He missed me while I was on vacation...but he got over that feeling pretty quick and greeted me with this instead today:
(Need a couple days to recuperate from vacation and then will be back to blogging away like a crazy person!)
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
I will not hesitate to eat your face
aka Tyson Tuesday.
He missed me while I was on vacation...but he got over that feeling pretty quick and greeted me with this instead today:
(Need a couple days to recuperate from vacation and then will be back to blogging away like a crazy person!)
He missed me while I was on vacation...but he got over that feeling pretty quick and greeted me with this instead today:
(Need a couple days to recuperate from vacation and then will be back to blogging away like a crazy person!)
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Day 12/30
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
Hmmm...I think I first found out about Blogger through reading Karyn Bosnak's blog and was hooked.
I have a Live Journal that is very private and locked down, but I wanted to do something that was more public, open. So here we are with my Just Jump. :)
Hmmm...I think I first found out about Blogger through reading Karyn Bosnak's blog and was hooked.
I have a Live Journal that is very private and locked down, but I wanted to do something that was more public, open. So here we are with my Just Jump. :)
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Day 11/30
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Toasting a fabulous California trip. July 2009
My gorgeous friends and I before Evening with the Stars. October 2009
Toasting a fabulous California trip. July 2009
My gorgeous friends and I before Evening with the Stars. October 2009
Another delay in packing! A Tyson Tuesday Post
Tyson doesn't think I should pack. He actually doesn't think I should leave him for a couple of days. He walked in the room and stopped in the doorway, staring at the bed. He let out that obnoxious meow of his (deep throated, mournful sounding) and jumped up on the bed, attacking the suitcase with his claws. After getting yelled at twice and removed from the bed twice, he laid back down on the suitcase and glared at me.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Day 10/30
Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
Music...it owns me! And I like a wide variety of music.
Happy Music: Pop music! My current fave song is "Billionaire" by Travis McCoy. My fave guilty pleasure song...don't you laugh..."You make me feel like dancing" by Leo Sayer. Love it!
Sad Music: "Don't want to miss a thing" by Aerosmith. "Anymore" by Travis Tritt.
Bored: Here is the thing...if I am bored I can put any music in and my mood is going to change. I don't have a set "I'm bored, let me turn on *this song*" song.
Hyped: Dance music! "OMG" by Usher. Any Black Eyed Peas, Fergie, Lady Gaga, P!nk.
Mad: Rap music. Particularly Eminem! "The Way I am" by Em. He has such strong beats and he raps with such force, you feel his anger. Or "Funhouse" By P!nk, though that is more a "I'm stronger than you so bugger off" song.
Music...it owns me! And I like a wide variety of music.
Happy Music: Pop music! My current fave song is "Billionaire" by Travis McCoy. My fave guilty pleasure song...don't you laugh..."You make me feel like dancing" by Leo Sayer. Love it!
Sad Music: "Don't want to miss a thing" by Aerosmith. "Anymore" by Travis Tritt.
Bored: Here is the thing...if I am bored I can put any music in and my mood is going to change. I don't have a set "I'm bored, let me turn on *this song*" song.
Hyped: Dance music! "OMG" by Usher. Any Black Eyed Peas, Fergie, Lady Gaga, P!nk.
Mad: Rap music. Particularly Eminem! "The Way I am" by Em. He has such strong beats and he raps with such force, you feel his anger. Or "Funhouse" By P!nk, though that is more a "I'm stronger than you so bugger off" song.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Day 09/30
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
That during the week from hell at work, that I only lost it on one day and freaked out. Seriously, I did hold it together until Wednesday and then I just cracked. But I got through the week without getting into a spat with the boss, that was a bonus!
That during the week from hell at work, that I only lost it on one day and freaked out. Seriously, I did hold it together until Wednesday and then I just cracked. But I got through the week without getting into a spat with the boss, that was a bonus!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
All my bags are packed?!?!?!
So I leave on Thursday to drive over to California for a couple of days of vacation goodness. I plan to leave around 4:00AM on Thursday, as a matter of fact. And I already can tell you how my week is going to go where packing is concerned.
Saturday: Start packing! (Look at the suitcase, that is all.)
Sunday: Start packing! (Bring clean laundry upstairs, don't put anything in suitcase. Look at the suitcase.)
Monday: Start packing! (Open the suitcase, throw socks in the suitcase.)
Tuesday: Seriously start packing! (Throw a few things in the suitcase, consult list of what I am bringing, decide it will only take a few minutes to do later.)
Wednesday: OMG!!! It is 10:30PM and you aren't even done packing!! (Sheer chaos will ensue!)
Thursday: 4:00 in the morning, hope you packed it all. (Forget tooth brush.)
Day 08/30
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Hmm, I guess I should have started this on the first of the month, right? Because my short term goals for the 30 days stretch out. Okay, so here we go...
I am going on vacation next Thursday through Sunday and I want a drama free vacation! (Anyone going to FCW or that has been to FCW knows exactly what I am talking about!)
Stay Focused.
Stay Positive.
And have a Happy Birthday on August 9th.
Not to much to goal for, right?
Hmm, I guess I should have started this on the first of the month, right? Because my short term goals for the 30 days stretch out. Okay, so here we go...
I am going on vacation next Thursday through Sunday and I want a drama free vacation! (Anyone going to FCW or that has been to FCW knows exactly what I am talking about!)
Stay Focused.
Stay Positive.
And have a Happy Birthday on August 9th.
Not to much to goal for, right?
Friday, July 16, 2010
Day 07/30
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
So this one was hard for me...There are a lot of people that have a big impact on me and there are a lot of things that have a big impact on me. But I guess what they all have in common is this:
So this one was hard for me...There are a lot of people that have a big impact on me and there are a lot of things that have a big impact on me. But I guess what they all have in common is this:
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Day 06/30
Day 06- Favorite super hero and why
Wonder Woman, of course!!
She had a cool outfit.
She could kick all the boys butts.
She had a tiara on her head.
She had a golden lasso of truth.
AND...most important...she had an invisible jet!!
Okay, I also really dig Cat Woman, but she is more the villain. And for the record it is hard to find a picture of Cat Woman that wasn't all boobs.
Wonder Woman, of course!!
She had a cool outfit.
She could kick all the boys butts.
She had a tiara on her head.
She had a golden lasso of truth.
AND...most important...she had an invisible jet!!
Okay, I also really dig Cat Woman, but she is more the villain. And for the record it is hard to find a picture of Cat Woman that wasn't all boobs.
Power of the Spirit
I first saw Lilly Melgar back in the 90’s when she joined “General Hospital” as Lily Rivera, where she shone her way through story lines with Ricky Martin, Maurice Benard, and Vanessa Marcil, to name a few. After Lily’s demise on the show, Lilly moved on to a spot on "The Bold and the Beautiful" and most recently has been cast in the two upcoming web series “The Bay” and “Reality Bytes”. She has always been a powerful actress, but it is through interacting with her on Facebook that I have been able to see the power of her spirit. Almost daily she posts something on her page that has me nodding my head in agreement and wanting to chime in (since I am a chatterbox) with my own thoughts on the subject. Lilly is this incredibly vivacious spirit that sparkles with life. That is what inspires me about Lilly. She speaks as someone that is in tune with not only her physical being, but someone that walks in step with her spiritual being. And that is the most powerful thing you could ask to possess in your life. Thank you, Lilly, for not only answering my questions, but sharing your thoughts and words
What are you most thankful for?
Who/What inspires you?
What are you most thankful for?
I am thankful for the gift of knowing God. Knowing that this presence dwells within all of us and therefore we are never alone and always connected. Knowing there is always a divine purpose and therefore trusting enough to let go and let GOD! KNOWING that God's plan is ALWAYS better than my own. I am sooo THANKFUL for this knowledge since i have found it to be true freedom.
Who/What inspires you?
What inspires me? .. I am inspired daily by my daughter's light and love. She makes me want to be a better person. She reminds me of what it's really all about and that keeps me humble and sane. I am inspired by God's grace. The opportunity to receive a new day in which i can do better and maybe even get it right ;) ... I am inspired by experience, knowing that everything eventually really does work out. My mother inspires me by the way she loves us, who she IS and all she's achieved against the odds. I am inspired everyday by knowing that a piece of God dwells within us and therefore we really CAN do ANYTHING ... if we just BELIEVE.
Strength of the heart
(Because I will be out of town next Thursday, I am doing two of my thankful inspirations tonight.)
I’ve known Wendy for a couple of years now, having met her in CA during the summer of 2008, at the annual General Hospital weekend that I attend. The thing about Wendy is she has a lot of strength about her. Of course she has a strong will and a strong opinion, which are awesome traits to possess. But she has this incredible inner strength that she shows admirably. As you will see when you read her answer to who/what inspires her, Wendy has someone in her life that needs someone to be there for her and time and time again when I inquire how things are going, I hear about her friend, Paula. When things seem bleak and dark, Wendy shows how strong the heart is by holding Paula’s hand and sitting through the next wave of the battle with her. A weaker person would falter and eventually scurry away. Not because they don’t have the love for this person anymore, but because the situation has no ending and no solution. The uncertainty may weigh on Wendy, but she holds it together to be there for her friend. We all have problems that we go through, but how inspiring to see someone who puts her heart completely into being strong for someone who is going through a situation that I pray none of us have to go through. Thank you, Wendy. Not only for answering the questions, but for providing inspiration in showing how to be a true friend.
What are you most grateful for?
Who/What inspires you?
I’ve known Wendy for a couple of years now, having met her in CA during the summer of 2008, at the annual General Hospital weekend that I attend. The thing about Wendy is she has a lot of strength about her. Of course she has a strong will and a strong opinion, which are awesome traits to possess. But she has this incredible inner strength that she shows admirably. As you will see when you read her answer to who/what inspires her, Wendy has someone in her life that needs someone to be there for her and time and time again when I inquire how things are going, I hear about her friend, Paula. When things seem bleak and dark, Wendy shows how strong the heart is by holding Paula’s hand and sitting through the next wave of the battle with her. A weaker person would falter and eventually scurry away. Not because they don’t have the love for this person anymore, but because the situation has no ending and no solution. The uncertainty may weigh on Wendy, but she holds it together to be there for her friend. We all have problems that we go through, but how inspiring to see someone who puts her heart completely into being strong for someone who is going through a situation that I pray none of us have to go through. Thank you, Wendy. Not only for answering the questions, but for providing inspiration in showing how to be a true friend.
What are you most grateful for?
After surgery on my right shoulder in April, I am thankful that my recovery is progressing well. I am right-handed and had to be off work for 2 weeks after surgery. (Have you ever tried to brush your teeth w/ the opposite hand? Try it sometime, it's hard to do!) Currently I have to do 5 different exercises 2x/day for the next 6 weeks, but the Dr. is optimistic that I will regain full range of motion this Summer! For this, I am thankful!
Who/What inspires you?
My friend Paula inspires me. She was diagnosed with cancer after a routine surgery in March. She enrolled in a clinical trial where she has received radiation and is still undergoing chemotherapy (thru August). Just this week she had to shave her head and start wearing a wig. She blogs about her experience; sometimes I cry when I read her blog updates, other times I laugh. Paula is such a strong person and she reminds me frequently that "life is what you make it". So true, so very true.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Day 05/30
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
(picture borrowed from my friend Christine's facebook.)
The Castle in the Sea in Kiz Kalesi, Turkey.
I only actually went out to the castle one time. I suffer from horrible hydrophobia and the boat ride over with my best friend, Catherine, made me queasy with thoughts of "Oh my God, I am going to drown!" But we made it, we wandered around the castle for a little bit and then back to the shore.
If you want to read more about the castle, which is beautiful, you can go here The story of Kizkalesi aka Castle in the Sea.
(picture borrowed from my friend Christine's facebook.)
The Castle in the Sea in Kiz Kalesi, Turkey.
I only actually went out to the castle one time. I suffer from horrible hydrophobia and the boat ride over with my best friend, Catherine, made me queasy with thoughts of "Oh my God, I am going to drown!" But we made it, we wandered around the castle for a little bit and then back to the shore.
If you want to read more about the castle, which is beautiful, you can go here The story of Kizkalesi aka Castle in the Sea.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Don't leave me! A Tyson Tuesday Post!
Poor Tyson! He came thundering up the stairs on Saturday, expecting to get a little bit of ear scratching and treat giving time in. Unfortunately for him, he met me at the door as I was heading downstairs to leave.
At the bottom of the stairs he started his pitiful meowing. I turned around and there he sat, staring at me with his hurt wittle kitty feelings. He makes me feel so guilty sometimes.
Day 04/30
Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Oh my, do I choose my bad habit of impatience?
How about my bad habit of procrastination?
Oh, oh, oh...how about my habit of biting my nails??
Yep, any of those will do! :)
Oh my, do I choose my bad habit of impatience?
How about my bad habit of procrastination?
Oh, oh, oh...how about my habit of biting my nails??
Yep, any of those will do! :)
Monday, July 12, 2010
Day 03/30
Day 03- A picture of you and your friends
Kent, Angelina, Me, Shelley, Amy, and Minae.
General Hospital set 04/10
Love my girls!
Kent, Angelina, Me, Shelley, Amy, and Minae.
General Hospital set 04/10
Love my girls!
Some Monday stuffs...
How sweet is this story:
Kittiens rescued by US Marine Soliders.
Love, love, love the kittehs! (I also love lolcats!)
I went to see "Toy Story 3" on Saturday. There is a new Pixar short with it and I just loved it!
And yes, I did cry during Toy Story. Dangit! There was just a part that got to me towards the end. Of course there was a clown, it only figured. But more disturbing than the clown was the monkey!
"General Hospital" also uses a creepy monkey for the Franco storyline. Ewww!!!
Kittiens rescued by US Marine Soliders.
Love, love, love the kittehs! (I also love lolcats!)
I went to see "Toy Story 3" on Saturday. There is a new Pixar short with it and I just loved it!
And yes, I did cry during Toy Story. Dangit! There was just a part that got to me towards the end. Of course there was a clown, it only figured. But more disturbing than the clown was the monkey!
"General Hospital" also uses a creepy monkey for the Franco storyline. Ewww!!!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Day 02/30
Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name
A couple years ago, two of my friends, Kent and Minae, were talking about taking steps to conquer their fears. Kent said that sometimes you have to close your eyes and just jump. Those words stuck with me. It applies to more than just conquering your fears to me. It applies to life. There comes a time when you have to just jump and let go of all fears, worries, and doubt. You have to be, you have to live.
(Kent, Michelle, Minae. April 2010)
A couple years ago, two of my friends, Kent and Minae, were talking about taking steps to conquer their fears. Kent said that sometimes you have to close your eyes and just jump. Those words stuck with me. It applies to more than just conquering your fears to me. It applies to life. There comes a time when you have to just jump and let go of all fears, worries, and doubt. You have to be, you have to live.
(Kent, Michelle, Minae. April 2010)
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Day 01/30
Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
(Taken this morning. Is that recent enough?)
Okay, 15 interesting facts...let's see:
01) I fear clowns. Hate them! Think they are evil and creepy.
02) I'm anal about my numbers lining up, hence the reason it says 01,02,...10,11,etc)
03) I'm always mentally planning a vacation to somewhere that I am not going to be actually going to. (Such as I recently I've spending time looking up tours of vineyards in Italy.)
04) I'm fascinated with Ancient History, particularly Egyptian and Greek.
05) I met Frank Sinatra, he is the ultimate icon to me. (And my sister called him "Snotra".)
06) I have also met Oscar the Grouch and he bit my hand. (He bites instead of kisses.) I fangirled him!
07) There is a radio station (Shout out to KALM 102.1) that plays elevator muzak 24/7. I frequently listen to it while driving my car and perform my own concerts. The Michelle World Tour has a pretty diverse song line up.
08) I do not like talking on the phone as much as I used to. I tend to talk on the phone when I'm driving but am not as apt to answer my phone if I'm at home.
09) My biggest fear when going on vacation is someone breaking in the house and stealing all my CD's of pictures. (Why someone wants a CD that says "Michelle's digi pix 2010" is beyond me, but hey, it is my fear!)
10) I chew gum when I'm stressed out...and get "gum attitude". You know, when you think you are a bad ass as you chomp your gum? Yep, that is me.
11) I don't have kids, I don't want kids. I have a cat, he is as much as I can handle. (He is so cute!) But I do love and spoil my nieces and nephew.
12) I think "amazing" is the most overused word out there, but I use it all the time. (Yes, I am struggling to think of facts that I haven't thrown out there many times before.)
13) Words and quotes speak to me. I can hate a song until I hear one line that is interesting and then will love the song forever because of that one line.
14) I seek inspiration in creativity.
15) I'm a soap opera fangirl! Particularly "General Hospital" and have most some of the most incredible (ha, didn't use "amazing") people because of it. From actors to other fans, there are some inspiring people there.
(Taken this morning. Is that recent enough?)
Okay, 15 interesting facts...let's see:
01) I fear clowns. Hate them! Think they are evil and creepy.
02) I'm anal about my numbers lining up, hence the reason it says 01,02,...10,11,etc)
03) I'm always mentally planning a vacation to somewhere that I am not going to be actually going to. (Such as I recently I've spending time looking up tours of vineyards in Italy.)
04) I'm fascinated with Ancient History, particularly Egyptian and Greek.
05) I met Frank Sinatra, he is the ultimate icon to me. (And my sister called him "Snotra".)
06) I have also met Oscar the Grouch and he bit my hand. (He bites instead of kisses.) I fangirled him!
07) There is a radio station (Shout out to KALM 102.1) that plays elevator muzak 24/7. I frequently listen to it while driving my car and perform my own concerts. The Michelle World Tour has a pretty diverse song line up.
08) I do not like talking on the phone as much as I used to. I tend to talk on the phone when I'm driving but am not as apt to answer my phone if I'm at home.
09) My biggest fear when going on vacation is someone breaking in the house and stealing all my CD's of pictures. (Why someone wants a CD that says "Michelle's digi pix 2010" is beyond me, but hey, it is my fear!)
10) I chew gum when I'm stressed out...and get "gum attitude". You know, when you think you are a bad ass as you chomp your gum? Yep, that is me.
11) I don't have kids, I don't want kids. I have a cat, he is as much as I can handle. (He is so cute!) But I do love and spoil my nieces and nephew.
12) I think "amazing" is the most overused word out there, but I use it all the time. (Yes, I am struggling to think of facts that I haven't thrown out there many times before.)
13) Words and quotes speak to me. I can hate a song until I hear one line that is interesting and then will love the song forever because of that one line.
14) I seek inspiration in creativity.
15) I'm a soap opera fangirl! Particularly "General Hospital" and have most some of the most incredible (ha, didn't use "amazing") people because of it. From actors to other fans, there are some inspiring people there.
Friday, July 9, 2010
30 Day Challenge?? Sign me up!
(I think...let's be honest, I will already miss 3 days because of vacation! I will start this tomorrow...)
30 day challenge ...
Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name
Day 03- A picture of you and your friends
Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
Day 06- Favorite super hero and why
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Who are you?
(Borrowed with love from my friend, Molly.)
30 day challenge ...
Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name
Day 03- A picture of you and your friends
Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
Day 06- Favorite super hero and why
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Who are you?
(Borrowed with love from my friend, Molly.)
How my procrastination grows...
(aka "This is all Twitter's fault!")
I love to write. This is no secret. I have kept paper journals/diaries for more years than I can count. I wrote and passed notes in school like a pro. I kept up with correspondence and loved nothing more than to open the mailbox and see a letter waiting for me. Most times I would sit down and start responding to said letter immediately after reading it. Sending cards was a specialty…I could go in Hallmark and find just the right card for any occasion and mail it out immediately, acknowledging everyone’s moments in life.
Then this thing called email showed up. Oh how I was enchanted. I could type out my correspondence and it would get to the recipient immediately! No more having to wait days for a letter to appear in my mailbox, I could have replies within hours. That little electronic mail system became my primary way of keeping in touch with people. I could send greetings to acknowledge your occasions without having to go to Hallmark. I could share good or bad news in a moment. I discovered instant messenger, chat rooms, message boards, and Live Journal. My hand writing days of writing were over!
I noticed here and there that I was slacking off in the area of keeping in touch with friends and family, but would try to rectify the situation. But another new and shiny thing was put in front of me: Social Media! Blogging (I guess I never really considered Live Journal a blog as mine is locked and private)! MySpace! Facebook! Oh how easy it was to keep up with everyone on these sites. I mean, I could see my friend’s vacation photos in minutes without having to wait for a letter with pictures or an email detailing what happened. I knew via updates what was going on to the minute in their lives.
But here is the problem with that…it caused the loss of the personal feel to it. Because everything was so readily available people started to get lazier in the personal contact field of life. And why not, you already knew everything so why bother emailing, texting, calling, or heaven forbid writing someone to ask how they were doing, how their vacation was, how their children are.
And now we have Twitter. I’m so immensely twitterpated!! I love that little site with the 140 character limit to it. However, there is also a big downside to Twitter. I have slacked off even more in the correspondence, Live Journaling, and Blogging. I don’t even visit Facebook as much (and MySpace…I don’t even know if I know my password anymore) because I have Twitter and I can give updates frequently and save time because it is limited to so few words. Emails sit for weeks in my email in box (or as Jeania can vouch, two months. So shameful) without me responding to them. Live Journal goes without updates and I plan to post on the blog daily but often find myself skipping it as well. The procrastinator in me loves to point fingers at Twitter for this!
But let’s be honest…I’m Queen of Procrastinating and my reign is tyrannical. I have no plans to stop tweeting, of course. But the words that are swimming in my brain are getting impatient and looking to get out more often, instead of having to be squished down to 140 characters on a timeline.
(How cute is this little guy? He is my new Procratinating mascot!)
I love to write. This is no secret. I have kept paper journals/diaries for more years than I can count. I wrote and passed notes in school like a pro. I kept up with correspondence and loved nothing more than to open the mailbox and see a letter waiting for me. Most times I would sit down and start responding to said letter immediately after reading it. Sending cards was a specialty…I could go in Hallmark and find just the right card for any occasion and mail it out immediately, acknowledging everyone’s moments in life.
Then this thing called email showed up. Oh how I was enchanted. I could type out my correspondence and it would get to the recipient immediately! No more having to wait days for a letter to appear in my mailbox, I could have replies within hours. That little electronic mail system became my primary way of keeping in touch with people. I could send greetings to acknowledge your occasions without having to go to Hallmark. I could share good or bad news in a moment. I discovered instant messenger, chat rooms, message boards, and Live Journal. My hand writing days of writing were over!
I noticed here and there that I was slacking off in the area of keeping in touch with friends and family, but would try to rectify the situation. But another new and shiny thing was put in front of me: Social Media! Blogging (I guess I never really considered Live Journal a blog as mine is locked and private)! MySpace! Facebook! Oh how easy it was to keep up with everyone on these sites. I mean, I could see my friend’s vacation photos in minutes without having to wait for a letter with pictures or an email detailing what happened. I knew via updates what was going on to the minute in their lives.
But here is the problem with that…it caused the loss of the personal feel to it. Because everything was so readily available people started to get lazier in the personal contact field of life. And why not, you already knew everything so why bother emailing, texting, calling, or heaven forbid writing someone to ask how they were doing, how their vacation was, how their children are.
And now we have Twitter. I’m so immensely twitterpated!! I love that little site with the 140 character limit to it. However, there is also a big downside to Twitter. I have slacked off even more in the correspondence, Live Journaling, and Blogging. I don’t even visit Facebook as much (and MySpace…I don’t even know if I know my password anymore) because I have Twitter and I can give updates frequently and save time because it is limited to so few words. Emails sit for weeks in my email in box (or as Jeania can vouch, two months. So shameful) without me responding to them. Live Journal goes without updates and I plan to post on the blog daily but often find myself skipping it as well. The procrastinator in me loves to point fingers at Twitter for this!
But let’s be honest…I’m Queen of Procrastinating and my reign is tyrannical. I have no plans to stop tweeting, of course. But the words that are swimming in my brain are getting impatient and looking to get out more often, instead of having to be squished down to 140 characters on a timeline.
(How cute is this little guy? He is my new Procratinating mascot!)
Thursday, July 8, 2010
A little sanity induced thankfulness!
I "met" Leslie in 2005 through the "General Hospital" community on Live Journal. She was going to be coming to the annual GH Fan Club Weekend and had no one to attend Kelly Monaco's event with so I invited her to come hang with the group I was there with. We officially met in July of that year, when as Leslie will tell you, I caller stalked her. I saw her wandering by the pool with her friends so I called her and told her that I saw her. Haha! I'm such a nerd. The friendship has been strong since the day we met and she is without doubt, one of my closest friends. Leslie is an inspiration to me in the way she loves her friends. Leslie's heart is big and giving. To be a friend of her's is to always know that you have someone in your corner. If you need to laugh or cry, she provides you what you need with such an incredible sense of compassion and love. She inspires me to be a better friend. I asked Leslie to take part in my two questions and these are the answers she gave.
What are you most grateful for?
A place to live in a city that I love, a job that keeps me learning constantly, the people in my life who love me despite my many flaws, patience (not that I have much), my ability to write in a clear and concise way, the many adventures I’ve been on, STARBUCKS, Lolitas, good music, the color red, hot men, laughing so hard it makes my sides hurt, & all the simple joys life has to offer. I’m sure there’s more but with my mind being so scattered lately, I’ll just add “sanity” to my list and keep on moving forward!
Who/What inspires you?
Michael J. Fox for his constant positivity. My grandfather (RIP) for the legacy he left in me. My grandmother for instilling in me some really valuable ideals. Anyone who does something out of the kindness of their heart without seeking recognition (REALLY, not just saying so), positivity as a whole (NO NEGATIVE NANCY’S!!), music with powerful lyrics, every single one of my TRUE friends, any challenge, trips to places I’ve never been (and sometimes to places I HAVE been), New York City, the book The Giving Tree, my boss, and books that envelope you and keep you hooked for hours.
I’m sure there’s more….. but again, we’ll just say “sanity” and keep on moving forward!!
Thank you, Leslie!! I am beyond grateful for the presence you have in my life and for the many memories we have shared and are yet to share!
(Leslie can be found at Lady in Red's Challenge.)
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Blog Rec and Blog Advice
The charming Gina over at hiya love posted a great blog this morning, Nurturing your blog 1 (for beginners).
She offers some great advice on how to get your blog started and some key tips on how to make your blog a success.
I think one of the best pieces of advice there is Don't compare yourself to other bloggers/commenters. Emulating another blogger's style will eventually drive you batty as you struggle to keep trying to use their voice instead of your own. Be yourself. You are fabulous as you are!
But I digress....definitely go check out Gina's blog. You will love it!
She offers some great advice on how to get your blog started and some key tips on how to make your blog a success.
I think one of the best pieces of advice there is Don't compare yourself to other bloggers/commenters. Emulating another blogger's style will eventually drive you batty as you struggle to keep trying to use their voice instead of your own. Be yourself. You are fabulous as you are!
But I digress....definitely go check out Gina's blog. You will love it!
Oompa Loompa Doopity Dee...
I work with an Oompa Loompa.
She spray tans and is orange. She wears her hair on top of her head in a bun. She often wears a white pantsuit with a bright green shirt. I frequently want to sing the Oompa Loompa song when I see her.
It is the little things that help me get through the work day.
By the way, this is what Roald Dahl drew in his book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" for Oompa Loompas:
Not the creepy ones that starred in the movie with Gene Wilder.
(I liken them to clowns, they give me the creeps!)
Monday, July 5, 2010
I love a holiday!
I love having today off of work, except for the fact that I woke up and thought it was Sunday and was mentally telling myself to get the laundry together and get it started. But then I remembered it was indeed Monday and I had no work. Ah, love it!
I headed off to the movie theater to take in a viewing of "Knight and Day", starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz.
It was a cute movie. I definitely recommend seeing it if you want a cute, nonsense movie. Tom Cruise is definitely getting old, but his smile is still charming. (And I can forgive some of his batty behavior in real life when he entertains me.) Cameron Diaz, I have a love/hate relationship with. I both love and hate her for the same thing -- she plays such ditzy characters in most of her roles, but at the same time they are so endearing in an "I feel the same way" way.
I tried to go see "Knight and Day" yesterday, actually. Got in the theater, got my seat, and found out the reel was broken. They gave options - the next showing of the movie was rented out by a church (more on that in a minute), the new reel would be there in 5 hours, "Grown-Ups" had been on for 25 minutes, "Shrek" had been on for 10 minutes, "Twilight: Eclipse" was staring in 10 minutes, or I could get a refund. I am not going to see a movie that is already started and this may be an unpopular opinion, but I am NOT seeing any of the Twilight movies. I took the refund and came back today.
There is a church that rents out one of the auditoriums every Sunday for services. Then as a thank you, I guess, for coming to the service, they get a free movie from the church? That is bizarre to me.
While I find the whole Twilight business to be silly, I did get a laugh when Jen Lancaster decided to stage another Jennsylvania production of Eclipse.
Team Edward, Team Jacob, or Team Take Your Pants Off.
In the literary side of my life, I am reading "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. I have stalled reading this book for a long time. I have looked at it numerous times since it came out and each time passed on reading it. There is so much hype around the book that I kept telling myself that it wasn't the right time to read it, that this book has a large reputation attached to it and I needed to be able to give it the attention that it deserved. I finally settled down with it and started to read it. I am now getting to a point in the book, towards the end of the "Eat" portion that it is starting to "speak" to me. She brings up thoughts in her head that resonate with thoughts that I have had. But I have to say that overall so far, the hype has done more damage than good. I went in reading this, expecting more than it offers. I said something about it and my friend, Nicole, replied that there was more hype than needed. It is a good and interesting, read, however, and I am finishing it and enjoying it. Not sure what book is up next....
I headed off to the movie theater to take in a viewing of "Knight and Day", starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz.
It was a cute movie. I definitely recommend seeing it if you want a cute, nonsense movie. Tom Cruise is definitely getting old, but his smile is still charming. (And I can forgive some of his batty behavior in real life when he entertains me.) Cameron Diaz, I have a love/hate relationship with. I both love and hate her for the same thing -- she plays such ditzy characters in most of her roles, but at the same time they are so endearing in an "I feel the same way" way.
I tried to go see "Knight and Day" yesterday, actually. Got in the theater, got my seat, and found out the reel was broken. They gave options - the next showing of the movie was rented out by a church (more on that in a minute), the new reel would be there in 5 hours, "Grown-Ups" had been on for 25 minutes, "Shrek" had been on for 10 minutes, "Twilight: Eclipse" was staring in 10 minutes, or I could get a refund. I am not going to see a movie that is already started and this may be an unpopular opinion, but I am NOT seeing any of the Twilight movies. I took the refund and came back today.
There is a church that rents out one of the auditoriums every Sunday for services. Then as a thank you, I guess, for coming to the service, they get a free movie from the church? That is bizarre to me.
While I find the whole Twilight business to be silly, I did get a laugh when Jen Lancaster decided to stage another Jennsylvania production of Eclipse.
Team Edward, Team Jacob, or Team Take Your Pants Off.
In the literary side of my life, I am reading "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. I have stalled reading this book for a long time. I have looked at it numerous times since it came out and each time passed on reading it. There is so much hype around the book that I kept telling myself that it wasn't the right time to read it, that this book has a large reputation attached to it and I needed to be able to give it the attention that it deserved. I finally settled down with it and started to read it. I am now getting to a point in the book, towards the end of the "Eat" portion that it is starting to "speak" to me. She brings up thoughts in her head that resonate with thoughts that I have had. But I have to say that overall so far, the hype has done more damage than good. I went in reading this, expecting more than it offers. I said something about it and my friend, Nicole, replied that there was more hype than needed. It is a good and interesting, read, however, and I am finishing it and enjoying it. Not sure what book is up next....
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Happy Independence Day!!
Happy 4th of July!! In the midst of your celebrating today, take a moment to thank the brave men and women that have fought and continue to fight to give us the privilege of freedom.
And I give you the greatest President movie speech ever, President Whitmore (Bill Pullman) from "Independence Day". (I get teary eyed every time I hear this speech.)
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Thoughts on gratitude and inspiration...
Last year, I was inspired to take on the 365 Days of Gratitude challenge. I thought this was something I could easily handle and it keeps you in a positive frame of mind, ending each day with a list of five things you were grateful for each day. I started out strong, then stumbled and missed a day…then a couple of days…then a week. It quickly changed from being what I was grateful for each day to feeling like a forced chore. I was resenting the fact that I had to justify, to myself, what I was grateful for. I quit the challenge way before 365 days, obviously. It isn’t that I don’t think that is a worthy challenge, I just couldn’t structure myself to do it and felt that I was struggling to come up with something new each day to post.
However I did learn a lesson and this is it – I am grateful every single day for the fact that I am alive and have an opportunity to live and learn. I am grateful for my family and my friends. I am grateful for the beauty that surrounds me. I am grateful for inspiration in its many forms. I am grateful to be me.
As I have been thinking about the direction I wanted to take my blog, I knew that in some way I wanted to keep the gratitude in there, even if it wasn’t going to be done on a daily basis. And the biggest thing I am grateful is inspiration. With that in mind I looked around at those that inspire me and wondered what exactly inspired them, what they were thankful for. And bazinga, there was my way to keep the gratitude flowing. I am going to ask someone different each week to answer two questions for me – What are you most thankful for and what inspires you? Then I will share with you all what they answer. So be prepared, I will be coming to each of you at some point and asking you those two questions.
Last night I asked Shelley to be my guinea pig and test this out. She graciously agreed to go first. So without further ado, let’s get down to it….
Let me offer some insight into my friend, Shelley, and the impact she has had on my life. I met her when she flew to Arizona to spend the weekend with a mutual friend of ours, Karen. I think that the friendship was born immediately and has definitely grown and blossomed over the years. The first thing you will find out about Shell is the fact that she always has your back in a very quiet, laid back way. She keeps it calm and real. I love that. I am hot and cold. Most of the time I am just as laid back, but when I blow up, I blow up. Her talent...oh my, her talent is amazing! She does beautiful scrapbooks and takes amazing pictures. But where she inspires me is the magnitude of her giving. The charity work, the assistance to her family, and all she does for her friends. After talking to her, you will find yourself lifted up because she gives so much of herself to you. I love you and am so thankful that you are my friend, Shelley!
What are you most grateful for?
What inspires you?
(Shelley can be found at Shellcapades. And a big thank you to you, Shell, for being my guinea pig and the first one to answer my questions! xoxo)
However I did learn a lesson and this is it – I am grateful every single day for the fact that I am alive and have an opportunity to live and learn. I am grateful for my family and my friends. I am grateful for the beauty that surrounds me. I am grateful for inspiration in its many forms. I am grateful to be me.
As I have been thinking about the direction I wanted to take my blog, I knew that in some way I wanted to keep the gratitude in there, even if it wasn’t going to be done on a daily basis. And the biggest thing I am grateful is inspiration. With that in mind I looked around at those that inspire me and wondered what exactly inspired them, what they were thankful for. And bazinga, there was my way to keep the gratitude flowing. I am going to ask someone different each week to answer two questions for me – What are you most thankful for and what inspires you? Then I will share with you all what they answer. So be prepared, I will be coming to each of you at some point and asking you those two questions.
Last night I asked Shelley to be my guinea pig and test this out. She graciously agreed to go first. So without further ado, let’s get down to it….
Let me offer some insight into my friend, Shelley, and the impact she has had on my life. I met her when she flew to Arizona to spend the weekend with a mutual friend of ours, Karen. I think that the friendship was born immediately and has definitely grown and blossomed over the years. The first thing you will find out about Shell is the fact that she always has your back in a very quiet, laid back way. She keeps it calm and real. I love that. I am hot and cold. Most of the time I am just as laid back, but when I blow up, I blow up. Her talent...oh my, her talent is amazing! She does beautiful scrapbooks and takes amazing pictures. But where she inspires me is the magnitude of her giving. The charity work, the assistance to her family, and all she does for her friends. After talking to her, you will find yourself lifted up because she gives so much of herself to you. I love you and am so thankful that you are my friend, Shelley!
What are you most grateful for?
My friends and family because they keep be grounded, support me and accept me for who I am. Without them, I couldn't make it through each day. Also thankful for my health and for the things that God has blessed me with.
What inspires you?
Michael J Fox ~ Even though he battles MS each and every day, he doesn't let it get him down. While others in his situation, would just give up, the MS gives him a reason to live each day to the fullest. My favorite quote of his is "Happiness is contagious, you can give it out like newspapers and feel it in everything you do".
My Grandpa Keller - He has been dead for close to 10 years but I will never forget how much love and support he always gave me. He worked hard all of his life and never took anything for granted. He always did for others but never asked for anything in return. To know he helped those that needed it was enough thanks for him. He always told me to "Live life to the fullest and have no regrets". I remember that quote every day and try to stick to it.
My friends - they inspire me each day with their friendship and support.
(Shelley can be found at Shellcapades. And a big thank you to you, Shell, for being my guinea pig and the first one to answer my questions! xoxo)
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