Let Her Cry

Don't ever, for any reason, cry yourself to sleep. Whether you had a bad day, or are just so thankful for life, itself, just don't do it. You wake up needing 3 monsters, a redbull, and all the mountain dew that's left in the fountain machine. Because you're just so exhausted.

Alright speaking from experience, just don't do it.

But every now and then let a good cry out. You need to have one of those. Gonna spill the beans a little, MelFlo does cry. I FREAKING KNOW, WHAT A SHOCKER. I don't wear my heart on my sleeve, I like to shove all my emotions down inside until I explode and binge watch something on Netflix, call into work sick, and eat all of the Salt Water Taffy in town. But today was different. I went to bed last night, bawling my eyes out. 

I hit my knees and prayed until I fell asleep. I haven't gotten down on my knees and had a good chat with the Man upstairs for quite some time. I just had to thank him for watching out for Zach in Ghana for 2 years. For keeping me safe through all my Jeeping shenanigans. For tossing a few new good people into my life. For blessing me with two new Nephew(s)-I'm calling it now, Tia's having a boy. For just keeping me going.cause he knows how much I've wanted to throw in the towel. I just can't believe how blessed I am in this life, sure things come up and happen but overall I'm so much better than I was even a year ago.

A year ago, I was sitting at a job I didn't necessarily hate, but I knew it wasn't what I wanted to do.

A year ago, I was wondering what this life was all about. Why it felt like the Good Lord didn't ever want me to be with anyone but myself.

A year ago, I was content with being Aunt Mel. And just that.

A lot changes in a year. From roommates, to towns, to jobs, school, whatever.... a lot changes. And as much as you don't think it does, it changes a person.

FAST FORWARD TO TODAY

I'm sitting at a job that sure as hell challenges me and pushes me to be better.

I'm still wondering what this life is all about, but I feel better with asking. Instead of asking "why" its more of a thankful to be here attitude. I still have to ask the Good Lord from time to time a few questions, like what I did to deserve the life I have. To be surrounded by people who are just amazing. To be blessed with the most selfless person I've ever come across. To be blessed with someone who has an old soul like me, who just gets me. 

And I'm still content with being Aunt Mel, but I'm content with whatever else may come my way.

It's crazy how many things change. It's just crazy. I'm not your ideal Christian, but for some reason I feel like the man upstairs is handing out blessings, like a hooker handing out STDs.  And I have no idea why it keeps happening, but life sure is great.

It's been a while since my last post, I know, and apparently this is how the grandparents and distant relatives keep up on my adventurous life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6VbT7mZo7o

Stay golden,

MelFlo

Who Am I?

Hey,
Its ya girl Mel.
Ya know big mouth..one with a sailors tongue.
loose cannon,
makes too many jokes, -- esp when they shouldn't be made
smart ass Mel.
laughs too much
But lets not forget,

Mel,
The girl who will give ya the shirt off her back
Someone who would take a bullet for ya not even knowing who you are
Someone who will stay up all day even if she works the next morning, to be with you because you need a friend.
Someone who doesn't know how to not let her emotions get the best of her.
Someone who overthinks every tedious thing.

Ya know me, but I didn't know who I was until a hot minute ago.

A couple years ago I was asked, "Who are you Mel?"
And with my normal reaction, I said "Melanie Mother f(reak)ing Florence."
They said, "No, who are YOU."
Well, I didn't know. I mean I've always been the same Me. But I didn't know who I was. I know who I wanted to be, well rather what I wanted to do with my life. Ya know, the canned answers, go to school, get a degree, get a career, start a family, live happily ever after. Ya know, that whole mumbo jumbo.

So over the course of a few years I've finally found who I am. And I couldn't give a damn about what you think, just kidding I do give a damn, because that's who I am. I am a people pleaser. That's why I'm the center of attention, thats why I'm the person who cracks jokes, that's why I laugh the loudest, thats just why I'm the loudest in general.

I know that I believe in god and all that fun stuff...but I know that when I'm sitting in a pew I don't feel happy. I know that when I went to the temple it was the greatest feeling and place to be...but when I walk into church I feel so awful and bad about life and people surrounding me. I know that I should try harder to not mind what people think, but I want to appease people (keep reading). I know that every SINGLE person has a right and opinion. They have the agency to chose who they are, I know that if you try to tell me that gays don't have the same rights as us heterosexuals youre wrong. I know that some people don't think the same way as I do, that that's okay...as much as I think I'm right, others may be right.

I know that life doesn't begin the moment youre born. Life is so much more and happens much sooner than that. But I know that I am someone who believes that not everything is Black and White. There is so much grey area.. My criminal justice professors hate me because I identify as a republican, but agree with various things on the Liberal side of politics. I AM A Grey Person...

I learned that I love too hard, and hold onto too much. I can't let people go like I say I do. If you wronged me or I wronged you and "cut you off" chances are that I think about whatever you done and whatever I did to have you not part of my life. I just like to hold on. But the obstacles I've gone through, see previous posts, have taught me to build walls.

OH, PS, WALLS WORK.

I say that as a political stab and also as someone who learned that I don't have to let everyone in on my life. I don't need people knowing all about me. I mean certain people don't need to know that I have a scheduled Pre work crap or afternoon pee at 3. am and pm. I mean the whole world doesn't need to know that. They Also don't need to know that at one point in my life I thought toe jam was edible, I mean anything is edible but there are certain things that shouldn't be put in your mouth....ahhh a wise lesson I also learned a few years ago aha

I also, don't learn things the first go around, it takes a few hits or tries for me to be like, "ahh yes, this is a do not situation." I'm a quick learner, yes, but I also want to make sure of things haha.

The point I'm getting at is that I'm a grown ass 26 year old adult..and i was 24 when I discovered who I am. Don't get me wrong, people can change, but their core still stays the same. Just ask anyone I grew up with, I was down right awful, lipping off to any adult, getting suspended, cracking jokes when I wasn't supposed to. I mean I've learned that I need to keep my mouth shut when I'm at work, or presenting or giving a talk at church.... haha

So, bottom line..know who you are.

-Mel Flo

Changes

I couldn't tell you how many times I opened this blog up and tried to write something. I could tell you that I have 6 posts started and are just sitting there as drafts. If you scroll down the last time I wrote was almost a year ago. But so much has happened in a year.

I woke up this morning, feet hit the floor running. That 230 alarm usually goes off and gets about 3 snoozes before I actually get out of bed. But I was out of my house in 20 minutes for work. I showed up to work with my normal RBF, just how it is when you're like me. I went through the motions of work. Dealt with the nonsense that is lazy people or people who know how to push my buttons. When I went on my first break I check emails. THIS RARELY HAPPENS. The first email was from my little brother in Ghana. We chatted back and forth throughout today. I cried, laughed, and got mad.

Hold up, let me explain.

Yeah, I miss the guy. He's a mini me. Just like me, but he's the strongest person I've ever met. To go to a different country for two years of your life to teach something you believe in, that.. that's some serious respect from me. Whatever it is, gospel, charity or whatever, doing what you believe in, that takes some serious guts and stuff. We shared some old stories about growing up, and then he hit me with some reality. "Mel, I'm not gonna lie, life sucks sometimes. Suck. It. Up. It could be so much worse. Look where you are compared to where you and I were both at a year ago."

Yup, I was mad, because *gosh darnit ;)* he was right.

A year ago I was miserable as hell. A year ago, I dreaded the alarm of my phone at 530am. I dreaded driving to a job where I lost more hair than ever imagined. I went through the motions and emotions of my day to day life. I had to beg and plead with people to switch me shifts so I could go play softball on the weekends. I hated going out on dates. I hated meeting new people.

Just life man. That's just the way it was.

Here we are a year later. So damn happy. Yeah, its not perfect. But its better. I still have my 30 second dance parties, either to or from work. I still know how to twerk out on those ball fields. ;) I know the value of a good phone call, mom, dad, grandma, S/O.. There's not many people I let call me but they're usually a nice long chat.

Some things haven't changed though.

I still think I can drive my jeep through any mud hole that comes across my path. I still think that I can get down with the youths. I think that I can still pull all nighters....I can't I'm basically useless without 6 hours of sleep. But for some reason, I still keep pushing my limits. And I keep referring to myself in the third person....oops.

Remember how awful that beginning of last year was? I DO! Broken nose, bronchitis, SET MY DAMN LEG ON FIRE?! Just to name a few... oh how this year has already been a 180 from last. Guys my little brother Zach was right. So much is different from last year. Not to go into detail, but it just feels like that little rain cloud over my head isn't pouring on me these days. Don't get me wrong, I still have crap days here and there. But oh my goodness, there are so many more good days than bad.

I went to write a little post back in October, and again in November. I couldn't bring my fingers to write what I was feeling. Tears filled my eyes, no I didn't cry. Mel Flo doesn't cry. But I was so happy. I smile so much these days and those days. I feel more loved and I feel like there's more love to go around. Well, what I mean by that is, well there's less hatred. It's not noticeable to many people. But, a kid 7000 + miles away notices. He pointed out a "genuine smile" in a few of my pics I send him.

But, to be honest, I never thought this is where I'd be a year later. I never thought I'd be who I am. Well, I still am your friendly "IDGAF" MelFlo, dance at the most random moments, smart ass comment serving, laughing too loud, mouth of a sailor Mel. But I never thought I'd be happy to go to a job. I never thought I'd find someone who would humble the hell out of me. I never thought I'd have and be doing a lot of the things I do in my life.

Guys, I promise to bring back the funny stories. Looking back on my old posts, a good chunk of those were depressing as hell. Some were just some shout outs to the parents and family. But in the beginning there were some funny ones... This is life according to MelFlo, and let me tell ya its funny. Well, I make it fun. Just Give me a week or two and I'll have some new content for y'all. Like me and the BF driving up to "Restricted Area" and 4x4 all over it in the mud..because, screw rules...jk. Or the time he told me not to drive into a mud hole cause "we don't have anything to get us out if we get stuck" so I looked this man into the windows of his soul and said, "I've done this before I know how to get out no worries." and at this point in the story is were the narrator would say, "at this point MelFlo F*cked up"

Damn near pulled my entire bumper off trying to get unstuck. But we laughed, I got pissed, and we both got muddy. But these are the moments I live for.


See its just crazy how things change over the years. One day you wake up you're 6 and praying to the man upstairs that your mom lets you go play with your friends. And the next day you're waking up to go to work at 230 am....oh wait that's just me? oh okay... but you get my point.

This.
Is life according to Mel Flo

You Do You BOO BOO

So, I learned a funny thing tonight. What is "it" you ask, I'm sure glad you asked. Pull up a chair and strap on in, cause this is going to be a great blog.

Driving to one of my games tonight I saw a guy on the La Verikin bridge. He wasn't standing on the right side, nor was he standing. He was dangling. He was being held onto by a FEMALE officer. Yes the one who I have always referred to as the "BAD ASS La Verikin Cop who pulls everyone over." Yeah, that's quite the title I've given her. But let me tell ya, She was holding on to him through the fence with quite the chokehold on the dude. And all of this I watched as passing. What I saw on her face was something I related to. It was fear and determination. As I pulled over to watch the rest of the police officers, sheriff deputies, fire fighters, and ambulances, pull up I could only watch as this Lady was not going to give up.

Finally I figured they were all good, and so I started back on my route. I got thinking about how much people have taken this life for granted. I texted a few friends just to tell them how much I care about them and thank them for the friendship they have extended to me over the years. Little did I know they were going to call everyone and tell them to call and check on me. I got a few calls. I couldn't believe that people would legit think that I would be that kind of person. I mean I hear it quite often, "If I were in Mel's shoes, or have gone through anything she has gone through, I probably would have called it quits." I mean that stings a little, but one lady and I were talking tonight and she shed some light on a thing for me.

She said, "you shouldn't take offense to that. Take pride in it. Take pride knowing that you're stronger than others. Take pride in knowing that you're strong woman and that you don't give up." Well, alrighty then. I didn't really think of it that way. Then I got playing and I couldn't help but be happy about the people who were happy around me tonight. I never say "thanks for being so damn happy" that usually doesn't come out of my mouth. I laughed and thought, "wow, I'm thankful that people are happy around me?" Granted I don't know what anyone else has or is going through, but I sure was happy that they were happy.

So as a people pleaser, I tend to be the fun ball "goof ball" and crack corny jokes, twerk, and whatever else I can throw out there. I tend to find that it is easier to have people laughing and enjoying being around me. But tonight, so many ladies were laughing and having a jolly good time and I was genuinely happy. For many of you y'all know that I don't have a genuine laugh and good time very often. So why is this a learning thing, hold up I'm getting there.

Life, no matter how long, short, or whatever, is something you have to enjoy. Granted Miley was right when she said its a climb. But it's not always a climb. Its more of like a hike. You go up, you go down, through some water, through wind, and whatever else is thrown at you, but you keep going. You keep on keeping on and don't stop. But, you gotta enjoy it. Ya gotta be genuine to who you are. Don't let someone else's opinion of you change you. And that right there folks, is the hardest thing I have ever had to swallow. People are gonna piss you off, they're gonna drag your name through the mud, they're gonna kick you while you're down, and stab you in the back, but no matter how far down you are and no matter how much someone tries to change you, YOU DO YOU BOO BOO!




stay true to who you are

-Mel Flo

The Hills Are Alive

I can't help but think that its time to get a blog post back up. I have been slacking major bad. To my three readers, Mom, grandma, and that weird middle eastern fella that keeps leaving comments that not even google translate can help me on, I apologize for the absense. I have just binge watching south park, working, and playing ball here and there. There's not really an excuse haha.

To catch yall up on the happens of MelFlo:

January, I broke my nose when I was playing basketball. I managed to catch the plague at work, and had to finally use a call in. And I honestly can't remember what else happened but for some reason I just can't remember. Dang, getting old sucks sometimes ;) Feb, well February was a quiet month. I managed to break my tooth playing softball, I froze my chesticles off in a tournament in Mesquite and took 3 in Women's and Co-ed. Then the normal day to day stuff. Little drama here little stress and mental breakdown on the 14th. Ya know the usual.

Now that you're caught up, you can tell that I've been slacking on the long drives every Wednesday, like the good ol days. See let me tell you the significance of the long drive. Long drive was what connected myself and one of the guys I dated. It just became a weekly thing. And I managed to keep that tradition/habit going. I find that being out in the hills not surrounded by people, just so relaxing. To save ya all the details, going to drives out in the hills, is my "happy place."

So, a few weeks ago I drove all the way out to Panaca to just go drive out in the hills. Ok, I also drove out to see and be with family, but since they don't have Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesdays off they had to work. One morning I hopped into the Jeep, loaded Oda'Fin up and took off. We drove around for a few hours. Through snow, mud, and I kinda took a wrong turn and ended up on a cliff. Its OK! I managed to see it before I peed my pants, after realizing just how much of an "Oh Shit" drop it was. I got back in and just kept driving. It's so serene. The music, the views, and empty head-usually filled with thoughts. I am an over thinker. I lie in bed playing out what if situations because honestly, I like to keep thinking about what I would do in certain scenarios... but I also think thats part of my want to protect people I guess. I think everyone should have to take a ride out in the hills with me. No, no, not the mud, rain, or off roading with going straight up hills, or off golf courses.

I guess you would think of it as a sacred place. Just somewhere I know I can go and just let it go or just let it all sit in. I honestly don't know if anyone gets what I am trying to say here. One one of these days, I wish to be able to share it with someone who would love this as much as I do. 

I think, that people need to have a place they can go and let it all go, or just go to not think, I do realize that I gotta just get out and stop letting what people think really get to me.

I'll tell ya what, Its sad that I have to be proud when someone gets mad at me and I have to emphasize just how nice I was, compared to me normally just being a bitch haha. That's when I know its time for a jeep ride.

What I've Learned:

I take some pretty good selfies of my jeep and me.

I have never cried in my happy place

I know that I cannot go straight up the face of a hill with my jeep because I am indeed a chicken.

I now know, that during the summer, I have to check the weather app because when the top is off, it tends to rain when I take my top off ;)

Oda couldn't care less about going for a ride, he only cares when I let him out of put down the seat for him to sleep, but I do love having him there.

I realized that Oda has been there for some crappy times, to some good times. I know hes a just a dog, but when you spend a good chunk of your life alone, and you get a dog, they are the greatest thing.

Being alone is good, but not all the time.

Lastly, I miss my having my best friend and going out on rides with him every week.

It's time to start doing things that I need to do. Go back to being myself and not giving a damn. Going out and going to my Happy Place. I need to dust off that book I started 4 months ago and never finished. I need to also go change my laundry that I restarted in the washer cause it was left in the washer for 12 hours.....

If you came here from Instagram, sweet! If  not, peep my page @itsmelflo its got a few pics that may just explain why this "place" is a happy place. 

*lol every time I wrote "happy place" all I could think of was Happy Gilmore and his "happy place" and then the happy place he goes to when he busts the clown's nose at the mini golf course. 

The Power of a 30 Second Dance Party

Music, its something that speaks when words can't.  I've been fortunate enough to have had my life surrounded by music. From my mother singing me songs, to learning by song in school, church, to being FORCED to learn how to play the piano, hearing songs on the radio, and at one point writing a couple songs.

Music has been an everyday thing for me. When I'm sad, happy, or bored, there's some sort of music going on. I have been blessed with quite the array of music taste. My mother taught me the old time folk songs, classical music, and church songs. My father blessed me with some classic hard rock stuff, which is my favorite. My older brothers love Rap and Rock. Being a "90's baby" I love that crap. And my sisters, well they like pop and country. I mean I've been blessed with being exposed to just about everything. 

My mother started me out at a young age playing the piano. I hated every single day of it, well up until about my sophomore year of high school. Where I was finally released from that prison. But, I still would voluntarily wait for my turn to play the piano every day. It was just something that ended up becoming a stress reliever. Yes, even the piano recitals I had to play in were some of the most calming moments of my life. The only times I dreaded playing, were the times I had to play in sacrament meetings. I developed a weird shaking and my throat gets fuzzy. Ok, its probably just nerves. Whatever it is, one Sunday my page turner witnessed how scary it was for me to not be able to breathe or play with my left hand. She leaned over and hugged me mid song, and it stopped. I HATE HUGS, but that hug definitely saved that musical piece.

When I was in the 6th grade, I picked up a saxaphone, then 3 months later I picked up a french horn and played that the rest of my "band career." I and one other person played the french horn, it was pretty damn awesome. From bus trips to warm up songs for games, I always had a playlist. It usually consisted of 7 or 8 Classic Hard Rocks, 1 Rap, 1 Country, and 2 songs by MoTab or a Classical. Do NOT judge me. Research will back me up on the classical music. It calms one down, as well as opens up the mind. I hated listening to pre game talks. So I would sneak my ipod under my jersey and listen to it. Shhh don't tell my coaches, they really thought I was listening.

This is the one thing that grows with me and that I hope never stops. My love for music. I was playing the piano the other day at work, and a few of the kids were floored that I even knew how to play, let alone bust out some vocals to go along with it. I had a ball. One day I brought in my guitar and sang, not excellent, some songs with them. Its something that I've learned that no matter what mood, situation, or place you're in can always improve your mood. There are days I get over thinking and will just turn on any music.

I grew up in an LDS household that only listened to Church appropriate music on Sunday, and to this day, if its a Sunday its either Sounds of Sunday on the radio, or Hymns coming out my headphones. If its any other day, I tend to listen more to the music without words, weird I know. But I've always noticed something, Music tends to speak when words can't.

I've made a lot of friends from some of my craziness that is associated with music. Wether that is me dancing it out in the gym in between sets, on the bases during a softball game, or just walking around work, my dance parties come from some pretty great music. The other day I was having a pretty shitty day. Not going to sugar coat it at all, was sicker than sick and had a headache, and someone turned on some Prince and I just let loose. Sometimes the best medicine is laughter and a little booty shaking. *it didn't cure my sickness or headache but it was a nice change* The craziest thing I've noticed over the years, my 30 second dance parties, sure put people in better moods as well as myself.

So if y'all ever catch me out there shaking my rump shaker, or belting out some Spice Girls vocals, feel free to jump in or send my recording into AFV. I could use some cash. ;) If you can't tell in the moment its nice to not give a damn and that's the greatest thing about music, you can get lost in it and not care.

Get out shake it a little, bust a move, sing a note or two, kick over a drum set or keyboard or head bang a little in your car, just let loose for 30 seconds a day, you'll thank me later.

XO,
Mel

Faith Without Works Is Dead

"Way out in the land of the setting sun,
Where the wind blows wild and free.
There's a lovely spot, just the only one
That means home sweet home to me.
...
It's the land of a thousand thrills. 
Home, means Nevada,
Home, means the hills,
Home, Means the sage and the pine.
Out by the Truckee's silvery rills,
Out where the sun always shines,
There is the land that I love the best,
Fairer than all I can see.
Right in the heart of the golden west
Home, Means Nevada To Me."

Growing up, I sang this song in elementary school. You know, back to the times where we stood and placed our hands over our hearts. Back to the times where most of our biggest worries were getting home before sunset to get dinner. Back to the times where I didn't have to worry about the evils of the world. Back to the times where I knew it was happening, but didn't really give it much thought. Back where I wouldn't even dream that anything would ever come that close to home or actually hit home. Never would I have every thought, that I would have members of my family being shot at, or present during a bombing. 

Just last year, my home town of Panaca, Nevada population 931, was the sight of a car bombing. You know little podunk town of Panaca. I remember my little brother calling me at work and begging me to stay and talk with him. He was in near tears, telling me how he was outside playing with our dogs when he was nearly knocked down. I don't know if he was in actual tears but there was a distinctness in his voice and I could tell how scared he was. Frantically asking "Where's mom and dad. They went out for a drive and I can't get a hold of them." I told him I'd keep texting them because I didn't want to hang up on him. The phone went quiet, "Mel, there's a body part in the road.... I gotta go." I begged him to stay home and go inside and lock the door. He wanted to see if anyone else was hurt. It was weird, because earlier that year I had the same thing when I saw a horrific accident. I paused, and registered that people are hurt, and ran to the scene. " I gotta go help! I love you and promise to call. I promise." And then the call ended. He never really talks about what happened or what he actually saw but I remember him just saying with a stern voice, "I gotta go help!" 18 years old and all. 

What do you do? Run into the fire, or run away? Are you a hero if you run away? Are you a coward if you don't run? I tend to overthink a lot of things like this. I think that a hero is someone who doesn't think they NEED to be a hero and just does it. I think heroes are those who least suspect that they would end in situations like that and come out alive or not. Heroes are people who go their lives changing others and bettering their lives by bettering other's lives.

Take for example Quinton Robbins, 20 years old, one of the victims of the Route 91 Festival. His aunt posted a heartfelt post describing his life and who he was. Never once did she say he was a hero. However if you read it, you gain a sense that he was: With an incredibly heavy heart. My sweetest nephew has passed away. He was the most kind and loving soul. Everyone who met him, loved him. His contagious laugh and smile. He was truly an amazing person. He will be missed by so many, he is loved by so many. So many awesome talents. I can’t say enough good about this sweet soul. Because of the gospel and plan of salvation I have faith we will be with him again. Quinton Robbins, I, and your entire family will miss you so much everyday. Always will be thinking about you. Please pray for his parents and siblings at this time. Please also respect their privacy as this is a devastating loss that is incredibly painful for the families.

For those who are asking us how you can help. Prayer will be the biggest help. For them and the other victims and families. Here is also gofundme page that was set up by a member of Quints family that can help towards funeral costs.

https://www.gofundme.com/quinton-joe-robbins

I read one of the articles today and it was an interview with one of the victims at the concert. He was describing the shooting and the chaos going on, then pauses, "I sure as hell didn't believe in god but after this I sure as hell DO." He went on to say " I have never prayed to someone I don't know, just to have it all stop. The shots, the cries, the bloodshed. I and many others just wanted it all to stop."

I had a friend who's sister was at the Festival and her mother posted about the call she received. Saying that her daughter was in a panic and just ran until they could find a safe place to hide. My aunt was there as well, and she said she ran until she could find a place and that was 8 blocks and a bush. I couldn't fathom the fear and panic they experienced.

I think The Black Eyed Peas said it best, "Where is the Love?"

Where is it? I'll tell you where it is, its prepared for something like hurricanes that destroys homes and kills people. Its enjoying a concert and hearing shots ring out and you jump into action, whether that be running, taking cover, racing over to people bleeding out, or climbing on top of loved ones or strangers to protect them. It's running into a fire when hearing screams for help. It's sitting on a curb and comforting someone. It's turning to your loved ones and letting them know you love them. It's telling someone they dropped their wallet. Its paying for an expired parking meter. It's picking up a baby and promising that you would do everything in your power to keep them safe.

It's a scary world we live in. Every time we turn around something is happening. What do we do? What can we do? I always tell people to pray, pray for everyone. But we need to do something more. I grew up being told "Faith without Works is dead." WE can pray until we are blue in the face, however we need to do everything we can do to put those prayers into effect.

Well what does that mean Mel? I'm glad you asked, it means that we need to take action. Say, You think that it means we need more Gun Control, go out and do something about it. Talk to your politicians, vote for gun control. It means, if you're a firm believer in your second amendment, go fight for your protection and your right to have that protection! Talk to your politicians, Vote! Whichever it is go and do something about it.

It means that instead of sitting at home and changing your profile picture to what ever filter Facebook came up with, go out there and donate blood, your time, your knowledge. Open your home to those stranded, go down to a hospital and sit with people waiting for their loved ones to show up. VOLUNTEER! Whatever it is, just go do something. I can't emphasize this enough.

I know that many lives have been lost and many more will, because this world is just that evil. I do my best to rarely post religious views, but I think people should give the Book of Revelations a good read.(That's all for religion.)

There's too much hatred. Do something that drives you to be a better person, or to better someone else. Whatever it is, go do something! Stop sitting on your couch and being a keyboard warrior. Discuss the events, take it to your politicians, your parents, friends, roommates, take some action how to keep safe what you would do! Anything. Granted you can never prepare for a someone opening fire on a crowd of 22k people or someone blowing up their car, or flying a plane into a building..You can't prepare for those situations, however you can discuss what you could do or how you could help. 

Go change your life, or the life of someone else. Better this world for yourself and others.