Life Struggle (07.26.16)

"Treat others the way you want to be treated." ~~~ Should I, now, start throwing people under the bus? 

I have always struggled with this "golden rule" because everyone else seems to know it but not act accordingly. If my friends mess up, I will cover for them, even at the expense of some acquaintances. But, more often than not, I find that when I mess up, I'm thrown under the bus by the very same people I defend wholeheartedly. 

Most recently, I was told I could partake in a delightful snack that was stowed at my apartment. And partake, I did, for two weeks, the delightful snack saving me from some hot days and tough hours. And when my roommate returned to find it gone, she told her significant other who had originally stowed it our our place, and had invited me to partake. -- The thing is, I know I was wrong to not replace it immediately, but I claim ignorance in thinking that they would be back for it for they never stated such intentions. Proof? ... They left without saying anything. 

But, I had thought, FOR SURE, my roommate, being my friend FIRST, would do what I would have done. If I were her, I would have bought the replacement delight snack and given it to my boyfriend, while giving my roommate (me) the receipt to pay me (my roommate) back. Sure, a bit more work for my roommate, but it would maintain the peace between all nations. Instead, she chose to rat me out and make the situation uncomfortable for 3 people, not just 2. 

How, then, is this "golden rule" beneficial to me? ~~~ The sad truth is that, it is not. 

For as long as I live, I am doomed to be the loyal dog to everyone and I have no one stand up for me. I think for others and care for their well-beings, naturally, even if it requires more work on my part. You may wonder why I didn't replace the delightful snack immediately? ... I couldn't find it at Stater Bros., 7-Eleven, CVS, Rite Aid, and Vons. I planned to venture to Ralphs tomorrow, but she returned with the news before I could head over there. She couldn't even think to warn me, HER ROOMMATE AND FRIEND FOR YEARS, before reporting the incident to her boyfriend of less than one year. 

This is the friend I live with; the person I trust with my life and safety. ~~ As of now, I feel none of those previous sentiments for her. I question what she has told this boyfriend, who is a stranger to me, and how he sees me because of this incident. Not only that, I don't trust him now. What's to stop him from warning my roommate against me and anything else that could be seen negatively? Of all people, I know that: if there's a will; there's a way. If he doesn't think my roommate's stuff is safe here, then one word and she could be moving elsewhere and leaving me high and dry. I don't think she would ever do that, but I don't know for sure... do I? I mean, she's proven that her loyalties lie elsewhere. 

Why, then, do I bother making friends? Am I not alone, then, in this endeavor called 'life'.

...

If anyone has advice, please... send it my way. I'm not suicidal... but I'm not fine either. 

Adjusting to Jetlag (for Rookies and those curious)

STAY AWAKE WHILE THE SUN IS UP. That’s the first and most important rule or trick of the trade. It’s a given, it’s a must, and yet, it’s one of the hardest things to do when you feel the wooziness of jetlag, especially when your night becomes day and your day becomes night. Anyone that has traveled to Asia knows what I mean. I’ve been to China and Taiwan, and it’s never gotten easier despite my change in age, weight, shape, size, and sleeping habits. When jetlag hits you, the only thing you can do is keep to the basics, stay hydrated, eat when you’re supposed to, and pray to God your internal clock adjusts to the external time zone.

EAT WHEN YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO. Three square meals a day, that’s it! Avoid snacking! Don’t let your previous eating schedule throw off your current eating schedule. Your bowel movements will follow once you’ve established a steady eating schedule. Your organs will adjust if you don’t cheat and stay focused on the task of adjusting. Not only that, but your energy will shift so as to match your dietary functions and you will find that there is hope for you yet! Drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated. Don’t overdose on sugar or caffeine just because it might keep you awake. It might just keep you awake when you’re supposed to be sleeping. Your body can only move SO fast. Be considerate. Be kind to your body. It’s with you till the end.

REMEMBER TO EXERCISE BUT NOT TOO MUCH.  Most people think vacation is a time when you ought to move more. The truth is, most people who think and do just that get injured far faster and more often than those who lay back and chill. Overusing your muscles that you don’t normally use as much can be quite catastrophic. One year, when I was in my early teens, I felt like I could jump 6 stairs to show off my flexibility. I ended up rolling my ankle and the rest of my vacation was spent on the couch, on crutches, or hopping through uneven streets. Another year, I reached up to show off a spike in volleyball and dislocated my right shoulder. I spent the rest of that vacation in a sling, somewhat able to feed myself, and barely able to do any more than a child could. I was MISERABLE!! So, remembering to exercise is good. But don’t overdo it!! The same physical laws that you are bound to in your home life still binds you when you take a vacation. To enjoy your vacation to the max, just keep it simple and safe!

LAUGH AND STRETCH AS MUCH AS YOU CAN!  Laughing, obviously, helps to keep your abdominal area in check, but it also brings more oxygen into your body, which makes life and all else seem better. Breathing is important. Laughing also makes you feel happier, lighter, and much more energetic. Laughing to the point of tears is great once in a while, but remember to allow your body to release anxiety and doubt! And when you can, whenever it is, stretch your body a bit. To relieve stress and pressure that you might not have known was there, you have to take deep breaths, loosen your muscles, and what better way to help you than to stretch your body? Simple arms in the air and then side to side is just fine. Whether you’re on vacation or at home, worry and stressing out about stuff that may not presently matter is not healthy. Learn to relax your body whether through your own means or meditation; JUST CHILL OUT. Your body will appreciate that!

I feel like a guru trying to calm the masses, but, in truth, I’m working just as hard to get over jetlag as you are at this moment. And, as if it wasn’t obvious enough, the last bit of advice I have for you is simply to KEEP YOURSELF BUSY. Sure, it would be easy to give into sleep. OH, SO EASY!! But to do a few things before going to sleep would make you feel more accomplished, take up more time, keep you awake longer, so that your sleep would be THAT much better. Like yesterday, for me, I wanted to sleep through the day. But had I done that, I wouldn’t have been able to sleep at night, and I wouldn’t have had a wonderful lunch with a dear friend, deposit money at the bank, and gas up my car for the upcoming week of adventures. I wouldn’t have washed my clothes and watched a few anime episodes as it dried before hanging them into my closet and reclaiming the extra space the luggage took up in my room. I couldn’t have slept as long as I did last night, and after recording a podcast with Ed, I’ll eat something, stay awake until about 7-8 and then enjoy a nice sleep until I need to get up again in the morning. Life goes on faster when you’re busy. You’re more entertained and excited when stuff’s going on!

Any questions? Concerns? Suggestions? I’m all ears!! ~~ Seriously, give me something to ponder on!! 

KEEP ME AWAKE!!