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.

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!

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

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!