"Just write. Keep writing. Keep a pen and paper beside your bed at night. Write about anything. Write about everything. Write with passion. Write with integrity. Write what you would want to read."

Yes, everything above seems like wonderful advice. Advice that should be easy. Then how come whenever I sit down to write, all I do is stare at a blank piece of paper? I will have an idea, sit down, and chase after it- only to hit a dead end after a page. So,that has now become the point of my blog- to freestyle, get the "creative juices flowing", so to speak. 

Writing has always been a hobby. I love reading, and always have. I love being able to get lost in a world that an author has created. And that is what I want to one day achieve. But, until I get to that point, there will probably be a lot of mindless rambling. And, if you're ok with that, I'd love to have you tag along. Share your opinions. Give me your thoughts. I am completely open.

So, that being said....HERE GOES NOTHING.

How many times has a class really made you thing?I am going back for yet another undergrad degree, and am taking Christian Ethics. And believe it or not, it's more than what the Bible says. We have even talked about and taken personal assessments to help us better understand ourselves. I'm not just talking personality traits and so forth like I had in an interpersonal communications class. This class goes more in depth than things like the Meyers-Briggs personality test and finding out if you're an introvert or extrovert. And it seems like we talk about a controversial topic every day. It is really interesting, especially when you relate it all to the Bible. Our teacher is a substance abuse counselor, and has had many years in that field, so it is really interesting to see how some of his stories relate to our topics. That being said, he has never revealed any names or really any specific details of anything, so I don't believe he is going against any patient/doctor restrictions. But, if you ever get a chance to take a class like this (or even the interpersonal communications class), I highly recommend it. They are both the type of class that make you think outside the box and learn about yourself. 

Hi everyone...I just have a favor to ask. If you take the time to read my blog, will you please let me know what you think? I am trying to improve my writing skills and would love constructive criticism. I have always enjoyed writing, and am wondering if there is a path I can go down and explore even more. I have been thinking of maybe trying to write a children's book. Bedtime with my son is one of my favorite moments of our day- because it is just the two of us. I love that he loves books and stories as much as I do. If I can hone my writing skills, I am wanting to expand on this time with him. So please, if you take the time to read this, let me know what you think of my blog. I appreciate it very much :) 
~Lindsey

While scanning Pinterest, I came across a list entitled " 15 Things A Mom Should Teach Her Boys", and it has my thinking. Before I say my thoughts, here is the list: 

 There are some key things your sons should know before they leave home. Here are my top 15.

1. The kitchen? Not just for girls. Learn to use a stove.

2. If a girl tries to change you she doesn’t really love you no matter how much you want her to.

3. Shower daily, keep your nails trim and use deodorant.

4. A dutch oven is never funny. EVER.

5. It is NEVER acceptable to break up with a girl over the phone.

6. Understand how to use basic tools.

7. When you ask a girl, “Is something wrong?” and she says, “No.” She’s lying.

8. The job of a stay-at-home mom is equally as hard as yours.

9. Table manners. Use them.

10. You will never know a stronger pull than that of your friends trying to get you to participate in their wrong doing. Resisting makes you a man. Succumbing makes you a coward.

11. NEVER use your fists to solve ANY dispute. One wrong punch could take a life and it could be yours.

12. Condoms will save your life.

13. Never use the word gay in a derogatory manner. It’s ignorant.

14. Sexting is a federal offense.

15. Real girls do not look like Victoria’s Secret models .

taken from:http://www.ooph.com/topics/health-image-behavior/653/15-things-boys-should-know-before-they-turn-18

Now, here are my two cents worth: I agree with EVERY SINGLE one of these. There are definitely a few more that I would add, and so my add ons are these:

16) Treat a woman the way you would want your mother or daughter to be treated. If you aren't thinking like this, there is someone else out there who is. 

17)Always think before you open your mouth. If you hesitate to say it, you probably shouldn't.

18) When you are arguing with someone you love- your mother, girlfriend, wife, sister, brother, dad- do not say anything mean you might regret later. Even though we may be tough on the outside, words still hurt. So use them wisely.

19) Spend time with the elderly- even if it's just your grandparents. Remember that an older generation has seen a lot more than you have, and can add some perspective. Besides, how cool is it to hear their life stories?!

20) 'For every action, there is a reaction.' Consequences. They are there. They happen. You have to live with them, and so do those who love you. Think twice before you do it. Period. 

21) The guys on Jackass aren't cool. They're idiots. Yea, it's all fun and games...Until someone gets hurt.

22) Respect. Yourself, others, elderly, girlfriends. Everyone.

23) Never give up on something you know you want. There will always be those who tell you that you aren't capable of it. Don't listen. Keep your head up, and keep reaching.

24) Learn to sew a button back on, or how to fix a split seam. 

25) Help. Around the house. At school. The less fortunate. Help. Volunteer. Be the person you would want your son or daughter to be proud to call you "Dad". 

I realize some of mine are kind of similar, but these are the 10 I would add to her list. These are things that I want T to grow up and do. This is the way that I want him to be. And, in order to get these results, we have to set the example. Lead by doing. 

 

So I haven't written since March. I have to admit, it has really been pulling on me to write at least something. So much so that I am beginning to think of maybe starting to write some kind of book- children's or some kind of fiction. I am trying to take my time and think of what the plot would be, and see where I get from there. I have always loved writing, and have always felt extremely passionate about it. It has always been an outlet for me, even if it is only in the form of a journal. It helps me think, collect my thoughts, and sort things out. As a bookworm, I love seeing where writing- my own or someone else's- can take me. 
That being said, I am open to any advice, criticism, etc that anyone has to offer. I am going to start blogging more on here and get the creative juices flowing, and write as much as I can about anything that I can. I hope you guys enjoy whatever lies ahead on this road, and please, if you want to leave feedback, don't hesitate.