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)

Quotes on Financial Brutality

I spend a lot of time reading quotes.  They give me inspiration and sometimes offers a new perspective. Today, while I was shopping I said to the cashier, "You can't beat this sale" and he responded, "You can't beat it with a stick." And oddly enough, I was buying a dowel rod. At that moment, I instantly thought of my mother because she would always say that phrase as well as a few others. It got me thinking about my own sayings.  What is uniquely mine? If not my own unique saying, what am I known for saying?  Hmmm... Something to ponder at a later date.

1. Today I got to see my brother, sister-in-law and niece. They stopped by this morning on their way back to North Carolina.  It was great to see them!
2. Great quote: "Logic will get you from A - Z.  Imagination will get you everywhere." Albert Einstein
3. I made another journal today, better than the last. They just keep getting better. 
4. Today. I. Ran. For. 8. Minutes. Did it twice, too and didn't pay attention to the time. Now that's what I'm talkin' about! Progress.
5. I bought fabric remnants from Jo-Ann Fabrics and they were on sale for 50% additional off! You can't beat that with a stick!

It's the Freakin' Weekend

This week has been "something else". Not bad, just different and I'm okay with that.

1. The Dennis M. Hicks Commitment to Diversity Scholarship is still awarded annually by UNLV's Residence Hall Association. How amazing is that??? I have to admit, my eyes watered up a little when I read this.
   

   Dennis M. Hicks, a former RHA Advisor, was an asset to the UNLV Office of Housing and Residential Life for many years. Dennis was committed to making diversity and multiculturalism a predominate concern of university residents and administration alike. In his honor, the Residence Hall Association allocates a portion of its budget every year to provide scholarships to continuing UNLV students who display a dedication to promoting diversity at this university.

2.  I had a really good day at work and got things done.  I may not have been there but for a few hours but I feel accomplished and that's all that matters.
3. Today I ran for 5 minutes straight - not once but TWICE! I'm movin' on up!
4. I got my first donation for the Movember Campaign!!  Thanks Doug Tilton!!
5. I love that it's the weekend and I don't have anything major planned.  Just some me time.