Live My Life Like a Burning Man

It's always the simplest things that mean so much.  Someone saying thank you and showing that they are truly appreciative makes you feel good.  Not because they were grateful for what you did but because what you did made their day. That is truly a great feeling - to know you made a difference in someone's life.

1. My Greek Yogurt exploration continues with the discovery of Chobani Pineapple flavored. LOVE IT!  I wanted to get another container to eat. I can tell that this will be a treacherous (yet healthier alternative) path. LOL
2. Yesterday I bought some frozen chicken wonton soup from Trader Joe's.  That's some tasty soup.  Low in calories, 11 grams of protein, low in fat... the only drawback is that it's high in sodium.  You have to take the good and take the bad... you take them both and there you have... bwahahahahaha
3. The Burning Man - this is something I've always been interested in doing. But why on earth does it always have to be during welcome week of the university? I think it would be something completely cool and memorable to do.  One of these years I am going TRY to experience it.  I'm sure I could get a few adventurous/bohemian friends to do it. Who's game? My only concern is the drug use that I'm sure takes place. hahaha Now I have the song of the same name by Third Eye Blind in my head.
4. I love making the day of people and surprising them. I mailed my dad his iPod back along with a couple of things - a t-shirt and a coffee mug.  He called to show his appreciation for the gifts and for the music choices that I placed on his iPod. That was really nice.
5. Today during lunch we all sat around the table in the office and had lunch.  It's something we don't always do when classes are in session. It is nice to really get to know each other in a relaxed environment and not have to worry about time constraints as much.

I love this video based on Dr. Seuss's "Oh, the Places You'll Go"

24 Little Hours

If you read yesterday's post about feeling blue - then I'm happy to report that I am feeling better. My Chi must have been off.  The Chi is still working itself out but I'm definitely not in that space in my head that I was yesterday.What a difference a day makes. 

1. This new game show on NBC, called "Who's Still Standing" has me cracking up. I like the way they drop the loser in the well.
2. I went to the gym today and ran 3.66 miles and did a lot of reflection and that's a good thing. It was a double whammy of goodness to love.  It got me to really relax about some things and stop trippin'. I tend to get to a point of over thinking. I have to remember to let go and let flow. Woosah!
3. I love that TV One has grown into their own as a network for black television. I love the show "Unsung" and am thrilled that they have a new program starting called, "Find Our Missing". Find Our Missing, a new, hour long docu-drama series for TV One, will put names and faces to people of color – young and old- who have disappeared without a trace.
4. Strolling down memory lane again with two friends from high school - one in particular, I've known since kindergarten. Facebook is the great connector!
5. I made my first terrarium with the moss that I ordered.  I'm excited to take it to work and place it in my tidied up office tomorrow. The moss really adds something to the look of it.

Let's Get Physical, Physical.. I Wanna Get Physical...

It ain't the type of physical you might be thinkin'!  I was doing some work around the house.  I bought the parts to stack my washer and dryer and my roommate helped me with the install. Man that was a heavy piece of machinery!  It's up there now. WHEW! My right shoulder is now sore and it's 12:04 AM.. I hope it's not worse tomorrow.  My next challenge is to install this new power cord to the dryer - the current one is now not long enough to reach the outlet.  The physical work is never done because I'm also supposed to go to the gym tomorrow.  Oh well - I'm thankful for being able to be physical. Things could always be worse - but this blog is all about positivity, right? LOLOLOL Let's get to it!

1. I ventured out to the stores - well, Old Navy that is.  I got a great deal on a couple of sweaters and a pair of jeans.  I finally have a sweater that's not navy or black. It's green!!
2. My neighborly neighbor, Don came by to invite me over to drinks. That was really nice of him.
3. While at my neighbor's, Don's partner's parents were over visiting as well. I love talking to them. They are so laid back and open to topics of conversation.  I have always gravitated to talking to the parents of friends of mine. It was a very enjoyable conversation. 
4. That chicken I made in the crock pot yesterday - um, yes, it is STILL delicious.  I love a crock potted chicken.  
5. Tonight Big Mac (my dog) moseyed on outside the front door as I was talking with my neighbor on the porch. He went a few houses down until I called his name and he came running back into the house with no complications to get him inside.  This dog is TRAINED!  I love that and I love that he is such a good boy.  When we both got in the house I praised him and gave him two treats. 

You're A Fun One, Mr. Hicks

Today was a craving vegetables day.  I've been having these more and more lately.  Maybe my body is saying it's vitamin deficient.  I'm not sure. What I am sure about is that I haven't really cared to eat much meat lately.  Don't get me wrong.  I still love Mexican food with the ground beef, seasoned to perfection.  I guess I have just developed a palate that yearns for good ol' veggies.  Tonight, I made what is normally an appetizer for dinner - grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil with balsamic vinaigrette. Mmm Mmm, good!

Enough of that - let's get to the daily loves!

1. This morning I was scraping the windows of my car (yes, they were covered in frost) and a neighbor I've never met asked me if I would assist her with providing a jump to a car whose battery had died.  I walked over to see what I could do to help out.  My assistance wasn't needed but the neighbor and I introduced ourselves to one another - and THAT was the cool part!  I got to know another neighbor.
2. I got an email this afternoon from the Vice President of University Life with the subject line "You are One Fun Guy".  That alone made me smile. She wrote:
   

   Hey Dennis - just a quick note to tell you how great you are at keeping
   a party lively!  I really enjoyed watching you at the holiday party. I
   really appreciate your fun-loving spirit!
   
   Have a wonderful holiday if I don't see you!

   I didn't even see her there!  Nevertheless, it just goes to show you that you should always put on your best face because you never know who might be watching your actions.
3. Hmmm... text messages from Italy.  I like those!
4. I got my shipment of airplants today and I'm excited for the new projects that will come from them.  I have a few things planned and hopefully they will be well received.
5. Nicole was able to report that she will be going on date #2 with this guy. I love hearing exciting news!
   

   
   

Whores De Vores

I can't say that I didn't have a productive day, because I did. There was just a whole lot going on before I left for the holiday party.  Three cheers for office productivity! Wondering about the title of this entry?  Wait for it.... waaaaaait for ittttttt....

1. Traffic was manageable today.  I actually made it to work under 40 minutes on a MONDAY! WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE ABOUT THAT??
2. I love it when I say something that makes someone laugh and it wasn't intentional. Glad to be of service Nicole! "Womp Womp". LOL
3. My cake was a hit at the holiday party.  I'm glad it didn't disappoint. I'm always a little self-conscious about that.  I think my gift in the gift exchange did disappoint though. No one traded for it.  That was a little sad. I usually bring the gift that everyone wants.  Oh well.. shit happens. LOL
4. I love that Melissa made that mozzarella, tomato and basil hors d'oeuvres.  DELICIOUS!!  Oh.. and this reminds me of a funny story.  When I was a kid, I was riding with my mother in the car on Michigan Avenue.  We were on our way to Detroit and there was this restaurant that had "dancers" for the businessmen lunches. Well, there was always a sign outside on the building that said hors d'oeuvres.  I said to my mother with honest naivety, "Look, they have whores devores". hahahaha I had NO IDEA what I was really saying.  LOL I have always remembered that. 
5. Tonight I won a bottle of Kahlua in the White Elephant Gift Exchange.  #WINNING

Thinkin' of a Master Plan

While running on the treadmill I think of lots of things.  Today I came up with a great idea. It's like my form of meditation. hahaha

1. What better gift to give someone than the gift of gratitude?  I thought of this while working out tonight.  Basically I'd write a letter about why I'm grateful for the person in my life.  It almost moved me to tears while I was running on the treadmill.  Part of me is afraid to show the tender side of myself while the other part of me thinks it's the biggest gift I could offer someone this year - to show how much they've meant to me. WOW!  That's deep.
2. I saw a video about job safety today. It was made in Canada and it is INTENSE.  Point well taken, Canada!  Check out the video here.
3. I got 4 orders for bracelets today!  WOO HOO!!  You can tell it's Christmastime! 
4. Today I was able to spend some time chillin' out with some students and that's always a good time. It keeps me in tune - Plus they ALWAYS make me laugh. 
5. I stepped on the scale tonight and noticed that I was down 5 pounds.  That's pretty substantial because you usually weigh more at night - so it's probably more like 7 pounds. Heeeeey!  hahaha The plan is working.

Monday, You're Too Funky for Me...

There was a funk in my spirit today. I didn't want to do a think at work. Why would I need to work after not working for so many days? hahaha  I finally got into gear after 4PM and did two solid hours of work.  Aside from working in the office I've been working on my plan of action for the 30 days of crafting.  The excitement begins in just a couple of days.

1.  I'm glad all of the things I needed to finish for homecoming planning is nearly over. WHEW!
2. I love that I finally said what I needed to say. What a relief!
3. I found a new craft site that I love to death... Curbly!
4. Today Barbara brought me some large mason jars. I love how thoughtful she is.  I'm going to have to make her something for Christmas. 
5. The weather today was amazing. It just doesn't get better than that at the end of November in Northern Virginia! 70 degrees????

The Best Things in Life are...

It's hard to stay motivated at work when you know you have a big trip coming up!  I'm headed to NYC on Wednesday to add another check mark to my Bucket List - The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!  WOO HOO! I'm sure I'll be adding a few NYC things to my daily dose of positivity.

1. I shared my "cakes in a jar" with staff members today and the best compliment was seeing a staff member running her finger around the inside of the jar to get the frosting out.  MY HOMEMADE FROSTING... clearly she thought it was delicious and that makes me smile!
2. I am happy to have friends around that I can ask favors of. It makes life so much more manageable.
3. I need more people to get hip to this particular CD, Michael Franti and Spearhead's "The Sound of Sunshine".  I heard "I'll Be Waiting" again today and thought, "Man, this song needs to make my list today!" Check out the lyrics.
4. This afternoon I was interviewed by The Daily Dot today for being a male seller on Etsy. It was pretty cool.  Shout out to Lauren Orsini for the interview.  The article should be published on Wednesday. 
5. Through a really good conversation with a student, I learned that he enjoys history and educating/mentoring youth. Who knew?  The lesson of the day - Never judge a book by its cover. I love when I have moments in life that remind me of the lessons I have learned.

Being a Student in Your Life

I can't express this enough how much I've learned by watching Oprah's Lifeclass.  I find myself quoting parts of the episodes and the lessons taught.  I've had friends ask, "Why do you watch that? It's just a rehash of her shows."  I respond with, "It's different though. There are these lessons she discusses and it causes you to place those lessons within the context of your own life."  I think those words fell on deaf ears.  Today I noticed myself discussing how much I love the show, again.   I reference the lessons in much of the way a religious person quotes scripture.  The only thing that's different is that I don't pray for some being to make my life what I think it should/could/ hope to be - I look within my own being to make it so.   I am an active participant in my life.  Constantly looking for the lessons and the things to be happy about.  Speaking of which...

1. I'm glad that today everything just seemed to work out. Only proving my point that I shouldn't worry or get all worked up about things.  It's never really THAT serious. Even when it appears to be - there's always something worse that could happen. When the worst possible thing you can think of happens - I'm sure you can think of something else that could make it worse. Depending on the perspective, the only thing that's worse is death. If you're a religious person, that's really not a bad thing either unless you believe in hell and you're going there.
2. Had a really good meeting with students where they recognized a lot of things on their own.  YOu gotta love those moments.
3. Traffic this morning and this evening seemed to be pretty light.  I enjoyed just cruising into work in just under 30 minutes.
4. A lesson worth noting - The life you plan is not necessarily the life you live. 
5. Things I was called today by people - VIP, A Protagonist, Creative, Funny.  I never really thought about things people would call me until today.  Those are all pretty positive words!

The Itchy and Scratchy Show!

1. I love it when I get new music that I REALLY wanted.  Thanks, Chris! :0)  I know what I'll be listening to in the office tomorrow.
2. Tonight I ventured into new salad dressing territory.  I went for the honey dijon.  Normally I don't go for honey mustard on my salads out of fear of trying something new - this time I made a good choice in challenging myself.  Pair that dressing with chopped up chicken and you have pure bliss.
3. A pushy salesman called me at work, telling our reception desk it was a personal call.  I asked the student at the desk who it was and the name didn't ring a bell so I had her transfer the call. He was trying to sell me custom made clothing!  WTF?  So I told him nicely that I was not interested and he continued to push.  I held my ground.  I love that I'm getting better at saying, "No" to people.
4. You can't beat buying a whole, cooked chicken for under $5. That's a meal for at least 3 days.  AT LEAST.  You can't buy one, season it and cook it yourself for that price!  I love a good deal!
5. In another phone call I had tonight - I'm happy to report that we're back on track. 
6. I have survived week one of Movember. My face doesn't hurt anymore, it's just itchy.  Speaking of itchy, if you're itchin' to make a donation to help raise awareness and educate more people about prostate cancer, please make a donation to my page. Any size donation is welcome :0)  DONATE HERE!

Disney and Semi-Sedation

1. Today I learned a lot about a software program that my office uses.  I actually enjoy learning this type of stuff but not too fond of having to learn somethin' like Chemistry. hahaha
2. I had a rotisserie chicken left over from the weekend. I thought, "Hmmm.  I'll make a chicken noodle soup out of it." Well, I am happy to report that rotisserie chicken makes an EXCELLENT chicken noodle soup.  I can't wait to eat it for lunch tomorrow.
3. I am happy to report a successful campaign to raise money for Susan G. Komen! - total sales for October is $181 with 20% going to charity! WOO HOO! That will sponsor one walker
4.  It's crazy how calm I've been today. I love that I've maintained that Zen state of mind.
5. Youtube has a lot of cool things.  Today I looked at a lot of old Disney clips and it just took me back to being a kid.  Very innocent times.

I Am a Conquerer

Today I took steps to conquering a couple of fears - It's like, once you conquer one, you're off looking for the next one.  You feel so much better for challenging yourself to do something that seems scary.

1. I was afraid to take the leap and start the process of creating a new website.  Well, I took the plunge and now own a domain. That's a start and I'm glad I stepped out into the unknown.
2. I made a phone call tonight that I volunteered to make.  I wasn't exactly sure how it would go.  I made the phone call and it wasn't at all how I imagined.  I loved that I challenged myself.
3. I'm not much of a church person and I'm pretty skeptical about religion but I LOVE some Gospel music. 
4. Today brought lots of clarity.  I love when I finally stop stressing out and start taking action.
5. While listening to my iPod in the car I heard a song by Michael Franti and Spearhead called, "Love Don't Wait".  Great upbeat song. 

Use Your Heart as a Weapon and It Hurts Like Heaven

1. What a way to kick off the day - by watching this YouTube video a student posted on Facebook. It made me smile and chuckle. 
2. Another funny video to make me smile and chuckle today.
3. I have to toot my own horn.  I'm not sure whom I learned this from (parents, Oprah, watching 80s sitcoms because they all had a moral to the story), but I love the fact that I can remain calm in so many situations. Today would/could have been very challenging to some and for me, it's like, "Ok. So what steps do I take to move forward?"   No meltdown or freak-out, just a lot of laughing (because of the initial shock the began with an "Oh Shit Moment") then you bring it all back together and put it in perspective. 
4. “Choose to be kind over being right and you'll be right everytime.” ― Richard Carlson. Such an awesome quote I read today. 
5.  I heard one of the new Coldplay songs tonight. It's called Hurts Like Hell.  I love the energy of this song.  I wouldn't be surprised if it were used in a trendy commercial soon.

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."

Music Monday

Today is just one of those days where you don't want to really do anything but live in the lyrics of songs.   It's not to say these songs express how I am feeling today... it's just that I'm feeling these songs.  I heard them today and made me feel good (even if it's a sad song).

1. Kelly Clarkson is coming back strong with this new song and video.  Way to go Kelly!



2. Adele's "Someone Like You" video is very simple and beautiful.  I like how it's just her walking the streets of Paris.
3.  There's nothin' like listening to some old school Prince - Especially when it's one of his classic albums.  Today I enjoyed listening to the Sign o' the Times album.  Amazing double album.  He's probably put out more double, triple, quadruple albums than any other artist.  It's unfortunate that he doesn't allow his videos to be on Youtube without being altered.
4. Let me just say how I just LOVE Spotify!  You can pretty much think of any type CD and you'll find it here to listen to, FOR FREE!  It's great! 
5.  Okay.. Susan Boyle... Cover of Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence".  I love that she's attempting to be relevant in pop culture by putting her own spin on a tune.  

Song Binging and Crab Caking

1. Walking to Starbucks on campus with two great women in our office was a nice, yet brief, highlight.
2. That taco salad in a bag by Dole - yeah.. that stuff is delicious.  When you add in the buffalo chicken nuggets it becomes scrumdiliumptious!
3. On another food note - I made rémoulade sauce for my crab cakes. It really wasn't that hard to make!  Very tasty and just what the crab cakes needed. 
4. That new song by Kelly Clarkson, "Mr. Know It All" - I have been song-binging on that tune all damn day!  I love it! So much so that you should take a listen now. REALLY COOL SONG ALERT!
5.  I'm excited about an opportunity to possibly go to NYC next week - even if it's just for a day and a half.  I should know in the next day or so if it'll be a reality. 

Rainbows

1. A graduate student brought in a cake, that when it’s cut, looks like a rainbow exploded inside.  I loved it and I will try my hand at making one some day.
2. DADT ended today.  That’s good news for the over 13,000 service members who were discharged from the military since it was put into place. This is even better news for all of those who choose to serve our country openly.
3. Meeting with the Hype Squad for campus today was a highlight.  I love their enthusiasm!
4. I loved hearing the appreciation a student had for a staff member.  I know it meant a lot for her to hear and it meant a lot for all of us sitting at the table to hear.
5. It awesome that I get compliments on a shirt that I probably wear every week. Sometimes from the same person. I guess it really IS a nice looking shirt! LOL

If U Want 2 Sing Out...

1. I love it when a song pops up on your iTunes JUST when you really need it to.  This song makes me feel good and that I can do anything I want in life. Cat Stevens
2. Whoa… I made some popcorn tonight that tastes JUST LIKE movie theatre popcorn!  I LOVE IT!!
3. I love it when my friend, Risha makes me laugh. She just keeps it real! LOLOL
4. “You is kind. You is smart. You is important. I love that.. and everyone should spread that message to every little kid. 
5. I love that I figured out my budget concerns today.  Luckily it was a Excel Spreadsheet formula that was acting cattawonky! 

5.1 - I love that I’m going to bed so early. I am soOOoo tired.