Christmas (is the time)

Welcome everyone, to The View from the Sun, I am as always, your host, Erik Abbey. Today being December 23, I'd like to take a moment of your time to explain to you what Christmas means to me. First and foremost, yes, regardless of my personal beliefs and religion, it is, was and always will be, Christmas! No "happy holidays" for me, however if you are of a different religion, please, feel free to wish me a merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, merry Kwanzaa, whatever you might be celebrating, I promise to not get offended. That being said, it's time. Close your eyes, and dream of sugar plums dancing in your head. Wake up to the bright sun because this is The View from the Sun, and it's a Merry Christmas-y kind of day.

Christmas, to me, is one of the very few times throughout the year, where I believe that magic can exist. I love the wonderful music, (even if I have heard that particular version of "White Christmas" a hundred times today), I love the food, snacks and treats(a little more than I probably should), but the thing I love the most, is getting to spend time with my friends and family. Reminiscing about years past, and thinking of the future Christmas celebrations. Looking forward to the brand new year.

Some Christmas's seem more special than others. I don't know why, it just happens. I'll never forget the times when I was a youngster, and we'd spend Christmas eve at my grandmothers, celebrating the birth of Christ, and then we'd go over the next day, after going up to my Grandma and Grandpa's, and open gifts and have dinner. Spending time with my cousins, aunts and uncles, and my Grandmother especially, was fantastic. Looking back on those times, I feel like I took it all for granted. I thought that all the good times would last, that we'd all stay a tight knit family. Things and people change, but my memory stays the same.

To me, there is nothing more magical than a white Christmas. This year, we might have one, but it doesn't look like it's a definite. I'm hoping for it. I don't think a Christmas celebration can be considered complete without the Christmas classic clay-mation, stop-motion, corny ass specials. Rudolph, Frosty, Santa Claus is coming to town, and the newer, supposed classics, like Polar Express, and Elf. I love reliving the days of my youth. I remember setting up our family Christmas tree while watching Rudolph or Frosty. I hope that those shows never die, and are considered proper Christmas traditions for many, many years.

There is no doubt that, after my own birthday, Christmas is my favorite holiday, followed closely by Halloween (weird, right?). It's not a secret, I love the feeling of togetherness that most people get during Christmas, and I don't even love the presents like I once did. I can't say that I don't like them, but as a youth, they seem much more important than they do as an adult. I'm proud of that. I don't want to be a materialistic person.

I sincerely hope that all who read my blogs and even those who don't, have a Merry Christmas, and if that isn't your thing, a Happy Hanukkah, or a Merry Kwanzaa if that's what you celebrate, and of course a HAPPY NEW YEAR! It's that time again to sign off. Two blogs in less than a week? Is there something wrong with me? Nah, just trying to be productive and such with my writing. I hope that you enjoyed my take on Christmas, and I thank you for reading my little blog, here in my little corner of the internet. I hope you'll join me again in the very near future. Remember to stay sunny, my friends. The future is bright, if you make it so.

If I could write a letter to me

Welcome one and all, to the view from the Sun I am, as always, your host Eros Helios. Procrastination is a hell of a drug. I've been meaning to write this blog for the last two weeks, and I just now, finally got around to writing it. Yes, procrastination is a habit that I wish I did not have. So, without further ado, I bring to you, the view from the Sun!

A number of years ago, Brad Paisley sang a song about writing a letter to his younger self. Upon thinking about it, I wonder what I would say to myself, if given the opportunity, in a letter. How would I prove it was me? How would I convince my younger self that it was imperative to listen to me?

If I could write a letter to me, and send it to myself at 14, I'd prove it's me by saying, only things that I would know at that age. I'd tell myself not to worry, that things can get better if you try. Health isn't anything to mess around with, focus on you and let the rest fall in line.

Don't quit school, don't fall in with the wrong people. Those that say they're your friends may not be so sincere. Someday, one in particular will come back to haunt you.

Don't forget to tell your family the truth. How much you love them, protect Michael and Shirley, but give them space. Don't forget about Grandma, spend as much time as you can with her.

Believe in yourself, and the world shall move for you. Don't let the doubts creep in and destroy your dreams. Don't fall for the wrong girl just because she's the first one to show you some affection. She's bad for you, like a poison.

Focus on learning as much as you can.

Learn as much as you can, learn as many languages as possible. Don't forget to be yourself. Don't let anyone change you. Make up your own mind, one belief isn't better than the other.

Above all else, be true to you, and remember, you can do great things if only you believe in yourself. It doesn't matter how many people believe in you, if you don't you won't succeed.

The best thing about this, is it's pertinent to me even now. I know some things are beyond my control, I can't get back the days I missed out on with my grandma, and I can't take back marrying the wrong girl, but everything else is as applicable, if not more so than if I were able to send this letter to a fourteen year old me.

Well, that about does it for me, however, I'd like to do my best and after the holidays, start either bi-weekly or weekly writing. Some of it may be good, some iffy, and some of it bad, but hey, it could be worse. Thanks for reading, and as always, enjoy the view, and stay sunny.

30 years, 30 things I'm thankful for

en a long, long time since I've written a note on Facebook rather than a blog on Blogger. Today is Thanksgiving day, 2013 and I thought that I would write a note recounting the 30 things I'm thankful for, representing one thing per year of my life. So, without further ado, I bring to you 30 years, 30 things I'm thankful for. 

30. Electricity, without which I wouldn't be able to compose this note.

29. My favorite Television shows, providing me with background noise to do many other things.

28. Facebook. Even with all the drama, it's still a nice way to connect with old friends, and new ones.

27. The past, for without it, I wouldn't be the person I am now.

26. The present, for without it, I wouldn't know where I want to take my life.

25. Android. 'nuff said.

24. The fact that I have an open mind.

23. The ability to choose what I want to do with my life.

22. Dental hygiene. Without it, I'd probably have a lot less friends.

21. Alcohol. In moderation, a great way to enjoy ones self. If you so choose to.

20. Football! 

19. Nature. It's beauty never ceases to amaze me. 

18. The ability to vote for the right people to be in office. It doesn't always work, but at least I can vote.

17. The freedom that driving affords me. 

16. I'm thankful for my warm and nurturing home.

15. I'm thankful that I have the ability to learn new things, even now. 

14. I'm thankful for video games. 

13. I'm thankful for Wrestling. 

12. I'm thankful that I can change.

11. The New York Yankees!

10. I'm thankful for The The Doctor.

09. I'm thankful for my animals. My animals are part of my family, and they comfort me when needed and are always there.

08. I'm thankful for Tim Horton's coffee. Discovered in 2005, haven't stopped going since. 

07. Photography. One of the few things that I am truly, wholly passionate about.

06. The fairer sex. My life would literally both mean nothing and not exist without you.

05.LIFE & Science. Through which we learn what we are really all about.

04. Friends. New ones, old ones, good ones, bad ones.

03. My Family. Without your support, I might never have realized what I can be.

02. Me. I'm thankful for being me, and not giving up on myself, my goals, and realizing that no matter how dark the night, all one has to do is remember to turn on the light.

01. The men and women including my Uncle, who sacrifice much of their time, their families, and even their own lives to ensure the freedom and safety that we all enjoy. Thank you, to the men and women of the United States Military. Thank you for keeping us all safe and free so we can all realize the potential within. 

     I hope you enjoyed reading what I was thankful for on this, and everyday I'm alive. I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving day, and don't get too crazy with the shopping. I'd like to hear what you are thankful for. 

Until next time, stay warm and shiny.

5 Things you probably don't know about me, but now you do.

     5 things you don't know about me. Like my status and I will give you a number. Ok, so I was given a number and instead of just writing a status, I decided to take it a step or two further and write a blog. Without further ado, I bring to you, 5 things you don't know about me. 

     Number 5.
I love Christmas, everyone probably knows that. The reason that I love it so, is because it's the only time of year that I remember really and truly believing that magical things could happen to me. Of course, then I grew up and realized that magical things would never happen to me, because I'm not "perfect" enough for you people.

     Number 4.
I love to do yoga. Not regular yoga, but DDP Yoga, which is a bit more strenuous than just straight up stretching.

     Number 3.
I often feel as though I'm just kept around so people have someone to talk to about their problems. Sometimes I feel like very few people actually value my friendship, and sometimes I feel like I'm not a very good friend.

     Number 2.
I sometimes think about what my life would be like if science were advanced enough to actually achieve the extraordinary things that science fiction depict.

     Number 1.
When I die, I want to live among the stars, from which I came.

5 things that you probably don't know, and now you do.

Replaceable

     Good morning, and welcome to the show.  This was supposed to be a different post, but I'm going to save that for a different time.

     Do you ever feel like you don't connect with people? Part of me feels like I'm not fully accepted, like I'm only partially needed in others' lives. Like I'm only partially included in their lives,  and so I draw back because I'm not giving 100% of me, regardless of the relationship, when there are secrets, half truths and the like. 

     My day is full of acquaintances and people who couldn't give a shit if my life ended, if you are one of those, please find the door and close it. I don't need you, I don't want you in my life. I don't need to feel as though I am replaceable, because I'm so much more than that.

     I know this is a short one, but I will be back with a better post, very soon.  Updates and news and maybe some reviews. Until then, stay hot and may the Sun's light shine upon you.

    

Everyday is day one

     Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of various ages, welcome to the sun, let's look at the view. Not the view that stars some ladies sitting around a table telling America all the celeb gossip, but the view from the Sun, shall we get through it, yes let's do it!

     So, I've decided that I need to keep a caloric content journal. My problem is that I start writing out the stuff I eat, and next thing I know, I forget to write something down, or I eat something that I forget about and it just goes off track. I need to discipline myself much stricter than I have been.

     Beginnings are hard. Probably the most difficult things in the world. You have to let go of the past, and walk in to something that isn't certain, the future. I'm in the stages of new beginnings, I've been the same, stagnant person for the past decade. I need a new path, a journey that I craft and decide, not one that is decided for me. I'm torn between two things that I love, psychology and technology. I love them equally, and I'm having the hardest time deciding between the two.

    For me, every day has to be day one. No matter how long I'm at it, everyday must be day one, so that keep the determination of day one, because in the end, it is only you versus you. Comparing yourself to anyone else is futile, and if you do, you've already lost.

     I want to find healthy, delicious recipes that are affordable to make. I can't spend a lot on groceries because I don't have a lot of money right now. I am searching for a diet/exercise regimen that works for me. Something that I can afford and be able to stick to. Something that will push me to the limit, but not kill me and make me want to give up. 

     I guess I'm searching for my soul, my life, my future. It's a difficult search, and in my search, I guess it's the journey that we must cherish, not just the destination. The love and support of my friends and family is what will help me to push my self to succeed. 

     Welcome to the journey, I hope you enjoy the ride as much as I will. We only get one life, and I defy anyone to tell me that they will be entitled to anything once we are all in the ground. Life is a journey that only happens once, lets rock it!

Rude awakening

     Hello readers, and welcome once again to the view from the sun. I am your host as always, the charming Eros Helios. Today is day 2 on my long journey and, man did it come with a rude awakening when it comes to my diet.

     I like coffee. Anyone who knows me, knows this to be true. My local coffee joint is Tim Horton's, and as I do on most days, I went to buy myself coffee. Well, I didn't just get coffee, I also got oatmeal and a muffin. I should have just stuck with the coffee, and maybe the oatmeal, because the muffin has 400 calories, and then I look at the coffee, it has 440 calories in it. I know, sugar is not good for me, but it's a habitual kinda thing, and I like my coffee to be sweet-ish. Then I looked at the cream, and the cream has 300 calories for an extra large.

     With all that in mind, it looks like I'm going to have to either cut down on my coffee, cut down on cream and sugar or find lower calorie, non artificial sweetener, natural sweetener. It's just one thing that I'm going to have to change, but in the end it will be worth it. I suppose that coffee wasn't meant to be guzzled by the gallon anyway (hyperbole, I don't actually drink it by the gallon), but to be sipped and enjoyed slowly, just as life is meant to be.

     I'm thinking that I might write more than one of these blogs a day, because if I write one in the morning, well, you miss out on the rest of the day. Who knows. The road may be long and winding, but ultimately, it's going to be enjoyable.

     Thanks for checking me out, til next time, stay sunny!