Little Things

OMG, blog cardinal sin--no posts for a two weeks! Been wrapped up in "other" things...you know, life.  So many things have happened over the past few weeks. Anecdotal at best, but interesting nonetheless. In two weeks I have learned: 

1) I can take my family in small doses, or one on one (I'm sure the feeling is mutual) 

2) The FAA needs a serious technology update

3) My male hormones are through the roof (so they poked me some more, not on Facebook)

4) I could get used to not having to work

5) I really dig my dog

On my three day hiatus from work to do nothing, I learned how the other half of life lives--i.e. the soccer moms, elderly and unemployed. 

The greatest experience I had was grocery shopping at two in the afternoon. I go to Publix--it's more expensive, but the people there are nice. They are living and breathing their brand. Kroger just infuriates me--the cashiers don't even look at you (too busy talking to the career bag boys, soon to be baby daddy). I digress...

Turns out the local Senior Living Center does their grocery shopping on Thursday afternoons. Every aisle I turned down had a little man or lady meandering through overwhelming choices of processed food--none of which they recognized. When I checked out, a chatty little lady was in front of me, telling me how it used to cost $25 to feed a family of four, and now her weekly grocery bill was $49 for one. I fell in love with her. 

When she walked away, the bagger told me she was 97 years old. She had a ton of spunk--must've been the Jersey in her. I then proceeded to have a conversation with him about the great state of New Jersey and my excellent choice in beer--totally meaningless--but the point is he talked to me. And when I left, he thanked me for my conversation. THANKED ME. Imagine that.

I left the store with a big smile on my face--the combination of people who come from simpler times, and people who actually give a shit if you enjoy your grocery shopping experience. It's the little things that make this life worth living. 

And that's my story for today. Little things.  

#11: Explore the Possibilities

Aquarius Horoscope for August 19, 2008:

If you have recently been through a dark period or one of profound change, now it's time to lighten up and look toward the possibilities ahead. Fortunately, you have learned enough to be able to maintain an even keel as you navigate through new currents. Don't be afraid to extend your goals far into the distance. Look out beyond the horizon and set your course

#27: Celebrate my sisters wedding

I did this in May. However, since purchasing my new Mac (do I talk about this too much?) I have developed one video--using real, raw footage to which I did my own editing--and one slideshow of pics I had from the wedding. Check 'em out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mlDteIVsIk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mc43y1vUoOI&feature=user

I should not quit my day job--at least to become a video editor--but I am nonetheless PROUD of my efforts and can only expect I'll get better with experience.

A word on communication.

Communication is key in every single aspect of life. 

Life is not about how much money you have, whether or not you have pets, what kind of  house you live in, what food you like, or what you do in your spare time. These things all have impact on your quality of life but when it comes down to basic fundamentals,  it's about communication--with people.  

Words are extremely powerful, both spoken and written. Many people do not choose their words correctly, or simply don't have any at all. Both can be extremely detrimental to relationships. 

I am guilty of the former--I have, on very few occasions, said something inappropriate or used the wrong tone (translation = harsh) and ended up in a pickle. There has never been a time when I've been at a loss for what to say. Except to my boyfriend, and that's typically because I am repeating myself for the 10th or 11th time and I simply grow...tired.  

He on the other hand is guilty of the latter. And not just in regard to questions about "our future". BASIC shit is a challenge. I understand he's in his head and all that genius stuff, but c'mon. The issue seems to be in knowing which thoughts to vocalize.

My point being, if I was a mind reader (hey, Mel Gibson did it), and he could operate me like a DVR (record, fast forward, rewind, mute) we'd be in a great place.

I'm sure there are plenty of other couples that could benefit from this arrangement as well.

#1: Keep Going to the Gym

I didn't exactly hit the gym last night, but me and my little family (man, dog...hmmm) went to the Polo grounds near our house for an evening walk. I've lived here 5 years, and never knew this beautiful place existed. It's a horse farm with a full size polo field, and they were finishing up a match as we approached--Thursdays and Saturdays, who knew?

Beautiful dirt roads meandering through sunset shaded countryside, which opens to the Chattahoochee I might add. It was absolutely gorgeous--and so peaceful. Gizmo had the opportunity to run free which he does not get often (which also afforded the opportunity to eat A LOT of grass), and had his first encounter with really big dogs known as horses--which intrigued him until my boyfriend picked him up and put him face to face--shaking like junkie in withdrawal. We humans got some much needed exercise as well.

Being there I forgot about all the things that plague me in life, and for one brief hour on this evening, it was quiet in my mind.

And it did not include the use of wine, haldol, xanax (a paladrome by the way), or vicodin to induce this state of relaxation.

Killed #1 AND #10. I'm flying through this list.

Random Thought

A conversation between me and the Magic 8 Ball, as I search for answers for the life path to pursue. Depserate measures call for desperate actions.

Me: "Should I quit my job?"

Magic 8 Ball: "Yes"

Me: "Today?"

Magic 8 Ball: "My sources say 'No'"

Me: "In the next few months?"

Magic 8 Ball: "Definitely"

Me: "Will INSERTNAMEHERE & I get married?"

Magic 8 Ball: "Yes"

Me: "Soon?"

Magic 8 Ball: "No Way!"

Me: "Next year?"

Magic 8 Ball: "Yes"

The real question is whether or not I should let the Magic 8 Ball dictate my future. I am however afraid to ask that question of my animated friend.

#11: Explore the Possibilities.

I will share with you just a tiny excerpt from a letter to my new hero, Jen Lancaster. Thanks for turning me on to her LS--she has inspired me greatly.

"I live in high regard of the fear my own “Fletch” has instilled me about the inevitable second coming of the depression (and thus, potential layoffs). As a result, I have become more conservative in my purchases and activities, and am realizing that this money and Stuart Weitzman are not all that important in the grand scheme of life. Yes, some of our friends think we’ve truly lost it, but I SWEAR we’re normal martini guzzling real folk—one vice I refuse to give up, even if I eventually have to steal really cheap vodka from homeless people. "

"Now that I am no longer frequenting fine eating establishments or hitting Michigan Ave. & Market St. on business trips, I find I have more time on my hands and have started writing again."

"I too have the dream of becoming a writer—from my piss poor short stories in college (about me) to my current blog (about me), writing has always been my release, my passion, and the reason I continue to meet the sun each morning. I even bought a Mac this year on a whim that I may actually gain the confidence to quit my job (thus losing my computer—Mac justified), give this dream a go and stop telling myself I am simply not good enough (because really, when have I ever NOT been good enough?)"

"I shamelessly teared up and got all fuzzy and tingly inside when I finished your book, despite odd looks from my Corporate Raider First Class seat mates. It was truly inspiring. "

And this my friends, is why it is time. Rock on soul sister.

#19: Cut down on travel for work

As I sit in LA...

Anywhoo--great trip. I don't mind coming here so much (that is SF and LA). These cities inspire me with perfect weather (albeit a little cold for August) and the fact that they are just so different from home.

I like the people here too. I experienced the first and only time a MAN will ever come to my rescue with a ponytail holder--which he happened to have in his briefcase, courtesy of his 10-year old daughter.

I like drinking here too. I do a lot of it. The wine is JUST so good.

So are the mojitos and martinis.

#31: Understand and appreciate how fortunate I really am

I am not the only one with this goal. Check out Tut--it's an inspiration (thank you Kellie!).

http://www.tut.com/siteindex.shtml

I took the "Oath" and in doing so am accomplishing #31.

Which is a good thing--seeing as I had no idea how I would ever quantify achieving this pursuit.

#23: Have more girl time

About to get it on with the ladies at book club. It will be nice to catch up with the girls, although I am certainly dreading the relationship conversation--because I have no idea what to tell them seeing as I don't even know myself.  Funny place to be in after 5 years.

I'm hoping to laugh a lot, enjoy some good food (went totally healthy for this one), and good company. No crying tonight, as 13 bottles of wine tends to do to women. I remember one night my dear friend Tracey and I, sitting in my beater apartment (I don't think I'd live there today given the choice) drinking FOUR, yes FOUR bottles between us and crying like little babies. We were most likely partaking in other activities as well (you know, kayaking) but that was a good night. 

Wish Tray were at book club too. Of course, then it would be boob club.

Tootle-ooo, friends.   

#11: Explore the Possibilities

Yep, about sums up my day thus far.

#10: Relax

I'm not really sure what alternate universe I was in when I added this line item to the list. As a text book "Type A" relaxing is not something that comes easily or is done often in my real life. I am always doing SOMETHING.

For example, even while watching TV I am eyeing up my house and wondering if moving the tin vase a little to the left will make a difference in the balance of the room. Then I get up and move it, and start all over again with some other object.

I get this from my father, this I know. The man does not sit still. "Painting" and "landscaping" seem to be tasks forever on his to do list.

I am currently planning another vacation at the end of August to try my best and decompress. I'm not going anywhere, except to a business planning meeting on Monday & Tuesday because that's what I do on vacation (i.e. work). Wednesday through Friday I am going to spa and pool it, and spend some quality time on my new project. Hopefully with my new Mac.

I will say that I have become less "intense" about things in general. I'm realizing what I can control, and what I can't. The answer is absolutely nothing. It's more about perceived control, so I try not let lack of perfection eat at me. If I don't get the laundry done on Sunday, I just don't. The world will not stop because I wear a white bra with a black shirt.

Thus far, my progress on "Relax".

#25: Get Engaged (or become single)