Maeby Today

I’ve been having a lot of trouble with my thoughts lately. I will write up a post because I’m so over-charged about this or that, then I’ll decide not to share it because I get sheepish about what I’ve written or why I was so passionate. I won’t allow myself to back out of it this time, though.

I got pretty fired up the other day over Benjamin Cook’s most recent episode of Becoming Youtube. He discussed girls on Youtube and why male vloggers are more popular or how they achieve “internet fame” more easily. He was attacked in the comments by female viewers who thought his episode was ‘patronizing’ or thought he, personally, was a misogynist. It seemed to go completely over their heads that Ben is making a documentary and that the views discussed weren’t necessarily his own. He questioned people and he discussed the reality of the situation. I think he did a very good job of it, personally. I defended him in the comment section for a while but eventually did realize that I was fighting a battle that wasn’t going to be won. For a lot of reasons. I went to write a blog about it, outlining my frustrations with the commenters, only to then delete it because it was really just silly. 

A lot of people had been recommending that I listen to Thrift Shop (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis), probably due to the fact that I love shopping at thrift stores (or any second hand consignment shops) or just because they thought I would appreciate the humor. I kept forgetting to give it a listen but finally got around to it the other day. I listened to it for about three hours on repeat because it really was good. Then I started looking up more music from Macklemore. He actually has a lot of really worthy tunes, most more worthy than the hit that got him on the map worldwide. Macklemore usually has a pretty great message to his music, as well. For one thing, he doesn’t promote sex, drugs or alcohol like most rappers. He has a song that talks about consumerism from a young age and another that hits on how people think famous people do drugs in order to be creative but really, drugs destroy people. When his song (‘Wings’) was chosen for the NBA All-Star games, he caught a lot of criticism for allowing his song about consumerism to be used. He actually addressed this in the most articulate way and this alone just made me respect him so much more. I think you should definitely check him out. I’m not really a fan of the genre of music but he’s made me into a fan of his music and the messages he delivers to his listeners.

On the home front, I’ve been doing a lot of work for my dad. He has finally started a non-profit organization called Jesus Alone Ministries, where he can teach through Youtube videos. He’s just getting started but I think things are going really well thus far. I’ve set him up a youtube channel, a twitter and a Facebook page to begin and he has already put out several videos. We are working on building a website and designing business cards right now. My dad is a Bishop, ordained in the Church of God. He pastored a church for fifteen years and still teaches and preaches revivals. He’s been saying he feels he’s being led to reach out to people where they need it but wasn’t sure how to go about it, so I pushed him to get online and I feel like this is such a great thing. If you guys would like the Facebook page and check out the videos, I would really appreciate the support. I also really support this ministry. I feel like lives can be touched and people can be moved if only they will hit play and open their hearts. So, please spread the word about this, everyone. Really.

On an even more personal note, I was just hired to work somewhere I really love to go. It’s part time, minimum wage… but it’s a starting point. I thought if I got a job working somewhere that I love to be, it would be a nice experience. I’ll be looking for other employment in the meantime, because I do have to raise a lot of money to be able to do the volunteer program I have my heart set on for 2014. I have received a grand total of absolutely zero pledges, so I need the money! I don’t really know how to encourage people to donate. If anyone feels led to do so, the link is right there. 

There have been some complications regarding the retrieval of my vehicle, which is still in Virginia while I am in Michigan. So much stress involved, due to the people I’ve had to contact regarding it. I know it will all sort itself out in due time. I have until April 7th to retrieve it and I know it will be done. It’s just stressful at the moment. 

I have been doing a lot of brainstorming about revamping my Youtube channel, which I abandoned due to the turmoil I was facing in my personal life. I want to bring it back but in a totally new way. Look forward to that! I’ll let you know when I get on my feet again. In the meantime, if anyone has any suggestions of what you might want to see me do, let me know!

I’ve been doing great health-wise. I’m following a terrific meal plan–it isn’t a diet. It’s a lifestyle change that I have made, which has taught me how to eat the proper food groups and portions–and I’ve been exercising six days each week. The weight has been coming off, though I prefer not to share the details in full. I’m thinking of joining a zumba class. I just need to make sure I’ll be able to get there in time after work.

So, a lot of good things happening! I’ll be updating you more faithfully. I really apologize for leaving you hanging for so long! Also, for anyone interested, my twitter is here.