Working Towards a Result... Working to Enjoy It

Results.  What we're working towards.  The end.  Final answer.  

It seems like everything that we do, or engage in, often is really only to get us to somewhere else.  We're working on projects to complete them.  We read books to finish them.  We watch televisions shows to see how they end.  There's a certain finality about things that provides us some sort of closure, or success - success in that we've accomplished what we set out to do.

So what happens when we don't see our results right away? We might get anxious, nervous, frustrated.  We start to question what we're doing wrong, what we aren't getting that's prohibiting us from getting to where we need to be.  We feel like we've wasted time, wasted energy - having nothing to show for the work that we put in can create a serious since of aggravation.  

What's the answer? How do we get around this feeling of anxiety when we don't see the results right away? Well, for me, I realized today what's happening on the way to getting my results.  I'm learning.  I'm experimenting.  I'm practicing a series of skills that I'll need when the real deal comes around.  What I realized is that we have to enjoy the journey, the process, the hard work, and even the frustration, just as much as we'll enjoy the end results.  It's strange, because I've known that before - running the marathon is a perfect example.  All the training runs, all the practice, all the work that was put into the final event was just as great, if not better, then the real thing.

So while I'm working to get my results,  I'm going to try and embrace the spectrum of emotions, savor the learning experience, and making the most of each situation.  Because it's the journey to the end that makes things worth it - and besides, instant gratification overrated.   

Congratulations Cressey's!

My best friend Anna got married this past weekend - and I think everyone who went to the wedding is probably still living on the high that was received from being part of such a special day.  Anna was stunning - her dress, her hair, her make-up, her glow - she was absolutely breathtaking.  And Eric was so handsome.  Together they were radiating.  Flowers, food, and music were perfect - but what is really so amazing is the amount of love that was in the room.  Every single person there has so much love for Anna and Eric - and it was evident in every action, every word, and every emotion expressed.

Friends from everywhere joined in the celebration - from Oregon, to Colorado, Chicago, Michigan, Florida, and Canada and everywhere in between.  It was such a special thing to have so many dear family and friends all in the same room.

Anna and Eric - I know I already told you so many times this weekend - but thank you so much for such a memorable weekend.   You two made a wonderful celebration very special for so many people and I feel so honored to have been a part of the festivities. I love you both so much and wish you nothing but the best in your lives together!

And of course... Ya Bates! :)

Words to Live By...

I have certain words that I like to try and remember, especially when life gets hectic and chaotic.... Like it always does... Words that I feel are important to me, reflective of my spirit, and help to control whatever situation I might be in.  Living in a new city, with a new job, new people, and new experiences, I need and want to embrace these words.  They help me, maybe they'll help you.

Grace
Kindness
Patience
Balance
Compassion

I will be genuine.  I will be kind.  I will trust myself, my work, my person.  I will handle any situation with grace, kindness, and patience, and I will strive for balance.

I Heart Chi-Town

I have a love affair going on with my new city.  There are so many places, so many people, and so many things to see, I don't know what to do first.  I'm on sensory overload, trying to look at everything (and everyone), experience every restaurant, bar, store, sidewalk... There is simply not enough time in my day! A good friend once shared a quote with me, that his father always said... "You can't live life all at once" I'm trying to remember that, because the opportunities here are endless!

So far I've joined a flag football team.  Hard to believe I know, because I was the girl that got hurt in a high school powder puff game, and the same girl who sprained her ankle a week before college graduation playing softball.  But I have the heart, so I'm giving it a go.  We played yesterday and I think I did a decent job of covering my "zone." I even caught a pass.  Phew.  I think they'll keep me around.

Last night I went to Oktoberfest.  It was my personal heaven on earth.  More beer and boys then I knew what to do with.  Thank you sir, may I have another!

Bars here are BYOB, which is awesome - bring your own wine, beer, flask, whatever.  And save big money.

I'm sitting at Starbucks right now watching beautiful people walk down the street.  Everyone here is so nice, I even had a stranger compliment my teeth.  People aren't afraid to talk to you here, everyone is laid back, fun, and beyond good looking - in a very Americana type of way.

Chicago is starting to feel like home.  And I hope to be able to share many good adventures on here.  Look out Chi-town! Some girl is coming through!!

Are You a Warrior?

Tomorrow is my first day at work.  Words can't express how excited I am to be a part of the company that has extended me such an awesome opportunity.  Red Frog Events, is an event planning company with really one goal - to create "the most fun day of your life" type of races.  They do the Great Urban Race, a city-based Scavenger Hunt, Beach Palooza, a water front obstacle course, and finally, the Warrior Dash - the most gnarly, extreme, crazy type of race I've ever seen.   From crawling through mud pits, to scaling stone walls, and then jumping over fire for the finish line, these people know how to have a good, yet semi-crazy time.

Tomorrow, on my first day at work, I'll board a plane to New York to set-up the Warrior Dash Northeast at Windham Mountain.  I have no idea when I'm leaving, what to bring, what my job will be when I'm there. I'm expecting to find out more details today.  What I do know is that it's going to be one outrageously fun week, filled with amazing people, some seriously good times, and on Saturday and Sunday, some of the wildest racers that I've ever seen.  To top the race off, there's of course a music festival, beer, and racers get their own Warrior helmet.  

The irony of all of this, is back in February, one of my best friends suggested we sign up for this and I thought she was crazy.  The fact that I would be working with the company who plans it, a mere 7 months later.... talk about the unexpected adventures of life.  

Annnd.... I'm back

I've said it before, I'll say it again.  Thank you if you've checked my blog to see if I've written.  The sheer fact that more then one person (besides me!) knows the last blog post was on February 23rd is still semi-astounding to me, so thank you devoted Some Girl followers... I'll try not to disappoint you with a lack of communication.

SO! That being said, there have been a large number of developments in the life of Some Girl since that February post... rather then go into a ton of detail, let me list them here:

- Applied and interviewed for a job - which I didn't necessarily want - thankfully they didn't hire me, and I found our via a major faux pas email - sent to me, but meant for someone else
- Travelled to Greece
- Created my own job at Game On! - in addition to serving I did Business Development
- Taught dance
- Became a movie extra (look for me as Paparazzi number 3 in "What's Your Number" -  out spring/summer 2011
- Found a new job opportunity
- Had my 5 year Bates College reunion
- Revamped Sarah Said She Would and entered a house of a hoarder...
- Stopped Sarah Said She Would out of fear of hoarders...
- Did some marketing for a start-up car sharing program called Relay Rides
- Visited Chicago
- Fell in love with Chicago
- Took a job in Chicago
- Moved to Chicago... Last week...

So here I am.  In the windy city.  Resuming by blog. I've realized I missed writing.  I don't know why I get distracted, but now that I'm in a new city, with new people, new places, and a new job beginning on Tuesday, I know I want to use this as my place to let you know what's up.

If you're still out there, and still reading, thank you.  I'll be back tomorrow.

Painting a Picture

As promised, here's a picture from my first official Sarah Said She Would ... Do Anything! business that I've recently launched.  I've gotten a second inquiry things to good friends who referred me and my site.  Just in case you'd like a reminder, it's www.sarahsaidshewould.com and I'm still taking jobs!  AND! I can't believe I forgot to put this on my site, but building IKEA furniture is definitely something that I enjoy and a service I'd offer.

But, back to painting.  I have to give a HUGE shout out to Channing Johnson who was my first official client, but before that an acquaintance from more then a year ago.  I met Channing at a Jimmy Fund Golf Tournament, right as I was going through my "mid-life transition" - debating life, who I am, what I want, all that deep stuff that happens in your mid-twenties.  Channing is an amazing wedding photographer, check out his site, and his blog, and if you're in the market for a photographer, I highly recommend him.  Channing is just an all around stand-up guy.  We had a great conversation on the golf course a  year ago, and another great conversation while painting his dining room and living room.  So thank you Channing and Brooke, for letting me help make your house a little homier... and thanks for listening Channing!

And now,  yours' truly, painting from an artistic perspective...

A Whirlwind Week...

I've lost track of my days.  I've lost count of the hours.  I don't know what day of the week it is.  What job I'm supposed to be at.  What project to work on next.  What to have for dinner.  So many things have happened over the last week.  So many opportunities - personal and professional - have been put into my lap.  And it's the most amazing, wonderful, nerve-wracking feeling I've ever felt in my entire life.

Within the next month I think I'm gong to have news.  I'm not going to say about what - I'll try and stay elusive that way.  But there are a few things brewing that can lead to incredible outcomes.

I hope you'll bare with me and these sporadic blogs as I head through a bit of unchartered water. I think the stories on the other side will make up for the lack of detail at the moment.

Is your interest peaked? Because mine certainly is.

With a Famous Face in Florida...

Congratulations Eric Cressey!  This picture made Boston.com, and I'm proud that it's the fiance of one of my best friends.

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/gallery/2010/02_16_early_arrivals?pg=16

First Job... Check!

I had my first Sarah Said She Would.... Do Anything job yesterday! Drumroll please.... painting!!

It was fabulous.  Thank you to Channing and Brooke for letting me help put some color on your walls.  And for being my first official client.

I'll have photos to follow :)

Ok - who's next?! I also just thought of a service to add... Assembling IKEA furniture.  I love that stuff - and I'm pretty damn good at it - so if you need any support in reading the non-verbal, swedish images that make up an IKEA manual, you've found your gal.

A New Project....

In my quest for finding what it is I want to do in life, what all I like to do, what I'm good at, what I want to learn about and more, I've decided to start a new project.  My goal is that this will help me pay my rent, insurance and cable bills!, but also help me to embark and engage in new experiences and new opportunities.  I just revamped my website, www.sarahsaidshewould.com, and I would be THRILLED if you check it out.

Leave a comment, let me know what you think, and if you'd be interested in my help.  And because I believe in the power of true grass roots marketing, I'd be more then grateful if you sent the link along to any and all of your family and friends!

Project Cupid Recap....

Matchmaker matchmaker make me a match.  For charity of course.  The long awaited Project Cupid took place this past Friday evening.  As you know, yours' truly was up on the auction block and I'm proud to say I went for $80 - the second highest girl I think.  Not too shabby if you ask me.

Before I mention who the high bidder was, I'd like to first say what an amazing time I had.  The organizers did a fabulous job, the room was packed, the event raised over $4,000 for the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber, and everyone had a great time.  Thank you so much to all of my friends who came out as both supporters and as fellow bachelors.  You guys rock.  It meant so much to me seeing the hands of my amazing friends popping up on both sides of the stage to place a bid.  Friends from the Jimmy Fund, Bates, Ben & Jerry's, Game On, even friends from the local news contributed to the fun and success - it was fabulous.

While my friends were dropping bids on me, the winner was actually a stranger.  With a bright spotlight on the platform where we were auctioned, I had a hard time seeing much past the first or second row.  Likewise, those people in the fifth and sixth row probably had a hard time seeing the dance moves I was busting on stage.  Girls' gotta get the dollars right?!  After hearing "Sold, $80 dollars!" I stepped off the stage, into the crowd, and managed to meet the guy who bought me.  Surprised is the best word.  Maybe even pleasantly surprised.  Because before me stood a really cute, good looking guy, my age, nice smile, well dressed, and happy to have won! 

I'm not going to go into specifics about him quite yet, because we haven't gone out for our date.  But I'll tell you more as I learn more.  All I know is that he has my number, and he also has the gift certificate for our restaurant.  Which means, he better call! Girl wants the dinner... and the date! 

Lucky 1000!

Well, I'd like to thank all of my dedicated followers.  Whether you look everyday, every week, or you've just peeked into my blog world once or twice, I've now received over 1,000 hits at Some Girl's Blog.  While those hits aren't unique, they are certainly telling that you're coming back for more and more of what I offer, and for that, I am outstandingly grateful.  So thank you, number 1, number 26, number 300, number 1,000 and every other number who has made an impact on my page.

I'll keep the writing coming, if you keep on coming back.  Deal? Deal.

Sarah Said She Won't... This Year...

I decided to take a hiatus from running the Boston Marathon this year.  As someone who never liked to run to begin with, doing the marathon seemed like an impossible feat - something I never thought I would do, something I never thought I would have the desire to do, but something that I actually became inspired to do.  I ran on the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge Team two years in a row, fundraising over $17,000 in two years - wow.  That's a big number written like that! But this year, I'm taking a break. That being said, one of my very best friends Julie is running.  She ran last year with me, and she's tackling it again, she's in New York City, she jaunts  up to Boston (by bus...) every now and then to train on the course, but she too is fundraising and running for Dana-Farber.

Check out her blog - it's awesome...

http://juliedoesbeantown.tumblr.com/

And if you have a little in your wallet, but even more in your heart, see if you can make a gift to her fundraising.... Every dollar adds up.  And if not, then follow her journey - she's got some great insight on men and running :)

The Stockdale Paradox

I'm reading a book right now, Good to Great, written by Jim Collins, and I highly recommend it for anyone who looking for a bit of inspiration and insight for how to be a better business leader, or person in general.  It's not so much a motivational book, as a fact driven piece based on a number of studies of businesses who took their business from good - to great.  It's all been very interesting, but here's a little something that stands out...

"The Stockdale Paradox"

"Retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties.  And at the same time, confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be."

Do What You Can...

If you haven't been witness to the coverage of the horrible earthquake that shook Haiti to its core, all you need to do is go to the internet, the news, or the magazine rack.  If you're reading the articles and experiencing the images from any of those vehicles, I hope you realize that you're blessed to be on the spectator side.  The tellings of tragedy will continue to emerge, the ones of miracles and hope may begin to dwindle, but this event of colossal disruption and damage isn't going away.  If you have a roof over your head, a meal tonight, or a drink of water this afternoon like I have, then I hope you'll take a moment to feel thankful for those things.  You've heard it elsewhere, and I want to put it here, I hope you can make a donation to  help.  For those of you that work in fundraising you know that every dollar ads up - $10 can make a difference, and no matter how we may struggle financially, I hope you'll do what you can. 

Red Cross

unicef

Or text "HAITI" to "90999"

It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do little - do what you can.  ~Sydney Smith

The Chopper Killed My Teeth

I had a traumatic dream the other night that’s interesting and vivid enough for me to remember and want to understand.  It was filled with action, trauma, people close to me.  I can’t recall what got me to this place, I think there was a chase, but I was in a room – in a house, not my house – but somewhere.  I was standing with a close friend of mine when we heard a helicopter.  It was dark outside, nighttime, and as we looked through the glass window, the helicopter (I think it was a news station) was too close, it was crashing and ended up taking a direct nose dive right in front of us.  Literally, the nose of the helicopter crashed into the pavement, right there, igniting a huge fireball that I somehow managed to anticipate.  I knocked down my friend to protect us both from the fire, the shattering glass, and the debris that were flying toward us.  The next thing I know, I’m standing, cupping my hand to my chin, and all of my teeth have fallen out into my hand.  I don’t think I felt pain, just urgency to save my mouth, save my teeth, and maybe save my smile – which is what arguably what I’m known for.

Back to real life.  The next day, I’m walking to see if I can catch a glimpse of the President, and something sparks a memory of the dream I had last night.  It’s vivid, it’s real, it’s colorful when I’m awake.  In my adventure to try and see the President, two things happen – a security chopper is circling above the buildings and a police officer on the street who I’d been talking with, left me with these parting words, “keep smiling.”

I’m not a big dream analyzer, but I think this one is pretty weird.  Especially because I’m still thinking about it 2 days later. 

Back to Posting Post Its

Some of you may know this about me already, some of you may not.  But I post post it notes around my apartment when I want something.  They can be very broad - "happiness" for example. Or more specific "my back is fine" - when I was dealing with a back problem.  I believe that if you're constantly seeing a reminder, or reading something, it enters your subconscious and actually takes affect.  It's like the law of physics, that "like attracts like" - if you put a positive thought out into the universe, then you get a positive action, reaction, or thought back.  Likewise, if you put a negative thought out "there", there's a good chance you'll continue to get negative thoughts, feedback or consequences.  

My post it notes have been gone for awhile, with the exception of two in regards to money, but I just went on a spree.  I now have two on my fridge, two on the wall by my front door, and four on my bathroom mirror.  I'm not going to reveal what they say, but if I get what I want, and what I want is what I'm reading on my post its, then I'll let hopefully let you know soon.

In the meantime, check out The Secret if you haven't.  It was recommended to me by one my best musician friends, Syd, and while the design might be a little hoakey - the message isn't if you're open to it.  

Try Saying....

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 
Yes. Yes. Yes.      Watch the movie Yes Man.       Yes. Yes. Yes. 
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 

It's not politics... It's personality

It would be hypocritical for me to force anyone to accept anyone - especially after my last post.  I encourage everyone to support who they want, believe what they want, and choose who they want as a role model, friend, or political leader.

With politics such a hotbed of discussion, frustration, and heated conversation, I'm certainly not going to force my political views on someone else, including readers of this blog.  I will however, be honest and open, and tell you that I voted for President Obama, that I still support him, and that I believe in his mission, his work, and his hope for the future of this country.

As I titled this post, I'm not going to make this blog entry a political argument - but a statement about personality.  Whether or not you agree with the President, it is my hope that you see his hope.  He was in Boston today, campaigning for Attorney General Martha Coakley, who is running for MA State Senate.  As the President was speaking at the rally, an anti-abortion activist yelled out, disrupting what otherwise was a peaceful, positive, and energized crowd.  The activist was not alone, but with his young son, who couldn't have been more then 10 years old, and who also started yelling during the President's speech.  Though both were escorted out the room, what I want to point out was how the President responded.  He did not get angry, he did not comment on the rude and disheartening behavior - but instead he remained poised, calm, and eloquent in the face of such disgusting and disrespectful comments - and encouraged the room to do the same, saying "It's okay.  We're okay."  

In my 26 years on this earth, not many of them have been filled with an interest in politics.  But I will tell you, that for the first time in my lifetime, there is someone in office, who has, since day one, inspired me to be better, inspired me to learn about politics, inspired me to vote and get involved, and has given me hope that the people of this country can begin to do good.  The President's personality - the words he chooses to use, the way in which he conveys them, the manner in which he speaks, and the hope that he inspires, are all more then good enough reasons for me to believe in him and the job that he is trying to do.

I challenge you (I think I might be doing that a lot here?) to listen to the President the next time he makes a televised appearance.  And listen with an open mind and open heart.  Because while he might not say what you want to hear "politically", I think it would be hard not to hear, and hopefully appreciate, his intelligence, his eloquence, and his hope to better the world.

Help - Selfless or Selfish?

I just watched a beautiful movie – The Soloist – the movie in which Robert Downey Jr. befriends a brilliant homeless man – Jamie Foxx. But it’s not the names of the actors – it’s the names of the true characters, Nathaniel Ayers and Steve Lopez, a true story of the two men who cross paths in a chance meeting.

I don’t want to go into the specifics of the plot, but more important the message of the story. The message as I interpret it, is that being a friend to someone, whether you know them or not, is the most powerful thing you can do as a human. The definition of friendship (especially in the 21st century) can be discussed for hours, but what it all comes down to, is being there for someone when they need you. Being there for a person, accepting who they are, and not forcing your thoughts, your beliefs, or your desires onto them. But supporting the character of that person, and the way in which they choose to live their life.

The Soloist sent a humbling message. It reminded me of the importance of doing something for others. Also why we do things for others. I challenge you to think about that – and ask yourself – why do I do something for someone? Is it because you truly want to better their existence? Their life? Or is it because you want to better yours? Experience the “warm and fuzzies” that happen when you’ve done good? Does that mean it’s selfish to help other people – when you also benefit? What is your true motive for helping someone?

For me, it’s important to find a balance between the two – the feel good endorphins I experience and the prospect of supporting someone even when I might be uncomfortable with what they want, what they need. When I help someone, stranger or friend, I feel peaceful, lucky, and fulfilled. Selfishly those are emotions I want to have. But when I help someone, I do it with an authentic and genuine desire to support that person. I might not always agree with what that person wants, or feels they need, but that’s when it’s not about me. Next time you extend your hand to help someone, ask yourself why you’re ultimately doing so, and who you honestly want to help – your discovery may be surprising.

In the meantime, watch The Soloist – or read the book written by Steve Lopez. It’s a beautiful story, a beautiful relationship, and a reminder that the human spirit is a gift – a unique present to each and every one of us. Help when you can, help when you want to – and help with a quiet and humbled grace.

Work It Out Saturday

So I realized recently that I haven't posted here about one of my side jobs.  In this "search for myself" I've been doing a bunch of gigs - working at a Red Sox bar, playing Wii for a month at a temporary store on Newbury, and recently I've gotten my hands in a start-up project that's developing an iphone application.. more on that in another post.  BUT, one thing at this moment is consistent, and that's the fact that I teach two classes every Saturday at Dancefit Studio, a dance and fitness studio in Brookline.

Every Saturday at 11:00 am and at 12:15 pm I teach an hour long class called Total Body Burn.  I incorporate dance moves, strength training, ab workouts, and stretching.  Each week we target a different muscle group - this week is legs and .... your back side.  Lots of cardio, lots of music (including some solid 80's throwbacks), and believe it or not, a lot of fun.

First class is free to try out, and then friends and family get half-off individual classes and multi-class packages.  Hope to see some of you guys there!

Check Out DanceFit!
Become a Fan on Facebook!

Save the Date!!! Project Cupid Is Coming!

It's not what you think. I promise I'm not scheming some love story to make Valentine's Day 2010 my best yet.  I'm like the majority of my friends in thinking it's an overrated, commercialized holiday that only serves to increase capitalism and re-enforce the feeling of "not being in love." Cynical? Maybe - but mostly just realistic.


Project Cupid is an event that I became involved in as of today - but I'm just so excited about it that I wanted to post immediately. 


Taking place on Friday, February 5th at Red Sky in Boston, this is a charity event for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund - a hospital and charity that are incredibly close to my heart.  As a former employee of the Jimmy Fund, I'm very appreciative of the fact that I can continue to be involved, and encourage you all to do what you can as well.  Whether it's attending an event, or making a gift - the mission, the people, the research and the work that is done at DFCI are all truly wonderful things.


SO! On to the details... What is Project Cupid? It's an auction - but not just any auction.  An auction that involves men and women, "bachelors and bachelorettes" if you will.  And I will.  Because yours truly is going to be up on the auction block that night.  So get out the dollar dollar bills yo and start saving! 


100% of the money raised that night will go to the Jimmy Fund and the evening honors the memory of Isaias, a nine year old who lost his battle with cancer shortly before his 10th birthday.  I encourage you all to go to the website in order to learn more about the event and reason behind it.  Read More Here...


You can also do your part to help spread the word by becoming a fan of the Facebook Page...


Please save the date, Friday February 5th, and share this news with your friends.... What better way to end the work week then by helping out such a wonderful cause, having a few good laughs, and hearing someone say "Going Once, Going Twice, Sold...."  about me (and a group of other fine guys and gals). 

A Little of This... A Little of That...

I'm working on a random project for AT&T right now.  I was given an iphone (I have one already, but they gave me a new one to try - annnd it's a newer model.... score) and I get to try out AT&T service.  I take a picture each day, post it to an AT&T website that people across the country are also posting to, and then pass the phone onto 5 more of my friends to try out.  

Here's the link in case you're curious: AT&T Real Voices.

I don't blog on it the way I do this - but still, it's kind of fun to see what other people are saying....

Clarity through Broken Expectations...

Situation 1.
Have you ever been in one of those situations where you have so many options about something that you get totally overwhelmed? It's like that Mae West quote that I love so much "Too much of a good thing, is wonderful...." That's true.  Yet at the same time, too many good options can be burdensome in a way.  So many good things to choose from - which do you pick?


Situation 2.
What about discomfort? What about expectations? By nature we put a lot of expectations on ourselves, on other people - and often times we find ourselves in a state of discontent, anger, frustration, when what we were expecting doesn't work out as planned.


I just had moment where I married the two feelings mentioned above.  Stick with me - I might get theoretical.  I have a number amazing opportunities in my life right, it's like a multiple choice question about my life - and I want to select "all of the above."  At the same time, I have high expectations set for certain situations, high hopes, that weren't fully realized. 


Two very different life situations occurred simultaneously.  Situation 1: Lots of positive opportunities presenting... Situation 2: Disappointment from unfulfilled expectations.   When my expectations took a hit, I was able to find clarity in what I want - I was able to make a decision about all those positive opportunities.  What is going to work best for me.  It was like a yin and yang moment.  A moment where I stopped putting expectations on other people, and looked at myself - and realized that I'm in control.  I make the choices.  Selfish? Maybe.  Liberating? Definitely.  

The Twitch with a Twist

We all get that annoying eye twitch every now and again - some people say it's from stress, others because you're over tired - but we've all had it, and we all know how annoying it can be.

Or ever had a twitch in your lip? It's like someone is pulling an invisible string every now and then just making your lip move in the slightest way, that you feel like everyone can see, but in reality no one does?

I've got a new one. A new twitch that's happening RIGHT at this moment. Ready for it??

Inside of my left forearm! I'm sorry, what? I'm right handed for starters, I'm not stressed to my knowledge, I definitely am not over tired, and I haven't done anything overly strenuous. But it's driving me crazy... I can feel this little irregular pulsating every few minutes that is doing nothing more then messing up my sanity. Weird.

Anybody else have twitches in strange locations? Please say I'm not alone in this misery... Bueller? Bueller?

Better Luck Next Time...

Well, you can't be the best at everything right?! Sadly, I did not have the best essay in the Real Simple essay contest I talked about in my last post. After constant refreshing of the website, a new page finally appeared last night, shortly after mid-night, naming a woman from Arizona the winner. So congratulations to Andrea Avery Decker - her essay will be in the March issue of Real Simple - I'm looking forward to reading it, comparing writing styles, and learning about when someone else realizes that they've grown-up.

If anyone who reads this comes across any interesting writing contests, please let me know! I'll give you a piece of the prize when I finally win! :)

Anxiously Waiting...

So I entered an essay contest with Real Simple magazine last fall - the essay was due the first of September, and required a response to the following question: "When did you realize you had become a grown-up?" Think about that for a few minutes. Some people may base it on a tangible experience, like when they moved out of their parents house, or found the first gray hair. Or maybe it was an experience of losing someone - maybe you still haven't grown-up!

I entered this contest, that has a grand prize of $3,000 - a fully expenses paid trip to NYC, and most important - meetings with the editors of Real Simple magazine. I remember when I entered thinking that it seemed like forever until the would announce the winner - but now the time has come. The winner is supposed to find out after January 3, 2010 - and the results will be posted on the Real Simple website after January 8th - TOMORROW!!

There's a piece of me that's holding out hope that I could be the grand prize winner - another piece of me is saying that if I had one, I would know already. Nonetheless, I've been checking the Real Simple website 10 times a day for the last 7 days, just to see if there is anything new. So far, no dice.

Regardless of whether or not I emerge the big winner, I gained a lot from writing my entry. I'm not necessarily going to go into all the details, but long story short, I wrote about a very challenging and personal time that I went through with my family. There were a lot of emotions involved that I hadn't previously experienced, I saw my parents from a different viewpoint, and as a family, I think we all grew a little closer - despite some scary times. Writing about the situation forced me to relive a difficult time, but also to recognize the ways in which I grew from it, and the ways in which we all evolved into bigger, better, people.

I shared the essay with my parents before submitting it, which was also a learning experience. I think the degree of emotion, as well as subject matter may have caught them a little off guard, but all in all, it was beneficial to have everything out in the open, and revisit a difficult time for us all.

My conclusion was that I've grown-up by way of these type of experiences. The ones in which you have to take charge, take a role, and take some type of responsibility when others might not necessarily be able too. At the same time, I realized I'm going to continue to grow - and that I might never be fully "grown-up" - because really, what's the fun in that?

Keep your fingers crossed for me, I'll let you know what happens...

New Year, Same Girl.

I've always been a list maker. I've always been the one to write down my goals at the start of a new year. It doesn't matter how big, or how small the goal, I've written it down. From flossing my teeth daily, to running a marathon, to the obligatory "lose 5-10 lbs" that most women put on their list for the new year.

The start of 2008 I made a huge list of goals. Some larger then I ever imagined. That year I managed to achieve everything on that list. So what next? It's a little depressing when you realize you've achieved everything you wanted to, and still haven't figured out what's next. It kind of left me feeling lethargic, like I did all I needed too and didn't have much else to accomplish. Sad right?

The start of 2009 I took a different approach. After going through a rough spot in my mid-twenties, I decided I would take the pressure off myself. I didn't write a list - I didn't write my yearly goals. That's the first time I can remember that I didn't start my new year off with a list of goals. But you know what? It worked out ok. Without feeling the pressure to complete something, without having to figure out what comes next, I just let my year happen - and I still managed to accomplish big things, pursue big things, and learn to like myself more then I ever have.

So here we are. January 1, 2010. A start of a new year, and a new decade. This year I'm going to take a new route. Rather then list all the things I want to achieve, I'm going to write a mission statement. One filled with words I want to live by, words I want to shape my life around. I'm going to create a personal mantra that I hope will inspire me, inspire others, and support a happy, healthy, and prosperous lifestyle. Forget the pressure, forget the "I have to" and focus on the "I get to."

If I get brave enough, I might post it. But for now, it's for my eyes only.

Happy New Year everyone. I hope that it's filled with strength, happiness, and peace.