Eat, Pray, Love

I just finished the book Eat, Pray, Love. I read it partially because it was suggested by multiple people and also because well, it is a movie with Julia Roberts coming out soon (and we all know now how curious I am about the book to movie translation). I recommend reading this book, especially if you have ever been through something hard and come out on the other side. Instead of writing a review of sorts I decided to show you my favorite quotations, those that really struck a chord with me and made me think. I figured you could then comment to give me your thoughts on them....something definitely different... but worth a try.

Quotation 1: "People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that's what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life. A true soul mate is probably the most important person you'll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah. Too painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then leave. A soul mates purpose is to shake you up, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light can get in, make you so desperate and out of control that you have to transform your life"

Quotation 2: " The search for contentment is, therefore, not merely a self-perserving and self-benefiting act, but also a generous gift to the world. Clearing out all your misery gets you out of the way. You cease being an obstacle, not only to yourself but to anyone else. Only then are you free to serve and enjoy other people."

Quotation 3: "In the end, though, maybe we must all give up trying to pay back the people in this world who sustain our lives. In the end, maybe it's wiser to surrender before the miraculous scope of human generosity and to just keep saying thank you, forever and sincerely, for as long as we have voices"

To the ones that deserve this ultimate and permanent gratitude from me (you know who you are)...I try to tell you as often as I can and will continue to do so...I thank you beyond expressible words. You make my life.

On a more random, less serious note, since when did Miss America air on TLC (a sad sign of the evolution of its' role in society, I suppose) and how long have the Grammys been basically a giant concert?!? I spent some of the weekend catching both of these on TV and was intrigued with what I discovered. Miss America was extremely BORING. For example, why do they all have to sing or dance for talents when they could be using flaming batons...I mean, HELLO, it helped Miss Rhode Island win in "Miss Congeniality". Also, even with practicing and preparing answers only 2 out of the final 7 could intelligently respond to the final round interview questions. I think I actually laughed out loud at the other five women's responses. Scholarship competition..... Yeh...keep telling yourself that.

When it comes to the Grammys I had two major qualms, even though I had to go to sleep before they were over (seriously... they were SO LONG). First of all, where were all the awards??! I think they only gave out like four of them on TV (which for some reason had to include best comedy album) and the rest were given out secretly beforehand. They kept mentioning the results of these awards when introducing the performers or presenters and I had no idea any of these awards even existed. LAME. ITS AN AWARD SHOW. GIVE OUT THE AWARDS. I am not going to lie, I do like the performances (GaGa with Elton, Beyonce singing Alanis Morissette "You Outta Know", and Lady Antebellum were probably my favorites) but it dragged on after a while. I kept thinking JUST GET to the point ALREADY. Perhaps next year they could cut out performances that suck live...cough cough anything with auto tuning. Secondly, and don't think I'm blasphemous for saying this, I hated the 3D tribute to Michael Jackson. Yes, it has been 7 months since he died (I'm just quoting his kids) and that alone makes this one of the most dragged out memorials ever, but that was not even my biggest issue. Without 3D glasses, this whole performance was a hot mess. I was dizzy, I couldn't stare at the TV, and to be honest, I was pissed because I just wanted to watch Carrie Underwood. Unless you send me 3D glasses in the mail, don't go screwing with my television. I felt like Alice in Wonderland and not in a good way.

In the end, I do want to thank the Grammys for finally LOVING country music. Yes, not only did Taylor win the nights biggest award, but Zac Brown won, and if you throw in Kings of Leon because they are from Nashville, well, I guess the world's gone country. I am really glad everyone else is finally catching on.