Speak Up: I can't hear you.

You know, I mentioned confrontation in the last entry.  Today, I bundled up. Put on long underwear. A neck wrap.  Gloves. I hopped on my bike and was doing surprisingly well considering the temperature.  Biking in the cold wasn't as bad as I thought. It was the wind that was the major challenge.

I also confronted a conversation that needed to be had. I faced it and well, I feel like progress was made.  I need to practice this more often. I think we all feel better and have a better understanding when we let go of fear and live in our truth. It's definitely something that requires practice. 

So overall, it was a good day and here are the highlights.

1. Making the phone call to confront one of the "glitches" and talking things through was great.
2. Talked to my dad.  This was one of the best conversations. Actually, they have all been rather good since we've had "the open and honest" conversation. In the conversation last night, I guess I was on a roll with talking about confronting issues.  We talked about my cousin and some remarks that were made regarding Hurricane Sandy.  I told my dad that the older I get, the less willing I am to be a bystander.  When things are important, it's time to put aside the anxiety and fear of being judged. That's what's wrong with plenty of people as it is!  Speak your truth.  Even if someone doesn't agree with your truth, it's fine because it's not theirs anyhow!
3. I loved that I biked 17 miles today as opposed to the 10 miles I originally thought I'd only do.  WOO! HOO!  That was over 1700 calories burned.
4. One of my favorite scenes in a movie:  Neo Meets the Oracle for the Second Time. Just when we thought we made a choice, did we really? hmmm  Ponder. hahaha
5. I love Daylight Savings Time.  I love it for different reasons now.  Because I can sleep longer.  Not that I even sleep a lot.  When I was in college I loved it because the bars would all stay open one extra hour.  These days I could totally care less about that. 

A Glitch

I often call it a glitch in "The Matrix".  Ever since the movie of the same name, I think in terms of this.  When I enter into new friendships or relationships or just with friends, family or co-workers, there is sometimes a glitch.  Something that tells me, "You know, something just isn't the same." Others call it intuition.  I have a student that recently said that I can always sense when something isn't right with her.  Tonight, actually a few nights ago, I sensed that with someone else.

My intuitiveness used to drive me crazy.  Actually, if I said it still didn't do that on some level, I'd be lying. Whatever the outcome may be, I know there's something to be said for paying attention to that 6th sense.

It is what it is and while I'm not one to be confrontational, I've become more comfortable with it over the years but not so comfy that it's an easy area for me to delve into.  With that said, I do understand that confrontation tends to bring relief to both parties and puts you back into a shared reality.  Yep.... I'm being very cerebral right tonight. HAHAHA   

Ack!  Anyhow, here's what I loved about today - Friday

1. That Thai Chop Salad from Panera Bread = DELICIOUS. I love that lunch was provided at work today!
2. Meeting with my students is always a pleasure.  I love seeing their eyes open with excitement of a plan. 
3. I love that  if you have your own coffee mug you can get a coffee for $1.25 on campus!  That's amazing and so was that Pumpkin Spice Brule'!
4. Singing karaoke tonight a few times and being applauded is very night.  Whether I sang well or not... trust me.. I sing pretty decently.. hahahaha
5.  Sleeping in this morning will feel amazing!

Untitled: Version 1

Before this sleeping pill settles into my system and I turn in for the night, I needed to write this entry.  This is my 200th entry by the way.  That's pretty good. I started this blog about a year ago.  So, I've only missed about 156 days of blogging. hahaha

Lately, I've been in a mood.  I can't even really explain it. It's not been a bad mood - just moody, I guess. Maybe aggressive? Maybe I'm just out of my normal routine and it's messing with me.  Who knows.  Add to that, trying to manage a new relationship - which I haven't had in ages.  At any rate, I need to work on that.

This blog is all about daily self-reflection. With hopes to be a better human being.

1. Today was the start of Movember.  One of my friends joined the team today and we are both starting off with freshly shaved faces to raise awareness for prostate cancer.  Glad to have him aboard!
2. My friend wanted to go to the National Tree Lighting Ceremony at the White House and asked me to put in a request for the lottery for tickets.  She didn't get tickets but I did! I told her she has a ticket and she's super excited. I also invited Greg to the event. It should be a lot of fun and to top it all off, we have seats!  No standing room only for us!
3. I saw a photo on Facebook that showed the humanity in others through the toughest of times.  It was heart warming to see and so I want to share it on this entry.
4. The movie, "Flight", starring Denzel Washington was really good.  Not what I expected at all and that made it a very well made movie with a few lessons throughout the story. 
5. Having a chat with my friend, Adam, online brought up new ideas on how to improve my Etsy and t-shirt shops.  It was a very good exchange of ideas and I appreciate his honesty.

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!

Positivity. Have You Had Your Plus Sign Today?

The title is borrowed from a Prince song from the 80s.  The song is on the Lovesexy album if you care you listen. 

Lately the need to find positivity in my life has crept back up. This made me think about my blog that I have abandoned all summer.  I never forgot about it but I totally slacked on my posts - this doesn't mean I forgot to think about the things that happened each day.  I thought about it every day. Now, I'm making the conscious effort to get back to it.  It really has made a positive impact on my perspectives.

So, with that said, here we go (again)!

1. Business has certainly been great in my online shop.  I get at least one sale a week without even trying.  That's awesome.  I even got a sale tonight!
2. Today was my last class as the seminar instructor for a program we have on campus for incoming freshmen.  It was a great opportunity and I feel as though I have grown from the experience. I also hope that they have grown as well. 
3. I ran today on the treadmill.  I do it three times a week.  Today was the longest I've run in a while and I love that I was able to do it without stopping.  5 minutes running, 2 minutes walking. 4 minutes running, 2 minutes walking.  Repeat.
4. An old friend of mine that I've known since elementary school said I made her day.  I love it when I can make people smile, laugh, and feel good about themselves and who they are.  I feel like that's one of my callings. Honestly I do.  A student even said that I'm a good listener today.
5. Speaking of that student, she surprised me with an extra ticket to go to the Obama rally tomorrow.  That was REALLY nice of her.  I'm excited to go. This will be the closest I'll ever get to seeing any president. Thanks, Caitlyn! :0)

Biking is FUN-damental!

Ooh, what a day!  I got a fair amount done in the office, I chatted it up with a student whom I haven't seen in ages, got my fitness on and have peace and quiet in my house.  Ooh and something else really cool happened - but I am keeping that on the hush for now.

The last few months have been hit or miss with the blog.  In the spirit of the videos, "Shit Bougie Black Girls Say", I'ma need to do better.

Let's get back to business.

1. I biked an amazing 20 miles today after work.  I'm channeling James Brown only to say, "I FEEL GOOD!"
2. I got a phone call that gave me a lot of confidence.  I LOVE when that happens.
3. My housemate is just about moved out - to the extent that tonight he is no longer sleeping here. This is the first night I've slept with my bedroom door open since last May!.  YAY for solitude!
4. Apparently my graphic design skills are gettin' REALLY GOOD.  I designed something today as a favor for another office on campus all within 45 minutes.  I like when I can make folks happy with a product.
5. Speaking of products, a customer of mine just bought a third bracelet from me. She rocks!

Make it Rain!

A couple weeks ago I was asked if I would be interested in doing a craft fair at a local community college.  This wasn't just any craft fair  - it was an eco-crafts fair.  Initially I thought, "Wait. I don't have enough items that would classify me as an eco-crafter."  With that in mind, I stayed up late Saturday night crafting.  I'm glad I did, because it paid off! The customers made it rain!  Now, instead of money rainin'... I wish it were really raining so my allergies could get a break.

 It has CERTAINLY been a long day.  Night, night.

1. I'm thankful for the friends who were able to stop by my booth at the craft fair.  That was pretty awesome!
2. I love that I got my first sale soon after I had finished setting up my booth.  The guy bought a key chain.
3. The guy in the booth next to mine was very helpful.  Since I was there by myself, he offered to help me pull open my pop-up tent.  I was really struggling with it because that is really a two-person job.  He even helped me to collapse it.  I love it when people are genuinely nice.  
4. Another thing I enjoy about these craft fairs is meeting people.  I met some great people today. I love meeting people and building those connections.
5. New Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream flavor alert!!! "What a Cluster" is peanut butter ice cream with caramel cluster pieces, marshmallow swirls and peanut buttery swirls and it is DELICIOUS! I love it!

Give Me Funny!

I woke up this morning and logged onto Facebook.  Man, some of these photos with the captions on them are a RIOT!  I love a good laugh out loud moment. We need more of those.

1. This is one of the images that I loved because it made me laugh.
2. A friend of mine has written a book and asked me to do the cover work.  How cool is that?  That's an awesome opportunity.
3. I love the POULTRY SLAM!!
4. The longest season of bowling EVER has finally ended.  I love that I had the experience of being an officer but I am certainly glad to be done. 
5. I got a listen to the new SWV cd that is coming out and I have to say... I am diggin' it LOTS. 

Signs

 I don't know how to explain it without just simply saying, "There are signs telling you what to do every day."  More on that at some other time. :0)  Signs. Signs. Everywhere are signs. Oh, and Oprah has always said you have to listen to the "whispers".  Another sign?

Difficulties come when you don't pay attention to life's whisper. Life always whispers to you first, but if you ignore the whisper, sooner or later you'll get a scream.

Oprah Winfrey, Stanford Commencement Address, 2008

1. Last night I finally connected with a friend who lives on the west coast.  I talked to her briefly last week but she surprised me with a phone call.  It was good to catch up.  We definitely don't need to go that long without a follow-up again.  Staying up to 1AM isn't good for my mental health at work. LOL
2. I loved seeing a video for the It Gets Better Campaign that was done by students at Brigham Young University.  Way to go, Mormons!
3. In other news, I've also reconnected with another friend from the first college I worked at after graduate school. She's moving to the area! I can't wait to see her again. 
4. Biking is becoming the craze! I think I have another person who is going to bike with me this weekend. She seems up to it.  I hope she follows through. Biking is fun!
5. My Etsy business has been picking up.  I love that. Finally sold some magnets.  They're not the fastest sellers.  Nothing like the paracord bracelets at all - but i find it cool to have sold so many items.  I'm now at 201 sales! 

Way of Thinking #127

Haaaaaaa-Choo!  Yup.... It's that time of year.  Allergy Season has hit me.  It's near misery but it can always be worse. I think that's a good way of thinking about things.  When something seems awful to you - think of a way that it can be worse and be grateful that what you're dealing with isn't that horrible thing or things that you thought of. Dennis' way of thinking #127.

1. I ventured off to South Riding, VA today.  It was a pretty drive - drove past Cox Farm. I need to check that out again and look at buying some plants.  
2. Visited with the new president of the bowling league and shared info with him that he needs to think about.  It was a nice chat. 
3. Today I was on a roll making bracelets! I came up with a new signature style of survival bracelets.  I'm excited to debut them!
4. Speaking of bracelets, someone bought the new "Rasta Style" bracelet. How awesome!  That inspired a new idea in itself!
5.  I am catching up on The Cleveland Show. This show is HILARIOUS!!  I love Seth McFarlane! hahaha

I've Got the Power

Life is gettin'.. it's gettin'.. it's gettin' kinda hectic... I feel the stress of this job. MAN.. I don't think I've ever felt it like this.  I was fine up until I came back to work today.  This semester can't come to a close fast enough.  I haven't even kept up with this blog as much as I would have liked.

At any rate - if I were an iPhone, I'd be down to 20% power.  I barely have the energy to think or list things that I loved about today - but I will make my attempt with the last bit of battery life I have.  It totally doesn't help that I have a headache from my sinus pain.

1. I returned to work and people were happy that I was back.  That's always a good feeling - to be missed.
2. I downloaded the new Madonna album.  At the first listen or two, I wasn't feeling it.  Now I am totally diggin' it.  I love the energy of the record.  The beats are great!  Some of the lyrics are EXTRA simplistic but that has made the songs that much more singable. I haven't liked a Madonna album like this since the Music CD and that was AGES ago.
3. I am enjoying the game "Draw Something" on my phone - it's a nice challenge of the creative mind. 
4. When I woke up this morning I didn't have to iron a single thing. I LOVE those types of mornings.
5. Tonight I watched the show, "Touch" while it was actually airing.  This is such a great show.  I've talked about that a few times I know - but I was struggling for a 5th thing to love today and well, this was on and I love it. hahaha

Whoa is Knee...

What is your truth?  What truth would you like to share?  How truthful are you?  Seemed to be a theme today.  Something to think about.  At any rate - my knee has a deep pain.. It's like WHOA!  I may have to hit up a specialist tomorrow and have the fluids drained... yeah.. lots of info, huh? hahaha

1. "Truth is Life" - Frank Lloyd Wright.  I really like that quote.  I just heard it on a Ken Burns documentary tonight.
2. I went to the doctor about my knee injury. Turns out that it's bursitis.  I tell you what.  This is some crazy pain.. Almost as bad as my worst gout flare up.  The Doc was cool as ice though and gave me something for the pain. :0)  I hope I sleep better tonight.  Two days of not a lot of sleep is no good. 
3. My boss treated me to lunch.. Granted, I couldn't eat much.. but at least I didn't have to pay for it!
4. I had a really good laugh in the staff meeting today. It all stemmed from a bowel movement.  Gross, yes - but FUNNY AS HELL to hear the person bust into the meeting and announce why they were late. LOL
5. Tonight gave me another laugh - or maybe I'm high on Vicodin... but this video that is clowning on Chic-fil-A is hilarious!