FML

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but do not quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow—
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor’s cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out—
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit—
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.

-"Don't Quit" (Anonymous)


FML. Billionth ticket of the year today... this one not for parking, but speeding. My first speeding ticket. Damn these stupid cops and small town in desperate need of revenue. They keep setting up ridiculous speed traps and just sitting and waiting for locals to get sick of abiding by the two foot stretch where the speed limit drops for no reason (by a good 15mph!) or tourists who don't know any better. I hate this crap. Just when I think I'm successfully juggling all the problems... I think you should be allowed to just announce that you have enough and people should have to leave you alone (or stop demanding to be houseguests or asking for favors).

Seriously, I just can't figure out how to say no anymore... how do you guys say no? Do you just say "NO" and don't give an excuse? Even when it's to friends? Seriously, I just can't participate in another ten hour thesis experiment for someone, go to a Mary Kay party, be an Avon demo, host a sleepover and 5 different houseguests in less than 3 days and not completely lose my mind... so who loses and how can I do it?