Ladies vs. Gentlemen

A guy whose blog I follow made a post the other day about things that "true gentlemen" ought to do. (Read it here!) I found it really interesting, especially since that's one of those ongoing conversations my friends and I have - how much we wish all guys behaved like gentlemen. You know what I mean. You're walking into a building behind a guy and he lets the door slam shut in your face. You're struggling with trying to put on your coat while balancing multiple textbooks and an umbrella and a guy is trying to talk to you. It's frustrating!

My mom and I have had some discussions about this lately too. In my church there are several young men who behave like gentlemen (at least most of the time) and a couple of them have offered to help out my 13-year-old sister before. Being in the guy-shy stage, she was embarrassed and said no. But my mom and I told her that she ought to yes when guys offer to carry things for her. It's polite. Here's a little of my reasoning about that.

Men are the stronger ones. They have a responsibility to care for the weaker ones, i.e. women. Throughout the centuries, this care-taking has taken the form of things which are just the polite things for a gentleman to do for a lady. When a guy offers to do one of things for a girl, he is acknowledging that she is a lady.

When someone gives you a compliment, you don't say "Oh, you're wrong about that. No thanks." You say "Thank you" and accept the compliment. So when a guy tries to treat you like a lady, he is giving you a compliment, the respect a lady deserves. You ought to accept that compliment and by doing so give the man a chance to show that he is a gentleman. It's best not to refuse it unless you have a really good reason.

I know that there are times when it IS a good reason to say no thanks...like when you have no clue who this guy is. I get guys like that at the college I go to, and no way am I going to let a compete stranger carry my things for me. Defin. not.

But, in the midst of all this, don't forget to let your personality show. Don't become an automaton, just doing things because you should. Try to remember and after a while it will become natural.

When I ride the bus to school, there's a boy that always rides it too. He's probably about 15 years old. The bus gets super full when I ride because there are so many students who are riding it to my school. He gets on toward the beginning, when there aren't that many people, so he always gets a seat. But once the bus gets full enough so that people have to stand he always gives his seat up to a lady, an elder, or a disabled person. It's so sweet. And the best part is that you can tell he is completely sincere. :) He's not doing it just because - this charming gesture is completely from the heart.

And that's the way it should be.

A Mental Digression

So. Spring quarter registration is next week and I really hope I get my classes! Hopefully I'll be taking College Algebra, Intro to Astronomy, and World Civilization  III. Then I'll be taking the SAT this spring *gulp*

I had some type of sinus infection last week. I missed two days of school, which was really annoying because most of my teachers only give you three-four days missing before they start docking your grade. I plan not to miss any more days though.

 But I still feel sick. I have an awful cough and a headache which just won't go away. I had to give a speech in my Public Speaking class today and I know I must have sounded awful (I had a coughing fit halfway through) because four people patted me on the shoulder and told me I did a good job. People never do that.

This morning we looked out the window and three police cars were arresting someone at the foot of our driveway. Again. The first Christmas after we moved into this house there was a drug bust at the end of our driveway. Kinda makes it hard to get out when they're parked there, so I was late to school this morning. But my teacher forgave me.

I have a baby shower for my friend and her mom on Saturday! My friend is having a little boy and her mom is having a little girl. I'm really excited! I was definitely surprised when I first heard about, but now I'm really happy for her. :) Anyway, that will be fun.

I need a job. I've applied to a couple places, but I don't have time to look in depth. After this quarter ends in three weeks or so, though, I'll have more time look AND I'll only be taking 15 credits this spring quarter instead of 18 like I am this quarter. So I'll have more time for a job.

Once I have a job too, then I can pay for driver's ed so I can finally get my license. That will cut down on the trip home from school, because right now I'm taking the bus and that takes forever! So I'll have more time from that, too.

 Well, right now it feels like my life is college. I never knew what college students meant by that until I started college. But it really is. I guess if I get a job my life will be school and work.

And Jesus. Always Jesus.

T.A.A. Giveaway + Exciting Things

First of all, an amazing blog called The Anonymous Antagonist by D.J. Wilson is having a giveaway to mark the 100 follower mark. It really is a great blog, so I would advise that you mosey on over and take a look. The giveaway's pretty cool, too, so I wonder how many followers he'll gain just from this giveaway. ;)

I shall also answer his question "What is my favorite aspect of blogging?"

I think my favorite aspect is just being able to pour out my thoughts in a way that I can share it with others without feeling like they are "a captive audience". After all, they don't have to read this post if they don't want to. It's not like I'm pouring my woes or my frustration and they're sitting there tapping their foot waiting for me to hurry up and finish. Because it's on the computer I can edit it as much as I like, make it sound just right. You can't do that when you're talking (as I have found out to my cost). Plus it's saved, so I can go back and read it for reference sake.

I guess that's several reasons, but they are all tied together.

Now, for the other part of my post title...I will tell you about them tomorrow. Probably. :P

Guest Post!

My very dear friend Katie invited me to guest post on her blog. I had a great time (if that makes any sense). And it gave me the chance to put into words some things which have been swirling in my head for a couple days.

Anyway, check it out!

Incredible Quotes #8

Live like Christ died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming again tomorrow.

~Martin Luther

Louis Giglie - How Great is Our God

This is a must-see. It seems a little boring and scientific at first, but by the end it's completely worth the fifteen minutes it takes to watch. :) I know every time I put up a video I say that, but that's because I only put up the videos that really touch me.

Pictures!

Decided to go on a random picture sharing spree. I think tomorrow I will put some up of my sister and me.

Four of my oldest and bestest buddies right there. <3

And there most of us are again. Nana's about to sneeze.

This is a rather old picture, but one that is dear to my heart.

My beloved niece. <3