Random Musings

Stuck

2011-04-22T19:36:00.002-04:00

This week has been similar to last week - feeling a bit stuck. However, there's been a bit of forward movement. My apartment looks a bit less cluttered and I got rid of a lot of stuff.

But as I get on the scale each morning, I'm noticing a trend - I'm hovering around 170, +/-1. Huh, that seems like it could be a political poll result. The interesting thing about this revelation is that so far, I'm ok with it. I know I need to get back to riding my bike and going to yoga, but other than that, I'm not freaking out that I'm not losing anything (I think I'm a bit happy I'm not gaining anything!).

So - the question I've been trying to answer is how to get motivated. I don't have the freaking out motivation to lose weight (by getting on the bike, etc.), but I want to start being active again...so says my brain.

I also need motivation to clean my apartment more (finally started again this week), submit even more job applications (I feel like it's never enough, especially lately) and I need to start being more productive with my time (instead of wasting away online doing NOTHING).

As I'm on my search for motivation - where do you find yours?

Things I've learned while unemployed...

2011-04-05T22:53:00.004-04:00

It's funny - I thought about writing this blog post earlier today, but time didn't allow me too. Though, it seems quite appropriate to write after today's events.

Without further ado - things I've learned while unemployed:

- The mounds of stuff in my apartment doesn't decrease, no matter how much stuff I throw out!

- Somehow, no matter what, parents are always there for you.

- Sometimes, crappy stuff happens, but it could have been worse.

- It's not easy to be without your car.

- I need a routine!

- You have to trust the right thing is happening, regardless of how horrible it feels.

- Sometimes, the people you think will be there won't; sometimes help comes from unexpected places.

- I love my dog more than she can comprehend. She's a good listener.

- It's still my duty to help my community no matter what is going on with me.

It all may not be much, but it's something. There's a lot of things to learn from experiences in life, and I'm at least trying to make lemonade out of lemons.

Pet Photos with the Easter Bunny - Lansing Jaycees

2011-04-02T19:50:00.003-04:00

Today brought me to a new project in my home chapter, the Lansing Jaycees. For a few years, the idea has been kicked around that since the chapter owns a bunny costume, why not use it to do photos? And since we have lots of animal lovers in our chapter, why not pet photos?

This year was the year we finally pulled the trigger. With the help of the Animal Placement Bureau, we were able to host an event today and the chapter raised over $500 to donate to Animal Placement Bureau and the Spay/Neuter Clinic at the Capital Area Humane Society.

We had three different members pose as the Easter Bunny throughout the day, and lots of members and community members bring their pets. There were mostly dogs, some cats and even a hamster!

It was great to see so many people bring their pets in and the variety of pets! Great job on a fun new event!

Special Olympics - Grand Rapids Jaycees

2011-03-27T21:04:00.003-04:00

I had the privilege to visit the Grand Rapids Jaycees this past Friday, as they began the weekend hosting the 2011 State Basketball Finals for Special Olympics.

I have to be honest - I have never volunteered with Special Olympics before. I'm fairly new to learning about the organization and their mission.

While I was at Rockford High School for the tournament, I had the opportunity to watch a couple of games before the opening ceremonies. These guys were good! But what impressed me most was the way the members of each team worked together and were so encouraging. I could hear members of each team on the court and on the bench giving each other tips and encouragement. I could see the pride each and every one of the players had for their team and their play.

And then - opening ceremonies. There is nothing like watching over 900 athletes pour into a gymnasium to Olympic music and cheering loudly. I also learned during the opening ceremonies that this is the 30th year the Grand Rapids Jaycees have hosted the State Basketball Tournament for Special Olympics. It was amazing to see so many of the past chairs of this project in attendance at the event.

If you have never had the opportunity to go to this event, please try to go or volunteer next year. You can also get involved on the local level by going to the Special Olympics Michigan website at www.somi.org

Thank you to the Grand Rapids Jaycees for allowing me to come out and visit this event. It was a great experience and has inspired me to learn more about Special Olympics!

Time

2011-03-26T13:20:00.003-04:00

I admit it. I'm guilty of making the comments "I wish I had more time" or "I don't have time for that." Come on - you know you have too.

But a comment I saw the other night pushed me over the edge (I might have been having a stressful day - LOL). I happened to be working on something online and had one of the basketball games on in the background on my TV. Of course, it was one of those games that broke my bracket, which honestly could have been any game in the last few days!

Someone posted (paraphrasing this) that in another life maybe they'd have time to do something trivial like brackets. Now - I am not a basketball fan that watches games throughout the entire season. Though I find it fun to do a bracket and see how good my guesses are. It takes me about 10 minutes to actually put the bracket together.

This comment started to make me wonder "well, how much time do you spend on Facebook? Procrastinating? Doing whatever you do?" And it made me remember what time management is really all about - PRIORITIES.

People tell me that I'm busy all the time. And it's true. However, my schedule has been altered a bit since the beginning of the year - I'm not spending 8 hours a day (or more) at work at the moment. Things have been a bit easier to juggle, and it's been a bit easier to fit in some of the things I like to do but don't always put as a priority, like reading.

My position on the Michigan Jaycees state board of directors takes me all over the state. I'm in the car a lot. I've traveled over 2,000 miles just going to chapters across the state (that's not even counting all that I do with my home chapter). But, it's about putting a priority on things. I keep track of my deadlines and if I slack off, I know I have to bust my butt to get it done.

We all commit to something - whether it's our family, friends or extracurricular activities. We have time - we all have 168 hours in a week. But we have to choose how to use them, and balance our lives so we get the most out of them.

I'm actually looking forward to reading a book called "168 Hours: You Have More Time than You Think" by Laura Vanderkam. I still need help sometimes in prioritizing and using my time in the best way possible.

I know when I am back to work, I will have to reorganize my schedule and reorganize my priorities (goodbye reading, ). I am hoping this book helps along with knowing what I want to do with my time.

This is me - take it or leave it

2011-03-24T23:59:00.003-04:00

This is me. Today, my friend Lauren took some photos of me at the Capitol, because I need a high quality headshot.

Today, I'm 5'6" and 170 lbs. Yup, I just divulged that information. Oh no!

I was inspired this week by a few amazing women who have decided to change their lives, give out some information and be comfortable with themselves.

In the past 6 months, I've been on a journey and I have no idea where it's taking me at this point. I'm honestly just along for the ride and dealing with things as they come. I started out this year after battling pneumonia in November and December. I was really good and ate well, exercised regularly. Since the beginning of March, I've slacked off just a bit and I've decided I need to get back to the plan I set in motion for 2011.

I've learned recently that I need to take more time for myself and I'm learning to balance things in my life much better. I'm looking forward to embracing who I am and enjoying life.

Yes, I'm new to some things. Yes, I will typically tell you what I'm thinking. Yes, I'm learning. That's who I am. This photo is who I am.

It's almost April...

2011-03-23T17:07:00.002-04:00

I came to the realization today that it's almost April. Wow. Where has the year gone?

It happened that I got a phone call today for an appointment for April 5th. Wow, that seems really far away! Nope - less than 2 weeks. I hate when things catch me off guard!

And that brings me to today. I'm still on the hunt for a job. I've had some promising leads. I definitely want something to happen, but trying not to be impatient. Luckily, my parents are able to help me out a bit while I go through this rough patch. However, I think things will be better in the long run if I'm just not so impatient.

I'm still undertaking this purging project in my apartment. It's gonna be a loooong project. I can't believe how much STUFF I've accumulated in the last 10 years. And for as much stuff as I've already donated (8 boxes of clothes and a box of shoes), I still have a ton more to go through, shred papers and set aside stuff for a yard sale. It may take awhile, but I know I'll be better off for it to just get rid of things I don't need anymore. And my place might be somewhat presentable!

And to realize it's almost April, I then came to the realization that I haven't worked out since March 4th. Yup, that's a good 18 days. No more! I cleaned off the clotheshorse (er, exercise bike) today. However, I'll be using it tomorrow and going to yoga tonight. It's been far too easy for me to just not do anything or stay home. I have no excuse for not working out. I have time. I have an exercise bike. No money required. So, the excuses and procrastination stop today.

Here we go...

Ups and Downs

2011-02-25T20:08:00.003-05:00

This year has been going fairly well, all things considered. Though, a couple of weeks ago, I came to a bit of a stand still with working out I've worked out twice in the last two weeks. It's almost like I hit a wall - and I just haven't been able to get around it yet.

I've felt busy, but just in the last week or so, I've had a hard time focusing on the things I need to get done (like still clean my apartment!). It's been difficult - I don't have anywhere I need to be most days, so my sleep schedule has gotten all weird. I think I'm naturally a night owl.

Today, I was home all day, and decided to start my Etsy page again - you'll see it on the side of my blog page, and I've also started cleaning off my craft table (trust me, there was NO space on it...). This is good - once it's cleaned off, I can start making some new items! I have lots of beading supplies, and now have some time to use them!

I also am going to go back to yoga tomorrow - I haven't been in a few weeks, and while I know I probably won't make it through an entire class at this point, I need to at least go back.

So, here's to getting past obstacles and moving forward! No more stalling!

Why am I doing this?

2011-02-02T19:59:00.002-05:00

I started reading Jackie Warner's "This is Why You're Fat (and How to Get Thin Forver)" tonight.

I didn't even make it past the first 3 pages because it got me starting to think about why I'm on a weight loss journey. 2010 brought a couple things that got me thinking.

#1 - my mom had a heart attack in May. She had to have a stent put in. She's doing very well now, but it was a wake up call, in addition to a diagnosis of high blood pressure (which she's had for a long time) and diabetes (which was a new thing).

#2 - I started going to a new doctor and had a blood test done. My cholesterol was 239 - borderline high, but closer to too high. This was in September - and I started working out and trying to be healthy, until I came down with pneumonia, which delayed things for a couple months while I tried to get back to normal.

So, when I had the opportunity to start over in 2011, I actually started looking at what I was eating (a lot of fast food in the car; lots of eating out). When I got the results of that blood test, I asked for 6 months to get my cholesterol down by myself. I knew I could do this if I made it a priority.

So, here I am on this journey - so far, so good. I've been watching what I take in for food by keeping a food journal - not so much to be a calorie counter, but to see what types of foods I'm eating. What can I eat in the car instead of fast food? I've been taking granola bars and snack mixes with nuts, fruit and dark chocolate (yum). I've switched out potato chips and dips for chips and salsa. Whole grains are now in almost everything I've purchased. Ice cream has been replaced with yogurt...etc.

I don't have to work out 7 days a week. I take a break when I want one, but realize if i haven't worked out the day before, I have to the next day. Now I'm trying to find new things to do to add to yoga and the exercise bike.

I feel much better, and I'm looking forward to the results of all of this. I feel like 2011 is off to such a great start!

Not a bad start

2011-02-01T21:53:00.002-05:00

I weighed in for the end of week 4 on Saturday. Since January 1st, I've lost 2 pounds. Not a huge amount, but it's something. I've been working on switching things out in my cabinets - ice cream for yogurt, lower calories foods, more fresh foods...and I haven't been eating out nearly as much. I've also been working out regularly, only missing some days during the month (but not a majority!), so that's been going well.

I'm trying to figure out how to take this to the next level. But, I also am content with where I'm at and where I'm trying to go at this point. Slow and steady wins the race. My first small goal is to lose 10 pounds, and I'm 20% there already.

I'm looking forward to seeing where this takes me!

23 stories?!

2011-01-27T18:06:00.003-05:00

I made quite the decision today. I decided to attempt to raise $500 in order to rappel down the Boji Tower - which is 23 stories!

Money raised goes to the Team Lansing Foundation. I've really taken a liking to Lansing in the 5+ years I've lived here, and I wanted to push myself to do something I wouldn't normally do - climb down a 23 story building!

Please consider donating ANY amount of money at my webpage, www.teamlansing.dojiggy.com/aclock - I will NOT be able to make the rappel unless I raise the $500 minimum donation. I must raise this amount by March 30th to make the rappel. This is your chance to help me to do something crazy!

Good Night, and Good Luck

2011-01-25T20:25:00.004-05:00

In the week following Keith Olbermann's departure from MSNBC, I find myself doing a bit of soul searching. The big issue of the moment is that I'm contemplating how people work together. How new people work with more seasoned people; how those that don't agree on certain points overcome those hurdles; what happens when people take things personally that really only have to do with policies or requirements?

It's an interesting process. I consider these things as I begin to watch the State of the Union address - a speech that will be given in a different Washington, D.C. One that I hope will bring people together, not tear them apart.

I feel honored to have worked in the Michigan Legislature for 5 years - the opportunity to see the times when people refused to work together; the times when people came together to get something accomplished; the times when the minorities on other side were shut out because they didn't have the same opinion as the majority.

I want to offer a reminder to everyone - no one is going to agree with everything someone else says. You don't have to. What we need to remember is that we NEED to keep things civil. We cannot accomplish anything worthwhile while tearing others down. I believe that we are capable of disagreeing without making personal attacks. I've seen all too often when people resort to personal attacks on good people.

After President Obama's speech last week, Senator John McCain wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post.

Below is what really hit me -

"Our political discourse should be more civil than it currently is, and we all, myself included, bear some responsibility for it not being so. It probably asks too much of human nature to expect any of us to be restrained at all times by persistent modesty and empathy from committing rhetorical excesses that exaggerate our differences and ignore our similarities. But I do not think it is beyond our ability and virtue to refrain from substituting character assassination for spirited and respectful debate."

I ask everyone, no matter what we are debating, to make it civil.

And frustration sets in...

2011-01-19T16:05:00.002-05:00

I'm irritated today. There are lots of little reasons - some perceived by me, some from other people and a general annoyance with everything.

So, I resort to my blog. #1 - because it gets stuff out of my brain and I can hope to stop letting it fester. #2 - because it doesn't really seem like anyone I know has been reading my blog lately. #3 - because over the last few days, I feel like I've jacked up stuff with the people I would normally talk to and vent frustrations.

There's always that one person that I would normally head to and vent, but lately it seems like there's too much going on for them to be there for me.

Oh well, c'est la vie. It's just you and me, blog...oh, and the dog. LOL.

Baby pachyderms!

2011-01-18T16:42:00.002-05:00

Yeah, I really couldn't think of another title for this blog other than a reference from the movie "The Love Guru". This isn't the first time I've used a refereance from a movie - and I think most of the hits my blog gets are from my post called "You're like a miniature Buddha covered in hair."

At this point, I've sent out 11 thank you/encouragement notes, and I have a few more to do. I'm even going to have to buy more stamps soon - and more cards!!!

But that brings me to something that happened today. I got a message that a comment was made to another person about how I've matured over the last few years. Most people would probably be flattered by this - I know I have and I've learned a lot along the way. But of course, my first thought was "are you trying to say that I was immature and didn't know anything a few years ago?" And while I'm working on changing my thought processes, and many of them have been better recently, I still had that nagging in the back of my mind. I know that I don't take criticism or compliments in the best way. Sometimes, I just don't know what to say or how to take it. I've always read into things. Trying to break that habit is NOT easy.

I guess in someways, I don't know why it made me emotional, but I'm trying to take it at face value and not read into it...easier said than done...lol.

I actually have been feeling like I'm in a good place right now. It's definitely not where I want to end up in life overall (yes, I would like a job, please), but I feel like I'm making some sort of progress. I don't know where I'll end up, but I'm not particularly concerned with that right now, as long as I'm happy with what I'm doing.

Week 2...

2011-01-15T13:05:00.002-05:00

Today was the 2nd check in of the year. As of today, I have lost a total of 1.8lbs and this past week was 1lb. I'm looking to 10lbs. as a first small goal.

I've been having some pain this week in my back and abdoment, so that slowed me down a bit with working out, but I'm thinking I'll be heading to the doctor next week to see what might be up - speculation thinks it might be kidney stones. But, we'll see.

There have been a couple of days where I feel like I've just been eating so much - but still keeping track of what I'm eating. I have been trying to change WHAT I'm eating - if I'm going to eat the calories, I want to eat whole grains and more things that are good for me.

I also started writing thank you/encouragement notes this week. I'm up to 7 at this point - this was started by reading a book called "365 Thank Yous" by John Kralik. I started writing notes last year - mostly because I think it shows that you spent time thinking about something or that the person you're sending it to is important. I hope that by taking the time to send notes, others will do the same.

2011 is a year of reinvention for me. I know there's nothing I can't do (even when at times I want to give up).

Continuing into 2011...

2011-01-11T20:58:00.004-05:00

It's 1-11-11. All in all, this year has been fairly good, considering I am still looking for a job.

I've been making changes in my diet that I hope are positive. Late last year, I found out my cholesterol level was at 239. I have good cholesterol, but my bad isn't great either. As I began to change things and work out a bit, I ended up with pneumonia. That put me out of commission for about a month and a half while I took antibiotics to get rid of it. Which ended up being 2 rounds worth. And then it took awhile to work back up to where I was.

So now, I have been regularly working out since December 31, and have also been changing my eating habits. I have started eating less, more often. During week one, I lost .8 lbs. Not quite the 1 lb. I was hoping for, but still progress!

I'm also taking the time I need for me. I'm finally not feeling as scattered as I had been. Having some time off has been some good for my emotional and physical self.

I'm really excited to see what 2011 has to offer!!

One year later

2011-01-08T23:03:00.002-05:00

While I was getting ready for the Lansing Jaycees banquet last night, I started thinking about how different things are for me than they were one year ago.

One year ago, I was finishing my term as the 81st President of the Lansing Jaycees. I was starting my first year on the Michigan Jaycees Board of Directors. I had a full time job. I was in a long term relationship. If I go back 2 years ago, I lost a good friend to a snowmobiling accident the day after I was sworn in as 81st President of the Lansing Jaycees.

This weekend, I was beginning my first term as a Vice President for the Michigan Jaycees. I did my first training at LOTS. I'm single. And I'm looking for a job after one week of not having one. I still think that someone is watching over the world and ready to kick my butt when I start to get emotional. LOL.

It was a whirlwind and crazy 2010. I won't lie - it mostly wasn't a happy one. There were highlights: New Orleans, Haunted House, my Region D family. But much, especially the end part of the year, was a real blow to me. 2011 is going to be a year of rebuilding things, and a lot of change. I've had ups and downs and times when I'm just trying to stay afloat.

I am looking forward to 2011 and everything that will come with it. I'm looking forward to traveling around the state and seeing new things.

Book Goal for 2011

2010-12-16T13:27:00.001-05:00

I posted this on Facebook recently - I added a few more to it, and I need one more to make it 15 on a list, and 15 to pick randomly throughout the year. Do you have suggestions for what #15 should be?

I decided that in 2011, I'm planning on reading 30 books. This is on par with what I've read this year (currently at 27, two in the works). I have a hard time sticking to a list - I've tried it before, but then other things come out and I want to read those. So, this year, I'm going to do a hybrid list. Some of them will be chosen books to read throughout the year, the rest can be chosen as I go along. See below for the "pre-determined" books so far...

1) The Pillars of the Earth - Ken Follett (re-read)

2) World Without End - Ken Follett

3) Full Frontal Feminism - Jessica Valenti

4) Speaking the Unspeakable - Margaret Abraham

5) The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - Rebecca Skloot

6) Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie

7) What is the What - Dave Eggers

8) The Passage - Justin Cronin

9) Freedom - Jonathan Franzen

10) The Happiness Project - Gretchen Rubin

11) Big Girls Don't Cry - Rebecca Traister

12) The Year of the Flood - Margaret Atwood

13) Wolf Hall - Hilary Mantel

14) A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams

15) ?

2011 - Coming soon?!

2010-12-06T14:25:00.002-05:00

I realized that it's almost the end of 2010, and it's been a loooong time since I've blogged. In working on my New Year's resolutions (or just resolutions for any year other than 2010), I figured I'd return to my blog.

This year hasn't been the best. Job stuff, personal stuff, getting pneumonia in November and still fighting it (though will hopefully hear good news from the doctor soon) and just general being unstable. I am definitely looking forward to 2011.

1) I will read 30 books in 2010. I picked 30, because it's close to what I read this year, though I didn't really plan on reading that many.

2) I will begin working out again. I'm waiting until the beginning of the year, because I'm still not feeling 100% yet and don't want to push it. But hopefully will be able to start January 1st.

3) I will purge my apartment and it will be presentable. Yes, I'm turning into an adult. I've already started this goal, and am hoping it keeps being productive. I'm re-arranging many things, getting items ready to donate/yard sale, and settling in.

4) I will stick to my budget better. Heck, maybe I'll even make a budget...lol.

I am working on details for all of these (I think the book one will include some books that I should read, and then some that I just pick up at any random moment). I also have to schedule time for yoga classes and the like. Here we go...

Goal Update, Week #2

2010-08-06T10:43:00.003-04:00

So after a good start to the week, I end not having much going on in the way of my goals. Here's a rundown:

#1 - Yeah, never got there. Thanks to 5 days of primary action, I was dead to the world on Wednesday. Try again.

#2 - I actually did this - took my notebook with me everywhere. It made me a little more conscious this week, but with everything going on, still didn't eat as well as I should have.

#3 - Completed this one too. Keep hoping that I don't finish "Catching Fire" until closer to the 24th, but I don't think that's going to happen.

#4 - After being down 1 pound in week 1, I went back up .8lbs in week to. So net loss is -.2. Still down, darn it!

#5 - Yeah, only made it 3 times this week. If you don't count all the walking done on Monday/Tuesday. But I did make it through the entire cardio kickboxing class on Monday night!

Even though I'm not being completely successful, it's nice to have something to work towards and check in with. So, onward I go.

Good news though - had a doctor's appointment on Monday, and I was down 10 lbs. since my last appointment in early April. Not too shabby.

Goal update, week 1

2010-08-02T21:25:00.003-04:00

Ok, so I wasn't 100% successful in my goals for week 1. A rundown:

#1 - Go to yoga class 2 times per week. - Not successful. My 30 day, $30 deal at Hilltop ran out, but I fully intend on heading over this week to purchase some classes and also head to a free community class on Wednesday.

#2 - Keep track of all snacks, meals & drinks by logging what I eat each day. - Successful! It's amazing how much this helps me realize what and how much I'm eating...

#3 - I will read 30 minutes each day. - Successful! I have been taking time at some point each day to read, whether it's in the car, at home before bed, or just any time I can.

#4 - Lose 10 lbs. in 10 weeks. - Week 1 brought a net loss of -1lb. So far, so good!

#5 - Exercise 4 days per week. - Unsuccessful. I only got around to 2 times last week. Doing better so far this week!

So, the goals are progressing. I didn't quite think I would make them all the first week, especially with how hectic things have been going...

Next update on Friday - hopefully!

Goals

2010-07-23T10:27:00.003-04:00

New Year's is not the only time to set new goals for yourself I usually don't stick with them anyway. However, with the help of an online tracking system at www.chooseyou.com (American Cancer Society), I have made 5 small short term goals.

#1 - Go to yoga class 2 times per week. (Starting 7/23 and ending 9/3)

#2 - Keep track of all snacks, meals & drinks by logging what I eat each day. (Starting 7/23 and ending 10/15)

#3 - I will read 30 minutes each day. (Starting 7/23 and ending 10/15)

#4 - Lose 10 lbs. in 10 weeks. (Starting 7/23 and ending 10/1)

#5 - Exercise 4 days per week. (Starting 7/23 and ending 9/3)

I will make updates on my blog also each Friday for these goals.

I do have one long term goal that I want to figure out how to get to. I've always wanted to go to France, so I hope within 5 years, I will be able to do so. Let's see how this one will get done!

Quotes and how to change

2010-05-13T21:43:00.002-04:00

In the past couple weeks, I've actively been seeking out quotes/lyrics to help me try to change how I see the world and how I see myself. I know full well that I see myself in a more negative light than other people do, and I always worry about what other people think of me. It's not necessarily something I'm proud of, but it is something I grew up doing because I felt like I had to meet expectations that I couldn't.

Anyway, back to the quotes. I've been posting quotes/lyrics as my Facebook status recently, mostly to remind myself of things that I can do and how I shouldn't be defeatist. It's not easy for me, believe me. I've spent much of my life fighting depression, and I'm not ashamed to admit that. It's something that's been taboo in our society for so long, and no one should have to feel like they have to hide it.

That brings me to today. For the past week and a half, I've been dealing with lots of issues going on. My brain has been going non-stop. I had to come back to work late tonight, and I refused to go home for fear of not leaving the house again. One of my coping mechanisms is sleep. I sleep a lot when I'm having a hard time.

So, I spent some time in Barnes & Noble tonight. This was good - I haven't spent time just browsing in a bookstore in a long time. There are always lots of things I want, but I ended up buying a magnet with this quote on it:

"Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." - Reinhold Niebuhr

This is really relevant at this point in my life. I feel like I've come a long way from the person I used to be in high school, in college, and even post college. Even as we grow older and become "adults" - there are so many things we can work on to become better people. No one is perfect - a friend of mine even wrote about that on his blog recently.

The power of words is amazing. Those of you who know me know that I read a lot. I'm not a very good writer at all, but I can appreciate the writing of others. Over the last couple of weeks, I've drawn strength from the quotes that I've sought out. They, along with some people reminding me of the good, have helped me determine that I need change my mindset.

Here's a listing of some of the quotes/lyrics that I've posted on my Facebook page.

"You know that I could use somebody, someone like you and all you know and how you see." - Kings of Leon

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." - e.e. cummings

"Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them - every day begin the task anew." - Saint Frances de Sales

"Only thing to do is jump over the moon!" - Maureen, Rent

"Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other." - John F. Kennedy

"Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude." - Thomas Jefferson

"You must do the things you think you cannot do." - Eleanor Roosevelt

"Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail." - Confucius

"Some of us think holding on makes us strong; but sometimes it is letting go." - Hermann Hesse

"Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat." - F. Scott Fitzgerald

Blindsided

2010-05-09T14:53:00.002-04:00

I have to admit today, I'm recovering from a huge case of being blindsided. You know that thing that no one told you about, but decided to throw out there after a long period of time and make you feel horrible about? Yup, that's the feeling.

I've felt a bit like an outsider for awhile, and this just made me feel more like one. I can't quite understand how if something was wrong a year ago, why did no one tell me? Why wasn't it addressed earlier so I could actually do something to fix it? Why do I feel like the person who told me just threw it in my face?

This week I'm just feeling disappointed in people who claim that I'm immature, but then do things to show their own immaturity. The people that tell me a year after the fact something was wrong, the people that pull something that is reminiscent of high school, the people that can't seem to tell me to my face that something is wrong. It's really disappointing when you've looked up to these people for a long time.

If you call...

2010-05-06T10:39:00.002-04:00

I will answer...

I love this Barenaked Ladies song - "Call and Answer". I've been using my iPod as my crutch this week to help me get through some thoughts of mine. I actually came across this one after not having heard it for awhile. I used to listen to it in college a lot. It's funny how songs on my iPod can elicit memories regarding other times in my life.

I love music. It's helped me get through hard times in life. It's helped me get to a point where I can think clearly again. Many of the songs on my playlist are from years ago, but I still have an emotional attachment to them. There are also new songs that I've been able to mix into the playlist.

Some of this week's playlist, including new and old:

"Call and Answer" by Barenaked Ladies
"At the Stars" by Better than Ezra
"Heartbreak Warfare" by John Mayer
"Need You Now" by Lady Antebellum
"Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper (though I love the acoustic version with her and Sarah McLachlan
"Wait" by Sarah McLachlan
"Napoleon" by Ani DiFranco
"Why" by Annie Lennox
"I Stand" by Idina Menzel
"Living Inside me Heart" by Bob Seger
"Crazy" and "Sometimes" by Nine Days

Thoughts, lack of sleep and headaches, oh my!

2010-05-05T10:51:00.002-04:00

You ever wish you could take something back? That's how I feel this week. Funny thing is, it's not something I could take back, since I didn't do it. I just have to deal with the aftermath.

There's a point you get to where you realize the people you thought your friends were aren't those people at all. You get to questioning whether you want anything to do with those people anymore. It's not an easy discussion to have with yourself, trust me.

In the end, I'm a fairly forgiving person and while I'm hurt, I will probably bounce back from it and worry more about the friends that did wrong instead of worrying about myself.

It's funny - I'm actually in an ok mood today. And I know I'll be ok. And I know I'll be stronger for it in the end.

A return?!

2010-03-08T22:18:00.002-05:00

After some thought the past few weeks, I've decided to try to return to using social media and electronic communication, while expanding my phone useage (that's not texting). As I was looking at my blog last week, I realized how long it's been since I've written anything. I mean, heck, I didn't even finish blogging about my vacation! It's to be determined whether I will actually finish that set of blogging.

However, a lot has been happening since my last post. I've finished my term as president of the Lansing Jaycees, have become the Region D Director for the Michigan Jaycees, and I'm job hunting. All of this has made for quite an interesting 2010 so far. Definitely a busy one with lots of traveling.

In the meantime, you can also find me on Twitter - @fallingstar924

More to come soon, I hope!

Break in vacation blogging...

2009-08-11T21:11:00.002-04:00

I have much more to blog about vacation, but I'm being really slow about it. There are so many things going on right now, and I'm trying to be attentive to myself.

With that being said, I made a huge decision this past weekend. I'm going to go to law school starting in Fall 2010. Which means I have to take the LSAT in February (with a possibility of taking it in June also, depending on score). I am trying to set my schedule up to accomodate this, and went and collected LSAT study books from the library. I will be purchasing some soon too.

I still need to find a place to study for the LSAT, because I really just can't do it at home (I know myself too well). I will clearly have to sacrifice some sleep for this endeavor, but I think it's been a long time coming. I'm very excited, but also very nervous. This is going to be a very trying and difficult time, but I know it will be worth it.

Please bear with me while I start this new journey!!!

Vacation - Sushi Belt

2009-08-07T18:40:00.005-04:00

On the way to the coast on Monday of vacation, we had to stop for lunch. Our destination? SushiLand in Clackamas. AKA the sushi belt. This is an amazing idea and I wish we had one here!

Below is the sight when you walk in...

Here is the menu - these were on the tables so you could find out how much each plate would cost, and also so you could tell what was what...

Here are some of the plates we got - salmon, eel, and california rolls. We had lots more, as you'll see further down...

The other very cool thing was that we were able to watch an entire salmon be filleted and deboned with amazing precision...here is the salmon before it produced many yummy pieces of sushi!

And this is the culmination of what Eric and I ate - just the front two piles. For both of us it cost around $20 - not a bad deal at all!

Vacation - Powell's Books

2009-08-03T19:05:00.003-04:00

I am so sad I didn't get to spend more time at Powell's Books. Anyone who knows me well knows that I have more books than I know what to do with. This place was HEAVEN for me. It is one city block in downtown Portland, OR. Rooms are separated into different colors - Rose was Children's, Blue was Fiction, Orange was Travel, and there were many others. They even have a Rare Book room - which had a copy of "Le Petit Prince" for $13,000. Sigh...

I did come back with a t-shirt (yes, I understand that a t-shirt from a bookstore constitutes me as a big dork). We also got a water bottle for a friend of ours, and a couple of books. It was a beautiful sight to behold...

Vacation - Stepping Stone Cafe

2009-08-01T16:21:00.005-04:00

On Saturday, July 11th, we took a plane from Grand Rapids to Portland, OR (via Atlanta - yeah, I know, out of the way!) It was a long enough trip between Atlanta and Portland for me to watch two movies (Watchmen and Sunshine Cleaning).

We stayed at a friend's mom and stepdad's house in West Linn for the trip, and after we all got there, embarked on breakfast on Sunday morning. We hit the Stepping Stone Cafe in Portland. Eric and I are big fans of the Travel Channel show "Man v. Food". Adam visits Portland in one of the shows, and visits 3 places while there - Stepping Stone, Voodoo Doughnuts, and Salvador Molly's.

Eric and I outside waiting for a table...

Their menu...

Some of the decorations inside!

One of the things that really caught our eye were the Mancakes that Stepping Stone serves. They are 13 inch pancakes that are monstrous! You can get an entire stack for $4.50. Before we even left for our trip, I knew that we would order one stack of Mancakes, add blueberries, and have a side of bacon with it - for the two of us.

The Mancakes hang over the edge of the plate...we asked for extra plates!

It was like eating a piece of cake!

These were soooo yummy. Between the two of us, we ate the bacon and also half the Mancakes - we took them back to the house to eat later, but because we were gone a lot of the rest of the week, we didn't end up eating them. I highly recommend taking a trip here for breakfast - they have bunches of great food. But, we also had lots more yummy food along the way...

I'm working on catching up on blogs about our vacation, so keep an eye out!

This week...

2009-07-26T16:00:00.002-04:00

I really mean to blog on my trip. But, I'm trying to get lots of stuff done this week too. My apartment is still a mess - I've been looking for stuff and finally found it. Cleaned my kitchen a bit and I've watched two movies so far this weekend. I also feel like I've caught up on some much needed sleep.

Still left on the docket this weekend - finishing a book (I'm sooo close!) and rearranging the living room area to throw stuff out and put it away...

I'm baaack....

2009-07-19T14:42:00.002-04:00

And it's a lazy day. After we got back from the airport last night around 11pm, we realized we would probably be up for awhile, due to the time change. Around midnight, we decided we were hungry, and went on an excursion for food. In Muskegon. After midnight...do you realize how hard this is? We called two bar/restaurants before leaving the house, and their kitchens closed at 11pm and midnight. We drove over to Wendy's by Meijer, and it was dark! Then we drove to the McDonald's near our house, and sat in the drive thru for a few minutes, but apparently, even though the lights were on, no one was home!

So, we ended up at the McDonald's on Apple Avenue, which I was 99.9% sure was open. And it was. Thank goodness - there's not really any food in the refrigerator, and we had only eaten one meal throughout the day.

Moral of the story - hope you're not in Muskegon and hungry after midnight...

Be prepared

2009-07-09T12:00:00.003-04:00

I will be on vacation next week. Yes - an actual vacation where we go somewhere and everything! We'll be heading out to Portland, OR with our friends Steph and Kevin and like all vacations I go on, I'll probably need a vacation from the vacation afterwards!

Eric picked up a Seattle guide the other day, and I picked up a Portland guide last night. I already have many pages earmarked (with little sticky notes) for restaurants and other places I want to hit up. We travel most of the day on Saturday, and Sunday is full of fun, including breakfast at the Stepping Stone Cafe (for mancakes!!! - see what happens when I let Man v. Food on the Travel Channel help me plan trips?) and Powell's Books (I never claimed to be anything but a nerd). We have trips planned to the Oregon Coast and Seattle. We've even got plans to take in the new Harry Potter movie at the IMAX (of course).

I'm getting my camera ready for pictures - lots of them. The majority of them will probably be of food. Mmmm, doughnuts...did I mention we're going to Voodoo Doughnut? (Yet another Travel Channel find). Hmmm, is it time to go yet???!!!

'Twas the week of hot dogs...

2009-07-06T09:13:00.003-04:00

So, by the time Saturday the 4th rolled around, I realized that I had eaten hot dogs at some point on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday of last week. That's a crazy amount of hot dogs, and I felt it was worth a blog!

Tuesday, I quickly made two Koegel's at home for lunch, since I was really hungry. Not much to be said about that, I guess.

Wednesday, CFreaky and I went to lunch at the Downtown Dog House in Lansing. They don't have their own website, but I've linked to an article about them in the City Pulse. I've been there twice now and have been happy with the food. On this particular occasion, I had the Flint Dog (dog topped with seasoned ground beef, onions and mustard) with fries. There are many dogs to choose from, including the Philly Dog, San Fran Dog, Detroit Dog, Hawaiian Dog and lots of others. I recommend you try it!

Friday I was in Muskegon being lazy, and decided to haul myself down to G&L for a Cheddar Chili Dog Special - two dogs with yummy chili, cheddar, onions and mustard and a side of fries for $3.99 - woo hoo! So yummy...and such a classic in the Muskegon area.

However, the big deal was the Haute Dog on Saturday - yes, you read that right. HAUTE Dog. And I have photos!!!

On my Thursday visit to Mia & Grace (mmmm, buffaloaf sandwich and bacon ice cream...), Jeremy, one of the chefs/owners told me about their 4th special - a Haute Dog (homemade there!) with homemade ketchup and mustard and pickled onion, side of sweet potato chips, half a bread pudding and a homemade soda for $12. We actually only got the Haute Dog and chips because we ended up gorging on dessert (Key Lime pie, Bacon ice cream and Carrot Cake).

While we were there, they SOLD OUT of Haute Dogs - yay!!!! That means they were popular! The bun was homemade in house also - it was just fantastic - and huge!!! I kinda want one now...

Anyway, Eric had bought hot dogs and brats for the weekend, and by that point, we were tired of those, so we got pizza for dinner on Saturday night. But, we also had brats on the grill on Sunday. I highly doubt that I'll be eating hot dogs this week...lol.

Random Acts of Kindness

2009-07-02T15:47:00.003-04:00

Today, I had a challenge on my Facebook page to perform a random act of kindness for someone. I like to think that I try to do this every day, but not always consciously thinking about it. So, my goal for this weekend will be to at least perform one random act that I'm very aware of.

They can come in many ways - for a friend, for a stranger; it can be very small or a big deal. It can take a minute, or an hour. I challenge all of you to perform a random act of kindness over the holiday weekend...

What will you do or have you done?

I don't wanna be lonely no more...

2009-06-30T18:10:00.002-04:00

I realized as I was getting ready to make dinner (for myself) that I've been really lonely. It's been one of those months that wasn't quite as busy as May was, but Eric was gone a lot, first to Mexico, then to England. And, I've been sleeping a lot (by myself).

Normally, this wouldn't phase me so much, as I like alone time, but for some reason, just having the dog here when I come home hasn't been enough. Plus, while he was abroad, we couldn't really talk on the phone - in the 16 days he was out of the country, we talked on the phone once.

I'm really looking forward to time off and a chance to see Eric. We have a vacation to Portland coming up, so we'll get to spend time together. I"ve missed him a lot, and I've also been missing some of my friends a lot.

It has also reminded me that I have to make sure that I make an effort with people to do things when I'm lonely, otherwise, I'll just end up sleeping to avoid the sadness. It's hard to motivate myself sometimes though. I just wish I could make the feeling go away...

Vacation!!

2009-06-29T19:54:00.002-04:00

OK, so it's a little early to be so excited about vacation. However, I only have 2 more days of work this week, then all of next week before going to Portland. I'm heading west to Muskegon this weekend for the holiday weekend. It's been a looong time since I've been there, so I'm looking forward to spending some time there and heading to Mia & Grace for food...mmmm.

I find myself sitting on the couch tonight, STILL tired. After being at work until 1am Thursday night/Friday AM, I worked from 9am-1pm on Friday, then hung out with a friend, took a 40 minute nap before heading to Festival of the Moon to pour beer for 3 hours. Whew! I was so worked up after pouring beer (adrenaline rush) that it took awhile for me to go to bed, but I slept until about 8am, then headed to Potter Park Zoo with the Region D Jaycees. But I was so tired I left after lunch, came home and honestly can't remember what I did, then took a 4 hour nap. Woke up for a couple hours, then went back to bed for the night.

Sunday was a little more normal, but still trying to get back on a normal sleep schedule. I'm sure I'll get there, but I'm still feeling a little slow. I think I determined the past few days that I like sleep - A LOT. Maybe a little too much. I've taken more naps in the past 6 months than I remember taking in my life.

MJ & Farrah

2009-06-26T11:58:00.003-04:00

So yesterday was just weird. Not only was I at work until 1am, but both Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson passed away. Being born in 1980, I didn't really have much exposure to Farrah Fawcett in my childhood, but Michael Jackson has been there since I was born. This is not to say that I am not sad about Farrah, but to me, she isn't necessarily an icon that I loved. She was a very strong woman, and there is no reason that people shouldn't celebrate her life and the way she continued to fight her battle with cancer.

However, as weird as he may have been, Michael Jackson was a living legend. An icon of my childhood. When I hear his songs, I can pull up memories and his videos. I'm kind of a freak like that, but who can forget the sidewalk that lights up in "Billie Jean" or the knife fight in "Beat It"? When you hear "Smooth Criminal" doesn't it make you want to lean dance like he and his crew? MTV played videos last night after the news broke, and they played "Jam" - Michael Jordan, Heavy D and Kris Kross all in that video! "Remember the Time" with Eddie Murphy, Iman, and Magic Johnson... And who can forget one of the most amazing and technological videos at the time - "Black or White"? Oh yeah, and MacCauley Culkin was in that one...lol.

I've seen a lot of conflicting comments in the last 24 hours. There are many people that think his death isn't newsworthy because he was an alleged child molester (you can form your own judgements here). People are angry he's overshadowing Farrah. But, I want people to know, for me, an icon died. I love the music. That doesn't mean I condone his alleged actions, or think he was completely sane. What I can say is that he was a musical genius. That is what I'm sad about - an end of an era. There's no chance of that greatness from him again. He was such a strong influence to many in the music industry, just like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Elvis, Led Zeppelin and many others. Let's not take that away from him.

So, in my mind, the Michael Jackson musical experience will continue...R.I.P.

Making sense?

2009-06-25T15:15:00.002-04:00

Today I find myself curious if I'm making any sense. I feel like I've been walking around in a sort of fog. Yesterday at work, I was on auto-pilot, pushed everything else out of my head, and did what I needed to do, trying to be as prepared as possible. But this ended up being one of those days where that happened for almost 12 hours straight!

And here I am today waiting for the weekend to start. Yes, I know it's only Thursday, but I need some sleep. Or at least some down time. Or something! I'm starting to feel a little burned out from everything going on in my life. It'll be nice to have things get back to normal at the end of this week and also have some time to catch up on all the craziness that's been going on!

Oh yeah, and I probably should finish unpacking my apartment. Then maybe I can get back to scrapbooking and jewelry stuff...yeah, that's it!

Selfish

2009-06-24T20:36:00.002-04:00

Obviously if you've been reading my blog, you've noticed I've talked a lot about friends lately. On my way home from work tonight, and after having plans I was looking forward to foiled, I realized that I've been feeling like my "friends" don't necessarily want me around. Part of that is that I can't help them the way that I want to help them.

Part of this is jealousy - jealousy that some friends have other people that are helping them more, when I really want to be the one to help. I know it sounds absolutely ridiculous, but it's true. When someone has helped you so much, how can you not want to do as much as you can for them?

Anyway, so now that I'm finally home from work, I'm trying not to be too sad about my plans that unfortunately fell through, but it's not working so great so far...

Soulmates

2009-06-22T19:01:00.003-04:00

I've been reading the third installment of the Twilight series and finished it the other night. For those of you who don't know much about it, the main storyline is that Bella, the main character, is in love with a vampire, Edward. However, she also loves Jacob, a werewolf. She can't live without Edward, but loves them both.

This got me to thinking - is there more than one soulmate out there for everyone? Bella's choice is to become a vampire so she won't have to live without Edward. She mentions in her thoughts that she has seen her life with Jacob if she decided to stay human. Now, maybe it's far-fetched, but how far-fetched is it that there's only ONE person out there for each of us? What if that one person for you lived halfway around the world from you? What's the chance that you would meet them?

It makes me wonder if people can see themselves with someone else, like Bella did with Jacob. Is there an alternate "universe" where everyone is with someone else? I realize that sounds a little "X-Files" like, but I'm kinda weird like that...lol.

Or - can soulmates change throughout your life? No one is the same throughout life, and everyone grows, changes opinions, and has different interests. Is this how people grow apart or why divorces happen? I realize that there are many ways people can grow apart, but is part of that because soulmates change?

I also believe that soulmates can become your best friends - they don't have to be a romantic partner by any stretch of the imagination. This could be part of the reason why as we get older, we have fewer good friends. It's not that less people like you, it's that you really connect with those people...

I've always believed that there is more than one person out there for everyone. It's hard for me to believe that out of all the people in the world, there's only ONE per person. While there are a lot of things I don't particularly like in the Twilight books (such as Bella being so WHINY), I still read them and this was something that I felt really made sense to me and felt compelled to share it.

Recharging Saturday

2009-06-20T14:29:00.002-04:00

I find myself in a place I didn't expect to be this Saturday - on the couch in my apartment! The Lansing Jaycees golf outing was supposed to be today, however, it needs to be rescheduled because the storm was so crazy last night that it flooded some of the holes on the course.

So, my plan for the day turned into going back to bed until close to noon! Apparently, I needed a nap. Now I've just been taking it easy today and trying to figure out how to spend two days in a row without anywhere to be!

I still have unpacking to do, so I'm sure I'll get some of that done. Mostly, I'll decompress from this week and try to prepare for next week.

No thanks, you're not needed...

2009-06-19T16:30:00.002-04:00

I have days every once in awhile when I feel like nobody would particularly miss me if I were gone - except my dog, because who would feed her?

I've been playing catch up at work from a crazy busy week, and my mind has been wandering to other things. Eric is in England until next Thursday, so we won't talk on the phone until he gets back. This, combined with him having been in Mexico for a week recently, just feels weird. I'm used to talking to him every day.

Then there are the friends that you want to help, but you're not sure how to. But that doesn't matter particularly, since they have plenty of others to help them, so, not missed there either.

I don't know if it's a product of really strange happenings in my life lately, or just strange coincidence. It's strange how certain events can really make you feel lonely and not needed...

Wearing Your Heart on Your Sleeve

2009-06-16T21:30:00.002-04:00

For those of you who don't know, I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve. It's a safe bet that if I'm in a bad mood, you'll know about it. If I'm in a good mood, you'll also know it. For the most part, I've never seen it quite as a bad thing to let people know how I'm feeling.

With the new technology available today such as Twitter, Facebook and blogs, it's a wonder that not EVERYONE knows how I feel. I tend to update my Facebook status on a fairly regular basis. I use different things - what I'm thinking, how I'm feeling, song lyrics of the song on my iPod, or quotes. I tend to use it as more of an outlet to clear my brain sometimes, similar to my blog.

And because I use it as a way to clear my thoughts or get something off my chest, I never really think much about the ramifications of what I write. Everyone has bad days, and everyone has to have a way to deal with them right? But, how do negative comments look to others that look at your Facebook page or blog? How is it different than acting like you're in a bad mood?

I think for me, in some ways, being able to share what I'm feeling or thinking on a status update helps me cope with what's going on in my life. Especially when I don't quite have people that I can call up to vent about things...

More thoughts...

2009-06-15T21:01:00.002-04:00

Today I've been thinking about friends again. Lots of questions have been swirling through my head, including whether it's worth it to be loyal to anyone, especially when there's always the chance to that person not having the same type of committment to a friendship as you do.

How do you know when to trust someone? How do you know when someone really, truly is a friend? When do you not have to worry about saying something wrong to someone you consider a friend? Why do I always feel like I'm screwing up with people that I want as friends?

Just a bunch of questions tonight...

Sunday nights

2009-06-14T20:25:00.002-04:00

I find myself sitting here on a Sunday night, watching some more Smallville in an attempt to get caught up for when season 8 comes out on DVD in August. I'm in the middle of season 4 right now - for the second time. I had to rewatch seasons I'd already seen since it had been awhile.

But my mind keeps wandering. There's a lot going on for me this week, and I have a feeling that my work and personal lives are going to collide toward the end of the week. I don't do well on Mondays anyway, but this week it's going to be even tougher. I've got a lot of catching up to do at work from last week still, and there are some other things I am waiting to hear about.

I think it's going to be a long week that I'm very anxious to see how it pans out. However, I think that I'm going to be quite anxious throughout the entire week and hope I can be productive...

Blogs

2009-06-14T14:32:00.002-04:00

I've come to the realization lately that I usually write blogs in order to get things off my mind, or clear my mind. They aren't necessarily mind blowing or thought provoking, but it's been a good place to vent frustrations or clear my mind.

I know I'm not the most coherent writer, but I write comes to my brain. I have lots of friends that are very good writers, and have a point to their blogs, but I'm just not one of those...

Friends

2009-06-11T20:04:00.002-04:00

I know a lot of people - whether it's through work, the Jaycees, since high school, or other means. But, I honestly don't have a lot of friends. The few that I do have, I tend to be fiercely loyal to.

So today brings me to this thought: I feel horrible when I can't help one of my friends out. Especially when at times, they do so much for me. It puts me into a funk when I try to cheer someone up, but it doesn't work. I want to do everything in my power to help people.

I've learned many times though that even with being loyal to my friends, there are only a very few people that would help me out as I would help them. Which, is why I've determined I have very few good friends anymore. I know our circles get smaller as we get older, but I'm still trying to grapple with it.

Last day of May

2009-05-31T21:33:00.003-04:00

Am I glad today is the last day of May - this has been a month of craziness, frustration, and fun. I haven't written here for a couple of weeks, and even then, they were very short posts. I have thought about writing, but just haven't had the time or energy to do so.

May had Jaycees craziness going on - including Texas Hold 'Em, MIJC convention at Boyne, meetings, East Lansing Art Festival, float building and a parade, rafting in West Virginia...and lots more. All this while I was trying to pack my apartment up in order to move this weekend. Guess who wasn't as prepared as she had hoped she was to move?

Dakota had a mass removed from her hind leg on the 14th - she's doing well, but she hated having the cone around her neck. We found out the growth was a cancerous one, but benign, and they're pretty sure they removed it all. She's back to her normal self now that the stitches are out and the cone is gone.

There were some fun times this month, but for the most part, I had a rough go of it. I've been having a hard time being confident about myself in many aspects. Work hasn't been what it used to be, but I'm not sure if it's my attitude, or if something has changed. I also know that I have to be looking for a new job too - I think that makes it difficult.

Here's to June having some more down time, more fun times, and lots of sleep!

Here I am!

2009-05-11T11:17:00.002-04:00

It's been awhile since I posted. I'm not posting much right at the moment, but hopefully will get back into the swing of things soon.

However, I wanted to post my link for my Relay for Life team - and ask for donations! So, if you're feeling up to it, click on the link and help me raise money for the American Cancer Society!

Finished!

2009-04-28T09:17:00.002-04:00

I meant to post this yesterday, but then I got sidetracked and WENT TO BED EARLY!!!

I wish that meant that I was feeling very rested, but with the rain, it's just making me want to go home and curl up with the book I started last night - The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman.

But, I digress - this post is about me finally finishing Why GM Matters! Here's my review that I posted on Facebook and GoodReads...

In usual cases, a book like this would probably bore me. However, having grown up in Michigan, with a father that worked for auto suppliers his whole life, I found this book to be interesting, from the history about GM, to the evolution of the new Camaro and the Chevy Volt, to where does GM go from here?

My feeling is if the media reported the things that GM was doing right, instead of focusing on everything that was wrong, then maybe people would have a little more sympathy for the company. And maybe it's not even a matter of sympathy for the company, but at least realizing how many businesses would start to have trouble if GM went bankrupt. GM is the #1 private company to purchase IT items...what happens to the IT industry if GM goes under? What happens to the cafes, barber shops, stores, and other businesses around GM plants if they disappear?

GM did things their way for a long time, because the market didn't force them to change. At this point, they are being forced to change by outside companies, consumers, and a global marketplace. However, with a culture like theirs, it's not easy to change opinions within the company, and it has taken some time. But, it's happening.

Anyone who wants more of an understanding about the company, and what they are doing to move into the future, should read this book.

Melancholy

2009-04-23T21:59:00.002-04:00

I'm not sure if it's been that I've been pretty low key this week, and taking some time for myself, or just decompressing from work, but it's been one of those blah weeks. I haven't been feeling 100% and have been feeling like I'm just not doing enough in life.

Usually, I don't let things going on in the nation/world get me down too much, but I've been fairly down about what's going on with the economy and the lives of others. I wish I could do more to help people. I wish I could buy a new car to help the automobile companies. I wish I could give people jobs. Things haven't necessarily been easy for me, but I have a job.

I think part of it is the book I've been reading also. Why GM Matters by William J. Holstein. It's been kind of an eye opening book, and just reminds me that despite the best laid plans, not everything will always work out the way you want it to. And while you can really want to move forward quickly, it isn't always in the best interest of your organization or company. When changing attitudes, you have to do it at a pace where the organization or company won't fall apart.

With those words of wisdom, I am off to read more about the transformation of GM, and hope that it can work for the sake of the families that rely on these companies for income and their livelihood.

Home?

2009-04-22T19:11:00.002-04:00

This is the third night in a row that I've gotten to come home after work and just hang out here. It's been really nice to have the chance to do it.

On Monday night, I was just feeling super hyper, and started to pack up things in my apartment for the move at the end of May. It's felt kind of weird, packing already, but then I looked at my calendar, and I have something going EVERY weekend until I can move into my new place! So, I decided that I need to start packing all the stuff I'm taking, and throwing out the stuff I don't want! And boy, there's a lot of it.

Last night, I ended up really not doing anything. I putzed around online, and just plain didn't do anything. I had wanted to read, but time just got away from me. I kept looking at the piles of books on my floor that need to find a box, but that's about as far as I got.

When I've been home, I've actually changed my 7-8pm TV viewing habits. I only have a few stations - NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, PBS. I used to keep Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! on from that time period, but I switched over to Family Guy. I forgot how much I love the show! It cracks me up and makes me feel better at the end of the day. It's been a nice change of pace.

Luckily, there's only two more days left in the work week, then it's the weekend!

Sunday

2009-04-19T14:18:00.002-04:00

As I sit in my living room on a rainy Sunday, I'm trying to let go of this past week, while also preparing for next week. Things are going to start getting very crazy at work this week, but I'm still feeling the effects of a short week last week and all the things I had to fit into it.

So far today, I slept in (really late!), got up, went to the library and Target, and now I'm home for the day. I think the rest of the day will include reading and watching a movie, with a little cleaning! Granted, I'm really feeling like taking a nap.

I definitely no problem being a slug today. How do you spend lazy days?

Mmm mm, chicken and waffles!

2009-04-16T21:20:00.003-04:00

That's right - that's a waffle, with chicken on it, with cabbage in between. I love Mia & Grace.

Not convinced yet? Well then, check out the white chocolate blueberry cheesecake...

Wow.

I forgot how much I missed this place! So I went back the next day and got a piece of carrot cake. I'm trying to only eat small pieces of it, but it's almost gone...and it was fabulous!

I'm not sure if this week felt a lot busier because it's been a short one for me at work, but I've been very busy since Tuesday. I had a nice few days off, and I was sad to get back to the real world. However, this weekend, Sunday is my free day - my plan is to stay home all day...

I have lots to do at home - starting to pack for the move, books to read, movies to watch, naps to take... Here's to wishing it was Sunday!

Catch up...

2009-04-09T20:43:00.003-04:00

First - this:

From girls night out at sushi - all of our orders came out on one plate, and it was awesome.

This past Monday, I went to IKEA for the first time in Canton. My friends Jen, Steph and Amy from Muskegon picked me up on their way there. I thought it was really cool to get to go. So, I took a picture of a room I really liked.

This was in the "Live in 592 sq. ft." room. I love bookshelves.

We had lunch at the cafe there. I had the Swedish meatballs. I couldn't resist - and they were so good. They came with lignonberry preserves and mashed potatoes. Mmmm.

We stopped at the outlets near Howell on the way back, then decided to eat dinner in Lansing at Asia's Finest. Everyone seemed to like it.

However, Eric and I just went to Asia's Finest tonight, and I have to show you his experience with food porn.

Actually, this was Steph's from Monday, but Eric just tried it and loved it. Yum, pho!!!

And, here's my meal (both days!) Mmm, bun dac biet....

I love food.

Budgets and decisions

2009-04-07T21:41:00.002-04:00

In my attempt to spend less, which is a goal that Eric and I both have, I have had to make some hard decisions. I like to go out to eat, out with people, go shopping, etc. However, I have had to start picking and choosing where I go and what I do. I've been frequenting the library a lot, watching movies from Netflix, and generally trying to eat at home more.

I've been bringing my lunch to work - Chef Boyardee and I have become quite familiar with each other (can't go wrong for $1 lunches!). I've been trying to resist being super lazy at night and actually making something when I get home instead of picking something up.

It's not easy trying to break habits that I've developed over the last year or so. It's easier to develop the habits. However, I can't complain a whole lot about spending more time at home and taking time for myself. The hardest part recently has been trying to fulfill my obligations as well as I can, but with restrictions. That means I do have to make hard decisions and pick and choose where I go.

One day, maybe I won't have to make the hard decisions, but I'm not betting on it. I can only hope that I don't let it stress me out as much as it has been lately.

Do you have any budget saving tips? If so, what are they?

Ugh.

2009-04-04T18:18:00.002-04:00

This week was just a bad week - I can't pinpoint when I decided that. It might have been when I fell on my way into work (stupid sidewalk potholes), but I have a feeling it was really earlier than that. Things at work didn't quite go how I would have liked them to - I wasn't as productive as I needed to be since I was quite busy (funny how that works...)

I am finally getting some time off from work this week and next, and really looking forward to it. Monday brings a trip to IKEA with my friends from Muskegon - I haven't been there yet, so it should be fun! I'm also hoping to catch up with some things around the house when I'm off at the end of the week. There were so many things I was trying to juggle this past week and it didn't all pan out - and I wasn't expecting so many things to be going on.

Here's to hoping the coming week is better.

GO BLUE!!!

2009-03-30T12:37:00.003-04:00

I just got the pictures last week, so I guess that I am a little behind on blogging about this. But you'll see how giddy I look in a just a second...

On March 12th, the Michigan Senate honored Pittsburgh Steeler Lamar Woodley, a former UM football player. In addition to his family, his high school and college coaches came also, including Lloyd Carr. Being the die-hard UM Football fan that I am, here are my pictures...

Just in case you're wondering, the pin I'm wearing reads "I'd Rather Be in Ann Arbor". Trust me, it's hard being a Wolverine in Spartan country!

Goals for the week ahead...

2009-03-30T11:11:00.002-04:00

I think there are a lot of them, and I'll probably only accomplish half, but oh well!

First, for the menu:

Monday:
Lunch: Chef Boyardee (you're sensing a pattern, right?)
Dinner: Hot Dogs and chips

Tuesday:
Lunch: Chef Boyardee
Dinner: Sushi with the girls!

Wednesday:
Lunch: PB&J (been kinda craving it for awhile!), chips, applesauce
Dinner: Asian Fried Rice (at home)

Thursday:
Lunch: Leftover Asian Fried Rice
Dinner: Fish sticks and fries

Friday:
Lunch: Breakfast Burrito (ok, breakfast and lunch!)
Dinner: Out - Reno's West

My other goal is to get on the exercise bike for a minimum of 30 minutes each night this week.

And last, but not least, I will finish the book Eclipse this week...

The Believers

2009-03-28T12:30:00.000-04:00

I just finished reading this book last night. The follow up to Heller's "What Was She Thinking?", "The Believers" had me hooked from the beginning. Following the Litvinoff family through a tragedy, the book introduces us to characters that, like in her previous novel, the reader doesn't necessarily like much.

Each character has their own problems to deal with, and their own personality flaws. Joel, the patriarch, is a famous attorney. Audrey, his wife, is a fiery personality who is very hard to like. Rosa, one daughter, is having a crisis with religion. Karla, the other daughter, is having a crisis with marriage. Lenny, the son is having a crisis with drugs.

The story centers around the way they all deal with their issues after Joel suffers from a stroke. The family is quite dysfunctional, but intriguing.

I really enjoyed reading this book, and would recommend it to others.

Why am I still up?

2009-03-26T22:53:00.002-04:00

It just dawned on me that it's almost 11pm, and I haven't even remotely gotten ready for bed yet (unless you count putting on PJ's the minute I walked in the door).

I've eaten dinner, been hanging out with the dog, and surfing the internet. Granted, I've only been home a short time, but I'm not exactly being productive - I could at least be reading instead of surfing online, but here I am, in the living room, with basketball on (I think that's really my problem).

Of course, when my alarm goes off in the morning, I will not be thrilled at all. In fact, I'll probably be angry that I have to get up out of my warm, comfy bed.

Ok, I've decided it's time to go to that warm, comfy bed instead of just talking about it - more to come this weekend!!!

Elbow Love

2009-03-25T15:01:00.003-04:00

Wow, wow. I have really, really, really dry elbows. It's always a challenge for me to get them soft enough that I can keep them that way!

I just received this in the mail the other day from Bonghi Natura's shop. My elbows love it! My nose loves it! It has helped my skin so much!

I'm looking forward to future purchases from this shop. There are many things that I'm sure smell fantastic!!!

Book reviews

2009-03-23T09:57:00.004-04:00

I am not good at reviewing books. I can tell you if I liked it, didn't like it, hated a character, liked the story, but when I read other people's book reviews (or reviews about anything!), it seems as if they're so...deep. Mine are just so superficial in comparison.

Does anyone have ideas for how to make my reviews better? I'm not really a great writer, but I love reading and want to share what I think with y'all!

Books to read

2009-03-21T15:23:00.000-04:00

So, I made the mistake of reading the email I got yesterday from NPR Book Reviews. It unfortunately helped me add MORE books to my TBR list. Like I needed to add anything new...

First up - Captain Freedom: A Superhero's Quest for Truth Justice and the Celebrity He So Richly Deserves by G. Xavier Robillard. I think being fresh off seeing Watchmen is what attracted me to this book. I've also been watching Smallville quite a bit recently.

Second was Happens Every Day: An All-Too-True Story by Isabel Gillies. I'm not sure why this seems intriguing to me, but I think the story seems like it might be very raw.

And finally, The Believers by Zoe Heller. I enjoyed What Was She Thinking? though I haven't seen the movie, Notes on a Scandal. This sounds like an interesting story, and I just got a copy from the library today...

Which makes me giggle, because when I went to pick up my holds at the library today, I only had three of the four on the shelf. I asked at the desk, and pretty much before the person helping me asked for my card, the guy working at the next desk was handing her my book. Sigh, so much for anonymity! I guess I'm in there so much, they know me! I will miss the South Lansing library when I move to the west side of Lansing in a couple of months!

You're closed?

2009-03-17T20:23:00.002-04:00

Today while I was getting ready for work, I realized that I was running out of clothes to wear...and the dirty clothes pile was getting larger! I didn't have time to stop at the bank before I headed to work, so I figured I'd just stop sometime today.

Well, it turns out that EVERY branch of my bank closes at 4:30pm...yup, that's 4:30pm. Before the 5pm that I usually leave work. So, before I left work, I figured out where I could go before they closed - NuUnion Credit Union.

This made me start thinking - why am I still with a bank? They can't even be open while I'm NOT at work! But, while I'm thinking of switching from my bank to a credit union, I have to keep in mind lots of factors, including my paycheck and auto payments.

Any opinions?

Watchmen

2009-03-16T21:41:00.002-04:00

This past weekend, Eric and I went to see Watchmen at the IMAX with a couple of friends. I have not read the book, but really want to. However, this was one of those times when I didn't quite feel like I had to read the book, and really wanted to see the movie. I even took a nap before we went, since we went to the 9:40 movie and we knew it was 160 minutes.

The movie had me hooked from the beginning. The music used in the opening montage was perfect. The storyline made the moviegoer think. There were so many small details that I noticed, and probably a lot more that I didn't notice. I had a lot of moments where I thought "What if this really had happened?"

I enjoyed this entire movie. I didn't feel like it dragged at any part, and literally wanted to see it again after it finished (at 12:30am no less!). I would highly recommend it to everyone. I have the book requested from the library and am looking forward to reading it!

Weekend Update

2009-03-16T16:29:00.000-04:00

Friday seems like it was so long ago, yet the weekend passed so quickly!

After work on Friday, I met a couple of friends at Happy Hour at Art's Bar in Lansing. We had a great turnout eventually, and live entertainment from one of our Lansing Jaycee members. It was a lot of fun, and I was there for most of the night. Then I went home and finished my book. Woo hoo!

Saturday was the Michigan Jaycees Model Legislature here at the Capitol in Lansing. I was the Majority Floor Leader for the day, and whew!! What a busy day! After we were done, I went home, went to dinner with Eric, and then came back to take a nap. Yup, a nap at 7pm...because we were planning on seeing Watchmen on the IMAX screen at the 9:40 showing! I LOVED the movie...I'm hoping to do a post on it soon.

Then slept in on Sunday, watched Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, and slept some more in the afternoon. It was quite the lazy Sunday!

Now I feel like I'm playing catch up at work on this Monday...

Ah, moving

2009-03-13T16:06:00.002-04:00

So, in November, I extended my lease for 6 months. The idea was that by May, I would be ready to move into a new place in Lansing with the other half. Despite the best laid plans, it dawned on me a few weeks ago when I received a letter about my lease renewal that we weren't ready yet! AHHHH!!!

My lease is up at the end of May, but they need to know by the end of March if I'm leaving. So, in the next couple of weeks, I will hopefully know where I'm moving to! I'm going on Monday to check a place out on the West side of Lansing (in the 917!) Of course, any place that I look at has to be dog friendly!

I'm not sure if it has anything to do with moving or not, but the last week or so, I've been purging things around my apartment. You wouldn't believe how much crap I have in a one bedroom apartment. Ok, well, maybe if you saw it, you'd believe it. I feel like I've put so much in the garbage, but it still doesn't look like I've gotten rid of anything!

I'm starting to go through my clothes to see what I can take to Goodwill (that size 4? It's gone!) I have piles of magazines to take to the recycling center. I have more books than I know what to do with (no, I'm not getting rid of them, sorry!)

I think part of my packrat tendencies comes from my childhood - my mom vacuumed every day, nothing could be out of place, and I think that now that I can live the way I want to, I don't have the time to clean that much, and I don't want to be like her in that respect!

But now that I've started cleaning, I'm determined to have less stuff to move from one place to another!

The floodgates have opened...

2009-03-12T10:50:00.002-04:00

So, of course after I post the other day about having nothing to write about, and I thought of two things on my way to work this morning:

1) I stopped at the gas station to get something to drink this morning, and I've noticed the last few times I've been there that signs have been posted warning people about the increase in cost for cigarettes. The woman in line in front of me purchased a pack for $6.94!!!! I know I'm not the best person to keep a budget but wow...I just imagine how much people that smoke spend on their habit, and how they should do everything in their power to quit. I know it's NOT the easiest thing to do - my dad did it in the 80's, but between the health benefits of quitting and the cost, you'd think that would make people more apt to quit!

I also have to say that I don't particularly feel bad for people that are complaining about the cost increase. While the government may be looking for increased revenues, one of the things I would hope would come out of it is fewer smokers, therefore saving the government more in the long run on health care.

2) I've slowly been in the process of purging my office and my apartment. Last night, I got rid of two bags worth of junk from my car. These bags ended up in my apartment when I thought I was going to trade in my car in January 2008, and have been sitting there since. It's a long slow process, but I think if I purge things from my apartment now, it'll make it much easier when I have to move again. And it makes my apartment less cluttered!

Random thoughts, I know, but they both came to mind!

Writer's Block

2009-03-10T12:59:00.002-04:00

In the last few days, I've wanted to write something - really. But I could never think of what to write about. There's just been so much going on that I can't seem to focus on one thing.

Which brings me to having a case of writer's block. I really WANT to write about something...but I can't think of anything other than I would rather be home, and reading or doing something else.

I think maybe I'm just in a rut with the yucky weather outside in Michigan.

What do you do to get out of ruts?

Lamb

2009-03-05T10:59:00.004-05:00

I finished this book on Sunday night, but I'm just getting around to blogging about it.

Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore

I have to say, I was quite entertained. I'm not really sure what I expected from this book, but from what my friends had told me about Christopher Moore is that he is funny.

I'm not sure if I would have found it funnier if I knew more about the Bible and the stories (I have hardly any knowledge of it...), but I found myself glad that I wasn't reading it in public most of the time, because I would start giggling.

There were many parts that got me thinking about how Joshua learned from all the world's religions (Buddhism, Confucious, etc.) and how all of these religions have the same overarching theme. I was also quite entertained at the amount of bacon references that were made throughout the book.

I would highly recommend this to everyone - I'm looking forward to reading more of Mr. Moore's work! 4/5

Big Brothers Big Sisters

2009-03-02T14:01:00.003-05:00

It's that time of year again...Bowl for Kids' Sake to support Big Brothers Big Sisters!!!

I am participating again this year to help the Michigan Capital Region Big Brothers Big Sisters raise money to provide mentoring services in Mid-Michigan. I was a Big Sister in Muskegon for four years, and love this organization.

If you feel so inclined, please donate ANY sum to my cause!

https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=300918&supId=211283414

I'm looking forward to exceeding my goal! I'm bowling on Friday, May 8th. Help a great cause!

Reading Habits

2009-03-01T15:28:00.002-05:00

For those of you that know me pretty well, I'm usually a fairly avid reader. I read a good amount of books last year, and was pretty confident I would read quite a bit this year.

Well, I honestly have not been doing well. I haven't even finished a book this year yet. I'm hoping that I will finish the one that I am reading today, but wow, this is just so unlike me. Somehow, I have to find the time to read more. Recently, I've only been reading right before bed, whereas I'm usually reading after work, while watching TV, etc.

I'm thinking maybe I need to set a goal of books to read like I did last year - any suggestions?

Setbacks

2009-02-27T18:30:00.003-05:00

As soon as I felt like I was getting back on track this week, Wednesday turned out to be one of those crazy days where I felt overwhelmed. I also started feeling sick, and overnight Wednesday night ended up with a stuffy nose and sore throat.

Which was only worse on Thursday morning. I'm feeling better today, but ended up taking two days off of work. It's been quite awhile since I've taken more than one day off for illness. I've been drinking tea like crazy, had Chicken and Stars earlier, and just been sitting around and sleeping.

There are so many things that I keep thinking I need to do, but on the other hand, I just need to rest and get better...which is difficult for me...

On the bright side, maybe I'll lose a couple pounds...

Blog Giveaway

2009-02-26T15:25:00.001-05:00

Head on over to BookWormz' blog for a great blog giveaway!!!

This is your chance to win one of her cool items!

I love mine. :-)

Weekly planning

2009-02-22T16:27:00.003-05:00

I just took a trip to the grocery store. I thought it was a little steep that I spent $62 and didn't feel like I got much. However, on the quick drive home, I started doing the math of how much I would spend in a week without a menu.

So, taking a page out of a friend's blog...I am making a list of things for a menu this week. I am using things that I had and

Monday:

Lunch:
Chef Boyardee

Dinner:
Hamburger Helper
Corn

Tuesday:

Lunch:
Ham Sandwich
Pretzels
Applesauce

Dinner:
Chicken and Mac and Cheese
Green Beans

Wednesday:

Lunch:
Chef Boyardee

Dinner:
Leftover Hamburger Helper
Biscuits

Thursday:

Lunch:
Chef Boyardee (it was on sale, what can I say?)

Dinner:
Catfish
Corn
Biscuits

Friday:

Lunch:
Chef Boyardee

Dinner:
Leftover Chicken and Mac and Cheese
Corn

I had to get something down that I was able to follow...there may be some tweaks throughout the week, but we'll see how I do...

My main goal is to eat at home more, and I'm trying to see what works for me!

Featured Etsy Seller!!

2009-02-22T14:07:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I bought something on Etsy this week, and I'm obsessed.

BookWormz!!!

I bought 2 of these - a medium one and a large and medium one. I've been stalking this shop for months, and with being a big reader, these are perfect - especially since I take a book with me wherever I go.

The service was great, and I LOVE the two that I bought, and I'm still stalking for more...

Here are pictures of the ones that I bought:

Go check out this shop!!! NOW!!!

Today I Am

2009-02-21T17:54:00.002-05:00

I am:

Reading: Lamb by Christopher Moore

Listening to: Lipstick on the Mirror by Pop Evil

Obsessed With: Smallville - been watching a marathon all day

Thinking About: How my apartment needs to be cleaned and all the things I should be making or scrapbooking right now...

Planning To: Go bowling later tonight in league, and do some more dishes

Dreaming Of: Not really dreaming right at the moment, but would dream that my apartment would magically be clean...

Enjoying: A quiet day today...

Vowing To: Get on the exercise bike and lose 10 pounds by May 1st.

Working On: Should be working on something, but here I am sitting in my chair and watching Smallville...

Excited About: Finally being done with re-watching Season 1 of Smallville

What are you up to?

Doing yoga after a couple weeks off...

2009-02-20T14:56:00.002-05:00

Oh boy, how entertaining! I went to my lunchtime yoga class today at work. I missed last week because I had a migraine, and the week before we didn't have class. So, it's been a few weeks!

I was having all types of issues...balance, stretching, breathing - I'm just plain out of practice! But, I'm glad to get back into it again, and have to start actually planning to go to a class once a week, whether it's here at work (which makes it easy!) or going in the evening.

What is something you've started doing again that you haven't done in awhile? Or, is there something you want to start again?

Goals

2009-02-17T20:42:00.003-05:00

Last night, I was driving back to Lansing from Muskegon. What normally happens during this drive is that my brain goes a mile a minute. It's when I wish that I had a notepad that would write for me.

However, a few things that I remember thinking during the drive were mostly about goals that I want to set for myself for the rest of the year.

So, here goes:

1) I would like to lose 10 pounds by May 1st. I think this is doable. Especially after I get back on the exercise bike. The holidays really threw me off, and I haven't jumped back on since then.

2) I will participate in Master Speak Up this year. This is a Jaycee competition, and basically, writing and giving a speech based on a given topic. I have to try to overcome my fear of public speaking, and while I've made strides in this, I need to do more.

3) I will become a 7th degree Jaycee. Currently, I am a 2nd degree, but I went through the other night and documented up to 5th degree. So, I will turn those in, and then earn 2 more this year.

4) I will try not to vent so much. There are times when very little things annoy me, and sometimes I tend to vent and not think about it first. So, I will make attempts to keep my trap shut!

5) I will read again...I've already started this, with Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore.

What are your goals? Do you have anything you'd like to accomplish this year?

Motivation

2009-02-15T20:09:00.002-05:00

I'm having a slight difficulty tonight. After a great weekend at MIJC Convention, my brain is racing with things to do. And, since I was sick on Friday, I have a lot of things to do at work...

But, here I am, laying on the couch, chilling out with the dog. Luckily, I have tomorrow off, which is helpful. I'm doing laundry, but I just have to get up every once in awhile to switch the loads.

But, I'm very tired physically, and need to just rest. Which isn't bad - I just need to make sure that I am productive tomorrow. Somehow that seems easier said than done...

So much for goals...

2009-02-10T11:11:00.002-05:00

My two goals from last night? Eh, didn't do them. Instead, did my taxes and made a new bookmark!

Tonight I don't have anything going on except going home right after work. Hopefully I can do a little more cleaning in my apartment, and some laundry. I'm really not setting the bar too high tonight!

Playing catch up...

2009-02-09T14:44:00.003-05:00

I've been keeping busy today - but figured I should post on the good ol' blog. I've got a whole 2 goals for this evening after my meeting.

1) Watch a movie - I have three from Netflix that have been sitting on my table for over a month.

2) Dust off the exercise bike - it looked lonely this morning.

An optional goal would be to make something, whether it be a bookmark, earrings, or SOMETHING....

I love Michigan!

2009-02-01T11:05:00.004-05:00

The State of Michigan has gotten a bad rap lately...

But, there are many great people that live and work here, and I want to showcase some more talent from around the state.

We'll start off with MoonMaidenSoaps. I just purchased a few things from this shop, and what great service! I received my package two days after I ordered. The packaging is gorgeous - and love the products!!!

First I ordered a bar of the Bergamot and Chamomile Goats Milk Soap. I've been looking for calming, soothing scents lately and this sounded right up my alley. It smells so good!!!

I also ordered a gift set, since I couldn't decide if I wanted soap, lotion, or lip balm, so why not get all three? :-) This came beautifully packaged, and I chose lavender for the soap and lotion, and Dreamsicle for the lip butter - which is FABULOUS. I've used it so much the last few days, I think I'll have to buy more soon!

I have also discovered a great store for dog lovers - which I am one! FannieAndSprout has some great dog related items, including these great magnets!

I would also suggest searching Etsy.com for the "Michigan Trolls" group - there are lots of great items from many shops - all made in Michigan!!!!

Spotlight on Michigan!

2009-01-29T20:02:00.005-05:00

I've been meaning to do this all week, and I'm finally getting around to it. I've found some fantastic shops on Etsy.com, and I have decided to feature two great shops I've found in Michigan, and I hope you'll consider buying from (I know I am or have!!)

First up is YouStinkSoap from the West Side!!! The products in this shop are all vegan and smell great.

I've purchased soap and lip balm from this shop. I love the vanilla velvet buttercreme lip balm - I've been using it all this week.

I also have two soaps in scents named Harmony and Kismet. And, with my order, I received a sample of the Bergamot Mandarin soap - took it to Tulsa with me, and loved it!

Next up is pjturner's shop - she's from Kingsley, near Traverse City. She has great woodwork, including pens, bottle stoppers, and keyrings.

Here's my favorite from her shop!

I hope you find some great items in these shops! I'm going to attempt to do this as a weekly feature, though it may be more sporadic than that. But, be on the lookout!

I will...

2009-01-28T11:41:00.002-05:00

1) Clean a little more of my apartment this week. I've been working on this, and slowly, things are being purged, and I'm putting scrapbooking supplies in their rightful place. There's still much more to be done, but I'm excited I'm even getting rid of as much as I have.

2) Go to yoga classes this week. I missed last week, but for a good reason. However, I'm feeling a void in my life where yoga was, and need to get back to it. I also need to look into meditating.

3) Read more. I have two books that I've started, and haven't picked them up in at least a week. This just isn't like me.

4) Take better care of myself. I'm starting off small. Those of you who know me know that I'm pretty low maintenance - an eyebrow wax every couple months, no makeup, let my hair air dry, and if I could wear my yoga pants all the time, I'd be in heaven. However, dry skin is telling me to at least put in a little effort to my daily routine...

5) Buy Michigan products - whether it's on etsy.com, at the store, or anywhere, I'm going to attempt to make more Michigan purchases. Or at least shop at locally owned stores! See this blog!

That's just a short list of what I hope to accomplish in the upcoming months...others include getting back into scrapbooking (too many pictures, so little time!), making jewelry and bookmarks (I really, really need to do this), and get things back to normal.

We'll see how far I get...

Just can't shake it...yet.

2009-01-26T11:05:00.003-05:00

Last week was rough. Today I feel like I'm recovering - not quite normal yet, but not in the fog that I was in. And, I'm sure that will change over the next few days.

I'm glad that somehow, everything was turned in for Jaycees. I'm happy to be able to focus on 2009 now. I'm also happy to report that I think my cold is finally going away.

I can only predict that the rest of this week will get busy at work. My evenings are pretty much free except for 2 this week, and that's not too bad...maybe I'll actually finish my book club selection this week before we meet!

Blogging to keep busy...

2009-01-19T18:24:00.004-05:00

I haven't blogged in almost two weeks. Life has just gotten in the way. I went to Tulsa, OK last weekend, and started a blog entry while I was waiting for my first flight, but it went by the wayside. I really don't have much to report in the food department, except that the restaurant at the Hilton we stayed at was horrible! It was overpriced, the food was bad, and service was bad.

I was there for the US Jaycees Leadership Academy. It was a great weekend, overall, where I got to get to know some of the other presidents from Michigan, met lots of Jaycees from all over the country and even the world, and got lots of new ideas.

This weekend was Local Officer Training for Jaycees, and then the year end banquet for our chapter. I was officially sworn in as the 81st President of the Lansing Jaycees on Saturday night, and let me tell you - I won't forget it. Especially since I had to yell my speech over the sounds of a band that was playing Chicago covers...lol.

Sunday turned out to be a lazy day, and was going alright...until I received a phone call around 9pm, telling me that a friend of mine, a fellow Jaycee from Muskegon, was killed in a snowmobile accident Sunday afternoon. I didn't really cry last night, until I got home, and started thinking about the last time I saw him, about two weeks ago...and how I'm glad I gave him a huge hug then.

I'm still sitting here in disbelief. I didn't know him long - met him in August, to be precise. But we had really started to talk more and get to know each other, and he was really fun. He texted me on Saturday night after getting back from Dallas, to ask how the banquet went. I was tired, and figured I'd get back to him the next day...and I didn't get that opportunity. So I'm having this "what if" questioning of myself...I know I shouldn't, but it just happens.

My thoughts go out to his wife, family, and friends. R.I.P. Adam.

Purging my office

2009-01-06T12:05:00.002-05:00

This morning, I wasn't quite sure what I was going to start with doing at work. Then, my first round of bluebacks came in...

Somehow, this spurred me to make room for them in my legislation file drawer, and put my new stuff together for the year. So, I've been going through piles in my office and purging things. This is hard for me to do, since I tend to save everything.

That page a day calendar from last year? Saved the pages so I could read them later...with what time? GONE.

All the newsletters that I read long ago and are still sitting here? GONE.

Files on my desk? BACK in the filing cabinet and nicely labeled...

And on and on...I am hoping to see some semblance of my desk again soon, but who knows when that will be?

Last day of vacation!

2009-01-04T12:28:00.002-05:00

Which means back to work tomorrow - for three days!

This has been a great break for me - I've been able to sleep a lot, just hang out, do some reading (though not as much as I would have liked), and get laundry done.

You would think I'd be bored by now and want to go back to work, but no, I think that I could be on vacation for awhile. Haha. But, since I must go back to work and life, I have to leave sleeping in behind...

While I've been on vacation, I've had it in the back of my head that January was going to be busy, but I think it really hit me yesterday when I looked at my schedule again...

In which case, I had to watch this - a bit of humor, in the form of Hoops & YoYo!

I usually don't blog this much...

2009-01-01T19:08:00.003-05:00

But, I just found this on PoshMomma's blog...

Have you?

Bold the ones you have done.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Been to the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen pyramids of an ancient civilization
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Visited the Caribbean
27. Run a marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Been to a World Series game
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp (a monument for camp victims)
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten sushi
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79.Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Hm, it seems I have quite a lot to do...

New Year's Post

2009-01-01T15:47:00.002-05:00

So, last night we decided to stay home. I wasn't feeling so great, and it was nice to just spend some time at home watching TV and doing a whole lot of nothing. I'm doing the same thing today, watching football, switching over to the Winter Classic hockey game.

Though, as I'm also surfing the internet looking for a yoga class to head to this weekend, I also decided that I am going to make one New Year's Resolution. I wasn't planning on doing it, but this one seems pretty simple and just as a reminder throughout the year.

Make sure to schedule time for ME.

That's it. Simple, easy, but when things get busy, not always so easy. When I tend to get busy, I forget about taking time out for myself. So, whatever it is - working out, yoga, reading, or just watching a movie, I will make sure that I schedule time for myself.

Buffaloaf!

2008-12-31T11:23:00.002-05:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, Eric and I went to Mia & Grace on Saturday before leaving for Lansing.

While we were waiting for our food, an order of surprise escargot came out to us! We were surprised, but it's not unusual for Jeremy to send food out to us, and I didn't think anything of it...

until I heard the waitress at the table across from us (after we already dug in), say that their order was brought to the wrong table!!! Talk about feeling like an idiot! But, this was soooo good, and it had cloves of garlic on top, and the crackers are just heavenly. But, whoops.

Before ordering, which was pretty easy this time around, we decided that pork on pork action can never steer you wrong. So, Eric ordered the bacon wrapped pork tenderloin.

This was so good - it had a red wine sauce, and it was delicious. They actually ran out of it while we were there, so it was good we went when we did.

I was intrigued by the "Buffaloaf". Apparently, they get buffalo meat from a farm near Fremont, and then mix it 80/20 with bacon. They had me at the word "bacon". This was so good - it was very lean, yet had that yummy comfort food quality. The sauce was a mushroom sauce, and was so good.

And of course, dessert. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake. Heavenly...

Again, if you're in Muskegon EVER - GO THERE!!!!

Astounded...

2008-12-30T10:02:00.002-05:00

Eric wanted pizza for dinner last night - which now also reminds me that I have to blog on a recent visit to Mia & Grace...hm, that will be my next entry.

Anyway, we went to DeLuca's here in Lansing. I've heard from many people they have great pizza, so we decided to try it (I've been there once before, and had spaghetti - way too much food for one serving!!!)

The pizza was fantastic - it was busy last night, but it wasn't too long of a wait, and we weren't in a hurry. However, I don't have much more to say about the food.

There was a family sitting near us - it looked like a 11 or 12 year old boy, a 5 or 6 year old girl, mom, dad, and maybe grandma? Anyway, at one point, I happened to look over at the boy, whose dad was coming back to the table, and the boy starts whispering to dad from across the table "Dad, there's gay people over there!" Of course, Dad couldn't hear his son, so he said "talk louder, I can't hear you." To which the son replied "no, but there's gay people over there" in his loud whisper.

I'm going to guess the boy was talking about a table where there were two men, drinking red wine - oh no!!!! My first thought was "I cannot believe this kid is saying what he is!" My second thought was "Why is his mother sitting there just letting him say this?" (she was right next to the boy)...my third thought was "Um, I know you're 11 and all, but how in the world do you KNOW they are gay?"

In addition to being shocked, it just made me think about how people jump to conclusions based on what they think they see - I'm guilty of it too. I think we're all guilty of it at some point. And, I know kids say things, but shouldn't the parents be there to tell them "that's not appropriate?" Sigh, maybe I'm wrong...

2008 Book Update...

2008-12-29T13:18:00.002-05:00

For those of you who have been loyal readers for a long time, you'll remember that at the beginning of the year, I put together a list of 50 books to read this year. Well, this is the update, and it isn't pretty. I read a total of 12 off the list.

() The Fall (Camus)
() American Creation (Ellis)
(X) Man Gone Down (Thomas)
()World Without End (Follett)
()The Pillars of the Earth - re-read (Follett)
(X)Gentlemen of the Road (Chabon)
(X)The Yiddish Policemen's Union (Chabon)
(X)The Other Boleyn Girl (Gregory)
()Team of Rivals (Kearns)
()The Mascot (Kurzem)
(X)Then We Came to the End (Ferris)
()The Russian Concubine (Furnivall)
(X)Jane Eyre (Bronte)
()Thunderstruck (Larson)
()Schulz and Peanuts (Michaelis)
(X)A Thousand Splendid Suns (Hosseini)
()Tree of Smoke (Johnson)
()On the Road (Kerouac)
()The Savage Detectives (Bolano)
()Midnight's Children (Rushdie)
()The Fortress of Solitude (Lethem)
()A People's History of the United States (Zinn)
()The World is Flat (Friedman)
()Kabul Beauty School (Rodriguez)
()1776 (McCullough)
()My Life (Clinton)
()The Myth of the Rational Voter (Caplan)
()A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens)
(X)Eat Pray Love (Gilbert)
()The End of Poverty (Sachs)
()The Plot Against America (Roth)
()Ragtime (Doctorow)
()Parting the Waters (Branch)
()From Beirut to Jerusalem (Friedman)
(X)Clapton: The Autobiography (Clapton)
()What is the What (Eggers)
()White Teeth (Smith)
()Breakfast of Champions (Vonnegut)
()The Inheritence of Loss (Desai)
()The Good Earth (Buck)
()Boom! Voices of the Sixties (Brokaw)
(X)Daughter of Fortune (Allende)
(X)The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao (Diaz)
()Manhunt: The 12 Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer (Swanson)
()The Guns of August (Tuchman)
()Catch-22 (Heller)
()The Sun Also Rises (Hemingway)
()Marie Antoinette (Fraser)
()The Crimson Petal and the White (Faber)
()Emma (Austen)
(X)A Free Life (Jin)

The good news is, I still read 41 books this year:

Daughter of Fortune (Allende)
The Handmaid's Tale (Atwood)
Away (Bloom)
Jane Eyre (Bronte)
Debbie Harry Sings in French (Brothers)
Gentlemen of the Road (Chabon)
The Yiddish Policemen's Union (Chabon)
Clapton: The Autobiography (Clapton)
The Chocolate War (Cromier)
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (Diaz)
One for the Money (Evanovich)
Two for the Dough (Evanovich)
Then We Came to the End (Ferris)
Mistress of the Art of Death (Franklin)
The Serpent's Tale (Franklin)
Eat Pray Love (Gilbert)
The Constant Princess (Gregory)
The Other Boleyn Girl (Gregory)
The Nick Adams Stories (Hemingway)
A Thousand Splendid Suns (Hosseini)
A Free Life (Jin)
Darkly Dreaming Dexter (Lindsay)
Memories of My Melancholy Whores (Marquez)
No Country for Old Men (McCarthy)
The Book of Lies (Meltzer)
Twilight (Meyer)
New Moon (Meyer)
American Nerd (Nugent)
Snuff (Palahniuk)
The Golden Compass (Pullman)
The Enchantress of Florence (Rushdie)
Persepolis (Satrapi)
Naked (Sedaris)
Child 44 (Smith)
The Art of Racing in the Rain (Stein)
Man Gone Down (Thomas)
Tell Me Where It Hurts (Trout)
Chasing Harry Winston (Weisberger)
This Common Secret (Wicklund)
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle (Wroblewski)
The Book Thief (Zusak)

Out of the books I read, I would have to say my favorite was "The Art of Racing in the Rain". I read this book while I was on vacation for a few days in Cleveland, and it was hard for me to put down. I fell in love with the main character Enzo, who happens to be a dog. It made me laugh and cry, and I highly recommend this book to everyone.

I haven't decided yet if I am going to make a 2009 list, or just say that I'm going to try to read 50 books. I noticed during the year that my reading tastes change quite a bit, and I did expand my horizons by reading some books I wouldn't normally read. In the process, I've come across some fun reads (such as Janet Evanovich and the Twilight series).

I will keep y'all posted!

An interesting end to the year...and a look forward!

2008-12-26T20:22:00.002-05:00

While I've been off of work the last couple of days, I've had a chance to finally take a breath, and figure out what's been going on - I still have lots to do, but laundry was at the top of my list.

However, what's been really odd about the last couple of days is that I've found out that a lot of people that I'm friends with are having various difficulties here at the end of 2008. It's made me think of my year in a little bit different way - it hasn't exactly been the easiest year, but I've had it pretty good. I'm only hoping that this positive feeling and outlook will carry me into 2009 and through it!

I also still have to do a review of my 50 Books to Read in 2008. I didn't do so well (I'm pretty sure I only read about 12 of them), but I did read quite a few books that weren't on the list! I also have to look forward to what my 2009 list might look like...granted it probably won't be 50 books!

I'm also looking forward to serving as the 81st President of the Lansing Jaycees. I believe it will be a huge learning experience for me, and I only hope that I can help our organization be better - because I believe there's always room for improvement.

But that also reminds me that I have to remember to take time for myself, and not let things overwhelm me, even though that's inevitable. I'm lucky to have enough people around to ground me and help me think about things in a different way - which always helps.

So, I hope everyone had a happy holiday season, and makes the most of the new year! I know I will be trying to!

When something sticks with you and you can't shake it...

2008-12-16T10:19:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago I wrote about learning curves. Everyone makes mistakes at some point or another. What I'm trying to work on with that, having been the mistake maker, is to learn from my mistake, and take in the situation and decide what I would have done better, what can happen in order to avoid the mistake in the future, and also remind myself that how others handled it is not necessarily how I would have handled it.

Fast forward to today - I'm attempting to reconcile that I still feel like an ass for making a mistake, and how to let that go. One of my goals for the new year, among many, is to let things roll off my back. Now I'm just trying to figure out what the best way for me to do that is...

Random Musings

Stuck

Things I've learned while unemployed...

Pet Photos with the Easter Bunny - Lansing Jaycees

Special Olympics - Grand Rapids Jaycees

Time

This is me - take it or leave it

It's almost April...

Ups and Downs

Why am I doing this?

Not a bad start

23 stories?!

Good Night, and Good Luck

And frustration sets in...

Baby pachyderms!

Week 2...

Continuing into 2011...

One year later

Book Goal for 2011

2011 - Coming soon?!

Goal Update, Week #2

Goal update, week 1

Goals

Quotes and how to change

Blindsided

If you call...

Thoughts, lack of sleep and headaches, oh my!

A return?!

Break in vacation blogging...

Vacation - Sushi Belt

Vacation - Powell's Books

Vacation - Stepping Stone Cafe

This week...

I'm baaack....

Be prepared

'Twas the week of hot dogs...

Random Acts of Kindness

I don't wanna be lonely no more...

Vacation!!

MJ & Farrah

Making sense?

Selfish

Soulmates

Recharging Saturday

No thanks, you're not needed...

Wearing Your Heart on Your Sleeve

More thoughts...

Sunday nights

Blogs

Friends

Last day of May

Here I am!

Finished!

Melancholy

Home?

Sunday

Mmm mm, chicken and waffles!

Catch up...

Budgets and decisions

Ugh.

More reading...

GO BLUE!!!

Goals for the week ahead...

The Believers

Why am I still up?

Elbow Love

Book reviews

Books to read

You're closed?

Watchmen

Weekend Update

Ah, moving

The floodgates have opened...

Writer's Block

Lamb

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Reading Habits

Setbacks

Blog Giveaway

Weekly planning