Brr, Stick 'em Ha Ha Ha, Stick 'em

Today was like one of those old school hip hop days... and appropriately so (you'll see why). Things just felt so carefree today. Not a worry in the air and very social. I probably spent 3 hours in other folks' offices chillin' and chattin'. Similar to what I would have done on my dirt bike in the summer time - just rollin' up somewhere and hangin' out.

1. I realized that the shirt I had on was from 1999 today.  Someone complimented it and I thought, "Well damn, I bought this shirt my first year of graduate school."  Then I thought about why I kept it - the shirt is made of wool; it's gray; it has padded elbows; and when I gained so much weight that it didn't fit anymore, I vowed to make sure it would fit again.  It fits again and with ample room. I love that feeling.
2. I spoke about serendipity yesterday.  Today it's still in my head.  While there were no happy mistakes today, I certainly connected the concept to my life. I feel good about that.
3. I sat down in a friend's office today and she mentioned another office which caused me to sit down and ask her some questions about careers.  Needless to say, an hour later I left with "homework" to make progress on my endeavors.  I love getting a new perspectives.
4. Sitting in the same friend's office I saw this wall art application tool on her desk that had the rap lyrics, "Brr stick'em! ha ha ha, stick'em". How funny is that?!?  Does anyone recall this song? I know I did.  It's REALLY old school. Check out the song here.
5. Tonight my bowling was great!  I bowled over average in every game - with one game being int eh 170s.  Good stuff!

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.

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.

Fall Fabulousness

I am feeling all fall-like today.  I guess it has a lot to do with the tea I'm drinking and the fact that I listened to REM.  Some of their songs just make me think of cold, autumn-esque weather.  Oh, and well, I had roasted turkey for lunch. That probably helped too.

1. Twinings of London makes a really good Chai Spiced Apple tea.  I'm diggin' it.
2. The more I look at this photo on the left the more I love it. I am so happy that I was able to capture the image on memory card. It will be framed soon.
3. Because traffic was so bad tonight, I made a pit stop at Trader Joe's.  I'm glad I did because I saw a reduced fat Mac and Cheese that look tasty. Guess what? IT WAS TASTY!! I LOVE TJ's!
4. Glee doing Hall & Oates songs?  LOVE IT!  There were quite a few 80s tunes tonight.
5. I got a sale on Etsy from a friend of mine that I've known since we were in kindergarten.  How cool is that?  It was quite a surprise tonight (although she has bought other things from me). I appreciate her support and love that I have life long friends like that. Thanks, Misty!

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!

New Discoveries

Today I have been getting a lot done.  Today I also discovered a lot of new things. It's been a great day to say the least.

1. If you haven't guessed by now, I love quotes!  I saw this one today and it's almost like the quote is waiting for you to read it because they happen to seem to poignant!
2. I stopped by World Market today and found a nice late harvest Riesling wine.  Made in Washington State.  VERY NICE.. and cheap! hahaha
3. I had dinner with the Zeta Phi Beta Women tonight.  It was very nice and I made some connections.
4. Tonight I discovered a new artist whose voice I absolutely love:  Mishal Moore.
5. Oooooh... I just discovered a whole page of Mishal Moore!  I must keep investigating her. 

One-Hundred and Three!!!!

1. It's not everyday when a friend says to you, "your friendship is an important part of my world" especially when you haven't had the best day.  
2. Today I realized that I hit 50 consecutive postings since I made the switch to this blogging site.  My first post was on July 22, 2011! This post makes my 103rd!
3. I heard some music in a friend's office today that took me back to my childhood.  Madonna's "Lucky Star", New Edition's "Candy Girl", and Wham's "Careless Whisper". It brought up some great memories.
4. Avacadoes are 88 cents each right now.. That's a great price!
5. I saw a video tonight on how to cut glass bottles.  I love that the guy showed the technique. Now I'm excited to try it.

Super Joy Fantastic!

1. American Horror Story continues to get SO GOOD! I am wondering how they will keep this up!
2. I love the sign I posted in this blog! 
3. I'm gettin' pretty good at this supervising thing. At least I seem to think so.
4. Watching Oprah's Lifeclass tonight about "Joy Rising" made me think of a song that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE. Check it out here!
5. I got a compliment on my outfit today from two students. That made me smile.

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. 

Unspeakable Joy in ...

1. Okay, I'll admit it.  The show Hot in Cleveland is pretty funny!  I've watched the TV Land marathon this morning and love the characters. 
2. The Walking Dead. Will this be a replacement for LOST? Either way, I love the show!
3. Kim English sang the hell out of this song back in 1999.. and you know, it STILL is the jam!  Are they even making mixes like this anymore?   I love it!
4. By George, I think I've got it!  I've figured out how to make these upcycled journals! LOVE IT!  Now I just need to create an assembly line.
   
5. I love that I almost got through the weekend without spending any money.  Had it not been for Chipotle, I would have succeeded. 

Pollyanna Prowess

The day started off rough - Lots of knee pain from running and body aches from bowling and running but it's turned out to be a pretty good day.  How could it not when you always look for the positive things in life that surround you?  I guess I've fully channeled "Pollyanna". 

1. Today I said farewell to a good friend at work.  Luckily she's not leaving the area though, so we can still hang out. I'm definitely looking forward to kickin' it with her in DC! I may not like the fact that she's leaving but I love the reason she is.  She is being FEARLESS and I love it!
2. LOL, watching American Horror Story tonight and a line from Jessica Lange's character cracked me up. She is a mess! LOL "Christ on a stick... " They can pretty much say whatever they want on FX.
3. Paisano's Pizza - that's some DAMN GOOD PIZZA (and they make a good salad, too).
4. I had a great conversation tonight and I'm liking what became of it. Good stuff! (big grin)
5. I love the lyricism of Burt Bacharach. I guess that makes me "old school". hahaha I listened to his music on my way home from work.

It's the Little Things in Life

Being under the weather slows you down quite a bit. However, I'm here to make the list!  I vow not to miss a day.

1. Woo Hoo!  I was able to navigate the NYC subway system without a glitch this morning. This is good preparation for my trip during Thanksgiving. 
   
2. I arrived to the Bolt Bus 2 hours early and was able to do standby seating on the first bus out that morning.  It was a little bit nerve wracking but I made it on the bus and even better - I go a row all to myself again!
3. I love Popeye's Chicken (and the onion rings) and I was craving it all the way home on the bus.  I definitely got me some Popeye's!
4. That new show on ABC, Revenge, is pretty good!  It's very reminiscent of the night time soaps of the 80s where something majorly dramatic happens at the end of each episode.  This might be a new guilty pleasure! 
5. I love seeing people I knew as a kid doing their thing. Just reminds me that while where I grew up had it's negatives, these women I went to high school with are definitely a positive. Keisha and Kwaun Music Ministries

Gleeful Tuesday

So who knew that Seth McFarlane from Family Guy fame was a good singer?  I know I didn't. Gotta love nice little treats like this.  Anyhow, on with the list!

1. I listened to his CD today and heard a song from one of my favorite movies, The Sound of Music.  He covers the song, "Something Good".  It's definitely worth a listen - he's channeling Captain von Trapp!
2. OOOOOMG!!! The new iPhone seems amazing and I'm excited to pre-order so that I can get rid of this iPhone 3G that I've had for 3 years.  They have put a new feature on the phone called Siri.  Definitely check that out.  I have the video riiiiiight here: SIRI 
3. Tonight I had my first ever bread bowl soup. I was at Panera Bread and thought, "Why not?" and took the leap.  I got chicken noodle soup.  Next time I'll try the chili!
4. I LOVED GLEE TONIGHT. 
5. Seeing students get excited by an idea is energizing when your career centers on event planning.

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.  

Do Ya Wanna Have Fun? How's About a Few Laughs?

I've noticed that it's pretty hard to list 5 things for the day when you don't leave the house. hahaha It was one of those days where I just needed to catch up on laundry, create things in the "creative suite" of my home, and watch TV.  Now, let's attempt to come up with a list of 5 great things that I loved about today.

1. Today I was able to print stickers with my new 5 Loves logo on them.  After a few tries I was successful!
2. I'm glad that I was able to finish all of my laundry today. There was a TON of it.
3. The show, Pan Am, is growing on me more and more.  I turned off the last 30 minutes of Sweeney Todd for it for crying out loud! hahaha
4. I booked my Bolt Bus ticket to NYC.  Very exciting and VERY inexpensive. Only $42 for a round trip ticket.
5. You can tell that I'm getting older. I find that I can appreciate many things that came before my time. One of those things is the soundtrack to the musical, Sweet Charity. I really wanted the soundtrack that had Shirley McLaine playing the lead but couldn't find it.  This one has Gwen Verdon in it. I guess she must have been big time back then. hahaha  Lots of familiar songs in this show - the biggest being "Hey Big Spender" and "If My Friends Could See Me Now". To make up for it, I found a YouTube clip from the movie featuring Shirley McLaine!

Diggin' "Out"

Today was one of those days where I struggle to find 5 things that I loved today. Nothing was huge in giving me the "wow" moment but these little things just made me feel good.

1. This morning I had an amazing idea for another bracelet that I will attempt to make. I
2. It's still pretty awesome that I continue to get those fun text messages throughout the day. 
3. Started using Spotify today. Cool stuff. Was jammin' to Sting's new album "25 Years" and Prince's "The Hits and the B-Sides". I'm diggin' it like an old soul record.
4. HAHAHAHA X Factor always seems to make me laugh and feel good when I witness people are working toward their dreams and are passionate about what they love. I love that.
5. I love how strong and courageous this guy is when he came out to his mom.  There are a few similarities for me and well, you just gotta be YOU and love yourself enough to be the person you are.  Living a life of authenticity. Watch the videos here - Coming out to mom  - Coming out to dad

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. 

It Got Better

1. I just watched 30 minutes of rough cuts from the “It Gets Better” videos from our campus. Wow… that was intense in some parts. I love how folks put their feelings out there and really opened up themselves to connect with people they don’t even know. AMAZING. It actually made my eyes tear up. 
2. I absolutely love when something is SO FUNNY that you can’t stop laughing about it. The mere thought of it makes you want to bust out laughing. This is what happened tonight at the bowling alley. 
3. I love that the Facebook page for my office has finally reached 1000 likes and that the students are involved with playing a guessing game to win a prize. 
4. I looked at my bank account today and I’m not as broke as I thought I might be. That’s a good thing to love! 
5. I heard a Stevie Wonder song today and thought, man… they just don’t make music like that anymore. You know, songs that “you could name that tune in 5 notes” type of music. I love that about the classics (i.e. anything pre-90s).
   
   Great song to accompany this post: Tom Baxter’s “Better”