Take me far, far away.

stylemepretty.com

I am assuming today is going to be a bit stressful. We have to establish service for our utilities, sign our lease, and agree on bathroom designs.

**woo saaaa**

Since the stress of "where to place the couch" and "but I don't like that picture there" will probably be overshadowing the fact that I get to take my first day off from my new job, I decided I needed to create a fantasy vacation. One where the ocean breeze, salty air, and frozen cocktails prevail.

If you will indulge me, it's time for one of Nicole's famous fantasy dates - this time: Destination - beach.

Let's start with this fabulous list. I am a bit of a planner - especially when it comes to vacay - I LOVE this list maker pad.

Every girl needs a nice new pair of shades.

Or a fabulous set of Gucci Luggage

How about some adorable Dior Ear Buds

I thought this was marvelous for carrying your beach reading!

I love this portable BBQ for the beach



How about this wonderful organizer for all of your electronic (important) items. Be still my beating heart. I mean, seriously, I can't go on vacay without my Iphone/Ipod, etc.

I think this would make a great outfit for a day of touring the sites!

The perfect beach bag and towel

I thought this would make a great flying ensemble

This outfit would be great for a brunch with the girls by the beach. You know, lots of picture taking will be happening - have to look cute!

Perfect for shopping by the beach!

Excellent for wearing over a bathing suit - for a day by the water and mixed with a little fun.

My Iphone cover needs to have a motivational mantra for me. ;-)

Best way to get around - on a Vespa

Walking on the beach at night can get a little chilly - or for that day on the boat!

Ride that Vespa in style. I totally would!

You know there will be at least one fancy night! ;-)

Good walking shoes

Perhaps an evening out with dinner and an outdoor concert!

Finally - the anything goes!

WHERE WOULD YOU GO?



Excuses... Excuses...

This week has been a tough one as far as my new "lifestyle" change is going. I'm trying the whole Weight Watchers thing (which, btw - this is my fourth time signing up with them.) Each time it works - it's just that I get sidetracked, impatient and some how, some way, finances get in the way. WW can add up quick, but this time seems to be different. I'm only doing the online version and I don't have to make plans to attend a meeting. You see, I would not weigh in at home - you had to do it at a meeting. So if I skipped one meeting, then ended up skipping another - eventually, I would just quit.

Not this time. 9 pounds down...

However, I am sooo lacking in one specific area - EXERCISE. The ONE thing I actually enjoy. I am not sure WHY I am slacking here, but I am.

Again, I turned to my friends at Everyday Health and found this great video:


WOW. Bingo.

I need to get to the bottom of why I am standing in my own way! Why do I get so lazy when it comes to success? It's right in front of me...

Hmmm..

What about you? What is your trick for scheduling time for exercise? Or what keeps you from moving?

Would love to hear!

Feeding Your Feelings

Food - We have to have it to survive, we consume it when we are with friends and family, and I don't believe I have ever met a single person who does not enjoy eating. Food can be used as preventative medicine, it gives you energy to function both physically and mentally- but what happens when the food turns into the poison? What happens when food begins to stress you out, make you sick and cause you to isolate yourself?

I live with a food addict. My father LOVES to eat, and he will eat non stop. He will be the first to tell you that it is a problem. Now, my Dad is not a big man, but as far as his health goes, he is battling everything from diabetes to high blood pressure to obesity. His recent health scare sort of gave me a HUGE wake up call - I don't want to end up like him. What I mean by that - I never want to end up with diabetes.

Just a few weeks after his hospital visit, I ended up doing Weight Watchers. So far I have lost 9 pounds and could not be happier. I'm making healthier choices, choosing healthy snacks and trying to not let food be my "comfort."

I never thought I was an emotional eater, but as I am consciously looking for snacks, I noticed that I crave certain foods. Not so much for their taste, but because they are so filling and sort of sedate me. I began to think, "Oh my goodness! My chips and dip are like a drug to me." So I said- Enough is enough!

One of the companies I follow on Twitter is Everyday Health. They offer tremendous tips on taking steps to a healthier, happier life. Recently, they released a fantastic interview with Jillian Michaels about compulsive eating and I just had to share this with you guys:




As I was watching the video, I thought about my stressful days in Birmingham. I thought about the times I would stop after work for a bag of chips and ranch dip and just head home, plop down on the couch and consume the entire bag and container. I'd be too tired to go to Zumba, too tired to clean, too tired to do anything. The worst part? I felt guilty about it. I would always say to myself, "Okay, Nicole. This is the last time you will splurge like this."

Throughout this new phase in my life, I am trying to think of better ways to deal with my stress and to reward myself. I sometimes see my sister reward my niece with a trip to McDonalds - which makes McDonalds suddenly a "good thing" in the child's eyes. She's not the only one, how many parents out there are doing the exact same thing? When I was a kid, after a year of hard work in ballet and a wonderful recital, we would celebrate by splurging on a banana split at Dairy Queen. See - everything was around food.

Aside from what is conditioned in me, if you asked me if I wanted fried chicken and mashed potatoes (one of my favorite comfort food meals) or to go get a massage, I would choose massage. So why is it that when I want to reward myself or I am feeling stressed, I opted for the bad?

What about you? What are your weak points when it comes to food? Think about the times you did on impulse buy  junk food - what was going on at the time?

It's all about healthy choices. It's the biggest battle of all.

A mecca for experts

I had what you might call an illuminating conversation today at brunch. As my friends were eating their small stack of pancakes, and I with my egg whites and whole wheat toast, we all fell into that "he said/she said" convo. You know the one, 'So & so ask why I did not (this) & (that.)' Each of us had a little bit to add to it, with a smathering of eye rolls and exasperated sighs, when suddenly the male of the lunch group said, "You what it is, right? This whole town is full of "experts." Yet no one seems to get anything done."

Ahh.. yes, that's it.

From politics to the school board situation to community outreach to personal lives - people in THIS town (as well as many others in the United States) are FULL of people who like to tell you that THEY know better. Sort of the same people who like to tell many women what to do with their ovaries, or some couples whether or not they have a legitamite right to legally be in love. I could go on and on about said group, but the truth is, it won't fix the 'expert' problem.

I think people in my field of work experience it the most - Marketing. EVERYONE under the sun THINKS they know how to promote something. Then I look at our politico friends and sometimes I think we spend too much time analyzing their every move and expecting them to answer for it. When really, at the end of the day, we need to see action.

I spend a large majority of my day familiarizingmyself with local politics, stories about key businesses and following comments from the peanut gallery. I have to troll the basic local news websites, as well as social media pages. The pic with the quote above is the absolute perfect description of what I feel needs to be said sometimes. Tuck the crazy back in, folks.

As I watch the situation with the Bibb County School board, these images keep popping up in my head - it involves Demi Moore wearing a Pilgrim's outfit with an embroidered A. Or I see a flash of Winona Rider in the Crucible. Translation: It all is beginning to feel a bit  like a witch hunt.

The legitimacy of everything has sort of got muddled in the message. Maybe it's because I am in communications/media relations. The message is not clear. The questions in the beginning were legitmate. Now.. the communications strategy reminds me a little of the Puritans in New England.

Part of the reason I got out of good-old-fashioned journalism was the B.S. we are all exposed to each day in these arenas. The finger pointing, the name calling, the accusations.. it's all too much. I sometimes wish our representatives (even business leaders) would make a little chart that says -

Things I Said I Would Do/ Things I Need to Do / Things I Actually Did



After they complete the list, it needs to be mailed out to each home. Let that be that. Their evaluation will be during a vote, or by you spending with their company or whatever.

As for the rest..

Oh does it even matter?

My opinion has always been "Those who know the least speak the loudest." I know those in the know, get it. But unfortunately, there are so many others out there that are mesmerized by the loud/the obnoxious/the witch hunters.

Such is life, right?

*sigh*

What a Sunday!

I actually got a good night's sleep last night. I'll admit, I popped a Percogesic, but it was beautiful. (Percogesic is acetaminophen and antihistamine.) Slept hard, slept good.

Woke up and did my Weight Watchers weigh-in - down a TOTAL of 8.8 pounds from day 1!!! I am only 3 pounds from my 5% goal. Trust me, I have a LOOOONG way to go, but I am truly proud of how far I have come.

My next test will be attending the ITOS event tonight. LOTS of good food... it will be hard to keep track, but luckily, I have the menu (since I am coordinating the event.) Hopefully I can stick to my plan and eat strategically!

As for my move - I do have a question for you guys: Ideas for my bathroom! I want a whole new theme/look - I would love to hear some suggestions!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday. My posts are suffering a little - but I have a plan to get back on track. I plan to post, once a week, a list of topics I hope to cover and the day it should post. I hope that hold me accountable and perhaps entices you to return for more.

Have a fabulous day!

Sweet Summer...

As I was driving home from work today, I glanced at the bank's digital clock and read: 100 degrees. The sun is blazing, there is very little breeze and the humidity is so thick, it feels like you just stepped into a sauna.

Put the sizzling heat aside, all I want to do is play. I want to pay outside: run through a sprinkler, roast marshmallows over a camp fire or break out the badminton set.

You see, my time in the country is drawing to a close. My last week or so as a resident of my parent's home.

It's both a freeing situation and a bitter sweet one.

I am thrilled to have my own space soon, but one thing I will truly miss - the stars at night, the vast expanse of trees and the absolute quiet at twilight.
....

My first official week on Weight Watcher is drawing to a close. I went ahead and weighed myself a day early - and thus far, I am down 3 pounds from Sunday's weigh in. No bad at all. I did not implement exercise yet, but it's next. :-)

Work is super busy - with the International Taste of Soul tomorrow afternoon. I spent most of the morning tying up loose ends. I think the event will be very successful. Thing is, I invited just about everyone I know on FB that lives in the area, and every time I see the decline, I get a little disappointed. Not because they are not coming and know me, more so for the fact that perhaps the reasoning of some. Maybe it's money, maybe it's the idea of attending fundraising events (outside of soft ball, church and cheer leading - some families in middle Georgia are NEVER exposed to anything cultural,) or maybe it's just the uncertainty of the unknown. Whatever the case, a little twinge of disappointment enters.
....

Over all, life is going okay. Things are still so cold between me and the other - but I'm done fighting for it all. I am just taking it one day at a time and we will see where that leads. I am learning see ME as enough and anything that happens that is good out side of that, well.. that will be fine too.

I hope you are each having a wonderful weekend. :-)

Cup of Tea

lovingthebike.com

Care to join me for a tea break? Yes, I said tea. I am consuming a cup of lavender hot tea and trying to just unwind from a wild week.

Not only did I pick out a place to live, I have a HUGE event this weekend. I saw a ghost, I worked super hard and now I am just trying to sort my thoughts.

I am thrilled to be moving into my new digs. The apartment/flat is adorable. I opted for two bedrooms, two full baths, living/dining/kitchen, lots of closets and a large balcony. Excellent! (Not to mention, I am just one building over from the pool!)

I have been plotting how I plan to decorate, since I totally chunked the couch back in Birmingham. I want a "zen" feel to my new place, and hope to simplify and decorate accordingly. I suppose the whole thought of entering that storage unit after nine months of my things tucked away, is sort of daunting. I've never been seperated from my stuff for that long of a time. I'm actually okay with letting so much of it go- and starting over. It's totally possible. *sigh* What a freeing thought?!

My next BIG thing is to actually sort what I am taking and what I am tossing/donating/selling. THEN to actually set my move in date. I can't do it the week I get my keys, but I thought I might set up shop slowly throughout the week, then perhaps move the next weekend. Decisions.. decisions.

I already feel so much calmer just thinking about it all. My own space. I sort of got a smile earlier when I thought of my new favorite spot - THE BALCONY. Oh yes, morning blogging with coffee? Life IS sweet. :-)

What the hell was THAT?

snaporium

I am about to sound completely insane - but I may have seen a ghost last night. This is something I totally don't believe in.. well.. not 100%.

I went to bed last night as normal. About 2am or so, I woke up to a light bothering my eyes. All of the lights were out in the house, however, it seems the porch light was on. All I could think was, 'Why is the porch light on?'

I opened my eyes a little wider and saw a tall, thin man with blond hair (straight and parted down the middle,) wearing a blue shirt..  open the front door and enter. I immediately felt threatened or "spooked" (I really hate using that word..)

I jumped up and ran into my parent's room screaming - "Mom, Dad.. HELP! There's a man trying to get in the house."

I suddenly felt completely chilled to the bone, my heart racing, the hair on my arms standing straight up - petrified with fear! My mom and dad race out of the bedroom, my husband popped awake.. and NOTHING. No one was there. The porch light was off. I was completely confused.

I was still so freaked, there was nothing I could say. I just sat there, trying to process what I had just witnessed. My husband stomped off, annoyed I woke him up, while my mom went and grabbed some sage and began to burn and smudge the house with it. (Yes, she is superstitious.) I just sat there - cell phone in one hand and rosary in the other.

I said a few prayers and just tried to lower my heart rate. I was completely weirded out.

That, my friends, was the scariest thing I have experienced in a long time. I am not sure if it was my imagination or if my mind was in between a REM cycle and an awake state - or.. if it was an apparition/ghost.

*sigh*

Weird.

That moment has come

How long have I been waiting for this moment? That moment to feel normal again?

If you are new here (and I am happy to say ~ many of you are!) I have been on one hell of a journey. From the top of my game, to being flat on my face, to slowly and painfully climbing back up... my friends, the time has come for me to get back on me two feet.

If I were able and clever enough to draw a timeline for you, I would. Instead, I only have my blog to chronicle this crazy little journey of mine.

Instead of rehashing the past, I want to take a moment and show my gratitude.

I am forever thankful to God for putting me through this. Can you believe I said that? Yeah, I did. It humbled me, it broke me down.. and in turn, I was rebuilt. I am waaaay more compassionate, humble and I know how to appreciate every little thing in my life. I know we all say it, but I sincerely mean it. I am practicing mindfulness, I am seeing people clearly, I am hearing what they say and I am super sensitive to what others need, versus my own needs.

I ended up exactly where I was needed. If I had not been here, I would not have been able to push my Dad into going to the hospital a month ago. If I had not lost my job, I would have never had almost 9 months to just think. Sure.. it was no vacation. But I was able to just BE. Every so often I would get a minute of peace, and I began to seek those moments more. I suddenly became aware of that feels like.

I got to spend time with my family (regardless of how insane they are at times.) I got to reconnect with old friends. I got to figure out who really cared about me from Bham. (Which, btw, they were all REAL friends. That's awesome to learn.) I have met some wonderful new people in my current job. The best part of it all - soooo many people have turned to me and said, "I am so happy you are back. It's good to see you. Also, you are at (the museum) at the perfect time." I just get chills every time someone says that.

It's like a celestial confirmation that yes, I am indeed where I should be. Right place. Right time.

With that being said - Thank you God for giving me THIS life. The one I am leading. The path I am taking.

Thanks to my family for providing a roof over my head and food for my belly.
Thanks to my friends who stuck by me, even when I did not have a dime to visit them. Some of you proved that you were not "fair weather" friends.
Thanks to my employer for giving me a chance - and in turn, I have found a place to shine.

AND...

Thank you for reading my dribble, sending comments that always brighten my day, sweet emails of concern and even a few phone calls.

My heart is full of gratitude.

It's time to move into my own home.

PS - IT'S SOOOO FREAKING CUTE.

This is what you get

I am a little all over the place this week.

I am obsessed with Honey Bees - International Soul Food - Weight Watchers - Rental Agreements - Media Buys - and get this... Prince.

That's what is a part of my life.

I am on day 3 of Weight Watchers, and doing well. I have discovered that by 4pm I am hungry. The key is to squelch that hunger. Apparently, that's my snack time. I need to learn ways to keep my fingers busy.

Honey bees. I am actually going to write a post on these little guys. Do you realize how vital these little guys are to our whole well-being? The research is blowing my mind. More importantly - the idea that these little guys are beginning to disappear. We just can't have that!

Media. Blowing up in Macon! I'm really proud of how much coverage we are getting for our little International Taste of Soul.

Rental agreements - taking the application to an apartment complex tonight. Wish me luck!

Now... Prince. Oh yeah. I'll divulge more details later, but let's just say- Mr. Cool himself will be performing at a very small venue, where I have VIP Passes. *sigh*

Oh yeah - one more thing: Spirit guides. I'm going to touch on that subject later.

Life is good - right? ;-)

What are you really like?

I wanted to start off by saying "Happy Father's Day" to all of the Dads out there that might be reading this.

I thought of writing another "tribute to Dad" post, but I simply can't top the one I wrote two Father's Days ago. Just look at June of 2010 and you will see. :-)

Instead, I started thinking about perceptions. Luckily, with a blog, you get to read the thoughts of those of us who dare share our feelings with the world. Many of the writers you may follow, may not actually share photos of themselves. If you read my blog, without ever seeing my face - how would you describe me?

Also, oftentimes when we post pics on our other social media sites, we tend to pick out our "good side" - but what does that really mean? I have  few shots of me that I am typically mortified to post - but all of my friends say, NOW that's the Nicole I know.

Really?

Well.. here you go:

Frustrated Nicole

Lover of the Out-of-Doors Nicole

Seeker of Cultural Understanding Nicole

Relaxing with friends Nicole

Gossiping Nicole

Will bop you in the head Nicole (or actually - Never see this much snow Nicole)

You got it - Nicole

Bringing out the cat claws Nicole

What did you just say? Nicole

Picnicking Nicole. (Seriously... )

In disguise Nicole

Tell me about you - what are you REALLY like?

I bought a scale - and that was it.

I have the best intentions of any one I know. I wake up each morning with a long list of "good deeds" I plan to accomplish. Usually I will check off one or two, on a good day up to 10, but for the most part, my good deeds become intentions.

For instance, my weight... or rather, my health. I did really well last year. I was on weight watchers, I was doing zumba and body jam classes, swimming, and even a little jogging. When I lost my job, the first thing I canceled was the gym, followed by weight watchers. I save a total of $140 a month by doing that. Then I paid the price in another way - added weight.

I really started noticing a difference in the mirror. What used to be easily concealed, suddenly looked more obvious. Of course, all of these television appearances are not helping either. I saw the last taping of me and almost screamed. My neck was gi-nor-mous. I said to myself, "That's it - get back on weight watchers."

Yesterday, during a "Focus on Fundraising" workshop, I met a Marketing person from one of the local colleges. We were chatting about food, and somehow Weight Watchers came up. I mentioned I really liked it when I did it, and then she proceeded to show me the app she downloaded onto her Ipad. The program had changed - AGAIN! But this time, the online version was much easier to use. That's was it- the sign I needed.

I went home and immediately went on line to register, but realized that you cannot register unless you weigh in. We did not have a scale here, so I got up this morning, bought a food scale as well as a body weight scale and proceeded to check out the damage I had done.

HOLY MOLY.

I ran back to the computer, registered as fast as my fingers would type, and immediately handed my iced cappuccino to my sister and said, "Take this."

I think I freaked myself- skinny. LOL Sooo.. I am armed with a 3 month pre-paid membership to Weight Watchers,a goal to walk 30 minutes for three times this week, probiotics for colon (and less bloating) health, and vitamins.

DONE with the crazy eating. DONE with laying around. Done Done Done Done.

Done.

What about you? Want to join me on this little journey? Again. Maybe you can give me a little support, as I give you a little, and perhaps we can make something happen!

Shameless Promoter

I am SOOO busy. In a good way. I'm going into massive promotion mode -I thought I would PROMOTE what I am doing.

Here it goes.. literally.. me "promoting"



Or if you want to know more about the museum:

Click HERE and listen to the 30 minute radio interview I had on "A Call To Action."

Breaking down cultural barriers through the culinary arts.

Macon, Georgia – From Africa to Asia, South America and beyond, the Tubman African American Museum plans to take you on a culinary journey- one that will tantalize your taste buds, as well as showcase the multi-cultural aspect of the museum.


On Sunday, June 24th, 2012, twenty-eight local chefs and “celebrity chefs” will set up tables at the Tubman Museum. The idea is to showcase comfort food, or soul food, from various cultures. Co-chairing the event is Kay Stephens with the Tubman’s Pan African Festival, as well as Gary Schecterle, M Food & Culture’s Editor and Owner of the Thai bistro, Lemongrass.


A wide variety of foods will be available for sample, including foods from Nigeria, Jamaica, Egypt, Thailand, China, “Southern” American as well as traditional “Soul Food” favorites. Guests can take a culinary journey around the world, as well as view one-of-a-kind pieces of art from the Tubman’s permanent and changing exhibits.


Staff and volunteers will be available to share their expertise with guests - education and outreach opportunities, special events, and membership options will be available.


Cost for the event will be $25 and includes a tour of the museum, food, entertainment, a signature International Taste of Soul drink, door prizes, discount in the gift shop, as well as opportunities to learn more about the Tubman African American Museum.


For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 478-743-8544 or visit our website at http://www.tubmanmuseum.com

 OR if you simply want to make a donation to the event, give me a call at 478-743-8544.

Warm & Fuzzies

Oh my. My sister posted this photo on my fb page today.

I got to thinking.. oh yes.. oh my.

How true is this?

How many times have I had to "explain" myself after writing something?

How often do you have to apologize for your feelings?

You know.. it's a simple fact - people don't necessarily want to know the truth.

We are often so disillusioned when it comes to how others perceive us- often times people just get mad.

The truth is - are you aware of how you talk to others?

Are you aware of how you treat others?

Are you aware of the memories you are leaving behind?

When I write a post, I am recounting my experience. My side to the story. My slant, if you will. It's what I saw, it's how I felt at the time and it is definitely my perception.

I think the quote above is an excellent reminder to institute more "mindfulness" into our  lives. Let's all try to put ourselves in another person's shoes. Let's show compassion, patience, and realize that our opinions are not always sacrosanct.

If we practice being "mindful" - (the act of making conscious decisions and actions) - we would never have to apologize for our behavior, nor would be surprised by someone else's reaction.

Food for thought.

Going Green

Henry David Thoreau once said, "If you want to be happy, be." He was right. I dug down deep and found that positive energy I was so desperately needing, not to mention, I sort of threw up that protective bubble and all is oooommmmm.

I made a really important decision this morning. Not only do I want to continue to seek clean food and organic farms, but I would also like to officially look for more ways to go green. I have sort of pushed it off for a while, and I think it's time I take those steps to recycle more, continue to purchase consciously, and just be more aware of my carbon foot print.

In my "new" home,  I want to try to go as non-toxic as possible, bringing only clean, chemical free items. I know this will pose a challenge, but I think it is necessary next step. Everything takes time and there are lots of elements I simply do not understand, but I am eager to learn more.

My question to you today is - how do you go green? What resources do you use? Where did you learn about going green?

If you don't mind, leave a few links for me to check out in the comment section and tell me about the ways I can make some changes when I move into my new home. Also, If you have some posts you have written in the past, email me at snicoleabou@gmail.com - and once I do all of my research, I will write a post and include your link in the story.

Here's to hopefully making a difference.. even if it is a small one.

Always one in a bunch

As I try to move forward and surround myself with people who make me smile, I find it blatantly obvious when I am around those that lack in positive vibes.

I remember reading in the book, "Living Christ, Living Buddha," (or was it living buddha, living Christ?.. oh well..) that people have inner wars within themselves. When those wars are at odds, they tend to spill over and onto everyone they come in contact with. Unfortunately, I find that some of the people I come in contact with (in my personal life) tend to have multiple inner wars, though they do absolutely NOTHING to find peace.

I woke up this morning feeling hopeful. Then as soon as everyone else got up, the wars trickled over. I left the room and found sanctuary on the computer, only to have more of the conflict follow me there.

Of course, the only thing I can control is how I react. I am sitting here, feeling anxious, but I chose not to react. Now the tricky part is, none of it had anything to do with me. Silly conflict amongst people with nothing better than to bicker amongst themselves. Very territorial. Very.. oh.. I'll just say it - pathetic.

Many times I have written about the importance of having sacred space. Your own little retreat to recharge and renew. Some of you may have an extra room in your home, like a basement, that is yours and yours alone. Some of you may have a back porch, or maybe even a special cafe you can hide in a corner. Unfortunately, I have yet to find my sacred space. No real private spot to regroup. God willing, I will find that space and allow myself to release the negative that keeps trying to swoop it's way back in. I won't let it. I am repelling it as we speak.

I think it is important we all do that. Put a little shield up from the naysayers, the humbugs, and the warriors of conflict.

Need a little Inspiration?

Wait! There is more!

I got to thinking about EVERYTHING I have gone through in the past year. I know many of you have experienced a similar year, and I wanted to take some time and send you a little inspiration.

Between jobs and jobs lost, between hearts that become one and those that are broken - between losing the one you love, to loving to lose the one you are with.. I wanted to share a few songs I have on a playlist I listen to when I drive.

Lately I am looking for inspiration, to keep that stride. That bastard known as insecurity rears it's ugly head from time to time.. and I like to squash it.

Here are a few tunes that make me smile.. and remember. Those dark days are dissipating, and I hope you can find a little inspiration from these songs.

Enjoy. :-)

That song just really speaks to me. Sort of like - nothing is going to keep you down. A bit of resilience. This one is a great reminder. Whether it is someone bringing you down, or the love of your life treating you bad. The lyrics are awesome. Nice little anthem!


 Finally - Awesome!

Things I have Learned This Week.. or Month.. or Year

lisaroy.ca

I have been struggling to come up with some topics to write about. There are so many reasons why - but let's just say, maybe it's best I list out some of the things I have learned this week, month, or year. Perhaps you can read between the lines. ;-)

1. I am embracing summer! Last summer was a complete bust. I was stressing in June of 2011 at my former job, and then lost my job at the end of July. I slipped into a bit of a depression, and thus ended up losing a complete summer. Not 2012. It's on!

2. I am embracing my current situation. That means I am okay with where I am, and where I am going. It's been a long time. Guess what I feel most days? Complete joy.

3. I have added some fabulous people to my new circle of friends.

4. I have two lives. One work life and tons of people there, and my personal life - neither are mixing and it is going splendidly.

5. I am unable to write about things that are too personal due to the public nature of my current position. Therefore, I apologize for canceling your reality show. ;-) Yep. Most of my personal drama, feelings, insecurities have to stay hidden a bit. Trust me, it is necessary and was a request from those that give me a paycheck. It's all good, really. I just need to concentrate on the positive and leave those SUPER sensitive issues to my hard copy journal. You know me though.. I always leave a hint or two.

6. Speaking of personal issues and the past. It's up and it's down with the Other. I just don't know any more.

7. I am finding such joy with all of the activities I am involved in. I am opening myself up to all of the new stuff I am learning!

8. Latest cravings: Strawberries, Veggie Sandwiches and Ice Lattes.

9. Must haves: More lavender, more herbal tea and more Used books.

10. I cannot live without my Moroccan Argan Oil Hair products from Organixx.

11. I started wearing heels again, and my legs are aching. It's good though. I run up and down stairs all day.. what a work out! I think all women should work out in heels. LOL

12. Time to start implementing the serious bra. It hurts.. but it's time. (I got cozy during unemployment - setting them free or wearing a sports bra around the house.) Umm.. not a good idea. ;-)

13. My hair is sh*t. Not the texture or the health. The freaking cut. Time for something new. DESPERATE to find a good hair stylist here. Miss my Bham peeps.

14. Everyone is celebrating their 40th birthday this year. (A majority of my friends in Macon are older than me, in Bham, they are younger than me.) 40th bdays sort of feel.. oh I don't know... Heck.. never mind.

15. VERY excited about an event I am helping put together. It's the International Taste of Soul.. the first one this year was canceled due to lack of leadership. So the PAF Chair and I got together and whipped it in place and WOW.. it's turning out to be fantastic! It's June 24th - can't wait!

16. I need new clothes. I just do. Yes, I have plenty of clothes. But I need new ones now. ;-)

17. And shoes.

18. And jewelry.

19. I think it's time to buy the Keurig.

20. I made it to 20.. that's awesome!

What's going on with you? I love reading your comments, so tell me!