I have played softball for as long as I can remember. The sight of the red clay, the smell of sweat, the dry feeling on your skin as you slide into home...it all makes me smile. I feel like a little kid at recess when I am on the softball diamond.
Being new to the area, I have been trying to get involved in any and all aspects of the community. It is hard to meet people if you stay in your room all day. One of the activities I joined was a softball team. I searched on Craig's List for a team and was luckily enough to find not only a team but a team that was totally sponsored...even better. They were happy to have a girl join the team that had played before and that was new to the area. Most of people on the team, have made a move and realized how hard it is to meet new people, so it is kind of like they are taking me under their wing.
We are sponsored by the restaurant Red Robin. Some of the team actually does work for them, but most of them are young professionals, ranging anywhere from attorneys to photographers.
The group as a whole are fun, active and energetic. Exactly, the type that I like to hang out with. However, our softball skills need a little fine tuning. I am pitching, which in itself is pretty hysterical. The mound is 48 feet from home plate (which is crazy!) The league has a few funny rules, like you have to bat boy/girl or girl/boy every other turn or automatic out, you have to base coaches at all times or automatic out, you actually do get a full at bat (I am use to the 1-1 start, and would actually prefer that since I am pitching).
We lost our first game...It was down right ugly, yet we had a good time. It is obvious that this team is about having fun before, during and after the game...if they win that is just an added bonus. Unfortunately, we lost our first game badly. Our outfield couldn't buy a catch, we had one girl playing right field who fessed up in the forth inning that she couldn't see the ball, the third baseman didn't understand why some outs are forced yet some need to tag the runner. Our hitting as a team was even more comical. I went 3-4 with three line drives to left field. At one point in the game I slid into home, was thrown out. I got up ran in to the dug out and our right fielder looks at me and said "do they expect us all to slide into home?" Lets just say, its a good thing she is cute. :)
All in all, I was pretty pleased with my performance. I need to get a little better with my base running skills, but I think that was as simple as I was out of practice. We play every Thursday night, so I am sure to get back into the swing of things in know time at all. Pray that we win at least one.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
3 times.
Sully came over to hangout for a little R & R tonight. While the munchkins played a little PS2, Swallow, Sully and I started watching silly/funny/stupid videos on youtube. We definitely had some good laughs!
Swallow and I watch the same videos over and over again and still laugh out loud every time. I am sure Sully thought we were absolutely crazy, but at least we are fun! She introduced us to some videos that were a little more thought provoking or artistic. We on the other hand introduced her to such things as 2 girls 1 cup. Lets put it this way, it is very easy to tell which one of the three of us have kids. :)
Swallow and I watch the same videos over and over again and still laugh out loud every time. I am sure Sully thought we were absolutely crazy, but at least we are fun! She introduced us to some videos that were a little more thought provoking or artistic. We on the other hand introduced her to such things as 2 girls 1 cup. Lets put it this way, it is very easy to tell which one of the three of us have kids. :)
Pints Pub
I listen to instructions like the best of them. Especially, when someone says hey, meet me for a drink or some dinner. A while back, Swallow, beckoned me to meet her at one of her favorite places Pints Pub. I had never even heard of it, but like always, I am up for an adventure. I struggled to find the joint, but thanks to the trusty GPS unit that Santa brought me, I pulled up in no time at all.
From the outside of this building you would never guess that it is a British Pub. Yes, they have flags and yes they have a sign saying Pints Pub. They even have the famous red telephone booth outside, but in the big picture it looks like an old house in a historic district. A historic district next to the county jail, (that alone adds entertainment). They have a little (I mean LITTLE) front porch, that probably has 3 tables for outside sitting. Growing up in Florida enjoy the sunshine, I am all about sitting outside. I'll be thrilled to sit outside day in and day out for rest of my life, so when Swallow suggests we sit outside, I am all for it.
Swallow, convinces me that I want to come, have a few drinks and eat some chicken wings. Alright, I'll eat some chicken wings. These were the largest, best tasting chicken wings I have ever eaten in my entire life. I can normally put down about 8 to 10 wings, without even flinching. Not these things, I am lucky if I can put down four in one setting. They are non-breaded massive chicken wings that are crispy yet moist and delicious on the inside. The server was pleasant and informative, you could tell we weren't the first people that came in and tried to order two orders of chicken wings. She was quick to mention that one would be enough to feed a small army and she was correct.
Pints Pub, brews their own beer. They have six different flavors on any given day and they have the most whiskeys on one wall/ceiling then I have ever seen in my life. Swallow, thought for sure I would be in heaven. I wont lie. I was pretty excited. I enjoyed sitting outside and looking through an 11 page whiskey menu. An 11 page menu with tiny print. The more I read, the bigger my smile got and the happier I got. Swallow, sat across the table and was grinning from ear to ear. She was so proud of herself that she introduced me into a bar that had more whiskeys then I knew existed...that and it actually had my favorite whiskey of all. If she could pat herself on the back, she would have.
I give props and two thumbs up to the Pints Pubs. The food (wings and potatoes ) were phenomenal, Swallow enjoyed the beer that had a banana flavor, and the stout that I had was definitely drinkable. I might order it again, just to ensure that it really isn't the best thing about the bar. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad by any means, it just wasn't exactly what I had imagined it to taste like. It had a rich chocolaty/coffee flavor that is good, but by no means great!
With the weather getting nicer and nicer in each passing day, I am looking forward to more and more days sitting outside on the tiny little deck at the Pints Pub.
From the outside of this building you would never guess that it is a British Pub. Yes, they have flags and yes they have a sign saying Pints Pub. They even have the famous red telephone booth outside, but in the big picture it looks like an old house in a historic district. A historic district next to the county jail, (that alone adds entertainment). They have a little (I mean LITTLE) front porch, that probably has 3 tables for outside sitting. Growing up in Florida enjoy the sunshine, I am all about sitting outside. I'll be thrilled to sit outside day in and day out for rest of my life, so when Swallow suggests we sit outside, I am all for it.
Swallow, convinces me that I want to come, have a few drinks and eat some chicken wings. Alright, I'll eat some chicken wings. These were the largest, best tasting chicken wings I have ever eaten in my entire life. I can normally put down about 8 to 10 wings, without even flinching. Not these things, I am lucky if I can put down four in one setting. They are non-breaded massive chicken wings that are crispy yet moist and delicious on the inside. The server was pleasant and informative, you could tell we weren't the first people that came in and tried to order two orders of chicken wings. She was quick to mention that one would be enough to feed a small army and she was correct.
Pints Pub, brews their own beer. They have six different flavors on any given day and they have the most whiskeys on one wall/ceiling then I have ever seen in my life. Swallow, thought for sure I would be in heaven. I wont lie. I was pretty excited. I enjoyed sitting outside and looking through an 11 page whiskey menu. An 11 page menu with tiny print. The more I read, the bigger my smile got and the happier I got. Swallow, sat across the table and was grinning from ear to ear. She was so proud of herself that she introduced me into a bar that had more whiskeys then I knew existed...that and it actually had my favorite whiskey of all. If she could pat herself on the back, she would have.
I give props and two thumbs up to the Pints Pubs. The food (wings and potatoes ) were phenomenal, Swallow enjoyed the beer that had a banana flavor, and the stout that I had was definitely drinkable. I might order it again, just to ensure that it really isn't the best thing about the bar. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad by any means, it just wasn't exactly what I had imagined it to taste like. It had a rich chocolaty/coffee flavor that is good, but by no means great!
With the weather getting nicer and nicer in each passing day, I am looking forward to more and more days sitting outside on the tiny little deck at the Pints Pub.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Hamburger Mary's
I have been to a few gay bars in my day. When I was in college, I use to look forward to the Thursday nights that I got the chance to go to the drag show with, Mother Pearl, at University Club better known as UC to all the Gators. I can probably count the amount of times I have been there on one hand. It is hard to convince an entire group of straight people to go and hangout at a gay club, no matter what the drink specials are or how good the entertainment is. I can also understand the other side of the spectrum, that although, we were welcome there, it was more a hangout for the people of society that either bat for the other team or by chance bat for both teams.My college boyfriend liked going there, he finally enjoyed the fact that when he went to the bar, and he got served appropriately. His drinks were always cheaper and had a heavier pour. We quickly found that out, and he quickly became the "drink bitch." It normally was my job, go flirt with the bartender, smile big and get a couple free drinks. I was always happy to send Buster off to do his job, and he agreed that every once in a blue moon he could be the one that would flirt with the bartender. He was actually pretty good at flashing the big smile, making small talk and doing his little handshake...he was a good support and a good flirt with the same sex.
Since the move out west. I have been trying to treat this town like a tourist. Go new places, meet new friends, live outside my comfort zone. Well, on this mission, I ended up meeting a friend of mine for happy hour at Hamburger Mary's. She had mentioned that they have an absolutely great happy hour menu and it is right downtown. Perfect, I can take the light rail and have cheap drinks. Seems like a perfectly good way to spend a few hours with a friend. On my way to Hamburger Mary's, I was on the phone with Werd, I asked her to look up the address. She immediately responded with "why are you headed to a gay bar? do you have something to tell me?" I laughed but didn't really understand what was going on. I responded with something like "Werd, it isn't a gay bar, I am just meeting a friend for a drink." Little did I know, I was actually headed to the district (as they call it out here) of gay bars. I preceded to hit an entire strip of gay bars. Although, I wasn't expecting it, I had an absolute blast!
My friend, knew most of the regulars having been in the bar industry for a few years. So, I got the pleasure of meeting a few new people that I seem to keep bumping into. I got hit on by one of the more attractive females I have ever seen in my life. I am use to moving on from the random cheesy lines from crazy guys, but it is a little different when you get picked up from someone of the same sex. Especially when you aren't expecting it. Call me crazy, but every time I have ever been in a gay bar, it was very clear I wasn't alone, this time I was alone and was free game for everyone and anyone. I got a chuckle out of it, as did my friend, watching me try to get out of the situation. At the end of the day it was a boost to the self-esteem and a pleasure to be in mixed company. All in all, I had a great night and would definitely go back to Hamburger Mary's.
Hamburger Mary's has the same type of drag show as UC's Mother Pearl does, however, it is only on the first Friday of every month. I'll have to make sure that I am around for the next Dream Girls show. I love living outside my comfort zone.
HOPPY EASTER!
How many of us go to church on Easter and Christmas Eve? Even if we don't go all year long, there seems to be something about Sunrise Service and Midnight mass, that people can appreciate. I am not of any particular religion. I'll say, I practice my own religion, I believe in a bigger stronger faith but I am not educated enough to know exactly what it is. I know it is there, around all us. I can't see it but I can feel it, I can converse with it and listen to it, I can reach and feel the power pulling...but in reality I can't describe any of it.
Growing up, we went to church as a family, until my sister and I started going to church with some of the neighbors. My parents did their thing and we did ours. Everyone was happy, but on Easter, it was a different story. We use to wake up before the crack of dawn, throw on a bathing suit, towel in hand (beach chairs for my parents), and head to the beach for Sunrise Service. People came from all over to attend service on Siesta Beach (which by the way was ranked 4th best beach while I was growing up.) It was warm, peaceful, calming, and one would feel connected to something, even if it was only for 15 minutes. Service was always light hearted and usually relative quick. I can't remember service lasting for longer than 30 minutes. All in all, it is exactly how I wish all religious services should be...light, informative, quick and OUTDOORS.
This is a picture of what I always remember sunrise service to be like. Being a Floridian, no matter how far I lived from the beach, we always went. I'd practically fall asleep on the beach as soon as the service was concluded. What better place to sleep then on the sand?
Well this year, it was a little different. I had heard how magical the sunrise at red rocks was, so of course, being new the to area, I had to check it out for myself. Who cares that I had to be there at 4:30 to get a parking spot (we were in the first row by the way)? Who cares that we got snow last night? Who cares that it was 26 degrees when the sun came up? Being Easter morning, I had to go sunrise service, no matter what the temperature.
So, Mr. T and I, stayed up all night and headed to pick up my friends who were going to go with us to Sunrise Service. We called three times, and of course they were sleeping. Big shock as it was 3:15 in the morning. Thats okay, Mr. T and I meandered our way into the mountains, lucky for me, he was driving I was trying to pound my redbull to wake up. It wasn't helping, I was fading and fading fast. We stop for coffee, I didn't have any as my heart probably would have jumped from my chest if I had anymore coffee, but Mr. T got some and he was content. We pull into the parking lot at Red Rocks around 4:35. Yep, we really did have a front row parking spot...good for us! Then we started making the HIKE, and I mean HIKE to the outside theater. It was straight up hill! I was boiling by the time I got there, and out of breath for that matter. I wanted to start shredding off at least one maybe two of the six layers I had on, but I knew better. I kept them on and began to wait. We waited for 2 hours in the cold, as the people slowly started to straggle in. It was as if time stood still. That could have possibly been the longest two hours, in the history of time.
Right before the service started, I looked over at Mr. T, and said next year when I say this sounds like a good idea, remind how much fun I had. He just chuckled, and said deal! I was frozen! I was loosing feeling in my toes, my hands were numb, and the people around us were annoying. Annoying is an understatement. The kids were cold and cranky, most parents didn't bring anything to entertain the child for a two hour span as we waited for service to begin at 6:30. People weren't overly friendly, but how could they be, everyone was trying desperately to stay warm.
I knew we were off to rough start, they opened the service with about five different songs. Hello, I was cold as was everyone else, that last thing we needed was to stay outside a little longer, listening to a terrible (I mean really terrible) choir. Well, choir might be the wrong word, as their were only five of them, but still it was more then a band. Remember, I am use to warm, quick, and light Easter Service. I was in for a real treat today, because the service that I was attending wasn't anything of the sorts.
The view was absolutely breath taking. I could definitely feel the presence of the higher power. I was thrilled that I did it, and thrilled that Mr. T got some good pictures (I will post them later), but that is the last time in my life, I ever sit out in the 26 degrees or lower temperatures for 2 hours, waiting on a religious service to begin. Especially, one that with that much music. I was even less amused, when Mr. T looked at me and said, "did you know there is a live feed on the internet for people that wanted watch/listen to Sunrise Service, without coming out here?" I wanted to lean over and deck him, but I didn't, I just laughed and responded with "gee, thanks for the information!" I was not amused at all. I came to be inspired, to reach out and feel the stronger power. Hey, we all go to church for different reasons, so no harassing me about why I go or don't go on a more frequent basis. I am cool with it, so let it be. Unfortunately, the only inspiration I got was how to beat the traffic. All in all, it was a let down, but at least I can say I did it!
I was also unhappy with the pastor/preacher/minister (insert your own title if you prefer a different one), when it came time for the offering. He said something to the effect of, "we need your donations, but a donation of 5 dollars just isn't cutting it. We need you to all put in 20 dollars or more." Mr. T. and I looked at each other in utter disbelief. Did we really just hear him say that? I couldn't believe it. Never in my life, have I heard a pastor/preacher/minister make a statement like that. I was saddened for his congregation, for the people that can only give 5 dollars, and for fool that he was making himself.
Trust me when I tell you, that this was my first and last Sunrise Service in the snow! Once, I upload my pictures, I will be sure to post them. There are a few beauties. Hope you all had an enjoyable Easter. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. :)
Growing up, we went to church as a family, until my sister and I started going to church with some of the neighbors. My parents did their thing and we did ours. Everyone was happy, but on Easter, it was a different story. We use to wake up before the crack of dawn, throw on a bathing suit, towel in hand (beach chairs for my parents), and head to the beach for Sunrise Service. People came from all over to attend service on Siesta Beach (which by the way was ranked 4th best beach while I was growing up.) It was warm, peaceful, calming, and one would feel connected to something, even if it was only for 15 minutes. Service was always light hearted and usually relative quick. I can't remember service lasting for longer than 30 minutes. All in all, it is exactly how I wish all religious services should be...light, informative, quick and OUTDOORS.
This is a picture of what I always remember sunrise service to be like. Being a Floridian, no matter how far I lived from the beach, we always went. I'd practically fall asleep on the beach as soon as the service was concluded. What better place to sleep then on the sand?
Well this year, it was a little different. I had heard how magical the sunrise at red rocks was, so of course, being new the to area, I had to check it out for myself. Who cares that I had to be there at 4:30 to get a parking spot (we were in the first row by the way)? Who cares that we got snow last night? Who cares that it was 26 degrees when the sun came up? Being Easter morning, I had to go sunrise service, no matter what the temperature.
So, Mr. T and I, stayed up all night and headed to pick up my friends who were going to go with us to Sunrise Service. We called three times, and of course they were sleeping. Big shock as it was 3:15 in the morning. Thats okay, Mr. T and I meandered our way into the mountains, lucky for me, he was driving I was trying to pound my redbull to wake up. It wasn't helping, I was fading and fading fast. We stop for coffee, I didn't have any as my heart probably would have jumped from my chest if I had anymore coffee, but Mr. T got some and he was content. We pull into the parking lot at Red Rocks around 4:35. Yep, we really did have a front row parking spot...good for us! Then we started making the HIKE, and I mean HIKE to the outside theater. It was straight up hill! I was boiling by the time I got there, and out of breath for that matter. I wanted to start shredding off at least one maybe two of the six layers I had on, but I knew better. I kept them on and began to wait. We waited for 2 hours in the cold, as the people slowly started to straggle in. It was as if time stood still. That could have possibly been the longest two hours, in the history of time.
Right before the service started, I looked over at Mr. T, and said next year when I say this sounds like a good idea, remind how much fun I had. He just chuckled, and said deal! I was frozen! I was loosing feeling in my toes, my hands were numb, and the people around us were annoying. Annoying is an understatement. The kids were cold and cranky, most parents didn't bring anything to entertain the child for a two hour span as we waited for service to begin at 6:30. People weren't overly friendly, but how could they be, everyone was trying desperately to stay warm.
I knew we were off to rough start, they opened the service with about five different songs. Hello, I was cold as was everyone else, that last thing we needed was to stay outside a little longer, listening to a terrible (I mean really terrible) choir. Well, choir might be the wrong word, as their were only five of them, but still it was more then a band. Remember, I am use to warm, quick, and light Easter Service. I was in for a real treat today, because the service that I was attending wasn't anything of the sorts.
The view was absolutely breath taking. I could definitely feel the presence of the higher power. I was thrilled that I did it, and thrilled that Mr. T got some good pictures (I will post them later), but that is the last time in my life, I ever sit out in the 26 degrees or lower temperatures for 2 hours, waiting on a religious service to begin. Especially, one that with that much music. I was even less amused, when Mr. T looked at me and said, "did you know there is a live feed on the internet for people that wanted watch/listen to Sunrise Service, without coming out here?" I wanted to lean over and deck him, but I didn't, I just laughed and responded with "gee, thanks for the information!" I was not amused at all. I came to be inspired, to reach out and feel the stronger power. Hey, we all go to church for different reasons, so no harassing me about why I go or don't go on a more frequent basis. I am cool with it, so let it be. Unfortunately, the only inspiration I got was how to beat the traffic. All in all, it was a let down, but at least I can say I did it!
I was also unhappy with the pastor/preacher/minister (insert your own title if you prefer a different one), when it came time for the offering. He said something to the effect of, "we need your donations, but a donation of 5 dollars just isn't cutting it. We need you to all put in 20 dollars or more." Mr. T. and I looked at each other in utter disbelief. Did we really just hear him say that? I couldn't believe it. Never in my life, have I heard a pastor/preacher/minister make a statement like that. I was saddened for his congregation, for the people that can only give 5 dollars, and for fool that he was making himself.
Trust me when I tell you, that this was my first and last Sunrise Service in the snow! Once, I upload my pictures, I will be sure to post them. There are a few beauties. Hope you all had an enjoyable Easter. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. :)
Friday, March 21, 2008
Light Switch.
Growing up, I wanted to surpass all the goals my family set for me. I wanted to jump higher, run faster, and be the best I could be at anything...I mean anything. I wanted to be a success, not only for myself but for my parents as well. I was in competition with myself constantly and of course with my older sister. If she made the all-star team in softball, I made the all-star team and was the starting pitcher. If she played varsity sports in high school, I made the team and started as a freshman. If she made honor society, I did it without studying. She has always been a success, so I knew if I did what she did, only a little faster, then I too would be a success. You have to remember, I always had the advantage, I got to watch her do everything, so all I had to do was perfect her actions. I closely watched what she did and how she did it, and all I had to was improve, even the slightest bit. It really is easier to be the baby of the family, at least when I was a kid.
I went to college and got a practical degree. That was my parents rule, go to college and get a degree that will help you actually get a job! I am thankful I did that. I have a piece of paper, that has opened numerous doors. It makes life a little easier and surprisingly I get a little more respect from others. I also enjoy telling people I got a degree in "coloring inside in the lines." Without fail, it stops people dead in their tracks and look at you like "excuse me?." I then enlighten them that I graduated with elementary education and emphasis on learning disabilities under the special education umbrella. I think I might be the only person on the planet that thinks it is funny that I learned how to color inside the lines in college. Laugh all you want, I actually had a class in college that taught us how to play the recorder and the balance of color when it comes to art. If that isn't coloring inside the lines, I don't know what it is. I am thrilled to say that I graduated from the University of Florida. I am thrilled to say that my parents pushed me to be an asset to society. I am thrilled to say, that I give back (or at least I feel as though, I do).
I use to laugh, when my parents friends would call my mom and complain about their children, who was pregnant and still in high school, who dropped out of college (forgot to withdrawal) and moved across the country, who spent 7 years in college, who got in trouble for drunk driving, who totaled 2 or 3 cars, (the list goes on). My mom never wanted to elaborate on what my sister and I were doing, because normally we were out of trouble, self-sufficient and over-all headed down the right path. Of late, it has been very clear that I have become the family screw up. I am coming to terms with being the family screw up. That is my style, I roll with the punches and that is what I am doing. I don't have a normal steady job that provides benefits, I am in rehab for something ridiculous, and I am distant and/or removed. I have always made decisions based on being the picture of success. Well, I use to make decisions based on the being the picture of success. If you ask my family of how I make decisions of late, they probably say something like "she listens to the way the wind blows or whatever floats her boat at the particular moment."
Recently, while in rehab, I have been coming to the conclusion, that I don't want to work in Corporate America...don't worry people, I also realized I don't want to work in a bar either! Coming out of college, I had a fantastic job. I flew on the corporate jet (on my schedule none the less), I played golf at least twice a week, I worked maybe 30 hours a week (yes, they were really odd hours, but still a rough week was maybe 35 hours). Basically, I had a dream job. I had a job that people would probably kill for. Rehab has been pushing me to get to my core, while I don't really believe I need to be there, it is what it is. It pushes to find things that make you happy (not like vacation things like skiing or laying on the beach or reading a book for leisure). Things that truly matter and also bring a constant smile to your face. In doing so, it has things coming to surface. It has me asking myself, am I going back into corporate America, because I want to live up to this picture of success for my family? Am I going back to work for the right reasons?
I once had a conversation with Wonka, that he didn't like outside sales. His reasoning was as simple as, it is lonely. I never understood it, because you are constantly talking to new people, how on earth could that be lonely? I never argued or debated with him, but I never really thought it made sense. It hit me like a ton of bricks yesterday, it had nothing to do with the fact that he was was lonely on the road, it was as simple as it wasn't his calling. It simply didn't make him happy. It didn't reach his core and make him jump out of bed in the morning to go to work. Thats when I asked myself what is it that I strive for? Unfortunately, I came back with a response, that I am yet again going to be the family screw up or at least continue to be the family screw up. I don't really have any desire to be in outside sales. I don't really have any desire to go back to work in food service. Although, I know that isn't really an option, at least not at the this point.
More then likely, I will start back to work in the next three weeks. I will go back to being on the road and visiting with numerous chef's and kitchen managers. There is a pretty good chance that I will slowly climb the ladder at the company and I will be a success again. I am sure my sales will grow in no time at all, people like to buy from me and my company knows that. I am educated (can speak in proper sentences), well rounded, and attractive in a business suit. I will soon be a success at something that isn't happiness at the core, but it looks good on paper (my resume or business card) and it sounds good during conversations with random strangers. I have committed to them and I know what it means to go back on my word. I will at least give them the benefit of the doubt. They have invested me in and I will in turn invest in them.
But it makes me wonder, how is it possible to really be happy? To really acknowledge and make that leap towards happiness. I truly believe that I am on the road or will soon be the road to true happiness. It might take some time to get there, but at least I have a clue how to get there. I am going to listen to a calling, I had when I was about 13. It only took me 13 years to figure that it still matters. Don't worry folks, I am not going to be a professional soccer player or golfer, although, those were some of my goals when I was 13. I am going to listen to my heart and follow a dream that will make a difference. If I was passionate about something then, and have continued to go back to that dream over the past couple of years, why not take that leap and follow the dream?
A big thanks to Wonka, to opening up and letting me see his logic. Whether he meant to do it or not. A big thanks to my family for pushing me to be a success. May you continue to bear with me on my pursuit to happiness. I hope to not be the family screw much longer. Although, I am sure that every family has the token screw up, hopefully my turn will be short lived. After all, success is a journey not a destination. One would think that as many times as I heard that, I would have actually believed it. It took sometime, but something clicked.
I went to college and got a practical degree. That was my parents rule, go to college and get a degree that will help you actually get a job! I am thankful I did that. I have a piece of paper, that has opened numerous doors. It makes life a little easier and surprisingly I get a little more respect from others. I also enjoy telling people I got a degree in "coloring inside in the lines." Without fail, it stops people dead in their tracks and look at you like "excuse me?." I then enlighten them that I graduated with elementary education and emphasis on learning disabilities under the special education umbrella. I think I might be the only person on the planet that thinks it is funny that I learned how to color inside the lines in college. Laugh all you want, I actually had a class in college that taught us how to play the recorder and the balance of color when it comes to art. If that isn't coloring inside the lines, I don't know what it is. I am thrilled to say that I graduated from the University of Florida. I am thrilled to say that my parents pushed me to be an asset to society. I am thrilled to say, that I give back (or at least I feel as though, I do).
I use to laugh, when my parents friends would call my mom and complain about their children, who was pregnant and still in high school, who dropped out of college (forgot to withdrawal) and moved across the country, who spent 7 years in college, who got in trouble for drunk driving, who totaled 2 or 3 cars, (the list goes on). My mom never wanted to elaborate on what my sister and I were doing, because normally we were out of trouble, self-sufficient and over-all headed down the right path. Of late, it has been very clear that I have become the family screw up. I am coming to terms with being the family screw up. That is my style, I roll with the punches and that is what I am doing. I don't have a normal steady job that provides benefits, I am in rehab for something ridiculous, and I am distant and/or removed. I have always made decisions based on being the picture of success. Well, I use to make decisions based on the being the picture of success. If you ask my family of how I make decisions of late, they probably say something like "she listens to the way the wind blows or whatever floats her boat at the particular moment."
Recently, while in rehab, I have been coming to the conclusion, that I don't want to work in Corporate America...don't worry people, I also realized I don't want to work in a bar either! Coming out of college, I had a fantastic job. I flew on the corporate jet (on my schedule none the less), I played golf at least twice a week, I worked maybe 30 hours a week (yes, they were really odd hours, but still a rough week was maybe 35 hours). Basically, I had a dream job. I had a job that people would probably kill for. Rehab has been pushing me to get to my core, while I don't really believe I need to be there, it is what it is. It pushes to find things that make you happy (not like vacation things like skiing or laying on the beach or reading a book for leisure). Things that truly matter and also bring a constant smile to your face. In doing so, it has things coming to surface. It has me asking myself, am I going back into corporate America, because I want to live up to this picture of success for my family? Am I going back to work for the right reasons?
I once had a conversation with Wonka, that he didn't like outside sales. His reasoning was as simple as, it is lonely. I never understood it, because you are constantly talking to new people, how on earth could that be lonely? I never argued or debated with him, but I never really thought it made sense. It hit me like a ton of bricks yesterday, it had nothing to do with the fact that he was was lonely on the road, it was as simple as it wasn't his calling. It simply didn't make him happy. It didn't reach his core and make him jump out of bed in the morning to go to work. Thats when I asked myself what is it that I strive for? Unfortunately, I came back with a response, that I am yet again going to be the family screw up or at least continue to be the family screw up. I don't really have any desire to be in outside sales. I don't really have any desire to go back to work in food service. Although, I know that isn't really an option, at least not at the this point.
More then likely, I will start back to work in the next three weeks. I will go back to being on the road and visiting with numerous chef's and kitchen managers. There is a pretty good chance that I will slowly climb the ladder at the company and I will be a success again. I am sure my sales will grow in no time at all, people like to buy from me and my company knows that. I am educated (can speak in proper sentences), well rounded, and attractive in a business suit. I will soon be a success at something that isn't happiness at the core, but it looks good on paper (my resume or business card) and it sounds good during conversations with random strangers. I have committed to them and I know what it means to go back on my word. I will at least give them the benefit of the doubt. They have invested me in and I will in turn invest in them.
But it makes me wonder, how is it possible to really be happy? To really acknowledge and make that leap towards happiness. I truly believe that I am on the road or will soon be the road to true happiness. It might take some time to get there, but at least I have a clue how to get there. I am going to listen to a calling, I had when I was about 13. It only took me 13 years to figure that it still matters. Don't worry folks, I am not going to be a professional soccer player or golfer, although, those were some of my goals when I was 13. I am going to listen to my heart and follow a dream that will make a difference. If I was passionate about something then, and have continued to go back to that dream over the past couple of years, why not take that leap and follow the dream?
A big thanks to Wonka, to opening up and letting me see his logic. Whether he meant to do it or not. A big thanks to my family for pushing me to be a success. May you continue to bear with me on my pursuit to happiness. I hope to not be the family screw much longer. Although, I am sure that every family has the token screw up, hopefully my turn will be short lived. After all, success is a journey not a destination. One would think that as many times as I heard that, I would have actually believed it. It took sometime, but something clicked.
Famous Gate-Crasher
How well known is the "crashing" profession? Most of us has seen the movie "Wedding Crashers" where, Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn crash weddings for food, alcohol and women. To normal American's it seems as a joke. The chances of that happening in the real world are few and far between, right? WRONG!
Meet, Jerry Berliant, 64 years of age known as "Jerry the Gate Crasher" to police across the country. The late Jack Brickhouse, an announcer for the Chicago Cubs, referred to Berliant as the "world's greatest gate-crasher." Jerry seems to be a man with a penchant for sneaking/crashing into high-profile events ranging from the Oscars, boxing matches, baseball games, and apparently the first round Men's Basketball Tournament.
Remember, I make the argument that he is innocent until proven guilty. Berliant was arrested as he was trying to sit in general admission with what appeared to be a fake press credential. He had gotten into the Pepsi Center with what appears to be a fake press credential (essentially, in my eyes is a golden ticket) and tried to sneak into a twelve dollar seat. Yes, folks you read that correctly a whopping $12.00 seat! Are you kidding me? Every sporting event I have ever been to has a separate section especially for the press to sit/stand or just be. Why on earth would you try to sit in general admission with a press pass?
I guess, what they say about criminals is true. They only get caught because they really are just that stupid!
Meet, Jerry Berliant, 64 years of age known as "Jerry the Gate Crasher" to police across the country. The late Jack Brickhouse, an announcer for the Chicago Cubs, referred to Berliant as the "world's greatest gate-crasher." Jerry seems to be a man with a penchant for sneaking/crashing into high-profile events ranging from the Oscars, boxing matches, baseball games, and apparently the first round Men's Basketball Tournament.
Remember, I make the argument that he is innocent until proven guilty. Berliant was arrested as he was trying to sit in general admission with what appeared to be a fake press credential. He had gotten into the Pepsi Center with what appears to be a fake press credential (essentially, in my eyes is a golden ticket) and tried to sneak into a twelve dollar seat. Yes, folks you read that correctly a whopping $12.00 seat! Are you kidding me? Every sporting event I have ever been to has a separate section especially for the press to sit/stand or just be. Why on earth would you try to sit in general admission with a press pass?
I guess, what they say about criminals is true. They only get caught because they really are just that stupid!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Crazy Weather
It was the most beautiful weather in Denver today. High was about 64, the sun was shining, bright blue skies without a cloud to be scene. It couldn't be more of a perfect day weather wise anyways. I washed my car in the drive way in shorts and flip flops. If I were back in Florida there is no way I would ever be wearing shorts in 64 degree weather, flip flops yes, shorts no!
The day was too gorgeous to not be outside. The fact that I could wear shorts made the day even better. As I was getting dressed for work, I turned on the television to find that the mountains are getting absolutely blasted with snow. Vail was expecting 3-4 inches before sun down, not to mention what will happen throughout the night.
I find it extremely funny, that it can be a warm spring day in denver and a freezing wintery day about 65 miles west of Denver. Yes, I have taken into account that there are mountains that block some of the cold snowy weather from trickling down into Denver, but still. It amazes me that mother nature can be so drastically different from location to location.
Safe travels to all of you that are headed up into the mountains for weekend of skiing. Enjoy the fresh powder. :)
The day was too gorgeous to not be outside. The fact that I could wear shorts made the day even better. As I was getting dressed for work, I turned on the television to find that the mountains are getting absolutely blasted with snow. Vail was expecting 3-4 inches before sun down, not to mention what will happen throughout the night.
I find it extremely funny, that it can be a warm spring day in denver and a freezing wintery day about 65 miles west of Denver. Yes, I have taken into account that there are mountains that block some of the cold snowy weather from trickling down into Denver, but still. It amazes me that mother nature can be so drastically different from location to location.
Safe travels to all of you that are headed up into the mountains for weekend of skiing. Enjoy the fresh powder. :)
iPod Touch
Never never, am I one to rush out and buy the newest latest best piece of technology. Never once have I ever cared about music or the convenience/pleasure of listening to music all the time. I thought for sure I would be the last person on the planet to own an iPod. If it wasn't for my brother-in-law, I probably would still be one of the few that don't own an iPod. My times are a changing.
Currently, I have the iPod shuffle, below is a lovely picture. It works great, holds a good amount of songs (more than I can listen to at anyone time). It is light weight and extremely easy to keep with me at anytime because of its handy dandy little clip.
However, the other day, Swallow came home with the new iPod Touch. She was raving about this wonderful piece of machinery. It was as if the iPod touch was the greatest thing ever invented in the history of inventions. It put sliced bread to shame in a matter of seconds. I sat there, listen completely unamused. It was as if she was the new spokesperson for the iPod Touch. She went from never having an iPod to an iPod Touch guru. I continued to humor her by listening and responding every once in a while to keep her energy level and excitement on the incline. She must have gone on and on for a good hour maybe even an hour and half. When she finally went to bed, I thought maybe, I'll play around with this thing and see how cool it really its. Wow...I am incredibly jealous, is basically all I can say.
Swallow was right, this thing is awesome! I am absolutely without a doubt, SOLD. The next time, I am out and about and I feel the urge to spurge, I will definitely be investing in this lovely piece of technology. It is basically an entire computer in the palm of your hand, and it is extremely user friendly. I am absolutely certain I could hand this to my father (the technology challenged), and he would be able to do everything in a matter of minutes. It keeps a great calendar, you can use the internet FOR FREE anywhere, it holds up to 20,000 pictures and 3,500 songs all neatly organized of course!
There are two features I am not a fan of. It doesn't have a phone or a camera. So, I started looking into getting the iPhone. Bad decision! Yes, it does add the camera and the phone to the mix, which I would prefer, but it is an on going price. Not only is the phone the same price as the 16 gb iPod Touch, you then have the lovely monthly service for the internet and phone service. I don't know about you guys, but I need a phone that makes calls, receives calls, and sends the occasional text. Like I have said before, I am pretty simple (I think I get those genes from my father's side of the family). It didn't seem possible to get the iPhone and not spend less than 125 dollars a month, plus the price of the phone. My phone isn't broken, and doesn't need to be replaced anytime soon.
I realize that this is something I don't need, and wont be running out to the Apple store to buy, but it will certainly be on my list of things when I have a little bit of extra chump change laying around. I like toys and I enjoy making myself happy. I'll keep you posted if I get the itch to go invest in this LOVELY piece of technology anytime soon.
Have a fantastic day. Enjoy a smile and make sure others smile. :)
Currently, I have the iPod shuffle, below is a lovely picture. It works great, holds a good amount of songs (more than I can listen to at anyone time). It is light weight and extremely easy to keep with me at anytime because of its handy dandy little clip.
Swallow was right, this thing is awesome! I am absolutely without a doubt, SOLD. The next time, I am out and about and I feel the urge to spurge, I will definitely be investing in this lovely piece of technology. It is basically an entire computer in the palm of your hand, and it is extremely user friendly. I am absolutely certain I could hand this to my father (the technology challenged), and he would be able to do everything in a matter of minutes. It keeps a great calendar, you can use the internet FOR FREE anywhere, it holds up to 20,000 pictures and 3,500 songs all neatly organized of course!
There are two features I am not a fan of. It doesn't have a phone or a camera. So, I started looking into getting the iPhone. Bad decision! Yes, it does add the camera and the phone to the mix, which I would prefer, but it is an on going price. Not only is the phone the same price as the 16 gb iPod Touch, you then have the lovely monthly service for the internet and phone service. I don't know about you guys, but I need a phone that makes calls, receives calls, and sends the occasional text. Like I have said before, I am pretty simple (I think I get those genes from my father's side of the family). It didn't seem possible to get the iPhone and not spend less than 125 dollars a month, plus the price of the phone. My phone isn't broken, and doesn't need to be replaced anytime soon.
I realize that this is something I don't need, and wont be running out to the Apple store to buy, but it will certainly be on my list of things when I have a little bit of extra chump change laying around. I like toys and I enjoy making myself happy. I'll keep you posted if I get the itch to go invest in this LOVELY piece of technology anytime soon.
Have a fantastic day. Enjoy a smile and make sure others smile. :)
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Dancing with the Stars
I am not a fan of reality television, I am not a fan of American Idol, Real World or even Dancing with the Stars...well until today. Swallow, watches dancing with the stars religiously...I take that back, she actually watches any and all reality television, RELIGIOUSLY. Since I am usually down in the living room, I happen to catch some of her television choices.
She had Dancing with the Stars on this evening, when they announced that Monica Seles was on the show. Although, you could tell she was by far no professional dancer, it was still pretty neat to see someone from my hometown on the show. I broke down and I had to vote. I voted from my cell phone and one from Swallow's. Needless to say, Swallow, wasn't thrilled that I voted for Monica Seles and her partner Jonathon. Monica and her teammate only got a 15 out of 30, so it doesn't look good for her, but thats okay. I'll still vote for the hometown girl.
Apparently, she wants the chick from Hairspray. Too bad for her, I voted from her number today, so she can't vote again. :) I'll agree with Swallow, Marissa Jaret Winokur did a great job. Her energy level and steps were right in line and you could tell she was having fun. I could see how this show is addicting.
It is also extremely amusing to watch this show with Swallow, a seasoned reality television junkie. She yells at the television, as if the judges can hear her or giving advice to the constant. You should have heard her talking about how, Marlee Matlin, can dance being completely deaf, yet I have two left feet that seem to always be broken. I am in fact tone deaf, but I guess I can't use that as an excuse to not dance anymore. Maybe I will get lucky and she will be voted off first and I will be able to continue to use the tone deaf excuse a little longer.
She had Dancing with the Stars on this evening, when they announced that Monica Seles was on the show. Although, you could tell she was by far no professional dancer, it was still pretty neat to see someone from my hometown on the show. I broke down and I had to vote. I voted from my cell phone and one from Swallow's. Needless to say, Swallow, wasn't thrilled that I voted for Monica Seles and her partner Jonathon. Monica and her teammate only got a 15 out of 30, so it doesn't look good for her, but thats okay. I'll still vote for the hometown girl.
Apparently, she wants the chick from Hairspray. Too bad for her, I voted from her number today, so she can't vote again. :) I'll agree with Swallow, Marissa Jaret Winokur did a great job. Her energy level and steps were right in line and you could tell she was having fun. I could see how this show is addicting.
It is also extremely amusing to watch this show with Swallow, a seasoned reality television junkie. She yells at the television, as if the judges can hear her or giving advice to the constant. You should have heard her talking about how, Marlee Matlin, can dance being completely deaf, yet I have two left feet that seem to always be broken. I am in fact tone deaf, but I guess I can't use that as an excuse to not dance anymore. Maybe I will get lucky and she will be voted off first and I will be able to continue to use the tone deaf excuse a little longer.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Vote
Yes, I know this is silly, but it only takes two seconds to go to the official Guinness site and vote to make it a national holiday. I am sure all the people that work for the post office and government offices would be happy to have another holiday added to their list of days off.
If nothing else, it is at least humorous. Have fun and remember to make your voice heard!
If nothing else, it is at least humorous. Have fun and remember to make your voice heard!
St. Patty's Day.
I am not exactly sure why most American's celebrate St. Patty's Day. Unfortunately, I believe if I took a poll as to why anyone celebrates the holiday, that more than 50% would not know a reason, better then to drink green beer. In fact, I will take a poll tomorrow. I will ask 20 random people throughout the day, and see what type of answers I come back with. I'll keep notes and then post them on the blog.
Although, I believe that most American's don't know why we celebrate the holiday, I am sure they will be out partaking in the festivities. After all, how could anyone not want to wear green, drink green beer, talk in funny voices, and maybe just maybe down a couple of Irish Car Bomb shots. This is by far one of my favorite things about St. Patty's Day. The recipe is as follows:
1/2 pint Guinness
1 oz Jamison
1/2 oz Bailey's Irish cream
This shot is like heaven in my mouth, and I am thrilled for there to be a reason for me to order it. Hip Hip Hooray! When I was in college, I couldn't stand this shot, but I have since acquired a wonderful taste for Guinness, you can't go wrong with Jameson in anything, and bailey's has never steered me wrong in my coffee. So of course this shot is absolutely perfect. Nothing like downing a half a pint glass of Guinness in record time, so that it doesn't curdle in your mouth. I believe this is actually the shot that I learned how to open my throat, so I didn't want to vomit, (I know mom you must be so proud.)
If you are headed out to celebrate St. Patty's Day, please please please be responsible. Like they say, buzzed driving is still drunk driving. The price of a cab is so much cheaper than that of a DUI or your life or at most the life of an innocent bystander. Have a good time, take a few irish car bomb shots for me, and call a cab or have a designated driver or better yet, walk home. Depending on how far the walk is, by the time you actually get there, you should be pretty much sober.
Although, I believe that most American's don't know why we celebrate the holiday, I am sure they will be out partaking in the festivities. After all, how could anyone not want to wear green, drink green beer, talk in funny voices, and maybe just maybe down a couple of Irish Car Bomb shots. This is by far one of my favorite things about St. Patty's Day. The recipe is as follows:
1/2 pint Guinness
1 oz Jamison
1/2 oz Bailey's Irish cream
Pour Guiness into a pint glass. Float Baileys on top of Jamison in shot glass. Drop shot glass, carefully, into Guiness. Drink quickly before it curdles.
This shot is like heaven in my mouth, and I am thrilled for there to be a reason for me to order it. Hip Hip Hooray! When I was in college, I couldn't stand this shot, but I have since acquired a wonderful taste for Guinness, you can't go wrong with Jameson in anything, and bailey's has never steered me wrong in my coffee. So of course this shot is absolutely perfect. Nothing like downing a half a pint glass of Guinness in record time, so that it doesn't curdle in your mouth. I believe this is actually the shot that I learned how to open my throat, so I didn't want to vomit, (I know mom you must be so proud.)
If you are headed out to celebrate St. Patty's Day, please please please be responsible. Like they say, buzzed driving is still drunk driving. The price of a cab is so much cheaper than that of a DUI or your life or at most the life of an innocent bystander. Have a good time, take a few irish car bomb shots for me, and call a cab or have a designated driver or better yet, walk home. Depending on how far the walk is, by the time you actually get there, you should be pretty much sober.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Reaction.
I am a very non-confrontational person. Like you all know, I am in fact a welcoming mat, after all that was one of my nicknames in college. I am cool with being a welcome mat, it is what it is. However, I am also extremely stubborn when it comes to something that I am passionate about. My friends and family are pretty important to me, and I'd like to keep them that way.
I feel pretty strongly, that when I say I am going to do something, I am pretty much going to do it. Of course, there are the occasions when things simply don't work out, and I CAN'T live up to my word, but I want to think they are few and far between. There are also a few instances that I make a decision to not live up to my word.
Here is a perfect example. I attended a meeting this morning and hear that all the girls are headed to brunch, (keep in mind, that I struggle with the word "no"). When they say everyone is going, and that I had too... yes, there was a part of me that wanted to be with my friends. These are chicks I seldomly hang out with, but I do care about. Especially, when I hear that three out of five just got out of lengthy relationships. I know better then anyone, you need your girls around you during those moments. Back to the story, I agree that I did have plans to hang with someone, we will refer to him as, "PERSON X" (although, they weren't set in stone by any means). So, I said I am going to go to brunch with the girls, and then I'll call ya in about an hour. I am not sure if any of you know, brunch is not an hour long ordeal, more like a two hour ordeal...particularly, when they are hashing about past relationships, healing, and moving on. In the mix, I lost track of time. I looked down at my phone to see that I had been at brunch for about 2 hours. I then look at my text messages, and realize the person I was suppose to hang out with sent some (4) well not so pleasant text messages.
Good news for that person, as soon as you are negative, I no longer have the desire to leave where I am and head over to hangout. Seriously, is everyone not raised to believe "that you get more bee's with honey than vinegar?" I had every intention of hanging with person X after brunch, but immediately was turned off, of even returning the text messages/phone call, let alone hanging out with person X, with the nastiness that I received. I realize you can't have everything in life, but it seems pretty simple to be able to have brunch and watch basketball in the same day. Apparently, not so much.
It is amazing when you see people react, to things as silly as brunch. Yes, I was in the wrong that I did in fact, lose track of time during the gab session, but I am pretty thankful that I figured out person X's true colors so quickly. My parents have always made comments about how my sister and I have little too no forgiveness for stupidity. I really think this is one of those moments. I am all about apologizing for running late during brunch, but not when I get nastiness. That goes back to my theory of no reaction is the best reaction. I continue to believe that people do things just to get a reaction, well good news is, person X didn't get a reaction from me. Unfortunately, he didn't hear from me at all. I do feel bad, that something as petty as brunch has injured a friendship, but at least all the cards are out on the table. Like one of my sister's favorite quotes "it is what it is."
Please remember to take people's feelings into consideration and to heart. I do care about person X, but it also says something about the fact that I sat and chit chatted with females for two hours. I have never been a huge fan of females, but I am slowly making the change. There are some pretty fantastic females out there, and I am happy to call them my friends.
I feel pretty strongly, that when I say I am going to do something, I am pretty much going to do it. Of course, there are the occasions when things simply don't work out, and I CAN'T live up to my word, but I want to think they are few and far between. There are also a few instances that I make a decision to not live up to my word.
Here is a perfect example. I attended a meeting this morning and hear that all the girls are headed to brunch, (keep in mind, that I struggle with the word "no"). When they say everyone is going, and that I had too... yes, there was a part of me that wanted to be with my friends. These are chicks I seldomly hang out with, but I do care about. Especially, when I hear that three out of five just got out of lengthy relationships. I know better then anyone, you need your girls around you during those moments. Back to the story, I agree that I did have plans to hang with someone, we will refer to him as, "PERSON X" (although, they weren't set in stone by any means). So, I said I am going to go to brunch with the girls, and then I'll call ya in about an hour. I am not sure if any of you know, brunch is not an hour long ordeal, more like a two hour ordeal...particularly, when they are hashing about past relationships, healing, and moving on. In the mix, I lost track of time. I looked down at my phone to see that I had been at brunch for about 2 hours. I then look at my text messages, and realize the person I was suppose to hang out with sent some (4) well not so pleasant text messages.
Good news for that person, as soon as you are negative, I no longer have the desire to leave where I am and head over to hangout. Seriously, is everyone not raised to believe "that you get more bee's with honey than vinegar?" I had every intention of hanging with person X after brunch, but immediately was turned off, of even returning the text messages/phone call, let alone hanging out with person X, with the nastiness that I received. I realize you can't have everything in life, but it seems pretty simple to be able to have brunch and watch basketball in the same day. Apparently, not so much.
It is amazing when you see people react, to things as silly as brunch. Yes, I was in the wrong that I did in fact, lose track of time during the gab session, but I am pretty thankful that I figured out person X's true colors so quickly. My parents have always made comments about how my sister and I have little too no forgiveness for stupidity. I really think this is one of those moments. I am all about apologizing for running late during brunch, but not when I get nastiness. That goes back to my theory of no reaction is the best reaction. I continue to believe that people do things just to get a reaction, well good news is, person X didn't get a reaction from me. Unfortunately, he didn't hear from me at all. I do feel bad, that something as petty as brunch has injured a friendship, but at least all the cards are out on the table. Like one of my sister's favorite quotes "it is what it is."
Please remember to take people's feelings into consideration and to heart. I do care about person X, but it also says something about the fact that I sat and chit chatted with females for two hours. I have never been a huge fan of females, but I am slowly making the change. There are some pretty fantastic females out there, and I am happy to call them my friends.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
sTORI Telling
Growing up, I watched my mother read a book from cover to cover in one day. We weren't talking about some little children's book, we were talking about autobiographies and novels (both fiction and non-fiction). She always begged my sister and I to get into reading, but playing kickball in the street, seemed like such a better idea. So of course, when she made us read, I conveniently would fall asleep. I am sure she knew what I was up to, since I HATED reading and I wasn't really a fan of napping either. My mother was smart enough to pick her battles wisely. Really, why would any one argue with a kid that took a nap?
When I went off to college, my parents introduced me to an author by the name of Stuart Woods. It was the first time that I had really gotten into reading. I have since read almost every book he has ever written. This was a good find, but it also turned me away from reading anything besides Stuart Woods. I even got so picky as to only read books that he wrote that had certain characters in them. Who did I think I was? Oh well, it was my loss and I am slowly figuring that out.
Over the past year, I had a very dear friend, Dempsey, suggested I read some of the classics and some of the none classics, but ones that would help me get out of rut of only reading Stuart Woods novels. Some of the ones he picked were absolutely dreadful (Catch 22) yet others were wonderful such as the Blind Side. He has since been reading books and then casually suggesting that I read them as well. Occasionally, I'd complain that the books he suggested put me to sleep, so what would he do...he'd read to me as I fall asleep. I guess he really wanted me to read certain books. I can appreciate that. Although, he wont be overly thrilled with my latest choice of books, he might appreciate the fact that it was outside my comfort zone, and I couldn't put the book down.
I bought Tori Spelling's (sTORI TELLING) book yesterday, and literally stayed up till 5 am in the morning reading the book. I couldn't put this book down. I picked it up at the book store, and casually flipped through it, the next thing I knew I had read 50 pages. Swallow, called and I had to run, but what about the book? I liked this book so much, I shelled out full price for a new release. SOOOOO not like me, I am all about buying books at Sam's club or maybe on Amazon or my favorite is to let my mom buy them, read them and then pass them along. My mother reads more books then a librarian. I bet if anyone were to ask her to count how many books she read a year, she would be around 300 +.
I know what you are all thinking, this is definitely not my style and not something I would be the least bit interested in. However, this book was fantastic! I finished it so quickly, that Suds has asked to borrow it. After that, it will make the rounds I am sure. I am pretty big at reading a book and then suggesting it to someone else. By all means, if I suggest it, I also let them borrow it. I never understood the thought of making a suggestion to someone but then making them go out and buy it (I probably got this from my mom, thanks momma). It isn't like I will ever read this book again, but I do actually own a copy. After Suds is finished with it, I will be sending it down to Florida so that my sister can enjoy it.
You see my sister enjoys reading autobiographies. At least, that is what one would conclude if they looked at the book shelves in her house. Growing up she read everything from Michael Jordan to Madeline Albright. I am not sure she is a huge fan of Tori Spelling, but then again who really is a huge fan of Tori? I am not, but I couldn't put the book down. It was an easy, light hearted, fun and funny book to read. I enjoyed this autobiography that I might actually continue to expand my normal reading patterns.
Think outside the box, get out of your comfort zone and let loose. Do something, you wouldn't normally do, or challenge yourself to find a new comfort zone.
When I went off to college, my parents introduced me to an author by the name of Stuart Woods. It was the first time that I had really gotten into reading. I have since read almost every book he has ever written. This was a good find, but it also turned me away from reading anything besides Stuart Woods. I even got so picky as to only read books that he wrote that had certain characters in them. Who did I think I was? Oh well, it was my loss and I am slowly figuring that out.
Over the past year, I had a very dear friend, Dempsey, suggested I read some of the classics and some of the none classics, but ones that would help me get out of rut of only reading Stuart Woods novels. Some of the ones he picked were absolutely dreadful (Catch 22) yet others were wonderful such as the Blind Side. He has since been reading books and then casually suggesting that I read them as well. Occasionally, I'd complain that the books he suggested put me to sleep, so what would he do...he'd read to me as I fall asleep. I guess he really wanted me to read certain books. I can appreciate that. Although, he wont be overly thrilled with my latest choice of books, he might appreciate the fact that it was outside my comfort zone, and I couldn't put the book down.
I bought Tori Spelling's (sTORI TELLING) book yesterday, and literally stayed up till 5 am in the morning reading the book. I couldn't put this book down. I picked it up at the book store, and casually flipped through it, the next thing I knew I had read 50 pages. Swallow, called and I had to run, but what about the book? I liked this book so much, I shelled out full price for a new release. SOOOOO not like me, I am all about buying books at Sam's club or maybe on Amazon or my favorite is to let my mom buy them, read them and then pass them along. My mother reads more books then a librarian. I bet if anyone were to ask her to count how many books she read a year, she would be around 300 +.
I know what you are all thinking, this is definitely not my style and not something I would be the least bit interested in. However, this book was fantastic! I finished it so quickly, that Suds has asked to borrow it. After that, it will make the rounds I am sure. I am pretty big at reading a book and then suggesting it to someone else. By all means, if I suggest it, I also let them borrow it. I never understood the thought of making a suggestion to someone but then making them go out and buy it (I probably got this from my mom, thanks momma). It isn't like I will ever read this book again, but I do actually own a copy. After Suds is finished with it, I will be sending it down to Florida so that my sister can enjoy it.
You see my sister enjoys reading autobiographies. At least, that is what one would conclude if they looked at the book shelves in her house. Growing up she read everything from Michael Jordan to Madeline Albright. I am not sure she is a huge fan of Tori Spelling, but then again who really is a huge fan of Tori? I am not, but I couldn't put the book down. It was an easy, light hearted, fun and funny book to read. I enjoyed this autobiography that I might actually continue to expand my normal reading patterns.
Think outside the box, get out of your comfort zone and let loose. Do something, you wouldn't normally do, or challenge yourself to find a new comfort zone.
Oysters, Jack and Wonka
As any of you who know me, know I can appreciate and take advantage of a good happy hour. Luckily for me, I have found someone, Swallow, who can enjoy them with me. She called me when she was headed out of work (around 3:30, but I wouldn't tell anyone) and asked what I was up too? I actually was at one of my favorite hangouts a book store (who knew I'd actually grow up to appreciate those places), but she quickly convinced me that I wanted to ditch the bookstore, and join her for "happy hour."
Okay, twist my arm. I decided, I could buy the book I was reading at the tattered cover, and head to meet up with Swallow. We ended up at a place, that I had been wanting to try since I had moved out this way, Jax's Fish House. Jax's is right in downtown and has one of the best things ever on the happy hour menu...OYSTERS! 75 cent oysters and good cheap drinks (Jack and Gingerale was $3.00! Sign me up for that. Swallow, was happy because they have other fruity drinks on the happy hour menu too. The last time I went out for oysters, Baldy asked me if I had ever had an Oyster shooter. I hadn't but, I can't say that anymore. This place also have $2.00 Oyster Shooters, so of course, I had to try it. Below is a picture of this lovely concoction. Tomato juice, pepper, Tabascos, lemon, and an oyster. DELICIOUS! I only had one, but I could quickly see how this would be an addicting shot at the great price of $2.00.
The place was packed. We sat against the wall, because their wasn't an open seat at the bar and the lovely hostess, wouldn't let anyone sit in the restaurant that wasn't their for dinner. She was oh so pleasant. So, against the wall we went. I ordered a Jack and ginger and swallow order a WONKA Cocktail (I love the name, it made me think of my Wonka). A wonka cocktail is blueberry infused vodka, blueberry juice, and soda. Definitely too sweet for me, but it made Swallow happy, which in turn, makes me happy as well. We also had 20 oysters and some mussels. We got to enjoy the great food, spend some time together, enjoy the scenes and of course the people watching is great. :) To say their was a wide variety of people at this people is a severe understatement, at any given moment their were people in three piece suit, tourist with socks and sandals, a person in their workout attire, jeans, or a guy in shorts and a tank top. Everyone was welcome, and it was a nice feeling to be part of that.
I will be frequenting Jax's more often and I have a feeling Swallow will as well. Her Wonka cocktails were going down as if they were water.
Live outside the box, try things you wouldn't normally try, just enjoy life. You never know when it will be your last opportunity, so make every moment count. Enjoy the little things.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Skiing
I will be hitting the slopes today. I need a little reprieve, a few moments of zen, time to myself, time to just be.
Growing up in Florida, I had the pleasure of enjoying walks on the beach or even a long walk down a par 5 to my next shot on the golf course. Even if I was riding in the cart with someone else, there was something about walking to my ball in between shots, that I loved. It was my moment. My moment to thank god for a gorgeous day or to say a prayer about something as petty as my making my putter work, checking of my mental to do list, or maybe it was time to take in the fresh air. No matter, what the thoughts were that were going through my head, they were there for reason. There is something about a small amount of time that one can focus simply on the zen moment.
Since, I have made the move to the cold weather country, I have found that riding down the slopes give me the same zen. Although, it is usually cold, so I always have multiple layers on, I am getting wind burn on my face, while my nose is running and I usually end up exhausted at the end of the day...none the less I get my fill of zen. No matter now much someone wants to talk to you on the slopes, you can't hear anything. Its perfect for those moments of solitude. I am thoroughly looking forward to enjoying the slopes.
I hope you all have a good day. Take a moment to find a little zen.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Sherpani Pack
Growing up, my family was very much the inside outdoors group. Sounds like an oxymoron doesn't it? Well, not necessarily. My father is very much the outdoorsy kind of guy, would probably like to "rough it" for a few days out with mother nature. He thrives on being active and challenging his body both physically and mentally. My mom on the hand, well, her idea of "roughing it" is staying at a hotel that doesn't have 24 hour room service. Opposites attract right?
I believe, I went camping one time when I was a child. It just wasn't our family thing, we did the disney vacations or week long adventures at the beach. When I went off to college, I grew LEAPS and BOUNDS. My college boyfriend introduced me to the actual world of the outdoors. We went camping a couple times a year for about 3 or 4 days at a time. One summer we did a week long trip for a music/drug festival. Needless to say, I only attended that lovely place once! I am happy to say I did it, and even happier to say that I never have to do it again. However, he put the taste of hiking, fishing, and camping in my mouth and I really can't get enough of it.
Just being outside and enjoying the fresh air, listening to the wind hit the trees, really becoming one with mother nature. For the past few years I have mentioned that I would like to go back packing for a few weeks. Of course, that is something I am going to have to build up to, but at least I am on the right path. I just bought myself a new toy a Sherpani Pack 45. I got myself a light green one, but couldn't track down a picture of that, so just pretend that this one is green.
While I was investigating my new pack, Suds was home and thought I was rather strange. Her exact words were "You planning on running away from home with that thing?" I told her no, I am going to be spending a lot of my summer enjoying the outside. "I guess you are planning on doing some serious hiking, or maybe you are just trying to look like you adjusted to this place." Gotta love the random comments that Suds comes up with from time to time.
I am happy to report that I am extremely excited about my new pack. I thought I did some research before hand, but it seems that this little pack has more to offer than I expected. Here are some of the wonderful features that comes with this pack.
* Self-adjusting swivel harness
* Storm proof zippers
* Top lid pocket
* Load lifters
* Hydration pocket and port
* 3D Aerospacer ventilated back
* Ski slots
* Snowboard retainer straps
* HDPE frame sheet with one aluminum stay
* 3D stiffened shovel panel
* Over hip stabilizers
* Dual density contoured belt
* Bivy collar
* Volume: 2800 c.i.
* Weight: 3 lb.
Hopefully, this will help me on my hiking/camping trip from Aspen to Crested Butte this summer.
I believe, I went camping one time when I was a child. It just wasn't our family thing, we did the disney vacations or week long adventures at the beach. When I went off to college, I grew LEAPS and BOUNDS. My college boyfriend introduced me to the actual world of the outdoors. We went camping a couple times a year for about 3 or 4 days at a time. One summer we did a week long trip for a music/drug festival. Needless to say, I only attended that lovely place once! I am happy to say I did it, and even happier to say that I never have to do it again. However, he put the taste of hiking, fishing, and camping in my mouth and I really can't get enough of it.
Just being outside and enjoying the fresh air, listening to the wind hit the trees, really becoming one with mother nature. For the past few years I have mentioned that I would like to go back packing for a few weeks. Of course, that is something I am going to have to build up to, but at least I am on the right path. I just bought myself a new toy a Sherpani Pack 45. I got myself a light green one, but couldn't track down a picture of that, so just pretend that this one is green.
I am happy to report that I am extremely excited about my new pack. I thought I did some research before hand, but it seems that this little pack has more to offer than I expected. Here are some of the wonderful features that comes with this pack.
* Self-adjusting swivel harness
* Storm proof zippers
* Top lid pocket
* Load lifters
* Hydration pocket and port
* 3D Aerospacer ventilated back
* Ski slots
* Snowboard retainer straps
* HDPE frame sheet with one aluminum stay
* 3D stiffened shovel panel
* Over hip stabilizers
* Dual density contoured belt
* Bivy collar
* Volume: 2800 c.i.
* Weight: 3 lb.
Hopefully, this will help me on my hiking/camping trip from Aspen to Crested Butte this summer.
Meet Fenway.
I am waiting on the final approval, but it looks like little "Fenway" might be joining the family. Camden might be getting a little brother, and as all of you who know Camden, know that I am sure she will still rule the roost!
The ZOO.
My partner in crime, Swallow, and I always need to be doing something. Recently, we decided it was a beautiful day and what better way to spend a beautiful day than to be outside. We headed to the zoo. Apparently, we weren't the only ones who had the brilliant idea of heading to the zoo. There must have been every family with kids or anyone who was about to have kids who live in the metro area at the zoo. We giggled about how all these couples must have gotten snowed in, because they all looked like they were about to pop at about the same time.
I have been to a few zoo's in my day, but never one like this. Majority of the animal habitat's were different than I had ever seen before. For example some of them didn't have any water for them to play or lounge, or animals that I had always seen outside were now indoor animals. Obviously, the zoo keepers know what they are doing and what is best for the animals, but it was pretty different. Below is a picture of the hippos, as you will notice there is no water in their pool.
I asked one of the zoo employees, and they responded with something that I hadn't thought of. When they do fill all the pools with water, it gets so chilly and sometimes freezes that the animals don't play or lounge in the water. Of course, that makes sense, but growing up in a warm weather state that fact simply didn't occur to me.
This zoo was a good size, we were able to see everything we wanted too. I'd like to go back and take in some of the shows, when there aren't a ton of families and children running around. Maybe a Saturday isn't the best day to head to the zoo. :) Below are a few pictures for you to enjoy.
This was another strange habitat, notice he flamingos are indoors. I have never in my life seen flamingos live inside, but then again it isn't normal for flamingos to deal with freezing temperatures. It was pretty cool, just took some getting use to.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Birthday and Basketball
Swallow gave me tickets to see the Nuggets play the Suns for my birthday. We went to the game last night, and we had phenomenal (I mean PHENOMENAL) seats. We were in row 3 right behind the basket. I have never been a huge NBA basketball fan, but when you are that close to the action it is hard not be fan. Yesterday, before the game we went out and about to find a few jerseys. I wanted to wear number 23, Marcus Camby, but of course they wouldn't sell that jersey in anything but a double X. So, I had to suffer with an Allen Iverson # 3 jersey. Swallow wore # 1 Amare Stoudemire...but even that jersey didn't bring her any luck. :(
Of course, Swallow and I put a little friendly wager on the game. I took the Nuggets straight up, and boy am I glad I did. She was none to happy to see her Suns fail. She was all talk, before the game, during the game and up until about 5 minutes left to go in the 4th quarter. Shortly before the game ended, she conceded. She wanted to get out of the arena rather quickly, I am guessing it was because she didn't make to many friends with the Nuggets fans with all the trash talking she was doing before the game.
I was a gracious winner, I didn't mention a thing about the score, the bet, or collecting on our friendly wager. I offered to take her out for a drink near the house so she could drown her sorrows. We met up with some of my friends at one of our favorite watering holes for a drink. I can't say that my friends were as gracious, as I was. It was pretty clear that all 10 people at the table were Nuggets fans, Swallow was a little out numbered.
A big thanks to Swallow for the tickets and a great time. I don't think I will ever be able to sit in the nose bleeds again. :)
Of course, Swallow and I put a little friendly wager on the game. I took the Nuggets straight up, and boy am I glad I did. She was none to happy to see her Suns fail. She was all talk, before the game, during the game and up until about 5 minutes left to go in the 4th quarter. Shortly before the game ended, she conceded. She wanted to get out of the arena rather quickly, I am guessing it was because she didn't make to many friends with the Nuggets fans with all the trash talking she was doing before the game.
I was a gracious winner, I didn't mention a thing about the score, the bet, or collecting on our friendly wager. I offered to take her out for a drink near the house so she could drown her sorrows. We met up with some of my friends at one of our favorite watering holes for a drink. I can't say that my friends were as gracious, as I was. It was pretty clear that all 10 people at the table were Nuggets fans, Swallow was a little out numbered.
A big thanks to Swallow for the tickets and a great time. I don't think I will ever be able to sit in the nose bleeds again. :)
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
McCain Charges ahead, Democrats keep fighting
Can the democrats really fight against each other and against John McCain at the same time? Hillary Clinton won three much needed states to stay in this fight to President. Good for her, don't go down without a fight, BUT honestly is this fight helping democrats in the long run?
I guess there are two ways to look at this.
First of which being, that the democrat candidates are so superior to the republican candidates that they will have a dual to the very end to pick the very best nominee to represent the democratic party. When in the same race, the republicans didn't really have any worthy competition to go up against Senator McCain, so some of them joined just for the sake of saying "I ran for the Presidential nomination once?"
Or we can look at it as, well democrats don't know when to cut their losses? My aunt said it extremely well, "why would you run a billion dollar campaign for a job that pays $250,000 a year?"
I had never looked at it in that light before? How much money, does the United States waste on elections, election spending, man hours, and insurance during a campaign that could go to a worth cause such as homelessness, health care, the ever increasing debt, or education? That is just to name a few. I thoroughly enjoy the articles I read about how the candidate donated 5 million of their money to their campaign. Wake up people, you put out 5 million to make 1 million over four years...what are you thinking? (Yes, I do realize that their great benefits to being President of the United States, and that every single person that has become President didn't do it for the pay check.)
Best wishes to John McCain as he gets to fully devote all of his time and energy on the actual election. As for Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, may the best candidate win. Lord knows after the fight you two are putting up for the nominee, you might as well be handed the President's job at the same time.
If anyone out there can really give me an argument as to why it is beneficial to spend so much money on campaign, I am all ears. Sorry to get political on you all, but I figure, sometimes I should write about what is going in the world, instead of in my head. Have a great day, and if you live in a state where the primary's are coming up and you can vote, please do so. Every vote counts, it is one of the many nice things about living in this country.
I guess there are two ways to look at this.
First of which being, that the democrat candidates are so superior to the republican candidates that they will have a dual to the very end to pick the very best nominee to represent the democratic party. When in the same race, the republicans didn't really have any worthy competition to go up against Senator McCain, so some of them joined just for the sake of saying "I ran for the Presidential nomination once?"
Or we can look at it as, well democrats don't know when to cut their losses? My aunt said it extremely well, "why would you run a billion dollar campaign for a job that pays $250,000 a year?"
I had never looked at it in that light before? How much money, does the United States waste on elections, election spending, man hours, and insurance during a campaign that could go to a worth cause such as homelessness, health care, the ever increasing debt, or education? That is just to name a few. I thoroughly enjoy the articles I read about how the candidate donated 5 million of their money to their campaign. Wake up people, you put out 5 million to make 1 million over four years...what are you thinking? (Yes, I do realize that their great benefits to being President of the United States, and that every single person that has become President didn't do it for the pay check.)
Best wishes to John McCain as he gets to fully devote all of his time and energy on the actual election. As for Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, may the best candidate win. Lord knows after the fight you two are putting up for the nominee, you might as well be handed the President's job at the same time.
If anyone out there can really give me an argument as to why it is beneficial to spend so much money on campaign, I am all ears. Sorry to get political on you all, but I figure, sometimes I should write about what is going in the world, instead of in my head. Have a great day, and if you live in a state where the primary's are coming up and you can vote, please do so. Every vote counts, it is one of the many nice things about living in this country.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Positivity.
I am a pretty easy read. I am a creature of habit, and I enjoy being that way. Its nice to have a routine, one of which I really enjoy. Coffee and the newspaper on Sunday mornings, I drink tomato juice, everytime I fly (without failure). Another habit, I love is the positive gene that was passed down to me. I thrive on being positive. I live for the positive side of every situation. It has been drilled into my head since before I can remember. Looking back at my childhood, I cannot remember a situation or conversation, where my parents didn't point out or ask me what was the positive aspect of this? Even when I struggled at something my mother would say it is my "strongest weakness." I grew up in a life of positivity. It has now become second nature to find the positives in all situations.
Apparently, in one of my recent posts, I didn't display my positive side (I got an email about it, I have attached it below). After having it brought to my attention, yes I agree that it wasn't the most positive thing I have ever written. However, to my defense, their is a positive to realizing that I am not who, where or what I want to be. It is realizing it, acknowledging it, and working towards being the positive person that I want to be. Although, it isn't always positive, the results needs to be. I am working towards the result. I am following my heart and trying to strive to be that better person.
Here is the email, I received:
Hey Gorgeous:
I read one of your posts, and it was rather negative. The post
referenced your life, love and employment. Although you stated
that you wanted to make a difference, you portrayed a negative
perception of your life. I am worried about you.
While any change, whether for good or for bad, takes time to
develop and become noticeable, I assure you that you convey
positive energy to everyone which you encounter. Perhaps, the
change that you desire will not directly derive from your hands
but from your impact on others. Either way, you still affect
positive change for the betterment of others. For instance,
although it is not radiantly evident, you were the engine of
change in my life. If I had not met you, when I did, I would still
feel under appreciated and misserable. Whether my love fell upon
def ears is indeterminative, you reminded me of what it felt like
to be happy and in love. Bottom line, love is the greatest gift
which one person can bestow upon another person.
Insofar as your desire to find true love, I am positive that it
will find you. Unfortunately, for me, I am accutely realizing that
I am not that person for you. Nonetheless, although temporarily
out-of-order, you possess a pure and honest heart. This fact is
evident to anyone who knows and understands you. Believe it or
not, I have a decently firm grasp on how you function. My
contention, which remains true, is your fear to trust another
person. However, if I were to make similar arguments, you would
tell me to trust the goodness of others and look to the positive
characteristics in other people. While I could ramble on about my
feelings for you, I advise you to look to your own positive
attributes. You are a dynamic person and every aspect about and
petaining to your person is beautiful. Especially, your ability to
make another person feel like they are the only person that exists
in this world.
As far as your job, you are not a superficial person. I do not
believe that opportunities to stive on a monetary level stimulates
you. Perhaps, a career that enables you to positively influence
other people would best suit your personal wantings. Personally, I
think the corporate world diminishes rather than exemplifies your
beauty and spirit.
In sum, in weighing and evauating your personal attributes and
characteristics, I adamantly proclaim that you are an unbelievably
righteous and beautiful person. If you dislike this e-mail, I
appologize. However, I could not, in good faith, allow you to
reflect negatively upon yourself. You are too important for those
thoughts and feelings. Urban concurs!
p.s. I cannot wait to see you. I miss your beautiful smile, and I
hope that you will allow me the pleasure of witnessing it before
you leave Florida.
This email, was from a guy that is by far the best individual anyone could ever take home to meet mom and dad. He is a little rough around the edges, only for the sure fact that life isn't handed to him on a silver platter. I constantly, reminded him of the phrase "you will get more bees with honey then vinegar." I have seen him, make great strides. He values love and family. He enjoys making others happy. He is someone who I greatly admire. Getting this email from him, made me look at myself in the mirror. Please disregard all of his spelling and grammatical errors. His heart is in the right place.
May all of you have someone that pushes you to look at yourself in the mirror and truly analyze if you are who you need to be. Big thanks to the biggest Tebow fan I know. Thank you for pushing me to get back to my roots of being positive all the time, that was one fantastic email. You are a great person, may you be able to look yourself in the mirror and realize that you really are a fantastic person, inside and out.
Apparently, in one of my recent posts, I didn't display my positive side (I got an email about it, I have attached it below). After having it brought to my attention, yes I agree that it wasn't the most positive thing I have ever written. However, to my defense, their is a positive to realizing that I am not who, where or what I want to be. It is realizing it, acknowledging it, and working towards being the positive person that I want to be. Although, it isn't always positive, the results needs to be. I am working towards the result. I am following my heart and trying to strive to be that better person.
Here is the email, I received:
Hey Gorgeous:
I read one of your posts, and it was rather negative. The post
referenced your life, love and employment. Although you stated
that you wanted to make a difference, you portrayed a negative
perception of your life. I am worried about you.
While any change, whether for good or for bad, takes time to
develop and become noticeable, I assure you that you convey
positive energy to everyone which you encounter. Perhaps, the
change that you desire will not directly derive from your hands
but from your impact on others. Either way, you still affect
positive change for the betterment of others. For instance,
although it is not radiantly evident, you were the engine of
change in my life. If I had not met you, when I did, I would still
feel under appreciated and misserable. Whether my love fell upon
def ears is indeterminative, you reminded me of what it felt like
to be happy and in love. Bottom line, love is the greatest gift
which one person can bestow upon another person.
Insofar as your desire to find true love, I am positive that it
will find you. Unfortunately, for me, I am accutely realizing that
I am not that person for you. Nonetheless, although temporarily
out-of-order, you possess a pure and honest heart. This fact is
evident to anyone who knows and understands you. Believe it or
not, I have a decently firm grasp on how you function. My
contention, which remains true, is your fear to trust another
person. However, if I were to make similar arguments, you would
tell me to trust the goodness of others and look to the positive
characteristics in other people. While I could ramble on about my
feelings for you, I advise you to look to your own positive
attributes. You are a dynamic person and every aspect about and
petaining to your person is beautiful. Especially, your ability to
make another person feel like they are the only person that exists
in this world.
As far as your job, you are not a superficial person. I do not
believe that opportunities to stive on a monetary level stimulates
you. Perhaps, a career that enables you to positively influence
other people would best suit your personal wantings. Personally, I
think the corporate world diminishes rather than exemplifies your
beauty and spirit.
In sum, in weighing and evauating your personal attributes and
characteristics, I adamantly proclaim that you are an unbelievably
righteous and beautiful person. If you dislike this e-mail, I
appologize. However, I could not, in good faith, allow you to
reflect negatively upon yourself. You are too important for those
thoughts and feelings. Urban concurs!
p.s. I cannot wait to see you. I miss your beautiful smile, and I
hope that you will allow me the pleasure of witnessing it before
you leave Florida.
This email, was from a guy that is by far the best individual anyone could ever take home to meet mom and dad. He is a little rough around the edges, only for the sure fact that life isn't handed to him on a silver platter. I constantly, reminded him of the phrase "you will get more bees with honey then vinegar." I have seen him, make great strides. He values love and family. He enjoys making others happy. He is someone who I greatly admire. Getting this email from him, made me look at myself in the mirror. Please disregard all of his spelling and grammatical errors. His heart is in the right place.
May all of you have someone that pushes you to look at yourself in the mirror and truly analyze if you are who you need to be. Big thanks to the biggest Tebow fan I know. Thank you for pushing me to get back to my roots of being positive all the time, that was one fantastic email. You are a great person, may you be able to look yourself in the mirror and realize that you really are a fantastic person, inside and out.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Ladder Golf
With the weather becoming nicer and nicer, I am always on the lookout for a new outside activity. A few years ago, I was introduced to the game of cornhole. Below is a picture of cornhole at one of the tailgating parties that we hosted.
Anyone who knows me, knows I love a little competition. I am all about being outside, being with friends, and being competitive. That is one thing, that I love about Cornhole, is everyone who has ever played has fun. :) Or at least, they pretend too, probably just to humor me...but regardless, I am going to believe that they had fun.
Recently I have been introduced to another great game...Ladder Golf or Tailgate Golf (whichever name you prefer). Here is a picture of the game, of course I had to track down one with my school colors (once a gator, always a gator).
This game is very similar to Cornhole, although, a little more challenging. Below are the rules.
Prior to game play a line must be set 5 paces from the ladder. This is the called the toss line. The official toss line is 15 feet away but most players measure 5 paces from the game ladder to set the toss line. This allows for a closer toss line for children’s games.
Ladder Golf is played in rounds, each round consists of all players tossing 3 bolas. A coin toss is used to decide which player or team will toss first.
The first player must toss all 3 bolas before the next player is able to toss his or her bolas.
bolas can be tossed in anyway the player chooses, as long as they are tossed individually and can be bounced off the ground.
The winner of the round earns the first toss in the next round.
Games are played to an exact point total of 21.
In order to win, a player must be the only one to score exactly 21 points after the completion of a round.
If a player goes over the exact point total, that players points for that round do not count.
For example: A player with 18 points needs 3 points to get the exact score of 21 in order to win. If that player has 5 points hanging on the ladder after all the players have tossed all strands, none of those points count and the player will enter the next round with 18 points again needing 3 points to win.
In the case of a tie, the players that tie will play as many overtime rounds as needed until one player ends a complete round 2 points ahead of the other player. The 2 point rule only applies in overtime rounds. During regular play any player can win as long as that player is the only one to score an exact total of 21 points at the end of that round no matter how many points the other players have.
If you get a chance to play ladder golf, I hope you jump at the opportunity. It is fun and really enjoyable for everyone at all skill levels. Get up from your computer, take a walk outside, enjoy the fresh air, and have a little fun.
Anyone who knows me, knows I love a little competition. I am all about being outside, being with friends, and being competitive. That is one thing, that I love about Cornhole, is everyone who has ever played has fun. :) Or at least, they pretend too, probably just to humor me...but regardless, I am going to believe that they had fun.
Recently I have been introduced to another great game...Ladder Golf or Tailgate Golf (whichever name you prefer). Here is a picture of the game, of course I had to track down one with my school colors (once a gator, always a gator).
This game is very similar to Cornhole, although, a little more challenging. Below are the rules.Prior to game play a line must be set 5 paces from the ladder. This is the called the toss line. The official toss line is 15 feet away but most players measure 5 paces from the game ladder to set the toss line. This allows for a closer toss line for children’s games.
Ladder Golf is played in rounds, each round consists of all players tossing 3 bolas. A coin toss is used to decide which player or team will toss first.
The first player must toss all 3 bolas before the next player is able to toss his or her bolas.
bolas can be tossed in anyway the player chooses, as long as they are tossed individually and can be bounced off the ground.
The winner of the round earns the first toss in the next round.
Games are played to an exact point total of 21.
In order to win, a player must be the only one to score exactly 21 points after the completion of a round.
If a player goes over the exact point total, that players points for that round do not count.
For example: A player with 18 points needs 3 points to get the exact score of 21 in order to win. If that player has 5 points hanging on the ladder after all the players have tossed all strands, none of those points count and the player will enter the next round with 18 points again needing 3 points to win.
In the case of a tie, the players that tie will play as many overtime rounds as needed until one player ends a complete round 2 points ahead of the other player. The 2 point rule only applies in overtime rounds. During regular play any player can win as long as that player is the only one to score an exact total of 21 points at the end of that round no matter how many points the other players have.
If you get a chance to play ladder golf, I hope you jump at the opportunity. It is fun and really enjoyable for everyone at all skill levels. Get up from your computer, take a walk outside, enjoy the fresh air, and have a little fun.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Top Notch Citizen...Yet Again!
The citizens of Florida really get a bad rap. After all, Floridian's don't know how to read a ballot, which would help them vote and they don't know how to count the votes. They have the most upstanding of citizens. Take this guy for example:
Richard Close was arrested and charged with aggravated abuse and battery on a person over 65. Before, we begin lets remember he is innocent until proven guilty. Now, onto the facts in the case. He has told deputies that he "roughed up" his wife because of the cost to take her to and from dialysis. They have been married for 26 years, and now he is going to give her a little rough and tumble treatment, because as she gets older, her body has begun to fail. Gee, Florida is lucky to have him as a citizen. If he isn't an upstanding citizen I don't know who is.
I am sure that it becomes stressful, as you get older. Retirement isn't the same as it use to be, the cost of living is hirer, pensions don't always pan out the way that most people have planned, and not to mention the medicines that they are on expensive.
I am absolutely sure, that Richard Close loves his wife, and that the financial stress has become overwhelming...but how do you get to the point that you start to beat your partner in life? How can she welcome him back into the house? Does he deserve to spend time in jail? He is 77 years old, can he even survive in jail, or even worse prison?
When I do settle down and choose that forever partner in life, may I never be challenged with the situation that the Close's are currently dealing with. Although, I know marriage is something you work at everyday, may I never have to work at welcoming my partner back into the house after roughing me up for going to dialysis. If you believe in prayer, say one for the both Richard Close and his wife. They have a difficult road ahead of them.
Richard Close was arrested and charged with aggravated abuse and battery on a person over 65. Before, we begin lets remember he is innocent until proven guilty. Now, onto the facts in the case. He has told deputies that he "roughed up" his wife because of the cost to take her to and from dialysis. They have been married for 26 years, and now he is going to give her a little rough and tumble treatment, because as she gets older, her body has begun to fail. Gee, Florida is lucky to have him as a citizen. If he isn't an upstanding citizen I don't know who is.
I am sure that it becomes stressful, as you get older. Retirement isn't the same as it use to be, the cost of living is hirer, pensions don't always pan out the way that most people have planned, and not to mention the medicines that they are on expensive.
I am absolutely sure, that Richard Close loves his wife, and that the financial stress has become overwhelming...but how do you get to the point that you start to beat your partner in life? How can she welcome him back into the house? Does he deserve to spend time in jail? He is 77 years old, can he even survive in jail, or even worse prison?
When I do settle down and choose that forever partner in life, may I never be challenged with the situation that the Close's are currently dealing with. Although, I know marriage is something you work at everyday, may I never have to work at welcoming my partner back into the house after roughing me up for going to dialysis. If you believe in prayer, say one for the both Richard Close and his wife. They have a difficult road ahead of them.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
102.8 degrees
I woke up this morning with a little frog in my throat. I knew it is flu season, but I guess I just didn't think I could get sick. Everyone around me has been sick. I went back to Philadelphia, and most of my family was sick. I came back home and the majority of the people at work had the flu. I washed my hands alot, took my vitamins, and got plenty of rest. At least, I thought this would help better my chances of not getting sick. Wrong, I was!
I was out and about today, and just began to feel worse and worse. While I was riding in the car, I put the seat back and laid down. I was literally freezing and it was like 80 degrees out side. When I got home, I took my temperature. Before I took my temperature, I told myself I was not taking a cold shower unless my temp got to 103 degrees. If any of you have ever been sick, you know how terrible it is to have a cold shower to bring down to your temperature. I think, I took two or three of them when I was in elementary school, and once in college, I had to pleasure of actually sitting in a bath tub full of ice. I was miserable!
To my delight. the thermometer read 101.6. Never in my life, have I been so happy to to see such a high temperature. It was wonderful, to think that I didn't have to go upstairs and take a cold shower. I laid on the couch, while, Swallow was off to get movies and gatorade. I am a terrible patient, and I know that. I hate being sick, I hate being touched, and I hate being so miserable. I literally laid on the couch and prayed that I didn't have to move. Every bone in my body ached, my head was pounding, and I was freezing. I took my temperature every 30 minutes, and it was slowly creeping up...I was not happy about it! Finally when it reached 102.8 degrees, Swallow, told me to take some Ibuprofen, and that slowly brought my temperature back down.
Hurray, I my temperature is slowly going down. I am not hungry, but I know I have to get something in. Swallow, volunteers to make homemade chicken soup. She did a fantastic job, I think the soup tasted pretty good. It was warm and soothing to the throat. I didn't have a taste for soup, and smeller is broken too, but I think it is safe to say that, my mother would have been proud of her soup.
I think I broke my fever, at least for now. I am not freezing at the current moment. I have a little bit of energy not much, but at least I am not in actual pain that I was in earlier in the night. I am ever so thankful, that my wonderful roomie, Swallow, took care of me. Both times, that I have been sick since I moved out here, people who loved me have stepped up to the plate to take care of me. It really is nice to know that I have wonderful people around me.
I hope you all have wonderful people surrounding you at all times. It is important when you need them, but it is even more important when they are around when you don't need them. Keep your friends close, after all they are the family members that you actually get to choose. Pick wisely.
I was out and about today, and just began to feel worse and worse. While I was riding in the car, I put the seat back and laid down. I was literally freezing and it was like 80 degrees out side. When I got home, I took my temperature. Before I took my temperature, I told myself I was not taking a cold shower unless my temp got to 103 degrees. If any of you have ever been sick, you know how terrible it is to have a cold shower to bring down to your temperature. I think, I took two or three of them when I was in elementary school, and once in college, I had to pleasure of actually sitting in a bath tub full of ice. I was miserable!
To my delight. the thermometer read 101.6. Never in my life, have I been so happy to to see such a high temperature. It was wonderful, to think that I didn't have to go upstairs and take a cold shower. I laid on the couch, while, Swallow was off to get movies and gatorade. I am a terrible patient, and I know that. I hate being sick, I hate being touched, and I hate being so miserable. I literally laid on the couch and prayed that I didn't have to move. Every bone in my body ached, my head was pounding, and I was freezing. I took my temperature every 30 minutes, and it was slowly creeping up...I was not happy about it! Finally when it reached 102.8 degrees, Swallow, told me to take some Ibuprofen, and that slowly brought my temperature back down.
Hurray, I my temperature is slowly going down. I am not hungry, but I know I have to get something in. Swallow, volunteers to make homemade chicken soup. She did a fantastic job, I think the soup tasted pretty good. It was warm and soothing to the throat. I didn't have a taste for soup, and smeller is broken too, but I think it is safe to say that, my mother would have been proud of her soup.
I think I broke my fever, at least for now. I am not freezing at the current moment. I have a little bit of energy not much, but at least I am not in actual pain that I was in earlier in the night. I am ever so thankful, that my wonderful roomie, Swallow, took care of me. Both times, that I have been sick since I moved out here, people who loved me have stepped up to the plate to take care of me. It really is nice to know that I have wonderful people around me.
I hope you all have wonderful people surrounding you at all times. It is important when you need them, but it is even more important when they are around when you don't need them. Keep your friends close, after all they are the family members that you actually get to choose. Pick wisely.
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