ARK

Acts of Random Kindness.

I watched Evan Almighty this evening, and if there's anything that I took away from it it's ARK - "acts of random kindness". The opportunity to bring families closer together. The chance to spread some cheer into a person's life. The possibility of being courageous in the face of adversity. Who would have thought that all of that deep thought could have been drawn from Steve Carrell.

I've been in big "reflection mode" especially as the year quickly comes to a close. I have several resolutions, many included in my 101 in 1001, and I really plan on making good on my goals. There's talk and there's action. I want to take the action stance. My goals are of the personal, professional, and social varieties. 2008 is going to be a big year of changes and improvements. I can feel it. I can taste it.

My biggest social goal - as in helping the community type of social - is to work on a Habitat for Humanity Project or something similar. I participated in the Family Giving Tree program at work, and it felt great to be able to help kids who wouldn't normally even get a Christmas gift. I'd like to continue on the road of acts of random kindness.

As for my professional goals, I plan on seeking opportunities to advance my career, internally and externally. I like my manager and enjoy my coworkers, but they can't hold back my progress. I definitely feel like it's time for some growth in responsibility. And satisfaction. And pay.

Finally, as one of my more personal goals, I'm really going to work on talking to my parents about life-changing events. I've been making strides and it's become more comfortable talking about my boyfriend. It's no longer the awkward, "yeah, you know *cough* boyfriend *cough*" and "I'm going to *cough* visit *cough* him this weekend". I think a mutual respect and understanding has been established. Now I'll have to see what their "serious conversation" threshold is. This is the big one.

Give a little. Get a little. Give a little more.

Merry Christmas!

The big day is here! I will be spending the day (and the coming days) hanging out with my wonderful family. We did our usual Christmas Eve routine - Midnight Mass (although tonight it was at 10) and opening gifts after midnight. The priest delivered a good message - as most Christmas sermons should be - about remembering and sharing the simplicities of life. Sharing love, spreading reconciliation, accepting differences. Everyone can use a little.

My family is unlike any other. They are all so giving and loving, I couldn't ask for a better family. Family is one of those things/concepts/ideas that we can take for granted in an instant. We think, "oh that person will always be there". That's not necessarily the case. Change happens in an instant. I believe that Christmas is the perfect time to tell your loved ones that you do, and continue to, love them.

Saying I love you makes a big difference. I know I get a certain warm fuzzy feeling when someone - my boyfriend, my sister, my parents - tell me that they love me. It's a tiny affirmation that tells me "Hey, you're loved". There are a lot of folks out there that lack love. Whether they are lonely, isolated, alone, or abandoned, there are people who never hear utterance "I love you."

Say I love you. Spread the love.

Merry Christmas!

2007 reflections

I have an inkling of being on a mini winter break. I have Monday and Tuesday off, and I’m pretty sure I’m going to play hooky the rest of the week. Next week I’m taking vacation time. Two weeks off from work? Sweet!

It’s not that I hate my job. I like it. It works for now. But I’m definitely getting to the point where I need a break from everything. No more bureaucracy. No more stress. No more deadlines. No more fighting fires. Relaxation and spending time with the ones I love. Now that’s what I’m talking about.

I’ve also been busy completing some crochet projects. I just finished putting together this patchwork-like quilt. I was in the middle of completing the 5 ½ hour throw when I misplaced the last of the yarn. It was literally like it disappeared. I must have absent-mindedly carried it away or finished it off without realizing it. But I am pretty convinced that I still had it right in front of me.

I really enjoy crocheting. I used to think that it was an old lady pastime. However, there’s been a major resurgence in yarn crafts. My co-worker is a knitter extraordinaire. She whips out socks and hats like a machine. Her blog and projects can be found here. (www.myowntwosticks.com) I picked up crocheting last winter when my sister started on a scarf. I’ve never been very good with the knitting needles, so I decided to give crocheting a whirl. It was much more my speed. Since then, I’ve cranked out several scarves, and more recently, four blankets and I’m working on two more scarves for gifts. It’s therapeutic and can be done while sitting in front of the TV.

I’m planning a serious overhaul come the beginning of the year. New diet, new discipline, new organization. I was inspired by the “101 in 1001” and I’m going to make a concerted effort to get to those 101 things. Starting with purging my closet. Then changing and sticking to an eating plan. And an exercise plan. Plus, I am going to make a concerted effort on the next milestone in life.

My 101 in 1001

Well, I suppose I will kick some new life into this blog with a goal-oriented entry. I came across an intriguing entry on the Blue Orchid Designs blog about 101 goals to complete in the next 1001. I figure that it’s the end of the year and almost the start of 2008, so my 1001^st day should drop right around September 15, 2010, since it will be another leap year soon.

I feel extremely lucky that I’ve been able to do some of the things that most people only dream of doing. Graduating from college, living in France, backpacking across Europe, fluency in two languages, to name a few. I think I’m going to post things that can be accomplished in the next 1001 days. I’m looking forward to crossing something off the list!

Here it goes:

1. blog everyday for a month
2. learn how to cook and ease kitchen anxiety
3. learn how to use Digital SLR to its full potential
4. take better photos
5. post photos consistently on Flickr
6. go to the gym at least four days a week for a month
7. try a new class at 24Hour Fitness
8. search for other job possibilities
9. meet my boyfriend’s friends
10. learn full potential of Photoshop
11. move out of parents’ house
12. organize my bedroom
13. clean out my closet and donate unwanted clothes to Goodwill
14. purchase new or “previously owned” car
15. have my friends meet his friends
16. explore major cities – Atlanta, Chicago, Washington DC, Seattle, Denver
17. spend time in New York City
18. practice taking more portrait photos
19. crochet a beanie for the boyfriend
20. learn how to surf, even for a split second
21. go to Vegas as an adult
22. go wine tasting, I do live close enough to Napa & Sonoma!
23. take a cake decorating class
24. design logo for future business
25. take a ballroom dancing class
26. move out to Texas to be with boyfriend
27. schedule annual physicals
28. remember to have car oil changed
29. have extended family meet boyfriend
30. set aside money to donate to charity of choice
31. participate in Habitat for Humanity Project
32. look into the possibilities to PMP my job (Project Management Professional)
33. get engaged, and have legitimate reason to read wedding magazines like Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, etc.
34. shadow a professional photographer
35. buy a house
36. design personal stationery
37. decorate said house and give it sense of style
38. finish painting room
39. take a cooking class
40. read at least one book a month
41. go to the library more often
42. go to Hawaii and reclaim summer color
43. document my 101 goals as completed
44. plan fantastic wedding on my terms
45. complete my first quilt project – already bought the fabric!
46. go to the Philippines during Christmastime to visit family
47. cook semi-fancy romantic dinner for self and boyfriend. from scratch, without killing or making us sick
48. build photo portfolio
49. visit the New England during the fall
50. buy a new computer and Adobe Design bundle
51. as a complement to completion of #33 and #44, apply to be a Bee J
52. go on a cross-country road trip
53. learn more on the fundamentals of photography
54. ride my bike around the park
55. go on daily walks when the weather is nice
56. lose 20lbs... if they can do it on Biggest Loser, I can too!
57. start cooking own meals to make good on goal #56
58. visit best friend in Italy while still stationed there
59. return to Lyon for Fete des Lumieres
60. write a journal entry everyday for a month
61. keep a food journal consistently also in efforts to make good on #56
62. make a pair of earrings (or more)
63. clean out wallet and purse... rogue receipts be gone!
64. spend the holidays with boyfriend’s family
65. send out Christmas cards with photos of us

I enjoy crafty things

I never thought I'd admit how much I enjoy Martha Stewart's ideas. But this is now the second time I have in this blog. I have to admit, she's got some good ideas. Things that make me think "wow, now that's a great idea!". I'm not sure what to call this. Marthastewartideaitis?

I'm not quite at the point of crafting up the wazoo every evening, trying out every idea or recipe I see. However, I have been in the middle of quite a few projects. Over the last few weeks, I've completed 3-4 crochet projects, purchased fabric to make a quilt, and decoupaged. It's just so much fun. And I can't wait to do more. If money and time were no object, I would need a bigger space to live in for sure.

I'm hoping that with all the ideas that I've gathered and saved on the handy-dandy Martha Stewart website, as well as daily/weekly perusals of WeddingBee, Blue Orchid Designs, and TheKnot, that I will be able to plan a great budget wedding. I know I shouldn't even be thinking about that yet, but, hey, a girl can dream about it. It's my prerogative. I'm not yet a full-fledged DIY gal, but I've done enough home improvement and mini craft projects, that the transition should be a snap.

I guess I'm just really worried about how much it will cost to pull off a wedding. I've seen those shows on WE -- Bridezillas, Rich Bride Poor Bride, Platinum Weddings, etc. The fact that there are a lot of sources that claim that you can't have a wedding for less than $10K seems ludicrous, but at the same time perfectly believable. What with the price of a gallon of gas? I'm persevering towards a budget of that $10K or less. I guess I will cross that bridge when I get there.

2007

2007 is nearly over. The holidays are in full swing with full-time Christmas carols jamming the radio waves since before Thanksgiving. The hustle and bustle of shopping madness and non-stop "one-day" sales overwhelm us. Cookie exchanges and holiday parties and luncheons threaten our year-long efforts to keep our figures. And yet, we go through the motions and apprehensions and joyous moments year after year. Those are the holidays I suppose.

Amidst the insanity that the holiday time can become, I love it all. I love the smell of freshly baked goodies. I love the challenge of finding the perfect gift. I love the holiday themed movies and TV specials that seemingly preempt regularly scheduled shows. I love the giving spirit that everyone, or most everyone seems to possess.

It's been an interesting 2007. I can't wait to see what 2008 will bring.

Hello December

Another year has blown by. Not to sound cliché, but I feel like it was just the beginning of 2007. I started my new role at the company in February, and to think I've been doing this for ten months already blows my mind. I've been dating my wonderful boyfriend for a little over two years and (almost) every moment has been fantastic, I just wish he was geographically closer. I've accepted that I live in my parents home still. I choose stability over destitution. I choose feasibility over struggle. I have come to find a set routine in what I do day to day, which helps in making time pass faster. It's nearly 2008.

My goal for the year has been to be a consistent blogger. What has actually happened, however, is that I am a sporadic blogger. I guess I feel like I'm trying to sound a certain way, or be perceived in a certain way that I'm still trying to find my "online" voice. Bit by bit, the more that I think about it, and the more that I remind myself that I have a blog makes it a little easier to write consistently. I guess I also wish that I had a certain subject that I was writing about. I usually write about whatever is on my mind at the time, but sometimes that is extremely boring to readers. Not that there are any readers, yet.

I think that I might start posting photos that I have taken, in addition to the ones that I have on my Flickr account. I am a budding photographer, hoping to one day turn pro. I think I might also post my culinary accomplishments, which at this point in time are few and far between. I'm trying to come up with new ideas for the new year. Which I hope will be a year of blogging.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Turkey day has come and now the holiday season is in full swing.

I'm thankful for many things this year. I have good health, a steady job, a loving family, and a wonderful boyfriend. My family is in good health and good spirits. My sister is in her last year of high school doing very well, and just about submit her applications to college. I have a steady job that perhaps isn't exactly what I want to be doing, but it allows me to save a good amount of money and enjoy life outside of work. I have a great boyfriend who loves me for who I am, no matter what. Life is good. Thank you God for all your blessings this year.

I <3 Martha Stewart... Online

I was never a fan of the pretentious Yankee gal. That fake smile and condescending attitude do nothing for me. But I must say that she sure has a mouthwatering website. And I will admit that I enjoy her ideas and recipes. I'm just not a fan of her personally. While imprisoned to scan 356 double-sided pages today, I thought, "Why not browse some of Martha's ideas?" My sister had borrowed her baking cookbook from the library and I found a couple that I wanted to save for holiday treats or birthday cakes.

I don't know why I haven't surfed into her online library of recipes, crafts, and entertaining ideas. Probably because I was slightly embarrassed to admit that I like Martha Stewart's ideas. Or maybe because I can't stand her on and off-air personality. Who knows. I'm glad to have found a new resource for, as her magazine is named, "Living".

Running

For the first time in several years, I ran. I ran, legs sprinting, arms pumping, heart rejoicing, free. Of course the sprint lasted only a minute, but the fleeting moment was enough to last.

For the longest time I had been meaning to try and run. Usually I have an adverse reaction to treadmills. I don't run outdoors, unless it's for my life. This last week, however, I decided to be brave -- that, and all the elliptical machines were taken, and attempt a brisk walk. I was feeling good, adjusting incline and speed. Then I decided, why not go out of the ordinary routine and try running. I was a little apprehensive about falling down, but I made it through my one minute of sprinting. Intervals make running for non-runners possible.

Cook? Who me?

New fiscal year. New leaf. Pot-ay-to, Pot-ah-to.

I decided of the last few days that I wanted to learn how to cook. Well, I know how to cook -- I don't have to ask how to boil Ramen noodles, let alone water itself. But I would like to hone my culinary skills, since my skills basically lie in making things out of a box or frozen bag.

I think I probably knocked my boyfriend out of his chair when I mentioned this to him today.

It all started at a little cupcake shop called Teacake Bake Shop in Emeryville. I was only looking to break my $20 bill in order to pay the $1 parking and I thought that $2 for a cookie was a little pricey, but it was the best $2 I have spent in a long time. The cookie was that good. It was of the simple chocolate chunk variety, but something about it made it special. The bake shop touts that only the finest ingredients are used, and I believe it. Visit the site and make your mouth water.

This got me to thinking: what a great business! Making cookies and cupcakes. I was talking to my sister about this idea -- especially since she is the baker/pastry artist in the family -- and it got some wheels turning. Now, of course, this was just an idea that felt like it came from out of the blue. But who knows, a couple of years out and a few business plans down the line, and we two could have a lucrative enterprise. And a profile on the Food Network. Hey, a girl can dream big.

So how did I decide that I wanted to learn to cook? The idea of making baked goods can only get someone so far. Baked goods are fantastic as gifts and peace offerings, but after time will make you rotund. Also, I'd like to not eat like a college student for the rest of my life. Ramen noodles and Mac N Cheese aka "Struggle Food" as we like to call it, is not sustenance. I realize now that eventually, I'll be the one who is relied upon for food, and what will I have to show for it? Nothing at the moment. So this is my new fiscal year resolution. Learn to cook a few "go-to" recipes.

Here I go!

Happy Anniversary!

Happy 2 years to my best friend and love of my life!