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.

Bargains and Birthdays!

WOW... Today was amazingly busy, yet fun.  So much fun that I am finally writing about it.

1. Tonight I experienced my first Spoken Word event that wasn't held at a college campus. This one was legit!  I really enjoyed it. 
2. I went to a birthday party after the spoken word event and I had so much fun!  So much so that I woke up the next morning asking myself, "Did you need to have THAT much fun?".  Man.. that hangover SUCKED!  hahaha But I loved spending time with some good friends.
3. Coupons, Coupons, Coupons!  I discovered a coupon for $5 Off a Blu-Ray Double Disc of the movie, "The Help".  Target had the movie on sale for $19.99 and I had a $5 gift card to help with the purchase.. I got the movie for $10 - I LOVE A BARGAIN!
4. I went to Busboys and Poets (the 5th and K location) and had one of the best hot alcoholic beverages - the Spiked Chai Tea.. delicious. Best yet, I got the first drink for free!
5. Gas prices have DROPPED.. at least in Manassas, VA.  I only paid $3.09/gallon.  WOO HOO!

I Love the Nightlife - I Like to Boogie

Saturday, how did you slip away so fast?  I don't know where the last few days of my life have really gone.  I haven't even done these lists on the same day for the last few days!  I need to get it together. hahahaha I am definitely tired as can be this morning.  I need to rest up and get productive!

1. Running for 20 consecutive minutes - PROGRESS!  
2. I went out in D.C. and had a good time - sang karaoke (my signature song - Wanted Dead or Alive) and ran into some people I know.  I love the randomness of it all!
3. Who doesn't love Alberto's Pizza late at night?  If you say you don't love it, it's probably because you've never had it. hahaha
4. I love that I have an iPhone.  It makes navigating D.C. on foot so much easier.  
5. I went into Home Depot today and found something I had been looking for.  It was staring me right in the face. Just like it was waiting for me. 

Smurfiness, Trains and Automobiles

Oh what a day!  I left NYC on the Bolt Bus and 7 hours later, I'm finally sitting on my couch back home.  It's been a good day of resting - because I needed it for the trip back - although I kept nodding off most of the way home.  There's so much energy in that city.  I love it.  It's like, when you're around your neighborhood, its not so crazy and it all seems pretty normal.  Once you venture out to Times Square, it gets bananas!

1. I lucked out again on my ride back from NYC.  Although the bus was full a skinny guy sat next to me.  When my knee started bothering me and I needed to switch seats, he switched with no complaints.  I love when people are nice.
2. My timing on all of the public transportation that I had to take today was impeccable!  I probably never waited more than 5 minutes for the next bus or train - in some cases the train would show up just when I did.
3. The much needed sleep I got before leaving NYC was awesome!  
4. A homeless man was working his hustle when I went to reload my smart trip card at Union Station.  I needed just another dollar on my card and he shows up with a Metro Ticket that had $1.30 on it and asked me if I'd pay him for it.  We conducted the transaction and I gave him more than what was on the card.   
5. On the way home I picked up a small rack of BBQ Ribs at Giant for only $5!!!  I LOOOOOOOOVE that deal.

Saturday In the Park...

Today started off a little, hmmm... different. Let's just leave it at that. However, I visited the National Arboretum this morning and I'm now wondering why I had never been before! Even though it's autumn, it was still a beautiful place to be. The sunlight on the leaves and other plants were fantastic.  I can't wait to upload the images.

1. Taking a friend's suggestion and visiting the National Arboretum was a great idea.  I found this tall plant with feather like fronds and photographed it a few dozen times. AH-MAZING images!
2. Although I am tired, I still managed to do a lot today. What's my motivation?  Being creative. I made the covers for two new cereal box journals.  I am getting much better at making them.
3. Today I decided to try making cakes in mason jars.  I made my own buttercream frosting too! YUM! Cake Pops are next - with the homemade frosting!
4. I listened to Mary J. Blige's song, "Empty Prayers" at least a dozen more times today. It's such a powerful song. I love it.  It's my new favorite song. Good ol' song binging! "I try my best to keep you here - but it's hard to hold a shadow."
5. I made another sale today on Etsy!  YAY!!!

When Your Body Says, "Slow Down" - LISTEN!

1. I had never gone to the Manassas Battlefield and took photographs before. Today was a first.  I'm pretty happy with what I captured on my memory card. It was great to just walk around and see the beauty of nature. I even saw a deer!
2. Ahh, my bed. I love that I was able to just be lazy today and sleep. There's something about the sheets on my bed that make me feel at peace.  I guess it's the 600 thread count.  Very comfortable. Very nice.
3. Taking my dog for a ride in my car even though I was only going to 7-11 was nice.  He was sooo well behaved. 
4. I rented several movies tonight and of them all, I have to say that The Green Lantern was my favorite. Limitless had a cool concept and the way it was shot was very nice. Jumping the Broom... Hmm this blog is about positivity, right? hahaha
5. As I was browsing for even more craft projects that I don't have time to create, I found this:  Bottles Full of Light Very cool idea that I love!

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. 

Somethin' Evil is Lurkin' in the Dark...

1. I went to a party tonight and met my neighbors parents.  They're from Trinidad.   The mom is a riot! Such a great spirit.  During the night she said a saying in her thick Caribbean accent.  The phrase is, "Buy me for one but don't take me for one." Such a great saying.
2. I participated in a great in-depth conversation at the party that took us until the wee hours of 3AM.  Time really flies when you're enjoying yourself.
3. Usually I never do too much for Halloween. I was invited to a party and was planning to go as a zombie.  I wasn't sure how I'd make the look happen but I took a $1.97 make up kit from Walmart and some Mod Podge glue and made it work!
4. The bowling tournament began today and I bowled a 184.  Only did it once today.. but I love that the one time happened!
5. Today I got to know several people a lot better. 

Power of Intentions

Sometimes I wonder what the intent of others really is.  Do they intend to bring joy to the day or do they intend to upset the day? Do they intend to make someone happy or do they intend to piss someone off? Do they intend to bring peace or do they intend to rattle the cage? There's a lot of power in intentions. By setting an intention, you make it clear to yourself and others, just what you plan to do. What are your intentions today?

1. Some of my favorite quotes come from Maya Angelou.  When I read her words I can hear her wise, grandmother-like voice speaking to me as if she's sitting on that wing back chair like my Grandmother did. Spewing wise words from a soul that has seen so much in the world. It is those moments that I remember and cherish.
2. Over the course of a few weeks I've developed new friendships. 
3. I love the new Alpha Sigma Phi t-shirt.  I haven't worn anything fraternity related in years!  I loved the price, too. Only $10.50.
4. Another quote - "Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go." - William Feather
5. In all the craziness there really is a silver lining in it all. I just have to work harder on making sure my inner Pollyanna gets her time to shine each day.

If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude.
Maya Angelou
 

When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.
Maya Angelou

Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/maya_angelou_3.html#ixzz1bf97Xo9c

Fitness and Funny CAN Coexist

1. I love Siri on my iPhone.  That's some amazing technology.  
2. I didn't want to go to the gym today - however, when I finally made the decision to get off my ass and go, I felt so good for having done so.
3. Nicole and I went to see Wanda Sykes on campus today.  Such a funny show.  We sat in the front row and never got picked on.. That's a good thing.  Loved both her and the warm up act.
4. I have peace and quiet in the house this weekend.  My roommate is gone and it makes it ultra quiet and peaceful.
5. I love this t-shirt that I bought a couple weeks ago. It has the word "COEXIST" on it. You've probably seen it before on bumper stickers.
   

Chili, Mac, Cardboard and a Little Revenge

Today was planned to be a "lazy day" but it definitely didn't turn into that.  I ended up doing yard work, running errands, walking the dog, cleaning up the kitchen and making a new craft project.  So much for a lazy day!

1. Today I made a pot of chili and let me just tell you... it is GOOD.  If it were Campbell's, it would be Mmm Mmm Good. Since it's mine, it comes with a hand so you can slap somebody!
2. I saw Big Mac (my dog) smile today. We went for a walk this morning and you could tell he were just happy as hell! 
3. The post office has an automated mailing machine. I was a little apprehensive to try using it but I took a chance and I am loving that I did.  It was pretty easy - although I do think I paid a little more than I would have normally because I didn't pick the right type of package.
4. I am finally watching the first episode of Revenge.. Oh yeah, I'm going to love this show!
5. Today I started an art project that was long overdue! Making sketchbooks from cereal boxes.  The first one I made tonight wasn't so hot but the second one definitely shows great promise! It's just too bad that I cut myself while making this book.

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.

5 Things to Make a Saturday Awesome

1. Waking up in the morning with a smile is awesome! :0)
2. I love how I can now drive around D.C. after 3 years and not really need my GPS.
3. I went to a coffee shop tonight and saw they had books that anyone can take for free. It’s through http://bookcrossing.com  I picked up, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”.  I’ve been wanting to read this and here I am with it for free!  Now I need to find other locations to leave books that I have that I have read.  I love this concept!
4. I ate at a great restaurant today called Ted’s Montana Grill.  Ted Turner owns it and it serves up buffalo meat - which is DELICIOUS.  If you ever get a chance to eat there, be sure to get the salt and pepper onion rings.  The dip that comes with it is AMAZING. 
5. On another note, the server at Ted’s Montana Grill was exceptionally charming and made our day.  If only all people were that happy and friendly at work. Thank you, Ben.