Useful Little Things

Skype logo from website

            Have you ever been miles and miles away from someone you love? Whether it is with a significant other, a family member, or a good friend, long distance relationships can be very challenging. Fortunately, technology and social media has made it possible to bring people closer together at the touch of a button. Software applications such as Skype, help alleviate some of the communication pressures that are synonymous with these types of relationships.

According to their website, “Skype is software that enables the world's conversations. Millions of individuals and businesses use Skype to make free video and voice calls, send instant messages and share files with other Skype users. Everyday, people also use Skype to make low-cost calls to landlines and mobiles.” Using the program is so common today that it has become its own verb. The trend of “skyping” or going home to “skype” is spreading at a rapid pace. http://about.skype.com/

Distance takes away almost all of our five senses, excluding hearing because of the common use cell phones. Skyping bridges that gap and allows for a sense of sight in a long distance relationship. One does not know how much the sense of sight affects our lives until it is taken away. Not being able to see a loved one, even on a computer screen, can become lonely and make you miss that person more and more. This program fills some of the void of my boyfriend not physically being here. After a long, hard day, seeing his smile and as we talk online makes all the bad go away.

Skyping on Halloween '09

            Honestly, if it was not for the Internet and Skype, I do not know if my boyfriend and I would have made it as long as we have. We have been together for almost a year and a half and he lives 1,400 miles away in Texas. One of our favorite things to do is pop in a DVD on our respective entertainment systems and press play at the same time while skyping simultaneously. It makes us feel as if we are in the same room watching a movie together like the old times when he lived in California. We also like to video-chat and play online games together. Sometimes we “spend the day together,” as we call it, and skype for hours while doing daily tasks around the house such as watch TV, cook, do homework, etc. I even finished skyping with him a moment ago because he wanted to say goodbye before he went to work.

This program has opened up a great deal of new opportunities to stay in communication – one of the most important elements of a successful long distance relationship. I encourage anyone to give Skype a try as a new form of communicating with loved ones. It is not only fun, but it is also convenient, helpful, and free.

Little Thing, Big Heart

Leslie, Derek, and I

A couple years ago, my best friend from high school, Leslie, had a baby. She had him when she was 18 years old and with him came all the criticism that goes with being a teenage mom. I promised Leslie that no matter what, I’d be there for her if she needed help and that I’d love her son as if he was my own family.  I consider both of them my family and know that they will be in my life forever.  Her baby has become the biggest joy of her life and has had a huge impact on my life as well.  

Leslie’s son, Derek, is 2 years old right now and quite the handful. Although in his “terrible twos” stage, I can’t help but give him unconditional love. That little boy melts my heart. The pure love and excitement that pours out of him on a daily basis is something only found in a child. There is not much to life in his mind, but he loves the people in it with all of his heart. Derek always has the best intentions, even if he has the wrong idea. For example, he likes to take care of his fish and put objects in its tank if necessary. He threw a carrot in the tank when the “fishy hungry,” he dunked his grandma’s cell phone in when the “fishy wanna talk,” and put post-its in the water when the “fishy wanna draw.” The other day, he even individually asked each person in the car if he or she was cold because he was playing with the automatic windows and had his down.

Derek and I

            Derek is such a big ball of never ending energy. A whole day of playing, wresting, running around, and having fun with that little boy tends to tire me out more than him. His little smile and laugh can light up a room and his big hugs and kisses are to die for. I always have his safety and better being in mind. I never knew how much of an effect a child could have on someone. He is not even my own son, but I have an indescribable amount of love for him that I imagine is similar to that of a mother and her child. Watching him grow, learn, and become his own person has been such a blessing. I’m grateful to be a part of his life and very excited for what the next few years have in store for him. Most of all, I can’t wait to see what kind of wonderful person he grows up to be.

A Little Musical Thing

A few years ago, my uncle gave me his old Sigma acoustic guitar, but told me to give it back to him if I was not going to use it. I have always been curious about playing the guitar, but never had anyone to teach me so I decided to teach myself with my uncle’s gift because I was not about to give it up. After about a year of simple finger picking and learning chords, I got a new guitar, which became my pride and joy. My Epiphone Hummingbird is a basic acoustic with a mahogany body, spruce top, rosewood fretboard, and pickguard with beautiful artistry that makes it stand out from the crowd. Not only was it very affordable, but it also sounded rich and crisp while it allowed for easy playability. I fell in love.

            It was not long before I realized how therapeutic playing the guitar was. I found myself strumming away for hours with my Hummingbird in order to gather my thoughts and relax. I was doing exactly that when I figured out what to write for this blog today. My guitar has become a big part of me; however, I do not have dreams of becoming a rock star or playing in front of crowds. I use it as a form of release for stray emotions, bad thoughts, suppressed anger, artistic release, and much more. I could sit in my room for long periods of time strumming away in deep thought and end up with a symphony of emotions conveyed through the rhythm, tone, and volume as I play. To me, these times are magical.

It is amazing how much an instrument made up of wood and a few bits of hardware could change someone’s life. It changed mine and I hope to never lose touch with playing. No one truly understands the therapeutic elements of an instrument until they experience it for themselves. I encourage you to pick up an instrument or find a channel where you can release yourself and find your inner peace.