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. 

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.”

Jammin' on the One

  Hmmm... I wonder how many people will catch that reference in the title??  If you do, post the answer in the comments. :0) Today was just a great day all around... It was JAMMIN.. and it needed to be because this past week was a HOT ASS MESS... a H.A.M. if you will.  But today was nothing but rainbows and daffodils.  hahaha

1. “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”― Mary Oliver, New and Selected Poem.  I saw this quote and loved it instantly!  Think about it...  
2. I rode 20 miles on my bike today and lived to talk about it!  YAY! Myra was good company. The WOD Trail had a few hills but it was cool riding it - might I mention that it's a paved trail?   
3. On the bike ride we stopped at Amphora... a delicious little place in Vienna, VA.  I ordered the Asian Chicken Salad.  It was the BOMB DIGGITY! I highly recommend.
4. I had a very memorable first date tonight. We tried out a new restaurant in the area called Absolute BBQ.  Good food.. but let me just say that I haven't felt like the one lone chocolate chip in a LONG while until tonight. LOL  Not a single black person in that place other than myself.  Even my date noticed.  To top it off.. they had live COUNTRY music.   Well, we both survived and I actually knew a lot of the songs they were singing.  I mean, I DID live in West Virginia for nearly a decade!
5. My Teena Marie station on Pandora is JAMMIN! 

Rollin', Rollin', Rollin'

Today I challenged myself to a biking adventure.  I'm gearing up for cycling season and wanted to bike to work.  Normally it's a 16 miles trip but I drove part of the way and cycled the rest.  7.5 miles covered in one direction and I had to ride back to my car!  Man, what a way to kick off this fitness program. I am exhausted!

1. What I loved about biking is that I burned nearly 1500 calories!  That's awesome! 
2. Since I burned so many calories I decided to treat myself to a Blooming Onion from Outback Steakhouse.  Oh my, how delicious!
3. I discovered Mary Tyler Moore on Hulu Plus - I keep finding these old classics.  The thing about this classic is that I've never watched it before. I'm enjoying each episode!  Classic Comedy - much different than most of the shows on TV today.
4. The weather today was awesome for a bike ride - 72 degrees. I'm glad it was cool (and breezy) because biking on those hills had me sweating. If it were warmer I can only imagine how much sweating I would have done. lol
5. This was the first time in a long time that I was home fairly early.  I was home before the NBC Nightly News came on. Now THAT'S early!

The Beginning of the End

Today I came to a conclusion - This blog will have to end at some point.  I need an end date. Finality. This way I will have achieved a goal.  That new goal is to have 365 posts.  This way I will have accounted for one year of listing the things I love each day.  I'm nearing 200 posts and this all occurred to me.  Some days I list "similar" things I love. Some days have more unique entries. So there you have it - a pending conclusion.

1. The weather was awesome today.  Made me think of biking this weekend. My friend told me that she was up for a bike ride next weekend. Then another friend mentioned that he thought about buying a bike and I told him that I would go look for one with him on Sunday so that he could bike with us next weekend. I love that others are wanting to bike with me this year!
2. Second workout of the week happened TODAY!! WOO HOO!
3. I enjoyed the "office party" in Rosanna's office.  Good times! 
4. I talked to my friend from bowling about going out tomorrow night and we're hittin' the town! I think this will be a fun night out.
5. I made a new style of bracelet tonight after swooping into AC Moore and picking up some new cord. I'm diggin' the new style.  Hopefully others will, too.

Ooh.. and I have another one to add - I love the Mormon episode of Southpark. It is hilarious.  It came to mind when I saw a friend on Facebook like the musical, "The Book of Mormon". hahaha

Here's to the Freakin' Weekend - I'll Drink to That

It's my birthday weekend and with that said - I most likely won't write any entry on the same day. HAHAHA!! Last night I went to happy hour and had a great time.  It must have been league night because I saw a few people from the league there. I really enjoyed myself and what's even better - I was home at a decent time.

1. I talked about it and I have conquered!  I woke up and went to the gym at 6:15 this morning.  I have to say that I currently feel pretty good.  Then again, it's only 8:45 AM. LOL  I'm glad I did it though.  It's nice to know that I have the rest of the day to myself.  I also think that by working out I may be a little more conscious about what I eat during the day. It's kind of like when you're in school and the teacher says "You all start off with As and the challenge is maintaining that grade". I'm starting off with an A for today and I just have to maintain that grade.  What a novel concept.  I'm going to have to think more on that.
2. Last weekend I went out and sang karaoke. The song I chose was "The Body Electric" from the film Fame. After my workout I was driving in the car and the song popped into my head.  It's such an inspirational song. I really like hearing the string instruments in it and I like the fact that the singers are much like the singers I knew and was in high school - not the greatest but we could hold a note. Right on, Fame!
3. Pretty glad that I drove home early last night. Driving back from DC late at night is for the birds!
4. I love that La Nina has been doing her thing. The weather has been fantastic!!
5. When it's your birthday weekend people like to buy you drinks. Tonight that happened a couple times. Viva La Free Beer!

I Gotta Feeling

Where did the day go?  Man, I tell you!  The days when classes are in session just seem to fly by. It was a good thing and I do like that it was a very productive day - but sometimes you just wish you had more time in the day.  I remember how it was as a kid.  The hours in one day seemed to creep by like a snail participating in a race. It was never fast enough.  I guess keeping busy and enjoying the busyness is the key.

1. As the president of the bowling league I'm on - tonight was the first night where I felt like I had it all under control and just knew what was up.  I like that feeling.
2. More happy news at the bowling league! We added two new bowlers tonight.  How cool is that?  We are now completely filled with bowlers to finish out the season.  That's an even BETTER feeling.
3. Now, I haven't worked out in nearly a week and I put on a pair of pants that used to fit a little more snug than I preferred.  Wouldn't you know that the pants felt too big??  That's what I'm talkin' about!
4. I loved that I posted a new contest on Facebook for work and students are really responding to it! 
5. Today everyone seemed exceptionally nice. I don't know what to make of it but I'm just going to reflect upon it. I love when people are smiling, happy, respectful, helpful and king.

I Lift Things Up and Put Them Down

It's the last day of the 3 day weekend.  Am I ready to go back? Hell no! But you got to do these things, ya know? Before I get back to the grind, I have these awesomely fun/great things that happened!

1. There aren't many commercials that really make me laugh out loud.  One of the new Bounce Fabric Softener commercials did that this morning.  HILARIOUS! Rawr! Check it out! 
2. Gym time!  I did 90 pounds on the pull down bar! That's pretty good considering a month ago I was only doing 55 pounds. WOOT WOOT!
3. I got an awesome message from a customer of mine regarding the bracelet she purchased. Read her message:
   

   Today at work. A customer of mine admired my bracelet and asked where I got it. I gave her your name and your website to check it out :) also, soon I will be asking you for two orders of size 8 bracelets of the same kind. I'll keep in touch with you about that. Are you able to make more??

4. A meal with friends is always good. Great discussions.
5. With my Google+ Account, I offered a free gift to the first 5 people to add my shop. Within a matter of 45 minutes, I had 5 people! I love how quickly it all happened and I'm happy to send out the gifts.

Things That Make You Go Moo

What a great night of bowling.  I actually had a good time AND bowled well.  That's such a good thing.  Work wasn't too shabby either but bowling was much more fun. The rain today isn't even bad.  Why complain about it when others would be just as happy to have it?  The Rolling Stones has a lyric that says, "You can't always get what you want - but you get what you need".  That's a good statement to live by and a good reason to be thankful for what you have.  Just a thought I had today.

1. I bowled 50 pins over average. That's so awesome! Yay for a 191!
2. I talked to a vendor today and clearly she and I have built some sort of friendship.  I think that's pretty cool.  For whatever reason, we began talking about my Etsy site and the next thing you know she was perusing my site and asking questions about selling some of her art on that site.  Amazing how these connections just happen.
3. Hahaha the Shit People Say clips keep coming.  This one is. "Shit Nobody Says". Good stuff!
4. I came home to two packages. One box contained my new boots and the other contained  my new Facebook Cards I got from Moo.comhttp://us.moo.com/. The best thing about the Facebook Cards is that they were COMPLETELY free because of a sale the company was doing.
5. Someone commented on how trim I looked tonight and I really appreciated that. It's good to know that my exercising is making a difference. :0)

An Awesome Day is Any Day You Seize and Sautee

Oh, what a beautiful morning.  Oh, what a beautiful day.  It was 68 degrees today!  What in the heck???  Such a nice day.  It wasn't sunny all day but it was very warm by winter standards so I seized the day. I took down the Christmas decorations, walked the dog, and opened the windows.  I can't believe that I am excited to watch the Republican Presidential Debate. hahaha I guess I am just interested in finding out what these crazy folks have to say.  I have now watched it and in order to keep things positive, I will refrain from any comments. :0)

My awesome meal I made today. Asparagus, mushrooms and onion.

1. Since it was an awesome day outside, Big Mac and I went for a walk. 2 miles later and he has been out for the count for most of the day.  He looked like he wasn't going to make it during the last 1/2 mile. hahaha I kept having visions of having to carry him the rest of the way home.  Luckily he made it.  I guess he didn't really understand what we were going to do. It was a great walk though!
2. I tasted another flavor of Trader Joe's Greek Yogurt - Honey.  I have to say that this was a great flavor!  LOVED IT!  I wonder what it would taste like if I got plain Greek yogurt and put my own honey in it?  Undoubtedly, I'd put more honey into it than necessary. :0)
3. Today, while I was making a bracelet order, I came up with a new look for the bracelet.  I was like, "Wow, why haven't I thought of this before?" Once I finished a couple of the bracelets, I took photos and added a new photo to the listing and asked myself, "Why didn't I think of THIS two years ago?" hahahaha  Check out the new style here because I love it!
4. I love me some Lisa Lisa with Cult Jam.  I had to watch a couple of their videos and reminisce. She rocked by in the 80s. Wonder if I Take You Home |  Head to Toe | Lost in Emotion | All Cried Out
5. Whoa... I barely at any meat today!  That's becoming more of a normal thing.  Am I becoming a vegetarian?? hahaha  I love that I am enjoying vegetables so much!  You still won't sell me on tofu though - you hear me, VG?

Viva la Vida en 2012

Well, it's official. 2012 has arrived. It wasn't with much fanfare this year - just with some good friends at home. Sometimes that's all that's needed.  A few drinks - Myra made a special drink that was tasty but I shutter to think of how many calories are in it considering it is made with coconut milk :0/ Overall it was a fun night - no kiss at midnight but some great laughs. The 5 of us who gathered for the occasion were definitely 5 things to love about today as well as these other 5.

1. Myra made some delicious Caribbean Jerk Chicken Wings.  Mmmm.. I loved them.  The secret was a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg.  How about that???
2. This morning I didn't feel like going to the gym, let alone run for 30 minutes. I had told myself that since I was tired I would only do the elliptical. Then while driving to the gym I told myself I would run for 10 minutes and then do the elliptical.  Well, Once I was on the treadmill I just kept going and did the full 30 minutes!  I love how I exceeded my expectation - I even increased my speed!
3. I turned on the Wii video game system for the first time in a long time. It was awesome to play the Karaoke Revolution game again.  
4. A good laugh was had by Herb and I when we realized that when he was making his brie cheese croissant appetizer he left the paper on the cheese!  When we took it out of the oven it looked so good! When we cut into it it still looked good.  When we took a bite - we knew something just wasn't right. We laughed so hard!
5. I love that I have been able to consistently post an entry on this blog for what is now the 111th time.  Here's to 365 posting of positive things that make life worth loving. 

T'was the Night Before Christmas

It's Christmas Eve and I've been doing things all day.  Staying busy and finally slowing down this evening caused me to think about how, in the last five years I have kept myself occupied with a laundry list of tasks.  I remember the time when the weekend would roll around and I would be bored - just waiting on the night to arrive so that I could have a night out on the town. The only problem with that is that I would sometimes "do the most" and be out until dawn and recuperating the rest of the day.

Staying busy also helps to pass the time.  With it being Christmastime I find myself missing some of the traditional things that used to happen when I was younger that hadn't really happened in over 10 years.  Wrapping gifts. Giving gifts. Being around family.  Seeing friends.  It all sounds a bit sad in some regard - and it is on some level. LOL However, I'm not going to be a Debbie Downer any longer. :0)

1. Tonight I'm visiting one of my friends who is having a get together. There's nothing like food, fun, and friends - oh and a little wine and other libations!
2. Wow, someone made a purchase from my Etsy Shop on Christmas Eve.  That's awesome!  I hope customers do the same thing when the clearance sale starts on Monday. hahahaha
3. I went to the gym. I was determined.  Determination got me to run for 28 minutes continuously. I should also add that I did some weight training, too! Boo-Yaaaaah!
4. Pinot Grigio - I heart you.
5. I met three new friends tonight. Gotta love that.  I talked to them about what their passion is.  One girl bakes for fun and taught me a new type of frosting - ROYAL FROSTING!  I encouraged her to look into selling them.  Her cookies and brownies looked and were amazing.  She has a knack for it.

Wool, Warmth and Washington

Today was a good day and I have at LEAST five things to prove it. Tonight was also the perfect night for the inaugural usage of a real winter coat. I'm already lovin' this coat! It is warm. It is 

1. I went to the gym as planned and ran for 27 minutes continuously. 
2. When I returned from the gym I saw that I had a package waiting for me on the door step. It was my new wool blend toggle button winter coat.  Man, it got here fast! Thanks Old Navy!
3. I had a $20 Off coupon for a clothing store and used it on a shirt that was already on sale.  End result, I only paid $20 for the shirt.
4. Tonight I had the most excellent time with VG.  If you're reading this, you can stop smiling now. hahaha
5. Visited two new places in DC's Logan Circle area - Cork (wine bar) and Masa 14 (Latin/Asian Fusion restaurant). I really enjoyed both places. I'm finding more and more places lately.

Broccoli Does a Body Good

Today I woke up with two things I wanted. 1. I wanted to continue to sleep. 2. I wanted to eat roasted broccoli. I did accomplish one of those things that were on my list. I managed to get through the day okay.

1. Well, I roasted that broccoli and it was delicious.  A nice way to close out the day.  I could think of other ways that are just as good if not better.. lol
2. I made it to the gym after a short hiatus (I haven't been since 12/10/11).  I was able to run even longer today.  I need to stop taking so much time between runs because my progress would probably be a lot better.  At any rate, I am lovin' that I ran over 3 miles!
3. Was that our University President wearing a homecoming button at the announcement of his successor this morning?  Why yes, it was!  That's awesome that Dr. Merten was wearing the homecoming button that I produced.
4. Speaking of University Presidents, I'm lovin' that we have a young president coming on board AND one whose first language is Spanish. Welcome, Dr. Cabrera!
5. I love, love , love that my housemate is gone for a few days.  It has reminded me of the serenity I once had when I wasn't renting out a room in my house and it was always peaceful.