect toys for Christmas. I understand that budgets are tight because of our current standing in this economy. But, there are ways to have a happy and simple Christmas. Growing up, my family had hardly anything. Some years we even went without a Christmas Tree (we just had Christmas lights wrapped around a table with a cloth and some hand-made decorations). But, that didn't stop us from celebrating the most expensive holiday of the year. We made due with what we had. And to be honest, those are the Christmas Pasts that I love the most. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you're wanting to buy something for someone you love, know this: "Love is the most expensive commodity. The more you are willing to pay, the more valuable the price. The question is, Are you willing to pay the price?" I believe that if there's a perfect gift for someone I love, then it doesn't matter how much it costs. And really, Christmas is not all about the getting, or even the giving. Sometimes, its just about the LOVE behind everything you do and say. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, if you intend to venture forth on the craziest day of the year, keep in mind the TRUE meaning of Christmas. It's not ALL about the presents you buy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Emily Leina'ala Jarretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00863093661378431977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7611825785889891710.post-50223916796686107062013-11-07T00:51:00.002-08:002013-11-07T00:53:37.626-08:00사랑, Aloha, Amor...Love.It would be a bit dramatic to say that "I'm heartbroken", because that would assume my heart knew something about being whole. I have happy moments; memorable moments in life that cause my heart to "smile"(if that's even possible). I have felt that calming comfort of peace. I have smiled. I have laughed. And all these wonderful feelings have caused my heart to flutter, and beat in a way that makes me want to dance. But, I can't be sure if I've ever really Loved someone in a way that a woman loves a man. I've said the words a time or two (I love you) when the moment seemed appropriate, but every time the words escaped my lips, a moment of doubt creeps into my mind. It would say, "are you sure you mean that?" Not to sound conceded, but I know I have broken a heart or two because of my own inability to listen to my own. I stayed in my past relationships because I felt obligated and apologetic (sounds like a Korean drama). When my heart couldn't bear the responsibility of it anymore, I would simply walk away. No explanation. Maybe that's why I'm so hesitant to start any kind of relationship. I don't want to hurt anyone else. Especially if that person is already a close friend to me. But, here's the real problem; how will I know when to risk it?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="479" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" width="640" /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Emily Leina'ala Jarretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00863093661378431977noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7611825785889891710.post-80856258166862226312013-11-06T01:00:00.001-08:002013-11-06T01:00:24.083-08:00The Elevated PerspectiveWhen you're flying high above the Earth, everything seems so peaceful and beautiful. It seems absurd to think that below your feet there lies a world full of heartache, pain, and misery. And, with that in mind, you wonder how you'll be able to go back to it...<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1395358_10151749479951586_1549659960_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="97" src="https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1395358_10151749479951586_1549659960_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /><div>
Today, I decided I needed an escape from the "every day". So, after another busy rush at work, I decided to drive up to Ensign Peak. With my ankle still a bit swollen from when I sprained it a couple weeks ago, I decided to only go up as far as the "look out". It was still high enough to escape the world below. As I reached the "top" I looked out and caught my breath. The earth was a glow, for the trees seemed to reflect the beauty and warmth of the sun. With no clouds in sight to deter the sun's rays, I wasn't bothered by the icy, cold wind. It didn't matter how hard it beat against my winter coat, I was in no rush to leave.</div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
How strange it was to see a world full of beauty and know of the hard-features that make up that beauty. As I sat there pondering on this thought, it made me realize something about myself, and about a few other people I know. Why is it that we keep ourselves at a "safe" distance from those we want to be close to? We fear the closer they are, the more they'll see, and the "beauty" that disguises those faults, will disappear. But, we can't continue on believing that our faults, shortcomings, and mistakes aren't part of the beauty. We are as beautiful as we are because of those hard-features. We are not scarred or ruined. We are stronger and more capable. As the earth continues to grow after an event of a storm, so shall we continue to grow. So, when you look in the mirror, and start to count the flaws, remember you are still beautiful.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I sat there for nearly two hours before realizing that my legs were getting numb. So, I stood up, took one last look at the beauty of God's creation, and headed back down to my car. Besides finding a place closer to God, I now know why the prophets of old ascended mountains when needing to council with the Lord. It's high enough above the world to escape doubt, fear, and worry. Ensign Peak is now my place to go to whenever I need such an escape.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Emily Leina'ala Jarretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00863093661378431977noreply@blogger.com0