One of my professors reads ditties to us before each class. It's usually a compelling story or even a fable about someone or something that is poignant and relevant to our work for the day. She's a big proponent of Oprah's work . . . and so am I. In fact, today I received this quote through my Oprah daily thoughts email:
"You cannot truly express yourself until you first discover who you are.” -Gangaji
This is the whole purpose of my future work. Some may think it's impossible to truly know yourself, but I call bullshit on that noise. Everyone is capable of self-discovery. Your time to get working started yesterday.
2/7/12
2/6/12
Run game. Run. Game.
I'm not sure why I take such long hiatuses (is that a word?) from blogging, but I figured it was time to get back in the saddle. First, a few great things:
1. My fiance is back!
2. We're getting a puppy in four (4!) days!
3. We're getting married in eighty-nine (89!) days!
4. We're running an Ultra Marathon in sixty-two (62!) days!
Now, about that last little celebration . . . HOLY CATS. Granted, the race is a 45K which means it's only (only?) 28 miles, but still. I figured out last night that I haven't been in real running shape in over a year, so this should be interesting. But like a former yoga instructor used to say: You fake it until you make it. I'm really, really excited. Like, obnoxiously excited. It's outside of Albuquerque in the foothills of the Sandias so it should be pretty to say the least.
Needless to say, today is DAY ONE of intensive Marathon training for the both of us. Yahoooooooo!
1. My fiance is back!
2. We're getting a puppy in four (4!) days!
3. We're getting married in eighty-nine (89!) days!
4. We're running an Ultra Marathon in sixty-two (62!) days!
Now, about that last little celebration . . . HOLY CATS. Granted, the race is a 45K which means it's only (only?) 28 miles, but still. I figured out last night that I haven't been in real running shape in over a year, so this should be interesting. But like a former yoga instructor used to say: You fake it until you make it. I'm really, really excited. Like, obnoxiously excited. It's outside of Albuquerque in the foothills of the Sandias so it should be pretty to say the least.
Needless to say, today is DAY ONE of intensive Marathon training for the both of us. Yahoooooooo!
1/6/12
two more days.
I read this quote this morning on my little daily Oprah email and was inspired:
We begin to find and become ourselves when we notice how we are already found, already truly, entirely, wildly, messily, marvelously who we were born to be.
- Anne Lamott
This week has been nuts yet again in the office, but I can't say I mind it. It's more interesting to solve problems and see results of some hard work than be bored and surfing the web all day. All things considered, however, I'm ready for the weekend. My adventures in Eastern NM "singledom" will end as of Sunday evening and I'm not one bit upset about it. The Cap will finally be home. Ahhh that's fun to say.
Naturally the last week of awaiting someone's arrival is the longest and absolute worst because A. it's all you can think about and B. it's all you want. None of the here and now junk matters--it's all about what's to come. To try to break it up, I had some friends over for dinner last night. A friend whose Cap gets home this morning was staying with me so I threw a pot roast in the crock pot and whipped up some dinner for a few friends. I love the motley assortment of people who show up when you're in the mil' life. What's interesting is that no one really knew each other that well last night but we all ended up giggling like little school girls in the living room by the end of the night. That's what I love about good people--their ability to embrace what's good in a situation and laugh about it. I had 1 mother+baby, 1 newly-living-together couple, 1 goofball, 1 anxious ladyfriend of a friend and 1 random new gym rat/mil friend. Combined it worked out to be one pretty fantastic group. Or maybe it was the gigantic bottle of wine + Black Box we crushed . . . tomato tomato.
Needless to say, these people all know who they are and seem to be loving the lives they live. These are my kind of people. All right, back to the countdown . . . two . . . more . . . days . . . and my one person, favorite person, will be home. Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh boy. I'm jazzed.
We begin to find and become ourselves when we notice how we are already found, already truly, entirely, wildly, messily, marvelously who we were born to be.
- Anne Lamott
This week has been nuts yet again in the office, but I can't say I mind it. It's more interesting to solve problems and see results of some hard work than be bored and surfing the web all day. All things considered, however, I'm ready for the weekend. My adventures in Eastern NM "singledom" will end as of Sunday evening and I'm not one bit upset about it. The Cap will finally be home. Ahhh that's fun to say.
Naturally the last week of awaiting someone's arrival is the longest and absolute worst because A. it's all you can think about and B. it's all you want. None of the here and now junk matters--it's all about what's to come. To try to break it up, I had some friends over for dinner last night. A friend whose Cap gets home this morning was staying with me so I threw a pot roast in the crock pot and whipped up some dinner for a few friends. I love the motley assortment of people who show up when you're in the mil' life. What's interesting is that no one really knew each other that well last night but we all ended up giggling like little school girls in the living room by the end of the night. That's what I love about good people--their ability to embrace what's good in a situation and laugh about it. I had 1 mother+baby, 1 newly-living-together couple, 1 goofball, 1 anxious ladyfriend of a friend and 1 random new gym rat/mil friend. Combined it worked out to be one pretty fantastic group. Or maybe it was the gigantic bottle of wine + Black Box we crushed . . . tomato tomato.
Needless to say, these people all know who they are and seem to be loving the lives they live. These are my kind of people. All right, back to the countdown . . . two . . . more . . . days . . . and my one person, favorite person, will be home. Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh boy. I'm jazzed.
1/5/12
holy wednesday.
Yesterday was . . . hellacious. I think that's a word. Like, one of those days that makes you want to scream obscenities into a pillow. OK, I've never actually thought that works, but as a Counselor-in-training I guess that's a technique I'd imagine I'll be employing in future therapy sessions. I digress. Yesterday every single mole hill I've ever come across in the biz was turned into a mountain. Why? I blame incompetence and ignorance. That sounds harsh, but it's actually just a fair assessment. Instead of being the super mega B that I could have become, I chose to focus my energy on what was right. Here's what I came up with:
1. In four days (now THREE, hellsyes) my fiance will be home.
2. After a brief pump-up conversation with my Pops, I remembered that we're tight and I'm a lucky daughter.
3. I got a $32 check from working at the coffee shop. I'm just ROLLING in monayyyy!
4. I have a friend coming into town tomorrow (tonight) and I'm having people over for some roast beef (mmmm), tomato/artichoke deliciousness and mashed potatoes . . . and wine, lots and lots of wine.
5. At the post office I had a Doc Martin siting. I could spot that yellow stitching a mile away. There's just nothing like the fine leathered detail of a good DM loafer. I even snagged a picture for proof:
It's amazing what can make a sour day sweet.
1. In four days (now THREE, hellsyes) my fiance will be home.
2. After a brief pump-up conversation with my Pops, I remembered that we're tight and I'm a lucky daughter.
3. I got a $32 check from working at the coffee shop. I'm just ROLLING in monayyyy!
4. I have a friend coming into town tomorrow (tonight) and I'm having people over for some roast beef (mmmm), tomato/artichoke deliciousness and mashed potatoes . . . and wine, lots and lots of wine.
5. At the post office I had a Doc Martin siting. I could spot that yellow stitching a mile away. There's just nothing like the fine leathered detail of a good DM loafer. I even snagged a picture for proof:
1/1/12
new year weekend.
I know New Year's is a holiday on the calendar and everything . . . and it's a pretty big deal in China, buuuttttt it's not that big of a deal for a mellow (well, usually) twentysomething whose fiance is overseas. I actually had made plans twice, but after it all fell through I succombed to chilling out at home and starting to get the house ready for mi amor to get home in . . . wait for it . . . ONE . . . WEEK.
So last night I rung in 2012 third-wheeling it with my two good friends. It was a mildly somber evening because their puppy was really sick and was literally given about a 1% chance of survival. I took it upon myself to comfort the little guy during his last moments, which made me think: Could this be a new career idea? Animal whispering/nannying/hospice? I could be the next Cesarrrr. Just a thought. All things said, it made me feel very grateful to have my two healthy babes waiting at home for me this morning.
Today I worked from 6:30 until about right now on house-y things, with of course a few necessary breaks in between to watch Jersey Shore and The Twilight Zone, skype'd-a-lot and hit the gym. Other parts of my day included the following:
I took a deep breath and went to Walmart (woof) to stock up on good foods. The holidays got me a wee bit off track but starting today it was ON with good stuff again. When I got home I put everything away and even cleaned out the refrigerator. Ohhhhhhhhh I love me a clean fridge. Isn't it pretty?
OK I know this picture isn't that impressive, but oh my stars this was delicious [and yeah, that's a lot of meat (TWSS) so I saved some for breakfast tomorrow]. I looove Brussels sprouts so I threw them in a pan to saute for a little while then tossed in some steak and peppers. Seriously, this was so good.
After a bunch of organizing (I mean a BUNCH), I settled in to make some banana bread for my friends who lost their puppy. George and Stella decided it would be a good idea to hop up on the island and help me. I wasn't amazingly excited about their tushies on my counter but they're good company so I let it slide this time. And THAT'S how you ring in the year right! Tomorrow I'm planning on doing just about the same thing. Yeeeesssssss.
So last night I rung in 2012 third-wheeling it with my two good friends. It was a mildly somber evening because their puppy was really sick and was literally given about a 1% chance of survival. I took it upon myself to comfort the little guy during his last moments, which made me think: Could this be a new career idea? Animal whispering/nannying/hospice? I could be the next Cesarrrr. Just a thought. All things said, it made me feel very grateful to have my two healthy babes waiting at home for me this morning.
Today I worked from 6:30 until about right now on house-y things, with of course a few necessary breaks in between to watch Jersey Shore and The Twilight Zone, skype'd-a-lot and hit the gym. Other parts of my day included the following:
OK I know this picture isn't that impressive, but oh my stars this was delicious [and yeah, that's a lot of meat (TWSS) so I saved some for breakfast tomorrow]. I looove Brussels sprouts so I threw them in a pan to saute for a little while then tossed in some steak and peppers. Seriously, this was so good.
After a bunch of organizing (I mean a BUNCH), I settled in to make some banana bread for my friends who lost their puppy. George and Stella decided it would be a good idea to hop up on the island and help me. I wasn't amazingly excited about their tushies on my counter but they're good company so I let it slide this time. And THAT'S how you ring in the year right! Tomorrow I'm planning on doing just about the same thing. Yeeeesssssss.
12/27/11
game of things.
The holidays seem to present a huge down curve in the blog world, or at least for my blog. I'm not a big blog follower; I have my friends' and a few randos that I track, but I write only because I like to write. This past month has been absolute mayhem in my world, but I'm happy to report that I'm still afloat and even bobbing a bit . . . whatever that means. I was fortunate enough to spend my Christmas with my mom's family, something I know many people weren't able to do this year. My family is anything but dull. Where there's an open arm, a hug fits. Where there's quiet time, a fart falls in its place. This couldn't have been more evident than on Saturday night when my family was playing a game called Things. OK, I love to laugh, like LOVE to laugh, but I haven't laughed this hard in awhile.
Picture this: My mom, stepdad, brother A, brother B + 1 girlfriend and my grandparents all in the living room huddled around the coffee table. The family dog, Duke, who had found refuge in my company all weekend (bless his heart he misses Maddie dog), was sprawled out across my lap. The game goes like this: A reader poses a statement and each person provides an answer, then you go around the circle and try to guess who said what. It's. Completely. Ridiculous . . . at least when you involve the filthily incredulous minds of my family. Here's a sample of what we came up with:
Q: Name things you should not do on an airplane.
A: Fart
A: Fart and say "What a relief!"
A: Ask to borrow someone's chapstick
A: Make love overtly
Q: Name something that needs to be cleaned.
A: Brother A's underpants
A: Duke's bowels
A: The White House
A: Our minds
Q: Name things you call your significant other.
A: Bubbles
A: Numb nuts
A: Please
A: Sugarpants
Q: Name things you should not do when you're naked.
A: Eat a burrito then sprint
A: Case links of sausage
A: Jumping Jacks
A: Apologize
Q: Name what you'd do if you had super powers.
A: Rearrange city buildings
A: Travel to the 1970's
A: Fly
A: Fart sparkles
You get the point.
It's not everyday that I hear my grandpa say you shouldn't make love overtly on an airplane or that you shouldn't do jumping jacks while naked, says my grandma. Nor is it everyday that you picture a naked person eating a burrito then running a hundred meter dash. By the end of the night I was rolling on the ground laughing and had done about a week's worth of ab exercises.
As one can only imagine, getting on that plane to fly home yesterday was about the most difficult thing I've had to do in at least three months.
Picture this: My mom, stepdad, brother A, brother B + 1 girlfriend and my grandparents all in the living room huddled around the coffee table. The family dog, Duke, who had found refuge in my company all weekend (bless his heart he misses Maddie dog), was sprawled out across my lap. The game goes like this: A reader poses a statement and each person provides an answer, then you go around the circle and try to guess who said what. It's. Completely. Ridiculous . . . at least when you involve the filthily incredulous minds of my family. Here's a sample of what we came up with:
Q: Name things you should not do on an airplane.
A: Fart
A: Fart and say "What a relief!"
A: Ask to borrow someone's chapstick
A: Make love overtly
Q: Name something that needs to be cleaned.
A: Brother A's underpants
A: Duke's bowels
A: The White House
A: Our minds
Q: Name things you call your significant other.
A: Bubbles
A: Numb nuts
A: Please
A: Sugarpants
Q: Name things you should not do when you're naked.
A: Eat a burrito then sprint
A: Case links of sausage
A: Jumping Jacks
A: Apologize
Q: Name what you'd do if you had super powers.
A: Rearrange city buildings
A: Travel to the 1970's
A: Fly
A: Fart sparkles
You get the point.
It's not everyday that I hear my grandpa say you shouldn't make love overtly on an airplane or that you shouldn't do jumping jacks while naked, says my grandma. Nor is it everyday that you picture a naked person eating a burrito then running a hundred meter dash. By the end of the night I was rolling on the ground laughing and had done about a week's worth of ab exercises.
As one can only imagine, getting on that plane to fly home yesterday was about the most difficult thing I've had to do in at least three months.
12/21/11
cheers for you.
First say to yourself what you would be; then do what you have to do.
-Epictetus
Keep this close to your heart. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!
-Epictetus
Keep this close to your heart. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!
12/15/11
another wednesday in the books.
Yesterday was a pretty special one in the Land of Enchantment. I actually had been dreading it for a couple of weeks because I knew I'd be inundated with meetings, but thankfully it's over now and I'm ALIVE. During lunch my coworkers and I headed to the local steakhouse (ahh such an endearing little joint) for our Christmas party. I've been pretty red-meat-depleted lately so I ordered a bruschetta burger with asparagus. Delish. Anyway, we did a little gift exchange and here's what mine was! Mini cupcakes! Yahoooo!
The cheese section really helped me to appreciate all that I have and all that I do, especially on Wednesdays like yesterday.
When I got home from the gym (at 8:30 because I worked until 7:00--woof), this package was on my doorstep from my future parents-in-law. Can I just say that I am one really super lucky lady? Here was the note and what was inside! . . .
The cheese section really helped me to appreciate all that I have and all that I do, especially on Wednesdays like yesterday.
12/14/11
wednesday wonders.
This morning I awoke to a lovely headache (yet another reminder of the dryness of the desert--must drink agua!) so I took a little happy pill and chugged a Nalgene and now . . . I. FEEL. GREAT. Anyway, I have this "new" habit of waking up late, like 7:15 when I'm suppose to be at work at 8:00 late. Good thing my commute is a quick 9-minute jaunt across town. I was needing a little musical goodness to brighten my morning so I turned on the radio and fell on the country station (another "new" thing--country is nice in the mornings, people. Don't judge.). During the news brief they unveiled the results of the big TOWN VOTE last night in Portales. Are you ready for the results? Here you go!:
You can NOW order alcoholic beverages in restaurants on Sundays. Waaaaahooooooooo!!
I nearly wet my drawers laughing. I know I'm being a butthead, but really New Mexico? Wasn't Jesus's first miracle turning water into wine? Juuuuuuuuuuust sayin. I live in the real Southwest.
Next I came into work (only a couple minutes past the hour) and called my mom to tell her to be on the lookout for my brother's Christmas gift coming via Postal Serv. Funnily enough he called her last night to tell her the exact same thing. I guess great (and biologically similar) minds think alike. Ahhh life's wonders. I then proceeded to chat her ear off while she was making Christmas baklava (ohhhh maaaahhhh gawwwwd YES) and other delicious cookies which will no doubt hurt my waistline next week. Once I mentioned the headache + happy headache pill remedy she said, "Ohhhhhhhhhhh so THAT'S why you're so chatty today!" Ouch, Mom. I responded with a really mature, "Oh yeah? Well you made me so you clearly made me chatty." Good one. Point: Mom.
She ended the conversation by telling me that it was almost time for the Price is Right to come on and I nearly burst into tears. I do miss the days of hearing el capitan get out of bed and watching him put on his flight suit through my baby bird morning eyes, then trudging to the kitchen to make us a coffee and yogurt breakfast . . . followed by some serious couch and PiR time, gym, lunch with el cap', then more randomness until el cap' came home. All things considered, it's probably heathier for me to have a job. I could feel myself becoming a Hermit with each drop of the Plinko chip . . .
Today is a pretty wild day in the non-profit world. I'm busy advocating (one of our overused words, like "synergy" or "historically" or "get exciiiited!" in other lines of biz . . . ) for a couple of my clients today and will be here until a healthy 6:30 this evening. I've never been more ready for mountains. BOOM.
You can NOW order alcoholic beverages in restaurants on Sundays. Waaaaahooooooooo!!
I nearly wet my drawers laughing. I know I'm being a butthead, but really New Mexico? Wasn't Jesus's first miracle turning water into wine? Juuuuuuuuuuust sayin. I live in the real Southwest.
Next I came into work (only a couple minutes past the hour) and called my mom to tell her to be on the lookout for my brother's Christmas gift coming via Postal Serv. Funnily enough he called her last night to tell her the exact same thing. I guess great (and biologically similar) minds think alike. Ahhh life's wonders. I then proceeded to chat her ear off while she was making Christmas baklava (ohhhh maaaahhhh gawwwwd YES) and other delicious cookies which will no doubt hurt my waistline next week. Once I mentioned the headache + happy headache pill remedy she said, "Ohhhhhhhhhhh so THAT'S why you're so chatty today!" Ouch, Mom. I responded with a really mature, "Oh yeah? Well you made me so you clearly made me chatty." Good one. Point: Mom.
She ended the conversation by telling me that it was almost time for the Price is Right to come on and I nearly burst into tears. I do miss the days of hearing el capitan get out of bed and watching him put on his flight suit through my baby bird morning eyes, then trudging to the kitchen to make us a coffee and yogurt breakfast . . . followed by some serious couch and PiR time, gym, lunch with el cap', then more randomness until el cap' came home. All things considered, it's probably heathier for me to have a job. I could feel myself becoming a Hermit with each drop of the Plinko chip . . .
Today is a pretty wild day in the non-profit world. I'm busy advocating (one of our overused words, like "synergy" or "historically" or "get exciiiited!" in other lines of biz . . . ) for a couple of my clients today and will be here until a healthy 6:30 this evening. I've never been more ready for mountains. BOOM.
12/12/11
night at the coffee shop.
Sometimes life throws you curve balls. You either hit them out of the ballpark, catch them or they catch you straight in the schnoz. I think everyone experiences all three.
Tonight I worked at the local coffee shop and even though what I really wanted to do was sit at home and pretend to study, it was good to get out and serve some Joe. The kid who was working with me is a seventeen-year-old Evangelical Christian. He's found and been saved by Jesus and wants to share that. It's a pretty nice thing to see around here as oppose to the countless pregnant girls and crazy boys. We had a long conversation about his life and faith--amazing how open he was--and I added a few tidbits of "I'm 24 you're 17 so I'm older and wiser" knowledge to the talk, which I was sure to keep PG. It's hard to make a teenager understand the real ways of the world until they experience it themselves, but I appreciated his naivete nonetheless. It was refreshing actually. Consider that a good curve ball.
Well in the midst of my shift, I realized that I wasn't going to get out of there at 10:00 as expected. "Closing" means you stay at least an hour late. At least. I was trying to contrive ways to sneak out early, but then considering I was one of two employees there I knew that wouldn't happen too easily. Sooo around 11:30 we finally locked the front door and went our separate ways. Schnoz ball . . . I have a mega busy week ahead and could have used a little beauty sleep. Such is life.
Funny things were happening tonight that I couldn't help but laugh to myself about: Customers, weird random coffee shop jokes, meeting a girl from Michigan who's in love with Suh and was wearing his Lions jersey . . . we exchanged numbers naturally. Anyway, as I was washing my hands I saw this taped to the wall:
If you look closely you'll see that this was created by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, my alma mater. Ahhh the little things. It was nice to end the evening with a great connection to a curve ball. And now? Snugglefest 2011 with Georgeman. Booyah.
Tonight I worked at the local coffee shop and even though what I really wanted to do was sit at home and pretend to study, it was good to get out and serve some Joe. The kid who was working with me is a seventeen-year-old Evangelical Christian. He's found and been saved by Jesus and wants to share that. It's a pretty nice thing to see around here as oppose to the countless pregnant girls and crazy boys. We had a long conversation about his life and faith--amazing how open he was--and I added a few tidbits of "I'm 24 you're 17 so I'm older and wiser" knowledge to the talk, which I was sure to keep PG. It's hard to make a teenager understand the real ways of the world until they experience it themselves, but I appreciated his naivete nonetheless. It was refreshing actually. Consider that a good curve ball.
Well in the midst of my shift, I realized that I wasn't going to get out of there at 10:00 as expected. "Closing" means you stay at least an hour late. At least. I was trying to contrive ways to sneak out early, but then considering I was one of two employees there I knew that wouldn't happen too easily. Sooo around 11:30 we finally locked the front door and went our separate ways. Schnoz ball . . . I have a mega busy week ahead and could have used a little beauty sleep. Such is life.
Funny things were happening tonight that I couldn't help but laugh to myself about: Customers, weird random coffee shop jokes, meeting a girl from Michigan who's in love with Suh and was wearing his Lions jersey . . . we exchanged numbers naturally. Anyway, as I was washing my hands I saw this taped to the wall:
If you look closely you'll see that this was created by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, my alma mater. Ahhh the little things. It was nice to end the evening with a great connection to a curve ball. And now? Snugglefest 2011 with Georgeman. Booyah.
12/9/11
sludgy day.
You know those days that happen every now and then and it feels like there's not much that goes right? Although I don't believe it's healthy to think that way, I do know it's OK to have down days. All things considered, I'm not sure my down days are really all that bad, but my immense fatigue paired with some ridonculous things that have happened today have nearly sent me over the edge. I kind of feel like my brain is trudging through molasses at the moment.
Despite all of the chaotic garbage that has piled up on today, I keep focusing on the light at the end of the tunnel which is: 5:00. Also, last night I read this prayer in Oprah's magazine and loved it. It's been helping a lot today. :) Enjoy:
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones and allow your soul the freeom to since, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.
Despite all of the chaotic garbage that has piled up on today, I keep focusing on the light at the end of the tunnel which is: 5:00. Also, last night I read this prayer in Oprah's magazine and loved it. It's been helping a lot today. :) Enjoy:
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones and allow your soul the freeom to since, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.
12/8/11
procrastinator pants.
All night I've been actively avoiding finishing my third and final project for the semester. I think it's because my mind has tricked itself into believing that because it's due at midnight Saturday, I have all the time in the world. Wrong. Tonight is pretty much the only night I have, yet here I am at 10:00 looking at treasures on Backcountry.com. Mostly I think I'm sick of staring at a computer screen reading (skimming) journal after journal of Cognitive Behavioral studies. Essentially, I'm needing to write ten pages to elaborate on this statement: Cognitive Behavioral therapy focuses on reconstructing thoughts and maladaptive behaviors in order to create a healthier person . . . and it works.
Blah blah bloo blee blee.
Backing up a few hours . . . I enjoyed a mightily productive day at work, checking box upon box of work off my listomania. Tomorrow I'm looking forward to a "down day" in preparation for the onslaught of meetings next week. I told my dad tonight, after a dual venting sesh which made me laugh, that I'm going to be a rag doll by Friday afternoon. Good thing I'll be in Breck by Friday night and if I don't have a beer in hand it could get ugly.
Then I knocked out a fantastical workout at the gym and am proud to say that I now can do full, official, real-deal push-ups. Cartwheels are still another story, but push-ups? Piece of cake.
I came home to dinner already made . . . and really can't explain how wonderful that is. I spent the next hour trying to figure out how to make that happen on a regular basis . . . crockpot is my only answer . . . and I just came up with that now.
After that, I played a little round of fetch with my cat. Don't believe me? Check this out (and disregard the background conversations . . . I'm a novice YouTuber): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewvpUaLmuqM
All right. Back to mi papel.
Blah blah bloo blee blee.
Backing up a few hours . . . I enjoyed a mightily productive day at work, checking box upon box of work off my listomania. Tomorrow I'm looking forward to a "down day" in preparation for the onslaught of meetings next week. I told my dad tonight, after a dual venting sesh which made me laugh, that I'm going to be a rag doll by Friday afternoon. Good thing I'll be in Breck by Friday night and if I don't have a beer in hand it could get ugly.
Then I knocked out a fantastical workout at the gym and am proud to say that I now can do full, official, real-deal push-ups. Cartwheels are still another story, but push-ups? Piece of cake.
I came home to dinner already made . . . and really can't explain how wonderful that is. I spent the next hour trying to figure out how to make that happen on a regular basis . . . crockpot is my only answer . . . and I just came up with that now.
After that, I played a little round of fetch with my cat. Don't believe me? Check this out (and disregard the background conversations . . . I'm a novice YouTuber): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewvpUaLmuqM
All right. Back to mi papel.
12/5/11
holiday biz.
Who doesn't love the deliciously divine smell of chestnuts roasting on an open fire? . . . Who has no idea what that actually smells like? Listening to a few holiday tunes on the telly reminded me that I'm among the latter, but I do know what pine smells like. OH and I also know what pine looks like, especially after putting up this bad boy in the Nancy Lo casa:
That's over seven feet of Christmas love in our living room! Is is sad that I want to keep it around all year? Ask anyone that question and I'll bet they tell you the same thing.
Anyway, today we Eastern New Mexicans got our first big "snowstorm." OK people, I grew up in Nebraska and know a blizzard when I see one . . . but that doesn't mean I'll still cross my fingers for a snow day after seeing only a flurry in the air. Good news for me, here their perception of a snowstorm is much different. Flurry = blizzard = we might as well build storm shelters in New-Antarctica. I have a feeling this mindset largely is due to the lack of snow removal operations in the area, but also because there is overall lack of precipitation in the area, so anything we get is a HUGE deal. I'm not saying I mind. I was let out of work early and here's what my drive home looked like. Mind you, this is comparable to a mild Nebraskan winter day, but hey, I'll take it (besides, the roads literally were nothing less than a giant sheet of ice so naturally I busted out my granny driving skillz for the occasion):
When I got home, I made sure George and Stella had a proper introduction to snow. After strongly considering tossing them into the lawn, I opted to let them discover it themselves. George forged into the openness with me, but Stella was a huge pansy about it . . . oh well. Mostly they just did this:
Losers. We'll try again tomorrow.
As for me, it only felt right to be wearing my flannel-lined Carhardt's while frolicking through the snow:
Mmmm warm pants. Now, and for the past few hours (gross, I know), I've been planted on the couch working on a research paper. Nothing like finishing up a semester at the last minute! Seriously, how else would I do it? At least I have my lovely little friend to keep me company:
Love the life you live. And be thankful for little moments like this one. I'm lucky; George does this every day. :) Aaaaaaaaaaand back to my paper.
That's over seven feet of Christmas love in our living room! Is is sad that I want to keep it around all year? Ask anyone that question and I'll bet they tell you the same thing.
Anyway, today we Eastern New Mexicans got our first big "snowstorm." OK people, I grew up in Nebraska and know a blizzard when I see one . . . but that doesn't mean I'll still cross my fingers for a snow day after seeing only a flurry in the air. Good news for me, here their perception of a snowstorm is much different. Flurry = blizzard = we might as well build storm shelters in New-Antarctica. I have a feeling this mindset largely is due to the lack of snow removal operations in the area, but also because there is overall lack of precipitation in the area, so anything we get is a HUGE deal. I'm not saying I mind. I was let out of work early and here's what my drive home looked like. Mind you, this is comparable to a mild Nebraskan winter day, but hey, I'll take it (besides, the roads literally were nothing less than a giant sheet of ice so naturally I busted out my granny driving skillz for the occasion):
When I got home, I made sure George and Stella had a proper introduction to snow. After strongly considering tossing them into the lawn, I opted to let them discover it themselves. George forged into the openness with me, but Stella was a huge pansy about it . . . oh well. Mostly they just did this:
Losers. We'll try again tomorrow.
As for me, it only felt right to be wearing my flannel-lined Carhardt's while frolicking through the snow:
Love the life you live. And be thankful for little moments like this one. I'm lucky; George does this every day. :) Aaaaaaaaaaand back to my paper.
12/3/11
a merry little song.
Little Big Town performed this a capella on the CMA Christmas music special the other night as I was decorating the house. They sang it as a tribute to our military servicemen and women. You better believe it brought me to tears.
http://www.myspace.com/music/player?sid=85190363&ac=now
I just bought it and plan on listening to it on repeat until "real" Christmas comes, which I was informed won't actually occur until the beginning of January. I can't wait.
http://www.myspace.com/music/player?sid=85190363&ac=now
I just bought it and plan on listening to it on repeat until "real" Christmas comes, which I was informed won't actually occur until the beginning of January. I can't wait.
12/1/11
christmas list.
Tonight I finished decorating the living room for Christmas. I was watching a country music special while wrapping the lights around the tree and hanging all of my childhood ornaments from the branches. I even went a little overboard and lit a pine-scented candle. Sometimes what is most simple in life is what's best. There's beauty in it all. The key is learning how to appreciate it.
This year I only have one thing to ask of Santa:
Bring my soldier home to me safe and sound.
Bring my soldier home to me safe and sound.
It's by your side I make my home.
11/30/11
take a second.
This week I had my "official" admissions interview with my graduate program. Even though I've already technically been accepted, I've had to jump through a couple of hoops to make it the real real deal. I can understand why they do this, particularly with a Counseling program. They need to make sure they're not sending a bunch of quacks through a program that is designed to assist people with their mental and behavioral stability. Seems reasonable.
So today I was thinking to myself, SELF: You are who you are because of what you allow yourself to be. I think this was formulated in part after reading an uplifting letter of recommendation written by a former supervisor and long-time friend, but also just through some self-reflection. I can be peaceful, content and excited about my life because that's what I allow. I can be miserable, dodgy and regretful because that's what I allow. Why in the WORLD would I want to be the latter? For every action or thought, there is motivation and reason driving it: Why do I go to the gym? Because it makes me feel better and, according to the gym owner, "It's all about the LGN, baby!" Looking Good Naked. Duh. What kind of attitude should I bring to work today? Positive, light, low-stress, determined. My business is fast-paced, relatively high-stress and can be very negative; basically, I have no interest in allowing those things to infiltrate ME so deciding how to counter it is another thing I allow.
I digress . . . Every now and then it's a good idea to look in the mirror. Don't just glance; LOOK. Look at what your eyes tell you. Do they dance or are they sad? Look at the lines and the freckles. Are they there from laughing in the sun after a long hike or did they come from staring at a computer all day, stressing out about which spreadsheet should be sent to whom first. (Yuck.) And finally, allow yourself a smile. It's both to you and from you and will be more rewarding than you think. Aaaaaaand GO.
P.S. Today is my Grams' 75th birthday! Since I can't be there, I'm sending her lots and lots of love energies. She's amazing.
So today I was thinking to myself, SELF: You are who you are because of what you allow yourself to be. I think this was formulated in part after reading an uplifting letter of recommendation written by a former supervisor and long-time friend, but also just through some self-reflection. I can be peaceful, content and excited about my life because that's what I allow. I can be miserable, dodgy and regretful because that's what I allow. Why in the WORLD would I want to be the latter? For every action or thought, there is motivation and reason driving it: Why do I go to the gym? Because it makes me feel better and, according to the gym owner, "It's all about the LGN, baby!" Looking Good Naked. Duh. What kind of attitude should I bring to work today? Positive, light, low-stress, determined. My business is fast-paced, relatively high-stress and can be very negative; basically, I have no interest in allowing those things to infiltrate ME so deciding how to counter it is another thing I allow.
I digress . . . Every now and then it's a good idea to look in the mirror. Don't just glance; LOOK. Look at what your eyes tell you. Do they dance or are they sad? Look at the lines and the freckles. Are they there from laughing in the sun after a long hike or did they come from staring at a computer all day, stressing out about which spreadsheet should be sent to whom first. (Yuck.) And finally, allow yourself a smile. It's both to you and from you and will be more rewarding than you think. Aaaaaaand GO.
P.S. Today is my Grams' 75th birthday! Since I can't be there, I'm sending her lots and lots of love energies. She's amazing.
11/28/11
bum knees.
My weekend ended up being pretty disastrous. Almost to the point of being comical. Almost. As I had mentioned yesterday, my ski plans got botched thanks to a little screw in the road. So I came home and caught up on a little sleep (while still wearing my ski pants . . . ), then headed out to get the tire repaired. An hour later I came back home with the same screw in the same tire because the places were too busy. My roommate is taking the car in today to get the tire fixed. Bless him.
Well, next I chatted my fiance's face off for a bit, then decided to get out of the house and go for a run. I had every intention of making it a 10-miler and felt amazing when I started out. You know that feeling when your gait is perfect, your lungs feel like you're breathing air sent from Heaven, and you think your legs can last a millenium? That was me yesterday. Soooo off I went, into the country and feeling great. Around mile five, I got deep into a thought about Stuffed vs. Double Stuffed Oreos (not kidding) and . . . next thing I know, I'd tripped on a rock and was skidding across a dirt/gravel track on my hands and knees. For the record, this is about the fourth time I've done this and was by far the worst. I got up and tried to catch my breath among the ensuing sobs. When I fall, I don't allow myself any pity so sitting on the ground and crying is definitely not an option. Looking down, my left knee was completely open (gross) and my right was completely skinned, not to mention my right palm having a significant amount of damage. My left hand was saved thanks to the water bottle I was holding. Super.
I walked a mile home, shivering from the setting sun and holding back tears as best I could. The thing that bothered me most out of all this was that no one, not one single person, stopped to ask if I was OK. I mean, I wasn't exactly approachable: twenty-something woman wearing neon clothes, blood running down my legs and sweaty, mascara-y tears running down my cheeks, lip pouting almost to the ground . . . but COME ON PEOPLE! It's the holidays! Season of perpetual hope? (Home Alone, anyone?) Anyway, here's what my poor knees look like today. I mostly wanted to include this picture because of my super sexy stockings. Maybe I need a new hobby. I'm sure knitting or painting are nice.
Needless to say, I didn't get much done last night, save a few hours of sleep in the couch (literally, in the couch because that thing just gobbles you up). When my roommate and his brother got home he said, "Wow, you look pale." Nothing like boosting the old self-esteem! Oh well, that's life and as long as I live to see another day, I'm one happy camper.
"We can't all be heroes because someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by." - Will Rogers
11/27/11
hmmm.
Some things are a blessing in disguise, but I've yet to decide what the blessing is . . . in hitting a screw on the highway and having to cancel my impromptu ski trip today. Who knows? Maybe the snow would have been terrible and I would have busted up my new planks. I bet that's what would have happened . . . and God was just looking out for me and stuff.
I think I'll keep them on for awhile, at least to nap in them or something really super productive like that. Life is like that sometimes. :) But you know what? I'll have MONTHS and YEARS to ski and what's best is that I only have a month to wait until I can ski with my best friend. Until then, I'll have Loving Wings to listen to and the always delightful but not always tasteful Mr. George to keep me company . . .
But I was all set up in my purple pants and Dave tee! Bummer.
I think I'll keep them on for awhile, at least to nap in them or something really super productive like that. Life is like that sometimes. :) But you know what? I'll have MONTHS and YEARS to ski and what's best is that I only have a month to wait until I can ski with my best friend. Until then, I'll have Loving Wings to listen to and the always delightful but not always tasteful Mr. George to keep me company . . .
'Cause love can feel like it saves your life, you know. More than food; like water.
-Dave Matthews
11/23/11
a little token of appreciation.
One of my clients--and I should probably admit that he's one of my favorites--brought this in for me today!
Yesterday he called and said, "I have something for you! I will bring it tomorrow." I told him to be sure to ask for me so that I could come out front and talk to him, but sadly I was in a meeting when he came by. I was SO excited to get this! It helps to know that my work doesn't always go unnoticed, especially by the people I'm serving. I haven't been able to get ahold of him yet but CAN'T WAIT to tell him thank you!
turkey plans.
This is the first Thanksgiving I'll be spending away from family and you know what? I'm OK with it. It's amazing how things shift in only a short amount of time.
The past two years I'd been living in Denver and went home to Nebraska to spend Thanksgiving with family.
Prior to that, college . . . high school . . . grade school . . . you get my point.
This year I'll be home in New Mexico with friends. I have so much for which to be thankful, namely my favorite person in the world who's spending his Thanksgiving overseas. I feel fortunate because of the network of support among military families. Tomorrow we're going to my friend's house to have dinner with her family--her husband also happens to be in charge of my roommate's flight--then, since one dinner isn't enough, we're going over to some other friends' house for a multi-family potluck complete with two turkeys, a ham and so many side dishes we're all going to pop. I'm pretty sure the message from the host last night was: It's probably a good thing we'll have two turkeys because the first one might get botched depending on how much I have to drink . . . or something like that. So, wish us luck?
“We can choose to enjoy the magic of this time of year. We may not always get to choose the people and circumstances around us, but we always have a choice about how we relate to them.” - Mike Robbins
I have a feeling this year will be just fine.
The past two years I'd been living in Denver and went home to Nebraska to spend Thanksgiving with family.
Prior to that, college . . . high school . . . grade school . . . you get my point.
This year I'll be home in New Mexico with friends. I have so much for which to be thankful, namely my favorite person in the world who's spending his Thanksgiving overseas. I feel fortunate because of the network of support among military families. Tomorrow we're going to my friend's house to have dinner with her family--her husband also happens to be in charge of my roommate's flight--then, since one dinner isn't enough, we're going over to some other friends' house for a multi-family potluck complete with two turkeys, a ham and so many side dishes we're all going to pop. I'm pretty sure the message from the host last night was: It's probably a good thing we'll have two turkeys because the first one might get botched depending on how much I have to drink . . . or something like that. So, wish us luck?
“We can choose to enjoy the magic of this time of year. We may not always get to choose the people and circumstances around us, but we always have a choice about how we relate to them.” - Mike Robbins
I have a feeling this year will be just fine.
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