2010 Countdown: New Year's Resolutions

Cuz it's that time of year. Really I'm not big on New Year's resolutions since I'm constantly setting goals for myself as I see fit and figure soon as I decide I really want to change something I may as well do it right away. This year; however, I'm doing it because I have this blog and it seems like an appropriate way to start off a new year of blogging. And maybe putting it on the internet will hold me more to it. Here are the resolutions:

- Make myself a bigger priority.
- Write this blog on a regular basis and hone in more on its purpose.
- Finish my book.
- Figure out what I want to be when I grow up... or at least for the next five years.
- Be mindful, enjoying all the moments, large or small.
- Do something I've never done at least once per week.

I could probably keep on going but will stop there. We'll check in at the end of the year to see how I've done. How do you feel about new year's resolutions? If you make them what are yours this year?

2010 Countdown: What I've Learned this Year

I love learning. I think it's fun. I have a hard time with routine and becoming stagnate so I'm always striving for self-improvement and knowledge. I've learned a lot this year but then again I probably think that every year. Although, I think this year was significant in many ways. For one I had my first real, live boyfriend. I've had boyfriends before but not the kind where you meet one another's family and bestest friends, go on trips together, spend holidays together, and include them in your future plans. Whereas going in I thought he was the reward for learning so much about dating and boys I found out having a real grown-up relationship only leads to more learning and growth. The fun kind, of course. As well, I quit a dead end job and embarked on grad school round dos, which required my first internship ever (and this is after years of working in the real world). These significant changes, as well as others, have really topped my list of Years I've Learned the Most. And so without further ado here is my list of what I've learned this year to go along with my list of Years I've Learned the Most:

- It's okay to not know what you want. I'm actually still working on accepting this but at least I've learned it. We all gotta start somewhere.
- The old adage of relationships requiring a lot of work needs to be tweaked. Relationships do require effort to maintain but there's a difference between work and effort. I feel as though work denotes something negative and so if your relationship feels like work all of the time you may want to reexamine your relationship. It should feel like inspired effort. You both want to do things to make one another's life easier, as well as to bolster your relationship.
- No one knows better than you do. At least when it comes to what you want and what makes you happy. And often other things too, like how to apply moss to Rose Parade floats. It's okay to listen to others but I'm starting to learn that I don't have to give as much (or any) weight to what they have to say as I have in the past.
- Facebook is the devil. Yet I'm still on there.
- Writing is therapeutic and something I should do often. I'll try to remember that rather than take breaks from blogging when inspiration is hiding.
- Go easy on myself. I am my own harshest critic and I need to remember that I am enough as is.

And that is what I have learned most this year. What have you learned this year?

2010 Countdown: Appreciation

In honor of yet another year's end I have a lot to appreciate. I'm often challenged by getting lost in thinking about the things I wish I had and sometimes getting down about not having those things. Despite an amazing life full of amazing people, experiences, and simple joys. Yet there are moments where I'm more focused on my lack than the abundance that's right in front of me. I do this even with the realization that no matter how much I have in my life there will always be more to have and the only way to truly be happy and enjoy life is to appreciate every moment, person, and experience you do have. So in honor of the upcoming new year I'd like to list the ten things I'm most appreciative of in the year 2010:

1. My boyfriend who is truly the most amazing man I've ever known. And the most fun!
2. My friends who are also some of the most amazing people I've ever known. And the most fun! :p They certainly meet my prerequisite of not being boring.
3. My family who's been through some challenges in this past year and who've really forced me to reflect on who I am, what's important to me, and what I want out of life. I haven't appreciated them as much as I should have this year but am doing it now and making it a goal to do more so in 2011.
4. Sunshine. Southern California didn't have as much to appreciate this year but that only made me appreciate it even more.
5. Surfing. It feeds my soul.
6. Getting into grad school at UCLA and doing really well my first quarter.
7. Leaving a highly toxic work environment.
8. Road trips. I went on a couple really cool ones this year full of neat experiences and fun company.
9. Weddings. I went to a lot this year and while there were moment where it dominated my social life I never tired of seeing all the happy couples express their love for one another in fun ways.
10. And the bf again because he is the best part of my 2010!

Do you take the time to appreciate your life? Maybe you keep an appreciation journal? What are the things you appreciate most about 2010?

The Ghosts of Christmas Past

Okay, there aren't really any ghosts; I just needed a creative title. Although since it is December 27th and I'm about to write about Christmas one could argue that it's an appropriate title. This was the first Christmas I didn't go home, which led me to reflect on Christmases past, as well as the one two days ago. I grew up having Christmas with a large boisterous family filled with presents, food, cookies, games, noise, and lots of good times. Christmas 2009 was a little different since my grandmother had passed away and the family couldn't manage to come together without her. So there were just six of us, which was weird, although still nice. And this year was also small spending time with one side of the bf's family and later in the day friends but again nice. It was peaceful and well, weird. In a good way. I'm having to come to terms with the fact that Christmas may never again be like it was for me as a child. That may take a few years and the creation of new rituals but I think it can be done.

That being said here are the fun things I love about Christmas regardless of who I spend it with, where I spend it, and how I spend it:
- Cookies: Rice Krispie-like cornflake wreaths are my fav. But Buckeyes (chocolate covered peanut butter balls that actually look like buckeyes) are my fav memory cookies. And the amazing cutouts my dad's side of the family made/makes.
- Christmas lights: They appear to be on the downslide lately, probably because of the economy but the ones I've seen are still worthwhile.
- Family and friends: This probably should have been listed numero uno because it truly is my favorite part but somehow cookies and lights popped into my head first.
- Surprises: I almost wrote presents but it really isn't the presents I care all that much about. I love the surprises that surround Christmas. I could care less what was actually in the wrapping paper.
- Snow: Alas, there was no white Christmas this year so that may have strongly contributed to the weirdness.

What's your favorite part of Christmas? Or the winter holiday season if you don't celebrate Christmas?

Rain

It's been raining here in sunny southern California for like four straight days now, which in the non-sunny weather time here is like four years. Actually I rather enjoy it since any weather change is pretty exciting. Still there are some non-fun things about it. Like the SoCal drivers who are driving challenged when it's perfectly dry out. Just imagine how much fun they are to deal with when there's precipitation. And it puts a damper on my surfing what with all the chemicals being washed directly into my playground. But other than that I enjoy rain and the fun activities it brings with it. So to pay homage to what looks like at least another four days of rain my top ten favorite fun things to do (in no particular order) when it rains:

1. Puddle jumping: It is what it sounds like, although the bf couldn't quite understand the appeal of it so maybe it's just me.
2. Walking: Everything looks different and at least in the city cleaner.
3. Puzzles: Haven't done one this time around but always a good time.
4. Board games: See above.
5. Movie watching: I never take the time to do this since there's almost always something more appealing to do outside. Rain's a good excuse to lay on the couch and not get up until entirely caught up on at least one good film.
6. Cooking/baking: Again, being outside isn't as appealing so why not cook and get fatter.
7. Sit on an enclosed patio drinking tea, watching it rain, and taking photos: Done and done!
8. Listen to music: Records, MP3s, tapes, whatever you got. Dance around too if you so feel inclined.
9. Sleep: Also a good time to get caught up on some of that.
10. Read: See above.

What are some of your fav fun rainy day activities/memories?

Back at it... Again

Tried to revive this back in September but failed. 'Course failure can (and should) be looked at as a learning opportunity and I've certainly learned from it. That and many other experiences have shown me how much fear is getting in my way. Fear of what exactly I don't feel the need to address in here. Particularly because a lengthy diatribe may ensue (That sentence was included mostly because I wanted to use the phrase "lengthy diatribe may ensue."). Roseanne Cash (whomever that is) said, "The key to change... is to let go of fear." (Oh, just looked up Roseanne Cash and found out she's Johnny Cash's oldest daughter. Good to know.) As I've just hit the dirty thirty and am also about to embark on a new year I've been doing a lot of thinking. Damn juxtaposition of birthday and a new year leads to this occurrence nearly every December. This year's focus has been fear and how it's frozen me in many ways. I'm not big on setting New Year's resolutions cuz goal setting is something I do on a regular basis but this year I thought I'd make a change and fear is what I'd like to let go of. And to change that into a more positive goal I read somewhere once that there are really only two primary emotions, fear and love. All the other emotions are secondary to the two of those. So I suppose my true goal is to be more loving.

Either way when I typed "letting go of fear" into google to see if it had any better ideas than I did (they didn't) this is what I found: Sit with your fear and fully embrace it. Be mindful of it. Then act upon it. Ralph Waldo Emerson (who I do know without googling) said, "Do the thing you fear; and the death of fear is certain." And that is it. So simple. So difficult for many of us to do. But I challenge you in joining me facing your fears, increasing love, and making way for grand fun in this new year!

Lack of Motivation

There isn't much fun about lack of motivation. Unless maybe you're curled up on the couch in a daze catching up on 8 million movies and TV shows. But that's different than true lack of motivation. At times we all need an escape from reality. My lack of motivation has obviously manifested itself in the lack of posts I've written lately. I could give a number of excuses. Starting classes for grad school round dos, an internship, writing a book, the bf, the never ending supply of social engagements, surfing, getting settled into a new apartment and exploration of the 'hood. Which in and of themselves are fun(ish) things for me. The actual truth is I'm not entirely inspired to carve out a chunk of time each day to write about fun. Perhaps because I'm too busy having it. Perhaps because no one aside from myself (maybe occasionally some really good friends) reads this. Perhaps I'm just not good at it. Who knows. But it has led to some good things such as the inspiration to write a book, something I've wanted to do since the second grade, so I believe it's something I should continue to do. As the fastest way to Carnegie Hall is through practice.

So in honor of the lack of motivation we all face at times here are some fun ways to get that motivation back:

1. Engage in a wholly different creative activity. This gets the spark going again even if it's completely unrelated to the source of your lack of motivation.
2. Get moving. Exercise is great to spearhead motivation.
3. Dance naked. Now it isn't the dancing naked that will up the motivation but the inspiration of doing something out of character and silly (if you already dance naked all the time try it with some clothes on).
4. Start a motivational group. Chances are you know enough people who are lacking motivation in something themselves and would love to have an accountability factor to get them back on track. You can all even dance naked if you want!
5. Read inspirational books. Oh the Places We'll Go by Dr. Suess would be a good starter.

What kinds of things do you do to get the motivation back? I'd appreciate any and all suggestions as I'll probably try them out myself.

The Worst Case Scenario Handguide to Weddings

With the third leg of my US Tour de Weddings complete (and my excuse for my blogging absence) I thought it appropriate to discuss having fun at weddings. While I find it nearly impossible not to have fun at a wedding (They're parties folks!) I know not everyone feels the same way. So here's my Worst Case Scenario Handguide to Weddings.

For the Singles: It's easy to feel sorry for yourself. Especially if you're in your last twenties, have never been to a wedding with a man date, there aren't any other single peeps to share your woes with... oops, I regressed into the past. Fo real though chances are that you aren't the only single person there and likely they're feeling similar feelings and so at the very least you have others to commiserate (while also toasting the bride and groom's happily ever after of course), dance party and potentially make out with. All else fails couples also like to dance party! Plus it's a great excuse to wear a cute new outfit you'll never wear again (or if you're a dude that suit you paid way too much for). And most weddings are cut off at midnight so plenty of time to go out to a bar after looking extra hot with a good excuse for it.

For the Couples (Non-married): This year was the first time I ever fell into that category and I have to say I've had a damn good time being part of it. The only challenging part is fielding the "when are you getting married" questions. And while I enjoyed playing catcher in softball I'm not sure how much I enjoy it in this situation. I still haven't come up with any witty comebacks like I had during my single years... But that's because the bf and I have ONLY been together for 8ish months, which while monumental in my book based on the brevity of past relationships is nothing in the grand scheme of long term relationships. I'm still just super stoked to have a boyfriend (and a super great one at that... brownie points if he ever reads this)! So so far that's been my response to that question. But part of me is tempted to be a little more snarky about things and just tell the folks that we're atheist (even if it isn't true) and the devil would prefer that we live in sin.

For the Wedding Party: Most peeps are excited to be in a wedding because 99% of the time it's for a bestest friend or family member whom you're extremely happy for and wish to fully support in her/his commitments. Even better if you're close with both members of the couple. But... and if you've ever been in a wedding you can probably guess the buts.
- It can be expensive. Suck it up. Take out a loan. It'll all come back to you when it's your turn. Just kidding about the loan. But if it is a financial stretch be honest with the couple and see what can be worked out. No one wants their friends to declare bankruptcy just to be a part of their wedding. At least no one worth being friends with.
- Ugly Bridesmaid Dresses. Most are. Get used to the idea now. Hold an ugly bridesmaid dress barcrawl after. Prior to acceptance, though approach the bride (maybe with the other bridesmaids as well) about her flexibility in dresses and hopefully you'll all break the ugly bridesmaid dress curse.
- A million pre-wedding engagements. An engagement party (or parties), shower (or showers), bachelor/bachelorette party (which is my fav), rehearsal dinner. By the time you're done with it all you don't even feel like celebrating your birthday this year. Luckily I've been blessed with extremely low maintenance friends who've either never had most of these or if they were chained to a chair and forced to by friends and relatives didn't require me to be a part of them. And when it isn't a requirement it's much more fun. However, if it is a requirement weigh the value of your friendship against the cost of time and money. Hopefully the friend will win or maybe you should rethink being in the wedding.

For Those Who Hate to Dance: Suck it up! No one likes someone who won't have a dance party. Hah! For those who really would rather have the slimy creatures crawl all over you than bust a move you're usually not alone so chum up with the other non-dancers and enjoy some wine.

This is a short survival guide but again I remind you weddings are supposed to be fun and thus, you should already be having fun. How do you feel about weddings? What do you like or not like about them?

No Internet

Having had a desk job for the last two and a half years I've discovered many ways to have fun on the internet from Youtube to Tetris to textsfromlastnight, etc., etc., etc. However, when I don't have it I don't miss it all that much. Since moving my two roommates and I decided to wait until September to get the internet since none of us will be home much in the month of August. Aside from needing some directions to find things in my new 'hood and of course writing my blog I'm just fine without it. 'Course I have friends who do have the internet so I can still check my email and facebook just to make sure I'm not missing out on life (I'm not). So instead of internetting I've been spending a lot of time surfing, at the beach in general, attempting to unpack (believe it or not it was fun yesterday to get things in order), spending time with friends, decorating and exploring parts of LA I haven't spent much time in. I know I'll have the internet back before I know it but for now I'm enjoying the fun things in life that don't require a modem.



Are you addicted to the internet or could you go without it? What are your fav non-internet activities? How about fav websites?

The End

Tomorrow's my last day of work at a job I was at for two and a half years, which in Amanda time is 500 years. I'm also moving this weekend. That's a lot of change in a two day span. A lot of people get sad over endings and I'm no different. But I'm also really excited about all of the fun prospects that come along with this change. My job has been a deadend gig from pretty much the day I started. Overly qualified from the beginning it didn't offer much in terms of opportunities, growth or pay. It did offer a lot of drama and insight into the craziness of the non-profit world which I know will benefit my future career and has provided the contrast for me to know what that is. But I also know that once I say peace out it will open up so many doors toward the positive change I know I need right now. And the same can be said with my living situation. I've been at the EVB for five years now and a lot has happened there. Most of which I can't discuss in a public blog. But it's suffice to say that it's definitely time for me to move on and the move will also open the doors to the fun stuff. And so I'm really excited about my future and the opportunities it holds for me. And that is the epitome of fun in my book.


Are any of you dealing with any major life changes? How do you feel about them? Do you grab the bull by the horns or cower in the corner hoping they'll go away?

Moving

I used to move quite a bit. But since I've lived in the LA area I've only moved once. Next door. And I have many happy memories here at the EVB (East Village Bungalows). But I am ready to move forward although finding the fun in the actual act of moving items is challenging. So here are a few ways I've come up with to make it more fun:

- Get rid of stuff. It always feels good to get rid of anything weighing you down. And also by getting rid of the old you make room for the new, which I'm excited about. Plus I don't want to move anything more than I have to.

- Reminisce. I'm sure as I sort through the mess I'll come across things I haven't seen since I first moved here five years which will bring back the good and fun memories.

- Dance party. I like to turn any mundane activity into a dance party so it might a good time to go through old CDs and dance party it up one last time in the EVB.

- All else fails have a glass of wine. Every mundane activity picks up the pace with a glass of wine. Or beer. Or shot of tequila!

The EVB

Do you hate or like to move? How do you make the actual moving part more entertaining?

Running

I run. Which is an activity many people don't find fun. Myself included. Sometimes. I know that sounds contradictory. And it is. But there are times when running is exactly what I need and few other physical activities can replace it. Surfing and soccer are usually at the top of my list but sometimes with surfing the getting to a clean beach takes more effort than I have and with soccer sometimes I just don't feel like being social (Hard to believe I know!). So for those kinds of days throwing on my running shoes and simply stepping outside my apartment feels amazing. For awhile I was potentially addicted to running marathons. My first year in California I ran three. There was something about losing myself for hours in monotenous exercise that I needed and actually enjoyed. I say actually because as I'm preparing myself to run the San Francisco Marathon this coming Sunday I can't say I've felt that too many times in the last few months. But when it happens it's this meditative state that leaves me refreshed and ready to conquer all. And that is what I love most about running. The other things I love about it:

1. Keeps me skinny. Hey, I'm not above the superficialness of exercise even if I do it for more than that.
2. Great way to enjoy the scenery. It's amazing what you pick up on when running compared to driving/riding in a car.
3. You're automatically in the club. There's something about runners (more than any other sport I've participated in) that leads them as a collective to talk to anyone else running anywhere anytime.
4. The admiration. This is more of a joke but I've noticed that people are more impressed when you run longer distances than with anything else.
5. Food. You can eat whatever you want but it also motivates you to crave the healthy stuff (Guess that's true about any physical activity but I needed a fifth reason.).



Do you love or hate to run and why? What other physical activities pump you up?

Fun Buster: Money

I'm starting a new post called the Fun Buster because there are certain things that try really hard to ruin my good time. One of those things is money. I've never had a good relationship with that stuff. I grew up extremely poor and my parents' stress and negative attitude toward it definitely became entrenched in my mind so that I'm now 29, have a Masters degree and am barely making ends meet on my starter non-profit job salary. I know that it's a direct result of my attitude toward money so I'm working at changing that so I can increase the amount of dough in my life and as a result fun! How I'm doing it:

1. Listening to the Money series from the Change Your Mind website.
2. Quitting the job I took only because I needed the money. I've realized I need to let go of my need for something for it to appear. As well, that job's been a hindrance to me in so many ways simply clearing that out should work wonders.
3. Saying no. As I said earlier this week I'm starting to say no more to social obligations I don't really want to do. That will now include those that cost more than I can currently afford.
4. Saying yes. I've had a lot of incidents lately I've had to pay for (car problems, a stolen bike that wasn't even mine but I was using) that I suspect wouldn't have happened had I spent less money preventing them in the beginning.
5. Doing fun things that are free. Parks. Some museums. The beach. Taking advantage of my natural resources will help three-fold too in that they'll provide the calmness and open mind I need to receive the monetary abundance that is mine.



Do you have money troubles? If so, how does it affect your ability to have fun? How do you cope?

The Art of the Slow Down

I live in Los Angeles, which is not a location known for its sleepiness. It isn't quite the city that never sleeps (a friend once described it as the city that sleeps in) but there is certainly no lack of activity within its boundaries. And part of me likes that. The undiagnosed ADHD part of me. I grew up in a sleepy little town and longed to escape it from second grade on. It's only been in the last year or so that I've felt this intense urge to slow my life down. Go ahead blame it on my age. And my hormones causing me to want to settle down, create a nest and have my own little chicks. But to be honest I don't yet long for children (and to give ya'll a heads up, may never) nor want to give up my life of adventure. Hell, my adventure's barely getting started. But I do want to stop and smell the dandelions a little more often (maybe make some soup with them). There's a culture of insanity in cities characterized by watches, mass amounts of traffic and constant overstimulation. This past week alone I worked five 9-5 days, met up with the bf (who currently lives 35 miles away from me) three times, played three soccer matches, saw Inception (So good!), checked out a couple apartments, cooked some meals, ate some meals out, went to two bars, went camping up in Big Bear, ran three times training for this marathon (including one 12-miler), fit in some leisure reading and who knows what else I'm leaving out. And this has been the norm for... well, most of my life (even when I didn't live in a city). I've always beeen this active person who enjoys being around a lot of people and staying busy but I may be on the brink of burnout. Which could really put a huge dent in my fun.

There is much to be said for slowing things down. And here are some of the ways I plan to slow things down:
- Quit work. Granted this isn't something everyone can do but I'm quitting my dead end job at the end of next week. This actually has less to do with slowing down and more to do with going to grad school round dos in September and not being able to maintain a normal 9-5 job (which I s'pose in the grand scheme of things is technically slowing down). Still leaving at the end of July will help me slow things down since August will be busy enough with moving closer to UCLA and weddings every weekend.
- More surfing and yoga. These aren't physical activities I feel like I have to fit in like I often do with running (training for marathons requires a certain commitment... a commitment I'm not always thrilled about) or even soccer sometimes. And when I'm doing them it's as if time stops. I always feel big time relaxed and happy after surfing and yoga.
- Say no. I'm really bad at this. Especially when it comes to plans with friends. I know I've said before I have a lot of friends. The bf has a lot of friends. But I've started saying no to things when I just don't have the energy to do something and it feels good.
- Craft more. I used to create such beautiful things. Pieces of writing (which this blog has helped me start getting back into), paintings and other arts and crafts. That's all been put on the backburner but I'm realizing now that isn't healthy for me and so I'm going to use more "me" time to create beautiful things again.



What do you do to slow down your life? Or do you feel that it's impossible?

And it's H-O-T!

There was no segue into summer here in the Los Angeles area. It went from maybe high sixties to high eighties if you're lucky. Actually I really enjoy the hot weather but I know many are in disagreement on this one. I s'pose I'm not a huge fan of sleeping in it (and I'm also not an air conditioning fan so there's a bit of a conundrum if even sleeping naked under a fan isn't helping) or having to work when it's so amazing outside but otherwise I'm in full support of hard core summer weather. Here are my fav fun things to do when it's sweltering out:

1. Surf. It's so nice to not have to don a wetsuit when attempting to hang ten.
2. Canoe/kayak. Lots of jumping out of them and into the water while also splashing the other people involved is a must.
3. Plain 'ol swimming. I don't do a whole lot of this anymore since I took up surfing but anything in the water is a good idea when you're sweating (You may sense a theme here.).
4. Tubing down the river. Much easier than the other activities. You simply sit there. And sometimes (sometimes is often synonymous with all the time) drink beer.
5. Water parks. I haven't been to one is sooooooooo long but I love them.

Okay, I realize all my ideas have to do with actually being out in the heat because I just love being outside no matter what the temperature is. But I know some people like (or need) to avoid the heat so for those of you who fall into that category here are some fun air conditioned indoor activities:

1. Movies. I'm not a huge movie watcher (although I'd like to be but that's a whole other topic) but they keep those places cold enough to hide the melting glaciers in.
2. Arcades. You can be active in air conditioning.
3. Bars. AC and alcohol. Popular hot weather combination.
4. Restaurants. Now might be a good time to visit a new spot or an old fav rather than picnic.
5. The mall. I hate the mall and shopping in general but there are many who disagree with me.



What do you do to stay cool when it's H-O-T out?

No Fun

In a previous post I wrote something about how there are times when having fun isn't always the better option. That got me thinking that there are things that are simply not fun at all. At least I can't turn them into something fun no matter how hard I try. I know for a lot of people that's being stuck in traffic, which is something I've mastered. But for me the following situations are highly challenging to my fun levels:

1. Getting my hair cut. I know that sounds strange. Most people (especially women) relish getting their look updated. But I almost always leave a salon wondering if I'm actually that ugly in real life. I don't know if it's the lighting. Or the mirrors. I was telling a friend about this the other day and she was hysterically laughing at me like I was a comedian. But people I am not joking. Somehow the stylists manage to look good under the same conditions. I actually have to go home and stare at myself in a mirror that makes me look good in order to convince myself that I am indeed a beautiful woman. This explains why I only get a couple haircuts a year.

2. The dentist. Painful. And they're usually mean or at the very least highly unsocial. Not much else I have to say about that. Still better than a haircut.

3. Giving bad news. I suck at it. I'm also not highly skilled in confrontations but am working on speaking up for myself so maybe I'll be having fun with it soon.

4. Breaking up. That goes with the above. Luckily I haven't had to be a part of that in a long time (ending things after a few dates does not count) and hopefully never again. Ugh!

5. Funerals. That's probably a big duh but I needed something else for my list since it isn't as long as I anticipated it being. I s'pose that's good, though since that means I'm having fun doing most other things.



What are some situations that challenge your fun?

Cheer Ups

Spending a good ten years of my adult life mostly single gave me plenty of opportunities to take advantage of my friends love and kindness while dealing with the perils of dating. So last night when two friends of mine were both dealing with some kind of heartache I took a lot of pleasure in being able to be there for them (not at all in the pain they were in). Even though I'm now happily in a relationship I'll never forget what it was like to be single and navigate the dating world, going on date after date not finding anyone remotely worth more of my time, finding someone worth more of my time and then not having it work out after a couple/few months, guys only looking for booty calls, guys wanting to cheat on their WAGs (wives and girlfriends) with me, I could go on and on. If using a fish in the sea comparison I had caught and tried all kinds. The starting over was always the hardest. I got asked on many dates but dreaded most of them. Probably not the best attitude. No wonder it took ten years to find someone worthy. So I could relate to my friends' heartache and remembering there really isn't anything magical you can say or do just saying or doing anything, something is what matters. Knowing that at least if that dumb guy or gal doesn't love you your friends do does help in some small way. So I did what any good friend would do and made one of them bike 12 miles with me while I ran it (hey, I'm training for a marathon and it had to be done), then eat pizza and ice cream, and finally meet the other one for a pint. I know it didn't cure their heartache completely but in their own words, "This is a lot better than staying home and moping, which is what I'm going to do." Here are a few other fun things you can do to cheer friends up (no matter the reason they're down):

1. Send/give a card.
2. Bake them something (not that you want to add weight gain to their woes).
3. Take them out dancing or to a museum or something they enjoy.
4. If there's a breakup, help them burn all reminders.
5. Bring over the art supplies and create something(s) together.


Peeps who are always good for a fun cheer up!

What fun things do you do to cheer up a friend/family member?

July Gloom

In southern Calfifornia (and maybe other geographical regions I'm unaware of) we have this phenomenon dubbed June Gloom where you can pretty much count on every single day of June being overcast (or at least the mornings). In an area where the other eleven months are filled with sun it's easy to overlook one month where it isn't. However, this year Mother Nature took it a bit too far and decided to extend into July. Today's the first day in a month and a half (aside from vacation to Lake Powell) that I've seen the sun before noon and could actually wear a skirt to work. This is exciting to me because I love the sun, warmth, being able to do outdoors activities all year round. I didn't realize until the sun came out in the morning that I didn't fully appreciate the colder, cloudier weather. There are many activities I don't often partake in because they're indoors and when it's beautiful outside I feel guilty spending much time inside. So here are my Top Five Things to do When it's Yucky Outside:
1. Watch movies. I'm so far behind on all sorts of movies from my entire life that I have a neverending supply of ones to watch.
2. Catch up on TV. I don't have many television shows I watch on a regular basis but this year I haven't watched any so I do have some to catch up on if I want.
3. Read books. I can do this outside but sometimes it's easier to finish one curled up on the couch.
4. Play board games. Have some friends over, have a few drinks if necessary and whip out Catch Phrase.
5. Simply do nothing. I rarely do that and sometimes it's necessary.
* All activities can also be done while cuddling up with someone special, which I also highly recommend.

Girls Just Want to Have Fun

But not always. Sometimes even I don't feel like having fun. I'm just not in the mood. I have a headache. I'm bloated. I sound like I'm talking about sex here, which technically is a fun activity for a lot of people so I could be. While I'm adament that we should stockpile as much fun as we can into our lives so we can die with smiles on our faces (I'm going to blame the morbidity on June gloom trying to move in on July too) I also know that there are times and places where fun is not always the best option. Funerals is one that readily comes to mind. Although I would like a fun funeral... mixed in with some tears just so I know I'm missed... but mostly fun, bright colors, a keg, dancing, some Twister... okay, again the morbidity. Don't worry, I don't plan on dying anytime in the near future (AKA next 80 or so years) so you have plenty more of this blog to read! The point is that at those times and/or in those places where fun feels out of place don't have it. In most spirituality practices there's emphasis on strife contributing to spiritual growth and while I believe that the right path leading to that should mostly be followed with ease and joy and love (and of course, fun) we often need the contrast of the bumps and roadblocks to appreciate our course or lead us down a different path. And it's only when we stop to contemplate those bumps and roadblocks (which is not often the most fun process) that we feel more fulfilled and confident about our path. Okay, I wasn't intending to give a sermon. It's just one of those days of bumps and roadblocks and the need for a little more warmth and sunshine. So I encourage you all to embrace all life has to offer, the fun and the not so fun and you'll quickly find yourself leading a much more fulfilling life. Happy Friday!

My Bucket List

I haven't yet seen this movie (should probably add it to my bucket list) but have heard good things and even if the movie sucks the concept behind it is brilliant. No one wants to lie on their death bed wishing they'd done things differently. A bucket list gives you a blueprint of how you want to live your life and what you want to experience in it. I've made several throughout my life and can't find them so here's the start of a new one, which I'm filling with all kinds of fun!

1. Travel all over the world (I couldn't pick individual countries; I want to experience the whole shabang.).
2. Learn to play the drums.
3. Learn to play the guitar.
4. Run the Boston Marathon.
5. Enter a surfing contest.
6. Take dance lessons.
7. Take more photographs.
8. Publish a best selling book.
9. Start my own leisure counseling practice.
10. Get my PhD and become a professor.
11. Own my own beautiful home.
12. Own vacation homes/cabins.
13. Work for myself.
14. Touch dolphins.
15. Have my own dog.
16. Find true love.
17. Be happy in each moment.
18. Find the good in everyone and everything.
19. Climb Everest.
20. Learn to sail.
21. Be a stunt double.
22. Write for magazines.
23. Sell paintings.
24. See the 7 Wonders of the World.
25. Spend an entire summer watching a MLB game in every stadium.

When I first made this list (not realizing it was a bucket list) in high school I had 200 items on there and when I randomly found it 7 years later I had so much fun crossing things off. Then, I misplaced it again. But I look forward to crossing the things off that one and the continuation that is here.

New Hilarious Website Discoveries

Since I spend a lot of time at work and since I spend a lot of time at work on a computer and since I spend a lot of time at work on a computer completely understimulated I've had the pleasure of discovering hilarious websites. Many of them are highlighted on the side of my blog including two new additions as of today.

The first is Dear Girls Above Me. This guy discovered one day that he could hear his not entirely intelligent female neighbors having their not entirely intelligent conversations. So instead of being annoyed and angry with them he blogs his response to overheard comments. Both the girls' comments and his responses are ab busting funny and clever. They're also quick reads for those who don't have a lot of time to peruse the internet.

The second is Dear Blank Please Blank which reminds me of thxthxthx but has more general letters to anyone about anything. They aren't always finding the silver lining but most are funny nonetheless.

Meetups

I had a roommate in college who refused to join clubs (bless her heart) saying clubs are dumb and for the nerds. Well, I'm not about to argue that I'm not a nerd (I've embraced it!) and club loving is just a part of my nerd-like qualities (I actually had an ex-boyfriend tell me I have nerd-like qualities). I love clubs because they combine two of my favorite things, people and activities. One website that makes it easy for us to join clubs and have fun is Meetup, whose motto is "Do something, learn something, share something, change something." Not only fun but also profound. No one can argue the benefits of a healthy social network and doing things you enjoy. And it's such a versatile site. It's great if you're new to an area and don't know anyone or you want to take up a new activity or simply want to meet some new people. There truly is something for everyone on here and I encourage you to use it to add some flavor to your life.

Has anyone used Meetup? How was your experience? Anyone have any other similar websites or services they'd recommend?

Road Trips

Returning to the real world can be slightly jarring after spending a week in a most beautiful land with amazing peeps, delicious food and all the water sports/land exploration a person can manage. I'll have to share pics later once I get copies from the bf but let's just say I'm now a semi-pro wake boarder, archaeologist, jet skier and boat chef.

I've also become an expert road trip entertainer. Since it was a twelve hour drive from the LA to Bullfrog something or other where the boat departed that was twenty-four hours the bf and I had to fill in his smaller silver Scion. Oh, and since it's a manual vehicle and I don't really know how to drive one I wasn't a whole lot of help in that area. Some might call that a recipe for disaster. I think it actually made us closer cuz hey, if you can spend that much time together in an enclosed space essentially doing nothing and still come out enjoying one another bonus points. And I think we actually came out of the entire week enjoying one another more making us the coolest couple ever. Our road trip was spent hopping out of the car for various photo ops. Besides all the pics of us by the neverending massive rock formations we posed with the Sinclair gas station dinosaur (our Utah pet).

This isn't our pet dinosaur. Must be a cousin or somethin'.

In addition to taking pics we did the normal car ride things like listening to a lot of music (dance partying it up to some country music, which neither of us typically listens to) and chatted. We also spent a lot of time engaged in mass quantities of silliness that can only be attributed to lack of sleep (or not). We even invented some new animals out of ones that already existed. Lihorserus anyone?

It was especially important to keep our spirits up at one point on the way there when we wandered into Capital Reef National Park. We turned before we should have and didn't see a single person for a couple hours nor did we have cellular signals to reach the experts. At one point we pondered if we were even in Utah anymore. Perhaps against our better judgement we powered on and ended up where we needed to be with amazing views and memories. I wasn't too bothered by the whole detour since I think part of any kind of trip are the random adventures that pop up.

Here are some other suggestions for road tripping entertainment to keep you from dumping the ones you love at the rest area:
- Games such as "I Spy" and the "License Plate Game" dominated my childhood road trips.
- "Spin the Dial" radio game. Set the radio to seek and see if you can guess the song and artist before the station changes.
- Crossword and math puzzles.
- Mad Libs. Bring some or make up your own.
- Make large signs to flash at passing cars.

What do you do on road trips?

Lake Powell

Here are some pictures I found of Lake Powell where I'll be vacationing until tomorrow. So excited for all the fun that awaits me!!!








And that's the boat we'll be staying on. Well, I don't know if that's the boat we'll be staying on but a houseboat of some sort.

See ya when I get back suckas!

Stumble

Usually stumbling has a negative connotation but often new things are discovered through life's little redirections. Maybe that's how the peeps over at StumbleUpon felt since that's essentially what this website does. You click the little Stumble icon you can download for free from the website and then it goes to work bringing you to a website that matches your interests. You can then give it a thumbs up or thumbs down to help them to form a collective opinion on the website based upon both yours and other like-minded Stumblers. Pretty cool! The bf turned me onto this little addiction that's a massive time waster and time saver wrapped into one.

Apartment Therapy Part 6: The Great Outdoors

AKA backyard in southern California. Space in Los Angeles is hard to come by but somehow I'm coming by it.


I like the colorful pots and furniture dispersed throughout all the green plants and rocky ground.


Not sure what that is through the trees (a fire, lots of candles, other lights) but I like the warm feeling it evokes.


I love everything about this outdoors space including the empty grass behind the rock garden.


I'd love to walk straight out into this.



This is my last post concerning my wishlist for a new living space. It's been fun dreaming and I hope it's inspired you to have a good time doing so too.

Balls in Yo Face

In honor of the start of the World Cup, which is my fav sporting event ever (Well, maybe tied with the Olympics), I wanted to include some kind of photographs that most people would find fun to look at. I considered the usual hot players with their shirts off but that would only satisfy those who find that hot. And it's a little overdone. I thought maybe some team pics but that's kinda boring. Then, I came across this: Balls in their Face. It's not as funny as I'd imagined in my head. Since I'm a soccer player I'm well aware of the number of times we get hit in the face with a ball accidentally, which is what I thought this would be. Something like World Cup meets America's Funniest Home Videos. However, it's simply a montage of headers but now we've satisfied the hot soccer dude requirement and action shots for the rest of ya'll.

You Know You're From Michgian If...

Reliving some of my undergrad memories got me a little nostolgic for my childhood/part of my adulthood state of Michigan. While I have no desire to return there are definite things I miss about it. Mostly my family and friends who live there but also the abundance of green (no desert there), lakes, rivers and outdoors activities you can participate in. When I ran across this You Know You're From Michigan If... on Detroit Memories list I had to share it.

So you know you're from Michigan if...

You show people where you're from by pointing to a spot on the back of your left hand (I get so excited when I find people who understand this when they ask where I'm from in Michigan! It's amazing how many people don't know that Michigan's shaped like a mitten. 'Course Americans are suppose to be the worst at geography.).

You know it's possible to live in a thumb.

You consider it a sport to gather your food by drilling through 18 inches of ice
and sitting there all day hoping that the food will swim by (Ah, good ol' ice fishing. Never did get into that a whole lot.).

Your local Dairy Queen is closed from November through March (Always a bummer.).

You know that UP is a place, not a direction (Again shock that most people don't know that Michigan has two peninsulas.).

The only place in the world can you experience all four seasons in one day (The bf was shocked to learn as a child I once experienced rain and snow on the 4th of July.).

Your doctor tells you to drink Vernors and you know it's not medicine.

You know what a 'party store' is.

"Vacation" means going to Cedar Point (Worked there for a summer!).

At least one member of your family disowns you the week of the Michigan / Michigan State game (Even more so during the week of the Michigan / Ohio State game.).

Your idea of a traffic jam is 40 cars waiting to pass an orange barrel.

Half the change in your pocket is Canadian....eh?

You drive 86 mph on the highway and pass on the right.

You know how to play (and pronounce) Euchre.

It's easy to get Vernor's ginger ale, Better Made chips, Sanders hot fudge sauce, and Faygo pop.

You know how to pronounce "Mackinac (Mackinaw for those of you who don't.)."

You've had to switch on the heat and the air conditioning in the same day (And I repeat effin snow on the 4th of July!).

You bake with SODA and drink POP (Sad to say that I've converted to using the word "soda" instead of "pop.").

The movie "Escanaba in Da Moonlight" wasn't funny. You consider it a documentary.

Your little league game was snowed out (I remember one spring shoveling 2 feet of snow off our high school soccer field so our game wouldn't be cancelled.).

Traveling coast-to-coast means driving from Port Huron to Muskegon.

When giving directions, you refer to "A Michigan Left."

You know that Kalamazoo not only exists, but is only 100 miles fom Hell.

Your year has two seasons: Winter and Construction.

Home Depot on any Saturday is busier than toy stores at Christmas.

You know when it has rained because of the smell of worms (Love that smell!).

When owning a Japanese car was a hangin' offense in your hometown (I got a lot of dirty looks after returning for a summer from Georgia with my Honda.).

You believe that "down south" means Toledo.

Your idea of a seven-course meal is a six-pack and a bucket of smelt.

You know that Big Mac is something that you drive over (aka Machinac bridge).

You can see a car running in a parking lot with no one in it, no matter what time of the year (This is necessary to freeze off ice so you can drive.).

You end your sentences with a preposition; example: "Where's my coat at?"

All the festivals across the state are named after a fruit, vegetable, grain, or animal.

You carry jumper cables and snow chains in your trunk (and an ice scraper).

You design your kids' Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit (Slutty Hween costumes are a challenge in this state.).

Driving in the winter is better because the pot-holes are filled with snow.

Your favorite holidays are Christmas,Thanksgiving, and the opening of Deer Season, which you consider a National Holiday (School is actually closed!).

You have 10 favorite recipes for venison (deer meat).

You learned to drive a boat before you could ride a bike.

You owe more money on your snowmobile than your car.

Your snowblower has more miles on it than your car.

Shoveling the driveway constitutes a great upper body workout.

The "Big Three" means either Ford, Chrysler and GM, or Little Caesar's, Domino's, or Hungry Howie's.

You think alkaline batteries were named after a Tiger outfielder.

Your definition of a small Michigan town is one that doesn't have a lake.

You define summer as three months of bad sledding.

You attend a formal event in your best clothing, finest jewelry, and snowmobile boots.

The municipality buys a Zamboni before a bus.

You have experienced frostbite and sunburn in the same week.

The orange barrel is considered Michigan's 'other' lighthouse.

And you know how to make a damn good snow angel!


Can any of you Michiganders relate or do any of you have any for your homestate? I'll have to find one for Georgia and California since those are states I've also lived in.

Daily Affirmations

Now I'm a big fan of affirmations but I don't think any of mine come close to this gal's. Somehow something is lost between this age where everything is possible (including being a shark) and grownupness. There comes a point when knowing you and everything in your life is the greatest thing in the world is frowned upon. I say let all children believe they're sharks for the rest of their lives and the world would be a helluva lot more fun and loving to raise them in!

Sidewalk Chalk

This is an art material I've been having fun with since my childhood days. I know I have some pictures somewhere of me in my elementary years all dressed in my red, white and blue on the 4th of July participating in a neighboring small town's sidewalk art contest. I have no recollection if I ever won it but I know I had a grand time. My enjoyment of sidewalk chalk continued on into the infamous undergrad years and infiltrated its way into the random entertainment we created for ourselves on those nights we didn't feel like studying, working out, going out or anything else. That's when "chalking" was born and we chose friends' sidewalks/front porches to randomly "decorate". Many of these "decorations" were not entirely PG but we thought they were hilarious and so did all of our friends. The only person who did not find them even remotely amusing was one of our friend's jerk face roommate. 'Course his grandparents came to visit the next morning so that might have played a role, although he was a major jerk face even before that. There's always the option of keeping the drawings PG, though and it'd be just as fun of a surprise.

Have any of you ever "decorated" friends' sidewalks, homes or cars in any fashion?

Leaving Presents

I know I've mentioned the fun my roommates and I created back in our undergrad days. As a refresher we went to a larger university in a smaller town so eventually we ran out of already planned for us activities and had to use our ingenuity. Luckily there was no short of that and as we were affectionately known the Casa Loma H27 girls became famous for surprising the rest of our friends. One such surprise involved us going through our apartment gathering everything we didn't want anymore. This included old girlie magazines, canned food, tampons (still in their wrapper), old clothes, etc. We took these items and made care packages for our friends, delighting in putting the girlie stuff in the guys' packages. Then, we waited for dark and drove around the town leaving them on our friends' door steps. By that point we were pretty well known for doing random acts of kindness so even without a note they all knew it was us.


Some of the Casa Loma H27 gals at New Year's this year just as fabulous and fun as ever!

What kind of random surprises have you left or done for your friends?

Apartment Therapy

I am addicted to another website. Yet another reason why I shouldn't have computer access on the job. Apartment Therapy is the answer to my current aesthetic needs. I love having a comfortable and sensual experience in my home and that's been lacking in my current living situation. This will soon be remedied as I'm moving shortly. And in the meantime survival has become dependent upon daydreaming about decorating my new pad.

Overall I have an eclectic taste. My personal style is a mix of funky and natural. I love bright colors, zenlike eastern influence, Victorian, brick, and Spanish styles. These don't particularly go together but hey, we're dreaming here. And there's a lot to dream about so are some of my ideas:

BRIGHT COLORS


I'm not normally much of an orange fan but I'm kinda digging it on walls. I actually saw this color at some friends' house recently and loved it.

NATURAL ELEMENTS


I love, love, love everything about this place. It takes me back to my childhood desire of a log home. And you can still totally funk it up and play with color while maintaining the natural beauty.

BRICK

Brick with some fun additions (not that brick isn't fun by itself cuz it most certainly is).

FUNKY DECOR

I'm a big fan of modern art (probably because it makes me believe that I too can be an artist) so I love how there are pieces of it displayed all over this large space, not to mention the other funktified pieces in this apartment.

LOFTS


A great use of such a small space and there's also the combo of my beloved brick and funky decor.

YARD


Front, back, I don't care where it is I'm determined to have some yard space in this place where it is scarce. Something like this perhaps?




How much do you enjoy interior decorating? What is your style? Know of any other good decorating/house websites? Oh it's so fun to dream!!!

Racing

Yesterday I talked about how much fun exercise in general can be. Today I'm advocating for the potential fun competing in a race holds. Now I know some of you are going to say, "I totally sucked at sports all through school. There's no way in hell I'm going to start competing in anything now." Before you completely write this off keep an open mind and read this article and then my take on it. If you still aren't convinced then I guess you're one less person I have to worry about beating in a race!

My take on Su Reid-St. John's 5 reasons to do a race:
1. It gives you a goal: I've always been a goal oriented person. I need something to strive for and accomplish in order to feel like a complete person. Luckily my parents recognized that at an early age and signed me up for little kid track, which turned into soccer and basketball and softball and a million other athletic competitions, not to mention academic competitions. For those of you who aren't naturally this way, signing up and paying those god awful fees to run a probably longer than you've ever run distance should be enough to get you going. It also makes that weight loss/getting into better shape goal more realistic because as Ms. Reid-St. John stated, you need to be at a certain level of physical shape in order to be competitive.

2. It's an excuse to take time for yourself: When I trained for my first marathon it was my last semester of college complete with 21 course units, a senior honors project, applying for real jobs, substitute teaching, and trying to spend as much time with friends I would soon be parting. I was busy enough without tossing 18 mile runs (at one time) into the mix. However, I found that taking that time for myself was the best thing I could have done to cut down on the stress from that semester. And since then I've run a number of marathons while carrying on my still ever busy life and it's only made it easier. There's something meditative about performing the same physical action over and over (once you get past the barely able to breathe or move feeling), not to mention getting out into nature.

3. It allows for built-in girl time: Or guy time. Or more generally friend time. If you're training with others (as I often do) it gives you a significant amount of uninterrupted time to bond. Having to occupy significant amounts of time that can often become quite challenging at times promotes deeper conversations and necessitates encouragement. I'm currently training with the bf for the San Francisco marathon (his first) and it's probably done as much to strengthen our relationship as anything else.

4. It's an excellent way to see the country (or the world): I've mostly ran races in my own backyard but I've never been to San Francisco so I've become really excited about exploring such a neat city in a different way.

5. You come away with an awesome feeling of accomplishment: There is no way you can enter a race and not come away feeling changed. Most of my races have consisted of marathons, which for me is a much more emotional, mental and physical experience than say, a 5K but at the same time has very similar effects on finishers. You cross that line knowing you accomplished that goal you set out to do and that's the feeling that turns you into a racing addict! Los Angeles has a really cool program called Students Run LA, which trains "at risk" students in the Los Angeles area to run the LA Marathon. Now even though I run those crazy races now there's no way I would have even thought about doing it as a teenager so I can only imagine the accomplishment those amazing children must feel crossing the finish line.

And if I still haven't convinced you to run a race there are also many races designed specifically for the fun factor that combine other activities in with the race such as The Great Urban Race or http://warriordash.com/ amongst many others.


Crossing the finish line of my first LA Marathon

Exercise

In my post yesterday I mentioned exercise as a way to improve your mood and up your fun potential. However, I also know that the word "exercise" comes with a stigma for most people. Some associations people have with "exercise" are sweating it out on a treadmill, lifting ever so boring weights, an unused gym membership. I actually googled "percentage of gym memberships that go unused" but was unable to locate any seemingly accurate data. I'm guessing it's huge, though, based on my own unofficial data collection. Myself, I HATE gyms! So I don't go to them. Instead I do "exercise" I enjoy and because of that I stay in great shape (Well, I'm getting back to the great shape... we'll use good for now.). The key to enjoying "exercise" is to only do physical activity you enjoy! Rocket science, I know. I'll be expecting my Nobel Prize next round. Not only will you enjoy the time you spend "exercising" but it's also been shown that a positive attitude improves weight loss. Here's my extensive list of fun "exercise" (I wish I had time for all of these.). I'm sure everyone who really wants to enjoy their workout will find something on here.

Aerobics classes
Baby-sitting (Not exactly a registered "exercise" but you'll get plenty of it chasing kids around playing.)
Backpacking
Basketball
Bicycling
Canoeing/Kayaking
Dancing (Surprise exercise!)
Dodgeball (This might not be for everyone due to gym class nightmares but I believe they're using softer balls these days.)
Gymnastics
Hiking/Walking
Hockey
Hopscotch
Jumping rope
Kickball (Coed kickball leagues are the new bars.)
Paddle boarding
Pilates (Hard as hell!)
Pole Dancing
Rock climbing
Running
Skiing
Snowboarding
Softball (Baseball too for those of you who are more hard core.)
Soccer
Softball
Surfing
Swimming
Tai Chi
Wake boarding
Water skiing
Yoga

Another benefit of many of these activities is that they're team activities so it's a great way to meet new people and/or have a support group while "exercising." There's nothing like sweating it up with others to max the fun potential. One place to find teams/partners for fun "exercise" activities is Meetup.

Any I left off you really enjoy?



Now here are some peeps having a good time "exercising"

Combatting Sadness

It's challenging to have fun when you're sad. I know this because I get sad. We all have our moments. Luckily I don't get sad very often and when I do I have a pretty easy time getting myself out of the funk. Some things I do:

Sing and dance loudly and wildly: There's just something about acting goofy and movement that gets the blood flowing and puts smiles on faces (including others if you don't do this in private).


Me having a dance party with a million other peeps

Exercise: Again, the blood flowing thing. Surfing does it best for me but soccer, running, and yoga are also big winners.


Sometimes ice skating does the trick

Watch TV or a movie: Living vicariously through others can do wonders. Especially if they're funny others.


I've seen this movie more times than I should admit.

Play with animals or babies: Kids can work too if they aren't acting crabby as well. The total joy they express when being with you should even rescue the biggest Scrooge in us all.

Talk to a trusted friend: Luckily I have many of these so I can split up the problems amongst them so no one gets sick of me.


Some of my very bestest friends from back in the MI and their babies that cheer me up!

What do you do to pick yourself up when you're down?

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Baseball's by no means my fav sport but it ranks pretty high as one of my fav sporting events to go to. Whether it's the majors, minors, or little league. And it has absolutely nothing to do with the sport as was pointed out to me at a baseball game this weekend. What's so magical about going to a baseball game is that it screams summer. That's pretty much the main season of the sport so almost every game you go to is accompanied by warm weather, maybe a light breeze, sunshine or the cooler summer night air, beer and tremendous amounts of happiness. Everyone who goes there is having a good time no matter your reasons for attending. And so in honor of the start of the summer (even though technically it's still spring and it hasn't even gotten all that warm here) here's my top ten list of how to have fun at a baseball game:

10. Chat with your neighbor. It's a great way to casually catch up with family and friends.
9. Admire the aesthetics of the stadium. More and more of the new stadiums are incorporating amazing amenities into their stadium and many of the old ones hold a historical appeal as well.


Not my fav team but definitely my fav stadium

8. Check out the players' butts. This probably appeals more to the women (and gay men). I'd also advocate keeping it geared toward the adult baseball players but there is much to appreciate if you can do this.
7. Sing loudly to Take Me Out to the Ball Game
6. Drink beer. This may only be allowed at major and minor league games, check with your local little league prior to intoxicating yourself.
5. Eat the delicious baseball snacks, which reminds me that I've never actually had Crackerjacks at a baseball game.
4. Bring your kids. They may pass out cold before the 5th inning like a little dude I saw on Saturday but they'll never forget going to a game with the 'rents.
3. Take a date. It isn't usually too loud to get in a good conversation, less pressure because you can always talk about the game, and if he/she really sucks you have a game to watch.
2. Keep score yourself. This isn't my cup of tea but it is others'.
1. Watch the game! Duh!

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Sometimes I think I worry too much. But I'm starting to learn that the amount of time I spend worrying is insignificant compared to most. I also have to pat myself on the back because when I do worry it's very rarely over the small stuff. I started thinking about this today at work when some co-workers were freaking out about a detail concerning a special event fundraiser we're putting on. This happens every single time we have a special event. Certain people have mini panic attacks about minute details that in the past have always worked themselves out easily and for the better. Meanwhile I kick back and have a lemonade (occaisionally spiked). This might be due to the fact that I'm not a detail oriented person (Give me at least a week to notice a new haircut or even the shaving of an entire beard.). While in some instances this might be seen as a negative, in this case it works to my advantage since I spend much less time worrying about nothing (And leaving me free to worry more about the big stuff. Not!). As a sidenote, I also think it's wrong for people to try to push their stress onto others. But in honor of it being TGIF and not sweating the small stuff cuz hey, it's the weekend here's all the fun I'll be having this weekend instead of sweating any stuff:

- Celebrating a friend's graduation!
- Going to Dodgers Stadium (one of my fav LA locales) to watch my Tigers whoop on the home team!
- Going to a birthday party!
- Running 10 miles!
- Surfing!

I hope you all have a great weekend and please share what you do to keep from sweating any stuff.

Everyday is a Holiday

In college, my friend (and roommate and PTC sister), Anne, somehow had access to the most random holidays ever (she had CIA access or something).


Here's the magnificent Anne, back and center!

Apparently I'm too far removed from my undergrad days (tear, tear) since I don't remember what any of them were but I do know they were fun. And we made them even more fun. Again, I don't remember what we did but knowing us it had to be fun. And so I found a website called Holidays for Everyday. You know, just in case anyone needs an excuse to party. Today happens to be Blue Jeans Birthday! Yep, Mr. Levi Strauss and Mr. Jacob Davis received the patent to what we all fondly know of as blue jeans. Not sure how Mr. Davis got shafted in the deal ('Course I just might not be cool kid enough to know about Davis jeans?). In honor I am wearing blue jeans to work... and I didn't even know about this holiday until 5 minutes ago. Happy Blue Jeans Day everyone! Oh, and this entire week is National Bike to Work week so I hope everyone is enjoying a bike ride to work (I would be if I had one and didn't need my car for work this week). Tomorrow in particular is Bike to Work Day so if you didn't know about this before you now have enough notice to participate in it.

Heads up: This website isn't updated for the 2010 but you can do the math (or have someone else do it for you).

Best. Game. Ever!

It's called the Question Game. And pretty much if you don't like it you suck at life. It's difficult to describe so I'll make the attempt but if you don't get it you might just wanna ask me to come over and play with you.

Here are the steps:

1. Pass out sheets or scraps of paper and writing utensils to all playas. If you use whole sheets of paper you can simply keep reusing the paper until you run out. If you use scraps you'll probably need one each round. Either way is just as good as the other as long as we're being green about things and not wasting any trees.

2. The first person to start the game chooses someone else in the group and makes up the first half of a question using that person's name. For example, "Why does Bob...?"

3. All players write that on their sheets/scraps of paper and then finish the question so one person might write, "Why does Bob wear his sneakers to bed?" or "Why does Bob have a name with only two letters in it?" The idea is that everyone finishes the question in a different way and the more creative the better.

4. All player then fold their paper up and throw it into a pile in the middle of the table (or floor or grass or whatever surface you're gathered around).

5. When everyone's paper is in the middle everyone then grabs a different one and answers the question as creatively as possible. So for example if you got "Why does Bob have a name with only two letters in it?" you might write, "Because those are the only letters of the alphabet he ever learned." Again, be as creative as possible.

6. All players then once again fold their paper up and throw it into a pile in the middle of the gathering space and when everyone's paper is in the middle everyone then grabs a different one (sometimes you might get one that you've written either the question or answer on but it's okay).

7. At this point everyone reads their questions and answers but there's a technique to this. The person who originally picked the person whose name was used reads his/her question and then the person to the left (or right, it doesn't really matter) of him/her reads his/her answer and this continues on until it comes back around with the original person reading his/her answer.

8. The game continues with the person whose name was used choosing a different person to write about and this goes on until everyone's name has been used.

This game is a guaranteed massive hit! Seriously everyone I've ever played this with has absolutely loved it. It often turns dirty and picks on one another but it's all in good fun. And it's a great way to break the ice and get to know new people. Big shout out to Stephanie who taught me this game and thus, has turned me into the life of the party!

Fun in Traffic

I'm a fan of the dance party. Anywhere. Anytime. And car karaoke. So a lot of singing and bouncing takes place on the seats of my car (that sounded so wrong). Honestly I have a lot of fun in my car. I'm probably quite biased on this topic as my office is 3 blocks (2.5 if I take the alleyway entrance in) from my apartment. The concept of rush hour in LA is slightly foreign to me. And I'm trying to keep it that way. I'll be going back to grad school round dos in the fall at UCLA, which on a good day from my apartment is an hour drive... one way and on a bad day upwards of two hours... one way. If I did that five days a week I'd spend 5-10+ hours per week just driving to and from campus. That doesn't even count commuting to my fieldwork sites, libraries, and other fun stuff. This would up the potential for all kinds of badness I won't get into (not the point of this blog). It certainly doesn't need to be spelled out to anyone who's spent any amount of time stuck in traffic how much of a downer it can be. Moral of that story, I'll be moving to reduce time spent in traffic. But in the meantime I've spent significant time stuck in Atlanta traffic when I lived there and do have to drive places for work (on the non-profit's limited dime and time) and fun and have discovered some ways to keep your sanity if you have no alternative but to hang out on the freeways. And keep those other fools from going postal on you.

Dance Parties and Karaoke: Bring your favorite CDs or ipod with you or tune to your fav station and rock out. If you keep the windows rolled up no one can hear you (they may wonder what you're doing, though). If you roll them down and are on the 405 you could start the world's largest dance party.

Books on Tape: Saved my life in Atlanta. Although I'm not an audio learner by any means and have no recollection of anything I listened to.

Bring Friends: This opens up the carpool lane. And you get to chat with peeps you like. If you're carpooling with randoms make new friends.

Eat: I know doing anything other than driving is frowned upon but if you aren't moving and can multi-task even slightly you should be able to pull this one off.

Make Phone Calls: Again, frowned upon and in some states (such as California) illegal without appropriate hands free devices (which I find more distracting than actually holding the phone) but if you have those it's a great time to catch up with far away peeps.

Make Up Stories in Your Head: I cannot be the only one who does this.

Visualize: For those of you who Secret it up or even for those who don't there's plenty of scientific research to back up the benefits of doing so. Make it full of the good stuff!

What do you do to stay sane in the car?


Best bro ever driving us through Death Valley with no AC! He didn't even need these tips!

Case of the Mondays

In honor of Mondays and anyone who has a case of it I have a plan for those of you who catch this every Monday and would really like to squash it into a tiny little pulp and then drink it... or force your worst enemy to consume it. I'm Making It is a plan to take control of your life and live out your dreams. I'm a self-help advocate simply because I suck at sitting around waiting for life to happen. Although, I'm learning that that isn't always a bad thing and could use a little more of that in my life (hence I'm slowly becoming a yogi over the years). But in addition to my obvious need for self-growth and development I've found that many of the activities in self-help plans are fun! It gives me activities and projects to look forward to. One thing you'll quickly learn about me is I can't breathe in monotony. And for those of you who find theory challenging this offers a concrete plan to follow. I haven't yet tried it as I'm reading/working on The Artist's Way (more about that in a later post) currently but I may incorporate this as well since neither seems to take up much time. And really we're worth this time anyway. And so again I encourage you if you have a chronic case of the Mondays to try something new and become a better and more fun version of yourself (which is already pretty freaking awesome in my opinion).

One-handed

I currently have one working hand. My left one. Which is a bit unfortunate being that I've spent the majority of my life (up until Wednesday) right handed. The fortunate part is that I've been asking the powers that be to allow me some more creativity in my life and word on the street is that using your non-dominant hand more stimulates the cross firing of neurons in the brain, thus expanding one's creativity (that was my attempt to sound like a physical scientist rather than the social scientist that I am). So yea to more creativity, which is super FUN! Once you get over the frustrating part that is. Only having the use of your non-dominant hand requires those cross firing neurons to provide immediate creativity. Amongst the highlights: Had to figure out a way to fasten my bra (roommate to the rescue), open a passenger side car door from the backseat and get out while my friends waited in oblivion on the sidewalk (combo of the left hand and head) and put my hair in a ponytail (had to use the right hand as a support mechanism and it still looked like I had a 3 year old do it). I'm highly entertaining myself but it's also exhausting because it takes double time to do everything, not to mention the extra brain power exuded from the cross firing neurons. It's also made me quite thankful that my injury is probably just a bad sprain and should be mostly back to normal within a week to ten days. I'd probably go postal if it were broken or worse had to be amputated (Which was the suggestion by the guys on my soccer team who were around when I did it... and the boyfriend. Not sure what it is about men wanting to cut things up all the time.). It's also led to a lot of admiration for those who don't have the use of all their limbs, particularly Bethany Hamilton, who's a professional surfer after losing an entire arm to Jaws. As a surfer I actually spent a paddle out attempting to do it with one arm and it's doable, although exhausting. And I can't even imagine the pop up, particularly on the size of waves she rides. A-MA-ZING! So in honor of my injured right wrist/hand here are my top five favorite fun things I enjoy doing with when it's fully functional:
1. Surfing (and it's supposed to be such a beautiful weekend)
2. Soccer (dang doctor said no sports where I could further injure it until it's
healed)
3. Yoga (well, I guess I can do the hands free poses but I really love downward dog)
4. Cooking (it's possible but only if you want to starve to death)
5. Writing (I s'pose I could use this time to learn how to better write with my
left hand but it takes way too much time and it hurts after 15 minutes)


My new hero!