Battleships!

I have been a political junkie for the last 10 years.  I don't miss a Presidential Debate.  Tonight's debate didn't change my opinion (because I am a firm Democrat) but it solidified my confidence in our POTUS.

Today was a good day, aside from getting sick.  Here's how it all went down.

1. I got a lot done at work as far as getting organized.  I'm on a organizational journey and trying to turn over a new leaf. 
2. To stick with a plan that you've set feels awesome.  I said I was going to run and I did.  Run/Walk but I did it and completed 1.85 miles. 
3. Dinner was made for me. Awwww.  Now that's something I can get used to!
4. It's probably because nothing else was on TV is the reason why he was okay "watching" the debate with me.  Which is fine - I'm just happy he was open to it. 
5. Loved this quote from the debate, “Governor, we also have fewer horses and bayonets because the nature of our military’s changed. We have these things called aircraft carriers where planes land on them. We have these ships that go underwater, nuclear submarines. And so the question is not a game of Battleship where we’re counting ships. It’s — it’s what are our capabilities.”

Oprah Made Me Do It.

Today I decided to read through my "O Magazine" that I recently got.  When I say, "recently", I really mean, it arrived early last week and I just decided to pick it up and read it.  My favorite part to start with is the "Things I know for Sure".  Why?  Cause I want to know what Oprah really knows for sure.  I mean... I looooooooooooooooove me some Oprah. God knows I do!

In the article, Oprah talks about how she would keep her gratitude journal and did it consistently for 10 years and then over more time, she because less consistent to the point where she rarely did it.  All due to being busy with life.  So busy with life that she wasn't making time to acknowledge the great things that happen in life.  This brings me back to my list of 5 things that I love about today.

It is important to acknowledge the things in life that make it special.  It took my reading of an article to remember the importance it holds in keeping my life in perspective and helping others do so as well.  So, with that said - I. AM. BACK.

1. Today I did something great. I opened up my second Etsy shop. This shop is specifically for LGBT Pride items and that's something I'm proud of. http://pridefulthings.etsy.com 
2. What a great day for working in the yard. The weather was AMAZING.  
3. I love that I have friends that I share special moments with and I am happy that I can be there for them.
4. The chili I made for dinner was delicious.  It'll continue to be delicious for the next couple of days, too :0)
5. I bought a new jacket at Target for only $6.88.  The jacket has George Mason University's school colors on it.  That's a twofer! Heeeeeeey!

Positivity. Have You Had Your Plus Sign Today?

The title is borrowed from a Prince song from the 80s.  The song is on the Lovesexy album if you care you listen. 

Lately the need to find positivity in my life has crept back up. This made me think about my blog that I have abandoned all summer.  I never forgot about it but I totally slacked on my posts - this doesn't mean I forgot to think about the things that happened each day.  I thought about it every day. Now, I'm making the conscious effort to get back to it.  It really has made a positive impact on my perspectives.

So, with that said, here we go (again)!

1. Business has certainly been great in my online shop.  I get at least one sale a week without even trying.  That's awesome.  I even got a sale tonight!
2. Today was my last class as the seminar instructor for a program we have on campus for incoming freshmen.  It was a great opportunity and I feel as though I have grown from the experience. I also hope that they have grown as well. 
3. I ran today on the treadmill.  I do it three times a week.  Today was the longest I've run in a while and I love that I was able to do it without stopping.  5 minutes running, 2 minutes walking. 4 minutes running, 2 minutes walking.  Repeat.
4. An old friend of mine that I've known since elementary school said I made her day.  I love it when I can make people smile, laugh, and feel good about themselves and who they are.  I feel like that's one of my callings. Honestly I do.  A student even said that I'm a good listener today.
5. Speaking of that student, she surprised me with an extra ticket to go to the Obama rally tomorrow.  That was REALLY nice of her.  I'm excited to go. This will be the closest I'll ever get to seeing any president. Thanks, Caitlyn! :0)

Biking is FUN-damental!

Ooh, what a day!  I got a fair amount done in the office, I chatted it up with a student whom I haven't seen in ages, got my fitness on and have peace and quiet in my house.  Ooh and something else really cool happened - but I am keeping that on the hush for now.

The last few months have been hit or miss with the blog.  In the spirit of the videos, "Shit Bougie Black Girls Say", I'ma need to do better.

Let's get back to business.

1. I biked an amazing 20 miles today after work.  I'm channeling James Brown only to say, "I FEEL GOOD!"
2. I got a phone call that gave me a lot of confidence.  I LOVE when that happens.
3. My housemate is just about moved out - to the extent that tonight he is no longer sleeping here. This is the first night I've slept with my bedroom door open since last May!.  YAY for solitude!
4. Apparently my graphic design skills are gettin' REALLY GOOD.  I designed something today as a favor for another office on campus all within 45 minutes.  I like when I can make folks happy with a product.
5. Speaking of products, a customer of mine just bought a third bracelet from me. She rocks!

Make it Rain!

A couple weeks ago I was asked if I would be interested in doing a craft fair at a local community college.  This wasn't just any craft fair  - it was an eco-crafts fair.  Initially I thought, "Wait. I don't have enough items that would classify me as an eco-crafter."  With that in mind, I stayed up late Saturday night crafting.  I'm glad I did, because it paid off! The customers made it rain!  Now, instead of money rainin'... I wish it were really raining so my allergies could get a break.

 It has CERTAINLY been a long day.  Night, night.

1. I'm thankful for the friends who were able to stop by my booth at the craft fair.  That was pretty awesome!
2. I love that I got my first sale soon after I had finished setting up my booth.  The guy bought a key chain.
3. The guy in the booth next to mine was very helpful.  Since I was there by myself, he offered to help me pull open my pop-up tent.  I was really struggling with it because that is really a two-person job.  He even helped me to collapse it.  I love it when people are genuinely nice.  
4. Another thing I enjoy about these craft fairs is meeting people.  I met some great people today. I love meeting people and building those connections.
5. New Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream flavor alert!!! "What a Cluster" is peanut butter ice cream with caramel cluster pieces, marshmallow swirls and peanut buttery swirls and it is DELICIOUS! I love it!

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. 

Signs

 I don't know how to explain it without just simply saying, "There are signs telling you what to do every day."  More on that at some other time. :0)  Signs. Signs. Everywhere are signs. Oh, and Oprah has always said you have to listen to the "whispers".  Another sign?

Difficulties come when you don't pay attention to life's whisper. Life always whispers to you first, but if you ignore the whisper, sooner or later you'll get a scream.

Oprah Winfrey, Stanford Commencement Address, 2008

1. Last night I finally connected with a friend who lives on the west coast.  I talked to her briefly last week but she surprised me with a phone call.  It was good to catch up.  We definitely don't need to go that long without a follow-up again.  Staying up to 1AM isn't good for my mental health at work. LOL
2. I loved seeing a video for the It Gets Better Campaign that was done by students at Brigham Young University.  Way to go, Mormons!
3. In other news, I've also reconnected with another friend from the first college I worked at after graduate school. She's moving to the area! I can't wait to see her again. 
4. Biking is becoming the craze! I think I have another person who is going to bike with me this weekend. She seems up to it.  I hope she follows through. Biking is fun!
5. My Etsy business has been picking up.  I love that. Finally sold some magnets.  They're not the fastest sellers.  Nothing like the paracord bracelets at all - but i find it cool to have sold so many items.  I'm now at 201 sales!