A request

So, I have a friend who is, hands down, the strongest person I know.

I won't go into detail, but this friend has fought health problems for longer than I've known her, and her attitude, while realistic, is always upbeat and positive.

She's going through a very rough time right now. She's never far from my thoughts, I chat with her every day, and am constantly astounded by her strength in the face of unreal adversity. Astounded.

I believe in the power of positive thought. If somehow, more people put good thoughts about her out to the universe, perhaps some of that positive energy will reach her and help interrupt or asuage or just fucking stop the pain that she's going through.

So, I'm asking you, please send some good thoughts her way. It doesn't matter if you're religious or not.

Just a postitive thought: Feel better. Stay Strong. No more pain. Life will get better.

Thank you.

Who are you?

Every night, since the end of last April, before I go to sleep I make it a point to remember something good about my life from that day, and to think something I look forward to upon waking up.

I'm thankful.

I've been thinking about this lately - the good things.  When work or life gets crazy, I also think about what I could be faced with, which makes me even more grateful.

I am not:

-facing another night of cold and hunger, not knowing when my next meal or warm bed will be

-working in an oven-hot, windowless factory, bent over machinery, my fingers and back cramped while I make toys that sell for $15.00, and my hourly wage is $.15

-a woman on her first, second or third marriage who's husband is unfaithful which makes her take it out on her kids

-battling a life-threatening illness

-alone

I am:

-thankful to have a warm place to call my home

-blessed to have a wonderful boss, a rewarding job and the opportunity to work towards better health for hundreds of thousands of people

-overjoyed to have real love in my life

-amazed and grateful to be as healthy as I am and dont' take it for granted any longer

-lucky to have the most wonderful dog on the planet as my best buddy

And, much like this next clip....

I'm also just a girl......

standing in front of a boy....

asking him to love her. ;-)



Bwahahahaa.....such a crappy movie I couldn't resist. The post was getting way to serious.

Defining your vision

Pessimist.

Optimist.

Realist.

Which way do you lean?

I've crossed "pessimist" off my list, as I've never really been one. Oh sure, certain situations that to me seemed impossible were written off early, so if that's pessimism I've guilty. But overall, I don't take that view.

As recent as a few years ago, I was almost a complete optimist. That is to say, I lived in the land of make-believe that I could control the uncontrollable, and things would work out. Not for the best, but work out the way I had them set up to in my head.

Glad that's over.

I have fallen into the comfort - I use that word carefully, because it is truly comforting - of looking at a situation for what it is, not what it could be. My pragmatic approach to breaking down what I'm learning or living is, for me, what feels right.

I look for the silver lining  - which is a good movie, and an even better concept.  I seek the good that can come, and I have hope, but don't pin it too high...it's at eye level. It's good to hope for things, but it's also good to accept that if those heights aren't reached, you can be satisfied, even happy, with the outcome.

Looking at life realistically takes a giant load off. You know that load...worrying about what might be. Embracing what "is" can be so freeing. It really can.

So when I ask myself, "Is it possible for me to run two miles, five miles, seven miles?" my answer is, "Yes, it is." I do it. Can I run 13.1 miles? That's my goal. If I walk some of it, so be it. But I will travel 13.1 miles by foot and willpower on April 7th, hopefully (boom...and there's the optimism!) upright the entire way.

All that said, you may have already guessed that I fall into the category of optimistic realist. I'm happier when I can come to terms with the unknown, and make the changes I have control of to better my life.

Is that playing it safe? No, I don't think so. Is being a realist better than being an optimist? Who am I to say? I don't think it's a question of what's "better" - it's a question of what works for you, and what makes sense for your life.

On the flip side, when it comes to romance I'm a realistic optimist. And much like the image, you'll never hear me say I love you with all my heart....because the heart an organ. But, I will say I love you with all that I am.

;-)

Suck it up.

Almost a month into drama-free 2013 and running is still fun.

I enjoy the mental aspect of it almost more than the physical. It’s the thing I look forward to most when heading out for a few miles.

I don’t mind running in the rain, or snow, or bitter cold. What prevents me from getting to that meditative state is the wind. That damn wind.

Lately, the early-spring weather we’ve been having here and there brings about big, gusty winds. Total pain in the ass.

But, I just keep reminding myself that as long as I have the ability to put one foot in front of the other, whatever the pace, I will run. Someday I won’t be able to, and I don’t want to look back with regret on the days that I didn’t use my body and mind to its potential.

Pretty Good Year

Chatted with my bestie tonight. She's awesome. We got on the topic of drama. Or rather, the lack thereof. So far, 2013 has been amazing.

It is possible to have a drama-free life. Everyone has the power to make this happen.

When life throws you a curveball, whether it's in the form of a miffed customer, coworker, friend or stranger, you can:

1. Recognize that the drama they attempt to bring to your life is theirs. They own it. It's not yours.

2. Decide on how you will or won't react to that drama. Acknowledge it. Ignore it. Do what's right for you, but keep emotion out of it - and this is easy because you've already recognized that it's not your drama, so there's nothing to get emotional about.

3. Keep on keeping on.

That's really it. Three simple rules to keep your life drama free.

Perspective is a wonderful thing. So is time.

Obviously these rules don't apply if the drama is in the form of a natural or man-made disaster.

But keep them in mind for everyday stuff.

I leave you with this...one of my favorite songs.

Black Angels & Hanni

Whew! My 2013 concert calendar was looking sparse. Was worried. Not now.

The Black Angels are coming w/Hanni El Katib opening. At the Firebird, no less.

I’m more excited about Hanni El Katib. Bluesy, garage sound with loud, crunchy guitar a’la White Stripes.

Good stuff.

What's the dealio...

Another three day weekend over. It went by very fast.

It was surprisingly productive, and filled with good deals:

-I got a new phone. Switched from Apple to Android. I refuse to be a slave to a brand, and I saved money.

-I switched from Charter to U-Verse for my cable and internet. Saving over $65/month for the exact same services.

-We had our first Family Day of 2013. Fun, food, frolic.

-I ran 5 miles with my half-marathon training group. Fantastic people, good weather. This will be challenging, but I am down for it. Got nothing to lose by poundage.

So far, 2013 is shaping up to be a very good year. Heads and tails above "the year of which we will never speak."