Last night I finished my second book on nook :), A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: what I learned by editing my life by Donald Miller. My friend and college roommate, Jennifer, recommended it to me earlier this year (on facebook), definitively telling me “This is a Tina book.” She and I have had countless conversations on faith, fate, and forgiveness (and such), so when she says something like that, I listen… and she was right…
Donald Miller is a Christian writer. His previous bestselling book, Blue Like Jazz, was the true story of his life growing up without a father. Jenn read that one while we were living together and praised it immensely. I haven’t read it yet. From what I understand, it has more religious references than A Million Miles, which had ‘some’, but you can take what you will, keep reading and still enjoy the story (if you’re not into this religion – or any religion)…
But anyway…enough about the author, let’s talk about the book… Wait a second…the book is about the author…let’s just get on with it…
In all honesty, I feel like a better person now that I have read it. It was a quick read, yet made a lasting impact on me… I must say that there were times when I was not a huge fan of his writing style – I don’t think I learned a single new vocabulary word :( , but all things considered he told a very true, very real story… It is actually quite similar to the movie Adaptation (which I reviewed a couple of posts ago).
A Million Miles is the nonfiction story of how Miller changed his life after two producers approached him with idea of making a movie out of Blue Like Jazz (true story). However, as they all sat down to write a screenplay, the producers basically said that the book itself (Donald’s life) was too boring (for a movie) and that they were going to have to spice it up a bit. Miller was offended at first, but ultimately realized they were right… and began researching what makes a good story (a good life).
He decided that a good story in its basic form involves a character who wants something and overcomes conflict to get it. And stories are better when there is a lot of risk involved – in fact, the more risk the better.
In this book, Donald describes the interesting scenes that occurred in his and his friends’ lives after the inciting incident where he realized he wasn’t fully living his life. Scenes of how his life changed, more specifically, how he changed his life, once he realized he needed to make his real life a better story (a better movie).
As usual, I am not going to go into too much detail about the meat of the book (you can Google anything you want :)), but instead am going to tell you a little portion of what I learned from the lessons his amusing anecdotes taught. I made a lot of notes along the way with this one (like I did with Eat Pray Love), and I would love to pull them out and talk to each piece individually – but #1 there are too many and #2 I can’t figure out how to view my notes in the nook without having to search through all of the pages:(
…but anyway…
For me, this book was an incredible motivator. It reinforced that I need to get out and do something with my life, make a difference in the world, leave a mark. Fully live. What the world needs is people who come ALIVE! Every day is a scene in the story I’m telling – the story I’m leaving behind for my grandchildren to hear. It is my job to question: did today move the story forward (or backward)? did I help someone else? did I help myself? what did I learn? what did I do? And if/when I don’t have a good answer to those questions- it is my responsibility to fix it! I am writing my story by the actions I take every day, and I plan to have written a damn good one by the time this story is over…
Excuse me for a moment… I am going to go create my story…
Yes. I definitely recommend this book. Especially to someone in a slump, depression, or any type of stagnant/bad phase in their life. This book reminds you that you do have control over your life. You have the ability to make your life meaningful…do your part…
Monday, August 30, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
The morning after...
Monday evening I went to kickboxing class (today is Thursday). I used to go several times a week, but I have not been in months now (hence the tight pants). I go to the gym and run every so often, but I really haven’t worked out hard since early June.
I paid for a year membership at Knuckle Up (the kickboxing place) last December, because I know for a fact that it gets me in shape –quick. It is some hard shizzle! When I was going earlier this year, I might have been in the best shape of my life. Seriously. And on top of that, I was in a great mental state. There’s just something about jabbing, hooking, and round kicking a 150lb dangling bag that not only strengthens your body but also your mind. I raved to pretty much everyone I know about the enormous impact of my kickboxing class (and showed them my biceps).
Then last week, a coworker/friend came to town from South Carolina. He was one of the people I raved to about the awesomeness of kickboxing earlier this year. We hadn’t really stayed in touch too well over the recent months (with my getting engaged and married and his getting engaged) but when he came to town, he definitely wanted to go kickboxing with me… and you know what I said? “I don’t feel like it.”
Really?
Well, I didn’t feel like it. I was exhausted. I’m not even sure why. Probably wasn’t getting enough sleep….but that’s not the point. The point is: I should have gotten off of my lazy ass, gone to kickboxing and spent some quality time with my good friend who was very excited about it.
To my good friend: I am sorry for not playing my part. I was not being a good friend. I wasn’t being a bad one, just not the good one that you deserve. Though you unfortunately did not have the pleasure of kickboxing, thank you for motivating me to get my ass back in ‘the gym’ and bettering my life! I went on Monday. There was a new instructor, and well, he gave me what I deserved. For the next two days I was sore, tired, grumpy and dehydrated. I took notes on how I felt and am dedicating that one to you, because, well. it was BRUTAL. The notes are below. Please forgive me.:) –Tina
Two days after my hard work out with Stephen (that was the instructor’s name), I was in awful shape. I was what you might call ‘exhausted.’ I’ve been through a lot of physical torture, but this might have been the worst two day ‘hangover’ ever. This is how I felt:
"Everything bothers me: even how my pants rub on my day-old shaven legs. My skin itches. I am cold. My mascara is smudged because my eyes itch- and I rub them. I don't feel like talking. I don't feel like listening. I am craving bad foods. I do not want to make a decision: completely indecisive. Taking really deep breaths that others may find offensive: “It’s not you, It’s me.” My legs and arms are all so sore. I don’t want to move them, yet I want to sprint up a hill to stretch them. I want to make weird faces. Stretch those muscles too…."
I really think I just needed a nap and a 32oz jug of water, but I didn’t take a nap and I didn’t drink the water. Instead, I sat at my desk in misery – ‘dreaming’ of a nap and a refill on my water…My brain was not working yesterday…as evident by the notes above...
But today it is, and I have definitely learned from this experience. I am going to get up and go to kickboxing at least once (but try for 2-3 times) a week. I do not want to feel like this again…you know how after you drink way too much, and you wake up the next morning vowing never to drink again… well… this is kinda like that…
I paid for a year membership at Knuckle Up (the kickboxing place) last December, because I know for a fact that it gets me in shape –quick. It is some hard shizzle! When I was going earlier this year, I might have been in the best shape of my life. Seriously. And on top of that, I was in a great mental state. There’s just something about jabbing, hooking, and round kicking a 150lb dangling bag that not only strengthens your body but also your mind. I raved to pretty much everyone I know about the enormous impact of my kickboxing class (and showed them my biceps).
Then last week, a coworker/friend came to town from South Carolina. He was one of the people I raved to about the awesomeness of kickboxing earlier this year. We hadn’t really stayed in touch too well over the recent months (with my getting engaged and married and his getting engaged) but when he came to town, he definitely wanted to go kickboxing with me… and you know what I said? “I don’t feel like it.”
Really?
Well, I didn’t feel like it. I was exhausted. I’m not even sure why. Probably wasn’t getting enough sleep….but that’s not the point. The point is: I should have gotten off of my lazy ass, gone to kickboxing and spent some quality time with my good friend who was very excited about it.
To my good friend: I am sorry for not playing my part. I was not being a good friend. I wasn’t being a bad one, just not the good one that you deserve. Though you unfortunately did not have the pleasure of kickboxing, thank you for motivating me to get my ass back in ‘the gym’ and bettering my life! I went on Monday. There was a new instructor, and well, he gave me what I deserved. For the next two days I was sore, tired, grumpy and dehydrated. I took notes on how I felt and am dedicating that one to you, because, well. it was BRUTAL. The notes are below. Please forgive me.:) –Tina
Two days after my hard work out with Stephen (that was the instructor’s name), I was in awful shape. I was what you might call ‘exhausted.’ I’ve been through a lot of physical torture, but this might have been the worst two day ‘hangover’ ever. This is how I felt:
"Everything bothers me: even how my pants rub on my day-old shaven legs. My skin itches. I am cold. My mascara is smudged because my eyes itch- and I rub them. I don't feel like talking. I don't feel like listening. I am craving bad foods. I do not want to make a decision: completely indecisive. Taking really deep breaths that others may find offensive: “It’s not you, It’s me.” My legs and arms are all so sore. I don’t want to move them, yet I want to sprint up a hill to stretch them. I want to make weird faces. Stretch those muscles too…."
I really think I just needed a nap and a 32oz jug of water, but I didn’t take a nap and I didn’t drink the water. Instead, I sat at my desk in misery – ‘dreaming’ of a nap and a refill on my water…My brain was not working yesterday…as evident by the notes above...
But today it is, and I have definitely learned from this experience. I am going to get up and go to kickboxing at least once (but try for 2-3 times) a week. I do not want to feel like this again…you know how after you drink way too much, and you wake up the next morning vowing never to drink again… well… this is kinda like that…
Monday, August 23, 2010
“You Are What You Love, Not What Loves You”: my thoughts on Adaptation (the 2002 movie)
Yes, I realize the movie is old, but I had never even heard of it until Donald Miller referenced it in the book I am reading, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: what I learned by editing my life. Miller mentioned Robert McKee and Charlie Kaufman enough to arouse my curiosity in what the rest of the movie was all about. I am not going to dive into detail about the book in this post, but I found it necessary to watch Adaptation and wanted to share why. : )
Anyway. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. Not only did I find it fascinating because I am recently getting into writing, and the movie revolved around a writer writing a screenplay (I realize it is completely different from a blog – but still :))….But also because it was an insightful ‘story’ full of good acting, unique quotes, and life lessons...
As is the case with most movies, there were several storylines. I’m going to focus on the main two.
First, Charlie Kaufman (Nicholas Cage). He is an acclaimed writer who has fallen into a depression and is having a very difficult time trying to write a screenplay for the book he’s been assigned, The Orchid Thief. He is overweight, shy, sweats profusely and is unable to make a move on the girl he loves. Meanwhile, his confident, outgoing, ‘wandering soul’ twin brother, Donald, happens to move in with him while he's fighting writer's block. Charlie was always simultaneously envious and embarrassed for his brother (but mostly embarrassed). Donald never seemed to care about what people thought. Regardless of how others treated him or what they said behind his back, he was always happy. Unfazed by the misdoings of the world…and he was happy.
Second, Susan Orlean (Meryl Streep). She is writing a book about an orchid hunter, The Orchid Thief. She is also an acclaimed writer and living ‘a perfect life.’ She has a handsome husband, nice house, and a name for herself. For the book, she researches John Laroche, the front-toothless hunter, and deeply admires his passion for orchids. While spending time in the swamp and learning how the Indians use the extraction from the ghost orchid, she faces the fact that she is unhappy in her marriage and completely out of zest for life. As a result, she tastes the ghost and ultimately finds passion for Laroche (dun dun dun)…
“Adaptation is a profound process. Means you figure out how to thrive in the world.” – Laroche to Orlean
“Yeah but it's easier for plants. I mean they have no memory. They just move on to whatever's next. With a person though, adapting is almost shameful. It's like running away.” Orlean to Laroche
I don’t want to give the ending (you can find it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adaptation_(film) )
…but I do want to tell you one of things I took from it…
Without a passion, a goal, or a foundation of steel, you have got to be careful of where you let yourself wander (or wonder for that matter – remember the power of your mind :)). You shouldn’t let the world drive your life, you shouldn’t just ‘be’ by happenstance. Get up and control your life. You are the author of your story. Decide the type of story you want to live. Decide what is important to you. And change… (if need be :))
Orlean and Kaufman exemplify this. Orlean lost her direction. Was going through the motions, but was unhappy with her life. She turned to drugs to help her remember how to be fascinated. To help her have passion. And she ultimately ruined her life. Kaufman, on the other hand, came to this realization after having a heart to heart with his brother, who told him, “You are what you love, not what loves you…” and took the actions necessary to turn his life around.
This is the piece that I took from the movie and wanted to share, because it is applicable to me. What am I passionate about? If I didn’t have to work for the rest of my life, what would I do? I’ve got some ideas, but I haven’t yet nailed down THE GOAL….as a result, I am creating myself as I go along, hopping on lily pads. Making myself what I want to be at that phase of my life while staying true to my foundation… It’s working for now… but… I am on a search for my passion. Until then, I will not be satisfied.
Anyway. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. Not only did I find it fascinating because I am recently getting into writing, and the movie revolved around a writer writing a screenplay (I realize it is completely different from a blog – but still :))….But also because it was an insightful ‘story’ full of good acting, unique quotes, and life lessons...
As is the case with most movies, there were several storylines. I’m going to focus on the main two.
First, Charlie Kaufman (Nicholas Cage). He is an acclaimed writer who has fallen into a depression and is having a very difficult time trying to write a screenplay for the book he’s been assigned, The Orchid Thief. He is overweight, shy, sweats profusely and is unable to make a move on the girl he loves. Meanwhile, his confident, outgoing, ‘wandering soul’ twin brother, Donald, happens to move in with him while he's fighting writer's block. Charlie was always simultaneously envious and embarrassed for his brother (but mostly embarrassed). Donald never seemed to care about what people thought. Regardless of how others treated him or what they said behind his back, he was always happy. Unfazed by the misdoings of the world…and he was happy.
Second, Susan Orlean (Meryl Streep). She is writing a book about an orchid hunter, The Orchid Thief. She is also an acclaimed writer and living ‘a perfect life.’ She has a handsome husband, nice house, and a name for herself. For the book, she researches John Laroche, the front-toothless hunter, and deeply admires his passion for orchids. While spending time in the swamp and learning how the Indians use the extraction from the ghost orchid, she faces the fact that she is unhappy in her marriage and completely out of zest for life. As a result, she tastes the ghost and ultimately finds passion for Laroche (dun dun dun)…
“Adaptation is a profound process. Means you figure out how to thrive in the world.” – Laroche to Orlean
“Yeah but it's easier for plants. I mean they have no memory. They just move on to whatever's next. With a person though, adapting is almost shameful. It's like running away.” Orlean to Laroche
I don’t want to give the ending (you can find it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adaptation_(film) )
…but I do want to tell you one of things I took from it…
Without a passion, a goal, or a foundation of steel, you have got to be careful of where you let yourself wander (or wonder for that matter – remember the power of your mind :)). You shouldn’t let the world drive your life, you shouldn’t just ‘be’ by happenstance. Get up and control your life. You are the author of your story. Decide the type of story you want to live. Decide what is important to you. And change… (if need be :))
Orlean and Kaufman exemplify this. Orlean lost her direction. Was going through the motions, but was unhappy with her life. She turned to drugs to help her remember how to be fascinated. To help her have passion. And she ultimately ruined her life. Kaufman, on the other hand, came to this realization after having a heart to heart with his brother, who told him, “You are what you love, not what loves you…” and took the actions necessary to turn his life around.
This is the piece that I took from the movie and wanted to share, because it is applicable to me. What am I passionate about? If I didn’t have to work for the rest of my life, what would I do? I’ve got some ideas, but I haven’t yet nailed down THE GOAL….as a result, I am creating myself as I go along, hopping on lily pads. Making myself what I want to be at that phase of my life while staying true to my foundation… It’s working for now… but… I am on a search for my passion. Until then, I will not be satisfied.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Abattoir & Tina Tight Pants
Last night, my wonderful husband took me to dinner at Abattoir. Sounds romantic, right? “Honey, dress nice; I’ve made reservations at the slaughterhouse...”
However, as most Atlantans know, it really is a nice place and shares the same owner as Bacchanalia, Floataway Café and a couple of other upscale restaurants in the area. They serve different varieties of meat, raw and cooked, and are proud of the way the chilled duck fat sits so elegantly atop the jar of duck rillettes. (yes – we ordered it… duck fat at the slaughterhouse...and I thought my pants were tight BEFORE we went…)
This is a type of place foodies go... Or someone with a purpose (like trying unique dishes, impressing a date with Star Provisions status, trying to earn the right to be called a foodie, etc.). Matt and I are a foodie couple- well, mainly him, but I keep up and am a foodie by association...:)
To give you an idea, this is what we ordered:
Drinks:
Matt: Beer- Bell's Two Hearted Ale
Me: Wine- glass of Primarius Pinot Noir
Us: Bottle of Freeman Pinot Noir
Food:
'Snack'
- ham and cheese gougere
-Abattoir steak tartar, soy, quail egg
'Food in a Jar'
-Duck rillettes
'Salted | Cured | Offal'
-Veal sweetbreads, spicy plums, basil
'Local Produce'
-Roasted organic vegetables, herbs, buttermilk (yogurt)
'Sweet'
-toffee cake, molasses ice cream, streusel
It was pretty good...the best food item we ordered was the tartar...
…and I thought my pants were tight before dinner??...
Yesterday, I left the office a little late… I had an evening conference call with a client on the West Coast, and then I wanted to share my ice cream story with Thoughts and Theories. (yes, I realize the connection between the two posts..)
Matt and I had not made official plans yet, so I wasn’t in any hurry. Then, I got a call from him telling me he made reservations at 8pm at a place called HobNob. So, I finished up my blog post, grabbed my things and headed to my car…
Little did I know that it was raining cats and dogs…and the traffic bumper to bumper…the entire way home…needless to say, we ended up changing our reservations to 8:30 at Abattoir…
I was still in a hurry, so I asked Matt to pick out an outfit for me (I trust him in this area – he’s got a great sense of fashion.) ...He just happened to pick out the clothes I wore for our engagement pictures (when I was a gym rat)... Argh... the jeans were toooo tight (we will call them pounds of happiness from marital bliss...), but I wore them anyway- since he picked it out...
Bad decision... Before we even got to the car, I had turned into 'Tina Tight Pants' with an attitude the size of my newly created muffin top... (don't worry- my shirt covered it up:))...
Thankfully, I realized my attitude and the cause before we arrived to dinner- so I chilled out... Or "blamed it on the tight pants"... And we had a Great time!:)
The moral of the story is:
1. The next time you interact with someone with clothes that are a little too snug or in any way uncomfortable- give them a break, you'd be a b^+€# if you were in that too... :)
2. Wear clothes that fit AND are comfortable... Though you may be wearing them to impress someone-you aren't going to impress anyone with an awkward walk and attitude problem. :)
...This is why you'll sometimes catch me in reefs with a dress, sweatpants in the store, and shirts that poof out around the waist line...it's all for you:)
And now that I have worked out, I'm going to enjoy the pasta (Bolognese and angel hair) Matt is making for dinner... ;)
However, as most Atlantans know, it really is a nice place and shares the same owner as Bacchanalia, Floataway Café and a couple of other upscale restaurants in the area. They serve different varieties of meat, raw and cooked, and are proud of the way the chilled duck fat sits so elegantly atop the jar of duck rillettes. (yes – we ordered it… duck fat at the slaughterhouse...and I thought my pants were tight BEFORE we went…)
This is a type of place foodies go... Or someone with a purpose (like trying unique dishes, impressing a date with Star Provisions status, trying to earn the right to be called a foodie, etc.). Matt and I are a foodie couple- well, mainly him, but I keep up and am a foodie by association...:)
To give you an idea, this is what we ordered:
Drinks:
Matt: Beer- Bell's Two Hearted Ale
Me: Wine- glass of Primarius Pinot Noir
Us: Bottle of Freeman Pinot Noir
Food:
'Snack'
- ham and cheese gougere
-Abattoir steak tartar, soy, quail egg
'Food in a Jar'
-Duck rillettes
'Salted | Cured | Offal'
-Veal sweetbreads, spicy plums, basil
'Local Produce'
-Roasted organic vegetables, herbs, buttermilk (yogurt)
'Sweet'
-toffee cake, molasses ice cream, streusel
It was pretty good...the best food item we ordered was the tartar...
…and I thought my pants were tight before dinner??...
Yesterday, I left the office a little late… I had an evening conference call with a client on the West Coast, and then I wanted to share my ice cream story with Thoughts and Theories. (yes, I realize the connection between the two posts..)
Matt and I had not made official plans yet, so I wasn’t in any hurry. Then, I got a call from him telling me he made reservations at 8pm at a place called HobNob. So, I finished up my blog post, grabbed my things and headed to my car…
Little did I know that it was raining cats and dogs…and the traffic bumper to bumper…the entire way home…needless to say, we ended up changing our reservations to 8:30 at Abattoir…
I was still in a hurry, so I asked Matt to pick out an outfit for me (I trust him in this area – he’s got a great sense of fashion.) ...He just happened to pick out the clothes I wore for our engagement pictures (when I was a gym rat)... Argh... the jeans were toooo tight (we will call them pounds of happiness from marital bliss...), but I wore them anyway- since he picked it out...
Bad decision... Before we even got to the car, I had turned into 'Tina Tight Pants' with an attitude the size of my newly created muffin top... (don't worry- my shirt covered it up:))...
Thankfully, I realized my attitude and the cause before we arrived to dinner- so I chilled out... Or "blamed it on the tight pants"... And we had a Great time!:)
The moral of the story is:
1. The next time you interact with someone with clothes that are a little too snug or in any way uncomfortable- give them a break, you'd be a b^+€# if you were in that too... :)
2. Wear clothes that fit AND are comfortable... Though you may be wearing them to impress someone-you aren't going to impress anyone with an awkward walk and attitude problem. :)
...This is why you'll sometimes catch me in reefs with a dress, sweatpants in the store, and shirts that poof out around the waist line...it's all for you:)
And now that I have worked out, I'm going to enjoy the pasta (Bolognese and angel hair) Matt is making for dinner... ;)
Friday, August 20, 2010
Manifesting Ice Cream: my thoughts on The Secret
About three years ago I was introduced to the documentary and book The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. Most of you have probably heard of it. Oprah, Ellen, and some other famous people promoted it heavily around that time. Basically, it tells us how to use the Law of Attraction to get what we want in life. It is quite interesting. I watched the documentary.
In the ‘movie,’ many different types of people were interviewed and gave their testimonials to the power of The Secret. They described how they used the Law of Attraction to manifest the winning lottery ticket...create a parking space...get a dream job...and many other things. Some were big and some were small. This theory applies to any aspect of your life. You can learn more about it here: http://www.thesecret.tv/index.html
The idea is that you need to first figure out what you want, then think about it, talk about it, and ‘put it in the universe.’ Similar concept to having goals, working toward them & praying/meditating about them. “Ask and it is given.”
On the flip side, if you worry and think about ‘bad’ things or things you don’t want, those events will also occur. You are attracting what happens to you with your mind. You are manifesting your destiny through your thoughts. Again, it is very interesting.
I think that is when Vision Boards became popular, as well (not sure though). Creating a vision board is a meditative process. It makes us really think about what we want... or at least have a direction. And then makes us see everyday what we want to be/be like/work towards. It keeps our goals top of mind. And leads us to them. I made one last Novemberish... and pretty much everything I pasted on it has ‘come true’ within a year...
But anyway...about the ice cream...
Today I went to lunch with a good friend of mine. We went to Panera Bread and I ate a relatively healthy meal. So, of course, when I got back to the office, I immediately wanted something sweet. I asked my teammates if they wanted to get ice cream or a milkshake for ‘team building’ time (We never eat, or 'go out' for this 'team building' time - and usually if I want something sweet, I reach for the stash of trail mix in my desk drawer.)... I received a positive, but unenthusiastic response: “maybe later.” So, later (about 45 mins), I asked again. A little more enthusiasm, but they weren’t quite ready to make the commitment...
Then...about 45 mins later – right before my next inquisition... a guy that works in the department next to us (the SOC) brought two quarts of Mayfield ice cream over! They RARELY have ice cream. In fact, I am seriously questioning whether they’ve EVER served random ice cream before. He asked so nonchalantly if we wanted any...as if he had no idea I had been dreaming of slightly melted ice cream for the last two hours!!! YES, I WANT SOME!
Anyway... that was my story. And I really enjoyed the ice cream! :)
Never underestimate the power of your mind! :)
In the ‘movie,’ many different types of people were interviewed and gave their testimonials to the power of The Secret. They described how they used the Law of Attraction to manifest the winning lottery ticket...create a parking space...get a dream job...and many other things. Some were big and some were small. This theory applies to any aspect of your life. You can learn more about it here: http://www.thesecret.tv/index.html
The idea is that you need to first figure out what you want, then think about it, talk about it, and ‘put it in the universe.’ Similar concept to having goals, working toward them & praying/meditating about them. “Ask and it is given.”
On the flip side, if you worry and think about ‘bad’ things or things you don’t want, those events will also occur. You are attracting what happens to you with your mind. You are manifesting your destiny through your thoughts. Again, it is very interesting.
I think that is when Vision Boards became popular, as well (not sure though). Creating a vision board is a meditative process. It makes us really think about what we want... or at least have a direction. And then makes us see everyday what we want to be/be like/work towards. It keeps our goals top of mind. And leads us to them. I made one last Novemberish... and pretty much everything I pasted on it has ‘come true’ within a year...
But anyway...about the ice cream...
Today I went to lunch with a good friend of mine. We went to Panera Bread and I ate a relatively healthy meal. So, of course, when I got back to the office, I immediately wanted something sweet. I asked my teammates if they wanted to get ice cream or a milkshake for ‘team building’ time (We never eat, or 'go out' for this 'team building' time - and usually if I want something sweet, I reach for the stash of trail mix in my desk drawer.)... I received a positive, but unenthusiastic response: “maybe later.” So, later (about 45 mins), I asked again. A little more enthusiasm, but they weren’t quite ready to make the commitment...
Then...about 45 mins later – right before my next inquisition... a guy that works in the department next to us (the SOC) brought two quarts of Mayfield ice cream over! They RARELY have ice cream. In fact, I am seriously questioning whether they’ve EVER served random ice cream before. He asked so nonchalantly if we wanted any...as if he had no idea I had been dreaming of slightly melted ice cream for the last two hours!!! YES, I WANT SOME!
Anyway... that was my story. And I really enjoyed the ice cream! :)
Never underestimate the power of your mind! :)
Thursday, August 19, 2010
People are like photo lenses...
…the harder you try the worse you look…
It’s true!
Seriously, you could take ten pictures of the same thing with different lenses and get totally different images. Likewise, if you ask ten different people what they thought of the same person, I bet you would get eight different answers… consistently…
From one person to the next, your personality and demeanor are presented and received differently.
It’s a marvelous concept: the photos you’re looking at are the camera’s interpretation of you…
and, well, the way you act is your interpretation of what you think the other person thinks of you…
Not everyone may be this way…but I know I am…and not only do I look/ act differently around different types of people… but my thoughts and feelings change, as well… …However, in reality, I’m sure the way I feel is actually what is causing me to act differently…
For instance:
When I am with my husband, I feel confident and smart and beautiful. I openly engage in our conversations with intelligent ideas (sometimes) and silly remarks. I don’t think (too hard) about the things I say or actions I take. And I often surprise myself with the clever words that flow out of my mouth. I have always been this way with him. And I think that is why he loves me (and why I love him) …because he has seen the best sides of me – because his presence brings them out.
However, when I am with, let’s say, a potential employer or one who in some way intimidates me, it is a COMPLETELY different ball game. I try so hard, yet bits of information that I could otherwise impress them with (and normally recite at the drop of a dime), escape me… and not only that – they are replaced with comments and phrases that don’t make any sense and are often self-deprecating in the oddest of circumstances…
That ‘game’ is annoying! It is frustrating, and it tends to tarnish the other lenses that were ‘perfect’ before - due to the strength I use to beat myself up afterwards…it is a weakness. And a weakness I have chosen to work on.
I want to choose one lens. A lens that sees all different aspects of me, but a lens that sees those aspects in the best of lights. All the time. Even when I do something silly…or something that doesn’t make sense (which is often). I want this lens to even love those ‘pictures’ the same as any other.
My problem is not in my current ‘world,’ but in the obscurity of moving - getting to where I’d like to be. I have a lot to offer, and all I have to do is prove it. I am no longer going to let the wrong lens get in the way of that…
In other words, I am going to love myself, believe in myself – genuinely, unconditionally and eternally. Just as much out of the protective walls of my comfort zone as in them.
As part of this initiative, I am going to be very conscious of picking the right people to be around. I’m going to deliberately choose the best lenses.
In all honesty, I think I’m already pretty good at that. I am constantly surrounded by people I love, people who love me, people I admire and people I would like to be more like. And when I find myself making a habit of being around a person who does not in some way add value to my life or I am adding value to their life… I move along.
But I am going to pay even more attention this time around. I am going to make a point to be around those who really bring out the best in me and then I’m going to remember how that feels. I am going to meditate on that feeling. Let that feeling carry me through the tough times. And then I am going to somehow communicate with those people how much they really mean to me...loving myself makes it so much easier to love other people…
It’s true!
Seriously, you could take ten pictures of the same thing with different lenses and get totally different images. Likewise, if you ask ten different people what they thought of the same person, I bet you would get eight different answers… consistently…
From one person to the next, your personality and demeanor are presented and received differently.
It’s a marvelous concept: the photos you’re looking at are the camera’s interpretation of you…
and, well, the way you act is your interpretation of what you think the other person thinks of you…
Not everyone may be this way…but I know I am…and not only do I look/ act differently around different types of people… but my thoughts and feelings change, as well… …However, in reality, I’m sure the way I feel is actually what is causing me to act differently…
For instance:
When I am with my husband, I feel confident and smart and beautiful. I openly engage in our conversations with intelligent ideas (sometimes) and silly remarks. I don’t think (too hard) about the things I say or actions I take. And I often surprise myself with the clever words that flow out of my mouth. I have always been this way with him. And I think that is why he loves me (and why I love him) …because he has seen the best sides of me – because his presence brings them out.
However, when I am with, let’s say, a potential employer or one who in some way intimidates me, it is a COMPLETELY different ball game. I try so hard, yet bits of information that I could otherwise impress them with (and normally recite at the drop of a dime), escape me… and not only that – they are replaced with comments and phrases that don’t make any sense and are often self-deprecating in the oddest of circumstances…
That ‘game’ is annoying! It is frustrating, and it tends to tarnish the other lenses that were ‘perfect’ before - due to the strength I use to beat myself up afterwards…it is a weakness. And a weakness I have chosen to work on.
I want to choose one lens. A lens that sees all different aspects of me, but a lens that sees those aspects in the best of lights. All the time. Even when I do something silly…or something that doesn’t make sense (which is often). I want this lens to even love those ‘pictures’ the same as any other.
My problem is not in my current ‘world,’ but in the obscurity of moving - getting to where I’d like to be. I have a lot to offer, and all I have to do is prove it. I am no longer going to let the wrong lens get in the way of that…
In other words, I am going to love myself, believe in myself – genuinely, unconditionally and eternally. Just as much out of the protective walls of my comfort zone as in them.
As part of this initiative, I am going to be very conscious of picking the right people to be around. I’m going to deliberately choose the best lenses.
In all honesty, I think I’m already pretty good at that. I am constantly surrounded by people I love, people who love me, people I admire and people I would like to be more like. And when I find myself making a habit of being around a person who does not in some way add value to my life or I am adding value to their life… I move along.
But I am going to pay even more attention this time around. I am going to make a point to be around those who really bring out the best in me and then I’m going to remember how that feels. I am going to meditate on that feeling. Let that feeling carry me through the tough times. And then I am going to somehow communicate with those people how much they really mean to me...loving myself makes it so much easier to love other people…
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Eat Pray Love: my thoughts on the movie
*not a spoiler*
So, as mentioned in my last post (just a few hours ago) I could NOT wait to see the movie…so I didn’t… Matt, my husband, and I made a date to see it at Atlantic Station after my team meeting at Twisted Taco. (He’s very sweet.)
On my way from Twisted Taco to Atlantic Station, I talked to my mom and of course let her know where I was going. She had seen the previews and thought it would be a good movie, as well. (This is cool, because she’s not really a movie person) … then I mentioned how much I loved the book and that I read it twice and couldn’t get enough, yadda yadda ya…and her first response: ‘well, you’re probably not gonna like the movie then…’ I was a bit taken aback…my mother is a very positive person- pretty much always… in fact, we had just finished a conversation where I had been telling her about a particularly trying circumstance in my life, but that I wasn’t ‘stressing’ about it because she has been such an incredible example to teach me that, in a nutshell, ‘this too shall pass’…
Anyhow, she was right…sort of… I did enjoy the movie…but the book was SOOO much better…they always are… (that was her point)… I think that if you have read Eat Pray Love in the past, that you should watch the movie and THEN reread it (if you have plans to reread)… not reread it first (like I did)… but if you have never read the book, I think you should read it first and then watch the movie. There is a lot of information you need to take from the book and insert into the movie yourself… because a movie just can’t portray all of her thoughts…To sum it up:
If you have never read the book -> do that first
If you read the book a long time ago->watch the movie (and then reread)
Overall, I was very happy that Julia Roberts (aka me) played Liz. I think she did a fine job. The same as I felt I was Gilbert in the book, I felt I was Julia in the movie (however, this time it is because she physically looks like me:)). I did cry, but I think its success is primarily going to ride off of the popularity of the book… you just can’t compare.
So, as mentioned in my last post (just a few hours ago) I could NOT wait to see the movie…so I didn’t… Matt, my husband, and I made a date to see it at Atlantic Station after my team meeting at Twisted Taco. (He’s very sweet.)
On my way from Twisted Taco to Atlantic Station, I talked to my mom and of course let her know where I was going. She had seen the previews and thought it would be a good movie, as well. (This is cool, because she’s not really a movie person) … then I mentioned how much I loved the book and that I read it twice and couldn’t get enough, yadda yadda ya…and her first response: ‘well, you’re probably not gonna like the movie then…’ I was a bit taken aback…my mother is a very positive person- pretty much always… in fact, we had just finished a conversation where I had been telling her about a particularly trying circumstance in my life, but that I wasn’t ‘stressing’ about it because she has been such an incredible example to teach me that, in a nutshell, ‘this too shall pass’…
Anyhow, she was right…sort of… I did enjoy the movie…but the book was SOOO much better…they always are… (that was her point)… I think that if you have read Eat Pray Love in the past, that you should watch the movie and THEN reread it (if you have plans to reread)… not reread it first (like I did)… but if you have never read the book, I think you should read it first and then watch the movie. There is a lot of information you need to take from the book and insert into the movie yourself… because a movie just can’t portray all of her thoughts…To sum it up:
If you have never read the book -> do that first
If you read the book a long time ago->watch the movie (and then reread)
Overall, I was very happy that Julia Roberts (aka me) played Liz. I think she did a fine job. The same as I felt I was Gilbert in the book, I felt I was Julia in the movie (however, this time it is because she physically looks like me:)). I did cry, but I think its success is primarily going to ride off of the popularity of the book… you just can’t compare.
Eat Pray Love: my thoughts on the book
*not a spoiler*
The first time I read this book was way back when Oprah was promoting it. 2007-8ish. I was going through a struggle in my own life at the time and absolutely could not put it down. Gilbert was somehow able to say exactly what I was feeling - regardless of the fact that I was 23 and she was 30. I felt like I was there with her…or more accurately… like I was her.
This book helped me realize that it is ok to ‘fall apart’ sometimes. That it is ok to be completely, 100% self-engaged – self absorbed. That you have to listen to your Self – YOUR god. That you, I, we know what is best for us; we just need to listen to what we are saying - not only hear, but listen- and act...
After reading this book the first time, I made a lot of changes in my life. I made a lot of bold decisions…All of which were hard and all of which I am still proud of… The second time around was just as powerful. I have decided to take a close look at my life. What I love, what I don’t…and what I’m going to do to get more of what I love and less of what I don’t.
Many books talk about that sort of thing… you know - believing in yourself, going after your dreams, etc… but Gilbert writes her journey through Italy, India and Indonesia in a way that you (or at least I) can relate to. That I can REALLY understand… like a light bulb moment… but more like a light shining within you, not a bulb floating above your forehead…
These weren’t the only things I discovered... I vicariously tasted the best pasta in Rome, rekindled a motivation to practice yoga, and learned the term ‘banana water’ ... among the many other phrases and such that I highlighted and made notes on in my new nook:)
Actually, this book was my motivation to start a blog… yep – TWO YEARS AGO! I’ve been thinking about it for two years… and now, as the movie starring Julia Roberts - aka ME - comes out, I am FINALLY getting around to it! …you can thank (or blame) Elizabeth Gilbert for this blog and all of its contents :).
So, the point is, I LOVE this book. I highly recommend it to any and everyone! In all honesty, it may actually be my all time favorite…
Now I canNOT wait to see the movie!!!
The first time I read this book was way back when Oprah was promoting it. 2007-8ish. I was going through a struggle in my own life at the time and absolutely could not put it down. Gilbert was somehow able to say exactly what I was feeling - regardless of the fact that I was 23 and she was 30. I felt like I was there with her…or more accurately… like I was her.
This book helped me realize that it is ok to ‘fall apart’ sometimes. That it is ok to be completely, 100% self-engaged – self absorbed. That you have to listen to your Self – YOUR god. That you, I, we know what is best for us; we just need to listen to what we are saying - not only hear, but listen- and act...
After reading this book the first time, I made a lot of changes in my life. I made a lot of bold decisions…All of which were hard and all of which I am still proud of… The second time around was just as powerful. I have decided to take a close look at my life. What I love, what I don’t…and what I’m going to do to get more of what I love and less of what I don’t.
Many books talk about that sort of thing… you know - believing in yourself, going after your dreams, etc… but Gilbert writes her journey through Italy, India and Indonesia in a way that you (or at least I) can relate to. That I can REALLY understand… like a light bulb moment… but more like a light shining within you, not a bulb floating above your forehead…
These weren’t the only things I discovered... I vicariously tasted the best pasta in Rome, rekindled a motivation to practice yoga, and learned the term ‘banana water’ ... among the many other phrases and such that I highlighted and made notes on in my new nook:)
Actually, this book was my motivation to start a blog… yep – TWO YEARS AGO! I’ve been thinking about it for two years… and now, as the movie starring Julia Roberts - aka ME - comes out, I am FINALLY getting around to it! …you can thank (or blame) Elizabeth Gilbert for this blog and all of its contents :).
So, the point is, I LOVE this book. I highly recommend it to any and everyone! In all honesty, it may actually be my all time favorite…
Now I canNOT wait to see the movie!!!
Monday, August 16, 2010
I got a nook!
As mentioned in my last post, I’ve had a hard time figuring out where to start. I have lots of good topics and content in my notes– why aren’t the words just pouring out? I think I need some (more) small talk first. In the real world, I wouldn’t just start babbling all of my deepest thoughts and theories without at least a little intro … and, even then, I wouldn’t randomly discuss a thought or theory without some event to provoke it… why would I think it would work that way with my blog?
Is it because its name is Thoughts and Theories? Does shampoo work any different because it has a new bottle? A new disguise. Nope and nope. I’m still the same me whether I’m writing behind a blog or talking to an acquaintance… so… let’s start with a little day-to-day…
In the last week and a 3/4(since I last posted on facebook), I have been quite busy. Not productive – busy.
On Wednesday, Aug 4th, I attended a bridal shower for a good work friend of mine. She is young, beautiful and completely in love with her high school sweetheart. It’s cute. This shower is actually where I decided I was going to take a break from facebook. You see, I had the chance to catch up with the marketing department (for which I used to work). They organized it and invited me since I used to work with them and was pretty good friends with the bride-to-be. I love everyone on the team. It is much bigger than when I first started there, but every bit as spicy… Considering they were my first ‘team’ out of college, no team will ever compete…kind of like a first love…Anyway, at some point, the conversation managed to revert to the fact that I am very active on facebook… none of them *were*… so, I said then and there that I would take a break. And did. Interestingly enough – they all became more active… funny how that works. I wonder if they miss me…if they somehow felt the need to ‘step up’ and provide the ‘entertainment’ that I am now forbidden to give... uhh… right…
The following Saturday, after I got my nails done and had a nice homemade breakfast sandwich (fried egg, bacon, lettuce, tomato and cheese on toasted wheat bread), my husband, Matt, his friend, Skip, and I all walked over to Barnes and Noble/ Starbucks to get a coffee… and I, of course, needed to get a book. I wanted to re-read Eat Pray Love before watching the movie, but could not fathom paying $12 dollars when Matt and I both have a copy in storage… so I didn’t. Instead, I bought a $150 Nook and $10 Eat Pray Love. Hmm.
But I’ve got to say. I love it. This thing is so convenient. I took it to the beach with me, didn’t have to worry about pages flapping everywhere, only needed one hand to hold AND turn the pages, was able to read bigger font, made highlights and notes on interesting pages, viewed a new personal picture every time I picked it up… and overall just loved the thing. It was definitely an impulse purchase, but an impulse purchase I do not regret. I am excited to build my library and share with my nook friends :)
I’m also hoping this will encourage me to read more. Reading more will probably make this blog a little more interesting… I like books that make you think AND feel good…any suggestions?
Is it because its name is Thoughts and Theories? Does shampoo work any different because it has a new bottle? A new disguise. Nope and nope. I’m still the same me whether I’m writing behind a blog or talking to an acquaintance… so… let’s start with a little day-to-day…
In the last week and a 3/4(since I last posted on facebook), I have been quite busy. Not productive – busy.
On Wednesday, Aug 4th, I attended a bridal shower for a good work friend of mine. She is young, beautiful and completely in love with her high school sweetheart. It’s cute. This shower is actually where I decided I was going to take a break from facebook. You see, I had the chance to catch up with the marketing department (for which I used to work). They organized it and invited me since I used to work with them and was pretty good friends with the bride-to-be. I love everyone on the team. It is much bigger than when I first started there, but every bit as spicy… Considering they were my first ‘team’ out of college, no team will ever compete…kind of like a first love…Anyway, at some point, the conversation managed to revert to the fact that I am very active on facebook… none of them *were*… so, I said then and there that I would take a break. And did. Interestingly enough – they all became more active… funny how that works. I wonder if they miss me…if they somehow felt the need to ‘step up’ and provide the ‘entertainment’ that I am now forbidden to give... uhh… right…
The following Saturday, after I got my nails done and had a nice homemade breakfast sandwich (fried egg, bacon, lettuce, tomato and cheese on toasted wheat bread), my husband, Matt, his friend, Skip, and I all walked over to Barnes and Noble/ Starbucks to get a coffee… and I, of course, needed to get a book. I wanted to re-read Eat Pray Love before watching the movie, but could not fathom paying $12 dollars when Matt and I both have a copy in storage… so I didn’t. Instead, I bought a $150 Nook and $10 Eat Pray Love. Hmm.
But I’ve got to say. I love it. This thing is so convenient. I took it to the beach with me, didn’t have to worry about pages flapping everywhere, only needed one hand to hold AND turn the pages, was able to read bigger font, made highlights and notes on interesting pages, viewed a new personal picture every time I picked it up… and overall just loved the thing. It was definitely an impulse purchase, but an impulse purchase I do not regret. I am excited to build my library and share with my nook friends :)
I’m also hoping this will encourage me to read more. Reading more will probably make this blog a little more interesting… I like books that make you think AND feel good…any suggestions?
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Starting a blog: where to begin…?
OK. So now that I have written my dutiful post on ‘facebook,’ I am free to write about whatever I want… this is where it gets difficult, especially considering I kinda sorta made the promise to keep these posts ‘short.’ There is always so much more to cover, so much more depth to EVERY one of these topics… (How do preachers do it?)
I have wanted to start a blog for many months, and, once I decided to quit facebook for a little while, I thought it the best time to start taking notes for blog topics. **I have to confess…I didn’t really quit facebook. I still check it regularly, I just do not post, like or comment. This keeps me ‘in the know’ without receiving constant updates to my phone. However, I feel a tad guilty. The same sort of guilty I feel when I don’t leave my change in the tip jar at the coffee shop. A feeling that would be very easily overcome if I contributed my extra .25 or my random thought. Why put myself through all of this suffering, when I, and the barista and my faceook friends, would be better off if I just gave a little? Yes, as mentioned in my last blog post, I will be posting on facebook again once my two weeks are up. In all honesty, I might not even make it those two weeks. We shall see…
Now, as I was saying, I am really not sure where to begin. I have been jotting down notes on topics for about a week now. None of which really resemble my facebook status updates…surprisingly enough. The topics I decided to write down were much more personal than my typical updates. They were topics that I think about. Topics that I rarely talk about.
I guess what I’m saying is…welcome to my mind…uncut…
***and I’m still left wondering where to start…I think I’m going to go with something light…I’m not quite ready to get the comment “you need a therapist”….
I have wanted to start a blog for many months, and, once I decided to quit facebook for a little while, I thought it the best time to start taking notes for blog topics. **I have to confess…I didn’t really quit facebook. I still check it regularly, I just do not post, like or comment. This keeps me ‘in the know’ without receiving constant updates to my phone. However, I feel a tad guilty. The same sort of guilty I feel when I don’t leave my change in the tip jar at the coffee shop. A feeling that would be very easily overcome if I contributed my extra .25 or my random thought. Why put myself through all of this suffering, when I, and the barista and my faceook friends, would be better off if I just gave a little? Yes, as mentioned in my last blog post, I will be posting on facebook again once my two weeks are up. In all honesty, I might not even make it those two weeks. We shall see…
Now, as I was saying, I am really not sure where to begin. I have been jotting down notes on topics for about a week now. None of which really resemble my facebook status updates…surprisingly enough. The topics I decided to write down were much more personal than my typical updates. They were topics that I think about. Topics that I rarely talk about.
I guess what I’m saying is…welcome to my mind…uncut…
***and I’m still left wondering where to start…I think I’m going to go with something light…I’m not quite ready to get the comment “you need a therapist”….
Facebook: The Good, the Bad, and the Connected
First, the beginning: I adopted facebook relatively early, (compared to other people at Valdosta State University) 2005 – I think. Many of my good friends were techies and introduced me to a number of up and coming Internet games, social networks, etc. I would often briefly investigate then go on about my day. (I preferred flag football, softball or the gym to staring at my computer for entertainment.) However, I remember when Moser (a friend from AFROTC) told me about it (over the phone as he was moving my mouse and keyboard remotely) and that I HAD to join. It was going to be huge. It was super easy and only college students were allowed ‘in.’ His enthusiasm was especially interesting, so I jumped aboard. It didn’t have near the functionality it does today, but it was still cool, and I logged in at least once a month.
Next, the now: Five years later, I find myself regularly logging in – needing to read “I can’t believe it’s Monday already!” and “I’m getting married in 275 days!” and “I wish this headache would go away…” and “Little Johnny is the cutest! He just pooped while I was changing his diaper!” Seriously? It is Monday, I’m not invited to your wedding, I don’t care about your headache, and that is just gross. But I read it anyway….because among those mundane posts are little diamonds that I can relate to, laugh at, sing along to, or, for whatever reason, care about. And…I want those people to read my posts, too…and comment, ‘like’ or somehow be active on my page.
But aside from that… facebook is way more…Facebook connects me to those who I have not seen in years, brings me closer to those that I may not have even ‘known’ otherwise and keeps me in the deep and dirty of those I ‘thought I knew, but had no idea.’
The point is, ‘everyone’ (even your mom) is on facebook and there is a level of satisfaction in staying connected…
I guess I’ve posted all of this to basically say that once this two weeks is over, I am going to start posting again. I like posting and know that a lot of good has come of it. I’m relatively careful about what I post (considering I have picked up nearly 700 friends) and enjoy the conversations that I otherwise would not have had (because I’m a little awkward in person, but that’s another post ~that I’ve been brainstorming~ all together).
As a side note, I want to emphasize that it is much harder to actually post thoughts in paragraph form as opposed to one sentence blurbs. In recent months I’ve noticed myself thinking in status updates (this may be why friends have called me out on being addicted - not that I’m always actually on it- but that I am always thinking about it)…explaining your random thoughts takes a lot more energy than just posting them…
Next, the now: Five years later, I find myself regularly logging in – needing to read “I can’t believe it’s Monday already!” and “I’m getting married in 275 days!” and “I wish this headache would go away…” and “Little Johnny is the cutest! He just pooped while I was changing his diaper!” Seriously? It is Monday, I’m not invited to your wedding, I don’t care about your headache, and that is just gross. But I read it anyway….because among those mundane posts are little diamonds that I can relate to, laugh at, sing along to, or, for whatever reason, care about. And…I want those people to read my posts, too…and comment, ‘like’ or somehow be active on my page.
But aside from that… facebook is way more…Facebook connects me to those who I have not seen in years, brings me closer to those that I may not have even ‘known’ otherwise and keeps me in the deep and dirty of those I ‘thought I knew, but had no idea.’
The point is, ‘everyone’ (even your mom) is on facebook and there is a level of satisfaction in staying connected…
I guess I’ve posted all of this to basically say that once this two weeks is over, I am going to start posting again. I like posting and know that a lot of good has come of it. I’m relatively careful about what I post (considering I have picked up nearly 700 friends) and enjoy the conversations that I otherwise would not have had (because I’m a little awkward in person, but that’s another post ~that I’ve been brainstorming~ all together).
As a side note, I want to emphasize that it is much harder to actually post thoughts in paragraph form as opposed to one sentence blurbs. In recent months I’ve noticed myself thinking in status updates (this may be why friends have called me out on being addicted - not that I’m always actually on it- but that I am always thinking about it)…explaining your random thoughts takes a lot more energy than just posting them…
Monday, August 9, 2010
Facebook Rehab: How I Dealt
Hello. My name is Tina, and I’m a facebookaholic…well, maybe that is an exaggeration… I mean, I only post(ed) 1-2 updates per day and check(ed) my iPhone app when bored or expecting an interesting update from someone…but, nonetheless, I have been confronted and tagged as such (on several occasions) and have finally decided to ‘do something about it.’
The ‘something’ I decided to do was take a two week hiatus from facebook (with fair warning to my ‘friends’) and start a blog – this blog – “Thoughts and Theories.”… Welcome and thank you for reading! :)
Naturally, I hope you enjoy it, but also understand that you may not. Though I care if you do not, I’m not going to focus on that (unless you would like to give me feedback on how to make it ‘better’ – in which case I would love for you to comment or contact me privately. My contact info can be found somewhere on this page. ~At this point, I am writing in a Word doc and have not finished the layout- but I digress-), I am most interested in those who ‘like’ it. This is because ‘Thoughts and Theories’ is going to survive on your feedback – so please somehow correspond with me if you do… it will keep me motivated to continue.:)
Now that that is out of the way… I would like to talk about my proclaimed ‘addiction’ to facebook and my thoughts since I have stopped posting… (this is going to be post number two, because I’m going to try to make a habit of keeping the posts relatively short and ‘to the point.’)
The ‘something’ I decided to do was take a two week hiatus from facebook (with fair warning to my ‘friends’) and start a blog – this blog – “Thoughts and Theories.”… Welcome and thank you for reading! :)
Naturally, I hope you enjoy it, but also understand that you may not. Though I care if you do not, I’m not going to focus on that (unless you would like to give me feedback on how to make it ‘better’ – in which case I would love for you to comment or contact me privately. My contact info can be found somewhere on this page. ~At this point, I am writing in a Word doc and have not finished the layout- but I digress-), I am most interested in those who ‘like’ it. This is because ‘Thoughts and Theories’ is going to survive on your feedback – so please somehow correspond with me if you do… it will keep me motivated to continue.:)
Now that that is out of the way… I would like to talk about my proclaimed ‘addiction’ to facebook and my thoughts since I have stopped posting… (this is going to be post number two, because I’m going to try to make a habit of keeping the posts relatively short and ‘to the point.’)
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