Kill‘em with Kindness

The positives inside negativity are enlightening

Last week I went to the drive thru of a favorite coffee place of mine. It’s my usual coffee of choice and let’s just say if you know me you know what I like and where it is.

So there I was in the car minding my business and I made a decision that wasn’t necessarily the best for the parking lot “I suppose” but really it couldn’t be any worse than what the gum, gas or other toxic things that are left lying around; I dumped out my diet Dr. Pepper on the ground.

Now this isn’t where this ends. No see the vehicle behind me thought this was just the worst thing ever and they made it apparent. But what the driver didn’t realize was that I saw him say to his passenger, “Wow they just tossed out their drink.” Now I admit that is a bit far-fetched, but I’m telling you right now that is definitely what was said.

Seconds after that he rolled up his window and I could see in the rearview mirror the driver and the passenger laughing hysterically. This could’ve been for some other reason unrelated to his remark to my soda throw out, but it struck me in a way that “irked” me. I was overwhelmed with an urge to do something to “stick it” to him and say out of everyone in the world and everything that could happen you decide to judge my actions, fine!

So I killed him...with kindness. I know that probably had you thinking oh no she killed, but that wouldn’t get me very far and plus I sure wouldn’t be on my blog blasting about killing someone now would I. However, I did kill him with kindness. I pulled up the drive thru window and I asked the barista how much the next car's order was (comment guy behind me). She told me and I paid for it. Ha! Jokes on him and his passenger.

I don’t think they expected that after the negative things they said about me tossing out my soda. Of course if they were the right kind of people they were instanting regretting the things they said and felt remorse, however they could be those individuals who don’t and didn’t.

Nevertheless, I felt better doing the right thing and being the bigger person. I took those feelings of negativity and I turned them into a positive deed. Thank you mean guy and passenger for making me see things differently.

Blog by Melissa Chandler

Friendship

Found a friend in an unexpected place

Friends come in all shapes and sizes, and even ages. My recent friend came to me after starting a new job. I didn’t think he would become a friend, but he won over my heart with his charm and kind smile.

We spent hours together, and we didn’t say much, but it was still like we were just two friends hanging out. It wasn’t a job at all.

He doesn’t even like bothering me for anything. He says things like, “if you’re not busy” or “when you’re ready” or “no-rush.” This man is just the sweetest friend anyone could ask for.

He hardly ever asks anything of me. It’s like I’m being paid to hang out. I kept bothering him for something to do.

I still remember the first day that we went for our first walk outside together, and how nervous I was about it. But he trusted me, more than I trusted myself. At least one of us knew I could do it.

Got him into the wheelchair, wheeled him out the door and onto the front porch, and down the ramp. Now we had to get across the grass and gravel, that was another story. But he was trustworthy.

Finally we’re on the walk. He’s concerned about me. Wait, he’s concerned about me; that’s odd...I’m the one who’s working for him. Isn’t he just the sweetest? I think so.

After we get back from the walk he’s just elated. He even asks me to take him to the back side of the house to show me his roses and then the back yard to show me his yard and everything that he has worked so hard to do.

It’s these special moments that make our friendship so special to me.

People like him don’t come along everyday. Everyone needs to remember to cherish those moments no matter how small they may be or how big they could be; life is too short.

In the time that I have known him, I have gained a better understanding for the elderly. I know the struggles they have and that they deserve so much more. I’m forever grateful for the chats we’ve had.

Art thank you for being my friend.  

Blog by Melissa Chandler

Bernie Trumps Supporters

Sanders disappoints crowd expecting appearance

The Bernie Sanders rally in Salem, Ore. was a bust for several dozens of supporters this evening; myself included.

It was first rally and I was expecting to go into the Salem Armory Auditorium, sit down, and watch Sanders present his whole presidential campaign speech, but sadly I was mistaken. My initial reaction was disappointment and now I’m feeling trumped.

The doors opened at 4 p.m. and the line had already formed, and that meant you had to have been there for quite a while to get good seats. But nobody could’ve prepared me for the long weaving line and the wait. I arrived at 4:30 p.m. and waited in line until making it to the door at 6:15 p.m. That’s total of an hour and 45 minutes. For me that was too long. Who knows how long others had been actually waiting there.

Anyways, once making it to the door and inside people were rushing to the restrooms and to find seats. I had been waiting so long I had to rush to the restroom like everyone else. Then once out all the doors had been closed off to the auditorium. I had never been to a rally so I had no idea what was going on. So this lead me to ask and I foolishly trusted the people in suits.

I walked down the hall to the courtyard and was put out to pasture of sorts like a cow to graze. Literally that is what it looked like out there. And to make things worse is that nobody knew what what going on. Nobody had information, nobody was organizing the overflow of supporters, and there was a mass of confusion on the faces of several dozens.

Rumor has it that Sanders would make an appearance at some point, but when nobody knew for sure. Sanders supporters gathered in the courtyard awaiting his appearance not knowing if he’d speak to us before or after his main appearance inside the auditorium.

A news anchor from NBC KMTR Eugene, Ore., Anthony Kustura made a live stream to the studio regarding the crowd awaiting the arrival or appearance of Bernie. It was like he was trying to help set the spirit for the crowd. The supporters starting shouting Bernie and it made for great coverage I’m sure. Then it was a wrap for Kustura and he dipped away off into the building that Sanders happened to be using as a safety house. Coincidence, I think not.   

Then a guy can from behind the crowd with food from Jimmy Johns and went through the secret service area towards the secure area, so I initially thought Bernie must be hungry. Moments later I hear cheering and clapping from inside the auditorium; at which point I knew that Bernie was inside and he wasn’t going to make an appearance in the courtyard. We the supporters who were herded like cows were lied to.

As Sanders went on with his speech the doors were opened and the crowd rushed the doors to watch, but that left a limited amount of space for viewing. A lot of supporters left at this point. However, I stayed in hopes that just maybe he would come out afterwards to make an appearance.

After an hour long presidential campaign speech inside the auditorium an uproarious praise was heard while Sanders exited.

Everyone that was in the courtyard waited anxiously for the appearance of Bernie, but nothing. We kept seeing secret service men walk by, we say Bernie supporters who looked like they were with Bernie walk by, but no Bernie. Then off in the distance there was Sanders and secret service men escorting him.

The overflow crowd starting shouting for Bernie, and nothing. All the usual Bernie slogans and nothing. Everyone starting shouting we want to see Bernie. I was feeling burnt myself.

Next thing you know secret service men shut the doors and left. That’s odd, what about Bernie? Then I turned around the police were telling people to leave, but they could stay if they wanted to. Well that is odd, because we were told several times that Bernie was going to make an appearance, and now all of sudden he’s already left.

At this point I’m beyond anger, I’m full blown pissed. I cannot believe that someone who wants my support and the support of others they wouldn’t come make an appearance to the one’s who sat outside and were actually expecting you to show, and were told you would. What kind of people do you have working for you Bernie?!

Someone in the crowd had made an attempt to get some answers, but wasn’t getting anywhere; so as the big mouth I’m I decided to take it into my own hands and speak up. I couldn’t help myself anymore. I waited for hours to see this presidential candidate and this is the treatment I get? Are you really kidding me right now? There were people here who brought their kids, some who were younger than two years old to the rally and they didn’t even to see him. There were even kids who were seriously looking forward to getting pictures with Bernie and that didn’t happen.

How does he expect supporters to support when he can’t even support his supporters? Bernie can you answer that? I bet not, because the likelihood of this ever reaching you is slim. You have disappointed and from the sounds of it when I was leaving the rally several others too. I know that it may actually sway my vote as well.

This rally was the first and could very potentially be my last rally because the experience wasn’t at all what I was expecting. At this point I don’t think I even want to vote.

Blog by Melissa Chandler

Fly on the Wall

The walls hear everything, even when no one is there

I didn’t want to believe that my friends would actually talk behind my back. I ignored the signs and the warning that I received, and ultimately paid the price in a matter of words.

Without divulging the how, I found out that people nearest me were talking about me behind my back when I left the room. The things they said about me were cruel and hurtful. I couldn’t believe the things I was hearing.

It shocks me to think that people who I thought were suppose to be my friends actually aren’t my friends at all. After all the advice and conversations we’ve shared this is what they’ve chose to do to me. Way to burn a bridge people.

After all this talk about communication and being respectful, this is how things go. It’s almost as though what I said earlier didn’t matter. Now I know how my mother felt when she was talking to me and things went in one ear and out the other. I feel unheard and disrespected.

Now that this whole situation has come to light I can’t even do anything about it. The multiple individuals can’t even be confronted because they will only deny it or feel like it was an invasion or whatever. It’s ridiculous when you think about. But for some reason I had this suspension that “talk” was going to happen when I walked out. Called it!

I learned a valuable lesson today. Also that saying about friends close and your enemies closer. Maybe I’ll keep them close and then one day I’ll just crush them like the filthy creatures they truly are.

Talking behind someone’s back with others, especially in a position of power is inappropriate. So as of this point I’m beyond over this. I’ll sit here and play pretend for as long as I can take it and when my time comes they’ll know it.

Now for those of you thinking the wrong thing, no this isn’t one of those crazy posts, it’s just a vent outlet of sorts. But seriously, they will realize one day that they messed with the one bitch!

Blog by Melissa Chandler

Positively Delightful Words

Kind words shared for those in need

Using the restroom isn’t usually more than just a flush and wash experience. However, today was more than that at Oregon State University.

I didn’t expect to see any kind words when walking into the women’s restroom, but I was pleasantly surprised. Along the length of the mirror different colored sticky notes had kind words.

“You have the power to change your thoughts,” said anonymous.

Just those words were so powerful to me. It left me feeling happy and had me thinking positively the rest of the day.

“There is always someone to care and listen,” said UC Davis.

This is true. Someone, somewhere is there waiting to care and listen to you. You’re not alone and it’s nice to know that.

“Love yourself,” said anonymous.

It is very important to love yourself. First and foremost loving yourself is definitely important. If you can’t love yourself than how are you suppose to love others? The answer, you can’t.

Prior to seeing these kind words I felt overwhelmed and like the whole world was crushing me. I didn’t feel prepared to take on the world and whatever it threw at me. But after simple acts of kindness I see things a little differently.

Even if it was just for today, the words meant everything to me. It brightened my mood and inspired me. I think that more people should do this.

I’m forever thankful to the anonymous individual or individuals who participated in the kind words in the women’s restroom in Milam Hall at OSU. Thank you very much and I appreciate what you did.

Blog by Melissa Chandler