"The Grass is Greener on the Other Side"

To which I reply, "No it's not. And if it is, then you need to water your lawn." So what brought this up? I've been asked at work by various employees if I like the job or not. You all know I love it. When I reply yes, I get different responses. Today, I had a girl tell me I won't think that way in a few weeks. I've had another girl tell me her life ambitions and goals (as if I care) and as if she was too good for the job. I told her, "This type of work isn't for everyone. You shouldn't be here if you don't want to be." I had a girl tell me today, "Don't lie." Haha. And I said, "You shouldn't assume I'm lying. Just because you're unhappy with your job, doesn't mean everyone else is." That shut them up!


It doesn't matter where you work. You always have to start from the bottom up. And even if you slide right into a manager position, there's going to be things about the job you like and things about the job you don't like. I have learned that keeping a positive attitude is the key to being happy anywhere. This is why I am so happy now and I take pride in finding joy in the simplest things. I am so happy riding my bike to work with the nice sunny breeze. I get a little exercise in that way and I also go to the gym after work. It's all right here. Today, I stopped at the grocery store and put the items in my backpack. I loved it! The fact that I can ride my bike to my job and have perfect weather all the time is enough to make me ecstatic about life. 


The few miserables at work need to start watering their lawns! They're just letting their grass die. It's up to all of us to make our grass green. Stop looking at that other house and worry about your own. I'm not going to let these miserables bring me down! I feel too good to let their negativity weigh me down. For once, I am on the other end of the stick and I am the positive, happy one, not the negative one. It feels fantastic! All I can do is be an example. I know I'm only in charge of myself. This is why I love writing so much. I can release all my thoughts and emotions here and not dwell on it the next day. :-) I can still smile at the frowny people because I've already let this out. 


And one of my favorite scriptures that I constantly remind myself of that goes so well with this blog:

“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.”

Philippians 2: 14-16

An Old Soul

Ron and I identify with the ancient Indians way of life. Their simplicity in only taking what was needed and sharing what they have with friends, family or those in need are values we cherish. They believed in a balanced life. This is how people lived on our continent for thousands and thousands of years. Today we are convinced that we need lots of money and material possessions and that the more we have, the better. However, this simply doesn't make sense when you study ancient Indians. As well as the damage, sicknesses and disorders we have created today in our environment, people and animals by all the negative change. I understand that change is inevitable and we can't stop it from happening. I'm not going to pretend I have the answers to todays problems because I don't.


I'm just stating that the ancient Native American culture makes more sense to me and I can relate to it much more than today's world. They lived peacefully among each other, didn't damage the environment, respected everything and were thankful for everything they had. They already knew that what the settlers were trying to do was never about freedom. How can people honestly think that we are a free country when we are enslaved to the government? We aren't free. That doesn't mean I'm ignorant to the fact that we have it better than other countries today as far as the amenities we have here. I'm not suggesting that America is a horrible place to live. What I am saying is that what we are founded on is a lie. Every time I see the American flag and what it represents, I can't stop myself from snickering. It is funny when you really think about the meaning of freedom. Our founders took freedom away from people for their own power and benefit.


If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian, he can live in peace...
Treat all men alike. Give them all the same law. Give them all an even chance to live and grow. All men were made by the same Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers. The Earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it....
Let me be a free man, free to travel, free to stop, free to work, free to trade where I choose my own teachers, free to follow the religion of my fathers, free to think and talk and act for myself, and I will obey every law, or submit to the penalty.

Before our white brothers arrived to make us civilized men, we didn't have any kind of prison. Because of this, we had no delinquents. Without a prison, there can be no delinquents. We had no locks nor keys and therefore among us there were no thieves. When someone was so poor that he couldn't afford a horse, a tent or a blanket, he would, in that case, receive it all as a gift. We were too uncivilized to give great importance to private property. We didn't know any kind of money and consequently, the value of a human being was not determined by his wealth. We had no written laws laid down, no lawyers, no politicians, therefore we were not able to cheat and swindle one another.
We were really in bad shape before the white men arrived and I don't know how to explain how we were able to manage without these fundamental things that (so they tell us) are so necessary for a civilized society.
When I sit and study some of the Christian people that became established here, I have to say, they weren't the best representatives of their faith. There was a lot of prejudice, racism and judgement on their part. When you understand what Christianity is about... loving your neighbor as yourself, the Indians already lived that way. The Indians were the true Christians. They gave thanks for everything they had and believed in taking care of their people before themselves. The Indians also had a unique concept of embracing people. They took in black slaves that escaped and in general, would try to be peaceful with the English before being forced to fight.


Remember: Chief Massasoit prayed to the Creator about how he should handle the invaders (the first settlers) and even though the Wampanoag tribe could have wiped them out, he led his people to help them. In turn, the settlers betrayed him after his death and sought to take more from Massasoit's people. History doesn't lie and actions speak louder than words.


 Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

---

James 2:18 But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do."


The Indian said, "If you believe in the same God. Why do you quarrel about him?" 
(doesn't sound like the Indians needed the converting!)


Indian leaders were truly admirable people. Chosen by how peaceful, giving and cooperative they were. Our leaders now expect us to cater to them and would never die for us. Our political leaders expect their men to take a bullet for them. Cowards in my opinion. 


If industrialized society today which has only existed for a little past 300 years on the American continent is a better way of life, then why do we not live peacefully among each other? Why are we fighting so many wars? Why do people want to outdo each other? Why is greed and power so prevalent? Why is it that we the people of America can't even agree with each other when it comes to who should run our country? Where is the "Unity" in the States since we are all governed under different laws and everyone has a different belief? That's why our title, "The United States of America" that represents freedom is so comical and such a distortion of the truth. The Native Americans represented true unity and freedom, not us.


Something that makes me sad is many Americans have been brainwashed into these concepts of "for the better." Mental disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizo) and many illnesses such as diabetes, smallpox, clogged arteries, blocked colons, obesity, etc did not even exist here until colonialism happened. It's no secret today about the crap that's in our vegetables, fruits and meat now. We all know poverty exists because greedy people have forced others to slave on their farms or die. Ancient people didn't need to take an hour or two out of their day to work out or think about eating healthy. No one starved. They worked together and their lives incorporated natural, balanced activity. Westernized society as it is today doesn't show me that we know a better way of life.


Ron and I are long, lost Indian souls born in the wrong era. lol. We are awake to the problems and try our darn best not to ignore them. Unfortunately, money is the new survival strategy and we all have to make a living somehow. We have surrounded ourselves with friends who also understand that money is a survival mechanism, and an abundance of it is not necessary and the obsession to have a lot of it is not good. There are ways to still live our lives balanced and for our communities. Be thankful for what you have, give what you can to others and don't take too much for yourself. This will keep balance in your mind and heart.


I'm going to end this with a beautiful story told by a Cherokee Elder to his grandson.

"A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy.

"It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego." 

He continued, "The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

If we can all feed the good wolf, we will make this earth a more peaceful place to live.

A New Hobby

Many of you who know me well, know that I didn't cook anything but pasta 3 years ago. When I lived alone, I had a few pots and of course nothing to bake with. When I was living in Hershey, I worked at the Hotel and made friends with professional Chefs since I was dating one at the time. What did I need to cook for? I came home to some bomb meals and I was spoiled at work. I got to munch on healthy deliciousness as I worked. Well, that all came to an end when I moved to Utah.

Then I realized how boring my diet was and how quickly you gain weight when you are no longer eating gourmet cooked meals! Not only was my diet boring and gross, but I was so limited as to what I could eat because I didn't know how to cook. Darn it. I guess I'd better start learnin'. 


I moved to California after being in Utah for exactly one year for reasons I explained in my first blog. Luckily, here came Ron in his shining armor to come rescue a damsel in distress! Ah, I was taught the fundamentals of cooking. I remember the first meal I made for Ron was mashed potatoes from a box, the flakes. LOL. I didn't even know how to make mashed potatoes. Don't judge me!

Anyway... after Ron showed me a thing or two, an idea popped up. I started punching in foods I like on YouTube! YouTube taught me how to cook! Who says the internet isn't good for ya?! Cooking started to become a lot of fun because I was making people happy. I was putting smiles on their faces (through trial and errors). I realized I could touch people's hearts through something I am creating. Quite the motivator to go crazy in the kitchen! And I did...

Then I got curious about baking because once upon a time, my dearest pastry chef friend in Hershey would make vanilla cupcakes with vanilla frosting at my place. And I remember having a chocolate chip cookie that I could never find again. After YouTubing a lot (and I still do occasionally), I started becoming familiar with recipe websites and digging through Ron's recipe books that he had forgotten about. I also got super lucky in meeting a fabulous cook at work. She taught me how to make bread, pie crust, jelly rolls! And the fun began!


For a girl who's primary love language is words of affirmation, baking & cooking things gets lots of sincere compliments! The happiness that comes from gathering together with friends and family with good food become memorable when you participate in the making of these moments. I am starting to look back and remember conversations by the dinner I made, or the party by the cake I made, or the card from the cookies I made. It's quite cool and gives me that feeling of accomplishment. I am realizing I have domestic qualities in me that are truly enjoyable.

I am a woman who gets fulfillment out of good relationships with friends and family. I am motivated by keeping an orderly home, a good meal on the table and a happy husband. Doesn't that sound strangely traditional?

In God We Trust

My cute Ronaldinho sent me this wonderful e-mail. 


Andy Rooney says: 

I don't believe in Santa Clause, but I'm not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December.  


I don't agree with Darwin, but I didn't go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his Theory of Evolution. 

Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game. So what's the big deal? It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire Book of Acts. They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game. 


But it's a Christian prayer,  some will argue. 

Yes, and this is the United States of America and Canada, countries founded on Christian principles.  According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others more than 200-to-1.  So what would you expect -- somebody chanting Hare Krishna? 
If I went to a football game in Jerusalem, I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer. 
If I went to a soccer game in  Baghdad, I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer. 
If I went to a ping pong match in China,  I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha. 

And I wouldn't be offended. It wouldn't bother me one bit.  

But what about the atheists? Is another argument. 
What about them? Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We're not going to pass the collection plate. Just humor us for 30 seconds. If that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear plugs. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand. Call your lawyer! 


Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations. Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating, to pray before we go to sleep. Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying. 


God, help us. And if that last sentence offends you, well, just sue me. 

The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we tell that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard that the vast majority doesn't care what they want. It is time that the majority rules! It's time we tell them, "You don't have to pray; you don't have to say the Pledge of Allegiance; you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honour Him.That is your right, and we will honor your right; but by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away. We are fighting back, and we WILL WIN!" 


God bless us one and all. Especially those who denounce Him. God bless America and Canada, despite all our faults. We are still the greatest nations of all. God bless our service men who are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God. 

Let's make 2011 the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the foundation of our families and institutions. And our military forces come home from all the wars. 


Keep looking up. 



And Ana says Amen.

Not Mrs. Westhydeman?

To Whom It May Concern,

I have kept my last name. I know it's tradition for the woman to change her last name, but this isn't the 1800's anymore. It's expensive and a big pain in the @$$ for what? Even the marriage certificate is just a piece of paper to me and I think that whole unnecessary process is pointless. Ron is so cute because he wanted a ceremony and celebration, and although there are people who think that I'm prideful or bossy for not changing my last name, you're wrong. The Mrs. who never wanted a wedding, had a wedding for my husband. I did that for him, not me. You know what my "dream wedding" was? To say our vows at the court house. But it made him happy and that was a huge thing for me to compromise. I'm not the Disney Princess day dreamer chic and I don't like being the center of attention. So it was actually hard for me to be the center of everyone's eyes. It's nerve wrecking and I don't enjoy that kind of pressure at all. Of course I loved seeing my friends and family all get together with Ron's friends and family. That was wonderful so that definitely made it worth having a celebration and I thought our photographer took some beautiful, natural pictures that I love to look at.

Bottom line: Marriage IS compromise and sometimes when we do things to make someone else happy, it can make us happy too. In this case, that was proven.

Ron was hurt at first that I didn't want to change my last name, but as we discussed the meaning of our names, we realized some things. First of all, we don't plan to have children. Not that we won't consider it later if we're in a position to support a family. For years to come though, this will simply not be on the plate of appetizers unless there is a miracle accident. But that is a big reason why the woman changes her last name. It identifies a family. Okay. I get that. But since it's not happening anytime soon, if at all, there's no rush.

Second of all, even if we do have a miracle accident... I don't care who's name they take on. In that case, we might even make up a different last name just to really mess with people.

And last but not least, Ron and I do not have close relationships with our fathers. What tradition are we carrying on from our names? Neither of us had an answer and concluded that it would be best for us to create our own tradition and change our last names together to start new on our own. But we haven't agreed on any last names and quite honestly, it's not really a priority to us. I call him Ron and he calls me Ana. My friends call me Ann, Ana Banana, Bonanza & Ron is Hollywooooood! And even when someone does call me Mrs. Westhydeman, I don't care or bother to correct them because it's just a name. I'm not dishonoring Ron and he's on board with me about it. We don't need to be labeled.


Sincerely,

The Mrs.

In-N-Out

...is one of my FAVORITE places to eat ever since I was first introduced to it 3 years ago when I moved to California! And now, I am working there. :o) I just completed my first week today and I am enjoying it! I worked as a waitress in the Circular Dining Room at Hotel Hershey for 2 years. Then I worked with dogs for about 4 years. I love the fast pace environment and missed the interaction with people. Now I'm back and it's a million times better because the company is a wonderful place to work for! They have created an admirable foundation and very respectful mission. The President is the grand daughter of the original owners Harry and Esther. Harry and Esther are a Christian family and so Lyndsi, the granddaughter and current President is also Christian and has a ministry in Africa. She donates a portion of the money In-N-Out brings to that ministry as well as the In-N-Out Foundation for children who are abused.

If that's not already awesome by itself, she believes in maintaining the tradition of her grandparents, uncle and father (all who were Presidents of the company at one time). These traditions are to have everything fresh. The tomatoes, onions, lettuce and burgers are delivered almost daily. They have their own butchers to make sure they get the best meat. It is not processed or even frozen! You are literally eating the cow a few days after it is butchered! So quality is a priority here. They will never take shortcuts or do what is convenient and get the most out of paying the least. They are not interested in cutting expenses by reducing quality or wages of their employees. And because they are not a franchise, they are able to pay us well and the managers make as much money as a person of a high position would make at some company ($80,000 - $200,000!!) We have all the benefits, paid holidays, vacation, sick days, personal leave, retirement plan, work events. I was so impressed with the orientation videos. 

Their Christian values make this place a wonderful atmosphere to be in. People are happy. We all work together, not against each other. The managers have all started from the ground up (where I'm at - level one associate). There are 8 levels and then management. Their managers are not hired from the outside, doesn't matter what education you have. All of our upper management did the grunt work first, so there are no unrealistic expectations or stuck-up jack@$$es walking around and slamming us for ridiculous things. Yes, we have regional managers come in to check cleanliness of the store, quality and friendliness but they actually come in and work WITH us dressed in uniform. They don't bark orders or act like tyrants. They get in there and do the work with us and THEN we are reviewed on how we work. I've worked for places where these people walk in, take a 30 minute run through of the building and make up their decision. Nope. Not here! They spend the day with us working and then they evaluate how we do.

 We get almost weekly feedbacks on our performance so that we know what we are doing well and what we need to work on. Their approach is caring and they want us to succeed, so they give us suggestions on how we can improve. There is so much communication and plenty of upper levels and management around that there is no time for gossip or drama. They've created an atmosphere that makes that impossible. 

I had a great feedback review yesterday and I was told that I am very impressive with customer interaction and am learning fast. They appreciate my enthusiasm to be here and that is the key to success in any job. You must take pride in it to be taken seriously and have the ambition to grow. I am so happy here! I know it's just the beginning but I love the fast pace. This type of work isn't for everyone. I get to work for one of my favorite places to eat, and have the opportunity to grow in a company with Christian leaders who give back to the community! And I get TONS of words of affirmations from my co-workers. I really feel blessed. I still plan on going back to school in the fall because it has been a goal of mine to complete an education, but I have a feeling I'll stay with In-N-Out. 2 of my managers have degrees and have stayed here because:

 A) it pays well

B) job security 

C) there are many fun work events and perks to enjoy by working here

Nobody has been laid off during this depression and revenue at this family owned chain has not gone down a cent! Meanwhile, some of their friends have been laid off. 

Whatever the future holds for me, I am excited for it!

Now off I go to have dinner with Ron, Pop, Lyle and Cole. :) The lovely in-laws!