The Football Player Controversy

In the United States there has been controversy over a football player who refused to stand during the national anthem.I get it if you don't agree with everything here in America, but our country is still an amazing place to live. I'm sure everyone has someone in their life that has made sacrifices for them. You need to think about the people fighting overseas and for what, people not respecting them, not standing to say I appreciate your sacrifices. Yes, you may not like this country, but there are people fighting for this country, there are people dying for this country! Sure, I may not agree with everything that has happened in the past but that doesn't mean that I'm going to depreciate those who served and what this nation and anthem stands for. I'm not saying that one person is right in this situation we've all had some race issues, I don't know a country that hasn't had problems. But I can say that the only way we can get through all this, is to be UNITED as one nation. Not some people sitting and choosing what battles to fight and which ones to sit out. Our soldiers are fighting for their lives and instead of being a good american and standing you sit. I am thankful for the food in my stomach and a roof over my head. We all have freedom to the right of speech, if you wanted to speak out about police brutality, go right ahead. But not standing for the national anthem is not going to stop bad things from happening. It is disrespectful to everyone who has worked to help save us from a terrible society. Yea our country may not be perfect, but I'm pretty sure you know dang well how bad others have it! So next time you think you are gonna insult us, don't do it from the United States, because that is a slap to the face for everyone who works hard to help this nation. This is the land of the FREE and home to those who are BRAVE enough to risk their lives for us. This is what an AMERICAN means and if you don't like that you can choose to go somewhere else!

I'm sorry if I come off a little harsh I'm just mad that instead of doing something to stop what is happening to police, blacks, whites, no matter the race, that you decide to disrespect not the people who are in the headlines, but all the people behind the scenes, the soldiers, the naval, people dying everyday so that you can say that you have the right to speech and opinion!

Just Keep Swimming

There are many different reasons why you get involved in something, whether it be a sport, a club, an organization, or others. There are even more reasons why you stay committed to something. Even if all of them may not be logical, like being forced to do it when you despise it with all of your being.
I started swim when I was little, and I can thank my grandma for being a part of something I am so dearly passionate about. No, it wasn't because she was a swimmer so it 'ran in the family', in fact it was quite the opposite. My grandma was terrified of bodies of water, and because of that my parents didn't want me and my siblings to be the same way. So, as I kid I was enrolled in swim lessons and the rule was we couldn't quit swim until 8th grade then they'd let us choose. I've come to realize, I don't know where I'd be if it weren't for swim. It is were I learned how to control my emotions, when I was angry I put that energy towards the swim. Some of the hardest moments of my life were put into each stroke, each breath, each flip turn. I swim, not because I want people to give me glory for it, not because I like beating people, not because I've got nothing better to do. I swim because it is a part of who I am, because no matter what happens in the real world, I can still control what happens in the water. When it comes down to it, it isn't about beating that girl who thinks she's better than you. It isn't about what place you got, or where you stand on the podium. When it comes down to it, it is between you and the pool. It's about beating your time so you can feel good that you have improved. That all your hard work paid off, the long practices, the sets you "tried" on. Carrying the thought that you can do anything you want no matter how terrible you think you seem to the others beside you. Because in the end, you are not going to remember what place you got or who you beat, you are going to remember what you did well and improved on. If you are doing something for the wrong reasons then what is the point? It isn't what other people are going to think they don't matter.What they say about you behind your back, when they try and make you think less of yourself so they can feel superior for one second. What matters is how you think of yourself, self confidence. I swim for the joy of doing something that I love, to honor my Grandma, to prove that I don't live in anyone's shadow. I swim because I want to wake up and look forward to every moment I get to spend in the chilling water, feeling the platform beneath your feet. And no matter what people think of me, I am no longer controlled by the words of others. And I may or may not beat them, but I refuse to join them; I will lift my head and Just Keep Swimming, because actions speak louder than words.

A Simple Thanks!

I find it amazing that not just people from my state, not just from my country, have read at least one of my posts. So shout out to all of you who are not from the USA! When I first started this blog I thought, 'Only about one person will read this', it is crazy to think I have people reading this, some who I don't even know. I appreciate everyone who takes time out of their busy schedule to read about different rants I do. So thank you to everyone who has, is, and will ever read any of my posts, it means a lot to me. And I will be doing a lot of new typings soon, I've just been super busy with swim, vacation, and figuring out some stuff in my life. I love you all so much, and can't wait to see what happens with this blog.

Goodbye Clover

A dog is like a best friend, you tell them everything, they comfort you, they don't even get mad if you talk to much. Some things in life are irreplaceable. Sure you can get a new pet, but it isn't the same. A pet is a lifelong friend, you grow up with it, you share secrets you never told anyone, memories only between the two of you. When a pet dies there is a hole in your life, a void unfillable by any other being. My dog Clover was no different, she was my best friend. I've known her my whole life and when you lose something like that it's the hardest thing you could ever encounter. When I was sad she would get up on my bed next to me and help me through it. This time, there will be no dog walking through my door to trick me into petting her. My parents took her to the vet this morning, and there she was put down. Watson, my other dog is as sad as I am over the loss of his buddy, but we will get through. Clover, you will be dearly missed, forever gone, but forever in my heart. I love you ole girl, Rest In Peace