Goodness…being an adult is hard …
And that is all I have to say about that…
Just kidding.
But that does just about sum it up. Being an adult is wonderful. And rewarding. But stressful. And consequential…
I am very fortunate and eternally grateful for the many blessings on me. Not the least of which is my wonderful husband. He makes adulthood so …painless… I am not going to go into mushy detail, but that man is ‘something else’! :) I LOVE YOU, MATT! Thank you for being you!
Outside of getting old…when I think of being an adult, four descriptions immediately come to mind: job, marriage, house, kids …
Job- 1st step out of college and into the real world… check
Marriage- Falling in love and committing to one person for life… check
House – tomorrow we close on our house. Ok. I said it. Yep! On 10-01-10… we’re going to be writing our own binary code!!! And it will be 100% worth it, because we have found the house of our dreams! Under foreclosure! I still can’t believe it! This is going to be one heck of a journey! …our dream house doesn’t have anything in it… no appliances, no doors, no toilets, lights…dot dot dot… so, first we have to make it livable…then we have to move in..then decorate. And keep it clean. And make it ours. And, oh my goodness… I can’t believe we are going to be homeowners… that is one big responsibility… check…
Kids – give us a little while for that one…
Ok…so I guess what I’m saying is… I probably won’t be posting too much over the next few months as we get things situated… I would really like to take the time to write about our journey every day or at least once a week…but…well… you know how that goes…
Wish us luck!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
My Rockband Crush...
Sooo… I promised you a blog post on Mikel Jollett, lead singer for The Airborne Toxic Event, who Matt and I saw live and ‘sweat in your face’ in concert a couple of weeks ago in Chicago. (Was it really only a couple of weeks ago? WOW! life has been super duper busy!) I guess this is what it really means to be an adult…?
Anyway...First, I should really mention how much I am NOT one of those girls who fantasizes about every hot famous guy on TV... I really only remember one other guy off the bat (pun intended) - David Justice - who used to play for the Braves...
But anyway, back to Mikel...I am going to begin by telling you how we first ‘met.’ One night last March, Matt took me out to dinner- sushi at MF Sushi Bar. I’m pretty sure it was a Sunday, because I was training for the ING half marathon and had run 9miles earlier that day. … though it may have been a Saturday -- but I usually did long runs on Sundays…anyway… it was the weekend and I was tired and sore. By the time we devoured our phenomenal spicy tuna tartar and other mouth watering slabs of fish, I was ready to go back home and go to bed…
However, Matt and I talked it through and, with hesitation, decided to stick with our original post-dinner plans of seeing The Airborne Toxic Event at the Drunken Unicorn. I had never heard of the band (outside of one video link Matt sent me of their appearance on David Letterman)…but I had heard of the venue – how fun, small, stinky and sweaty it was- UGH…regardless, I wanted to check it out for myself :) - we could leave if it got too bad…
The Drunken Unicorn did not disappoint! Matt and I were the preppiest people in the room…and we … well... were dressed to see a rock concert. I was definitely skeptical... But as soon as the band started playing - like, the very first note- I was hooked! (and glad I was, because there was no moving or squirming your way out of this place...)
The band was so enthusiastic... and cute ... and talented! Here's the link Matt sent me:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RG7LvRC12Jo
Nuff said...
But then, I started researching them and found out the scoop...Mikel started the band after a really bad week... Like REALLY bad- he and his girlfriend broke up, his mom was diagnosed with cancer, and he got pneumonia and diagnosed with autoimmune disease. Link to an interview here:
http://www.shmoop.com/sometime-around-midnight/meaning.html
...And before all of that, he had an office job, then a writing career... Check out this inspiring article he wrote for Men's Health in November 2006, titled “Brad Pitt Whipped Me into Shape”
http://www.mh.co.za/fitness/getting_started/1634/Brad-Pitt-whipped-me-into-shape
And on top of all that, he is so darn charming and sweet and cute and ... :)
... Now tell me I'm not justified on my 'obsession'...
Anyway...First, I should really mention how much I am NOT one of those girls who fantasizes about every hot famous guy on TV... I really only remember one other guy off the bat (pun intended) - David Justice - who used to play for the Braves...
But anyway, back to Mikel...I am going to begin by telling you how we first ‘met.’ One night last March, Matt took me out to dinner- sushi at MF Sushi Bar. I’m pretty sure it was a Sunday, because I was training for the ING half marathon and had run 9miles earlier that day. … though it may have been a Saturday -- but I usually did long runs on Sundays…anyway… it was the weekend and I was tired and sore. By the time we devoured our phenomenal spicy tuna tartar and other mouth watering slabs of fish, I was ready to go back home and go to bed…
However, Matt and I talked it through and, with hesitation, decided to stick with our original post-dinner plans of seeing The Airborne Toxic Event at the Drunken Unicorn. I had never heard of the band (outside of one video link Matt sent me of their appearance on David Letterman)…but I had heard of the venue – how fun, small, stinky and sweaty it was- UGH…regardless, I wanted to check it out for myself :) - we could leave if it got too bad…
The Drunken Unicorn did not disappoint! Matt and I were the preppiest people in the room…and we … well... were dressed to see a rock concert. I was definitely skeptical... But as soon as the band started playing - like, the very first note- I was hooked! (and glad I was, because there was no moving or squirming your way out of this place...)
The band was so enthusiastic... and cute ... and talented! Here's the link Matt sent me:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RG7LvRC12Jo
Nuff said...
But then, I started researching them and found out the scoop...Mikel started the band after a really bad week... Like REALLY bad- he and his girlfriend broke up, his mom was diagnosed with cancer, and he got pneumonia and diagnosed with autoimmune disease. Link to an interview here:
http://www.shmoop.com/sometime-around-midnight/meaning.html
...And before all of that, he had an office job, then a writing career... Check out this inspiring article he wrote for Men's Health in November 2006, titled “Brad Pitt Whipped Me into Shape”
http://www.mh.co.za/fitness/getting_started/1634/Brad-Pitt-whipped-me-into-shape
And on top of all that, he is so darn charming and sweet and cute and ... :)
... Now tell me I'm not justified on my 'obsession'...
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Tears of Gratitude
I don’t handle death very well.
Even if I didn’t have a close relationship with the recently deceased, I often let loose with uncontrollable tears at the funeral, wake or just talking about it. Sometimes I don’t even know why I’m crying – whether it is grief for the surviving family members, sadness that I will no longer be able to tell him “Hello”, or varying sources of guilt. Most likely it is a combination of these and other natural feelings of mourning.
I cry for the departed, his family and his friends. And I also cry for my own family and friends. Tears of gratitude. Though I have had various loved ones pass away, I have not yet experienced the death of someone very close to me. For this I am very thankful. However, as William Authur Ward put it, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
I have an abundance of wrapped presents locked up inside me. I am so thankful for the many blessings on me. I am thankful for my husband. I am thankful for my parents, for their love and support. I am thankful for my brothers and sisters for their love and unconditional friendship. I am thankful for my grandmother, for her love and encouragement. I am thankful for my aunts, uncles and cousins. I am thankful for the wonderful family I have married into; I do not think of them as ‘in-laws,’ but simply as family. I am thankful for how welcoming they have been to me. I am thankful for the wonderful people strategically placed in my life, my friends and my acquaintances. I am thankful to have a job. I am thankful for the minute and the grandiose treasures each day brings.
This one paragraph does not even open the dusty door to reveal the wrapped presents. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for each of these blessings (and others unmentioned). I am overwhelmed with love and appreciation stuffed in pretty boxes waiting to be given from the last 25 years. I need to start giving these gifts away…
To help me show my appreciation, I am going to start writing in a gratitude journal (there’s an app for that). I once read a book “Simple Abundance” by Sara Ban Breathnach. It is a day by day guide to living a fulfilling life. It is not common in bookstores, but it is a wonderful book. I highly recommend it to women. That book is where I first got the idea of creative meditation and the first I had heard of a gratitude journal. I am grateful for the women who introduced me to it. I am going to document at least five things for which I am thankful for daily. And in return, my new iPhone app is going to give me an inspiring quote (the app is by ‘happytappers.’ :) Because it is on my phone, I can write down the things I am thankful for as I am thinking of them and not have to try to remember at the end of the day.)
*After writing the first paragraph above, I did a quick Google search on ‘feelings of mourning’ and came across the following piece. I thought it was interesting and wanted to share.*
If we humans lived our lives separately from others, needing and relying on no one but ourselves, then the loss or death of another would have little impact. But we are social creatures. Compared to other animals, we spend a remarkably long period of our lives—18 or more years—living with and depending on our parents. We are born into families. We grow and live surrounded and supported by our social environment. We make friends with, go to school with and work with our neighbors. It is part of our makeup to form strong bonds of caring and affection with other people. The forces that draw us to others are so deeply entwined in our nature. We respond to these forces in powerful and seemingly involuntary ways. We feel these pressures keenly when we are lonely and bereft of companionship; when we feel ashamed and fear social disapproval; and especially when we fall in love and long for the love of another person.
Source: http://www.ncpamd.com/bereavement.htm
Even if I didn’t have a close relationship with the recently deceased, I often let loose with uncontrollable tears at the funeral, wake or just talking about it. Sometimes I don’t even know why I’m crying – whether it is grief for the surviving family members, sadness that I will no longer be able to tell him “Hello”, or varying sources of guilt. Most likely it is a combination of these and other natural feelings of mourning.
I cry for the departed, his family and his friends. And I also cry for my own family and friends. Tears of gratitude. Though I have had various loved ones pass away, I have not yet experienced the death of someone very close to me. For this I am very thankful. However, as William Authur Ward put it, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
I have an abundance of wrapped presents locked up inside me. I am so thankful for the many blessings on me. I am thankful for my husband. I am thankful for my parents, for their love and support. I am thankful for my brothers and sisters for their love and unconditional friendship. I am thankful for my grandmother, for her love and encouragement. I am thankful for my aunts, uncles and cousins. I am thankful for the wonderful family I have married into; I do not think of them as ‘in-laws,’ but simply as family. I am thankful for how welcoming they have been to me. I am thankful for the wonderful people strategically placed in my life, my friends and my acquaintances. I am thankful to have a job. I am thankful for the minute and the grandiose treasures each day brings.
This one paragraph does not even open the dusty door to reveal the wrapped presents. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for each of these blessings (and others unmentioned). I am overwhelmed with love and appreciation stuffed in pretty boxes waiting to be given from the last 25 years. I need to start giving these gifts away…
To help me show my appreciation, I am going to start writing in a gratitude journal (there’s an app for that). I once read a book “Simple Abundance” by Sara Ban Breathnach. It is a day by day guide to living a fulfilling life. It is not common in bookstores, but it is a wonderful book. I highly recommend it to women. That book is where I first got the idea of creative meditation and the first I had heard of a gratitude journal. I am grateful for the women who introduced me to it. I am going to document at least five things for which I am thankful for daily. And in return, my new iPhone app is going to give me an inspiring quote (the app is by ‘happytappers.’ :) Because it is on my phone, I can write down the things I am thankful for as I am thinking of them and not have to try to remember at the end of the day.)
He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has. ~Epictetus
*After writing the first paragraph above, I did a quick Google search on ‘feelings of mourning’ and came across the following piece. I thought it was interesting and wanted to share.*
If we humans lived our lives separately from others, needing and relying on no one but ourselves, then the loss or death of another would have little impact. But we are social creatures. Compared to other animals, we spend a remarkably long period of our lives—18 or more years—living with and depending on our parents. We are born into families. We grow and live surrounded and supported by our social environment. We make friends with, go to school with and work with our neighbors. It is part of our makeup to form strong bonds of caring and affection with other people. The forces that draw us to others are so deeply entwined in our nature. We respond to these forces in powerful and seemingly involuntary ways. We feel these pressures keenly when we are lonely and bereft of companionship; when we feel ashamed and fear social disapproval; and especially when we fall in love and long for the love of another person.
Source: http://www.ncpamd.com/bereavement.htm
Monday, September 20, 2010
In honor of Jeff...
Last week was very busy… in a ‘let’s hop on a plane to Illinois on a Tuesday evening and return on Thursday night without taking a day off of work’ kind of way. It was so much fun! (though it sounds spontaneous, we had actually been planning it for months…) Every single day of last week was filled with some sort of excitement or busy-ness… not the least of which was Matt flying me up to the Windy City from Hotlanta to see (and Meet and Greet) one of my FAVORITE bands, The Airborne Toxic Event! That was incredible—and I will definitely blog in more detail about the trip and my (not so) secret crush, Mikel Jollet… (THANK YOU, MATT!!!)
Outside of Chicago, I wanted to write about random thoughts and things, including our unplanned, but well spent Saturday…however, instead of blogging on the plane, I played sodoku (I am currently addicted...), and instead of spending spare time on the weekend blogging, I was checking out kitchen cabinets, colors and appliances…but, today I have a topic that I could not put off writing about… the unfinished laundry will have to wait…
In honor of Jeff…
About two and a half years ago, I was filling up my water bottle in the office break room, when a guy I work with (SecureWorks’ General Counsel) came up to me and told me that I needed a new bottle. He was an older gentleman, probably early 40s and in great shape. Tall, good hair, good color and lots of energy. He looked like someone I should listen to. I asked why and he proceeded to tell me my bottle was not BPA free, and it is proven they cause cancer… I said ok… and we got into a water cooler conversation about how ‘everything’ gives you cancer… not your typical small talk, I’d say…
Then, ironically, about 6 months later, he was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, an extremely rare and deadly cancer of the liver. The survival rate is very low, even when caught in early stages. In fact, most patients do not live a year after they have been diagnosed…
Not long after the diagnosis, I saw him at work… hmm… if that were me, I would NOT be coming to work… but he loved his job…THAT is passion…and it is admirable…he was the same old Jeff… You would never have even known, if you didn’t ‘know’… THAT is strength…
Well. After a long hard battle, he passed away last Friday, Sept 17. Actually, he survived longer than any other patient diagnosed with the disease. This evening, was his wake. Tomorrow will be his funeral.
I went to the wake for a little while. There were lots of people passing lots of love. It was very easy to tell he was surrounded with friends and family who loved him… and who he loved in return. His life was well celebrated.
…please pray for his wonderful family…
Even in our few encounters, he impacted my life in many ways. Here is one:
Jeff was a marathon runner. I don’t know how many he ran…lots…not half marathons. FULL MARATHONS - 26.2 miles! He and I had a couple of conversations here and there about fitness, and as a result, I decided I was ready to run my first half marathon, the ING Atlanta. Since he was an inspiration to me, I wanted to get a SecureWorks team together and run for a good cause – his. SO, that’s what happened. I talked to a few people within the organization, and they all agreed it was a good idea. We began raising money for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation. After lots of fundraising (and training), we raised $5000 for the foundation and had about 17 runners (one of which ran the full marathon). I’d say it was a success… He and his family were very grateful. They were going to wait at the finish line (since he was a regular runner for this particular race), however, the cancer had different plans and he was just a few miles away in Piedmont Hospital… Regardless, we were thinking of him and he was thinking of us…
We ran in honor of Jeff. This year, I ran the ING again. Sans the fundraising, it was still for him. Next year it will be for him… and the year after. And the year after. And…
He was a wonderful person and will be dearly missed… I kinda thought he was gonna beat this thing...
Outside of Chicago, I wanted to write about random thoughts and things, including our unplanned, but well spent Saturday…however, instead of blogging on the plane, I played sodoku (I am currently addicted...), and instead of spending spare time on the weekend blogging, I was checking out kitchen cabinets, colors and appliances…but, today I have a topic that I could not put off writing about… the unfinished laundry will have to wait…
In honor of Jeff…
About two and a half years ago, I was filling up my water bottle in the office break room, when a guy I work with (SecureWorks’ General Counsel) came up to me and told me that I needed a new bottle. He was an older gentleman, probably early 40s and in great shape. Tall, good hair, good color and lots of energy. He looked like someone I should listen to. I asked why and he proceeded to tell me my bottle was not BPA free, and it is proven they cause cancer… I said ok… and we got into a water cooler conversation about how ‘everything’ gives you cancer… not your typical small talk, I’d say…
Then, ironically, about 6 months later, he was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, an extremely rare and deadly cancer of the liver. The survival rate is very low, even when caught in early stages. In fact, most patients do not live a year after they have been diagnosed…
Not long after the diagnosis, I saw him at work… hmm… if that were me, I would NOT be coming to work… but he loved his job…THAT is passion…and it is admirable…he was the same old Jeff… You would never have even known, if you didn’t ‘know’… THAT is strength…
Well. After a long hard battle, he passed away last Friday, Sept 17. Actually, he survived longer than any other patient diagnosed with the disease. This evening, was his wake. Tomorrow will be his funeral.
I went to the wake for a little while. There were lots of people passing lots of love. It was very easy to tell he was surrounded with friends and family who loved him… and who he loved in return. His life was well celebrated.
…please pray for his wonderful family…
Even in our few encounters, he impacted my life in many ways. Here is one:
Jeff was a marathon runner. I don’t know how many he ran…lots…not half marathons. FULL MARATHONS - 26.2 miles! He and I had a couple of conversations here and there about fitness, and as a result, I decided I was ready to run my first half marathon, the ING Atlanta. Since he was an inspiration to me, I wanted to get a SecureWorks team together and run for a good cause – his. SO, that’s what happened. I talked to a few people within the organization, and they all agreed it was a good idea. We began raising money for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation. After lots of fundraising (and training), we raised $5000 for the foundation and had about 17 runners (one of which ran the full marathon). I’d say it was a success… He and his family were very grateful. They were going to wait at the finish line (since he was a regular runner for this particular race), however, the cancer had different plans and he was just a few miles away in Piedmont Hospital… Regardless, we were thinking of him and he was thinking of us…
We ran in honor of Jeff. This year, I ran the ING again. Sans the fundraising, it was still for him. Next year it will be for him… and the year after. And the year after. And…
He was a wonderful person and will be dearly missed… I kinda thought he was gonna beat this thing...
Monday, September 13, 2010
Capricious Capricorn
Today, the Word of the Day on my iGoogle was ‘flighty.’ (Yes, I realize this is not a challenging word. I’m not sure what the qualifying criteria is for the feed...rarely are they intellectually stimulating... I should probably switch sources...but anyway...) In the past, I would interpret ‘flighty’ with a negative connotation (maybe because various definitions include words like ‘unstable’ and 'irresponsible’)...regardless, I may be jumping to the other side of the fence. The definition my word of the day gave was:
Flighty – adj. Guided by whim or fancy
I like this definition and would probably describe myself that way these days. Not in all aspects of my life, but several. This is because I'm not certain which direction I want to take my life - primarily careerwise - so I have made the conscious decision to (at least try to) do things I find interesting, with people I enjoy being around, even if it changes... We never know when the world is going to end...or whatever...why spend the time we have behind a cubicle in misery?
...who are they calling ‘unstable’? ... I wouldn’t consider this irresponsible...
But anyway...
Because I was 'intrigued' by the word of today (I guess ‘flighty’ could at least qualify as 'thought provoking' for me, even though it wasn't necessarily vocabulary enhancing...), I did a quick Google search for other definitions, connotations, and, of course, urban dictionary usage. There were some interesting finds...but the word that really caught my attention was the synonym ‘capricious.’
I realize that’s an obvious one (what’s a synonym for synonym?), but what isn't so apparent (unless you read the title to this blog) is that I am a Capricorn, and I know for a fact that you will rarely (if ever) find capricious as a description of a Capricorn. We are organized, focused, and love rewards and recognition for our hard work... The typical Capricorn blurbs are usually true of me (in 'important' matters)...and I find myself to be much happier when I have goals and work towards them...
*Though I'm not one to really 'believe in' zodiacs and such, I think they are very interesting and definitely hold value...
OK. I'm jumping back to the other side of the fence...flighty isn't a good thing for me...Time to reevaluate my long and short term goals...focus...and kick some bottom!!
Speaking of kicking gluteus maximuses...I’m going to go now, as I'm at the kickboxing gym walking on the treadmill, skipping the class I drove over here to attend, so I can write the flighty blog I was thinking of in my car on the way over...
OK. For real this time...I am going to 1. make decisions and 2. stick to them. Nothing can stop me now!. ba ha ha!
AND I'M OFF to figure out what I want to be when I grow up...and do what it takes to become it! Bring it on, LIFE! BRING IT ON!!!
Flighty – adj. Guided by whim or fancy
I like this definition and would probably describe myself that way these days. Not in all aspects of my life, but several. This is because I'm not certain which direction I want to take my life - primarily careerwise - so I have made the conscious decision to (at least try to) do things I find interesting, with people I enjoy being around, even if it changes... We never know when the world is going to end...or whatever...why spend the time we have behind a cubicle in misery?
...who are they calling ‘unstable’? ... I wouldn’t consider this irresponsible...
But anyway...
Because I was 'intrigued' by the word of today (I guess ‘flighty’ could at least qualify as 'thought provoking' for me, even though it wasn't necessarily vocabulary enhancing...), I did a quick Google search for other definitions, connotations, and, of course, urban dictionary usage. There were some interesting finds...but the word that really caught my attention was the synonym ‘capricious.’
I realize that’s an obvious one (what’s a synonym for synonym?), but what isn't so apparent (unless you read the title to this blog) is that I am a Capricorn, and I know for a fact that you will rarely (if ever) find capricious as a description of a Capricorn. We are organized, focused, and love rewards and recognition for our hard work... The typical Capricorn blurbs are usually true of me (in 'important' matters)...and I find myself to be much happier when I have goals and work towards them...
*Though I'm not one to really 'believe in' zodiacs and such, I think they are very interesting and definitely hold value...
OK. I'm jumping back to the other side of the fence...flighty isn't a good thing for me...Time to reevaluate my long and short term goals...focus...and kick some bottom!!
Speaking of kicking gluteus maximuses...I’m going to go now, as I'm at the kickboxing gym walking on the treadmill, skipping the class I drove over here to attend, so I can write the flighty blog I was thinking of in my car on the way over...
OK. For real this time...I am going to 1. make decisions and 2. stick to them. Nothing can stop me now!. ba ha ha!
AND I'M OFF to figure out what I want to be when I grow up...and do what it takes to become it! Bring it on, LIFE! BRING IT ON!!!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
What is the soundtrack to your life?
Today is the fourth day of a three day weekend...back to the daily grind after this lovely Labor Day holiday…when the weather was beautiful, the days were long, and the company was most excellent! Matt and I had plans with friends every night, which meant lots of good eatin’ (Yeah! Burger, Amuse!, dim sum, and Matt’s own lamb chops), fun events (Dad’s Garage, LSU vs UNC) and fabulous conversations! I am so lucky to have such wonderful people in my life (new and old)!
…Since we did not go out of town to celebrate this weekend, I decided to finish a couple of lingering long-term projects (including printing/framing wedding pictures and finishing my 'places I have been' scrapbook), then start brainstorming what to do next…I love waking up to my body’s alarm, moving at my own pace, and spending the days doing things that I want to do…There is just something about creating art (even if it takes years) that is so relaxing, yet liberating and empowering!... I like to call it creative meditation... And I think all of us females (and males)need to make the time to do it every once in awhile... For the sake of our sanity and well being...:)
...but anyway...
In between sitting on my bottom gluing postcards to colorful 12x12 paper and watching improv, I stepped outside for a jog through Piedmont Park. This run was particularly interesting for a couple of reasons: 1. It was African American Gay Pride and Dragoncon weekend in Midtown. and 2. My iPhone and Matt's iPod were both dead, so I had no music...
I guess if I'm going to run without tunes, this was the weekend to do it; there was definitely good people watching and dodging! Though the crowd was not good for my pace, it reminded me what a great city I live in... Where else would it be OK even 'normal' to see lots of black gays and lesbians walking next to white guys dressed as Darth Vador holding hands with a – well, I don't know what she was supposed to look like... If only the world, even the country...let's start with our state...were as open minded...this would be a much nicer place to live...All we need is love...
...and I’m off my box...
About the silence...in the last few years, I have really 'gotten into' music (this is in large part due to my wonderful husband Matt). There is no denying its power! Sure, I've always listened to it and had favorite songs. But that's different than really appreciating it for all that it is... The countless hours of energy and talent dedicated to each piece and the widespread affects it can have on every type of person – regardless of status, race or religion... As a result, I usually want music on when I’m lounging (and ALWAYS when I'm running).
So, when I was hitting the pavement without earphones, it was a bit of a shock to my mindset. A completely different experience. As I noticed each and every ankle-twisting crack in this hosting city's sidewalks, I started thinking (yes, I realize I do that way too much already...), "If I were in a movie (starring me), and they were filming me right now jogging down Spring Street -like the intro to Juno- what would my song be? What would be on the soundtrack to my life?" (That kept me busy until I hit the crowds in the park...)
Like I would assume most people do, I have lots of them... the song changing with each phase of my life... or new boyfriend... Conveniently, I had just reviewed my life in cities via my scrapbook ;) - so that was a nice refresher of my experiences and feelings...Ultimately, I think the song that would really be THE ONE for my life- if I had to choose just one- would be Wide Open Spaces by the Dixie Chicks (fortunately for Matt, I am now out of my Ready to Run streak:))...
Who doesn't know what I'm talking about
Who's never left home, who's never struck out
To find a dream and a life of their own
A place in the clouds, a foundation of stone…
…She needs wide open spaces
Room to make her big mistakes…
Some of the others that came to mind were:
During positive phases:
I'm Every Woman by Whitney Houston
I'll do it naturally, Cause I'm every woman, It's all in me
During lost/searching phases:
I'm Like a Bird by Nelly Fertado
I'm like a bird, I'll only fly away, I don't know where my soul is, I don't know where my home is…
During stepping stone phases:
Anything but Ordinary by Avril Lavigne
…I'd rather be anything but ordinary please...
During the single phases:
Single Ladies by Beyonce
Don’t treat me to the things of this world I’m not that kind of girl Your love is what I prefer, what I deserve Is a man that makes me, then takes me And delivers me to a destiny, to infinity and beyond...
During depressed phases:
Don't let Me Get Me by Pink
Don't wanna be my friend no more I wanna be somebody else...
And if I had to choose one song for me right now, I would choose Unwritten by Natasha Beddingfield...
Drench yourself in words unspoken Live your life with arms wide open Today is where your book begins The rest is still unwritten…
...it's only fitting...:)
Actually, all of those artists have several songs that I lived... I guess it's no coincidence that they are all women...with attitude:) And there are MANY more by other artists that I could relate to at different points in my life, hell, different points in my day. If you’re feeling it, chances are someone has a song about it…and we can all relate… funny how that works…
…Since we did not go out of town to celebrate this weekend, I decided to finish a couple of lingering long-term projects (including printing/framing wedding pictures and finishing my 'places I have been' scrapbook), then start brainstorming what to do next…I love waking up to my body’s alarm, moving at my own pace, and spending the days doing things that I want to do…There is just something about creating art (even if it takes years) that is so relaxing, yet liberating and empowering!... I like to call it creative meditation... And I think all of us females (and males)need to make the time to do it every once in awhile... For the sake of our sanity and well being...:)
...but anyway...
In between sitting on my bottom gluing postcards to colorful 12x12 paper and watching improv, I stepped outside for a jog through Piedmont Park. This run was particularly interesting for a couple of reasons: 1. It was African American Gay Pride and Dragoncon weekend in Midtown. and 2. My iPhone and Matt's iPod were both dead, so I had no music...
I guess if I'm going to run without tunes, this was the weekend to do it; there was definitely good people watching and dodging! Though the crowd was not good for my pace, it reminded me what a great city I live in... Where else would it be OK even 'normal' to see lots of black gays and lesbians walking next to white guys dressed as Darth Vador holding hands with a – well, I don't know what she was supposed to look like... If only the world, even the country...let's start with our state...were as open minded...this would be a much nicer place to live...All we need is love...
...and I’m off my box...
About the silence...in the last few years, I have really 'gotten into' music (this is in large part due to my wonderful husband Matt). There is no denying its power! Sure, I've always listened to it and had favorite songs. But that's different than really appreciating it for all that it is... The countless hours of energy and talent dedicated to each piece and the widespread affects it can have on every type of person – regardless of status, race or religion... As a result, I usually want music on when I’m lounging (and ALWAYS when I'm running).
So, when I was hitting the pavement without earphones, it was a bit of a shock to my mindset. A completely different experience. As I noticed each and every ankle-twisting crack in this hosting city's sidewalks, I started thinking (yes, I realize I do that way too much already...), "If I were in a movie (starring me), and they were filming me right now jogging down Spring Street -like the intro to Juno- what would my song be? What would be on the soundtrack to my life?" (That kept me busy until I hit the crowds in the park...)
Like I would assume most people do, I have lots of them... the song changing with each phase of my life... or new boyfriend... Conveniently, I had just reviewed my life in cities via my scrapbook ;) - so that was a nice refresher of my experiences and feelings...Ultimately, I think the song that would really be THE ONE for my life- if I had to choose just one- would be Wide Open Spaces by the Dixie Chicks (fortunately for Matt, I am now out of my Ready to Run streak:))...
Who doesn't know what I'm talking about
Who's never left home, who's never struck out
To find a dream and a life of their own
A place in the clouds, a foundation of stone…
…She needs wide open spaces
Room to make her big mistakes…
Some of the others that came to mind were:
During positive phases:
I'm Every Woman by Whitney Houston
I'll do it naturally, Cause I'm every woman, It's all in me
During lost/searching phases:
I'm Like a Bird by Nelly Fertado
I'm like a bird, I'll only fly away, I don't know where my soul is, I don't know where my home is…
During stepping stone phases:
Anything but Ordinary by Avril Lavigne
…I'd rather be anything but ordinary please...
During the single phases:
Single Ladies by Beyonce
Don’t treat me to the things of this world I’m not that kind of girl Your love is what I prefer, what I deserve Is a man that makes me, then takes me And delivers me to a destiny, to infinity and beyond...
During depressed phases:
Don't let Me Get Me by Pink
Don't wanna be my friend no more I wanna be somebody else...
And if I had to choose one song for me right now, I would choose Unwritten by Natasha Beddingfield...
Drench yourself in words unspoken Live your life with arms wide open Today is where your book begins The rest is still unwritten…
...it's only fitting...:)
Actually, all of those artists have several songs that I lived... I guess it's no coincidence that they are all women...with attitude:) And there are MANY more by other artists that I could relate to at different points in my life, hell, different points in my day. If you’re feeling it, chances are someone has a song about it…and we can all relate… funny how that works…
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Weird day trending analysis…
Yesterday I had a weird day. It was like my universal balance was off or getting realigned..or maybe trying to send a clue that someone close to me needs my love and thoughts.
Today I got a call from someone very close to me telling me that a big thing had changed in her life, not necessarily for the better (or worse), it is just going to cause increased anxiety over the next few weeks. And I am realizing that is not unusual: me having a weird day = someone close to me needing love. This has happened multiple times, and here’s an example of the last time I remember it happening:
Earlier this year on a Friday in February, Matt and I decided to meet at our gym’s spinning class at 6:30am (this was when we were just friends). Working out in the morning is something I strive to do. I admire those who do it. Envy may be a better description. But anyway. On that particular day, I actually did it! And Matt met me there (he is not a morning person either) -> which is one of many reasons why we are now married.
However, even though we got there early (10 mins before the class was supposed to start) it was FULL! Not a single bike left in the room! I thought, “No big deal, I’ll just do cardio on the elliptical and watch TV.” So, I went back to the locker room to grab my headphones. Unfortunately, I realized they were still in my car, since I was planning on attending the spinning class. Again, I thought “No big deal, I’m not on a tight schedule.” So, I started searching for my keys to get my head phones out of my car…then realized they were NOT in the locker room. I had locked them in my trunk with my purse. Yet again, I thought, “No big deal, I have an extra key in my magnetic box thingy behind the tire.” Then, I went to search for it, and found it--missing. Ugh. At least I have Honda Roadside Assistance… so then I worked out, watching TV with no sound until the locksmith arrived. .. Everything about that morning was unusual… but “No big deal, because Matt is with me.”
BUT THEN, after the guy unlocked my car and I got ready for work. I saw that I had missed a call from my dad… that was really out of the ordinary. Number 1: he is just as much of a non morning person as I am (and it was still before 8am). And Number 2. He rarely calls me. So, I immediately called him back. No matter how bad things may seem, they can always be worse.
He said that my mom had been in a car accident on the way to work, and was in the hospital, but she was ok. (I am thinking, “If she is so OK why am I not talking to HER?”) He didn’t give many details, but I had such a strange feeling by the time I got to work (this might have been classified as worry), I had to go home and see her. Then, as I got closer (it is a 2hr drive), I called to see if they were home yet or needed anything and that I was coming whether they invited me or not…nope- still in the hospital… she is ok my ass. I could feel it.
When I walked into the hospital room, I saw her lying in bed with a neck brace and blood all over her scrubs on the floor. That is an image you do not want to see. We said our hellos, then I got the story. She was driving along, then, less than a mile from the hospital where she works, she took a left...and a truck popped over the hill and hit her Maxima – hard. Somehow her door flew open and she was hanging half way out, holding onto the steering wheel, with her legs being dragged as the car rolled backwards down the hill she had just driven up… and into a tree. Just before the car stopped, it rolled over her back, because her legs had made their way under the car….
Talk about a hard story to hear. I love my mom more than anything in the world. She is such an incredible person. An angel. Thankfully I heard it with her sitting in front of me telling it to me one unbelievable piece at a time. I guess that’s why my dad was so short on words on the phone. She ended up breaking lumbar number one and had to wear a back brace for the next few months. (She still wears it from time to time when it hurts). But all in all everything turned out ok and she looks fabulous now 6 months later…
You can take what you want from this post, but as I am writing, I am in awe of a few concepts:
- No matter how bad you may think you have it, it could always be worse. Keep things in perspective. Locking my keys in my car is nothing to what could have been that morning.
- Make sure the ones you love know how much you love them. You never know when something could happen. I still do not do this enough and am very bothered by it. I love my mom and my whole family more than anything, and to be honest, I do not know if they know that. I do not share it enough. They live 2 hours away, and I see them maybe once a month, but I think about them all the time. I need to give. Share these feelings more often. Not keep them internalized.
- Wear your seatbelt. When I say this, I mean: don’t take unnecessary risks. Sure, have fun, but be safe about it.
- Listen to your body. I may have lots of questions regarding faith and religion, but one thing I do know, is that a higher power does know what’s going on and communicates that with us. When something doesn’t feel right, or you are thinking about someone/thing more than usual. Reach out. If nothing more, say hello. There is always a reason.
Today I got a call from someone very close to me telling me that a big thing had changed in her life, not necessarily for the better (or worse), it is just going to cause increased anxiety over the next few weeks. And I am realizing that is not unusual: me having a weird day = someone close to me needing love. This has happened multiple times, and here’s an example of the last time I remember it happening:
Earlier this year on a Friday in February, Matt and I decided to meet at our gym’s spinning class at 6:30am (this was when we were just friends). Working out in the morning is something I strive to do. I admire those who do it. Envy may be a better description. But anyway. On that particular day, I actually did it! And Matt met me there (he is not a morning person either) -> which is one of many reasons why we are now married.
However, even though we got there early (10 mins before the class was supposed to start) it was FULL! Not a single bike left in the room! I thought, “No big deal, I’ll just do cardio on the elliptical and watch TV.” So, I went back to the locker room to grab my headphones. Unfortunately, I realized they were still in my car, since I was planning on attending the spinning class. Again, I thought “No big deal, I’m not on a tight schedule.” So, I started searching for my keys to get my head phones out of my car…then realized they were NOT in the locker room. I had locked them in my trunk with my purse. Yet again, I thought, “No big deal, I have an extra key in my magnetic box thingy behind the tire.” Then, I went to search for it, and found it--missing. Ugh. At least I have Honda Roadside Assistance… so then I worked out, watching TV with no sound until the locksmith arrived. .. Everything about that morning was unusual… but “No big deal, because Matt is with me.”
BUT THEN, after the guy unlocked my car and I got ready for work. I saw that I had missed a call from my dad… that was really out of the ordinary. Number 1: he is just as much of a non morning person as I am (and it was still before 8am). And Number 2. He rarely calls me. So, I immediately called him back. No matter how bad things may seem, they can always be worse.
He said that my mom had been in a car accident on the way to work, and was in the hospital, but she was ok. (I am thinking, “If she is so OK why am I not talking to HER?”) He didn’t give many details, but I had such a strange feeling by the time I got to work (this might have been classified as worry), I had to go home and see her. Then, as I got closer (it is a 2hr drive), I called to see if they were home yet or needed anything and that I was coming whether they invited me or not…nope- still in the hospital… she is ok my ass. I could feel it.
When I walked into the hospital room, I saw her lying in bed with a neck brace and blood all over her scrubs on the floor. That is an image you do not want to see. We said our hellos, then I got the story. She was driving along, then, less than a mile from the hospital where she works, she took a left...and a truck popped over the hill and hit her Maxima – hard. Somehow her door flew open and she was hanging half way out, holding onto the steering wheel, with her legs being dragged as the car rolled backwards down the hill she had just driven up… and into a tree. Just before the car stopped, it rolled over her back, because her legs had made their way under the car….
Talk about a hard story to hear. I love my mom more than anything in the world. She is such an incredible person. An angel. Thankfully I heard it with her sitting in front of me telling it to me one unbelievable piece at a time. I guess that’s why my dad was so short on words on the phone. She ended up breaking lumbar number one and had to wear a back brace for the next few months. (She still wears it from time to time when it hurts). But all in all everything turned out ok and she looks fabulous now 6 months later…
You can take what you want from this post, but as I am writing, I am in awe of a few concepts:
- No matter how bad you may think you have it, it could always be worse. Keep things in perspective. Locking my keys in my car is nothing to what could have been that morning.
- Make sure the ones you love know how much you love them. You never know when something could happen. I still do not do this enough and am very bothered by it. I love my mom and my whole family more than anything, and to be honest, I do not know if they know that. I do not share it enough. They live 2 hours away, and I see them maybe once a month, but I think about them all the time. I need to give. Share these feelings more often. Not keep them internalized.
- Wear your seatbelt. When I say this, I mean: don’t take unnecessary risks. Sure, have fun, but be safe about it.
- Listen to your body. I may have lots of questions regarding faith and religion, but one thing I do know, is that a higher power does know what’s going on and communicates that with us. When something doesn’t feel right, or you are thinking about someone/thing more than usual. Reach out. If nothing more, say hello. There is always a reason.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
She’s says it’s cold outside and she hands me my raincoat…
These are the lyrics that started my day! oh how I LOVE Matchbox 20! It’s a shame that I rarely listen to them anymore…but on my way to work this morning, 94.1 actually played one of my favorites, 3AM! – JUST FOR ME! :) I couldn't believe my ears!
I’m not sure exactly why, but, as the song was playing, I had this feeling that today was going to standout, be a benchmark of some sort, a day to look back at and smile! And so, of course, had to immediately tell facebook… And, well, I wasn’t entirely wrong.
Even as I was typing my update to facebook (sitting at a long red light), I get a phone call from a guy I work with. (Well, I used to work with him. He’s in marketing. And I would consider him more than just a coworker, also a friend. His wife actually gave birth to their first son last Saturday, and I have been meaning to put their card in the mail –let me do that now-…ok I’m back). He was sitting right next to me at the red light and screaming at me to get off the phone (in jest)... Then he proceeded to remind me that I was not at this breakfast event I was supposed to attend this morning -- he was (I don’t even have a newborn for an excuse – OUCH!). *It is ok that I didn’t go. The event was entirely voluntary. Sure, it probably would’ve earned me brownie points, but that’s it.
*Regardless, here comes my excuse: The event was at 7:30am (and I usually set my alarm – not get up - for 8am)…I wanted to go, BUT I hit the wrong button! ARGH! I use my iPhone as an alarm (I think the only clock in our house is on the stove), and instead of pressing snooze, I did whatever else it is you do to get the thing to cease fire. It was way too early, and I went to bed way too late (Matt was hacking my nook – another post entirely)…I just wasn’t thinking clearly… OR WAS I?
Turns out the event was a flop. The speaker’s topic was intriguing (enterprise social networking), but the execution fell flat... Sweet!! I didn’t miss anything AND I got a couple extra hours of treasured sleep. SCORE!
So those were unique hump day event numbers one and two.
Next, I get to work (a little bit late – because I unset my alarm when I tried to get up for the breakfast event) and guzzle down a coffee, because I had to give a morning training to a new hire in marketing…She asked for one thing (which I prepared for), but she really wanted/needed something completely different (a good test of my working knowledge – and I’d say I passed:)). 30mins into the hour long meeting, I decided to have her do a little research on her own (with a book I read and highlighted when I first started at the company). However, this book (which I donated back to our marketing department when I switched to client services) was nowhere to be found…and when I described it – everyone seemed to think it would be very helpful – FOR THEM… where in the world could it have gone? very strange...At least I got to talk to lots of my old marketing peeps…
THEN, after I get back to my desk after trying to track down this book, I see that I have 4 different emails from my boss asking about the status of a client I have been working with. This made me very nervous, because she doesn’t normally ask questions unless something has been escalated to her… so I go to her office, give her a status and come to find out the account manager of this prospect was trying to put blame on me for making them not want to choose us (the prospect is currently in a pilot – which means they are testing our services and another company's before they decide who’s they’re going to buy.). I was sooooo taken aback. I have gone WAY above and beyond for this company! And they have not even let on as to whether they are choosing us or not. Talk about weird! I rarely hear negative feedback – especially not like that! Skip ahead 3 hours (no one from my team has contacted him directly at this point) and the account manager left my boss a voicemail saying that he was wrong and sorry and that the pilot was looking good. He had a call with the client who told him how happy he was with our responsiveness etc… HMM! I’ve not worked with him in this scenario before, but, sorry, Mister, I’m proud of what I do and as a result do my job well! You, on the other hand, may want to take a look at your communication skills…
Anyway. Those were blood pressure increasing events numbers 3 and 4. Phew.
THEN (actually in the middle of event 4) I got hungry. I had to eat a quick lunch because of several back to back meetings. As a result, I decided to walk downstairs and eat at the café in our building. Yuck. I do not like to do that. It reminds me of bad school food and it costs more than Willy’s (which I love and actually have a free meal waiting for me …because they have excellent customer service…but that’s another story too)…I ate there.Enough said. That was tasteless event number 5.
Mysterious number 6 is going to be vague. Only because this is when my day started to turn around…and I am hoping that it will mean my 2011 will be awesome. Just know that I had a good conversation with someone that I look up to and he had inspiring words to say.
The final event (lucky number seven) happened at the gym after work. When I walked in, I saw our CEO sitting, resting as if he had just had a hard workout. Nice. Of course I would see him on this day (a day that my mind would deliberately/haphazardly wear a raincoat only because it is cold outside). I said hello and went to change. Of course the only thing I had to wear was a tight tank top with shorts (how professional! argh! I rarely wear tight tank tops. I am usually very conservative with my gym outfits, just in case this happens...which it never-er rarely- does! It wasn’t inappropriate, but definitely not office attire…) anyway…we had a nice conversation. I went on and on about today being my first day of training for the Thanksgiving Day marathon. “Three months is all I need.” (He ran it last year)… he was impressed and we talked for a bit and said our goodbyes. Then, as I was turning on my music for the run, I realized I am NOT going to run the Thanksgiving Day Marathon!! What did I just tell this man?! OUR CEO!! So I IMMEDIATELY emailed him (a man who gets hundreds of emails a day) to correct myself… to tell him that I am training for the half and may or may not run it. But I am going to be prepared for the half not the full! I didn’t even realize I was telling him that I was running the marathon and not half marathon until our conversation was over and done with! that is weird! … after I emailed him, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But no response is what I thought most likely (does he really care about what I’m training for? If I weren’t me, I probably wouldn’t)…but, when I rounded out my run, I checked my mail.. and he had responded… a short response…but a response nonetheless.. :)
THEN (I forgot there was one more! the grand finale. Number eight. Like infinity.) I got in my car to go to the grocery before heading home, and seriously less than 30 seconds later, a different Matchbox 20 song came on (on the same station that normally plays pop music, 94.1)… I’m not sure which one it was – I think it was Real World...that would only be appropriate…
Oh shoot- I forgot one...probably the one that started it all...my mom sent me (and my aunts and siblings) an email this morning. Well, a forward. I don't even remember the last time I got an email from her at all. She usually calls. She sent it early this morning (5:45am). The subject was 'Fill my cup, Lord'. hmm. My cup was definitely filled today...
Thank for listening to me rant. This was just a very strange day for me (part one of my new 'story'?). I hope yours was wonderful.
As a side note, Matt's in Chicago, so I will be lonely at 3AM...
Until next time…
I’m not sure exactly why, but, as the song was playing, I had this feeling that today was going to standout, be a benchmark of some sort, a day to look back at and smile! And so, of course, had to immediately tell facebook… And, well, I wasn’t entirely wrong.
Even as I was typing my update to facebook (sitting at a long red light), I get a phone call from a guy I work with. (Well, I used to work with him. He’s in marketing. And I would consider him more than just a coworker, also a friend. His wife actually gave birth to their first son last Saturday, and I have been meaning to put their card in the mail –let me do that now-…ok I’m back). He was sitting right next to me at the red light and screaming at me to get off the phone (in jest)... Then he proceeded to remind me that I was not at this breakfast event I was supposed to attend this morning -- he was (I don’t even have a newborn for an excuse – OUCH!). *It is ok that I didn’t go. The event was entirely voluntary. Sure, it probably would’ve earned me brownie points, but that’s it.
*Regardless, here comes my excuse: The event was at 7:30am (and I usually set my alarm – not get up - for 8am)…I wanted to go, BUT I hit the wrong button! ARGH! I use my iPhone as an alarm (I think the only clock in our house is on the stove), and instead of pressing snooze, I did whatever else it is you do to get the thing to cease fire. It was way too early, and I went to bed way too late (Matt was hacking my nook – another post entirely)…I just wasn’t thinking clearly… OR WAS I?
Turns out the event was a flop. The speaker’s topic was intriguing (enterprise social networking), but the execution fell flat... Sweet!! I didn’t miss anything AND I got a couple extra hours of treasured sleep. SCORE!
So those were unique hump day event numbers one and two.
Next, I get to work (a little bit late – because I unset my alarm when I tried to get up for the breakfast event) and guzzle down a coffee, because I had to give a morning training to a new hire in marketing…She asked for one thing (which I prepared for), but she really wanted/needed something completely different (a good test of my working knowledge – and I’d say I passed:)). 30mins into the hour long meeting, I decided to have her do a little research on her own (with a book I read and highlighted when I first started at the company). However, this book (which I donated back to our marketing department when I switched to client services) was nowhere to be found…and when I described it – everyone seemed to think it would be very helpful – FOR THEM… where in the world could it have gone? very strange...At least I got to talk to lots of my old marketing peeps…
THEN, after I get back to my desk after trying to track down this book, I see that I have 4 different emails from my boss asking about the status of a client I have been working with. This made me very nervous, because she doesn’t normally ask questions unless something has been escalated to her… so I go to her office, give her a status and come to find out the account manager of this prospect was trying to put blame on me for making them not want to choose us (the prospect is currently in a pilot – which means they are testing our services and another company's before they decide who’s they’re going to buy.). I was sooooo taken aback. I have gone WAY above and beyond for this company! And they have not even let on as to whether they are choosing us or not. Talk about weird! I rarely hear negative feedback – especially not like that! Skip ahead 3 hours (no one from my team has contacted him directly at this point) and the account manager left my boss a voicemail saying that he was wrong and sorry and that the pilot was looking good. He had a call with the client who told him how happy he was with our responsiveness etc… HMM! I’ve not worked with him in this scenario before, but, sorry, Mister, I’m proud of what I do and as a result do my job well! You, on the other hand, may want to take a look at your communication skills…
Anyway. Those were blood pressure increasing events numbers 3 and 4. Phew.
THEN (actually in the middle of event 4) I got hungry. I had to eat a quick lunch because of several back to back meetings. As a result, I decided to walk downstairs and eat at the café in our building. Yuck. I do not like to do that. It reminds me of bad school food and it costs more than Willy’s (which I love and actually have a free meal waiting for me …because they have excellent customer service…but that’s another story too)…I ate there.Enough said. That was tasteless event number 5.
Mysterious number 6 is going to be vague. Only because this is when my day started to turn around…and I am hoping that it will mean my 2011 will be awesome. Just know that I had a good conversation with someone that I look up to and he had inspiring words to say.
The final event (lucky number seven) happened at the gym after work. When I walked in, I saw our CEO sitting, resting as if he had just had a hard workout. Nice. Of course I would see him on this day (a day that my mind would deliberately/haphazardly wear a raincoat only because it is cold outside). I said hello and went to change. Of course the only thing I had to wear was a tight tank top with shorts (how professional! argh! I rarely wear tight tank tops. I am usually very conservative with my gym outfits, just in case this happens...which it never-er rarely- does! It wasn’t inappropriate, but definitely not office attire…) anyway…we had a nice conversation. I went on and on about today being my first day of training for the Thanksgiving Day marathon. “Three months is all I need.” (He ran it last year)… he was impressed and we talked for a bit and said our goodbyes. Then, as I was turning on my music for the run, I realized I am NOT going to run the Thanksgiving Day Marathon!! What did I just tell this man?! OUR CEO!! So I IMMEDIATELY emailed him (a man who gets hundreds of emails a day) to correct myself… to tell him that I am training for the half and may or may not run it. But I am going to be prepared for the half not the full! I didn’t even realize I was telling him that I was running the marathon and not half marathon until our conversation was over and done with! that is weird! … after I emailed him, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But no response is what I thought most likely (does he really care about what I’m training for? If I weren’t me, I probably wouldn’t)…but, when I rounded out my run, I checked my mail.. and he had responded… a short response…but a response nonetheless.. :)
THEN (I forgot there was one more! the grand finale. Number eight. Like infinity.) I got in my car to go to the grocery before heading home, and seriously less than 30 seconds later, a different Matchbox 20 song came on (on the same station that normally plays pop music, 94.1)… I’m not sure which one it was – I think it was Real World...that would only be appropriate…
Oh shoot- I forgot one...probably the one that started it all...my mom sent me (and my aunts and siblings) an email this morning. Well, a forward. I don't even remember the last time I got an email from her at all. She usually calls. She sent it early this morning (5:45am). The subject was 'Fill my cup, Lord'. hmm. My cup was definitely filled today...
Thank for listening to me rant. This was just a very strange day for me (part one of my new 'story'?). I hope yours was wonderful.
As a side note, Matt's in Chicago, so I will be lonely at 3AM...
Until next time…
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