Bittersweet Birthdays

THANKS TO EVERYONE who wished me a Happy Birthday.  It's been a tough day.  I am making a promise to myself to not talk more about losing Big Mac.  To focus on that doesn't allow for me to focus on the positive as easily.  I did clean up some of the mess around the house after making a quick run to the store for cleaning supplies.  It does smell a little bit fresher in here - that's a good thing.  Another good thing was doing my taxes today.  WOO HOO!

I'm going to bed and will try to get some rest so that I can hit the gym in the morning. So by the time you read the list, I will have run 3 miles! :)

1. Comfort food = homemade guacamole. McCormick's guacamole mix and two avocados does the trick!  That mix is really on point!  Oh, and don't forget the hint of lime tortilla chips.
2. I love and appreciate everyone who has wished me a happy birthday and to offer condolences for the passing of my dog, Big Mac.
3. Talking with my brother and sister - I proposed the idea of having an annual family gathering. This would be just for out immediate family. We don't see one another often enough and I love the idea of doing something that is a little more routine. 
4. Now, I haven't watched RuPaul's Drag Race in over a year but I am diggin' the season premiere tonight.
5. I enjoy surprising people with gifts. I'm glad Jason liked his birthday card and small gift. :0)

Man's Best Friend

The challenge today (01.29.12) is to post five positive things after having lost something or someone. Last night I lost my dog of 4 years, Big Mac.  I adopted Big Mac from the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. They offer a great service to the area.  Big Mac was an amazingly loving dog. Affectionate, protective, obedient, funny, and one of the few dogs that you can see a smile on his face.  He will be missed.

By starting the list in order of the day, I can make the best effort to find all the great things in the day.

1. I went to Cafe Rio today after a long hiatus - their salads are the bomb!  The tomatillo salad dressing is amazing. 
2. Chatting with some friends about the events of Saturday night allowed me to vent.  I am grateful for that. 
3. It's always nice to hang out with Myra - we went to Cracker Barrel and to the movies to see "The Gray". I love how we can plan something impromptu.
4. I am so grateful for the friends I've made in the area.  The ones who were nearby came over while I was grieving the loss of Big Mac.  I always knew this could happen but you never know how you will deal with it when it does. I love that the experiences of all of my friends helped me to cope with it and to pull it together to take him into the veterinarian to be cremated.  Anton, Don, Alan, and Myra - y'all are awesome!
5. I have never had a pet die that I was the sole caretaker for. When I took him into the vet, they offered to make a paw print of him. At first I didn't want any memories of him but I'm glad I told them that I did want it done.  While I haven't brought myself to even look at it, I am glad that I have it for the time I am ready.

This Way, Bub!

Today I learned a valuable lesson. It doesn't take me much to make me smile/happy.  I also understand that I can't make someone feel happy if they don't want to feel that way to begin with. Happiness begins from within.  Besides, it's my birthday - and I found happiness in singing songs. I just wish I could remember what the last song was that I sang because it was a new song I added to my karaoke playlist.

1. Tonight I had a blast running into two friends from work who share my love for singing karaoke. I think we sung about 8 songs total. Luckily the guy running the karaoke machine is smitten with Jen. LOL
2. I love Annies Paramount Steakhouse. To me, the chicken chili is THE BEST THING on the menu. Second best are the onion rings. Also, I saw my friendly server, Corrina. She's so nice!
3. If you know me.. you know I'm always meeting people.  Last night I met Rachel, Lisa, and some other girl - LOL they bought me a birthday drink while I was singing. That was super nice of them.
4. I went by campus tonight to check out the ice rink.  It was on and poppin'!  I loved the response the students had to the event.  BRAVO!
5. Finding a new song to add to my karaoke repertoire!  Fastball's, "The Way". Awesome song for my vocal range.

Here's to the Freakin' Weekend - I'll Drink to That

It's my birthday weekend and with that said - I most likely won't write any entry on the same day. HAHAHA!! Last night I went to happy hour and had a great time.  It must have been league night because I saw a few people from the league there. I really enjoyed myself and what's even better - I was home at a decent time.

1. I talked about it and I have conquered!  I woke up and went to the gym at 6:15 this morning.  I have to say that I currently feel pretty good.  Then again, it's only 8:45 AM. LOL  I'm glad I did it though.  It's nice to know that I have the rest of the day to myself.  I also think that by working out I may be a little more conscious about what I eat during the day. It's kind of like when you're in school and the teacher says "You all start off with As and the challenge is maintaining that grade". I'm starting off with an A for today and I just have to maintain that grade.  What a novel concept.  I'm going to have to think more on that.
2. Last weekend I went out and sang karaoke. The song I chose was "The Body Electric" from the film Fame. After my workout I was driving in the car and the song popped into my head.  It's such an inspirational song. I really like hearing the string instruments in it and I like the fact that the singers are much like the singers I knew and was in high school - not the greatest but we could hold a note. Right on, Fame!
3. Pretty glad that I drove home early last night. Driving back from DC late at night is for the birds!
4. I love that La Nina has been doing her thing. The weather has been fantastic!!
5. When it's your birthday weekend people like to buy you drinks. Tonight that happened a couple times. Viva La Free Beer!

This Black Guy Says...

Woo.... the week is almost over.  You do know what that means, right??? Oh sure you do!  You just have to know.  It's my birthday weekend! I'm trying to plan some celebratory moments to ring in the next year of life. I hope I'm successful. Whatever it may be, I'm sure that it'll be fun.  

1. To start getting my mind right for the weekend I checked out this video.  Boots and Cats - Check it out for yourself!
2. LOLOLOL!!!! Okay, the series of knock-off videos for "Shit _______ Say" and here's the "Shit Black Guys Say".  I have heard these being said by friends many times over. LOL  RIDICULOUS - yet accurate. Always good for a laugh!
3. I loved having a good laugh in Rosanna's office with a student after work hours.  That's one of those moments you can never recreate nor could have imagined.
4. I learned something new today. This time it was related to website design.
5. Today I received my first (and perhaps only) birthday present that was truly planned and not a "Oh by the way, since it's your birthday I'll... " type of gift. While I don't knock any gesture, the ones that are thoughtful make me feel special.

I Gotta Feeling

Where did the day go?  Man, I tell you!  The days when classes are in session just seem to fly by. It was a good thing and I do like that it was a very productive day - but sometimes you just wish you had more time in the day.  I remember how it was as a kid.  The hours in one day seemed to creep by like a snail participating in a race. It was never fast enough.  I guess keeping busy and enjoying the busyness is the key.

1. As the president of the bowling league I'm on - tonight was the first night where I felt like I had it all under control and just knew what was up.  I like that feeling.
2. More happy news at the bowling league! We added two new bowlers tonight.  How cool is that?  We are now completely filled with bowlers to finish out the season.  That's an even BETTER feeling.
3. Now, I haven't worked out in nearly a week and I put on a pair of pants that used to fit a little more snug than I preferred.  Wouldn't you know that the pants felt too big??  That's what I'm talkin' about!
4. I loved that I posted a new contest on Facebook for work and students are really responding to it! 
5. Today everyone seemed exceptionally nice. I don't know what to make of it but I'm just going to reflect upon it. I love when people are smiling, happy, respectful, helpful and king.

The State of Me

Tonight was the State of the Union address.  I'm actually watching it as I type.  It's amazing to watch it - it still feels unique/different/amazing to see a black President of the United States.  Might I add, it's also good to see that Joe Biden is still around. I was kind of wondering about that. LOL

Today was one of those days that brings revelation.  The revelation I had today was that I need to work out in the morning NOT after work.  I haven't felt like working out yesterday OR today.  I need to buck up and get my ass in the gym in the morning.  I will try this for the first time on Thursday or Friday. LOL  Probably Friday - I cannot lie. :0)

1. All of my print materials that I had to redo came in today. WOO HOO! Thank goodness!
2. The weather outside was amazing today! Who would have imagined people at Starbucks sitting outside with just a light jacket on at the end of January?  I grew up in Michigan and this is UNHEARD OF! 
3. Obama rocked it out with that speech! Loved it!
4. I'm loving this new little magnets I'm making that use the old keys from a computer keyboard. Always good to upcycle. 
5. I found an amazing site to use for web design.  I can't wait to create my new online portfolio.