I Am...

There is something to be said for being comfortable with who you are as a person.  Today I commented on something a cousin posted as their Facebook status.  It annoyed me a bit. They suggested that the reason (Hurricane) Superstorm Sandy hit where it did is because many of those states either allow for same-sex marriage or will be voting for same-sex marriage and God was not pleased with that. That, to me, sounded like the most ignorant thing I've ever heard!  At the time I could only respond with, "Really? Oh, ok O_o"   Later a reply was posted saying they didn't mean to offend anyone and that it was just their opinion.  That's fine and good but I feel the need to share my opinion and posted this in response.

"I'm not offended, just surprised to see you think that way.  There are a lot more things I can think of as unpleasing to God than people wanting to get married legally like everyone else. There are 11 countries who recognize same-sex marriages and they weren't harmed.  Whole countries and not just states. Regardless of people getting married or not - there has been and always will be gay relationships. Do we blame all catastrophic weather and natural disasters on those relationships or just accept that bad weather happens because that's what weather does?  There are a lot of people affected (from newborns to adults) by the storm that could care less whether people have the right to marry or not and haven't even participated in any lobbying of such legislation.  I think the real lesson from this storm (or from God if you believe) is to recognize our own humanity and share the same care and love for those we know and who are strangers to us; regardless of who they are or whom they want to legally marry. The Golden Rule somehow comes to mind."

The "Dennis" a year ago would have just overlooked the comment and not said anything.   But I have this whole social justice thing living in me. I'm beginning to live in the idea of, "If not me, then who will speak up?"  PLUS, that comment was directed at the community I identify with.  I was not about to just let someone say some ridiculousness and wrap it up in a Bible Blanket. I am... no longer a bystander. There is a great video of Julian Bond, speaking on behalf of civil rights.  I'll place the video at the bottom of this post.

At any rate - moving on.  Here's my list of the 5 things I loved about today.

1. To have friends and family that were so concerned about my well-being.  While I hated hearing the phone buzz this morning - I'm grateful that it did.  People care! Thank you!
2. I love naps when it's cold outside (and inside cause I keep the temp low). 
3. Eggo Waffles Pumpkin Spice flavor. MMm, Mmm, good.
4. I am lovin' the new shirt designs I created today.  Especially the "I Am..." shirts. 
5. The Presidential election and other voting will take place in one week.  Actually, this time next Tuesday, we will know who our next President is.  We will know if another state in the union will allow for same-sex marriage. We will know which side the government will lean in terms of political party.  One thing I loved about today is reading the information about the Electoral College and how the President is managing the disaster of (Hurricane) Superstorm Sandy.
   
   

The Day that Hurricane Sandy Paid a Visit

Hurricane Sandy got PLENTY of coverage today on the local new channels.  While it wasn't much to report in terms of damage where I live - I hope I can say the same for people I know in affected areas when I wake up in the morning.

I've said this before on this blog and I'll say it again.  It is harder to come up with a list when you don't leave the house - but I have a list!  I HAVE A LIST!

1. It's nice to have family and friends that care enough to check on my well being during the storm.  There are still a few hours left to be totally in the clear but I never once saw a light flicker nor lost my internet or TV.  If you didn't know, I don't have cable - so I watch everything via an outdoor antenna.  That antenna never budged. 
2. We were notified of having Tuesday off from work.  Campus is CLOSED! WOO HOO!
3. My friend Myra, sent me a text to ask me if I still wanted a headlamp for when I go biking.  I said I did.  She bought one for me and her. How amazingly nice was that?
4. Tonight I made my first Hot Tottie.  They are tasty!  I think I may make more of these in the winter months.  
5. I lit my fireplace for the first time in over a year.  I love having a wood burning fireplace. I need to use it more. 

Hurricane Sandy - Don't be a Bitch!

PAH-TY!  That's what HE said.  hahaha  We woke up in Nic and Meg's house this morning and had no hangover.  I just want to celebrate that fact right now.  I also want to celebrate the fact that I am shaking this cold.  The cough is producing "results" and I can breathe out of my nose.  YAY! 

With this hurricane on the way, I hope it passes through and leaves very little evidence that says, requires a thank you note from "Sandy". 

1. I love that I am meeting so many people through my dating such a gregarious person.
2. Oh, and as a #2 to the list. I'm glad he's as thoughtful and dependable as he is.
3. Talking to my dad today, he told me some stories from when he was younger. I always enjoy hearing these stories because they always have some sort of historical relevance to them.  I said that he needs to start writing those things down and I would type them up. I think it would make for good reading material for a memoir. 
4. Getting the confirmation that campus is closed tomorrow due to Hurricane Sandy is AWESOME!  What might not be so awesome is gettin' hit hard by Hurricane Sandy. O_o
5. We're making progress on the online magazine work.  The bro and I have developed the sections for the first issue.

*what's really funny is that I found this clip art and it has his name on it! bwahahaha!

S'mores P'lease!

Today was the day that got me to see my home in a completely new way.  CLEAN!  Yep, that's right.  I'm trying to keep my home clean and organized.  Two things my home has rarely been. Well, today is a NEW DAY!

Here's some freakin' awesome things about today.

1. My home is clean.
2. My cold is getting better.  Illness be gone!
3. I went to a Halloween Party with GD. I had a great time and met some great people.
4. The sangria that Nic made was THE BOMB DIGGITY! 
5. Making S'mores over the fire pit and it making a big, delicious mess.

The 5 Things I Loved About Today - Being Sick Ain't One of Them...

Today I woke up feeling less than stellar.  I've caught a cold.  How could I catch a cold?  I've been healthy as can be.  I'm in the best shape of my life.  And I have been going to the gym.  AhhhHhh.... that's probably it.  Going to the gym on campus.  Where nasty, unclean machine usage occurs.  Makes since since I started using the gym I get sick a after a few days of exposure.  I won't let that hold me back though.

Here's the things that I loved about today.

1. Going to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore on the way back from running an errand. I wasn't planning on buying anything but I did. A towel rack, a toilet paper holder and two cans of wood stain. All for $6!
2. I went to my favorite Chinese Restaurant and got the General Tsos Chicken.  Even their lunch special was a huge serving! MmmmMmm... I ended up with lunch AND dinner. 
3. Got a surprise phone call or three.  Very nice. Not that it's a requirement. But it's nice. 
4. I loved that the students I work with are making things happen even while I'm out sick.  
5. I LOVE this video:

It's All in How You Look at It.

Which cup do you choose?

Today is one of those days where I really have to think about what cool things have happened today that I loved. Sometimes you have to reach into the "grateful bag". To be grateful for things that maintain your life and livlihood is a little bit easier. You can resolve to be thankful for living another day. You can be grateful that you were able to eat today. You can be grateful to have a roof over your head. But to think about the things you loved about the day is way more challenging than rattling off what I think of as a "given". You have to be mindful about it throughout the entire day.  It can be the way the sun was shining on the autumn leaves or having someone show you appreciation. Acknowledging those moments is what makes it special.

In thinking about what those moments or things were for the day, this is what I came up with.

1. I loved that I was able to share stories about Las Vegas with students today.  It was fun to see their reactions.
2. Roasted Pine Nut Humus by Sabra. That stuff is DELICIOUS!
3. I bowled a 170 game tonight.  That's pretty awesome!
4.  I got the new Taylor Swift CD, "Red" and I have to say that it's pretty good. I think she gets better with each album and less and less country.  Not that there's anything wrong with country music. hahaha  It's like she's taking lessons from the Shania Twain playbook.  Speaking of Shania - Where is the new music???
5. You have to give it to 7-Eleven.  Their Pumpkin Spice Latte tastes pretty damn good and is only $1.74 compared to the $4+ you'd pay at Starbucks.  Thank Heaven for 7-Eleven! Oh.. and since it's election season, I ALWAYS grab the blue cup!

Chipotle Soothes the Soul

I don't care how I feel, I can always be in the mood for Chipotle.  I mean, do they put addictive drugs in their food or something?  Wait.  Don't answer that because I really don't want to know.  I will just say that it is REALLY tasty.

The office was full of tension today.  It was a bit surreal but we all seemed to survive.  We always find a way - which is one of the things I loved about today.

1. The thing about life is that nothing is really ever as important or immediate as it seems. I love it when I or someone I know realizes that even after a long day of being angry, upset, frustrated, sad, etc. 
2. Today's weather was utterly amazing for it to be the end of October.  It was 82 degrees today!
3. Catching Lady Sings the Blues on TV was a nice treat. There really wasn't anything else on TV that I wanted to watch. Too bad Billie Holiday was on "that stuff".
4. I was rummaging through my desk drawer and came across a packet of Earl Gray tea.  I LOVE Earl Gray tea and needed that tea today for this stuffiness I'm having with my sinus. 
5. I put on a little Shirley Bassey at work.  I just love her voice!  The Propellerhead's remixes of her songs are amazing.

Battleships!

I have been a political junkie for the last 10 years.  I don't miss a Presidential Debate.  Tonight's debate didn't change my opinion (because I am a firm Democrat) but it solidified my confidence in our POTUS.

Today was a good day, aside from getting sick.  Here's how it all went down.

1. I got a lot done at work as far as getting organized.  I'm on a organizational journey and trying to turn over a new leaf. 
2. To stick with a plan that you've set feels awesome.  I said I was going to run and I did.  Run/Walk but I did it and completed 1.85 miles. 
3. Dinner was made for me. Awwww.  Now that's something I can get used to!
4. It's probably because nothing else was on TV is the reason why he was okay "watching" the debate with me.  Which is fine - I'm just happy he was open to it. 
5. Loved this quote from the debate, “Governor, we also have fewer horses and bayonets because the nature of our military’s changed. We have these things called aircraft carriers where planes land on them. We have these ships that go underwater, nuclear submarines. And so the question is not a game of Battleship where we’re counting ships. It’s — it’s what are our capabilities.”

Oprah Made Me Do It.

Today I decided to read through my "O Magazine" that I recently got.  When I say, "recently", I really mean, it arrived early last week and I just decided to pick it up and read it.  My favorite part to start with is the "Things I know for Sure".  Why?  Cause I want to know what Oprah really knows for sure.  I mean... I looooooooooooooooove me some Oprah. God knows I do!

In the article, Oprah talks about how she would keep her gratitude journal and did it consistently for 10 years and then over more time, she because less consistent to the point where she rarely did it.  All due to being busy with life.  So busy with life that she wasn't making time to acknowledge the great things that happen in life.  This brings me back to my list of 5 things that I love about today.

It is important to acknowledge the things in life that make it special.  It took my reading of an article to remember the importance it holds in keeping my life in perspective and helping others do so as well.  So, with that said - I. AM. BACK.

1. Today I did something great. I opened up my second Etsy shop. This shop is specifically for LGBT Pride items and that's something I'm proud of. http://pridefulthings.etsy.com 
2. What a great day for working in the yard. The weather was AMAZING.  
3. I love that I have friends that I share special moments with and I am happy that I can be there for them.
4. The chili I made for dinner was delicious.  It'll continue to be delicious for the next couple of days, too :0)
5. I bought a new jacket at Target for only $6.88.  The jacket has George Mason University's school colors on it.  That's a twofer! Heeeeeeey!