Welcome to My World

Anecdotal observations of life while in pursuit of things to accomplish before (doh!) 32.

Monday, January 12, 2009

#8: Thus, stop eating out so much

So, despite coming off a weekend of Thai and Italian restaurant meals, not to mention brunch with biscuits the size of my head (featuring mimosas of course) I can still say that I am supporting this objective of mine. Case in point, a dinner date with my friend Beth.  

Bottle of wine? Check. Main course, side and salad? Check. Lots of fabulous conversation? Absolutely. 

Friday, January 9, 2009

#31: Understand and appreciate how fortunate I really am

Today, I have a few things to be grateful for, but this post is dedicated to my dear sister Erin, Renee & Shannon. I have the best friends a girl could ask for, and given that I can be a very difficult person to love at times, I am very thankful for these people (and many others too, don't get pissy).

These ladies were going to surprise me and spend my birthday weekend in the ATL. Thirty-two would typically be just another birthday, but I have this damn list and a few other life altering events in the works so they were going to ensure I was adhering to #2. How nice.

I was under the impression that my sister was going to come down, and leave her husband at home. I felt guilt about her coming alone to tend to my insanity, and called her to say she should come when the weather was a little nicer and they could both be here. She still wanted to come, but I said no, and she DID NOT tell me that Shannon and Renee had planned on coming too--hence why the husband wasn't attending in my honor. It wasn't until I called her back later that day to tell her to come anyway (I decided to stop being such a selfish bore) which is when she shared the news.

I somehow managed to ruin the only surprise I would have had in my life thus far. Even though it's not going to happen, it's the thought that counts. Really. It's a great birthday present to know they love me, plain and simple.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

#5: Save more money

It is MUCH easier to save money when there is more coming in. Seeing as I have busted my behind this year and still will not see a penny for the efforts, saving money has become even more difficult when coupling reduced income with high levels of stress. If only my goals weren't so lofty (and completely unattainable).

On that note, today I did something I NEVER do. My lunch plans were cancelled, so I decided to go and exchange one of my man's Christmas gifts (mine to him, not vice versa). Unfortunatley, I had to walk through the women's section of the store to get to what I needed to accomplish, and of course there were things that caught my eye. Especially with those 70% off signs...I can't do math to save my life (hence advertising), but I know that's a bargain.

So, I found a couple dresses, a sweater and a "blouse"--anyone else hate the fucking word? At the register, the sales girl did her usual pitch about opening a credit card and while I typically ignore it she said "and save $100". What? $100? I'm no dummy...

Note: I have no credit cards. One for emergencies with a zero balance, and my company card. I frequently tell sales people credit is what got us in this economic situation in the first place.

Much to my surprise, I found myself applying (and being accepted) for store credit.

I had SO much guilt. I accosted the sales person, and actually asked her if she was lying to me. She wasn't, and I saved $109.

Now what? I get this card, I pay it, and I cancel it.

If my credit score is reduced by a single point I will cry.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Another List I Like

I'm getting all my lists in now, because 32 won't have it's own--way too much pressure, would rather just count how much I drink.

This one is courtesy of the lovely woman who cares for Gizmo while we humans work our lives away. Good things to remember when dealing with the daily drama of our personal sitcoms.


1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.'

5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2008.

7. Make time to practice meditation and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.

8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of six.

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants. Eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.

14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, or issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep t he NEGATIVE BLUES away.

18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will 
these matter?'

26. Forgive everyone for everything.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. REMEMBER GOD heals everything.

29. However good or bad a situation is
, it will change

30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

33. The best is yet to come.

34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

35. Do the right thing!

36. Call your family often. (Or email them to death!!!)

37. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.

38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

40. May your troubles be less, May your blessings be more, May nothing but happiness come through your door! 

Monday, January 5, 2009

#11: Explore the Possibilities

They show up in the most random of places and the most unexpected times. According to all of my horoscopes (which I try to ignore but nonetheless read religiously) I am entering a period of great opportunity and deeper connections to life and those around me. In this I shall trust.

I believe in free will, and there have been times in my life when the universe has sent me signs but it was up to me to act upon them. A few times I did, a few times I didn't, and while I can't say I have regrets the occasions when I DID act have proved the right thing to do.

Once such incident occured this weekend during a spontaneous trip to a nearby town. I haven't been slapped that hard in a while.

I am not a liberty to share exactly what was revealed (top secret, some things must remain sacred), but I think it served dual purpose which shall all unfold here in due time. I should not have been there, and I was looking for nothing, yet there it was beating me over the head for three days.

Just a reminder to keep your eyes open everyday.

P.S. 25 days.