And Lakey had to get in on the Winter fun...by hugging is "dwog willy gwirl" (translation: his dog lilly girl)
Maybe we really will have a White Christmas!!!!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Winter FUN
Yay for snow! Yes, I really did just say that! It was fun to have a little bit of snow and cold. I am over it now, but it was fun to put on cute winter clothes and wake up to snow on the ground.
And Lakey had to get in on the Winter fun...by hugging is "dwog willy gwirl" (translation: his dog lilly girl)
Maybe we really will have a White Christmas!!!!
And Lakey had to get in on the Winter fun...by hugging is "dwog willy gwirl" (translation: his dog lilly girl)
Maybe we really will have a White Christmas!!!!
Secret Millionaire
Have you seen the show Secret Millionaire on Fox yet? I watched it for the first time a couple weekends ago and feel like I had a life changing experience. I was so frustrated the last few months with my lack of dreams and vision for my life. I had been whining to Sam the week before with lots of tears involved that I just didn't know what I wanted to do next. Then I watched this show....
Honestly, I felt like I was watching one of the most brilliant things I had ever seen. After the first show I called Sam and cried for 30 minutes about why this was the most amazing show ever and how I HAD TO respond. He simply smiled and asked me what this whole business about having no vision and dreams for my life was? I guess I do have vision and sometimes it takes other people's stories to inspire us and call out what is within us. That is what exicites me about life. Our stories have the ability to change the direction of the lives around us. This is one of my most favorite things about Sam...his passion to tell someone's story through a picture--Someone who might never have their story told. People's stories always have something to teach us. We just have to be listening. Our stories and what we do with them and the stories of those around us are such a cool and precious gift that God gives humanity.
The premise of the show is pretty simple. Take extremely wealthy people into places they might never see and give them a chance to change lives. The irony? Their lives are the most changed. Typically the show takes them to places in their city where heartache and poverty are rampant. They are dropped in a situation where they live and work among people all week, posing as people living on the current welfare wage for that week. They tell people that they are being filmed for a documentary on homeless or living on minimum wage. It is phenomenal to see their whole life change in less than a week. They agree to give at least $100,000 of their own money away to people they choose. I won't give away the show but them giving the money away is pretty powerful as they reveal that they really are multi-millionaires and through tears most of the time they also reveal it would be their honor and privilege to give them this check.
The creators of this show are BRILLIANT. I was pretty skeptical of this show at first but have been thoroughly impressed with what they have done. And now on their website they have a section called "Have you been inspired? How are you giving back?" Genius, sheer genius! I have been a part of so many trips and local aid experiences but for some reason this show made so much sense to me. You are changing lives in the most effective way and then inspiring others at the same time. You watch people that needed a miracle receive one, and at the same time you watch someone that had no idea what looking at prices at a grocery store was like get to be a miracle for someone else. Both sides are humbled. I can't help but know that the God who cares for and loves humanity is at the heart of this. Regardless of the creators of this shows spiritual preference, God's heart is to love people and transform people. It is incredible to see a network take a characteristic of God and share it with us in such a creative way.
Each week I find myself crying at lives being changed....I can't help it. I am a sucker for a heart being transformed and realizing that world is such a big place. The most consistent thing you hear on this show is shock at how generous people that are in such less fortunate situations than the millionaires are. The irony once again? The generosity of someone making minimum wage is what changes the heart of people that have the money and influence to change the lives of those that are the most generous. Generosity has very little to do with money, it of course is one aspect of it but only one small aspect and it definitely goes beyond that. What a good reminder at Christmas when it is so fun and easy to get caught up in money and gifts.
Go watch the show...even if you don't end up in tears like me every week I think you will love to watch the human spirit at work.
Honestly, I felt like I was watching one of the most brilliant things I had ever seen. After the first show I called Sam and cried for 30 minutes about why this was the most amazing show ever and how I HAD TO respond. He simply smiled and asked me what this whole business about having no vision and dreams for my life was? I guess I do have vision and sometimes it takes other people's stories to inspire us and call out what is within us. That is what exicites me about life. Our stories have the ability to change the direction of the lives around us. This is one of my most favorite things about Sam...his passion to tell someone's story through a picture--Someone who might never have their story told. People's stories always have something to teach us. We just have to be listening. Our stories and what we do with them and the stories of those around us are such a cool and precious gift that God gives humanity.
The premise of the show is pretty simple. Take extremely wealthy people into places they might never see and give them a chance to change lives. The irony? Their lives are the most changed. Typically the show takes them to places in their city where heartache and poverty are rampant. They are dropped in a situation where they live and work among people all week, posing as people living on the current welfare wage for that week. They tell people that they are being filmed for a documentary on homeless or living on minimum wage. It is phenomenal to see their whole life change in less than a week. They agree to give at least $100,000 of their own money away to people they choose. I won't give away the show but them giving the money away is pretty powerful as they reveal that they really are multi-millionaires and through tears most of the time they also reveal it would be their honor and privilege to give them this check.
The creators of this show are BRILLIANT. I was pretty skeptical of this show at first but have been thoroughly impressed with what they have done. And now on their website they have a section called "Have you been inspired? How are you giving back?" Genius, sheer genius! I have been a part of so many trips and local aid experiences but for some reason this show made so much sense to me. You are changing lives in the most effective way and then inspiring others at the same time. You watch people that needed a miracle receive one, and at the same time you watch someone that had no idea what looking at prices at a grocery store was like get to be a miracle for someone else. Both sides are humbled. I can't help but know that the God who cares for and loves humanity is at the heart of this. Regardless of the creators of this shows spiritual preference, God's heart is to love people and transform people. It is incredible to see a network take a characteristic of God and share it with us in such a creative way.
Each week I find myself crying at lives being changed....I can't help it. I am a sucker for a heart being transformed and realizing that world is such a big place. The most consistent thing you hear on this show is shock at how generous people that are in such less fortunate situations than the millionaires are. The irony once again? The generosity of someone making minimum wage is what changes the heart of people that have the money and influence to change the lives of those that are the most generous. Generosity has very little to do with money, it of course is one aspect of it but only one small aspect and it definitely goes beyond that. What a good reminder at Christmas when it is so fun and easy to get caught up in money and gifts.
Go watch the show...even if you don't end up in tears like me every week I think you will love to watch the human spirit at work.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Things I will miss at home...
My crazy roommate...who has decided to deal with the emotions of me leaving by being logically bratty. When she starts loving me too much or is cuddling with me and realizes she will miss me she pipes up with "I am actually so glad that you are going. I need more room in my room for my toys." Or my most recent favorite was when she got mad at me because I called her out on annoying Elli and then told her she couldn't talk mean to me either...she stomps up to Sea Jay and Banning's room and says, "I want Dana out of my room." I actually think she might have said "her" not Dana...hehehe She makes me SMILE HUGE. I am going to miss her so much! This picture was at her performance on Saturday night. I wanted a cute picture of us together to put in her room and for me...nope she wasn't feelin' it at all and I have about 10 pictures with her not being just calm and normal. Which really in the end is her so why did I think that I would want a different picture :)
I will miss my little dates with Lakey. On Sunday morning we went to Bagels and he was in extra cute rare form. Thought he was pretty cool that he got a candy cane bagel, but proceeded to say Thank you for my cotton candy bagel. He also got a little bit of "hassle time" because he kept saying mean things. But I had to not laugh when he told the bagel girl she was "weird" but I didn't understand him so I didn't say anything, but looked at me with big eyes and said "I wuz just not nice dana." He then kept telling me he was a race car driver like Sam and then he was dying to take my picture with the camera...which just made me smile. My other favorite Lakey moment was when he was eating M&M's he found on the counter yesterday morning (yep I said morning) and I said Lakey no candy in the morning (which really who did make that rule anyway?) You cannot have any more sugar this morning. Which he looked at me and said, "It is not sugar is is food. There is no sugar in candy." Then he said okay dana... Next thing I hear the fridge beep that it is open. He comes running towards me and says, "I need ice cream. It is not sugar or candy it is food." Really? Is he that cute?
I will miss things like "Gingerbread Houses Craziness" that starts out as a night that Sea Jay designs to be so fun and a memory...
I will miss Elli's fun spirit and creative heart and mind...she is still in her performance make up...she was the BEST dancer hands down!! And the prettiest, too...
And I will for sure miss when the fun turns to melt down tears...
(can you see the huge tears streaming down her face?)
Now you can, huh?
She was mad Lakey kept eating all the candy and her house couldn't go according to plan...oh I so got it...we like plans
He really likes candy...he said to me that night..."dana I wuv candy"
Really really likes candy...can you tell?
But really how sweet is this moment? Though Lakey couldn't pull himself away from the candy to comfort Raya any more than letting her cry on his shoulder but so cute!!! What a good boyfriend and husband he will make in this house full of emotional females!
I will miss my little dates with Lakey. On Sunday morning we went to Bagels and he was in extra cute rare form. Thought he was pretty cool that he got a candy cane bagel, but proceeded to say Thank you for my cotton candy bagel. He also got a little bit of "hassle time" because he kept saying mean things. But I had to not laugh when he told the bagel girl she was "weird" but I didn't understand him so I didn't say anything, but looked at me with big eyes and said "I wuz just not nice dana." He then kept telling me he was a race car driver like Sam and then he was dying to take my picture with the camera...which just made me smile. My other favorite Lakey moment was when he was eating M&M's he found on the counter yesterday morning (yep I said morning) and I said Lakey no candy in the morning (which really who did make that rule anyway?) You cannot have any more sugar this morning. Which he looked at me and said, "It is not sugar is is food. There is no sugar in candy." Then he said okay dana... Next thing I hear the fridge beep that it is open. He comes running towards me and says, "I need ice cream. It is not sugar or candy it is food." Really? Is he that cute?
I will miss things like "Gingerbread Houses Craziness" that starts out as a night that Sea Jay designs to be so fun and a memory...
I will miss Elli's fun spirit and creative heart and mind...she is still in her performance make up...she was the BEST dancer hands down!! And the prettiest, too...
And I will for sure miss when the fun turns to melt down tears...
(can you see the huge tears streaming down her face?)
Now you can, huh?
She was mad Lakey kept eating all the candy and her house couldn't go according to plan...oh I so got it...we like plans
He really likes candy...he said to me that night..."dana I wuv candy"
Really really likes candy...can you tell?
But really how sweet is this moment? Though Lakey couldn't pull himself away from the candy to comfort Raya any more than letting her cry on his shoulder but so cute!!! What a good boyfriend and husband he will make in this house full of emotional females!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Why I Love The Number 27
I grew up on Sesame Street. I actually thought they were my friends that came to see me every day in the little box in the living room. (and I really wonder why I think the Friends characters are really my friends??? Disturbing, I know, but true nonetheless) I remember Sesame Street being one of the first moments I realized that the world did not revolve around me. Some days I still have to work on that, but this was the first of many lessons in that arena. I was quietly (well, truth be known I didn't do much quiet when I was a kid so it probably wasn't that quiet) watching Sesame Street one morning. My mom told me we had to go down to see my dad at school where he worked. I LOVED doing that, it was TONS of people to go greet and mingle. Mind you I wasn't in kindergarten yet so I was only 3 or 4, I just LOVED people.
We went down, I saw tons of people, we came home. I smiled big as I walked in the house to see my "friends." I turned on channel 6 and was horrified. It was Reading Rainbow or some dumb show about animals. Now I have nothing against reading or rainbows...and well, I do have a slight aversion to animals, but that is not why I was horrified--my friends were gone. I looked at my mom and said where are they? And she tried to explain the concept of TV show times to me. Yep, didn't care and didn't get it. I remember just thinking sadly, "they didn't wait for me..." Hhmm issues as a small kid?? :)
Moving on to why I am reminiscing about Sesame Street. Do you remember the old school Number commercials they always had? I found one on YouTube and had to add it just to bring a smile to some of your faces like it did mine when I saw it.
C'mon you know you loved the "1-2-3-4-5...6-7-8-9 10, 11, Tweleeevve" I mean really who didn't love to sing out 12 the way they did on Sesame Street. Then they always had the show "brought to you by the Number ? and the Letter ?" And then that number and letter was all through out the show...I mean really, didn't you love the number 12 and the Lady Bug Picnic song that went with that? Well in my life right now I would for sure end my show with..."and brought to you by the number 27" (which they kind of never did...it was always a number under 12, but it is my dream so I took artistic license with it. The 27th has rapidly became my favorite number the last couple of weeks because on the 27th Sam comes to the States!!! Yay for no more long distance for at least 6 months!!! And on the 27th I will officially make my move back down LA and become a So. Cal. girl once again.
Living in Redding the last 3 months has been SOOO good and I am desperately going to miss my friends, my 6 year old roommate, the bagel shop, being 2 mins from most of my friends, 5 mins from Target, getting off at 5 and being home by 5:05, the kids, and the memories that were here and the ones that were newly made. But I am ready to do the next thing. I surprisingly am really ready to get back to LA. I NEVER thought I would hear those words come out of my mouth. But I miss some of the life I lived down there. I miss being a part of a community like Mosaic and I LOVE Redding, but right now in this time of my life I LOVE visiting and having this be the place I turn off and don't think, the place where I am known as Auntie Dana, the place where my biggest decision is what time should we go get bagels.
I have LOVED the boss I work for up here and am so thankful for the opportunity and the rest it has been, while it has been crazy some of the stuff we are doing I feel like I got a chance to rest, not be so intense, decompress from experience the last year and feel refreshed for my next adventure. I start my new job on Jan 5th....So LA here I come...not going to lie the best part of LA to me is going to be holding hands with Sam....
We went down, I saw tons of people, we came home. I smiled big as I walked in the house to see my "friends." I turned on channel 6 and was horrified. It was Reading Rainbow or some dumb show about animals. Now I have nothing against reading or rainbows...and well, I do have a slight aversion to animals, but that is not why I was horrified--my friends were gone. I looked at my mom and said where are they? And she tried to explain the concept of TV show times to me. Yep, didn't care and didn't get it. I remember just thinking sadly, "they didn't wait for me..." Hhmm issues as a small kid?? :)
Moving on to why I am reminiscing about Sesame Street. Do you remember the old school Number commercials they always had? I found one on YouTube and had to add it just to bring a smile to some of your faces like it did mine when I saw it.
C'mon you know you loved the "1-2-3-4-5...6-7-8-9 10, 11, Tweleeevve" I mean really who didn't love to sing out 12 the way they did on Sesame Street. Then they always had the show "brought to you by the Number ? and the Letter ?" And then that number and letter was all through out the show...I mean really, didn't you love the number 12 and the Lady Bug Picnic song that went with that? Well in my life right now I would for sure end my show with..."and brought to you by the number 27" (which they kind of never did...it was always a number under 12, but it is my dream so I took artistic license with it. The 27th has rapidly became my favorite number the last couple of weeks because on the 27th Sam comes to the States!!! Yay for no more long distance for at least 6 months!!! And on the 27th I will officially make my move back down LA and become a So. Cal. girl once again.
Living in Redding the last 3 months has been SOOO good and I am desperately going to miss my friends, my 6 year old roommate, the bagel shop, being 2 mins from most of my friends, 5 mins from Target, getting off at 5 and being home by 5:05, the kids, and the memories that were here and the ones that were newly made. But I am ready to do the next thing. I surprisingly am really ready to get back to LA. I NEVER thought I would hear those words come out of my mouth. But I miss some of the life I lived down there. I miss being a part of a community like Mosaic and I LOVE Redding, but right now in this time of my life I LOVE visiting and having this be the place I turn off and don't think, the place where I am known as Auntie Dana, the place where my biggest decision is what time should we go get bagels.
I have LOVED the boss I work for up here and am so thankful for the opportunity and the rest it has been, while it has been crazy some of the stuff we are doing I feel like I got a chance to rest, not be so intense, decompress from experience the last year and feel refreshed for my next adventure. I start my new job on Jan 5th....So LA here I come...not going to lie the best part of LA to me is going to be holding hands with Sam....
Friday, December 5, 2008
Okay so my new favorite artist is Jason Mraz. I am not that into music but my friend Sea Jay called me one day and said I HAD TO LISTEN to this one song--Lucky. I did and loved it! It made me smile and I bought on iTunes right away. I was listening to him on Pandora today while I was changing the world one IT problem at a time :) And I heard one of his songs that was perfect for me today...it is off my favorite album of his.
The song I heard today "Details In The Fabric" kind of felt like my theme song today. His songs just make me smile. Today this one just seemed to be a good reminder of what I needed. I kind of take myself a tad too serious sometimes and feel things so deeply and am far too introspective. So some days it takes a witty upbeat artist to give me perspective. We all need a little Jason Mraz in our life...just my opinion but I bet you will like him, too. You should check out his album for sure!
"Details In The Fabric"
Calm down
Deep breaths
And get yourself dressed instead
Of running around
And pulling all your threads and
Breaking yourself up
If it's a broken part, replace it
But, if it's a broken arm then brace it
If it's a broken heart then face it
And hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way
Hold your own
Know your own name
And go your own way
And everything will be fine
Everything will be fine
mmmhmm
Hang on
Help is on the way
Stay strong
I'm doing everything
Hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way
Hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way
And everything, everything will be fine
Everything
Are the details in the fabric
Are the things that make you panic
Are your thoughts results of static cling?
Are the things that make you blow
Hell, no reason, go on and scream
If you're shocked it's just the fault
Of faulty manufacturing.
Yeah everything will be fine
Everything in no time at all
Everything
Hold your own
And know your name
And go your own way
Are the details in the fabric (Hold your own, know your name)
Are the things that make you panic
Are your thoughts results of static cling? (Go your own way)
Are the details in the fabric (Hold your own, know your name)
Are the things that make you panic (Go your own way)
Is it Mother Nature's sewing machine?
Are the things that make you blow (Hold your own, know your name)
Hell no reason go on and scream
If you’re shocked it's just the fault (Go your own way)
Of faulty manufacturing
Everything will be fine
Everything in no time at all
Hearts will hold
The song I heard today "Details In The Fabric" kind of felt like my theme song today. His songs just make me smile. Today this one just seemed to be a good reminder of what I needed. I kind of take myself a tad too serious sometimes and feel things so deeply and am far too introspective. So some days it takes a witty upbeat artist to give me perspective. We all need a little Jason Mraz in our life...just my opinion but I bet you will like him, too. You should check out his album for sure!
"Details In The Fabric"
Calm down
Deep breaths
And get yourself dressed instead
Of running around
And pulling all your threads and
Breaking yourself up
If it's a broken part, replace it
But, if it's a broken arm then brace it
If it's a broken heart then face it
And hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way
Hold your own
Know your own name
And go your own way
And everything will be fine
Everything will be fine
mmmhmm
Hang on
Help is on the way
Stay strong
I'm doing everything
Hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way
Hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way
And everything, everything will be fine
Everything
Are the details in the fabric
Are the things that make you panic
Are your thoughts results of static cling?
Are the things that make you blow
Hell, no reason, go on and scream
If you're shocked it's just the fault
Of faulty manufacturing.
Yeah everything will be fine
Everything in no time at all
Everything
Hold your own
And know your name
And go your own way
Are the details in the fabric (Hold your own, know your name)
Are the things that make you panic
Are your thoughts results of static cling? (Go your own way)
Are the details in the fabric (Hold your own, know your name)
Are the things that make you panic (Go your own way)
Is it Mother Nature's sewing machine?
Are the things that make you blow (Hold your own, know your name)
Hell no reason go on and scream
If you’re shocked it's just the fault (Go your own way)
Of faulty manufacturing
Everything will be fine
Everything in no time at all
Hearts will hold
Monday, December 1, 2008
Inspiration
I am pretty easily inspired on one hand but on another hand it takes a lot to truly inspire me. And today my friend Amy was telling me a story about her little boy Zane. I hung up the phone so inspired to believe that people can change and circumstances can change. As I drove down the road I smiled thinking, man it only took a 5 minute story to reinspire me today to dream big and not be discouraged.
The last few months have been filled with fun, friends, lots of processing, emotion, new things, and old things which have all made for some INCREDIBLE memories of this season of my life. At the same time I have wondered what is next. What are my dreams? What things has God created me to do in this world? Whether you have a relationship with God or not I genuinely and passionately believe you were made with specific dreams and abilities that are unique to you. And our world needs what you have. I was watching President Elect Obama this morning introduce his choice for his leadership team. As I sat there trying to take in what each person's job actually was I thought, man I don't even know what that they're saying as they explain the role with little bullet points to the right. And even when each person accepted the nomination and said why they were thankful and why they would be good, still nothin'...on some of their rolls at least. Lest I make my mother and boyfriend cringe, I do understand the big picture of each person's job, but it is the working out of what they actually do and all the knowledge and intuition they must naturally posses that kills me. I shook my head as I watched some of the rolls and thought, I could never do that but more than that I would NEVER want to do that. Now there were some rolls that sounded fun and I pictured myself doing it--like the United Nations Ambassador...Seriously?!!! I would love that. You are constantly building relationships and convincing people they need to do what you want them to do, while not making anyone too mad and getting people to like you....really?!! Could there be a more rewarding job on an international/change the world potentional level? Now I recoginize it is MUCH more than that designate Susan Rice will do. And she appears to be brilliant and well schooled and seasoned, but if I was picking which place I would want on the cabinet it would definitely be that one.
I digress, though...kind of, between watching President Elect Obama's Cabinet be announced and my conversation about Zane I got to thinking of how we really are all wired different. C'mon seriously? Did any of you who saw the Cabinet coverage pick which job you would do and why with such passion? I am just wired to think of what each person is created to do and do it to myself all the time. Whether I am watching Friends and picking which character I would be or watching our nation's President Elect pick his cabinet I just have to see which role is most me.
So what inspires me? People. I love people's stories. I love that everyone is created uniquely. I love that everyone has potential whether they choose to fulfill it our not. It is like having a bank account that is FULL of money that is yours to spend (wouldn't that be nice, huh?) But really, that is how I see people....human potential is a free commodity and endless in possibilities. Erwin McManus in a podcast called Focus, said a few weeks ago, "What would you fail at over and over again because it was your dream and you believe in it that much." I actually started crying as I heard that because I thought..."I have no dreams, I have no vision for my life, what am I doing with my life, I have nothing I will fail at over and over again." I was crying to Sam that night about how I have no dream for my life and I have never been in this spot before. And in typical amazing patient Sam way he reminded me I did have vision and there are things that I dream about. I nodded yes to him, but inside I think I still wondered. But the reality is for me that the thing I would fail at over and over again is people. I would rather believe in someone and call out their unique greatness and have them absolutely fail 100 times over, then to have never believed in them because they seemed like they might not succeed. I am a hopeless optimist when it comes to people. I looked up the definition of inspire today (which as close as I get to research--looking up a single definition) and was surprised at the actual definition:
"Fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative."
I felt like I found my life statement all of a sudden...who knew in an Apple widget it was hiding? The irony is that the more you are with people the more they actually inspire you and the more you want to see other people inspired. It is this beautiful human potential Catch 22. Every person is creative....I believe we were made by a Creator, so while we are all not artsy, we are creative....how can we not be? It's in our DNA. Sometimes the creativity comes out on Global levels in jobs that make no sense to me, sometimes it comes out in your home with the way you organize your family and decorate your home, sometimes it is artsy, like my talented boyfriend with his photography. Each person holds this creativity that makes me so curious to see it come out and affect the world...
Funny I got up early and walked with my sweet sweet friend Abby and we talked about life and family and holidays and as she was trying to still wake up she asked do you really love mornings this much? And I said yeah I do, I love accomplishing so much by only 9AM. Who would have thought that I would be so reminded of what I love and what inspires me....a little brisk/cold morning walk, politics, an old friend, and a widget the combination today for inspiration.
The last few months have been filled with fun, friends, lots of processing, emotion, new things, and old things which have all made for some INCREDIBLE memories of this season of my life. At the same time I have wondered what is next. What are my dreams? What things has God created me to do in this world? Whether you have a relationship with God or not I genuinely and passionately believe you were made with specific dreams and abilities that are unique to you. And our world needs what you have. I was watching President Elect Obama this morning introduce his choice for his leadership team. As I sat there trying to take in what each person's job actually was I thought, man I don't even know what that they're saying as they explain the role with little bullet points to the right. And even when each person accepted the nomination and said why they were thankful and why they would be good, still nothin'...on some of their rolls at least. Lest I make my mother and boyfriend cringe, I do understand the big picture of each person's job, but it is the working out of what they actually do and all the knowledge and intuition they must naturally posses that kills me. I shook my head as I watched some of the rolls and thought, I could never do that but more than that I would NEVER want to do that. Now there were some rolls that sounded fun and I pictured myself doing it--like the United Nations Ambassador...Seriously?!!! I would love that. You are constantly building relationships and convincing people they need to do what you want them to do, while not making anyone too mad and getting people to like you....really?!! Could there be a more rewarding job on an international/change the world potentional level? Now I recoginize it is MUCH more than that designate Susan Rice will do. And she appears to be brilliant and well schooled and seasoned, but if I was picking which place I would want on the cabinet it would definitely be that one.
I digress, though...kind of, between watching President Elect Obama's Cabinet be announced and my conversation about Zane I got to thinking of how we really are all wired different. C'mon seriously? Did any of you who saw the Cabinet coverage pick which job you would do and why with such passion? I am just wired to think of what each person is created to do and do it to myself all the time. Whether I am watching Friends and picking which character I would be or watching our nation's President Elect pick his cabinet I just have to see which role is most me.
So what inspires me? People. I love people's stories. I love that everyone is created uniquely. I love that everyone has potential whether they choose to fulfill it our not. It is like having a bank account that is FULL of money that is yours to spend (wouldn't that be nice, huh?) But really, that is how I see people....human potential is a free commodity and endless in possibilities. Erwin McManus in a podcast called Focus, said a few weeks ago, "What would you fail at over and over again because it was your dream and you believe in it that much." I actually started crying as I heard that because I thought..."I have no dreams, I have no vision for my life, what am I doing with my life, I have nothing I will fail at over and over again." I was crying to Sam that night about how I have no dream for my life and I have never been in this spot before. And in typical amazing patient Sam way he reminded me I did have vision and there are things that I dream about. I nodded yes to him, but inside I think I still wondered. But the reality is for me that the thing I would fail at over and over again is people. I would rather believe in someone and call out their unique greatness and have them absolutely fail 100 times over, then to have never believed in them because they seemed like they might not succeed. I am a hopeless optimist when it comes to people. I looked up the definition of inspire today (which as close as I get to research--looking up a single definition) and was surprised at the actual definition:
"Fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative."
I felt like I found my life statement all of a sudden...who knew in an Apple widget it was hiding? The irony is that the more you are with people the more they actually inspire you and the more you want to see other people inspired. It is this beautiful human potential Catch 22. Every person is creative....I believe we were made by a Creator, so while we are all not artsy, we are creative....how can we not be? It's in our DNA. Sometimes the creativity comes out on Global levels in jobs that make no sense to me, sometimes it comes out in your home with the way you organize your family and decorate your home, sometimes it is artsy, like my talented boyfriend with his photography. Each person holds this creativity that makes me so curious to see it come out and affect the world...
Funny I got up early and walked with my sweet sweet friend Abby and we talked about life and family and holidays and as she was trying to still wake up she asked do you really love mornings this much? And I said yeah I do, I love accomplishing so much by only 9AM. Who would have thought that I would be so reminded of what I love and what inspires me....a little brisk/cold morning walk, politics, an old friend, and a widget the combination today for inspiration.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thanksgiving FUN
Thanksgiving is always fun when you can hang out with friends....
(me and Cindy)
(Stacie, Amy and Me)
Celebrate a CUTE Two Year Old's BDAY
(Claira's 2nd Bday...she is pushing Madeleine around in her new stroller she loved!)
(Madeleine with the dolly my mom gave her since it was Claira's bday and she didn't want her to be left out)
Have fun in the kitchen
Play Games
See a FUNNY Movie that makes you laugh from start to finish
GO SEE "Four Christmases" IT IS LAUGH OUT LOUD FUNNY!!!
Old Friends, New Friends, Family, YUMMY Food and Memories being made!
And laughing A LOT!!!
(me and Cindy)
(Stacie, Amy and Me)
Celebrate a CUTE Two Year Old's BDAY
(Claira's 2nd Bday...she is pushing Madeleine around in her new stroller she loved!)
(Madeleine with the dolly my mom gave her since it was Claira's bday and she didn't want her to be left out)
Have fun in the kitchen
Play Games
See a FUNNY Movie that makes you laugh from start to finish
GO SEE "Four Christmases" IT IS LAUGH OUT LOUD FUNNY!!!
Old Friends, New Friends, Family, YUMMY Food and Memories being made!
And laughing A LOT!!!
How good are...
LEFT OVER THANKSGIVING TURKEY SANDWICHES?
Really?! I love the thanksgiving meal and all the yummy things that come out, but man is the day after thanksgiving food so yummy! Have you ever seen that Friends episode where Ross LOVES Monica's yummy turkey the day after thanksgiving on a perfect sandwich he makes? He loses his job over it...that is how I would be for sure! And yes I did just make a reference to Friends in my blog like they were real people. And in a few seasons of life they did feel like real people...they were my friends who I escaped life with and laughed for 30 minutes. Some call it crazy, some call it healthy coping mechanisms...I am going to go with healthy coping mechanisms.
Really?! I love the thanksgiving meal and all the yummy things that come out, but man is the day after thanksgiving food so yummy! Have you ever seen that Friends episode where Ross LOVES Monica's yummy turkey the day after thanksgiving on a perfect sandwich he makes? He loses his job over it...that is how I would be for sure! And yes I did just make a reference to Friends in my blog like they were real people. And in a few seasons of life they did feel like real people...they were my friends who I escaped life with and laughed for 30 minutes. Some call it crazy, some call it healthy coping mechanisms...I am going to go with healthy coping mechanisms.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Little Things To Be Thankful For...
So my intention all week has been to post a "What I am Thankful for" Blog...seeing it is Thanksgiving tomorrow. It has not happened all week! I have tons to be thankful for like my wonderful boyfriend, Sam, my cutest 6 year old roommate Raya, my family that ALWAYS supports me in ever 'free-spirit' move I make, Sea Jay...living with my best friend's family--"mooching" off them as Banning so lovingly refers to it as :) Lakey--enough said. Elli's grown upness that I can't get over. Aims and her girls...they make my smile more times than she even knows. Danielle...what can I even say--she has laughed like crazy with me, let me be crazy, let me watch her CUTE AZ kids--just been my "hang out do nothing" buddy that I have missed the last few years. Working at a place that reminds me to trust and believe in bigger things that are currently in my life. My roommate from college who just seems to check in at the right moments. Ker, who brings a smile to my face because we talk on our voicemail like the other person is really on the other end :) Niki...5:45 comes early every day but so FUN to have her to work out with...catching up with old friends in Redding. Missing my friend in LA terribly, but loving video chat to see Zane and Audrey be CRAZY! Amy's early morning, perfectly timed phone calls and her 'big sister' way just always having the right thing to say. My friends in NZ...really where do I even start when I think back on this year and begin to be thankful....my sis...Mich what would I have done without you, Ali and Unc Nev--really could they have lived without this American girl? :) I know I couldn't lived without them. The Lines...enough said in my book :) My Mosaic friends that ALWAYS made me smile and a family that just took such good care of me.
See I have tons to be thankful for! I just haven't had time to sit down and write out ALL the things I wanted to say. But one of the best things about my week was a "little thing." Trying to save money and all is not always easy, but my mom has taught me so well...do not spend what you don't have, give a portion to god and to your savings then spend, always give cheerfully, ALWAYS do for others...all those things are a part of who I am. This week though I cleaned house unexpectedly so it was goint to my bills, but I really wanted to get my eyebrows done. I asked around and the prices were SO much more than LA and I just couldn't justify it when I was needing to pay bills...There is a difference between a need and a want (my mom, too). So my friend Trisha said one of her students in the school where she works, has her beauty license and used to work in NY and does it on the side while she is going to school. And she is ONLYL $10!!!! So I called her, a little nervous...it is my face and all. She was AMAZING!!! I had such a good time chatting with her and she did such a good job and did all the extras you pay for at a salon but was reasonable. If you live in Redding seriously call me or email me and I will give you her number. She is SO fantastic!
Okay so there are so many things to be thankful for...one of which is my job I have to get to...Yikes I am might be a little late today....I love Holiday Weeks!
See I have tons to be thankful for! I just haven't had time to sit down and write out ALL the things I wanted to say. But one of the best things about my week was a "little thing." Trying to save money and all is not always easy, but my mom has taught me so well...do not spend what you don't have, give a portion to god and to your savings then spend, always give cheerfully, ALWAYS do for others...all those things are a part of who I am. This week though I cleaned house unexpectedly so it was goint to my bills, but I really wanted to get my eyebrows done. I asked around and the prices were SO much more than LA and I just couldn't justify it when I was needing to pay bills...There is a difference between a need and a want (my mom, too). So my friend Trisha said one of her students in the school where she works, has her beauty license and used to work in NY and does it on the side while she is going to school. And she is ONLYL $10!!!! So I called her, a little nervous...it is my face and all. She was AMAZING!!! I had such a good time chatting with her and she did such a good job and did all the extras you pay for at a salon but was reasonable. If you live in Redding seriously call me or email me and I will give you her number. She is SO fantastic!
Okay so there are so many things to be thankful for...one of which is my job I have to get to...Yikes I am might be a little late today....I love Holiday Weeks!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Airhead Moment of the Week
So a few years back my roommate from college said to me one Thanksgiving after telling her a couple of air head moments I had just had, "you know Dana I don't think it is that you have air head moments. I think you have have always been like that, and you are now just more okay with who you are." Which then just made me laugh harder at myself....
Well, today I had a classic Dana Air Head Moment. I was at my Bagel Shop that I love!! Manhattan Bagel. I have gone to Manhattan for over 8 years now. I started going when I moved back to Redding in 2000. I met with students I worked with for over 3 years. I met with friends there every Friday for over a year. I was there easily 3 to 4 times a week. When I left Redding to move to L.A. the owner gave me a free dozen bagels and said one of the sweetest compliments I have ever received. Since I moved back to Redding two months ago I have been there EVERY day...truthfully it is the routine, the knowing that I can get the same thing every day and see smiling faces that "know" me. Well, at least they know what bagel I like and how I like it. But seriously I have been there A LOT...maybe missed two days since I have moved back...maybe??
Today I was waiting for my bagel as my favorite bagel girl, Jennifer made my bagel. I was staring at the menu on the wall just thinking about which ones sounded good, which ones I might pick if I was getting a salad or a sandwich. And I really thought that the "Bronx" one sounded yummy, as well as the Central Park Salad. I though it was weird that there was an Empire State Sandwich, too. "Weird," I thought, "they all have New York names...."
Yep...then it hit me! Oh my gosh I really just thought that thought and for 8 years have not realized that they have NY names and it is because it is called Manhattan bagel (which, for my Kiwi friends, is also home of the BAGEL). So I giggled all the way out and called my friend Amy, who immediately started laughing. I laughed all the way to work and then made Sam call me so I could tell him the story. I sometimes amaze myself that I actually think things like that. I am not making it up, those types of things are really in my head.
Hopefully my air head moment made you at least smile today...
Well, today I had a classic Dana Air Head Moment. I was at my Bagel Shop that I love!! Manhattan Bagel. I have gone to Manhattan for over 8 years now. I started going when I moved back to Redding in 2000. I met with students I worked with for over 3 years. I met with friends there every Friday for over a year. I was there easily 3 to 4 times a week. When I left Redding to move to L.A. the owner gave me a free dozen bagels and said one of the sweetest compliments I have ever received. Since I moved back to Redding two months ago I have been there EVERY day...truthfully it is the routine, the knowing that I can get the same thing every day and see smiling faces that "know" me. Well, at least they know what bagel I like and how I like it. But seriously I have been there A LOT...maybe missed two days since I have moved back...maybe??
Today I was waiting for my bagel as my favorite bagel girl, Jennifer made my bagel. I was staring at the menu on the wall just thinking about which ones sounded good, which ones I might pick if I was getting a salad or a sandwich. And I really thought that the "Bronx" one sounded yummy, as well as the Central Park Salad. I though it was weird that there was an Empire State Sandwich, too. "Weird," I thought, "they all have New York names...."
Yep...then it hit me! Oh my gosh I really just thought that thought and for 8 years have not realized that they have NY names and it is because it is called Manhattan bagel (which, for my Kiwi friends, is also home of the BAGEL). So I giggled all the way out and called my friend Amy, who immediately started laughing. I laughed all the way to work and then made Sam call me so I could tell him the story. I sometimes amaze myself that I actually think things like that. I am not making it up, those types of things are really in my head.
Hopefully my air head moment made you at least smile today...
Monday, November 17, 2008
Gifts in a Unexpected Package
I was reminded today that sometimes gifts are in the most oddest of places. Like finding a $20 bill in a sketchy parking lot in LA or finding a gift card in the back of a drawer and finding it when you are looking for a bill that you realized you forgot to pay. (come on you know you have all had weird moments like that....they make you smile and feel like you just won the lottery)
Today I went to clean house (one of my side jobs I have currently). On my way there I was already complaining that I wish I was finished and I hadn't even started. I turned on my iPod and listened to this story of a man that had walked through a pretty intense cancer. In the midst of his cancer he learned some things he never thought or imagined he would or could know about himself and God and goodness. He shared how each day there seemed to be a gift in it, but that didn't mean he liked his cancer process. He challenged the listener to have an honest conversation with God, whether you believed in Him or not, and ask God to show you the little gifts He gives. He didn't assume the listener had a relationship with God or assume that they would do what he said simply because he had cancer. It was much more subtle and humble than that.
He, in fact, just told his story which in a weird way left you wanting something else....as if he put salt on your tongue and made you thirsty for more. As I listened to it tears streamed down my face. It had to be a funny sight, me in my work out clothes after a morning jog, cleaning in this obscure house in Redding, with my iPod on and tears streaming down my face as I sprayed windex on window after window. And in that quiet moment I realized something: this was my gift. I dreaded cleaning house, but when you are in need of money you are faithful with what is put in front of you. But in that moment it was not just a means to pay bills, it was a instance that I just wonder if God constructed. Not only does the family pay me WAY MORE than they should, but it created a couple hours of quiet for me to sort through some pretty big stuff going on in my life. And I left the place I dreaded, with a sense of renewed strength and security in who I was, a calmness, a love that wasn't there before and experiencing the goodness of the God of the universe.
Processing life and relationships while in transition is tough...but my wonderful boyfriend reminded me this week in a moment when my character was lacking a bit, that friendship and relationships take work. There are different seasons in a friendship and sometimes we have to give more than we take and some times we have to see beyond the moment and see our friend underneath the current situation they are in. He is an amazingly gracious man that teaches me so much about, not only seeing people's uniqueness, but realizing that there is always more to a story and because of that we need to give people the benefit of the doubt. I am pretty lucky to have a man like him...again sometimes the best gifts come in unexpected packages....a house cleaning job and even a trip to Fiji that might have changed my life forever.
Today I went to clean house (one of my side jobs I have currently). On my way there I was already complaining that I wish I was finished and I hadn't even started. I turned on my iPod and listened to this story of a man that had walked through a pretty intense cancer. In the midst of his cancer he learned some things he never thought or imagined he would or could know about himself and God and goodness. He shared how each day there seemed to be a gift in it, but that didn't mean he liked his cancer process. He challenged the listener to have an honest conversation with God, whether you believed in Him or not, and ask God to show you the little gifts He gives. He didn't assume the listener had a relationship with God or assume that they would do what he said simply because he had cancer. It was much more subtle and humble than that.
He, in fact, just told his story which in a weird way left you wanting something else....as if he put salt on your tongue and made you thirsty for more. As I listened to it tears streamed down my face. It had to be a funny sight, me in my work out clothes after a morning jog, cleaning in this obscure house in Redding, with my iPod on and tears streaming down my face as I sprayed windex on window after window. And in that quiet moment I realized something: this was my gift. I dreaded cleaning house, but when you are in need of money you are faithful with what is put in front of you. But in that moment it was not just a means to pay bills, it was a instance that I just wonder if God constructed. Not only does the family pay me WAY MORE than they should, but it created a couple hours of quiet for me to sort through some pretty big stuff going on in my life. And I left the place I dreaded, with a sense of renewed strength and security in who I was, a calmness, a love that wasn't there before and experiencing the goodness of the God of the universe.
Processing life and relationships while in transition is tough...but my wonderful boyfriend reminded me this week in a moment when my character was lacking a bit, that friendship and relationships take work. There are different seasons in a friendship and sometimes we have to give more than we take and some times we have to see beyond the moment and see our friend underneath the current situation they are in. He is an amazingly gracious man that teaches me so much about, not only seeing people's uniqueness, but realizing that there is always more to a story and because of that we need to give people the benefit of the doubt. I am pretty lucky to have a man like him...again sometimes the best gifts come in unexpected packages....a house cleaning job and even a trip to Fiji that might have changed my life forever.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Room Rules
So this is how my roommate woke me up this morning:
Raya (aka Roommate): Dana here our the room rules....
Me: What? (with my eyes still shut)
Raya: Mommy and Daddy got me this note pad that LOCKS! So I wrote down our room rules. Wanna hear them?
Me: Sure...(still with my eyes shut)
Raya: No being mean, no crushing other people's cell phones on purpose, no cats in our room, no wetting the bed on purpose--on accident is on accident so that is okay, and no open mouth kissing...
Me: What?! (now with eyes open)
Raya: yeah, dana no open mouth kissing.
Me: Okay...good thing my boyfriend is in another hemisphere....
Raya: yeah, anyway here are the rest of the rules....
Me: smiling and said in my head...."I love my life, i bet no one else was woken up in this cute way"
Raya showing me her cute new locking notebook
Raya (aka Roommate): Dana here our the room rules....
Me: What? (with my eyes still shut)
Raya: Mommy and Daddy got me this note pad that LOCKS! So I wrote down our room rules. Wanna hear them?
Me: Sure...(still with my eyes shut)
Raya: No being mean, no crushing other people's cell phones on purpose, no cats in our room, no wetting the bed on purpose--on accident is on accident so that is okay, and no open mouth kissing...
Me: What?! (now with eyes open)
Raya: yeah, dana no open mouth kissing.
Me: Okay...good thing my boyfriend is in another hemisphere....
Raya: yeah, anyway here are the rest of the rules....
Me: smiling and said in my head...."I love my life, i bet no one else was woken up in this cute way"
Raya showing me her cute new locking notebook
Friday, November 7, 2008
Rediscove(RED) Love of Winter
I know, I know....if you follow my blog at all you know that love and winter NEVER go in the same sentence. And this week I wore a wool shirt three days...I was not very happy about this. While thankful for my New Zealand Moreno wool I was sporting this week, I was bemoaning the fact in my head all day that I hate winter. I am so sad that it is coming, I was having flashbacks of how cold I was for the last few months in New Zealand (well, minus those 10 glorious warm days in Fiji...AH Fiji a few good things came out of that trip that make me smile, not just the memories of the warm sunshine). Pretty much I was whining and complaining to my self with a very unhopeful attitude.
I know, really, I live in a warm bed, in a beautiful house with my friends, I have moreno wool, I have lots of Jackets--thank you Sally Lines!--and I have heat indoors (YAY FOR AMERICAN CENTRAL HEATING!!!) Nevertheless, I was whining up a storm. Then it happened. I was sitting in the Bagel shop waiting for a friend that was running a few minutes late. It was as if time stopped for a second and heavenly music started playing when I saw it. I smiled, I got excited and my eyes lit up. The Red Cup.
I know, I know....I hear what you might be thinking, "it's a cup. it's Starbucks, I mean it's no Slow Fish, c'mon. It's a marketing scheme. you don't even like coffee." Yes, yes those are all true. But it's the red cup. I don't know what happens to me when I see the pretty little cup with white snow flakes on it. It makes me excited for Christmas, and Christmas music, and Christmas lights, and it reminds me of all the good talks I have at the time of year when people are holding those red cups. It makes me feel nostalgic and we all know when we are nostalgic we are remembering only the good parts and moments of the past, so it is such a nice feeling. I like good, I like nice...I need more of that in my life. Starbucks are marketing genius'. Second only, of course to Apple (seriously why do I feel like I NEED the latest Apple product that is out...I am not even techy, I mean I am an IT assistant, but come on! It is the shiny new, cool factor that those marketers at Apple have going for them...but I digress)
Anyway, the Red Cup just got 100 times better this year....I know, did you even think it was possible? Starbucks just upped their game and I have to say, "Nice play Starbucks, Nice Play." They joined with Bono (honestly, enough said I can end the blog now, but I will continue for sake of clousre) and his Product Red.
"Each time you buy a (RED) product or service, at no extra cost to you, the company who makes the product will give up to 50 percent of its profit to buy and distribute antiretroviral medicine to our brothers and sisters dying in Africa."
I love Bono's Product Red Campaign....brilliance I tell you, shere brilliance. To make Americans aware of the many crisis' in Africa and giving them a way to do something good with their spending (well...the economic crisis probably doesn't help, but again the genius of Starbucks and Bono to join forces in this time. People are addicted, pure and simple to Starbucks. And people like me melt at the Red Cup and at Product Red...Brilliance....Genius...I wish I thought of that idea....)
So needless to say, I rediscove(RED) why I don't totally hate winter. I am still not happy about the fact that I was in a wool shirt for 3 days and this is the beginning of my winter, but I am not going to lie...the RED cup helps and I have a feeling this little wanna be activist will buy more Red cups this year than she ever has. The irony: I DO LOVE the red cups, but really.....I don't like coffee so I more like the experience that comes with the Red cup and the nostalgia surrounding it...I know I am a hopeless romantic at the end of the day for sure....
Go buy the RED cup and don't feel guilty this year....50% of your yummy drink goes to help people in Africa...pretty sweet deal if you ask me...
I know, really, I live in a warm bed, in a beautiful house with my friends, I have moreno wool, I have lots of Jackets--thank you Sally Lines!--and I have heat indoors (YAY FOR AMERICAN CENTRAL HEATING!!!) Nevertheless, I was whining up a storm. Then it happened. I was sitting in the Bagel shop waiting for a friend that was running a few minutes late. It was as if time stopped for a second and heavenly music started playing when I saw it. I smiled, I got excited and my eyes lit up. The Red Cup.
I know, I know....I hear what you might be thinking, "it's a cup. it's Starbucks, I mean it's no Slow Fish, c'mon. It's a marketing scheme. you don't even like coffee." Yes, yes those are all true. But it's the red cup. I don't know what happens to me when I see the pretty little cup with white snow flakes on it. It makes me excited for Christmas, and Christmas music, and Christmas lights, and it reminds me of all the good talks I have at the time of year when people are holding those red cups. It makes me feel nostalgic and we all know when we are nostalgic we are remembering only the good parts and moments of the past, so it is such a nice feeling. I like good, I like nice...I need more of that in my life. Starbucks are marketing genius'. Second only, of course to Apple (seriously why do I feel like I NEED the latest Apple product that is out...I am not even techy, I mean I am an IT assistant, but come on! It is the shiny new, cool factor that those marketers at Apple have going for them...but I digress)
Anyway, the Red Cup just got 100 times better this year....I know, did you even think it was possible? Starbucks just upped their game and I have to say, "Nice play Starbucks, Nice Play." They joined with Bono (honestly, enough said I can end the blog now, but I will continue for sake of clousre) and his Product Red.
"Each time you buy a (RED) product or service, at no extra cost to you, the company who makes the product will give up to 50 percent of its profit to buy and distribute antiretroviral medicine to our brothers and sisters dying in Africa."
I love Bono's Product Red Campaign....brilliance I tell you, shere brilliance. To make Americans aware of the many crisis' in Africa and giving them a way to do something good with their spending (well...the economic crisis probably doesn't help, but again the genius of Starbucks and Bono to join forces in this time. People are addicted, pure and simple to Starbucks. And people like me melt at the Red Cup and at Product Red...Brilliance....Genius...I wish I thought of that idea....)
So needless to say, I rediscove(RED) why I don't totally hate winter. I am still not happy about the fact that I was in a wool shirt for 3 days and this is the beginning of my winter, but I am not going to lie...the RED cup helps and I have a feeling this little wanna be activist will buy more Red cups this year than she ever has. The irony: I DO LOVE the red cups, but really.....I don't like coffee so I more like the experience that comes with the Red cup and the nostalgia surrounding it...I know I am a hopeless romantic at the end of the day for sure....
Go buy the RED cup and don't feel guilty this year....50% of your yummy drink goes to help people in Africa...pretty sweet deal if you ask me...
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
I love getting the sticker
So...my favorite part of voting is getting the sticker when you are done. I love it! I love the feeling of accomplishment. It is like that little sticker says "Well Done You Did Your Part." Funny that I love verbal affirmation so much I make it up...do stickers really talk to you :) I know I have issues.... But it makes me smile and makes me feel proud to wear it all day. I have been to many countries where the people's vote isn't even taken, and it is not a right for them to vote. I love that I live in a country that it is a right, and for me what that does is remind me to vote on election day but to remember and take action for people around the world that aren't fighting for their life to cast a vote. I walked up, gave them my name, the sweet lady behind the table smiled, the next sweet lady gave me my ballot, I drew ONE line (very big deal here...one line one vote), and I handed in my ballot and got the ever coveted sticker. No guns, no people yelling at me, no unrest. It reminds me how lucky we are, but that it isn't for me to just keep to myself. I now am responsible on a world level to interact and learn what others around the world are going through. I just love the whole voting process....
Just to make you laugh a little....This is how crazy I am. I was sad that the only sticker I found on line was NOT the sticker I was wearing :( But at least you can see a sticker....
HAPPY VOTING
Monday, November 3, 2008
Dress Up
Sometimes we play dress up for Halloween....
Judah--Danielle and Derrick's boy being a Black Widow Spider
Zoe--Danielle and Derrick's little girl--as the cutest crayon in the box...
Sometimes we come home from work and see little ones playing dress up just because the can....
(Raya in my boots, Sea Jay's scarf, and in her PJ's....gotta love how coming home from work is always a surprise!)
Then she posed...
Judah--Danielle and Derrick's boy being a Black Widow Spider
Zoe--Danielle and Derrick's little girl--as the cutest crayon in the box...
Sometimes we come home from work and see little ones playing dress up just because the can....
(Raya in my boots, Sea Jay's scarf, and in her PJ's....gotta love how coming home from work is always a surprise!)
Then she posed...
Friday, October 31, 2008
A Girl That Loves A Plan & A Challenge
Amy: What are you doing after work?
Me: I am going to dinner with someone, but I told them 6. I want to try and see if I can race home from work, get a run in and be ready to go to dinner by 6.
Amy: Laughs...
Me: I know I have issues....
Yeah, I guess I need a challenge and need to be conquering things in life right now. Yesterday at work I asked my boss if he had more work for me. He looked at me a bit perplexed because I had a couple huge projects on my desk I was working on. I guess I just work better with lots of things on my plate and lots to accomplish. I need to know if I am waiting on other people to answer I have something I can be doing. I love multi tasking and don't really like being bored...can you tell?
I need to make up little challenges in my life to conquer if there is nothing big going on in my life. Which is ironic, since in this season of life right now there is A LOT going on. I have no idea what is next in my life and for a planner that is a bit of predicament. I was talking to my other friend Amy this week and said, "If it happens (something I was a little nervous about) I will be sad, but I will be okay. I will eat tons of ice cream for sure, but I will be okay." She just started laughing. And my non planner friend said with a smile in her voice, "I love that you have a plan for something that hasn't happened and you actually don't think is going to happen. You're such a planner."
This season of my life is unpredictable and full of unknowns. I am actually living more in the moment and enjoying it more than I ever have in my life. But every once in awhile the girl that loves a plan and a challenge sneaks out, wishing she had a pad of paper full of plans, lists and adventures.
Me: I am going to dinner with someone, but I told them 6. I want to try and see if I can race home from work, get a run in and be ready to go to dinner by 6.
Amy: Laughs...
Me: I know I have issues....
Yeah, I guess I need a challenge and need to be conquering things in life right now. Yesterday at work I asked my boss if he had more work for me. He looked at me a bit perplexed because I had a couple huge projects on my desk I was working on. I guess I just work better with lots of things on my plate and lots to accomplish. I need to know if I am waiting on other people to answer I have something I can be doing. I love multi tasking and don't really like being bored...can you tell?
I need to make up little challenges in my life to conquer if there is nothing big going on in my life. Which is ironic, since in this season of life right now there is A LOT going on. I have no idea what is next in my life and for a planner that is a bit of predicament. I was talking to my other friend Amy this week and said, "If it happens (something I was a little nervous about) I will be sad, but I will be okay. I will eat tons of ice cream for sure, but I will be okay." She just started laughing. And my non planner friend said with a smile in her voice, "I love that you have a plan for something that hasn't happened and you actually don't think is going to happen. You're such a planner."
This season of my life is unpredictable and full of unknowns. I am actually living more in the moment and enjoying it more than I ever have in my life. But every once in awhile the girl that loves a plan and a challenge sneaks out, wishing she had a pad of paper full of plans, lists and adventures.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Muay Thai--OUCH!
Are you wondering what that is a picture of? A picture of my shins after one Muay Thai class at Axis Gym here in Redding. Do you see my lower right shin??? OUCH & YIKES is all I have to say. My friend Carlos and Sara started Axis and run the gym. It is VERY cool and I just had an incredible work out. But...my legs are killing me!! I wish that my pictures did justice to what it really looks like, but I am not quite the photographer my boyfriend is....
Here are a few more pictures:
It was definitely worth the pain because I had so much fun and feel great....I just wish my shins were not throbbing :) If you live in Redding you should MOST DEFINITELY try this gym out.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
SNL's Still Got It
Saturday Night Live, every once in awhile makes me laugh out loud still.
Regardless of what you think about November 4th....this is pretty funny and made me laugh out loud! I love that I live in a country where this is legal...
Pretty impressive work SNL
Regardless of what you think about November 4th....this is pretty funny and made me laugh out loud! I love that I live in a country where this is legal...
Pretty impressive work SNL
New Job--Same Love
I realized once again I LOVE NEW and get scared of it. I need change and cry through it. I thrive in a challenge and hate it, wanting to quit. I absolutely love being in a new environment with tons of people to meet and wonder how long until you will be passed the beginning part of new friendships wishing you were already a few months into it with people. I love a new desk/cubicle because you get to decorate them and hate thinking of working at a desk...
I think that for me that sums up my life. I love and hate things all in one breath. I am constantly full of emotion and often times they are opposing emotions. That is life though. I wish that life was always just positive and fun. I am, at the core of my being an idealist. The reality is that life isn't always positive and fun. My mom is an amazing realist. She is able to see a situation and catch the logic and reality in seconds. I am not wired like that at all, but I need people like that in my life to help me. The world isn't perfect and life isn't always the way we hope it is in our idealistic mind....when I say "our" I mean mine :)
This week I started a new job and always seem to reflect a bit in those situations. I love NEW like I said and LOVE change, though it makes me cry and overwhelms me, but I still need it in my life. It makes me reflect because I watch just how excited I get to be in a new environment while at the same time I am full of what seem to be new ideas, new reflections, new loves in my life...but really is just a new job--same loves.
I went to work three days this week and was so reminded of the things I love in life and the reality that I need to work but I LOVE to work for someone that sees people as the worlds highest commodity and priority. I am working as a personal assistant for an IT director (aka smart computer guy) that does an unbelievable amount of jobs--half of which I don't even understand. But one of the things that helped me realize that this was going to be a good fit was what he said in our first meeting. "The computer needs to disappear so people can encounter people and God." You see, he works at a fairly large church and is currently working on a massive project to allow people to experience a live moment and encounter what is happening in a very tangible way. His heart is for people all over the world to experience God and be able to encounter God and allow them to have their own moments with God regardless of if they ever step foot in a church.
I can't say I quite get the process...well who am I kidding I don't get it at all. But this I know, I love working for people that view humanity as the most important thing in our world. He is brilliant at computers and, well quite frankly I don't even know what else to call it...that is how IT I am :) But to watch all the small components to see a live video pop on my computer is phenomenal and a little mind blowing just how much background and unseen stuff has to take place.
This form of media is important because our world is seeing life and humanity and world issues over a computer now. I don't get how it all works and I don't ever fully think I will, but I want to be in the center of world experiences. And I want to be able to connect with different parts of humanity and what they are struggling through. My boyfriend sent me this link to this documentary trailer...this is why I love technology and that there are brilliant people in this world that understand computers and the movie industry and have a heart for the world. Why? Because people like you and me can see things like this and remember how big our world is and see how we can be a part of changing the world...
http://www.apple.com/trailers/independent/praythedevilbacktohell/
Go to the link...you won't be disappointed. This is the kind of stuff I want to be about in my life. As I work and live in Redding I feel like in a small way I am a part of things like this. I work for a place that loves people. I work for people that want humanity to know that there is a God that truly loves them. I work in an environment, that wants to alleviate human suffering. As I sit at my cute desk, in my newly decorated cubicle I can't help but to get excited about my new job, and about how much I love being part of the big picture of our world. One day I will be out writing for places that need a voice and people that need to be seen and remembered, but for now I will work on my skills and enjoy serving people that are making it possible to see things like live videos where people can encounter God and be challenged on their world view and their response to the suffering in our world...no matter where they are in the world. Funny who would have thought when I was 10 in my MATS class at school learning how to use these cool new things--brand new Apple computers with the funny green screens, that these would be the things that bring awareness to what our friends are going through in Africa, Asia, South America...
Here is my little spot that I get to change the world in one email at a time....
Here is what I get to look at as I type those emails all day long...
I think that for me that sums up my life. I love and hate things all in one breath. I am constantly full of emotion and often times they are opposing emotions. That is life though. I wish that life was always just positive and fun. I am, at the core of my being an idealist. The reality is that life isn't always positive and fun. My mom is an amazing realist. She is able to see a situation and catch the logic and reality in seconds. I am not wired like that at all, but I need people like that in my life to help me. The world isn't perfect and life isn't always the way we hope it is in our idealistic mind....when I say "our" I mean mine :)
This week I started a new job and always seem to reflect a bit in those situations. I love NEW like I said and LOVE change, though it makes me cry and overwhelms me, but I still need it in my life. It makes me reflect because I watch just how excited I get to be in a new environment while at the same time I am full of what seem to be new ideas, new reflections, new loves in my life...but really is just a new job--same loves.
I went to work three days this week and was so reminded of the things I love in life and the reality that I need to work but I LOVE to work for someone that sees people as the worlds highest commodity and priority. I am working as a personal assistant for an IT director (aka smart computer guy) that does an unbelievable amount of jobs--half of which I don't even understand. But one of the things that helped me realize that this was going to be a good fit was what he said in our first meeting. "The computer needs to disappear so people can encounter people and God." You see, he works at a fairly large church and is currently working on a massive project to allow people to experience a live moment and encounter what is happening in a very tangible way. His heart is for people all over the world to experience God and be able to encounter God and allow them to have their own moments with God regardless of if they ever step foot in a church.
I can't say I quite get the process...well who am I kidding I don't get it at all. But this I know, I love working for people that view humanity as the most important thing in our world. He is brilliant at computers and, well quite frankly I don't even know what else to call it...that is how IT I am :) But to watch all the small components to see a live video pop on my computer is phenomenal and a little mind blowing just how much background and unseen stuff has to take place.
This form of media is important because our world is seeing life and humanity and world issues over a computer now. I don't get how it all works and I don't ever fully think I will, but I want to be in the center of world experiences. And I want to be able to connect with different parts of humanity and what they are struggling through. My boyfriend sent me this link to this documentary trailer...this is why I love technology and that there are brilliant people in this world that understand computers and the movie industry and have a heart for the world. Why? Because people like you and me can see things like this and remember how big our world is and see how we can be a part of changing the world...
http://www.apple.com/trailers/independent/praythedevilbacktohell/
Go to the link...you won't be disappointed. This is the kind of stuff I want to be about in my life. As I work and live in Redding I feel like in a small way I am a part of things like this. I work for a place that loves people. I work for people that want humanity to know that there is a God that truly loves them. I work in an environment, that wants to alleviate human suffering. As I sit at my cute desk, in my newly decorated cubicle I can't help but to get excited about my new job, and about how much I love being part of the big picture of our world. One day I will be out writing for places that need a voice and people that need to be seen and remembered, but for now I will work on my skills and enjoy serving people that are making it possible to see things like live videos where people can encounter God and be challenged on their world view and their response to the suffering in our world...no matter where they are in the world. Funny who would have thought when I was 10 in my MATS class at school learning how to use these cool new things--brand new Apple computers with the funny green screens, that these would be the things that bring awareness to what our friends are going through in Africa, Asia, South America...
Here is my little spot that I get to change the world in one email at a time....
Here is what I get to look at as I type those emails all day long...
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Delayed Gratification
Lakey makes me laugh all the time...so I thought I would give you some life lessons from Lakey. But first let me tell you my favorite Lakey story of the moment....
I was waiting for Sam to call me one night while me and Lakey were hanging out together. I said to him where is my boyfriend Lakey? And he looked over at me and in his cute little Lakey voice he said, "I wight heewre dana." I laughed out loud and said, "Are you my boyfriend Lakey?" He looked at me with perplexed confusion, and says, "Wes I am!" Man he makes me smile....
Lake actually taught me something last night as he got ready for bed. Sea Jay is breaking the Binkie this week...torture for poor Lakey. The rule is only in bed. This kills Lake sometimes, but Sea always tell Lakey....you can have it at night when you go to bed. So he waits all day for his binkie. But he works really hard at waiting and knows he gets the reward in the end. He began begging me for his binkie last night and I had to tell him he could have it if he wanted to go to bed. He cried, but decided to hold out and wait for bed. It made me laugh that he knew that pitching a fit wasn't going to get him his binkie....he just had to make it until bed time and he can have his longed for binkie. He was finally ready for bed, so he jumped in my arms as I took him to his room, holding his binkies like they were gold. On the way up the stairs I was apparently taking too long and he said to me, 'Dana you bewter huwwry." I look over at his sweet face and he has the binkie by his mouth but not IN his mouth, and he gave me the cheekiest little grin and like all males...laughed really hard at himself because he saw me laugh at him. I had to laugh at myself as I realized he was being so patient, but had finally had his limit.
I finally got him to his bed and he got his binkies and was SO happy. As I kissed him goodnight and saw him in pure bliss with his little binkies, I thought to myself...how often do I get to enjoy delayed gratification? Not much these days. I forgot how good it is to save for something, or wait for something. I HATE waiting. I am actually pretty bad at....but to watch Lakey's face of pure delight after waiting all day for something, reminded me that there is something to patiently waiting.
Maybe Lakey can remind me of some pretty important lessons in this season as I wait for some pretty important things....funny how much you can learn from a 3 year old.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Celebration Weekend!
My school's alumni weekend is always called Celebration Weekend and this year we started off the weekend by celebrating our friend Stacie and Forest's adoption paperwork finally being completed! We met for dinner and had balloons (an It's a Boy and It's a Girl balloon because we don't know what they will have..) A parenting magazine, flowers and a card to tell them how excited we are for them! 3-7 months we will have a new little one from Ethiopia!!!!
We had SO much fun this weekend! But seriously when did we get so old? At one point it was 10:30 and we were all exhausted and then at another point we were talking about our gray hair! What the heck?! Then as we walked through our School reliving the memories we became "those alumni" We were talking about how pretty the campus was, and how great the trees looked and how nice the buildings were and how "none of this was there when we were there." REALLY?! Was that us? YEP it was! And you know what it was awesome to be "those alumni."
(Hangin' out at Chipotle on Friday night)
(alumni lunch)
Then the best part of the entire weekend happened....FIREWORKS!!!! I was SOOOO gutted in NZ on the 4th of July because I LOVE the 4th in Redding and LOVE (I MEAN LOVE) the fireworks in Redding. Well, to my joy and everyone's irritation in Redding, the firework show was cancelled because of the fires....hehehe I was secretly so happy to not miss it! This weekend the town of Redding decided to give me the best "welcome back to the States" gift ever! They did the 4th Firework show on the 18th of Oct....who knew?!
The part I love is definitely the fireworks, but just as much I love everyone piling in the car, the anticipation as we drive down to watch, the chaos and energy on the field where we all hang out and have a picnic, the kids going crazy with glo sticks, the talks you have with friends while you wait and the silly pictures you take of the memories you are making! It was such a fun night! We laughed a lot, caught up with old friends, watched a GREAT firework show, then came back and made S'mores (for my NZ friends....it is a yummy graham crackers--sweet crackers like biscuits almost--with a melted marshmallow and a piece of chocolate in between the crackers...it is OUT OF THIS WORLD! It is called a S'more because you always want Some More....hence S'more...so clever aren't we as Americans!)
Me and My college roommate!
Me and Amy
Me and Derrick...haven't we grown up so much! Did we really grad 10 years ago?!
Sea and Danielle making Hot Chocolate...notice how clever Danielle is...she had a head lamp so she could see and use her hands...man my friends are smart!
Me and Sea
Me and my roommate Raya :)
Me and Sea and Danielle
S'mores!
We had SO much fun this weekend! But seriously when did we get so old? At one point it was 10:30 and we were all exhausted and then at another point we were talking about our gray hair! What the heck?! Then as we walked through our School reliving the memories we became "those alumni" We were talking about how pretty the campus was, and how great the trees looked and how nice the buildings were and how "none of this was there when we were there." REALLY?! Was that us? YEP it was! And you know what it was awesome to be "those alumni."
(Hangin' out at Chipotle on Friday night)
(alumni lunch)
Then the best part of the entire weekend happened....FIREWORKS!!!! I was SOOOO gutted in NZ on the 4th of July because I LOVE the 4th in Redding and LOVE (I MEAN LOVE) the fireworks in Redding. Well, to my joy and everyone's irritation in Redding, the firework show was cancelled because of the fires....hehehe I was secretly so happy to not miss it! This weekend the town of Redding decided to give me the best "welcome back to the States" gift ever! They did the 4th Firework show on the 18th of Oct....who knew?!
The part I love is definitely the fireworks, but just as much I love everyone piling in the car, the anticipation as we drive down to watch, the chaos and energy on the field where we all hang out and have a picnic, the kids going crazy with glo sticks, the talks you have with friends while you wait and the silly pictures you take of the memories you are making! It was such a fun night! We laughed a lot, caught up with old friends, watched a GREAT firework show, then came back and made S'mores (for my NZ friends....it is a yummy graham crackers--sweet crackers like biscuits almost--with a melted marshmallow and a piece of chocolate in between the crackers...it is OUT OF THIS WORLD! It is called a S'more because you always want Some More....hence S'more...so clever aren't we as Americans!)
Me and My college roommate!
Me and Amy
Me and Derrick...haven't we grown up so much! Did we really grad 10 years ago?!
Sea and Danielle making Hot Chocolate...notice how clever Danielle is...she had a head lamp so she could see and use her hands...man my friends are smart!
Me and Sea
Me and my roommate Raya :)
Me and Sea and Danielle
S'mores!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Genius Bar
Okay this is SO FUN!!!! If you haven't downloaded the latest version iTunes...do it now! I always hit "remind me later" because I just can't be bothered updating the latest version of things. For some reason last night I downloaded the new version of iTunes and to my surprise I actually noticed something new. Do you ever download new versions of stuff and wonder what the heck they changed?
Well Apple outdid themselves once again in my book. The album covers are so cool the way they are displayed now and the genius bar...seriously? SO COOL!
You pick a song that you like from you music...hit the "genius" icon and WAHLAH--a new playlist of songs that are similar to the one you picked from your music library. So fun! I was getting bored with my music but didn't want to buy a new CD...SORTED!
Apple is brilliant at making you...one: feel like you NEED something...and two: feel like you are a genius because you know how to do something that seems rather hard but you do it and feel so techno. Hence, why I LOVE Apple!
Check out the Genius Bar you won't be disappointed!!
Livin' The Dream
This week I have had so many of those moments where it just feels like I am livin' the dream. It is funny how sometimes the dream is huge and crazy and other times it includes moments at bagels with your friends and their kids, talking to a wonderful guy who is not just adoring and encouraging but is the friend I always wanted, your friends dropping their kids off so you can hang out with them, driving around Redding talking to your friend's 3 year old about what Super Hero he currently is pretending to be, getting texts from my favorite guy in NZ just to let me know he is thinking of me, coffee with girls that I have loved sharing life with, and just getting to stop by a friends house that lives 2 minutes away....
Sweet simple moments where life just seems the way you thought it was going to be. Who knew? The path to get here wasn't quite what I thought it was going to be. This weekend we celebrate our 10 year reunion...from college...YIKES! It is funny to think what we all thought these 10 years were going to look like. I can't say it has looked ANYTHING like I thought it was going to look like, but I can tell you this--at this point, it is exactly what I hoped life would feel like and look like...
Livin' the dream depends on what your dream was I guess....but sometimes it isn't about exactly what you are doing it is that feeling inside when a smile erupts out of nowhere when you are driving down the road listening to Faith Hill, a little munchinkin in the back that looks at you and smiles, and your heading towards bagels to see your friend....could life be any better? Well, minus having my bloke in the same hemisphere...but other than that life is good, even though I am still looking for a job, not sure what I am doing with my life, and still have all my stuff in storage...but friends, playing with the kids, Target, texts from a great guy, and bagels seem to make it possible to say....I'm Livin' The Dream
Sweet simple moments where life just seems the way you thought it was going to be. Who knew? The path to get here wasn't quite what I thought it was going to be. This weekend we celebrate our 10 year reunion...from college...YIKES! It is funny to think what we all thought these 10 years were going to look like. I can't say it has looked ANYTHING like I thought it was going to look like, but I can tell you this--at this point, it is exactly what I hoped life would feel like and look like...
Livin' the dream depends on what your dream was I guess....but sometimes it isn't about exactly what you are doing it is that feeling inside when a smile erupts out of nowhere when you are driving down the road listening to Faith Hill, a little munchinkin in the back that looks at you and smiles, and your heading towards bagels to see your friend....could life be any better? Well, minus having my bloke in the same hemisphere...but other than that life is good, even though I am still looking for a job, not sure what I am doing with my life, and still have all my stuff in storage...but friends, playing with the kids, Target, texts from a great guy, and bagels seem to make it possible to say....I'm Livin' The Dream
Monday, October 13, 2008
Everyone Needs a Friend Like This...
I was racing out the door to go to my friend Danielle's before I headed to The Stirring last night. As I walked out the front door I was bombarded with a cute blonde and a sweet little girl. Raya and Ethan were SO excited to show me what they had been working on all afternoon.
It just made me smile as I drove away (after taking pictures for them) because they just have the sweetest friendship. When Eth walked in today to play with her Raya was SO surprised and you just saw the delight in her eyes that her good friend was there. She just feels known by Ethan and he makes her laugh and makes her fun time more fun and her exciting times more exciting and her exploring times more adventurous. The flowers they made up were cool, but the wonder in which they did it together is what makes me hope that everyone has a friend like that in their world.
I love people and there is nothing more than having good friends in your life. I have been running with my friend Niki in the mornings and a couple time she has apologized for having to slow down and walk (she gets really bad shin splints). I always am perplexed why she is apologizing because for me I would rather run slow or walk with a friend than run fast by myself. I was explaining that concept to Sam today and I realized that it isn't just a running/workout concept for me, but a life concept for me. I don't care as much what I do in life as who I do it with. The quality of life for me is most often determined by who is running with me through life....that is why everyone needs an Ethan in their life.
It just made me smile as I drove away (after taking pictures for them) because they just have the sweetest friendship. When Eth walked in today to play with her Raya was SO surprised and you just saw the delight in her eyes that her good friend was there. She just feels known by Ethan and he makes her laugh and makes her fun time more fun and her exciting times more exciting and her exploring times more adventurous. The flowers they made up were cool, but the wonder in which they did it together is what makes me hope that everyone has a friend like that in their world.
I love people and there is nothing more than having good friends in your life. I have been running with my friend Niki in the mornings and a couple time she has apologized for having to slow down and walk (she gets really bad shin splints). I always am perplexed why she is apologizing because for me I would rather run slow or walk with a friend than run fast by myself. I was explaining that concept to Sam today and I realized that it isn't just a running/workout concept for me, but a life concept for me. I don't care as much what I do in life as who I do it with. The quality of life for me is most often determined by who is running with me through life....that is why everyone needs an Ethan in their life.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Don't Forget I'm Trained In This Stuff
Sometimes being trained in personality assessments and things of that nature make it seem like you are a creepy mind reader. Whenever it appears that I am a little creepy that I know stuff about people, I always say "Don't forget I'm trained in this stuff..." I am not a creepy mind reader...I just am trained in a few things that help me read people...today I was on my friend Bethany's blog and I found this great site that will only add to my training...well, maybe not but it did make me LAUGH OUT LOUD! It was definitely worth the 5 minutes of my life it took...
I am about to show you the results so if you don't want to know them...go take the test first. I know you will get a good laugh out of it...
Here is what this Pig Personality test had to say about me....(I'm thinking it is pretty eerily close to being accurate....)
Toward the middle, you are a realist. (not too true about me....pretty idealistic, but hey it is a pig personality test)
Facing left, you believe in tradition, are friendly, and remember dates (birthdays, etc.) (that is pretty true)
With few details, you are emotional and naive, they care little for details and are a risk-taker. (YISS)
With 4 legs showing, they are secure, stubborn, and stick to their ideals. (so maybe I am a little stubborn...some call it it stubborn some call it tenacity...let's go with tenacity)
The size of the ears indicates how good a listener you are.
The bigger the better. You drew small ears, you are an OK listener (gutted...I will work on that)
The length of the tail indicates the quality of your sex life.
And again more is better! You drew large sized tail (works for me....unfortunately not gonna test that one out for awhile...but good to know...)
I am about to show you the results so if you don't want to know them...go take the test first. I know you will get a good laugh out of it...
Here is what this Pig Personality test had to say about me....(I'm thinking it is pretty eerily close to being accurate....)
Toward the middle, you are a realist. (not too true about me....pretty idealistic, but hey it is a pig personality test)
Facing left, you believe in tradition, are friendly, and remember dates (birthdays, etc.) (that is pretty true)
With few details, you are emotional and naive, they care little for details and are a risk-taker. (YISS)
With 4 legs showing, they are secure, stubborn, and stick to their ideals. (so maybe I am a little stubborn...some call it it stubborn some call it tenacity...let's go with tenacity)
The size of the ears indicates how good a listener you are.
The bigger the better. You drew small ears, you are an OK listener (gutted...I will work on that)
The length of the tail indicates the quality of your sex life.
And again more is better! You drew large sized tail (works for me....unfortunately not gonna test that one out for awhile...but good to know...)
Temporary Life of Disney Characters
Temporary is a word I love and hate in the English language. It has been on my mind lately because I have been going to Temp. Agencies to try and pick up some extra work. It is kind of fun to think I can be a different person every day. But it has made me think about how I have this love/hate relationship with TEMPORARY. On one hand, temporary is AWESOME when you are playing pretend...you get to "temporarily" be anything you want to be...like Lightening McQueen as Lakey so perfectly shows us...
The beauty of temporary is it is just that--temporary...so Lakey was in his costume for 2 minutes and he was done. It was more like he loved the process of becoming someone different, but once he conquered it (or me by getting me to put his whole outfit on!) he was done. I laughed last night when I realized I am kind of like that too. I like to work hard to get the things I want but once I get them the thrill is lost. Hence, why temporary is sometimes a good word. It reminds me that not all things are permanent. It helps especially when you are in a hard situation---all you have to think is "this is only temporarty...this time next month or next year it will be over."
But what I hate about it is that there is a real part of me that needs consistency and closure, not to live in the temporary life. It's ironic, but as much as I crave adventure and crave the need to change, I hate that that means that life for me always seems to be temporary...there is something exciting and terrifying about temporary for me. While sorting my life in this season I am so reminded how much like Lakey I really am. I like the challenge of playing a "new character"--which if you know me you know that my "temporary life as a Disney character" would include me being Belle...my secret dream is to be Belle at Disneyland and hug all the little girls that come to meet her.
But I digress, the reality is life is full of temporary and permanent. The thing that never changes everywhere we go is who we are. I have been VERY fortunate to be apart of jobs that helped (and when I say helped, I mean at times got in my face and forced me to look at who I really was) me focus on my Character and not my talent and charisma. At times, that was hard, but in the end it has taught me how to go with the flow because in the craziness of life that is unpredictable, the known and permanent has become who I am or more accurately who I am becoming. Well, maybe even beyond that the known and predictable is that character needs, not only the most important thing, but the thing that is consistently worked on and addressed. Then no matter where I live or what "character" I am playing--I have routine and consistency but still get to enjoy the fun parts of "temporary" life.
At the end of the day, maybe the most important thing I have learned in the last few years is it isn't about being a character temporarily, but learning how to work on my character in the temporariness of life.
The beauty of temporary is it is just that--temporary...so Lakey was in his costume for 2 minutes and he was done. It was more like he loved the process of becoming someone different, but once he conquered it (or me by getting me to put his whole outfit on!) he was done. I laughed last night when I realized I am kind of like that too. I like to work hard to get the things I want but once I get them the thrill is lost. Hence, why temporary is sometimes a good word. It reminds me that not all things are permanent. It helps especially when you are in a hard situation---all you have to think is "this is only temporarty...this time next month or next year it will be over."
But what I hate about it is that there is a real part of me that needs consistency and closure, not to live in the temporary life. It's ironic, but as much as I crave adventure and crave the need to change, I hate that that means that life for me always seems to be temporary...there is something exciting and terrifying about temporary for me. While sorting my life in this season I am so reminded how much like Lakey I really am. I like the challenge of playing a "new character"--which if you know me you know that my "temporary life as a Disney character" would include me being Belle...my secret dream is to be Belle at Disneyland and hug all the little girls that come to meet her.
But I digress, the reality is life is full of temporary and permanent. The thing that never changes everywhere we go is who we are. I have been VERY fortunate to be apart of jobs that helped (and when I say helped, I mean at times got in my face and forced me to look at who I really was) me focus on my Character and not my talent and charisma. At times, that was hard, but in the end it has taught me how to go with the flow because in the craziness of life that is unpredictable, the known and permanent has become who I am or more accurately who I am becoming. Well, maybe even beyond that the known and predictable is that character needs, not only the most important thing, but the thing that is consistently worked on and addressed. Then no matter where I live or what "character" I am playing--I have routine and consistency but still get to enjoy the fun parts of "temporary" life.
At the end of the day, maybe the most important thing I have learned in the last few years is it isn't about being a character temporarily, but learning how to work on my character in the temporariness of life.
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