Winter Wonders

Well, hello hello!

School has finally come to a close this last week! As always, the last few weeks of school are always stressful. I look forward to viewing my final grades! Hope they're good. *Fingers crossed!*

Let's see......

There are only 10 more days until CHRISTMAS DAY!!!!

The pups are ready for Christmas too! They love the snow, but unfortunately didn't really enjoy the reindeer antlers. Haha!

Besides getting ready for Christmas, we have had a few interesting experiences around the house.

The first one having to do with this....

I am not going to dicuss this broken window. I will leave it to your imagination.

BUT, it was QUITE the adventure!

Tuesday, I came home from work to find blood all over the kitchen and some in the living room! Of course I was instantly worried! There was some blood on Koda's fur too... but no visible wounds. That night, Brittany and I bathed Koda (That was another adventure in itself. haha.) as we searched for scrapes and cuts that could've caused him to bleed. The search was unsuccessful. The next day I came home again, to a kitchenful of blood. It was really beginning to worry me, but we weren't able to find any blood on Leo either. I was about to look into an exercism specialist when this morning Brittany found a cut on Leo's tale that was bleeding a lot. This was where all of the blood was coming from! I was relieved to put the exercism thoughts aside and overjoyed that Koda was not bleeding; however, I was definitely concerned for Leo. There was a LOT of blood! This adventure is still in process. Brittany is taking Leo to the vet tomorrow to hopefully get some advice on how to keep him from cutting his tail while he so excitedly swings it every which way. We love and Leo and want him to be happy and healthy! Hopefully the veterinarian visit goes well.

Well, that is about all I have right now, as far as updates go! We are loving and hating the snow everytime it falls and excitedly getting ready for Christmas!!

Happy Holidays!!

 

Step and Slide

Well, a lot has happened since I last posted. The car situation has been officially taken care of.. at least for awhile. In my last blog I described the death of my car and the need to seek out a temporary mode of transportation. My wonderful grandma let me borrow her 1984 Cadillac to use for a week while my dad registered my old red high school beater.

Many of my old friends probably remember my 1993 fire truck red Mercury Topaz that I drove around for three years. It had a lot of memories, as well as damages. Haha. I cant begin to explain how many times I ended up roadside due to lack of gas in the tank. Good times. Anyways, the red car was passed onto my brother Greg after I obtained my white mazda as a high school graduation gift. My fabulous brother got into a car accident and is currently unable to drive the car. So, my dad (living in Georgia) registerd and licensed the car temporarily for me to drive it around while I save money for a new car. I am extremely greatful to have a vehicle to drive and am in shock at how well the Topaz still runs after all of the damge my brother and I both inflicted upon it. So that is the transportation plan, for now.

School has been good. The semester is almost over!! I am officially finished with my horid Humanities class. Soon to follow will be my Computer Esentials class and my fun FHS class. I am definitely looking forward to the break between semesters though. It has been quite awhile since I have had a night without homework.

Things at home are great, aside from drama with the neighbors. But what else is new?? No matter where you go there will always be unwanted obnoxious people there. So, you suck it up, smile and wave, help each other out, and try to be the best neighbor you can! So far.. somewhat successful.

Thanksgiving seemed to come and go fairly quickly. Had a yummy dinner with some family from my dad's side and then followed it with another dinner with Austin's family. All in all it was very fun, aside from the nasty cold I cant seem to get rid of.

Christmas is quickly approaching! I am soooooo excited! Christmas lights, the music, the feelings, and even the freezing snow have begun to shine some Christmas spirit into my life. People are starting to decorate their cubicles at work and Christmas lights have lit up several homes and Temple Square. So exciting!! Needless to say, I still have most of my Christmas shopping to get done.

Work has been great! I just recently got switched to the Maternity portion of the authorizations for insurances. This is my favorite clinic so far and I absolutely love it! I am one of the lucky few who can saw that they enjoy their job.. most days. ;)

I recently joined a stepping cardio class at a local Gold's Gym with a friend from work. So far I really enjoy it, but boy oh boy is it a tough workout!! I am hoping this will whip me into shape and keep me active! The side effects from my lovely desk job.. are not all desireable ones. ;)

I think that pretty much covers all of the updates in my life. I will keep in touch.. until next time.

:)

The Never-Ending Day

Whoo! What a day! You know those days that you just can't wait to finish, but time itself seems against you as the hours tick by slowly? Well, today was one of those days.


My morning started out as any other up until I went to my car to leave for work. My car stalled twice while driving before it came to a complete stop in the middle of the road. My car has been struggling with it's clutch, thermostat, check engine light, the starter, the breaks, the stereo, and anything else you can think of. After pushing my car UP a hill, Austin was able to get my Mazda to pop start and get us both to work.
My final project for my FHS class was due by 3:30 pm today. I had planned to leave work and take a long lunch to drop off my project at the Redwood Campus and head back to work for the day. I left, as planned, at noon. I spent quite a bit of time trying to find out where I was to turn in my project. It is an online class so I didnt know where my instructor's office was. I went back to my car to drive around.. to find that my car would not start. The engine wouldnt even roll over. I had been begging my car all day to at least get me to the school so I could turn in my project. My poor little car did just that before it slipped off into death. I had to purcahse a one day slcc parking pass so I could find some way back to work and leave my car there. I finally found the destination for my project, turned it in, and called for help. I called several people, all working. Jeni, Ausin's sister, saved the day! She came and picked me up and took me back to work!
After work I was supposed to go to a cardio step class with my friend Aryn from work. Needless to say, I did not make it to that class. Aryn dropped me off at home where I spend the next several hours doing homework. I still cannot believe that my instructor assigned 7 assignments, discussion posts, AND the final project all to be due in the same week! Ugh! BUT I got all of my homework done, luckily.
I had to stay at Austin's last night because I dont live quite close enough to walk to work. Austin came and picked me up in my car, since he had gone and gotten it from SLCC earlier. We spent the next while revving the engine at every stop, rolling through stop signs, and pushing the car (well, Austin pushed). Finally my car made it to its resting place at Austin's apartment. I will probably have to have it towed from there and possibly sold for parts. After almost three years, my poor white car can finally rest in peace.

Now for a "life" updated:
Things have been good at home. I am finally all unpacked! :) Koda has settled in for the most part. Him and Leo are the best of friends!

Britt and I are budies too!

We had an interesting cookie incident! We were so excited to make chocolate chip cookies! We had put them together and waited for them to bake. I began putting them on the plate to cool down and....

Oops! The cookies fell right into Koda's food bowl!! Only a few of the cookies were salvagable! AND we made a giant cookie!!

......................................

So Turky-Day is on it's way. The Broderick thanksgiving was held earlier in November because Grandma Sherri and Granpa Russ are moving to California! I am excited for them but will miss them too!

We made silly candy turkeys at the get together. Here is mine:

The Holidays are coming quickly! I need to get a "substitute" care ASAP or start taking the bus everywhere. But hey, It'll be an experience right??

Koda and I are officially all moved in into our new place!! And he likes it! He has a big backyard to play in, a fluffly bed in his kennel to sleep on, another doting girl to love on him, and a tromping buddy, Leo Dane. :)

 

 

I enjoy the new place too, my room sure is smaller but I downgraded that and gained a lot more. Koda is adjusting very very well! I am oh so proud of him!

Another fabulous perk of living in this new place, my roommate!

Brittany is so much fun and such a sweet heart! Definitely someone I can get along with, which is definitely a fabulous quality for a roommate to have!

 

I still have tons of boxes to unpack and my room is in shambles, but things have been going well. Koda, Austin, and I had an interesting experience last night. I had let Koda out to play in the backyard while Austin and I were watching tv. Twenty minutes later I went to let him back in, only to find the neighbors left the back gate open and Koda was off roaming free somewhere. I panicked and took off looking for him. Austin sent me back for the car while he searched on foot. Austin found Koda all the way down at the capitol building! I was so relieved to find him, but frustrated with his adventurous trek.

On a side note, we had our Preston Hollow apartment inspection yesterday! They dragged us through hell and back a few times. With great relief and excitement, I can say, that we are now free from the bonds of Preston Hollow!! We passed our leaving inspection and do not owe them anymore of our life or money!!

Also, Fall semester is quickly coming to a close. We are approaching finals. Where did the time go? Registration opened up for Spring 2012 Semester. I signed up to take a Foundations of Business class, English 1020, and Biology 1090. As always, I am looking forward to the end of this semester and the start of the next one. :)

The Holidays are approaching with full speed. Where did the summer and fall go? Here we are already stuck in winter. Brittany and I are getting excited to decorate for xmas. I bought Koda a cute puppy stocking that I will post pics of later.

But enough for today!

:)



Long Awaited Update

So..... It has been ages since I have blogged. A lot has happened and a lot needs to be said. 
First of all, I had a birthday! I am now 21!! I spent most of my birthday in my office at work. I was amazed to see the surprize delivered to me at lunch!

So beautiful, yet so surpirsing!! (Austin doesn't believe in flowers. ;])

Later that night, Austin took me to Bucca Di Beppo where we ate like royalty and shared a giant ice cream sunday!

YUM!!!

The weekend was fabulous!! Austin and his family took me to Wendover!!

We played the slots, rode the shuttle, and had a jolly good time! HAHA!

October! Austin's family, Koda, and I joined the hundreds who joined together to fight for the cure for breast cancer! Though it was freezing, the breast cancer walk was a great experience and... Koda enjoyed it!! :)

I went up to visit my family in Idaho over the last weekend. I hadn't been up there for a year! It was great so see my family! We played the Kinect and spent some quality family time together.

However, the biggest news of all......... I am moving!!

Once again.

HAHA.

November 9th is the last day of our lease at our current apartment complex. We loved our apartment, but are excited to move on. Koda and I will be moving to a duplex downtown! Koda will have a yard and another puppy to play with. My roommate, Brittnay, has a 3 month old Great Dane! He is almost as tall as Koda already and weighs as much as him too! They are adorable together! I look forward to Koda having Leo as his buddy. That is where I am at this week, packing and getting ready to move, the deadline to move is coming fast!

Austin and I are fabulous! I love him so so much!! Things are going well for us.

I am still in school. Going to SLCC currently, but planning on transfering to the U sometime next year. I absolutely love my job, even on frustrating days like today!  

Thanksgiving is coming up fast and I am excited! I can't believe how quickly October came and went. I look forward to the holidays, but not the snow. I am sure Koda is looking forward to the snow. After all, he looks so fabulous and at home in it. :)

Intersexuals??

In one of my classes we are discussing the "rights" of intersexuals. (A child born without fully developed genetilia towards a specific gender.) The opposing sides argue which act would be more deterimental for the child... having the parents choose the gender or leaving the baby genderless. The argument states that if the "wrong" gender is chosen for the child at birth.. the child will spend their whole childhood, if not life, thinking they should be a different sex. On the other hand, many argue that the child will have a horribly ridiculed life being genderless. What do you think?
Check out this interesting article about a family allowing their children to be "genderless."

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1389593/Kathy-Witterick-David-Stocker-raising-genderless-baby.html

"Mommy.. am I a boy or a girl?"........

Pride, Is It Worth The Pain?

Arguing. Arguing. Arguing!

Why is it that people often feel the need to argue? Is it somehow a twisted comfort that reminds the arguer that their opinion matters? Or is it an attempt to regain lost control of the situation at hand? And what is it that causes the hurt to bubble up into anger? Why is that anger so difficult to contain? Once the cork pops on the bottle containing the anger, why is it near to impossible to recork and maintain? Is it pride, selfishness, pain?
Then, what feelings cause us to continue to work through the damaged feelings caused by the conflict? When do we determine which feelings are more important to side with; the hurt that caused the anger, or the regret and guilt that drive the desire to mend the pain?   
At what point do we stop and decide that we no longer desire to participate in the vicious pattern of self gratification vs. a clear conscience.
Does satisfying one's pride claim more gratification than uplifiting the feelings of others? 
When does this cycle end? When can two people be, not only content together, but happy, for not just  some, but most of their relationship?
.....

Kudos for Koda!!

Who is red, white, and furry all over with baby blue eyes and a slimy wet nose?

Who has big strong paws with sharp puppy dog claws and a fluffy, curly, long tail?

 ......

......

......

KODA!!!

He is my furry companion, the sweetest best friend.

He sure is a "looker,"

But dont let that fool you!

He will happily tag along for any adventure,

And put up quite the fight for tasks that he finds unnecessary.

He'll join in for fun games,

Including Hide & Seek!

He is even my road trip buddy!

My Koda, From adorable puppy

To handsome hound.

So kudos to Koda for all of the crazy adventures, shredded articles of love, endless joy and smiles, and many more years of fun to come!

I Promise Myself..

"I promise myself,

To be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person I meet.

To make all my friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make my optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best

 and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of

others as I am about my own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the

greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile

to every living creature I meet.

To give so much time to improving myself that I

have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear

and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of myself and to proclaim this fact to the world,

not in loud words, but in great deeds.

To live in the faith that the whole world is on my side,

so long as I am true to the best that is in me."
~ Christian D. Larson

My mom made a little "self motivational" poster board awhile back. She gave it to me, not only because I adored it, but because I was struggling. I look at this board every single day.. but not until today did this poem really seem to hit home. I highlighted the portions of the poem that I feel that I have been struggling with most lately. Thanks mom. I love you.

I Went to Walmart in Search of a Hobby.

As many of you know, and for those of you who don't, Austin and I have completely different work schedules. He works weekday mornings while I work the nights of weekends. After hours of Sex and the City episodes followed quickly by Desperate Housewives, I came to the conclusion that I am in desperate need of some new hobbies. I had hours of time every weekday to keep myself occupied and entertained.

I had friends to hang out with, a dog to walk and take to the park, books to read, shows I could watch, but nothing that could necessarily be considered a hobby that I enjoyed doing hours on end. So, in need of seeking out the perfect hobby, I strolled on down to the local WallyWorld to find some new interests. I searched and stalked down the craft, fabric, and garden aisles disappointed that nothing had sparked a solid interest. Gardening interests me, but seeming that I occupy a garden-less apartment, I couldn't very well plant green beans in my carpet. I don't think the neighbors below me would appreciate roots spreading through their ceiling. However, Austin suggested that I take up potting plants instead. We have a balcony and that would be a feasible solution in lea of gardening.

Though excited about planting, I emailed my crafty aunt for more hobby ideas. She gave me marvelous ideas. Have any of you heard of Art Journaling? Well my Aunt Melissa shared some blogs and youtube videos about it with me. Here is the blog that she sent. It is fabulous and I hope you will all look into it. www.messymindcreativesoul.blogspot.com This woman is expressing her emotions, loves, and pains through art journaling. Instead of writing her feelings on the pages, she decorates them with art expressing her current feelings. It's absolutely fabulous! I am very anxious to start!

Along with those two hopefully new hobbies, I have started participating in Yoga. I got a starter yoga set for Christmas last year and have been using that. However, that particular dvd is more of a stress releasing yoga than a workout. (Which is extremely helpful considering my lack of stress management. lol. Thanks mom! :) ) So while at Walmart, I purchased another yoga dvd, this one being a more active muscle toning exercise. I tried it today and am pretty worn out already. One thing that the instructor said that really caught my attention was, "Get comfortable with being uncomfortable." No kidding. Pretty much everything we were doing brought the opposite of comfort. However, I am determined to continue with this dvd, in hopes of becoming better at it, as well as getting to that comfort level.


I thought, along with this blog, that I would share an update on how Koda has been doing since his neutering. The doctor prescribed some sedatives as well as instructions to keep his activity level very low. We didn't want the sutures to not heal properly or become infected. I have to say that even with the sedatives, keeping him indoors more than usual made him more anxious and added to his hyperactivity. It was definitely a struggle keeping him calm so that he could heal. Due to this bottled up anxiousness and possibly some anger being held towards me, Koda began to severely act out! Make a note that Koda was completely potty trained quite awhile ago and hasn't had many problems with that here at the apartment... well, until now. Koda started relieving himself on the carpet in our apartment. He knew it was wrong because we would always find him hiding under the living room end-table when we discovered the mess. He also chewed up my shoes! I have never had an issue with Koda chewing on our shoes. We always leave them out and he hasnt even attempted to move them.. until now. He destroyed them!! *sigh* Let's just say that Koda has spent a lot of time in time-out (his kennel) lately.
Almost a week and a half later, he is doing much much better. We have been able to take him outside more often and revisit the much missed park. He is getting that bottled up energy out and not taking it out on my carpet or shoes anymore. Things are going much better. Also, Koda seems to be playing better with other male dogs. Maybe it has to do with the surgery, maybe it doesnt, but I sure do like the positive results I have seen so far.

Got Nuts?

When I first adopted Koda from his purebred family in Vernal, UT, I had all of the intentions of breeding him out as a stud dog when he was an adult. Koda aged and grew in massive amounts! When I realized, with much disappointment, that Koda seemed to have a strong "Alpha-Male Complex," I threw the stud-dog plan out the window. Getting Koda fixed appeared to be the best option.
For two months I anxiously awaited June 13th, the day Koda was to be neutered. Eight am came and I coaxed Koda into the car to venture to the veterinarian's office. With each mile closer and a whining dog in the back seat, the guilt started to set in, thick and undesirable. I felt fear and worry for my furry baby. How could I possibly take his manhood from him?? 
I had already paid a down payment on the surgery and was on my way to redwood road. There was no changing my mind now. Toughening up, I focused on the hopeful outcomes of the surgery as I barreled down the road.
Imagining fear and sadness in Koda's eyes, I apologized and I ran out the door and left him with the vet.  
I spent the day out and about with my mom and a good friend with hopes that my mind would be put to ease. Was it silly that I was getting so worked up over leaving my baby with professional anesthesiologists and surgeons?  

Later that evening I picked up my nutless male dog, dazed and dizzy from all the drugs he was given. I religiously followed the instructions I was given and spoiled the crap out of Koda. 
Day two and the drugs have long worn off. He appears to be doing better. I maternally check the stitches every few hours and overdramatically tend to him. It's honestly silly but I would hate there to be any complications in the healing process. 

Everyone has their own opinions of the outcome. I've heard he will change and I've heard that he will remain the same. Over the next few weeks as the sutures dissolve, I hope to see an improvement in Koda's behavior. I want his personality to remain the same, after all that's why I love him :). However, I hope that he loses some of his hyperactive desires and his need to be the "King of the dog park."

While Koda mournes the loss of his balls, Austin overjoys that he still has his. He can now claim the title of alpha dog.

Stress Update.

So, I feel completely overwhelmed with everything that is on my mind! Ah! There's so much to plan out, so much research to do, so many late nights, so many stressful thoughts, and finals all crammed into a short week. Again, ah! My biggest concern right now is moving. I don't know who knows and who doesn't, but I live with my cousin, his wife, and their three year old twin boys. Also accompanying the house, three cats (I am still unaware of their names), their dog Akeilies, and my sweet puppy Koda. I've stayed there paying a wonderfully low rent since august 2010 and I'm getting the itch to move. Don't get me wrong, my cousins are great. I just am ready to have my own space again.
The next cluster headache involves work and a Cna class. I plan on finishing school and becoming a PA (physicians assistant for those of you who dont know.) Working as a housekeeper at a hospital can only get me so far. Though it's served it purpose of getting my "foot in the door" and giving me a paycheck, it's time to move on. There's a Cccna class here in Utah that has sparked my interest. The stressful part is when to take it. $400 dollars and two weeks would get me a step closer in the right direction. Since spring semester ends in two weeks, taking that class becomes more realistic. However, it's a matter of quitting my current job or hoping to get te desired time off I would need. I'm not sure yet.
So don't laugh but I've been interested in getting my husky, Koda trained to run on a treadmill. This is supposed to be great for their exercise in situations or settings that make it difficult for your dog to get the exercise he needs. Los is pretty big and loves to run, sobi figure it would be good for him and interesting or me. It'll be a challenge for sure. So i guess we will see how that goes.
Anyways, I think thats enough venting for my iPod to handle for now. Lol

Through Death Comes Life.

Yesterday, a twenty-two year old woman passed away in the Intensive Care of the hospital that I work at. After her passing, she was rushed to the operating room where she donated her heart valves and her liver. Within minutes after her operation, her liver was already on its way to San Fransisco. She saved the lives of six people. Her death, though devastating, granted life to those others. Witnessing this experience yesterday changed the way I feel about being an organ donor.
One of my best friends, Julia, who passed away in August '08, from similar causes, was also an organ donor. Though I do not know the details of that donation, I do know that Julia gave life to others who needed it. Losing her has been completely unbareable and caused me pain that I cannot express in words. But to know that she still "lives" somewhere else in this world through someone else, is an unbelievably happy thought. Death is a devastating occurance for those people who care for the person passing. Julia was extremely compasionate, and I know that she chose to be a donor for exactly that reason. What she no longer needed, she selflessly gave away blessing the lives of those in need.
Death is often unpredictable. Why not bless others with something we no longer need?  

If You Love Me... You Will.

Now I'm not saying this is the case wth my relationship. I've just had this thought on my mind and figured I would share.
I absolutely HATE the line "If you love me, you will." This is meant with complete and utter selfishness to manipulate another person to do something you want them to do that they would otherwise not usually do. At least, that's my definition. For example, If a guy says to his girlfriend, "If you love me, you will have sex with me." Well maybe she isnt ready to commit to a sexual relationship and that's why she hasnt put out already. Whatever the reason, she has hers and manipulating her to get sex is not going to make anyone happy. Ya she might give in and sleep with the guy, but if she wasnt ready to take that step, then chances are she is going to be upset and full of regret afterwords. Then he will feel bad for making her before she was ready, and yadda yadda yadda.. 
It's just not a win-win situation. 
Of course this "phrase" is used in other circumstances not necesarily relating to sex. It could be, "If you love me, you will buy this for me.", "If you love me, you will choose a different career.", etc. I just absolutely hate it! If someone REALLY loves you, they will NOT use that phrase against you. If someone really loves you, they will accept you for who you are and embrace your differences.
Just a thought..

Toddlers and... Tans?

              Competition can be a healthy addition to children’s lives; however, there is a certain level that can be reached that is not longer positively stimulating. The television show, Toddlers and Tiaras, has recently caught my attention. At first this show appeared to contain sweet young girls interacting in an innocent game of ‘dress-up.’ After just minutes of observing this one hour episode, I was shocked to notice a lack of innocence and a severe sense of competition between the parents of the children. On TLC’s website about Toddlers and Tiaras it gives an accurate introduction of the material expected in the show. “On any given weekend across the country, toddlers take the stage wearing makeup, spray tans, and fake hair to be judged on beauty, personality, and costumes. Toddlers & Tiaras follows families on their quest for sparkly crowns, big titles and lots of cash.” Also on the site, are postings of many, if not all, of the show’s episodes accompanied by shorter exerts not included in the episodes. In one of these exerts, Beauty is Painful, we watch a six year old girl receive eye brow waxing, acrylic nails, and teeth whitening. Other exerts include, Fab Fake Nails and Big Dollar Dresses, Mother Daughter Disappointment, No Pimple for A Princess, etc. The website further describes this show saying, “The preparation is intense as it gets down to the final week before the pageant. From hair and nail appointments, to finishing touches on gowns and suits, to numerous coaching sessions or rehearsals, each child preps for their performance. But once at the pageant, it's all up to the judges and drama ensues when every parent wants to prove that their child is beautiful.” The last line in this statement appeared to be the most frustrating to me, “when every parent wants to prove that their child is beautiful.” Instead of building up our children’s self confidence and instilling in each of them that they are all beautiful and talented, we are corrupting them into believing that physical beauty is the most important key to success. These children are being mangled with fake hair, caked with spray tans, and strangled into their thousand-dollar, custom-made pageant costumes. A child’s imagination does not need to be exposed to such expensive clothing, cosmetics, and “beauty improvements” at such a young age. These pageants quickly turn into competition between parents as they drive their child further into a superficial world. There is immense stress forced onto each child in these pageants to be the best and in turn to make their parents proud of them. Certain titles such as, Prettiest Smile, Most Talented, Prettiest Costume, etc, can be detrimental to a child. This is no longer a healthy competitive environment for the child to be exposed to.

Dissecting The Flames Of Anger

Anger can undeniably be a dangerous emotion. The actions and words that stem out from this feeling are often regretted and leave a sense of guilt. Anger is meant to be a defense mechanism that serves as protection for one's feelings.

Yourdictionary.com gives this definiion, "A feeling of displeasure resulting from injury, mistreatment, opposition, etc, and usually showing itself in a desire to fight back at the supposed cause of this feeling."

This definition fits well with a diagram I was shown in grief counseling two years ago. Imagine a fire: the oak limbs below it a crackling and have caught fire quickly; the flames are twisted with bright red, yellow, and orange heat; and a wide column of dark smoke swirls towards the sky. With this in mind, compare what you see with the feelings associated with anger. What causes this anger? The definition I previously quoted states that anger is formed by and injury or mistreatment of some kind. Therefore, the oak branches below the fire are the action that has hurt them. The bright flames are the pain caused from that hurt and the swirling smoke is the anger set off because of the pain.

The diagram manifested so many things to me. When I was upset I was defensively attacking someone else because I was in turn hurt by something else. I put a lot of thought into the idea that when other people lash out at me, there is a good chance that I had hurt them in some way or other. Knowing this helped me try to discover why they were hurting and in turn being angry.
Somewhere along the way I lost that as my focus and now no longer handle agitated situations in a peaceful manner. I can't help but believe,though, that if we all approached anger this way that the world would be a much happier place.

Disney's Flaws or Satan's Vengence?

             Change is inevitable. It comes in the form of happines, aggravation, and tears. Disney showed us uncondition everlasting love and enduring families throughout his films. What he didnt express was what happens after the happily ever after. The truth is, there is no happily ever after. Sure you can ride off with your pirnce into the sunset but the sunset fades and you're left in the dark. Addictions, lies, affairs, and divorce sweep through our world as that once beautiful sun sets. We are left with much less than a happily ever after, but an ever after yet. What happens to a couple that leads them to fall out of love with each other? What causes one to lust after another or to break his marriage vows? Where was the nagging and the financial struggles in Cinderella's story? Where are all the cheaters, the deceivers, and the debtors? What becomes of the children whose families have been ripped apart and destroyed by nasty divorces? Are they to forever hide their tears and hide behind fake smiles? When they grow older must they bottle old pains and push them aside to strive for happines?
              Now Im not trying to be pessimistic. Life is not full of only lies and heartaches but accompanied by laughter, love, and forgiveness. It's what we choose to make of our lives that decides the fate of it. Like whether we see a glass of water as half empty or half full. Though there are many situations that occur that are out of our control, it is how we choose to handle them that makes the difference. Life contains struggles for reasons many people contemplate. So why did Disney hide realistic pain from his movie plots? Did he do so in hopes that we would all strive to live according to this unreal fixation of what life should be like or because he wanted to provide a means to cause question in the paths of life that we take? I often wonder.