I Mustache You A Question

I recently posed a question to my fellow female population on facebook. I asked,"Is it alright for guys to grow mustaches? Yes or No?" Not surprisingly, a lot of ladies said no way Jose! Some of the most popular answers included:

1)It reminds me of my father

2)no

3)multiple no's

4)staches=creepy

*I would like to put a disclaimer in that even though I feel some guys look handsome with mustaches, my vote is for the clean shaven. NOTHING is better than a boy with a freshly shaved face. Soft, handsome, and pleasant to kiss make my vote=clean shaven..*awww:)*

Due to the popularity of responses I decided to give everyone a play by play on how I analyze the [mustache].

1-I instantly judge the quality of the stache. Is it full and thick or does it look patchy and sickly? There are a few boys I've seen who can pass this first step of analysis however, when most of the guys I've seen try to grow a mustache it looks like this:

It seems to be the general consensus that if you can't grow a nice mustache, you probably shouldn't be growing one at all.

2-I then analyze how the guy looks with the mustache. Does the mustache fit him? Does it add to his being handsome? Is it such a beautiful piece of facial hair you think, "this really adds to his manscape?" I did a little research on google images and I found some pictures that I wanted to share. Some guys should just grow mustaches. end of story. e.g.,:

You have to admit, this man doesn't look half as scary without that creepy little stache perched on his upper lip. Hitler, probably should've never went stache-less. Although your actions made you a D.B., your hairless face makes you look like an even bigger D.B. This man was a comic pioneer and an icon we all know and love. However, I'll be the first to admit he looks way better with a mustache. This could possibly be because of the black and white films he was in and the mustache added contrast on the screen. Either way, Charlie gets a thumbs up for his stache.

3-Last, I ask myself, "Is that mustache B.A. and does it make the boy who is wearing it a B.A.?" Is the mustache unique? If so, does it fit the person who is wearing it and more importantly, can the person pull it off? This guy went on the mustache ledge=the 'old timey' in present day. This is very hard to pull off, but if done correctly and on the right guy, this mustache can look pretty B.A.

This guy took his manstache to a whole new level and committed a mustache mishap. Clearly, this man is not pulling off this dangerous piece of facial hair. Leave this for the sensei in Kill Bill vol. 2.

No matter the results of my rigorous testing procedures these guys can pull off the stache and do it damn well.Mark Spitz. Olympic swimmer extraordinaire! Yea, that thing probably caught drag, but it didn't matter because he was just that good. Mark Spitz I salute your stache.

Freddie Mercury, you handsome devil you, you had the voice of angel and you not only rock, but you rock the stache well my friend. Fred Mer, I salute your stache.
Well trimmed, full, and quite possibly one of the most sexiest men alive, Ronnie B knows how to grow a stache. For this, I salute you and your stache Ron Burgandy..Keep, classy you sexy best, keep it classy!

Ok, so here are my final thoughts about the [mustache].

1-It depends on the boy and his growing ability

2-It depends on your personal preference [do you like guys with mustaches]

3-Does the person matter more to you than the facial hair?

4-Mustaches do get better with age [someone made a good point about this]

5-Can you picture kissing the guy who has a mustache and or will it creep you out if you have to? [Like I said, one of the most popular answers was 'it reminds me of my father' coming from a home where my Dad had a mustache for the first 14 years of my life this might take a bit of getting used to]

*Girls, if your boyfriend or significant other decides to grow a mustache, remain calm and do not panic! Try to talk him down and if that doesn't work let him grow one because he means that much to you. It does need to be clarified upfront however, that if the mustache does look bad, that you have full teasing privileges until the said mustache is shaved or by some miracle grows in more.*

Well there you have it! The mustache do's and dont's! Mustache or not make sure the boy behind the facial hair is worth it. If he is, what's a little manscaping guidance going to hurt?

Has anything you've done made your life better?

You all know who she is right? Why this is a Fairy Godmother. The person or magical being that supposedly comes into your life and makes everything better with the wave of a wand. I don't know if there's an increase of wishful thinking or if facebook just makes that wishful thinking more viewable by the public, but it seems more and more these days people complain about their lives yet do nothing to make them better.

I don't think people understand that happiness isn't something everyone is given. It's not like when we're all born someone waves a wand over you and says, "Well you'll be granted with happiness for the rest of your life." No, that's not the way it works. YOU HAVE TO WORK TO BE HAPPY! Being happy, finding happiness, is a proactive task.

I understand everyone goes through trials and tribulations and that some times we need to vent but when I start to not care is when that's all you do. There is a quote from American History X that I love and it goes a little something like this:

"There was a moment, when I used to blame everything and everyone for all the pain and suffering and vile things that happened to me, that I saw happen to my people. Used to blame everybody. Blamed white people, blamed society, blamed God. I didn't get no answers 'cause I was asking the wrong questions. You have to ask the right questions.

Derek-Like what?

Sweeney-Has anything you've done made your life better?"

So now I ask you, if you're having a hard time and if life has dealt you a bad hand, what are you doing about it? Have you tried to get better? Have you tried to get happy? Or are you letting the negative events surrounding your life become the life you live? There is always one person you can ALWAYS depend on 100% in this life and that is [yourself]. Reaching goals, working hard, going to school or getting up and going to work every day, being a single parent, losing a loved one, going through a break-up, or losing a home etc. isn't always fun. Life isn't always going to be fun. It's how you react to situations that are beyond your control that define who you are. These things are black holes we get thrown down into and by not doing anything about it, by not at least TRYING to climb back out says to me that you're content living alone in the dark.

Anything and everything works when trying to get happy. Do what works best for you! BUT DO SOMETHING! For awhile you might feel your attempts are futile, might feel like it's not working, like it's not worth it but keep working and keep trying! I always live by the "fake it until you make it" policy and it hasn't steered me wrong yet. You try so hard to go out of your way to do nice things for yourself and do things to make yourself happy eventually you're going to forget you're trying at all and just accept it as the life you're leading.

It's almost the new year and unfortunately you aren't going to be visited by a fairy godmother on midnight who will make all your wishes come true. You will however, be visited by someone who can make all your wishes come true [and that is the brand new you]. This year make all your hopes, wishes, dreams, and desires come true. You can't think of a New Year's resolution? Here's one [be happy, WORK on being happy].

Here's a list of things I do to make myself happy:

1-Get out of the house (sitting around feeling sorry for yourself is probably the worst thing you could do to [you].

2-Put nice things on your bathroom mirror (so every morning or every time you use the restroom you can look at the mirror and be reminded of things you forget).

3-Thought of the Week (write a thought of the week and some main points to remember it e.g., this week you're going to do one nice thing for yourself a day and three reasons why that's a good idea. Hang this up and look at it every day).

4-Splurge. Some times we just need some comforting whether you're really girly and go out and buy clothes or like me and hit up Amigos and get a Velveeta Burger and fries do something that gives you a little bit of that guilty satisfaction.

5-Rely on friends (I'm not saying complain to them every day or every time you talk about the same thing-because they're going to get tired of that-I'm saying go out with your friends, invite friends over for dinner, invite them over for a movie, go play catch at the park-spend time with them).

6-Throw all your energy into something. Create goals for yourself. Don't have a job? Not going to school? No wonder you're in a rut all you have time to do is to sit around and think about why you're in that rut. Get busy and get motivated! Set goals for yourself because when you reach them it gives you all the confidence in the world! No one can give you that. Do something with your time and life.

7-Sing in the car or at your computer or in the shower or where ever you choose to (this may sound silly but it ALWAYS puts me in a better mood).

8-Before you go to bed at night say 5 things you're thankful for either out loud or in your head. When everything seems wrong it's important to remember what's going right.

9-Accept the bad events in your life for what they are and demystify them by trying to learn from them (I believe God does everything for a reason, we may not know why currently, but we can help ourselves and help his hard work along, by trying to learn the lessons he's teaching and do it better the next time).

10-The next time you go to complain about your life I want you to think of someone who is worse off (because remember, there is ALWAYS someone with darker battles than yourself and you should be thankful you have the problems you do have).

If I were a fairy godmother before I waved my wand, I'd make sure you were someone who deserved a little magic. If you've never done anything to help yourself, then why would you expect others to? (Something to think about).

Before I Die

I was pinteresting today (surprise surprise) haha and I kept seeing these "before I die" pictures. It really got me thinking about what I wanted to do before I do so here's my list.

1.Ok, so I'm starting my list off with something that's pretty cliche' BUT I'VE ALWAYSSSS wanted to do this! From about the time I was 8 until I was 16 years old I wanted to be a Marine Biologist and when I was getting numerous rejection letters from Grad Schools last year I looked up the requirements to be a dolphin trainer at Sea World. It's always been something I wanted to do and one day I hope I get the chance!:)

2.Ok, so thanks to The Notebook what girl doesn't want to do this? I'm a sucker for all things romantic. I am a hopeless romantic through and through and there is nothing I would love more than having such a special moment as this. So simple but so perfect. It'd be something I remembered for the rest of my life.

3.I can't wait until I have a nice income and I can do nice things for myself like travel! I've always wanted to go to Ireland! I want to witness the beautiful Irish landscapes, enjoy some great beer at a local pub, and stay at a quaint bed and breakfast! Look at that castle, absolutely gorgeous! Can't wait for this trip haha

4.Ok I'd just like to start out by saying that I promise I'm not materialistic haha. I'd much rather love the boy or person behind a piece of jewelery then care about the piece of jewelery itself but I love the whole romantic ambiance surrounding Tiffany & Co. I was enchanted from the moment I watched Breakfast at Tiffany's and just love the whole feeling their jewelry embodies. I have a fake Tiffany's heart necklace that I bought in China Town when I visited New York city when I was 17 and I love it. I look at it and pretend it's real hahah. Just the thrill and sheer excitement I'd have when someone place that beautiful little blue box in my hand would be something irreplaceable!

-my later in life bucket list

5.I am the biggest believer in true love out of anyone I know. I believe true love does exist and I believe in marriage and choosing to spend the rest of your life with someone. I know the day I get married will be one of the most beautiful days of my life. I don't know when I'll get married. It might be within the next ten years or maybe the next twenty, all I do know is that when those doors open and I see the love of my life standing at the alter my heart will have felt a joy it's never experienced. I hope he looks at me and thinks "how lucky am I to get to spend the rest of my life with her.." So wonderful to daydream about that moment. Plus when I get scared at night in my bed I plan my wedding HAHAH.

6.This is one of the moments in my life that I'm looking most forward to. My dad is my very best friend and one of the only people I've met on this Earth that understands me and all of my complexities. This will be such a special moment for me that I will carry in my heart forever and continue to carry even when I go to heaven. I can't wait to look my father in the eyes and tell him, "Dad, I know no one will ever love me as much as you do, but I want you to know today you are giving me away to a beautiful man who is everything I deserve."

7.Now, don't think I'm jumping the gun here...this is a long way off (sorry Mom-Lisa is baby CRAZY right now) haha but eventually I would like to be a mom. Being a mom I feel, is probably one of the greatest gifts I could ever experience in this life. My dad told me that everything changes, your whole world changes when you have children (and that you won't understand it until you do). I have never lived through an experience that has impacted my mind, body, and soul that much-getting to, would be such a special gift. I hope I'm a good mom and give my children parents like I had. They did so much for me, I have so much to continue to pass on. Being a mom, having a family, and a home will be the happiest days of my life.

Prince Charming

We all wait for him...we all dream about him...and most of the time we're just plumb disappointed that when a boy showed up [that he wasn't him]. I'm talking about Prince Charming. A lot of times girls complain about the type of boys they meet (and how most, aren't very good guys). Well, since I am also one of those girls (the ones that complain about the lack of decent men) I decided to give credit to a few boys I know who are my real life Prince Charmings. Some I know really well, some I've only just met, but they have impacted my life and shown me what a true life Prince really looks like.
The first boy on the list is my best friend Kyle. I met Kyle when I was five years old in Mrs. Allen's kindergarten class:). This boy was my Valentine every year from kindergarten until fifth grade! He would carry my punch for me, go out for birthday dinner to the Steak House with me (my parents told me I could invite one friend and I always chose Kyle), and helped me up after I drunk fell walking back to house on his 21st HAHAH. Note, I said his 21st not mine HAHAH. This boy has achieved so much in his short 22 years here on this Earth and is someone who is very driven. He will be a wonderful Physician's Assistant and I can't wait to witness what his bright future has in store for him. He pushes me to be a better person and student. He is someone I am very proud of! Prince #2 on the list is Kyle! Love you Kyle! You are such a great guy, don't ever forget it!
The next boy on our list is my best friend, and big brother, Andrew. I met Andrew my first year away from home and from that moment on (after he told me he liked my Led Zeppelin shirt) I knew we'd be great friends. He is marrying my best friend Jamie this summer and I cannot wait to witness their beautiful wedding. The dedication he has to her is something I want to hold out for when waiting for a relationship. He is always there for me to offer advice and remind me of what I deserve even when I can't see it myself. He has always stood up for me and he's great at guitar hero. My favorite parties are the ones I've been at with him and I miss him and Jamie very much. They were two of the best people and friends I ever made in college and he didn't even get mad at me when I barfed down the side of his new car on my 21st:) Love you Andrew! Here's to Margarita Madness, too much tequila, being hung over and eating at Chello's, and being a good friend to me! Thank you so much for everything! (flash-foward a few hours after this photo was taken and you get me barfing down the side of his new Durango:) hahah Prince Charming #3 is Andrew!
The next boy on the list is my best friend Kelly. I've been friends with Kelly for about a year now, and I think it's safe to say we'll be friends forever! He likes Star Wars, drove all the way to Kearney for my 22nd birthday party, and is someone who is always there for me. This boy has such a kind heart and is such a loyal friend to everyone in his life who calls him that. He is a hard worker and is always there when you need a good laugh (even if it's you laughing at him for burning his ass -literally burning his ass) HAHAHA-Kel, you should probably watch where you sit next time! Kelly has such an amazing soul and I know one day he'll make one girl very, very happy. If there is any guy I know that deserves to find an amazing, beautiful, girl..it's Kel. All of the good he's done will come back round to him and when he does find that special someone my heart will be overwhelmed with happiness for him! Thanks for everything you've done for me Kelly. Can't wait to see you over break, play some Star Wars in your new gaming chair, and shoot your Nerf gun:) Love you! Prince Charming #4 is Kelly!The next boys on my list are my boyfriends Reginald and Taylor. I met these boys this summer when I worked at the pool and even though I only got to spend a short three months with them, they filled my heart with enough happiness and memories to last me a lifetime! The night before I moved to Nebraska these boys took me outside and as I was standing on the front steps this is what they said to me:

"Katie we want you to know you are amazing and deserve the best boyfriend in the world. We want you to know until then, we will be here for you always. We want you to know that gay, witty, Taylor and straight hung like a horse Reggie (hahah I just took their word on this I don't actually know this hahah) combined, make you the perfect boyfriend. We got you these chocolates, this CRAZY STUPID LOVE poster, and this picture frame as a going away present. Reggie-we couldn't figure out how to print the picture off we wanted (something about the printer being broke) so we figured you could put a picture in here. Obviously your dream guy isn't very tech savvy hahah."

This will be a memory I carry with me always. These boys weren't actually my real boyfriends but I don't think I've ever had a boyfriend say something that special to me. It was just so caring and at a time I needed it most. I'm so excited to see what the future has in store for these boys because good things happen to good people [ and they are such great boys]. Thank you both for everything this summer. I love you two:) Prince Charming #5 and #6 on this list are Reginald and Taylor!
The last boy on my list is someone I've just met. His name is Gage. I met Gage (officially met him) on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Needless to say, despite my original plan, I had a little too much to drink. This boy helped me up after I fell while dancing (and continued to dance with me even after that) when most boys probably would've just walked away due to embarrassment. I had the pleasure of going to dinner and spending an evening with this boy and that night as I laid down to go to sleep I told myself, "Katie, even if you never get another chance to see this boy ever again....your faith has been renewed and at least you know that boys like that do exist in this world (and you should feel extremely lucky YOU got to be the girl to go to dinner with him). Gage is a hard worker, has a kind heart, and is a total gentleman. No matter how things end up, no matter if I never get another chance to go to dinner with him again, I feel blessed I got my one shot. I will always hold so much respect for him and the girl that ends up with him is one lucky bitch:) HAHAH Prince Charming #7 is Gage!:) (yeah, even through the mounds of liquor I some how didn't remember consuming that night--my smile was that big because even though intoxicated I could tell this one was a gem!)

Well there you have it! Here's to the boys that are our best friends, the boys that take us fishing and to the drive inn, the boys that are there when our hearts get broken, the boys that have light saber battles with us. Boys who bring us flowers on a date, the ones who open car doors, and the boys that exist in this world to remind us that they aren't all bad! I want to thank everyone on this list for some how being one of those things for me! I might complain about boys a lot but I also want you all to know that you are in a class all your own. Thanks for lighting that flame of hope for all of us girls who've forgotten what it's like to know boys like you!

-Katie

"Your face looks fine, but someone needs to put a bag over your personality."

Yes, this is an add for makeup but I think it supports a very valid message.

Pretty is only half of an equation. There was a quote I read today:
"Your face looks fine, but someone needs to put a bag over your personality."

Please, please be a good person. Not only to others but most importantly [to yourself]. Don't sell yourself short. Don't make decisions that lead to this. If you don't respect who you are then no one else will. Respecting yourself means many things:
Don't say bad things about yourself
Do things that make you happy
Put up nice pictures or quotes (beautiful things to wake up to)
Look in the mirror and say one nice thing about yourself every day

It is also important and so essential for the health and beauty of your soul to be a good person. Some things you can do to maximize this are:
Do nice things for others
Do one good deed a day (or at least try to especially if the opportunity presents itself)
and...
Go out of your way to make someone else's day

Boys might be attracted to your looks but it's going to be your personality that they fall in love with. People might judge you the first time they meet you, but it's after they get to know you, that makes them decide whether you're worth being some one's friend or not. In a society plagued by media it's easy to contend that looks are most important when really, it's the type of person you are that matters most (at least in my eyes).You could be the most beautiful woman in the world and the most cruel simultaneously. A pretty girl isn't that pretty once you discover how ugly her heart is.

I think kindness is something that is very underrated in today's age. Kindness is one of the best gifts you could give to someone, especially someone who hasn't had many favors. Put your pretty into action-be kind-be bold-do something special for someone -THAT makes you beautiful.

There have been times when I've questioned how pretty I was on the inside. Times when I felt quite ugly on the inside. No matter how hurt you are, how alone you feel, or how desperate you perceive yourself to be..NEVER, never lose sight of the person you want to be. Never lose sight of your beauty. Be the most beautiful you always. Bad times will come and go-but that will be something that will always remain.

To all the girls that rely solely on how they look on the outside I hope you realize we all turn forty. We all have looks that fade, and when I have a belly from baring children, wrinkles under my eyes and gray hair from those said children...I want to sit on a porch swing, drink sweet tea, look at my husband and know that he loves me with his entire heart versus sitting at a glass table in some legal office, signing divorce papers, looking at my husband thinking you found someone younger and prettier.

Lasting relationships, friendships, etc. last because people love the person you are. They love what you bring to the table. If you're just a pretty face missing the beautiful heart what's so special you're bringing to the table? Pretty faces are a dime a dozen originality is where it's at. How boring would it be to hang out with someone who was just good looking? Screw that. I want to laugh, I want to drink too much, I want to dance like a fool, and meet strangers. Not sit at a table and look pretty. It's overrated and boring.

Remember, be one OF a million not one IN a million. Don't just be pretty, be beautiful. When you have a kind heart, it shines through. Let your beauty be seen. Beautiful people with amazing souls don't go unnoticed for long. Make a difference no matter how small-----because beauty knows no limits.

The Great White Buffalo

I assume everyone knows what this term means but for those who don't I'm about to lay this out for you.

The term 'Great White Buffalo' refers to the ultimate being. The boy or girl you dream about, the one you create in your mind, the person you wish you could find but think only exists in your thoughts and prayers.

Whether or not you ever find this mystical being, I think it's important to have one. Not so that you hold on to unrealistic hopes and desires, but to hold on to the ones that are. As you get older there are certain things you look for in a partner. We grow up, our priorities change, and we discover what is important to us when looking for someone to enter into a serious relationship with. It is important to have a White Buffalo so that you are aware of important things-the big things that matter to you in a relationship (things you shouldn't have to sacrifice).

Will you ever find someone that exactly matches your ideal image of the 'White Buffalo'? Who knows, maybe you will, maybe you won't. The important thing is that you never forget what you deserve. That you never forget it even if you are lonely or sad.....or are doubting yourself. It is important YOU ALWAYS, ALWAYS remember what you deserve and never settle for any less.

If you have to break your rules for someone or if it feels wrong, chances are it is. It is hard being alone sometimes and feeling like you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders without anyone to just hold your hand, but struggling through that alone is better than being with someone who doesn't deserve you [every time].

There comes a time when you have to let go of the past and be strong for yourself (even though it might be hard), to receive the gifts of the present. By holding on to the farm cow that is your ex boyfriend or girlfriend you could be missing out on the god that is your future White Buffalo. Let us not forget there are several shades of white. Eggshell Buffalo....Ivory Buffalo...Antique White Buffalo...the list goes on and on. It might not be the perfect shade of white, but it just might be 'your' perfect shade of white.

Keep that heart strong, open, and determined. Never let it become a stranger and always know what it holds. Only then will you be reminded of and know what it deserves.

Higher Pleasures

John Stuart Mills' concept of Higher Pleasures was something I was introduced to my freshman year of college and for some reason it really stuck with me. I don't know if it's because I'm very mature for my age or often see things through a different set of eyes than most of my peers, either way, it made an impact and it's something I'd like everyone to think about.

"It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied. And if the fool, or the pig, are a different opinion, it is because they only know their own side of the question. The other party to the comparison knows both sides."

This quote says a lot to me. Above all, it speaks to the character of man. It emphasizes the importance of being knowledgeable about life, directly influencing your individual growth as a person. Some trials and tribulations are necessary to obtain higher pleasure. Getting to that point isn't always fun and it isn't always easy. Versus someone who never sets the bar high who is just reaping momentary pleasures. Yes, the latter is more gratifying presently, but it is the dissatisfied man who once satisfied can look back on his life knowing that times of unhappiness were essential to his higher pleasure, a happiness which the latter never reaches.

It is important that we not only take happiness away from momentary pleasures but work hard to gain the long term ones. Any person on this Earth could go out right now get drunk, have sex, do drugs, and feel instant gratification, but not every person in this world can say they've been proud of themselves, reached a goal, got an education, walked down the isle of a beautiful church toward someone they want to spend the rest of their lives with, or know the undying love that comes with having children. There comes a time when instant gratification can only provide so much happiness. Where as love, believing in yourself, and educating your mind knows no bounds. Can you say you are making decisions to lead the best life possible? A life full of endless gratification?

John Stuart Mills described Higher Pleasures as those pleasure that aren't measured by quantity but by quality. I'm not saying it's not ok to have both in your life but as the years tick by and as you grow old, I hope you can look back on your life and realize that you obtained higher pleasures-the things that make being a human worthwhile. If man only took pleasure in animalistic gratification then things like love and pride would not exist.

Intrinsic motivation is key to any respectable individual. Push yourself to be better, push yourself to want the 'better'.