The Day just "Float"ed on By

Day two in NYC yielded new experiences - one including an "ok" $50 meal for Thanksgiving... yeah.. not too thrilled about that one but there are other things that I loved about the day.  So, here we go!

1. I FINALLY got to see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Check that off my Bucket List! YES!!
2. Getting some awesome pictures of the parade just made my day.  It was definitely a different vibe seeing it in person and I got lots of great pictures of the floats. I will say that it DID feel like any other parade in all honesty - but it was something I always wanted to do and I am loving that I did do it.
3. We went to Greenwich Village for dinner and went to a couple of bars.  One bar was the historic Stonewall Inn. It was cool to be in such a historic venue.
4. After the parade I got a much needed nap.  It was good to recharge after being up so early for the parade.
5. I love that I have cool friends who just want everyone to be happy.  I appreciate that.

What Do You Choose?

There's something to be said about investing in your own life.  Investing in your own happiness. Investing in your own ability to be at your best.  Today I had a conversation with someone I was dating that needed to be had - on a particular day when I saw a documentary called "Happy". The documentary is about how people in the world choose to be/are/are not happy.  How can you truly ever be happy when you're not your authentic self? The unhappiness always seems to spill out and manifest in other ways.  Sometimes we compensate with buying "things", making "things", eating "things", drinking "things", fixing "things", growing "things", smoking "things", etc. You get the idea.  In this situation someone gave up so that they could avoid the real "things" in their life.  It's sad that they don't have the courage to be "happy" - even when their happiness had to be veiled in discretion.

I wish nothing but the best for them while they embark on their journey to self-acceptance and loving themselves enough to be "happy".

With that said - while it may seem difficult to pull from the days events to find some happiness - I can. I choose to be happy.

1. Today I saw the inspiring and moving documentary, "Happy".  I love how it resonated with me and in a way, prepared me for the conversation that I had tonight.
2. I made someone's day when I brought them some chocolate! 
3. A blog writer contacted me today about interviewing me and some team members about being male crafters/sellers on Etsy.  I do the interview on Monday. How cool is that?
4. I talked to one of my brothers today.  We don't talk often but when we do it's pretty cool. I'd like to think that if we lived near one another we'd be closer. This goes for both brothers. hahaha As we get older it's like we put aside age differences in lieu of just general things in common. Today I learned that he always wanted to travel in an RV and see different things in the US like Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone Park, and the Grand Canyon.  Guess what? I do too!  We might have to make this happen!
5. Watching Private Practice tonight gave me two things I loved.  The storyline and the three songs they played from the new Mary J. Blige album.  Three great ballads on the show! "Need Someone" "Living Proof" and "Empty Prayers"
6. In further reflection, I loved my maturity in the situation tonight. I acknowledge that the only thing I can change is how I react to things in my life.
7. I loved how the different lessons I've learned over the years and by participating in Oprah's Lifeclass has really had a major impact on how I navigate through life. One of the lessons is expressed by Randy Pausch.
8. It's amazing how many more things I can list today as opposed to any other day.

Happy - A Documentary Trailer from Wadi Rum Films on Vimeo.

Small Things Add Up to Big Things

Today I'm keeping it simple.  Actually I have to because I can't think of any major things.  Strike that - I can come up with some things to list on this blog tonight. I have to change my view of this because no matter how insignificant something may seem, each thing that happens to a person feeds into more significant matters.  It's kind of like when you keep collecting change.  It's not significant until you add it all up. Having an understanding that it is all connected is the lesson here.

1. Today I went to work with a plan of action and accomplished 90% of it all.  The 10% that I didn't complete - I at least got the ball rolling.  Now that's action!
2. At the bowling alley, everyone was in good spirits.  At the end of the night everyone hugged and wished each other a Happy Thanksgiving.  That was a really nice thing to see and participate in.
3. I got a good bit of news today at work regarding an overspent budget.  It's NOT as overspent as I thought.  WHEW!!!
4. I read a comment on a photo I posted on Facebook and it garnered a "Woof!" That's a good thing. 
5. Peanut Butter M&Ms.  YUM!

Fearlessness is Nirvana With a Spoonful of Nutella

I wasn't anticipating that today would be filled with such deep thoughts. I guess some higher being is speaking to me so that I can speak to you.  Who really knows? Today's list just came to me so easily and is all kind of link together without intention. 

1. Today's list is brought to you by the word, "DADGUMMIT!!!!!". My friend, Roy, said this on Facebook today and I thought, "Now there's a word you don't hear every day."  It's one of those words that makes you think of Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes gang and causes you to smile quietly to yourself.
2. I guess I wasn't into rock/modern rock too much in the early 90s and I wasn't able to fully appreciate the Nirvana album, "Nevermind".  I'm listening to it on Spotify and I have to say, it's pretty good. In fact, I love about 80% of this CD.
3. I love that this video gets right to the point and talks about honoring the indigenous people as opposed to a man who "supposedly" discovered America.
   
   
4. Did I ever mention how much I really love Nutella with peanut butter?  
5. I just had a thought about life.  I love when these moments happen.  The thought was this, "Why do we care what people think or believe if we know our truth?" The follow-up thought was, "And when we're old and frail (if we're lucky enough to reach that point) what is there to really be afraid of?  If you're fearless, how much freer do you think you'd feel? It's the fear that holds us back from being the most amazing human beings we can be. Oh yeah, people can be amazing and still have fear but to be the most amazing Dennis Michael Hicks is what I want to achieve."

Do You know Where You're Going to? Do You Like the Things that Life is Showing You??

1. It's always nice to see friends when they're passing through your area. I haven't seen Kyle in about 2 years. I love that when he saw me he said, "Where did you go?" - meaning I lost weight and it's clearly noticeable. :0)
2. I got to see a someone again and that was great. Looking forward to the next time.
3. To almost be able to drive through D.C. without a GPS is something worth loving. I had the general idea of the direction I need to go and I was in the general vicinity. hahaha
4. I never really had a pumpkin iced latte from Dunkin Donuts until yesterday.  Man, those are REALLY good.  I will have to get another one some day this fall. 
5. The movie Moneyball was GREAT!  I wasn't too sure on it when I first saw the previews but then the reviews came out and it looked like a winner.  Don't you just love, when you're in a movie theatre, that the entire audience laughs, cheers and sniffles at the same time? That's the sign of an awesome movie.

"Green" Day

1. To wake up with a plan is what it’s all about.  Today I said I’d wake up, run some errands and buy what I needed for jewelry making.  I finished 8 beaded bracelets.  I love productivity!
2. The word LINDO. :0)
3. While out shopping, I came up with a new way to brand my business. I’ll be using craft and recycled paper. Picked up some print at home stickers too.
4. Homemade guacamole makes my heart sing!
5. I love to hear that my friends are happy with the way things are going for them! Makes me say, “Awwwwww” <wipes tear from eye>