Friday, February 11, 2011

Things that Make Me Smile

Happy Friday!

I have made it almost one week with my egyptian in NYC! I am really proud of how I have handled it. Sure, there have been a few moments where I did not feel my best, but over all - I think I am doing alright!

I am surrounding myself around things/people/places that make me happy. This idea is what inspired this post.

These are items/ideas that bring a smile to my face.

Enjoy a little "happy" inspiration!
One thing in particular that has been a saving grace is my music. I spend a majority of my alone time just listening to my favorite songs. You can see a list of my current "songs" on the left hand side of my blog under "Stirs my Soul." Just click on the individual songs and you will hear what I listen to!

A spa day is essential. On average I am booking one spa day per month. On the 15th I will go for three things at Aveda - a Body Polish, a 60 minute facial, and am "aqua massage" in the Hydrotherapy Tub. Sure it is a little expensive - but worth it to find my Zen moments.

Something as simple as grabbing my string of pearls can put a smile on my face. If I need to feel young and pretty - this is what I grab. My little beads of femininity!

I love lipstick. I recently bought a new red lipstick that I am in love with. When I wear a pretty lipstick, it forces me to smile!! Plus, the red gives you a little sexy edge!

You really want to sass things up and make me stand a little taller? Let me pull out a pretty pair of black heels.

I love snapping pictures. No - I am not the best at it, but I enjoy it!

In the middle of my bedroom is the bed - and surrounding the floor on either side or stacks of books. I am an avid reader. (Hence the reason I need the Kindle!)
Anything with peacock feathers always makes me smile! I love the colors. There is usually at least one peacock item in each room I reside. (From home to work!)

Do I even need to explain? Plus, I love getting espresso from coffee houses that do coffee art!

Finally - the big plans I have for travel! I am super excited and ready to roll!!

What about you? What makes you smile when you are trying to keep your chin up?

Thursday, February 10, 2011

My Top Five

The Egyptians believed that when they died, they would make a journey to another world where they would lead a new life. They would need all the things they had used when they were alive, so their families would put those things in their graves. Egyptians paid vast amounts of money to have their bodies properly preserved. Those who were poor were buried in the sand whilst the rich ones were buried in a tomb.

I was thinking about this ancient practice. The idea that you could take your belongings with you into the afterlife. Now let's say you were a 'middle class' ancient egyptian. Perhaps you were only alotted a small tomb and had to be very specific about what you would bring with you. How do you decide?

I wanted to consider it. Really consider it.

What would I take with me?

Top 10 items I would take with me into the Pyramids:

1. My Great Grandmother's crucifix. I always have it over my bed, regardless of where I am. It literaly went from her bedroom on the day she died to my bedroom. I simply must take it with me.

2. My Wonder Woman pajamas. There is a slight possibility that I might actually have super powers &/or I would prefer cotton colorful jammies versus a white robe in heaven. ;-)

3. My coffee pot & essentials. I mean .. the idea is to take what you would USE.

4. My newly purchased Kindle. :-) I should be able to get wireless in the great unknown.. yeah?

5. My mascara. I may not have a stitch of make up on.. that is - except for my mascara!

6. My laptop. If there is a way to communicate with the living, I mean, I don't see the point in wasting all of that time haunting.. let's just blog ifrom heaven!

7. My ipod. Got to keep the tunes going. Harps and choirs of angels may get old after a while. (Though if I end up southward... that Devil did plain a pretty good fiddle...)

8. My snuggie. It just seems like all of that floating around in the upper atmosphere might make me cold.

9. My journals. HELLO? I don't want anyone reading my deep thoughts after I am gone! Can you say embarassing?

10. and finally... my memory foam pillow. If I have to lounge around on a cloud - I need proper support of my neck and head.

What about you? What items would YOU bring?

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Stability

Sometimes it is just too hard to not let your emotions rule your life.

I used to be soooo in control. Then I met - HIM.
You know it is love... when all reason is thrown out the door. You say yes, when you would rather say no; you find that every decision you make involves the other person.

What happened to the good old days of "Who Cares? Whatever happens, happens."

Those days are long gone.

Boo. ;-)

I am hanging "in there" - though we are not even at a week apart yet. We talk daily, several times a day. He - busy getting the work thing situated, checking out apartments, things like that. Me - just trying to create a routine of sorts - one that exists without him. I suppose I became accustomed to being "needed" to drive him places, do things with him, and just deal with the daily stuff with the man I married. Now -we are both having to go it alone.

Well.. sort of.

I mean, he did call me when he stopped at a drugstore to ask the name of the throat lozenges I always bought him. He did ask if I checked the mail, or when did I plan to leave work. You would never know we were a plane ride away from each other. The only difference now - he is not here when I come home from work. Also - I am able to sleep completely stretched out across the bed.

I did have a moment of weakness and asked him to come home today. He said no, and told me to hurry up and come up there.

Oh how I wish it were that easy.

We both agree this time apart gives him an opportunity to "get himself" together. He loves the freedom to go and come as he please. Taking the subway is like owning a new car to him. He doesn't have to beg me to drive him somewhere. I can only imagine how good that feels.

This time also allows me the opportunity to just concentrate on me. Going to the gym, trying to get the weight off, spending more quality time with friends, concentrating on doing a bang up job at work.. all of this is the gift I receive from this brief time apart.

The good I see in all of this: BIG changes will happen for me soon enough. Maybe not tomorrow, a month from now or even 6 months from now. But I will, eventually, be with him in NYC. I really don't have a plan, nor have I even tried to figure it out. I am still waiting to see what happens with him there..

I told him I talked to my friend in Connecticut about staying up there the second week in March. He actually told me to wait - not make any plans to visit yet, he's not sure if he will be there in a month.

Hmmmm...

For now, I need to embrace the transitional time. This is officially the last time I will get to be really "alone" for.. well.. God willing.. forever. I need to just enjoy this quasi-single time (w/o all of the relationship BS) and just enjoy being me. Sharing my thoughts here, enjoying my friendships, and just embracing my non-typical life.

The Social Network

Facebook is simply amazing. It's great for reconnecting, for networking, for sharing information and heck - apparently it can spark a revolution.

It's hard to believe, just five years ago I discovered Myspace. I remember getting so frustrated, because I could not figure out how to change the backgrounds. Then as I finally got the hang of it - it became sooo sacred. My little self expression corner. I ended up reconnecting with a few old friends, and even made a few from around the world. ;-)

Then I finally made the transition to Facebook. I fought it at first. It used to be just a jumbled mess with tons of apps on each person's wall. Do you guys remember that? Then FB changed and looks a little more streamlined now. Then suddenly - the friend requests came pouring in. People I had forgotten about COMPLETELY. It's funny how (to this day) I still have to crack open the old high school year book to figure out who someone is.

I do have a Twitter account, but really it is just streamed and connected to this blog and the "fan page" for this blog. I rarely actually read who is following me, or do independent updates from this.

One of the best things about using social networking sites is the ability to reconnect. I am thrilled to have found people I loved so dearly as friends, and now they are back. Not only are they back - I get to see all of their pictures, read their bio, and get little insights into their daily struggles. Kinda cool if you ask me.

Another positive is, some of the people on there, honestly, maybe I was not a HUGE fan of in the past. But out of morbid curiosity I accepted them as a friend. But now, I actually like the adult version of them so much better than the person I once knew.

That's the nice thing about being out of high school 20 years - people are just people.

What I don't like about these sites is they can also stir up sooo much trouble and hard feelings.

Take the acceptance or decline of a friend request. I am guilty of denying people. What I hate to find out is that someone deleted me. It's not the fact that they deleted me, but I am always curious as to why. Or if you become FB friends, and try to correspond with them from time to time and they never respond. I always think - "Why are we even "friends" then." Drives me crazy.

Or the passive agressive act of deleting people or blocking people. Seriously - what is the point? I always laugh, because every time my husband and I would get into a big fight - he would delete me. LOL I am sooo not kidding. It almost became a joke after a while to me.

I even had a friend (a very good friend at that) completely cut me out of her life b/c she thought I was ignoring her. She would send me text messages (PS - I HATE texting).. and I simply would not respond sometimes. I figure, you want to have a conversation - pick up the phone. Then one day (which I was not aware b/c I never saw the post) - apparently she had a status update up about "how could someone update their status on FB but not have the time to return a text message." A friend told me about it, I checked it out, and just laughed. The next day - I was deleted and blocked from her account, and she has not even tried to talk to me about it. I ran into her and her boyfriend one day at the movies and I said hey and she walked on by. This is the same person I was very close to. LOL

Again - ridiculous drama.

So there is good and bad to everything. If we just take it for what it is - just a way to connect with old friends - then there should be no problems.

What about you? What do you like or dislike about FB? Also - if you are a regular follower here, and would like to connect with me on FB - you can find me under Nicole Thurston Abdou. I would love for some of my regulars to find me! :-)

Have a great Wednesday!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Food Porn- Part Two

Peek in the pantry post!
There are certain items I ALWAYS purchase. Sure there will be other things depending on what I am cooking that week.. but this is my ESSENTIAL LIST.

How many items do we have in common?

Italian Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer
(A morning essential)

Chipotle Cream Cheese Dip by Margaritaville
(A bad day item for my chips)

Honey Crisp Apples
(Usually for a weekend snack)

Bananas
(I eat one a day!)

Bell Peppers
(I make quesadillas (alot,) and I also love these cut up and just eat raw at dinner)

Blue Berries
(I put on Waffles (sometimes) and I add them to the Vanilla Yogurt at Breakfast)

Fresh Cilantro
(I sprinkle on my salads or pastas or scrambled eggs)

Cucumbers
(I eat at least one a day - either just raw with pepper, or a part of my Yogurt Salad - that I eat every day.)

Fresh Dill
(Always in my eggs, and my daily yogurt salad!)

Eggplant
(I sautee this about once every two weeks)

Feta cheese
(I eat some daily)

Garlic
(I have a great mincer and add it to my pastas)

Goat Cheese
(In my salads and just alone)

Green Olives
(As a snack)

Herb Salad Mix
I eat a salad just about everyday at dinner.

Greek Yogurt
Vanilla and Plain (I eat daily)

Oranges
(Eat about one a day at dinner or breakfast)

Potatoes
(at least a few times a week)

Purple Onions
(In my salads)

Goes with my dip. I always buy the fat free

Scallions for my salads

Do I need to explain?

I eat strawberries as a snack

Sweet peppers
(I love to stuff these with cream cheese and snack on them)

Pepperoncinis - this is what I grab when I want to eat out of the frig! LOL

Vidalia Sweet Onions
I eat them cut up in salads, or just raw, or sautee them.

I make a bowl of tahini each week and dip things in it

Zucchini
I cut it up and dip in tahini

Bosc Pears are one of my FAVORITE snacks.

What about you? What are your essentials???

**pictures from google search

Alter Ego

Do you have an alter ego? You know, the "if I were not who I am" fantasy. Maybe you take it seriously- in my case, I do not.

But I technically have one. It is my obsession with all things feminine, a little saucy, and very gauche.

Perhaps I would have been a Burlesque Dancer. Or maybe a Can Can Dancer.

;-)

How did I come to this conclusion?

1. I am fascinated by the Bohemian Revolution of 1848 and how it affected parts of Europe. The politics, the culture, the emergence of art/dance/freedom/love etc in Paris, France.

2. The colors suit my palette. The jeweled tones, the creams mixed in. The black lace.

3. I LOVE dance. I love the music.. I love the moves.. I love the drama of it all. The exaggerated expressions, the ounce of flirtation, with a little dab of seduction.

THAT would be my alter ego.

I came up with this last night after talking with my friend Crystal. She and I were laughing about our alter egos (also a game we plan to play at my Bday party.)

Since I am at a loss for blog posts (I am trying not to whine and complain about how much I miss HIM) - I decided to do a little research on my Burlesque/Cabaret interest.

First of all - you have to understand the style I am speaking of. The sleek hair, the glamour, the red lips (I do love my lip style) - here is a quick look at the Queens of this style.



Now.. how do you become one of these fabulous performers?


I know this seems a little risque - but you must remember, when I was little - I used to perform to Cabaret and Chicago in my walk in closet with my sister. We would choreograph our own dances, and I know every single word to each show - not to mention All That Jazz. Not familiar? Well imagine a 7 year old performing this:


Or maybe even this:



And finally.. my favorite: (which might I add - is really the only song i want at my funeral)





Finally.. here is a look at the original Burlesque dancers. *** Warning, there is a little "peek a boo" nudity in this. Do not press play if that bothers you.



So I ask you - what is your alter ego? Now remember, it is something you would never actually do - but are interested in!

Monday, February 7, 2011

I will have my cake and eat it too!

I really need your help with something. I got a reply back from the bakery about my Wonder Woman cake idea.

I asked for either cupcakes or a cake.

The bakery replied - YES and they could do either or both. WOW. Decisions.. Decisions.

NOW - I want your input for fun.

Help me pick out a cake and help me pick out a cupcake option..

I will reveal later what I decided!

Here are our choices:

CAKES:
Cake flavors include:
White Velvet
Chocolate
Butter
Strawberry
Lemon
Red Velvet
Banana
Carrot
Peanut Butter
Cake fillings & frostings include:
Vanilla Buttercream
Almond Buttercream
Chocolate Buttercream
Mocha Buttercream
Cream Cheese Buttercream
Strawberry Buttercream
Coconut Buttercream
Mint Buttercream
Peanut Butter Buttercream
Caramel Buttercream

Cupcake Choices:

Over the Moon
Wedding Cake
Chocolate High
Caramel Sea Salt Mocha
Curious George
Simply Strawberry
Old-Fashioned Caramel
Birthday Cake
Cookies & Cream
Coconut Cream
Seasonal Offerings (Feb 2011):
Neopolitan
Chocolate Cafe Chunk
Stupid Cupid
Hunka Hunka Burnin’ Love
Hot Lips
Paparazzi
Sweet Cheeks
First Kiss
Chocolate Truffle
Peanut Butter Cup
Mississippi Mud

To learn more about the bakery I am using - Click HERE - DREAM CAKES.

The THEME will be WONDER WOMAN.

Help me decide! Vote in the comment section. I am ordering tomorrow by 3pm CST. :-)

I AM powerful - but I need help!

“This is the Golden Lasso. Besides being made from an indestructible material, it also carries with it the power to compel people to tell the truth. Use it well, and with compassion.” – Queen Hippolyte (played by Cloris Leachman)


I think we should all embrace our inner wonder woman. That's sort of the unofficial theme of February. Since my birthday party is a 'Wonder Woman' theme - I thought I would call on all of my super hero friends and ask for a few ideas. But before we even go there.. we need to embrace the theme.

That goes for all of us!

How do we embrace our inner wonder woman? (As for the guys - You are already Super Heroes - and have been so since boyhood.) Only a few of us girls ever got to play the Super Hero role.

As I was searching for ideas, I came across a blog that actually had some tips! Using the very verbiage I was using. According to the Random Ramblings  of Uncompromised Genius one should do the following:

1) Realize that you are not the problem, you are an ANSWER.
Too often, we are treated as a complication. Women are told over and over again that they are a problem (a nag or any other number of words out of the dictionary.) That is not true. We were created as an equal partner with man. We have lost our purpose because we forgot why it was given to us.

When God looked down at Adam in the Garden of Eden, he saw a man who’d taken dominion over all he could see, yet was still empty, feeling as if there was something missing. In answer to Adam’s need, God created woman. YOU ARE CREATED AS THE ANSWER. Start viewing yourself as an intrinsic answer to problems, rather than as a problem in and of itself.

2) Fully live out your role as giver and nurturer of life.
Relax before you start thinking this is the part where I say you’re nothing unless you’ve reproduced. What I mean is that women were designed as the antithesis of male aggression and dominance. The Feminist movement ruined women’s true power because it suggested that whatever a man could do, we could as well. If that were true, then we’d have no need for a variation between the sexes. We have two very different roles, none more important than the other, but both interdependent on one another. As women, we were created to be life-giving. (As evidenced by the fact that men can produce the seed for life, but only woman can carry it to fruition and bring it forth.) We have no need to roar, because we hold the power of a whisper. One of my favorite quotes about women is by Lisa Bevere: “When she loves, she is the oil that anoints and makes life run smoothly… She is the ruby pendant suspended by a length of gold.” Our power lies in our ability to nurture. No one can destroy from the inside out like a woman can, yet no one can strengthen and encourage like a woman can either.

3) Do not make men your enemy.

Gender is God’s creative way of expressing diversity within unity. In other words, we were not called to be enemies to men, but rather allies. “It is not good for man to be alone,” God says in the book of Genesis. Men need us. They need our unique perspective, and our gentle touch. Here’s the catch though: Men need women as they were created, not as the walled up, overly aggressive gender we have become. After all, making men look weak never made us look strong.

Our definition of being female shouldn’t be passed through the parameters men have established. After all, Adam was asleep and had no say-so in the creation of Eve. What he got, was what he needed: a wise and tender confidante that loved and admired him. Someone that allowed him to love and care for her so that she could flourish and share his joy. No, men are not our enemy. Quite the opposite, we are designed as their queen.

4) Embrace your inner warrior.

The book of Genesis in the Bible states that, from the beginning, evil would be at odds with women (Genesis 3:15). Evil despises woman and her brood, however Evil fears a woman that fights as God intended. C.S. Lewis put it best in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe when he said, “battles are ugly when women fight.” Women were not created for large-scale battle, but when faced with it, Hell fears a woman like it fears no man.
Here’s the question though: Where is our battleground? Our battleground is “home base.” We are protectors of the hearth, designed to defend safety and comfort and warmth in the home. Men march off to battle and fight for justice. Women sit at home and brutally slay any enemy that dare comes through the door. I used to think that sitting at home, letting the men march off to do battle while I “tended the fire” revealed in me an innate weakness. I have since learned that I was never intended to be an instrument of death and destruction. I was created with the purpose of being a warrior for life. My nature as defined by my gender was designed to be a healing balm to those that were hurting. The only time I am to deviate from that healing purpose is when I’m faced with an Evil that has come into my domain with the intent of destruction. In such a case, I am to slay, at close range, and without mercy. When an enemy draws near, Woman strikes. “Hell hath no fury like a woman…” 
5) “Woman’s Intuition” is no myth, so use it.

This particular point is a sore spot for me. I always knew that women had an other-worldly grasp on things – a “gut-feeling” that really had no logical explanation, but that was often dead on. I relied heavily on this intuition for a good majority of my life, that is, until I became involved with a boyfriend that routinely mocked my “gut-feelings.” I discovered later that the reason he mocked me for my intuition was because it was, in fact, dead on. I knew he was up to no good without any proof or evidence, and when I called him on it, he informed me I was being overly emotional and irrational. I will say this one time, and I want every young female out there to listen very, very closely. Your intuition is your secret weapon. NEVER let anyone tell you it is not accurate. You are the insight that recognizes and enemy’s approach. You are the intuition to hear what is really being said in his threats. You are the unsuspected one he will learn to fear. Your intuition is the missing piece.

*****

Now that we have the rules and hopefully are all on board - I need ideas for my birthday/slumber party. It's year 38 - not an exciting year - but I am playing with the #8. My 8th year of life I started having panic attacks, learned cursive writing, and discovered astronomy. My 18th year I graduated from high school and embarked on the most excellent/fun year of my life - college. My 28th year I was happily married with my beautiful dogs and had a wonderful exchange student and was embarking on my career in public relations.
What does 38 have in store for me?

Sooo.. I did a google image search of Wonder Woman birthday ideas. I know many of you are crafty and you KNOW great recipes that would make sense for the theme. Here are some pictures I found:
That's a really cute idea. Give each guest a single cupcake and maybe have one cut out holding the "description."

This is too cute. (Wish I was turning 21.)

I totally need these.

What a good idea - maybe make a little something with a "Kapow" sticking out
Like the idea of the cream soda.

This is my FAVORITE

Knowing my budget - this may be the best I can do


Is this not the perfect cake???

As you may know - it's a slumber party. So I ordered my pjs - here they are:












 
 
 
 
 
Then, of course, there are the underoos - which really helped spark this whole idea off -
Then there is the MAC lipstick my dear friend Crystal is excited about -

Finally..
 
I need IDEAS! Decoration - etc????
 
I am counting on you guys!!!
 
” A new journey to be started.


A new promise to be fulfilled.

A new page to be written.

Go forth unto this waiting world with pen in hand, all you young scribes,

the open book awaits.

Be creative.

Be adventurous.

Be original.

And above all else, be young.

For youth is your greatest weapon, your greatest tool.

Use it wisely.”
–Wonder Woman # 62 by George Perez
the scene where Vanessa Kapatelis graduates and Diana is hugging her

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Took a few quizzes for fun!



You Should Learn French

C'est super! You appreciate the finer things in life... wine, art, cheese, love affairs.

You are definitely a Parisian at heart. You just need your tongue to catch up...




You Act Like You Are 32 Years Old

You are a thirty-something at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more!

You're responsible, wise, and have enough experience to understand a lot of the world.



You're at the point in your life where you understand yourself pretty well.

You are figuring out what you want... and how to get it!



You Are An INFP
The Idealist
You are a creative person with a great imagination. You enjoy living in your own inner world.

Open minded and accepting, you strive for harmony in your important relationships.

It takes a long time for people to get to know you. You are hesitant to let people get close to you.

But once you care for someone, you do everything you can to help them grow and develop.
In love, you tend to have high (and often unrealistic) standards.

You are very sensitive. You tend to have intense feelings.

At work, you need to do something that expresses your personal values.

You would make an excellent writer, psychologist, or artist.

How you see yourself: Unselfish, empathetic, and spiritual

When other people don't get you, they see you as: Unrealistic, naive, and weak



You Are 20% Left Brained, 80% Right Brained
The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning.

Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others.

If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic.

Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet.

The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility.

Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way.

If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art.

Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.




You Are 30% Conservative, 70% Liberal

Social Issues: 25% Conservative, 75% Liberal

Personal Responsibility: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal

Fiscal Issues: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal
Ethics: 25% Conservative, 75% Liberal

Defense and Crime: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal




You Need Adventure

You need change, excitement, and thrills in your life. You can't stand being bored.

You crave new experiences... big experiences. You are big on taking risks.

Staying stimulated is crucial for your happiness. If you don't have enough to do, you tend to cause drama.

If you can harness the way, you are a visionary leader. You are ready to charge ahead into the future.




Your Home Says That You Feel Settled and Calm

You come across as very intellectual. People take your wisdom seriously.

Your hygiene is passable, but you may be hiding some dirty secrets.

You are a very domestic person. You enjoy decorating, cooking, and making things homey.

You are not a nurturing person by nature, but you can easily take care of someone you truly love.

You feel settled in your life. You have enough time to focus on little details.

You are a somewhat self sufficient person. You can do fine on your own if you have to.

Your friends see you as accommodating, peaceful, and forgiving.

Reorganizing

During the time that most people are watching the Super Bowl, I was rearranging furniture. I decided I wanted to make my space (as temporary as it may be) MINE for just a little while.

I mean.. the goal is to join the egyptian.. but for now, I will relish this semi-independent existence.

He and I have chatted back and forth on the phone from time to time. He is enjoying the freedom of wandering the streets. I am sure it is nice to not have to ask me to drive him somewhere. ;-)

I miss him desperately, but I am going into "ME" mode. It's good to find solitude. That's how I need to look at it - as solitude and not loneliness.

I find myself sleeping a lot, grazing food, and honestly - making plans. I officially picked out the Kindle I plan to buy. (I know - I have been talking about it forever.) I think my first purchase will be the entire Charlene Harris collection - the one that is the basis for the "True Blood" series. I have not read those books yet, so for $55 - I will go ahead and load them up!

I am also excited that I can "purchase" classics for FREE. That's excellent!! Again, just something else to look forward to.

I am also trying to decide about what to serve at the Wonder Woman 38th Birthday Slumber Party. My pjs (themed) will be here any day, and now I am trying to decide food.I don't want too much - I thought maybe pick up some cupcakes and make some yummy dips, etc. Who knows. :-)

It is nice to have that massive media tour out of the way. WHAT a week. Seriously - insanity. In the end, I think there were some quality placements, and all ended nicely. Tomorrow will be a nice catch up day. I know our Government Relations person is hot to get some agenda items in the media -so I am sure my attention will be there.

*sigh*

Gosh - it's nice to be on the other side of all of that mess. I feel at peace (sort of) about the egyptian. I have a plan to see him. Then I feel great about work. I like the way I reorganized my stuff. I am looking forward to my birthday weekend. I have one Research Reception and one Heart Ball to attend - then I will use my vacation time to travel to NYC. Nice.

I also want to share something else with you guys. Again - I have (sort of) buried the lead. Since I moved to Birmingham, I have had a bit of a spiritual crisis. I thought I had found a church I like - and yeah - sort of. But then - it just did not have that "feel" I was looking for. So - I am going to do a little exploring over the next few weeks! I am seriously considering checking out the Maronite Catholic Church. It is basically an eastern rite that is based out of the Middle East. What a great way to combine this new life of mine - a taste of the Middle East mixed with fellow Christians. Anyway, I thought it might be interesting. I plan to make an appointment with the Priest and get a little tour.

All I know is - something has got to give. B/c Prince of Peace Catholic Church is just a little to modern/liberal for my taste.

Strange for me to say that - right? Yeah, well.. when it comes to religion - I need more ceremony.
I did totally enjoy my friend Laura's Presbyterian Church.. but as you know, it's hard to break away from your catholic roots.

Okay - heading to the kitchen to graze a little dinner. Heading back into my workout routine tomorrow, back on the Mediterranean Diet, and getting ready to regroup.

What are your big goals this week?

The Next Chapter

Dreams are illustrations... from the book your soul is writing about you. ~Marsha Norman



I want to thank Leanne over at From Chaos Comes Happiness for sharing the Dream Board concept with me. I fell in love with the idea and immediately ran to the website to create my own.

If you have been following Destination: Unknown for quite some time now, you know the struggles/battles/frustrations I have in life. However, they are sincerely just my dreams trying to push through the monotony of the day I create.

I love the quote by Marsha - ".. the book your soul is writing about you.." How true is that? That innate desire to want something more. To yearn something different.

Well.. here is my Dream Board - I titled it: The Next Chapter:



You can create one also at Oprah.com.

What about you?

What are YOUR dreams for YOUR next chapter?

Saturday, February 5, 2011

I am okay

I just wanted to quickly check in with everyone and let them know I have recovered, as best as I can, from the shock of yet ANOTHER transition and the crazy few weeks I have had.

I spent most of the morning as a sad, sobby mess. I just don't do sad very well. Really, I don't. Who knew I could be so damned emotional... for instance, I saw his orange water bottle (he always drinks from) on the counter.. and I got choked up. Seriously?! I am a loony tune.

Sooo... I decided to just turn my phone off an lay on my couch (like I said I would.) I apparently fell asleep for an hour or so - then woke up and did something soooo out of character for me. I am NOT a sweets person.. but I bought a dozen krispy kreme (Hot Now) glazed donuts. I ate a few, felt sick and went back to sleep. Then I actually got up, pulled myself together and went grocery shopping. Just a few essentials - like lettuce, cucumbers, bell peppers, goat cheese, biscuits. Seriously - that's what I bought.

I came back and finally started returning phone calls. After I was settled, I decided to FINALLY watch the Sherlock Holmes DVD I got from Netflix over a month ago. It was EXCELLENT.

Then guess what - went back to sleep.

(That's how you know I am dealing with something.) The egyptian did call me as soon as his plane landed. Then I called him a few hours later. He says he is cold - LOL. He was planning on going out with his host and his friends to see the city tonight. I am looking forward to hearing his reaction.

That call, and the kindness in his voice, set my mind at ease.

A friend here actually called and invited me out to see a movie (I have already seen, but KNEW I needed to get out of the house) - and I just got back. Several of my best friends (BIG SHOUT OUT TO CRYSTAL IN BIRMINGHAM, TELISA IN GEORGIA AND LYNN IN TAMPA) for calling and checking on me.

Also - a HUGE thanks to all of you. You words of encouragement have meant the world to me. Sincerely. That's why I thought I should check back in and share the update.

I told you I am resilient. It doesn't take me long to move on from anything. I know how to move on - or move forward, whatever you want to call it. Some serious coping skills going on here.

Sure, I am sad. And going to sleep alone will be difficult. But I can do it. I am already planning a trip to NYC in March, sooo... it's all good.


Now you will see why this song makes so much sense to me now.. :-)


Until tomorrow!

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