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!

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. 

Our Deepest Fear

Today someone was complaining about where they live and that they pretty much aren't worthy of being loved because they themselves are not able to give it for fear of being hurt. Why is fear so debilitating? I mean, ultimately we're afraid of how someone will respond and I get that.  We probably take more risks at work or when we drive a car or ride a bike than we do with finding love and happiness in our own lives.  I don't know about you but I value my own life and happiness. So, I am willing to take those risks.

1. Thinking about taking risks, I remembered this quote that I love by Marianne Williamson .
   

   “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

2. I forgot how much I enjoyed Public Television.  I love documentaries about the past.  I killed a good six hours watching the American Experience series on Lyndon B. Johnson and Franklin D. Roosevelt.  Very good programming. I think it's also fitting that FDR has the phrase, "There's nothing to fear but fear itself."  WHOA.. and then the first quote of the morning.  Hmmm.. someone is trying to tell me something. 
3. Gotta love free music.  A friend of mine makes mixes and you can download them on Sound Cloud.
4. I love that my interactions with people today has caused me to really reflect on what my passion is.  I haven't thought about it since my dog passed away at the end of January. I'm coming to a crossroad where I really need to reconnect with those thoughts.
5. I love how my friend's mom posts things on my Facebook timeline and I have never met the woman in my life. It cracks me up!  I can't wait to meet Ms. Rosetta!

No Sleep 'til Fairfax

 I'm writing this and I'm so tired that I barely have my eyes open.  I always feel like I rushed to type this entry but honestly - it all came to me pretty easily. Okay, NOW I just nodded off.  Let me hurry up and do this list.

1. Okay.. while I don't like ANY of the movies, the latest Twilight soundtrack is pretty damn good! That song by Bruno Mars is really what pulled me into this soundtrack.
2.  I didn't feel like going and even had a headache but I went to the gym anyway and I am happy that I did. .
3. Looking through all of the old shows on HULU Plus, I picked out quite a few so that I can go back down memory lane. Quantum Leap, anyone?
4. During a meeting today we were brainstorming ideas.  Sometimes brainstorming yields okay results. Today we got great results that seem within reach. I love that.
5. Nothing said, "Delicious" today better than Barbara's Coconut covered, buttercream frosted birthday cake from Wegmans!  OMG - that was the bomb!

Lifes Rich Pageant

Today started off rocky.  I haven't been getting enough sleep at all. I think it's time to flip the mattress. I knew making it through my meetings today as well as getting through the event tonight would be tough but I made it.I'm back on the routine, too!  WOO HOO!

1. I had never been to the Mr. and Ms. Black GMU Pageant but I'm glad I went this year and served as a judge.  It was a nice event.  
2. Lots of these students are very talented. There was a vocal performance group that sang a song called "Black and Blue".  They were so amazing that I had to speak to them after the program and let them know.  I am determined to find them an opportunity to perform again!
3. It's always a nice time having lunch with Jen.  Now we're planning her a night out on the town where she can "show her feathers" - btw, when she said that, I thought she literally meant feathers and asked her if she was going to wear a boa. LOL
4. Today I was able to flex my talents in graphic design and web design.  I feel so accomplished! YAY!! 
5. My brother let me know that someone wants to order ten bracelets from me.  How awesome is that?  Mo' Money... Mo' Money... Mo' Money...

Rainbows

Today I was called out on my "blahness mood".  I've been in a funk before but as my boss put it, it's never last more than a week.  I am now in week two.  Hopefully it'll pass sooner. Maybe I'm just dehydrated. HAHA wouldn't it be nice if it were just that?  At any rate - let's get on with this list so I can go to bed.. I am worn out!

1. If you watched Glee, then you know it was an amazing episode!  I loved the opening song and scene but it was unfortunate what happened. Lots of "rainbows" in this episode.
2. I found a new little web show that's pretty interesting. It's on Crackle and it's called Gay Town. It's about a straight guy who is stuck in a town full of gays. Anything he does as a straight man is illegal and he's ostracized for not being gay.
3. I got to work really early (for me) and was administratively productive today. Like McDonald's tagline, "I'm lovin' it"!
4. I have been hearing a song a lot lately and had no idea who it was. While watching Glee tonight, I Googled the words, "I'm glad you came".  It's actually by The Wanted and well, Glee did a way better version of the song. hahaha
5. Oh wow... I'm to the last one and I have dozed off three or four times already!  I need a 5th item, STAT!  OOoh  I love that my boss brought in a bag of Swedish Fish... Now that was uber nice of her!

It's a Beautiful Life

Simply stated, no matter what you're going through based on your perspective, it's a wonderful life. When I thought about this, I also thought about the Ace of Base song called, "It's a Beautiful Life". Then I wanted to hear the song... hahaha

Enjoy!

1. What a great song by Estelle. It's a Wonderful Life.  I love when people push out positivity.  There is just way too much negativity out there... It's like people like to wallow is sorrow.  When you really think about things in the grand scheme, it most certainly a wonderful life because things can always be worse.
2. I desperately needed an oil change.  When I left work it was nearing 7PM.  The place closes at 7PM.  I made it in the nick of time.  WHEW!  They even informed me of things I needed to get done - a new battery, new fuel filter. I'm glad I got my tax return! LOL
3. You know, they say that when things feel uncomfortable that those are the times we experience growth.  Today I felt uncomfortable.  While I don't like that feeling, I love growing and becoming better at what I do.
4. Today I rocked the preppy look according to Melissa.  I like that! LOL
5. My brother, who will be visiting this weekend, sent me a text to ask about the weather. He then asked if I had a coat he could wear here.  Mind you...my brother and I haven't worn the same size since I was in 7th grade.  Make another note that he is 8 years older than me.  The final note is that I have been, since 8th grade, been larger than him.  Now, fast forward to today - we wear the same size! hahaha His weight has gone up and mine has gone down and we meet in the middle. How funny!

Facebook Will You Be My Valentine?

Today was all about technology. I talked about technology at work and then came home to learn about technology.  How about that?   I LOVE technology! I love Facebook. lol Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and I haven't had a Valentine since 2005. Crazy, huh? Oh well, Facebook, will you be mine?

1. Out of necessity I have been trying to find ways to NOT have cable.  Paying all this money for it is ridiculous.  I'm downsizing.  I mentioned downsizing on Facebook and learned about Playon.tv AMAZING!! I am sitting here watching 60 Minutes through the internet on my TV.  FOR FREE!  There are limited commercials, too! You can't beat that with a stick.  Cable be gone!
2. As I talked about the need to remove my cable bill a good friend of mine said she has a digital converter.  She offered to send it to me for free! YAY!
3. Jeffrey Osborne. What a great singer. I was listening to his songs on Spotify.  I mean, I had my Whitney fill for the next few days. I was in 3rd grade when this great song came out: Stay with Me Tonight
4.  I am still learning that to live in the present, while challenging, is really the only way to live. I love that that lesson was brought back to my attention today via the Facebook feed. How about that?
5. It was a good text messaging day. That is all. 

Laaaazy Daaaaays

Summer Breeze, makes me feel fine.  Blowing through the jasmines of my miiiiiiiiiiind.  Okay, I don't know how many people would get that reference.  They are lyrics from a couple of songs from a commercial that.  I have this memory of my childhood that could be a novel - I swear!   Check out the commercial in my list - I kept doing a search until I found the actual commercial on Youtube.  Obviously other people have memories linked to it like me.

1. So many memories from my childhood come from TV.  When I wasn't outside building forts, having dirt bomb wars, playing with fireworks, riding my bike or hanging with friends, I was on the couch watching TV. This commercial sticks out in my mind all the time - LAZY DAYS.... Summer breeze...
2. Boo-yah!  I sold a bracelet to someone in London. I guess the economy is picking up. :0)
3. I made chicken chili tonight.. it's tasty but that recipe needed a little tweaking.
4. I love that Adele kicked ass at the Grammys.  She's had an amazing year! I remember hearing Rolling in the Deep at a bar in DC and I was like.. WHOA!  This song is awesome!  Here we are a year and a half since I've heard it and it's won a ton of awards.
5. Still sad to know that Whitney Houston has passed away. I loved her music. I remember when she started.  VEVO Music has put together a nice collection of her music videos.  Check them out and reminisce. Video Collection

Bouncing Back

I had to take a day off from blogging. This week has been TOUGH. I can't even get my mind right. I go to work and I'm just "there".  I keep saying to myself, "Once Saturday is over it will all be wiped clean." I sure as hell hope so.  At least I have fun plans for after Saturday's events.  With that said, I may also just take a weekend where I don't go anywhere or do anything.

1. I saw this on my Facebook feed - it's very cool and this guy has a lot of videos!  Check out his cover of the Simpson's theme.
2. This little picture sums up my week - but alas, I'm not Betty White either. 
3. I'm glad that I'm starting to get back into a routine again.  Living in the blues is no fun.
4. Wendy got me a birthday card and folks gave me hugs today at the bowling alley.  I love having thoughtful, caring friends.
5. I have some very thoughtful co-workers. Barbara brought in some Chai Latte mix for me to try and she's always giving me tea samples.  She also brought in a plant clipping from home for me to grow and remember Big Mac.

Get the Max for the Minimum

Ooh It's so cold outside!  I guess it could always be more cold though so I supposed I should really be happy that it's not. Isn't that a great way to think about things?  Just be grateful for what you have. Today I felt like I got maximum satisfaction out of the day with minimum amount of effort.  As Martha Stewart would say, "It's a good thing". 

1. "Though you may not drive a great big Cadillac.  Gangsta white walls. TV antennas in the back.  You may not have a car at all.  But remember brothers and sisters. You can still stand tall.  Just be thankful for what you got." I LOVE THIS SONG! Check it out here!
2. Today I went to Myra to see the movie, War Horse. Let me just say that this was an amazingly moving movie.  I really enjoyed it and yes - I cried a little.  It was very touching. I highly recommend it.
3. TJ Maxx is the place where you can be a Maxxinista.  I was that for sure tonight.  With Myra's help in picking it out, I bought a nice new shirt.  I can't wait to wear it. I love the color - a nice thin lime green stripe on a white shirt.  
4. The best part of waking up is Starbucks in my cup while being in an empty house and reconnecting with my friend in Greece whom I haven't spoken to in months.  It was great to spend time with him and catch up.  We even used Face Time on our iPhones to chat.  Very nice! 
5. I loved spending time with Myra today. We had a good time at the movies and having dinner.  I love how we just talk about pretty much anything - including a discussion on religion. That was interesting considering she's a pastor and I am a non-religious person.

Jesus and the Meghan Tonjes

I woke up this morning feeling good.... the alarm clock played The Dave Matthews Band's song, "Ants Marching" which is one of my all-time favorite songs.  I got ready for my day by showering, getting dressed, feeding the dog, and getting my Greek yogurt and coffee made. Then I plopped on the couch to peruse Facebook.  I came across videos that a friend posted that were very provocative in their content. I then thought, THIS will be the things I love today.  A day dedicated to videos that made me think and feel - and those are two things I LOVE to do.  I've featured a video here and there but not like this - until today.  Enjoy and open your minds to your own thoughts.

1. This is something I've always wondered...



2. I'm far from being a religious person but I love what this guy had to say.
    
   
3. This commercial just makes me feel really good. I smile every time I watch it.



4. I love that this teacher has created something magical. If only we all could have a teacher like this.



5.  This woman is AMAZING.  I love her. This is one of my favorite covers by her. I love how she edited it.

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?

Tasty Dairy and Neo-(Soul) Classicism

Today's weather was amazing.  60 degree weather at the start of January? That's unheard of, unless you live in Southern California, Las Vegas, South Florida, you get the idea. There were a few things that I loved about today and they all took the simplest form - one with probiotics! :0)

1. Today I tried Greek yogurt for the first time.  Barbara, our budget analyst, brought in Greek yogurt for everyone today.  I've been doing my best to try new things lately so I gave it a shot.  This yogurt is pretty thick! YET TASTY! It was peach flavored. MMMMM, MMMM good! I love how it has 14 grams of protein in it and 0% fat at only 140 calories.  You can't beat that with a stick! I went to Trader Joe's to pick up their brand of the yogurt and can't wait to have some tomorrow.
2. My love for anything from the golden age of television makes my day. Catch this clip - It's truly a classic moment on TV.
3. A friend from high school bought a bracelet from my shop and received it today. She was so happy with it that she took a picture of herself wearing it.  That was pretty awesome - considering it was unsolicited.
4. Since my housemate is away for the weekend I get to have my house to myself.  I am loving having the fortress of solitude back!
5. I LOVE the Erykah Badu CD - Baduism - takes me back to the year I graduated college. I listened to it after I listened to India.Arie (see yesterday's blog entry). I remember the first time I ever saw her she performed on BET's Video Soul. I bought her CD soon after and I have been a fan ever since. Baduism is in My Top 25 Favorite Albums of all time.

Chill Baby, Baby, Chill!

This morning I had a thought. Why do people waste energy retaliating, being mean, etc? Because someone has done you wrong doesn't mean you have to crush them - or am I just Mr. Nice Guy?  I live by the concept of turning the other cheek. If that doesn't always do the trick, then I turn my back on the offenders and walk away.  I hate expending energy on things that are fundamentally not important. An eye for an eye is not my M.O.  I'm not a religious person.  I don't know Bible verses as well as I know 80s Top 40 music. What I do know is that the law of the universe is, "For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction".  I know that living by the idea of "Treat people the way you would like to be treated".  I don't think it gets much simpler than that.

I also had other thoughts such as - I need to just chill and not care so much.  Why?  Simply stated, everything happens for a reason. With or without my direct influence or expectations. So living in those serendipitous moments is what makes life exciting.

Now, although I've said all of that, it doesn't make it any easier to live like that. hahaha

1. Today I FINALLY received my Oprah's Lifeclass journal.  It's a nice little journal.  I thought it might have questions to answer in it but it didn't. Oh well, I'm glad I finally received it!
2. I'm glad that I got quite a bit done today at work.  The big event is just around the corner and I hope to have everything settled by the end of next week.
3. Receiving not one but two compliments on how I chose to wear my jeans today made me smile. All I did was cuff them up about 3 inches because I bought them too long. Who knew I was being a fashionista?
4. Being able to process specific situations in my life today felt good.  To allow myself a little peace of mind made me feel better. We all have a choice. Reminds me of one of my favorite songs by India.Arie. Okay, so maybe my Chi is still a little out of whack hahaha Certainly not blue - maybe aquamarine? Teal?
5. It's a relatively quite night tonight, which is quite nice. As I was browsing through India.Arie videos on YouTube, I remembered that I loved her cover of Don Henley's, "The Heart of the Matter" and the theme of the song is all about forgiveness - which is kind of what I was referring to at the start of the blog.   This guy does a great cover of the song - Gavin Beach. I love listening to new talent, on YouTube no less!! Here's another great cover of Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" by him. And I LOVE Tracy Chapman!

I think tomorrow will be an India.Arie day. Her Love and Relationships, Vol. 1 album is one of my favorites because it is well-written and has a great theme that is created by the tracklisting. There's not one song on the album that I don't like and it's very uplifting, positive, and reflective.

Opportunities Await

What a day, what a day!  I woke up and began cleaning my house. I'm going to tell y'all right now - Never let your home go a long time without cleaning.  I cannot stress that enough.  It took me three days to clean!  Dusting should happen regularly - duly noted. hahaha  For 2012, I'm going to work on maintaining a clean/tidy home and committing to weekly cleaning. It takes me back to being a kid and cleaning every Saturday before I could leave the house.  I need to commit to that and make that a standing date with my home.

1. Speaking of dates - I had another great one tonight. Here's to more of the same. Oh, and I love the gift I got. Very thoughtful. You're such a smooth operator. :0)
2. I just saw the new Robin Thicke video for "Love After War" and the new Monica video for "Until it's Gone" - I love both songs and the videos. 
3. Now that I have a clean home again, I have to say that I really love it. I added new lighting to my bedroom and it looks so much better. You can do magical things with IKEA  lighting options. I'll be adding new lights to the living room, too. 
4. OOoh - I have hot water in the house again. Gotta love that!  That's one of those modern amenities that humans have taken for granted.  When you suddenly don't have hot water you quickly realize how much you depend on it being there.  Granted, I had options but I'm happy that I now get to exercise those options in my home again.
5. I love having this sense of feeling good about lots of things. Life. Creativity. Dating. Friendships. Work. Doing this blog allows me to stay positive about things and opens my life up to many opportunities.

Once Got Busy in a Burger King Bathroom...

It's finally the weekend! WOo HOo!  It's been a long, busy week and I am glad to see it come to an end and excited about the weekend. 

1. Day two of roasted veggies for dinner. YUM!  This time I added in carrots.  Why is it that I want to eat more of it for lunch tomorrow???  I get on small "kicks" with foods. I guess this is a good "kick" to be on. 
2. This particular Friday made for an easy commute.  It was almost like a summertime commute. Gotta love that.  Only 30 minutes to get to work.
3. I enjoyed making a few scarves for charity at the community service project on campus today.  It made me consider making more on my own. Hmmm
4. Took Big Mac for a walk today.  We walked a new route today so he was pretty inquisitive about the new territory.  I like that he felt as though he mattered - and he does.  I just have to spend more time with him.
5. On the way to work this morning I heard a song from back in the day.  "The Humpty Dance" by Digital Underground.  WOW.. after all these years, that song STILL ROCKS!