Real Talk: Higher Ground

When something bad happens, people can be quick to question why things went awry. Yet, man usually isn’t thankful for all the great things that come his or her way, each and every day. I sometimes question why I work as a GA when the money isn’t great, yet things could be much worse, I could be without a means to support myself. Oscar Wilde once said “The best way to appreciate your job is to imagine yourself without one.” I’m not going to write a thesis on appreciation, but there are definitely things that go unnoticed that shouldn’t.


Two hundred and forty days ago, I really had no gratitude for privacy. Living with two people who are two older generations (my father and grandmother,) things were usually quiet throughout the household. I knew that when I got home from work or school, I could relax without anyone bothering me. Certainly, I watched my grandmother and made certain she was always doing fine, but other than that, I had no issues with peace. However, a major project initiated by my father has totally eliminated most of the serenity I was afforded. Going into a major project such as completely remodeling a house, the household’s garage was transformed into a one room apartment. Space was tight for three people, but the project was only scheduled to take a few weeks. However, things ended up costing more than they should have and currently I am still residing in the apartment with my father, grandmother, and eleven year old dog. Social networks aside, my space has become our space, and peace and quiet has gone towards the wayside. All of our money, heart, and soul has gone into this project, and whatever tender that isn’t spent on bills, food, or other necessities is going towards the house. The project should be finished in a few weeks, and I can’t wait, none of us can. I can’t wait to have my own room, my own bed, and my own complete privacy.

While the KONY 2012 idea has become overinflated and obvious with ulterior motives, it did remind me of something. Even though I am stuck in a single room with a few others, there are many others who have much less to be happy about. More important than my own room, is the well-being of my family and myself. Food, water, health, and shelter are what most important. I have nothing to complain about and this endeavor has just made me more thankful for what I have, than wishful for that which I don’t have.

To a significantly less important degree, I used to be unappreciative of the forums I was a regular member of. Certainly, there are tons of forums scattered throughout the internet, but being the new kid on the block and building the foundation blocks for ‘friendships’ online take not only patience, but time. I learn new things about different members of the forum every day, and I’ve communicated with some of you for years. Other forums I used to go to, have closed down, so when it comes to chatter about wrestling, unless I want to get lost in the shuffle amongst an entirely new audience, this is my only option. While I have a majority of people I communicated with on social media outlets, it isn’t that same feel as a forum.

Unquestionably, everyone has struggles that are dealing with; on a personal level, I can’t wait to be done with graduate school. It could be work, relationships, school, or just life in general. These struggles build our character, and in the long run will make us better people. While it is important to not lose sight of that, it’s also important to not lose sight not of goals, but of what you have already accomplished.



Tonight’s top five highlights those individuals on the forum who are of great significance, yet are overshadowed by the forum’s turmoil. I feel that these members are definitely underappreciated.

5. Blue – This one is a bit obvious. Without him, the forum wouldn’t exist, since he created it. While, I always questioned Blue as a leader, there is no doubt that he doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Without Blue, there is no forum, without a forum, you wouldn’t be reading some Mexican’s random thoughts at this very moment.

4. Tank – For as long as I’ve been active on the forum, one mainstay has always been the unorthodox Tank. He was repping Minaj before I knew who she was, and more importantly before she really made it big. He adds some spice to the forum, in ways that only he knows. I can’t imagine this forum without him.

3. Keri – This intelligent young lady, has the unfortunate occupation of being on the staff. Yet, I have never seen Keri argue, insult, or complain about anything. Let me tell you, that’s not easy to do. Yet, for all her hard work, she is rarely recognized. Keri was an easy pick for this list.

2. Vixen – It takes a lot of time and effort to count to 27,621 times, and as of writing, that’s how many posts Vixen has. I can’t always say that I’ve seen eye to eye with her, but at an average of 25.34 posts a day and accounting for 9% of the forum’s total amount of posts, it’s easy to include Vixen under those who are underappreciated.

1. Mia – The first person who came to mind when I was thinking of underappreciated, was Mia. Before I was on staff, I used to think that she didn’t do much on the forum’s staff. However, once I had a taste of what it was like to be a staff member, I quickly realized how much Mia does. She does a ton, she just doesn’t brag about it. Having been here since the early days, Mia is definitely a crown jewel of the forum, yet can be overlooked because of her humility and grace.

Congrats everyone!
________

In a few weeks, this forum will probably continue the tradition of their annual Hall of Fame. Being on a forum’s hall of fame, should have some significance. However, not to discredit anyone’s induction, but it seems like everyone who has been a member for some period of time, is inducted. That is why I want to start my own form of recognition. While it may get drowned out by the Hall of Fame and the countless other awards given out on this forum, I can promise that I will try to maintain some sort of standing to this award.

Real Talk’s Distinction of Authenticity, is awarded to members of the forum who have a history of being true to themselves while being a positive aspect of the site. It is the exemplification of authenticity that is my main criteria for this award, and the second recipient of this award is:

Spoiler:

Last edition, saw Jennifer Love Hewitt decimate Lindsay Lohan in who will have a greater comeback. Tonight’s contest is a nice contrast to the theme of tonight’s Real Talk. There is no question that Kim Kardashian and Snooki are two of the most recognizable reality stars. While it is obvious that both are overvalued, which of the two is more overrated? Vote now!

Which reality star is more overrated?
	Kimberly "Kim" Kardashian
	Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi
pollcode.com free polls

While I’m the furthest thing from an environmentalist, I can’t help but think green today since it is Saint Patrick’s Day! Although I highly doubt any Irish folk celebrate Cinco de Mayo, I’ll celebrate Patti’s day with this girl in green. This edition's Special Attraction is current NXT standout, Maxine! (Note: HQ pictures in spoilers.)

Spoiler:

I tried to cut down on the word count this week, hope you like it NCD. I always enjoy writing RT, and I was honored by the positive reception that Triple X garnered. While this won’t be the last edition of Real Talk, I can’t promise when the next one will be posted. I had plenty of free time to write this week during Spring Break, but with the second half of my semester coming up, I may not have time to write recreationally in the near future. You never know though. Thanks for reading, and please leave feedback and/or recommendations for future conversation pieces, attractions, or ideas.

This was my favorite Real Talk for some strange reason. Great Read!

I'm glad you enjoyed it Tank.

It was a nice read.....even while multi tasking.....but could have done...without Maxine lol

Thanks Mia. I didn't know you actually read RT. I'm honored.

Definitely made me think about how ungrateful I am about everything I have.

Thank you for the great read.
Congratulations Dead on the DoA!

I think for some, along with aging a maturing, comes the appreciation of the simpler things.

Cerebral Ass-assin wrote:

I think for some, along with aging a maturing, comes the appreciation of the simpler things.

I agree completely with your theory, and I think there is proof when it comes to lotto winners. In some cases, the money just ruins them and they end up broke and more miserable than they were before they won.

That's not to say that I wouldn't take my chances with a lottery win, though.

Also, thanks Hailey, I appreciate you taking time to read RT. You need to bring back newsies asap!

dont hate on Maxine <333333

nice job Serial.

Thank you Vix.

Also, I'd like a moment of remembrance for the Original Gangsta (O.G.) Convention. It went out in true O.G. fashion, with a box.

Hailey wrote:

Definitely made me think about how ungrateful I am about everything I have.

Thank you for the great read.
Congratulations Dead on the DoA!

thanks xD

Nice Article but I think you need to work on presentation more.But your getting there

DL, I value your opinion, so can you go into further detail please?

It's like reading a book sometimes a BIG book theres too many big words in there I don't understand.The opening video and pictures are a nice touch but there could be more.

TheMotto wrote:

It's like reading a book sometimes a BIG book theres too many big words in there I don't understand.The opening video and pictures are a nice touch but there could be more.

Well the audience that reads RT isn't exactly second graders. This site is filled with adults, at least age wise, lol.

More as in what? I don't want to overwhelm RT with bells and whistles. Sometimes less = more.

Serial im young and stupid and these words you put in here i just never heard of them tell now,and just a few more pics is ok.More=Better

If more people feel that way, then I'll definitely change it up.

However, you are the first to complain about vocabulary or lack of photos.

Because I speak my mind to you I feel like if there's something wrong here then I'm gonna point it out to you and tell you not just ignore it.

TheMotto wrote:

Because I speak my mind to you I feel like if there's something wrong here then I'm gonna point it out to you and tell you not just ignore it.

I'm appreciative that you are honest and upfront with me (I wish more ppl were like that with me .) I'll definitely take your suggestions into consideration, but would feel more strongly about your ideas if other readers had the same gripes.

Good read like always like your writing.

My two cents:

If I want to look at pictures of whomever or whatever, I'll just go to google images. The lack of photos in RT isn't a deal breaker in the least.

As for big words, look 'em up! That is how I've built up my vocabulary over the last several years. Whenever I'm reading and come across a word I can't pronounce or am not sure what it's definition is... I check out thefreedictionary.com.

I would only suggest shortening RT.

Cerebral Ass-assin wrote:

I would only suggest shortening RT.

That's because you are allergic to reading Long Posts :P

I guess the next Real Talk's theme could be "Dumb It Down" by Lupe fiasco lol. I've honestly never had any problems with the articles, though I do believe they could use more me, but then again I think everything could use more me, because I'm the shit.

Emily Thorne's Apprentice wrote:

Cerebral Ass-assin wrote:

I would only suggest shortening RT.

That's because you are allergic to reading Long Posts :P

What's interesting is if it's a sex story, I'll read it. Sex truly does sell!

Well there's already a Real Sex, so I can't really going into that business.

Also, @ Tank. That's fantastic.

Sorry to bump, but this is relevant, especially to current and future DoA recipients. In the official DoA: Class of 2012 thread that will be made in the future, I'm thinking of including one of these for each inductee.



Obviously this is just a sample, and I will not be inducting myself. Do you guys hate it or love it? Is it too wordy? Is the contrast ok?

Also: someone please break the Kim/Snooki tie!

too wordy..otherwise it looks fine to me

Kim. Fucking hat America's love affair with that piece of shit (Snooki too, but I HATE being told Kim is the greatest specimen on the planet.)

Oh, and the only thing I dislike is how 2012 hovers over Real.

She'd be pretty hot if she didn't open her mouth (well didn't open it 98% of the time .)

[quote="Serial"]Sorry to bump, but this is relevant, especially to current and future DoA recipients. In the official DoA: Class of 2012 thread that will be made in the future, I'm thinking of including one of these for each inductee.

[img]https://2img.net/h/i101.photobucket.com/albums/m56/jeremysirio/38f780b5.png[/img]

Obviously this is just a sample, and I will not be inducting myself. Do you guys hate it or love it? Is it too wordy? Is the contrast ok?

Also: someone please break the Kim/Snooki tie![/quote]

It's perfect bro! I'd vote but it's not showing the poll.

^
There wasn't a poll set up.

yeah i got confused..i was looking for a poll after mkgt said it. lol