On that Midnight Train to Mormon

I eased back into work with no complications. It was cery quiet in the office but I'm sure that will change tomorrow. More people will be back and then it will all start to begin again.

Tonight I had a conversation with VG on religion and beliefs. Very nice conversation.  Nice to hear his views and I'm glad I enlightened him on black Latter-Day Saints and one of their most famous members, Gladys Knight.  The sound of silence indicated shock and I found that pretty funny.  By the way, I am not Mormon - just inquisitive.  I can't even say I'm a religious person. That's a whole other discussion for another blog. hahaha At any rate, I'm hear to talk about the five things I loved about today and here it goes!

1. I read this line today from a blog that I loved and thought was perfect, "Implement the No Complaining Rule. Remember that complaining is like vomiting. Afterwards you feel better but everyone around you feels sick." How true is that???  I have said for the last few years that I can't stand when people choose to complain about things. It could be a complaint about the simplest thing like it's raining. Um, it's raining because that's what the planet does - it's own thing and you're not the boss of it!  While we might not like it - it's not worth complaining about because we can't personally change it. Even if we could change things that we complain about, why complain? Just change it and move on. You can read the rest of the tips here.
2. While I was in the grocery store I saw a shorter, older woman who was eying an item on the top shelf. Since I was right there I offered her some help if she needed it.  She said yes and told me what she wanted and I got the two cans down for her.  The look on her face, full of gratitude made me feel really good that I was able to help her (and that my parents raised me with manners and kindness). Now THIS does remind me of the Mormon friends and acquaintances I have. They are some of the most wholesome, nicest people! This gesture of mine was very Mormon-esque hahahaha
3. There was a discussion about The Abominable from the famous holiday stop-action children's program, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer".  I always thought he was ONLY referred to as The Abominable and the other person referred to him as The Bumble. I was like, "The Bumble? He's not called that." She and I were going to figure this out so I headed over to YouTube to find a clip.  We found the clip but ONLY after having seen this one The Abominable. I cracked up laughing.  I loved that!
4. I made a delicious, quick and easy turkey chili tonight.  I was skeptical about the recipe but it really turned out well.  I love ANY meal that takes me about 30 minutes to make.
5. Oooh - Target had a 70% Off Christmas items and I got a travel humidifier and a comfort massage cushion for $5.99 each.  I LOVE A BARGAIN!

Diamond YoYos

What a rainy day it was today.  It caused me to not want to leave the house - instead I chose to clean.  I was doing well there for a while.  The area most affected was my office.  It's still looking cluttered but tomorrow I will fix that. Then I'll have to clean out my car if it's not raining.  You see, this is the time of year where you start to make resolutions.  This year, my resolutions will focus on finances and clutter.  Both are pretty messy for me right now. hahahaha Time to get real! Where is Suze Orman?

1. I found a cool "De-Clutter Your Home" calendar online.  It gives you one thing to do each day of the week. I'm going to give it a shot. Download it!
2. Today I learned that dusting is imperative.  There's nothing like having friends coming over that you clean your home really well. Gotta love having friends. hahaha This also goes for dates and your vehicle. Last time I wasn't prepared for someone to be in my car but you better believe I'll be prepared this time. hahahahahahahaha
3. Watching YouTube videos (that are gross and silly yet hilarious) was a good time tonight.
4. Speaking of watching something - I also watched the Kennedy Center Honors. I love watching this program each year. I always discover someone new.  Tonight I learned about Sonny Rollins.  I had heard his music before (jazz) but hadn't recognized that it was him until they played his music to honor him. He played with some of the greats of jazz - Coltrane, Dizzy and Miles to name a few. I didn't even know who Barbara Cook was until tonight - although I have heard a lot of her songs.  Thank you Kennedy Center Honors for raising this guys knowledge of the performing arts another level. Yo Yo Ma  and Neil Diamond haven't been presented yet and I'm excited about those!
5. Today I went through my closets and pulled out everything that was too big to wear so that I can give them to charity. It's awesome that things are too big to wear but dammit, now I need to replace some of these things.  :0) 

The Girl with the Tattoo in the Haberdashery

There's not much to say about today other than - "Whew!"  I went to an advanced showing of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and all I can say is "WHOA!" There were some gruesome scenes in there.  I have the book and hadn't read it yet.  This definitely gives me the desire to read it over the Winter Break.  Some not so gruesome things occurred today and those are the things that I loved about today.

1. This morning I received another compliment on my beard.  People are really liking it.  This time it came from a retailer that the office I work in does business with regularly.  She said that my beard looked sexy.  Heeeeeeeey!  :0)
2. To find time to really clean up your office is an awesome feeling.  What's even better is that I had few interruptions.
3. Speaking of interruptions, I had a welcome visit from a student who graduated.  She and I chatted a bit and now she may be joining the Etsy Online family!  She seemed really excited and I love when people get excited about life, learning and possibilities.
4. Someone said the word, Haberdashery.  Now that is a word that you don't hear very often but it is definitely a cool, underused word.  
5. My roommate asked to take Big Mac for a walk, asking if that were okay with me. Hell yes, it's okay and I appreciate you for doing so!

A Flock of Seagulls

When you're used to waking up without the assistance of an alarm clock you have to love that type of freedom.  Today is one of those days where I had to use that assistance of an alarm that sounds like a flock of seagulls.  Yes, it makes such sounds.  It feels way more natural (so to speak) than to wake up with a blaring electronic horn. 

1. I have come to love Tuesday night shows on Fox. There's Glee, New Girl and Raising Hope. Tonight I was torn though.  Real Housewives of Atlanta has a special episode. 
2. I'm glad I caught that awesome online sale at Old Navy today.  I needed a new winter coat because all of my other ones are too big (and that's another thing to love!). I scored the coat I wanted for $35 - regular price was $90! Everybody knows I love a good deal (in Phaedra's voice).
3. Solidified plans for dinner on Saturday woot woot! I'm excited!
4. People seemed to be in a really good mood today and I love that.  I needed that because I haven't been feeling too well the last couple of days. People in good spirits pass along their good energy.
5. Happy to hear that my father's hospital stay isn't for something highly serious - although it's serious enough that he's in the hospital.. sounds weird, I know.. but he sounded fine on the phone.

Put it in the Bag!

Lately I've had so much going on that I've been slacking on posting my list of 5 things I've loved about the day.  I guess I have a lot of "irons in the fire." I just gotta keep up with my commitment that I made to myself.  I have noticed that it makes my disposition a lot better. So I will continue! I do have an idea to help with this. I'll probably debut that at the end of the month when I'm on vacation. :0)

1. I completed two craft projects tonight!  It's some work do keep this up but I love that it's something to do or think about every day. 
2. A phone call at work almost halted an order I put in for 2000 collegiate scarves. Luckily it all worked out in the end.  I'm glad that people at work are willing to "make it work".  Thanks, David!
3. In a meeting today, we discussed the possibility of me teaching a photography workshop.  It's exciting and scary at the same time. I'll see what pans out from this - I'm just happy that I took a step toward a dream of mine.
4. I got excited today because I bought etching cream and a paint it yourself bird feeder at Michael's Arts and Crafts.  I think I have a problem... but it's a good problem to have.  At least it's not drugs, alcohol, gambling, etc. hahaha
5. Etsy sent me a gift for being Team Captain of the Men of Etsy.  The gift was a canvas shopping bag with a cool little pattern on it.  How nice and thoughtful.

Marigolds and Mother Nature

Wow - I just wrote my first full-circle entry. I started the list one way and ended it in the same manner with a bunch of "stuff" in between.  It's almost like a Seinfeld episode. 

1. Serendipity means a "happy accident" or "pleasant surprise"; specifically, the accident of finding something good or useful without looking for it. This is a word I live in and thoroughly enjoy those serendipitous moments in life.
2. "And do not even sweat anything.  You are like family and we take care of family and those we love and care about." This was said to me today and made me tear up. I appreciate my friends so much.
3. This past spring I was so excited to plant some seeds and grow flowers outside of my office window.  They did pretty well until it got REALLY hot outside. Unfortunately they all died off after I had a couple of sunflowers brighten my days and then whither away.  Today I stepped outside and was so pleasantly surprised. The plants that I thought had died had survived and thrived without any help from me - only the help from Mother Nature. The seeds found their ways to the cracks between the tiles and took root.  Nature never ceases to surprise me with its ability to persevere.  I take this as a testament to the human spirit. No matter how bleak things may become, over time you'll survive and under the right conditions, you'll thrive. Seeing these flowers made my day and hopefully this picture of them will make yours.
4. I took about a week off from running and ran today.   I felt pretty good and motivated to do my long run on Thursday.  Long meaning 20 minute run. I love how the endorphins make me feel. 
5. Some days I feel like I am a freshman in college. You know.. not having a clue what I want to do with my life career wise. While they feel unsure of their path they take classes in the hopes to discover it. In my case, I'm working just because that's what I'm supposed to do until I discover my "path".  It's not a bad thing. Sometimes that's just what you have to do. I'm okay with not knowing what I want to do because I know what I love to do. Make sense?  Probably not...  bottom line - I love being creative and artsy and I'll keep pluggin' away until I experience a serendipitous moment. :0)

The Magnificent Metro and the Friends Along the Way

Today I commented on all of the people listing things they're thankful for.  It's a good exercise in gratitude.  It's kind of like the reason I do this blog - to find the positive things in life that I'm happy about or grateful for.  There are days where I am always trying to dig deep within to find a one or two more situations/items to list as a good thing.  It's especially hard if you haven't interacted with many people. Today I'm thankful for friends.

1. I had lunch with my friend Myra. It's always a good time. She's going to feed my dog while I'm away and I'm glad she doesn't mind.
2. Staying at my friend, Nicole's tonight so that my commute to Union Station is so easy in the morning. Shaving off an hour on the commute. I'm headed to NYC in the morning!  Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, here I come!
3. I love that Thai Crunch Salad at California Pizza Kitchen. I didn't realize that it had cucumbers in it though.... and despite the cucumbers, I still loved it. Now that's progress.
4. Sara brought me a brownie with sprinkles on it to my office this afternoon. That was really nice of her.
5. I loved that I rode the Metro today and I only had to wait about 4 minutes for the train to leave. That's pretty good timing - I guess it's pretty normal during the work week with lots of trains passing through. LOL  However, for me, it was something great that happened to me. :0)

Fall Fabulousness

I am feeling all fall-like today.  I guess it has a lot to do with the tea I'm drinking and the fact that I listened to REM.  Some of their songs just make me think of cold, autumn-esque weather.  Oh, and well, I had roasted turkey for lunch. That probably helped too.

1. Twinings of London makes a really good Chai Spiced Apple tea.  I'm diggin' it.
2. The more I look at this photo on the left the more I love it. I am so happy that I was able to capture the image on memory card. It will be framed soon.
3. Because traffic was so bad tonight, I made a pit stop at Trader Joe's.  I'm glad I did because I saw a reduced fat Mac and Cheese that look tasty. Guess what? IT WAS TASTY!! I LOVE TJ's!
4. Glee doing Hall & Oates songs?  LOVE IT!  There were quite a few 80s tunes tonight.
5. I got a sale on Etsy from a friend of mine that I've known since we were in kindergarten.  How cool is that?  It was quite a surprise tonight (although she has bought other things from me). I appreciate her support and love that I have life long friends like that. Thanks, Misty!

Vote or Die

1. I've been thinking about the "Right to Vote" today. I said to myself this morning that I was going to vote.  The polling station is near my house but I didn't go. Then I started seeing signs all day that was telling me I needed to vote.  I made the effort and went to the polling station. Once I voted I received a sticker that said, "I voted - Prince William County".  That gave me a sense of pride and caused me to think about how often we take voting for granted.  I love that I didn't take it for granted and exercised my right.
2. This Oprah's Lifeclass is speaking to me tonight.  I need Suze Orman to come into my life and help me get it together!  I am a Financial Disaster.  I love that I can declare that publicly.
3. Melissa had brownies left in her office. I LOVE BROWNIES and it's just what I wanted to go with my coffee this afternoon. 
4. My desk at work is almost free and clear of clutter. ALMOST.  At least I'm making progress.
5. In my job I work with lots of vendors and I have developed relationships with them. I find it hilarious that a vendor called today and exclaimed, "YO!!!!!!!". That means she's pretty comfortable with me - rightfully so because I've been working with her for 3 1/2 years. Her, "Yo" made me laugh and smile.

One-Hundred and Three!!!!

1. It's not everyday when a friend says to you, "your friendship is an important part of my world" especially when you haven't had the best day.  
2. Today I realized that I hit 50 consecutive postings since I made the switch to this blogging site.  My first post was on July 22, 2011! This post makes my 103rd!
3. I heard some music in a friend's office today that took me back to my childhood.  Madonna's "Lucky Star", New Edition's "Candy Girl", and Wham's "Careless Whisper". It brought up some great memories.
4. Avacadoes are 88 cents each right now.. That's a great price!
5. I saw a video tonight on how to cut glass bottles.  I love that the guy showed the technique. Now I'm excited to try it.

You Are Responsible for the Energy You Bring into this World

It's Tuesday and things are getting back to normal. Karma is gonna reach around and knock someone upside the head.  Now back to our regularly scheduled positivity because I believe that the energy you surround yourself with is detrimental to you feeling good.

1. On the way to work I saw a license plate that said ICHZJOY - That's a great thing to think about. We make choices every day. Do we ever choose to be happy?
2. In less than 24 hours, I sold two bracelets.  YAAAAAAY! I even made some new photo projects for breast cancer awareness month. 
3. I love that I ran for 3 minutes straight. Yeah, that doesn't sound like much but when you haven't run that long in many months, that's a major feat! :0) Go Me!
4. Let's just say that I am glad I keep my spare change in a jug. 
5. The weather was excellent today. Just the right amount of "chill" in the air.

Talk About the Passion

Today was a slooooooooooow day.  I don't know if I actually have any worthwhile things to list - but I'll give my best shot. 

1. I was really moved by the idea of "finding and honing your passion".  I ended up asking several people if they knew what their passion is. There was one person that was able to answer that. I love when something that inspires me cause me to share that inspiration.  What is YOUR passion?
2. Speaking of passions, I've been very passionate about my artistic creations.  I mentioned it to someone that I was in need of lined paper.  I received a box of lined paper.  How awesome is that?  I think that's pretty amazing of her to do that for me. 
3. Going along with the topic of donations to my artistic endeavors, a co-worker of mine has brought in two cereal boxes for me to turn into journals.  I appreciate her thoughtfulness. 
4. The G-Men got their shoes delivered today.  That's very exciting! Who are the Mason G-Men?  Check 'em out.
5. I love when there's someone who likes to engage in deep, introspective discussions.  Thanks, DM!
   

D. Hicks' Deep Thoughts

Today I have been very cerebral.  Just a lot of awesome moments of thought and happenstance.  I took advantage of the opportunities so they would not pass me by.

1. Today I am really thinking about my post from yesterday about FEARLESSNESS.  I think this is something to really think about as an individual.  What holding you back right now?  This was a question posed on Oprah's Life Class.  My response was: "The fear of things not working out.  I hope to experience more of my own FEARLESSNESS as opposed to FEARFULNESS. I'm loving these thoughts.
2. What I found amazing today was that nearly every conversation I had was surrounding the word FEARLESS.  I reached for a Dove Chocolate - you know, the ones with the little messages under the wrapper - and written on the foil was "Be Fearless". VERY PROFOUND! 
   
3. Today is National Coming Out Day - I mentioned this to a friend and it wasn't as well received as I had hoped and that's okay.  It caused me to understand how far I've come in my own journey. Following the fearlessness theme, I created an "It Gets Better" video on campus as part of a university project. I wanted to show some level of my own fearlessness and share with whomever watches it. In the video I stated that no matter what, they must persevere and be fearless in the life they've been given so that they can be the most amazing person they can be. It most certainly can get better. Just trust in yourself. Trust in the thought that you will never be given anything you can't handle.
4. I love that I keep finding more and more inspiration in my daily life.  It's like I'm having a mini Harlem Renaissance in Manassas!  I created this graphic today because the word "fearless" kept coming up.
   
   
5. Tonight I was waiting in the express line at Super Walmart and the customer in front of me paid and the cashier didn't have enough money in the till to give her so she had to go to the service desk to get more change.  It probably took a good 10 - 12 minutes and other people were leaving her line to go to others.  Finally, the cashier returned and gave the customer her $3.64 in change. The cashier greeted me and apologized for the wait. She also commented on how she noticed that I didn't yell at her or complain.  I said to her, "Well, I wouldn't ever do that because it wouldn't have made any difference because you still had to get change and I am a very patient guy."  She smile and said, "God bless you. Thank you." That gratitude was enough to make me feel great and it was enough to make up for the wait - hearing her gratitude and seeing that she had a positive attitude during the entire time.

Gleeful Tuesday

So who knew that Seth McFarlane from Family Guy fame was a good singer?  I know I didn't. Gotta love nice little treats like this.  Anyhow, on with the list!

1. I listened to his CD today and heard a song from one of my favorite movies, The Sound of Music.  He covers the song, "Something Good".  It's definitely worth a listen - he's channeling Captain von Trapp!
2. OOOOOMG!!! The new iPhone seems amazing and I'm excited to pre-order so that I can get rid of this iPhone 3G that I've had for 3 years.  They have put a new feature on the phone called Siri.  Definitely check that out.  I have the video riiiiiight here: SIRI 
3. Tonight I had my first ever bread bowl soup. I was at Panera Bread and thought, "Why not?" and took the leap.  I got chicken noodle soup.  Next time I'll try the chili!
4. I LOVED GLEE TONIGHT. 
5. Seeing students get excited by an idea is energizing when your career centers on event planning.

Honestly!

1. Today I saw this cool booth for Honest Tea.  It's a booth where you pay for the drink on the honor system.  I put in my dollar and took a drink and then I saw a woman reaching for her wallet, getting out a dollar and putting it in the the clear box.  Such a cool concept for humanity.  There still are some honest people out there in the world.  LOVE THIS CONCEPT!
2. This wine tonight sure tastes fine! VIVA LA CHEAP WINE!
3. Yup - it's official.  NYC is on and poppin'. :0)
4. I'm lovin' the new style of bracelet I created tonight. http://www.etsy.com/listing/82704572/paracord-prostate-cancer-awareness
5.  Getting to leave work early and not feel like I had to be there to do "stuff" felt REALLY GOOD. I haven't been home before 6PM in a while.

You Can't Stop the Beat!

1. Making it to work in the rain without an accident makes is something worth loving. 
2. I love that the new fall tv season has started! 
3. It’s always nice when you know your bank teller by name. I love that she sees me on campus and always greets me.
4. Love these Patty Cake Cats! LOL Too funny. 
5. I love that they ended the first episode of Glee for this season with a song from Hairspray. You Can’t Stop the Beat!

Zippa Dee Doo Dah!

1. I woke up this morning and looked into the backyard and saw a hummingbird. My FIRST hummingbird sighting since I’ve lived in this house.  That was exciting. I can’t wait to see more!
2. I might like Peanut Butter M&Ms but I still love Pretzel M&Ms.
3. Sometimes it’s hard to just let things just happen. I can’t say I’m the best at it but I love trying to be that way. 
4. I am REALLY loving this Michael Franti & Spearhead CD! The Sound of Sunshine should have gotten WAY MORE AIRPLAY! Wow.. great uplifting CD. Great music to make for a productive day! 
5. The weather has finally gotten cooler. I love when it’s not so warm out because I can drive around with my windows down.