One Word 2012

Many of my colleagues across the country are participating in what is called "One Word 2012". What this means is we all pick a word that will help guide and motivate us throughout the year. When a new year begins, many people create resolutions or goals to motivate them for the year. The intent of the "One Word" project is to pick a word that is unique to the person you want to be in the new year. At the end of the year, you reflect back on this word, and how it has impacted your year.

I have never been big on new year resolutions or goals. For me, I define personal integrity by being authentic to who I am on a daily basis. If I want to change something, I take steps to make those changes. If I use a crutch like a new year to be my impetus for change, it negates the other benefits intrinsic to making changes.

Knowing this about myself, I watched people pick a "One Word" in 2011, and saw how they used those words to inspire them throughout the year. I remember being curious about the "One Word" revolution last year, but did not take the leap to join. This year, I have watched even more people put themselves out there and take the "One Word 2012" challenge. Personally, I decided that if I found a word that resonated with me, I would join in. If not, I would do what I could to support others.

Last night, I was pondering what word I could possibly pick to describe 2012 for me, and I looked across the room, and saw this picture I took in New York City's Central Park a few years ago:

Imagine

Most people know I am a huge Beatles fan. More specifically, I have always been fascinated with John Lennon, and the sage wisdom and wit he always displayed. The song "Imagine" means so much to so many people partially because of the endless possibilities the word implies. When I looked at the picture, things sort of clicked into place for me. My One Word for 2012 will be Imagine.

Imagine... the endless possibilities.
Imagine... the bonds I could create with others if I just allow myself
Imagine... the ways I can impact my profession through innovation

So tell me, what is your word for 2012?

New Year, New Post

What's this? A new blog post? Could it be? As you can see, I took about 18 months off from blogging. Was this intentional? Not really. You can say that life got really busy for me (because it did), or you could say I haven't really been in the mood to blog (also true). I can say that I've been very active on Twitter over the last 2 years, so maybe I've gotten my blogging fix there? Not sure. One thing I've been thinking about lately is how to be more intentional with my blog posts. I want to resurrect this site, but I want to have a reason to do so. We'll see how this goes.

The Saga of the Black Shoes

Hello readers! I know, I know, I've been a terrible blogger lately. I just haven't been in the mood, you know? I don't want to write fluff, and can't seem to come up with good topics, so I just haven't posted. Say you forgive me? I had to come back to post the saga of my black shoes though. This is like my reverse Cinderella story I guess, so here it goes.

A few weeks ago, I found out the hard way that my black shoes I wear to work have a hole in the bottom of the sole (rain puddles + hole in shoe = gross wet socks). This started my quest for a replacement pair of shoes. Those who know me are aware of the trouble I have with shoes. I'm tall, and therefore have large feet. Trying to find shoes my size is usually impossible at best. I've had luck in recent years on Zappos.com, so I decided to give them a try first.

The first pair of shoes I got from Zappos were practical, but too large. I decided to try my luck with Zappos again, so I returned the first pair, and ordered another. When I received the second pair, I liked them, but didn't really love them. Since I was paying for shoes to wear to work, I wanted to get something I could wear for awhile, so I decided to return these too.

A couple of days after I returned the second pair of Zappos shoes, I went to Famous Footwear in town, and fell in love with these. Naturally, they didn't have them in my size in the store, but they offer a neat deal that if you order shoes in your size, they deliver them to your home for free. Sign me up! A few days later, my shoes show up, and guess what? They're too small! I return them to the store in town in the hopes they can order in a size up, but alas, the pair I had was the biggest size they carried.

Back to the drawing board! At this time, 2 weeks had gone by, and I was becoming increasingly frustrated with my lack of luck with black shoes. Plus, the weather was still nasty, so every time I had to wear the bad black shoes in the rain, I got more annoyed. To make things worse, my favorite pair of brown shoes broke at the heel, so I needed to get them fixed. I was beginning to feel cursed!

I took my brown shoes to a local place to get fixed, and it turns out the shop sold shoes in my size! I looked at some of the shoes, but decided not to make any purchases (this is before I received my Famous Footwear pair). Well, after striking out 3 times, I returned to the local store (with the Crazy Cobbler shoe seller) this afternoon, and FINALLY found a pair of shoes I love - and they were even on sale! I look forward to breaking these shoes in, just so long as I don't literally break them.

15(ish) Albums that Changed My Life

I posted this on Facebook earlier this week, but thought I'd post it here too. Sorry for the prolonged hiatus from the blog! I'll try not to let that happen again.

Think of 15 albums, CDs, LPs that had such a profound effect on you, they changed your life in some way or dug into your soul. Music that brought you to life when you heard it -- royally affected you, kicked you in the wazzo (the what?), literally socked you in the gut.

1. The Beatles - Rubber Soul (this album changed my view on life, honestly)

2. The Beatles - Sgt Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band (mind-blowing concept!)

3. Def Leppard - Hysteria (It was my first tape, leave me alone) :-p

4. Michael Jackson - Thriller (I think I stole this from my brother)

5. Bon Jovi - Keep the Faith (Got me through a rough family time early in high school)

6. The Eagles - Hell Freezes Over (Helped me survive a summer working at Blockbuster Video)

7. Everclear - So Much for the Afterglow (All about college)

8. Goo Goo Dolls - Dizzy up the Girl (All about college here too)

9. Green Day - American Idiot (listened to this all summer in 2005)

10. Dave Matthews Band - Under the Table and Dreaming (for my inner band geek)

11. Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon (Because you'll never see "The Wizard of Oz" the same way after you experience these two together)

12. Van Morrison - Moondance (I know this makes me seem old, but this guy is amazing!)

13. Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin II (My friends Faythe would kill me if I didn't have some Zep represented!)

14. Matchbox Twenty - Yourself or Someone Like You (Helped my transition to college)

15. Weezer - Blue Album (made me trust current music again in the 90s)

Bonus (Because once I started, I couldn't stop):

16. Tom Petty - Greatest Hits (This is always in my car, and can always make me smile)

Best Soundtrack:

17. Empire Records - Spoke to a generation of music geeks.

Learning More from Disappointment than Success

Not sure what the title means? Well, let me explain. First off, I'm sorry that I haven't been blogging as much lately. I don't mean to be a once a week blogger. I just haven't really felt like blogging. Don't worry, this won't last long!

So, back to my topic. I've experienced some disappointment recently. I'm not going to get into details, but basically it was a life change that didn't happen. I was very upset when it happened about a week ago, but having spent time in reflection, I think I've learned some things about myself. Hopefully, these things will make me better prepared for when something good comes my way in the future!

This brings me back to my point. I really think we learn more from our disappointments than our successes sometimes. Surviving disappointment shows strength of character. Call it a cliche if you must, but I really believe this is true. How many people do we know who have overcome incredible odds, and have succeeded far beyond their means almost in spite of circumstance? I think Barack Obama is a perfect example of this.

As for me, I grew up in an affluent suburb of Portland, Oregon. I've seen how greed and success can jade people and make them not nice people. When everything in life is handed to you, what do you really have to show for yourself? I think there's something to be said for overcoming barriers to become successful. This is where learning from disappointment becomes important.

I'll stop my rambling now, but just wanted to post this, because it's been going through my head this past week. As I learn and grow through this current disappointment, I know a greater success lies ahead.

What is Your Sleep Number?

Those who know me are aware I'm a terrible sleeper. Once I'm asleep I'm fine, but it usually takes me hours to get there. I toss and turn, and can't get comfortable. Then the brain kicks in, and I start thinking of everything and nothing at the same time. During the week, I'm lucky to get 6 hours of sleep a night, which can make for a pleasant morning at work.

I've known for awhile that I needed a new mattress. The queen mattress I sleep on is one I've had for almost 20 years. Given it's age, it's held up pretty well (especially with the memory foam I added a few years back), but I knew it was starting to show it's age. The age, combined with the fact that Pippin destroyed the box spring when she was a kitten, I went out and bought a new bed today!

Thanks to being spoiled by a plush pillow top bed by my dad and step-mom at Christmas, I knew I wanted one of those, so I went out and did some comparative shopping. I found a bed I really liked, and the price was great! After thinking it over a bit, I bought the bed. Now I just have to wait for it to be delivered on Tuesday. I can't wait!

2008: A Reflection on a Year Gone By

As we welcome in the new possibilities of 2009, I want to take a moment to reflect on some of the significant events in my life during 2008:

• Reconnected with family in Maryland I hadn't seen in over a decade.
• Saw the election of our first African American President.
  
• Elected a President I trust.
• Learned the joys of Rock Band and Guitar Hero.
• Forged stronger friendships with people who truly care about me.
• Reminded myself that family is valuable, even if they are imperfect.
  
• Remained gainfully employed in a profession I love, working with amazing people.
• Became a Mac user.
• Survived a week in Texas.
• Met a personal hero.
• Watched a country I love host an amazing summer Olympics.
• Started this blog.

Certainly there were more things that impacted the 365 days (and one second) of 2008 that have come to pass, but the ones listed above helped shape me to become the person I will be in 2009. I think it's important to pause and reflect before leaping into what is next in life. This is how we learn and improve.

So tell me, what is on your list from 2008?

Happy National Chocolate Day!

Sorry I've been MIA. As you are all aware, Christmas has just passed, so I've been spending time with family. It's nice to step away from the chaos of life and hang out with family, know what I mean? Even though we have our special brand of craziness, I feel fortunate to have a very loving family.

But enough about that, it's time to celebrate. That's right, did you know that December 28th is National Chocolate day? Look it up, it's totally true! In honor of this special day, I've been eating my weight in chocolate, and urge you too as well. Mark your calendars for 2009, and celebrate with me!

Baby it's Cold Outside

I'll be the first to admit that I have been spoiled to live in Oregon my whole life. Our summers can be warm, but are mostly tolerable, and our winters stay fairly mild. It's the rare day we see snow here in the Willamette Valley (FYI, Willamette rhymes with dammit. Say it right!), let alone ice.

That being said, when it gets really hot or really icy, we don't really know how to handle it.

Currently, we're in the midst of an "Arctic Blast" brought to us by our friendly neighbors to the north. We're experiencing temperatures colder than we've had in over 10 years! Needless to say, Oregonians don't know how to drive on ice, and certainly know how to make a mess of the roadways.

Since the students are all on break, Administrators have been hesitant to close the University, so I've been driving on the ice to work the last two days. I'm not much of a fan of inclement weather, but I'm proud of how I've been able to handle the dangerous conditions.

And the conditions are truly dangerous. You all know my disdain for other drivers, but that is magnified when the driving conditions are treacherous. It never ceases to amaze how people forget that when there is ice on the road, we all have less control and traction, so you need to SLOW DOWN and BACK OFF!! If you hit my car, your ass is officially mine.

I'm sure it goes without saying that I will welcome the return of 40 degree weather and rain. These are conditions I can handle. So thanks for the fun white stuff, but please return us to our regularly scheduled weather!

It Was 28 Years Ago Today...

That the world lost a fantastic musician, and champion for peace: John Lennon. 28 fateful years ago today, John Lennon was returning home to the Dakota Building in NYC with his wife, Yoko Ono, and was shot to death by a crazed fan named Mark David Chapman. Last summer when I was in New York, I made my pilgrimage to John's last home, and place of tragic death. The spot where the security guard is standing is where John was first shot, and the area just past the gate is where he soon died. John was shot four times in the back, and afterward Chapman calmly waited for the police to arrive. Earlier that same day, Chapman had approached John for an autograph and pictures. If only John had known then that the man he was posing for pictures with would assassinate him later that same day...


As a part of my pilgrimage to the Dakota Building last summer, I went to Strawberry Fields in Central Park (which is right across the street from the Dakota Building) to pay my respects to the area Yoko Ono donated in John's memory. Visiting these sites allowed me to share a piece of history and John Lennon with fellow fans. This is truly a memory I will cherish forever.


I have been a fan of the Beatles and John Lennon for more than half my life. From my initial infatuation, I was impressed with the wit and humor John excelled at, as well as his flair for pointing out the hypocrisy in the world. It saddens me to know that we were only a part of this world together for a brief year, but I have vowed never to forget what John stood for: peaceful coexistence of all people, and the power of music to change lives. For this reason, every December 8th I listen to only Beatles music at work. It's a small yet simple tribute and a sign that I will never forget all that John Lennon gave to this world.

Be Safe?

I've always wondered why people use the platitudes "Be safe!" and "Drive safe!" when exchanging goodbyes. Think of the alternative: Be reckless? Drive crazy? To me, these lines always fall short, and make me think that the person saying them isn't being sincere. If you want to say goodbye to me, or wish me well, go ahead. Just don't tell me to be safe. Have I ever led you to believe I would do otherwise?

To sort of subtly hint at my disdain for this phrase, when someone says either of these to me, I usually respond with, "But I'd rather be/drive reckless!" Usually, it takes people a minute to get what I'm saying, which I like. How exactly am I supposed to respond?

So please, when saying goodbye to me, don't tell me to be safe. You know that I will be. Why don't you try wishing me well instead?

Losing Sucks, but it's How You Handle it that Matters

The reason I'm blogging is to vent the Beavers losing to the Ducks. How in the HELL did we lost that game? Where the frak was our defense? GAH!!! We had the chance to go to the Rose Bowl for the first time in over 40 years, and it's GONE! How do you get over that?

I guess what you do is figure out what went wrong, and move past it. I think Sammy Stroughter showed us exactly what we need to do in an inspiring display of sportsmanship. When you are losing big time, and get tackled on your way to making a touchdown, you have two choices: 1. shove the guy who tackled you, or 2. help the guy who tackled you get back on his feet. Sammy chose to help the guy who knocked him down, and I think he is an inspiration to us all. When life gets you down, you shouldn't let it defeat you. Doing good things for others, when you don't have to shows true character.

So, losing sucks, but I really do have to congratulate the University of Oregon on playing a fantastic game.

Oh, and I really have to hold on to hope that UCLA beats USC next week so we have a shot at the Rose Bowl. It could happen people!

Two Images

These two pictures bring me great joy:

By now you've seen the commemorative Obama painting, right? Well, some genius combined the image with arguably the most famous SNL sketch of all time - more cowbell! When I first saw this picture, it brought an immediate smile to my face, because I love when some of my favorite things come together.


Speaking of favorite things coming together, two of my favorite actors (I frequently refer to them both as my TV boyfriend, although my friend Faythe would kill me if I stole John K. from her) were together at a recent Lakers game. What I wouldn't have given to be the meat in that beautiful sandwich!!


What a happy way to start a Monday.

Other Drivers Really Are Out to Get You

I am a firm believer that other drivers suck. I also agree with Wil Wheaton that we need to drive as if every other driver is out to kill you. Because they totally are.

That's right, whether they are distracted by their cell phone or passenger, messing with the radio or iPod, or just simply following too close to your ass, other drivers are definitely out to get you.

I've had plenty of run-ins with other drivers on the road, and have been known to yell at them profusely from the safety of my car. There isn't a day that goes by where I'm not justifiably pissed off by at least one other driver on the road.

For the sake of my own sanity, I try not to let other drivers bother me too much. So long as they don't impede my buffer zone too much, then I am all good. It also helps to assume that they are out to get me, so I never let my guard down. Sounds a bit backwards, but it's true. Trust me, you'll be better off for knowing this. Save yourself from the stupidity of others behind the wheel!

Case in point, this morning while driving my 4 miles to work, I noticed more than a dozen drivers who couldn't be bothered to turn on their lights. Apparently they all didn't notice that it was foggy outside, and when you are driving in the fog, PEOPLE CAN'T SEE YOU IF YOU DON'T TURN YOUR LIGHTS ON! I know it's early and all, but SERIOUSLY! Don't you get this? I CAN'T SEE YOU! If I can't see you, I don't know you are there when I'm turning!!

Fortunately, I plan for the stupidity of others, and flashed my brights at all these dumbshits as I passed them. A few of them realized their mistakes, and turned on their lights. Like magic, they could be seen! I hope they realize this the next time they drive to work in the Willamette Valley fog.

So remember, other drivers are out to kill you; this is a fact. Now that you know this, you have a choice to be part of the problem or the solution. All I ask is that you don't drive stupid. If that's not possible for some reason, just take the bus, and leave the road for me.

A Successful Meal

Wow, I've blogged a lot this weekend. Can't help it I guess. Especially since I have happy news to report: I found a recipe and successfully executed cooking a delicious meal!

I had a cookbook that I got from who knows where. It was either my old roommates, my grandmother's, or my mother's. Either way, I found a broccoli/beef/tomatoes/noodles recipe that looked promising. I bought all the ingredients yesterday, and her is the result:


I decided to go all out and have a nice candlelit dinner as a reward for my hard work:


Please don't judge from the camera phone pictures. This really was quite tasty!

See what happens when you make your mind up to do something? Never give up on the power of possibility combined with a hungry stomach. ;-)

The Power of a Song

Ever had a song get stuck in your head, and no matter what you do, you can't get it out? Ever tell a friend about said song, only to have them taunt you mercilessly with the song? Well, that happens to me too, and even as a music snob, it can be annoying to get a song stuck in your head with no reprieve.

Back in 1998, I couldn't get away from that damned Titanic song. I won't mention it's name or anorexic Canadian singer for fear of bringing back nightmares. So many people loved the song, but I couldn't stand it (or the terrible singer) at all! It got so bad that I considered sticking toothpicks in my ears to make it stop. Eventually the fad surrounding the song and the movie died down, and I was able to move on.

About 2 years ago, I got the song Renegade by Styx stuck in my head. You know the song: "The gig is up, the news is out, they finally found me..." At least I liked this song, but I had it stuck in my head for weeks! I'm convinced you have no concept of pain if you've never experienced having a song stuck in your head for that duration of time!

My friends teased me mercilessly, and to this day bring Renegade up in an effort to get it stuck in my head again. So far it hasn't worked, but I was greatly amused this week to hear that Obama's Secret Service name was Renegade. Life really does draw interesting parallels sometimes, huh?

What to Cook?

Readers, I don't know what's wrong with me. Lately, I've had the urge to do something I don't do often: cook and bake!

It's not that I can't cook, or that I dislike it. I'm a woman of convenience, and since I work all day, the last thing I want to do when I get home is cook a time consuming meal. If it takes more than 15 minutes to prepare, I'm not interested.

So needless to say, this new urge is a strange feeling. It started a few weeks ago when I decided to make some awesome chocolate chip pumpkin bread. Not only was the recipe easy, the product was delicious! This tends to happen with me a lot - when I try something, I find I can usually do it well. Just need to give it a chance.

Now I'm feeling like trying out some new casserole recipes, and this is where you come in. Do you have any relatively simple casserole or hotdish recipes? If so, feel free to send them my way. Maybe I'll post pictures of the result. Only if they turn out well. Otherwise, no one needs to see that.

Blog the Vote!

Okay readers, it's officially November, and this means 2 things:

1. I am old.
2. It's time to vote!

Let's focus on #2, alright? Cool. This Tuesday, November 4th is election day. This year is quite possibly the most important election in recent history, and will certainly be epic no matter how the vote turns out: either a black man or a woman will be in the White House. Sort of cool, when you think how long this took.

Now for a plea. Four years ago, George Bush was reelected on my birthday, and I haven't really gotten over that. Therefore, I beg of you: please, PLEASE, don't vote for McCain-Palin! Look at all the facts, and what each campaign platform represents! If that doesn't sway you, then just do it for me! Please people! I can't take 4 more years of the same rhetoric.

Wow, blogging the vote is really cathartic.

Things You May Not Know About Me

• As a child, I really wanted to be Big Bird. Seeing as how I'm 6ft tall, I count this as an accomplishment. Don't ask me to get on rollerskates though.
  
• I knew from an early age I wanted to play the saxophone. For a brief minute, I wanted to be the next Kenny G. Then I learned how much he sucked.
• I loved country music between the ages of 3-5. I actually remember sitting in the backseat of my grandparent's Buick singing such hits as "Elvira" and "Island's in the Stream". Once I realized how much country sucks, I became the huge music snob that I am now.
• I've always had a quick wit. I pretty much got that from both sides of my family, but my paternal grandfather and I always used to joke that we taught each other how to laugh.
• I've skinned my knees so much that I actually have significant nerve damage in my right knee.
• I once tried to dig a hole to China in my pre-school sandbox. Took me about 15 years to actually get there.
• I got sent to the Principal's Office in Kindergarten for refusing to say my ABC's in class. When my mom was called, she asked me why I wouldn't say my ABC's in class, but wouldn't stop saying them at home. I told my mom that if I told the ABC's to my teacher, she would never learn them herself.
• All of my biggest embarrassing moments are related to my band days. No, I don't count being a Band Geek as an embarrassing moment! :-p
• I used to applaud in church after a musical performance. This was a no-no in my Presbyterian church, but I did it anyway.
  

Things that Could Only Happen to Me...

Today at the airport per my usual self, I started up a conversation with the guy next to me while we waited to board our plane. We talked about why we traveling (me for a conference, and him to check out our mass transit systems in Portland), and then I literally blinked when he said, "Yeah, these are the things you have to do when you're the Mayor of Fort Worth, Texas."

After dropped that bomb, the following thoughts went through my head:
1. Wait, what? Mayor?
2. Crap, that's a big town! Please tell me I haven't insulted Texas yet.
3. Please don't let me have food in my teeth!
4. No one will ever believe this story. Ever.

I ended up playing it cool (unless I really did have stuff in my teeth), and we chatted a little bit longer about what it's like to be Mayor. Then he was nice enough give me an extra lunch that his group had leftover (hey, free is free, right?). Mr. Mayor, I know it doesn't mean anything, but you totally have my vote!

So, there's my story. This trip has already been quite the adventure, and it's barely even begun!