I put, Before I Die, on hold at the Denver Public Library. I had other books on hold, too, but for some reason, I started with this book.
Obviously, I knew how it ended and it wasn't the most uplifting material, either, but I found it sweet. This 16 yr-old girl is the protagonist and she describes her last few months of living. She devises a list of 10 things that she must do before she dies--have sex, say yes to everything for one day, be famous, etc. I found it well written and again, sweet.
I see parallels of what I am reading and even seeing on t.v. The latest episode of Brothers & Sisters had a similar theme to it. Kitty, protrayed by Calista Flockhart, found out she had a form of lymphoma. She was aggressive with the treatment but there was a chance that she would die and miss out on her son's life. After going into remission, she questions--what am I doing with my life? I am happy now, but couldn't I be doing more?
Why wait to dream or fully live your life? If you want to pursue politics, world travel, culinary school--why not risk and do it? Why do we wait to experience life? True, there is tomorrow, but how do you know what opportunities you will have? Shouldn't we focus on the present? The Now? The day?
If you have time, Before I Die, by Jenny Downham, is worth reading.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Golden Globes
I watched 24 with Sara.
That is what I do.
I own the game 24. My dad gave it to me for xmas, one year, since he also enjoys watching Keifer Sutherland being a badass!
Faithfully, I have watched that show. Season 6 almost convinced me that I was finished with it. Season 7 inspired me to become a fanatic. Season 8 began...slow start, but intriguing. Keifer still is sexy. Chloe is older and facial expressions are a bit much, but, I will give it a go!
Instead of watching the Golden Globes, I made Sara watch the 24.
Avatar won Best Picture.
Mad Men for best drama.
Michael C Hall won for his role in Dexter.
Juliana Marguiles won Best Actress for drama series.
Alec Baldwin...well, he is Alec Baldwin. Have you ever seen 30 Rock? Freaking hilarious and awesome. Yes, he completely deserved the Golden Globe.
Then, we get to....best supporting actress in comedy------Chloi Sevigny. I am a HUGE supporter of Big Love. I wish I had cable for that alone. I don't. I haven't seen one episode of Season 3. I love the drama of the polygamists, the compound, the political righteousness of being a believer in Mormonism. I enjoy watching the dynamics of their unit. Truly, it is a great show.
Absolutely, adore the drama of it. But did she deserve the Golden Globe? I would say no.
I would have suggested Jane Lynch. GLEE.
Of Best in Show love. The blonde lady from those projects, in addition to Two and a Half Men. She deserved the Golden Globe for her role. I like Chloi Sevigny, but didn't think she was that diverse.
Have you ever seen Glee? Check it out. She is brilliant in it. I never knew her name until tonight. She isn't a celebrity. She is an actress. I mean that in a good sense. She can act and does, without the name status. She stands out, completely, but it isn't for the status symbol. She is fun to watch. Seriously, check out Glee. It isn't just a musical. It's funny, engaging, well written. The guys that do Nip/Tuck direct it.
I keep trying to get Michaela to support it. She was a performer, through school, too. I wish that I had went to more movies in 2009. I have a movie date, matinee, solo with m&m's to Up in the Air or Broken Embraces. Either way, I plan on seeing something on one of my off days. Cannot wait to be selfish!
That is what I do.
I own the game 24. My dad gave it to me for xmas, one year, since he also enjoys watching Keifer Sutherland being a badass!
Faithfully, I have watched that show. Season 6 almost convinced me that I was finished with it. Season 7 inspired me to become a fanatic. Season 8 began...slow start, but intriguing. Keifer still is sexy. Chloe is older and facial expressions are a bit much, but, I will give it a go!
Instead of watching the Golden Globes, I made Sara watch the 24.
Avatar won Best Picture.
Mad Men for best drama.
Michael C Hall won for his role in Dexter.
Juliana Marguiles won Best Actress for drama series.
Alec Baldwin...well, he is Alec Baldwin. Have you ever seen 30 Rock? Freaking hilarious and awesome. Yes, he completely deserved the Golden Globe.
Then, we get to....best supporting actress in comedy------Chloi Sevigny. I am a HUGE supporter of Big Love. I wish I had cable for that alone. I don't. I haven't seen one episode of Season 3. I love the drama of the polygamists, the compound, the political righteousness of being a believer in Mormonism. I enjoy watching the dynamics of their unit. Truly, it is a great show.
Absolutely, adore the drama of it. But did she deserve the Golden Globe? I would say no.
I would have suggested Jane Lynch. GLEE.
Of Best in Show love. The blonde lady from those projects, in addition to Two and a Half Men. She deserved the Golden Globe for her role. I like Chloi Sevigny, but didn't think she was that diverse.
Have you ever seen Glee? Check it out. She is brilliant in it. I never knew her name until tonight. She isn't a celebrity. She is an actress. I mean that in a good sense. She can act and does, without the name status. She stands out, completely, but it isn't for the status symbol. She is fun to watch. Seriously, check out Glee. It isn't just a musical. It's funny, engaging, well written. The guys that do Nip/Tuck direct it.
I keep trying to get Michaela to support it. She was a performer, through school, too. I wish that I had went to more movies in 2009. I have a movie date, matinee, solo with m&m's to Up in the Air or Broken Embraces. Either way, I plan on seeing something on one of my off days. Cannot wait to be selfish!
Challenge of the week---Change the World Wednesdays...
Imagine. A world free of pesticides, toxins that cause cancer, leukemia, etc., foods that are substandard, but mass-produced to meet demand.
Imagine--taking care of yourself...making you a priority.
I believe that is a goal of mine in 2010.
You do car maintenance. I know that I do. Faithfully, I get my oil changed. I might fudge a month of the cycle, but realistically, my 21 year old car is in excellent shape. I spend extra money to ensure that my car will work.
Why don't we maintain our temples better? Why aren't we concerned with what we eat. People still drink soda, eat McDonald's, high corn fructose syrup, etc. We wonder why we are obese as a nation.
I think most people eat based on convenience. We are so busy in our lives that we settle for fast food, food loaded with hydrogenated oils and bad fats because it is easier.
It takes time to prepare a nutritious meal. First, there is going to the grocery store, after work--when everyone else is shopping, no parking can be an issue. You get home, prep the meal, cook it and at this point, you have wasted 2 hours, on a minimum, and than you go to bed or attempt to make time for you. Isn't it easier to order take-out or pop in a meal that is preservative ridden?
I work in a restaurant. I eat there, everyday, that I work. It's easier for me. Although, I am able to pick and choose what I would like to eat. I have options. I choose to not drink soda. I opt to avoid fast food unless i am severely hungover and in Texas. Yes, I ate Jack in the Box while in Dallas, years ago. I thought I would die and was unable to meet with Brian's family, in my current state of mind. So, yes I have eaten fast food, once or twice in my life. But, afterwards, I feel like crap.
I know that it is a toxic invasion to my system.
I have felt how different foods feel to my system. You have experienced a hangover? I believe there are food hangovers, too. I cleansed, for a month, last year--no alcohol or cheese. I wanted to limit my caffeine in-take, but seriously, I cut out booze, I needed some vice to cling, too. Anyways, when I began eating cheese again, I felt like I had drank 2 bottles of wine, on an empty stomach, the following morning. It might be different for everyone, but it made me question the decisions I made regarding my diet.
This week's challenge (last Wednesday's) is to look at food labels prior to eating the contents. If you are unable to pronounce or identify what you are about to ingest, don't. Cut out the high corn fructose syrups, hydrogenated fats and white flours for a week. I live on tortillas, so this will be challenging, but think about it and reflect on how you feel after the week free of crap that you don't need. I know it is easier to drink that soda over water, or pick up the ready made meal, but give it a go.
Enjoy and Good Luck! Small changes lead to beautifying ourselves and our environment. We all share the space. Think of what you can do to make it better!
Imagine--taking care of yourself...making you a priority.
I believe that is a goal of mine in 2010.
You do car maintenance. I know that I do. Faithfully, I get my oil changed. I might fudge a month of the cycle, but realistically, my 21 year old car is in excellent shape. I spend extra money to ensure that my car will work.
Why don't we maintain our temples better? Why aren't we concerned with what we eat. People still drink soda, eat McDonald's, high corn fructose syrup, etc. We wonder why we are obese as a nation.
I think most people eat based on convenience. We are so busy in our lives that we settle for fast food, food loaded with hydrogenated oils and bad fats because it is easier.
It takes time to prepare a nutritious meal. First, there is going to the grocery store, after work--when everyone else is shopping, no parking can be an issue. You get home, prep the meal, cook it and at this point, you have wasted 2 hours, on a minimum, and than you go to bed or attempt to make time for you. Isn't it easier to order take-out or pop in a meal that is preservative ridden?
I work in a restaurant. I eat there, everyday, that I work. It's easier for me. Although, I am able to pick and choose what I would like to eat. I have options. I choose to not drink soda. I opt to avoid fast food unless i am severely hungover and in Texas. Yes, I ate Jack in the Box while in Dallas, years ago. I thought I would die and was unable to meet with Brian's family, in my current state of mind. So, yes I have eaten fast food, once or twice in my life. But, afterwards, I feel like crap.
I know that it is a toxic invasion to my system.
I have felt how different foods feel to my system. You have experienced a hangover? I believe there are food hangovers, too. I cleansed, for a month, last year--no alcohol or cheese. I wanted to limit my caffeine in-take, but seriously, I cut out booze, I needed some vice to cling, too. Anyways, when I began eating cheese again, I felt like I had drank 2 bottles of wine, on an empty stomach, the following morning. It might be different for everyone, but it made me question the decisions I made regarding my diet.
This week's challenge (last Wednesday's) is to look at food labels prior to eating the contents. If you are unable to pronounce or identify what you are about to ingest, don't. Cut out the high corn fructose syrups, hydrogenated fats and white flours for a week. I live on tortillas, so this will be challenging, but think about it and reflect on how you feel after the week free of crap that you don't need. I know it is easier to drink that soda over water, or pick up the ready made meal, but give it a go.
Enjoy and Good Luck! Small changes lead to beautifying ourselves and our environment. We all share the space. Think of what you can do to make it better!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Affirmation of the Day....
Love yourself. Make yourself a priority and live in the Now...
I follow several blogs that have a Grateful Posting of some sort on a weekly basis. I have been considering this, too, but, realize that I prefer the term affirmation over grateful.
I remember, being in high school, and taking P.A.L.S.--Peer Assisted Learning--and my teacher, kooky as all get-out, was motivational and endearing. She always pronounced, Target, like Tar-geh. It drove me batty. Again, I think that was a term, she used.
Mrs. Trickle encouraged us to be kind to our peers. We had to do affirmations for ourselves and share affirmations with others. At the time, it was challenging. I mean, you don't want to appear too lovely with your classmates. Now, with all of the "Mean Girls" in high school, I am sure that there are fewer and fewer affirmations occuring.
I guess I am trying to incorporate that into my life.
Being happy with myself and thankful for my life on a daily basis.
Today, I am happy to be living in the now. I definitely make myself a priority with food, travel and wine. I still need to plan out 2010, but I have two trips, in the making---Santa Fe and Seattle. It is a solid foundation to begin with.
I have a lot to be thankful for. I love my rental. I live in the metro area, which I wanted. I have a job. I have opportunity to travel and give back. Right now, is a time to give back. I look Haiti and the aftermath. Doesn't it inspire you to consider your own happiness/gratitude as well of ways that you could give back to the community? There are many charities associated with the Haitian Aid. I saw the Brangelina gave 1 million dollars to the efforts. Instead of seeing the good that they are able to provide, people criticize them. They suggest that this is a publicity stunt. Really? How so? Yes, I am familiar with the whole hook-up between this notorious pair, but thay have always given back to the community--Stateside and abroad. They have adopted kids, done humanitarian aid and continue to use their wealth to give back in whatever fashion they deem useful. Why is that bad? At least they are giving something, unlike many people that will not. People that are able to give, something--anything helps, but still will not help.
But, back to the Affirmation--Live in the Now. Make yourself a priority. Do something, even small, in some way, that puts on the emphasis on you and your needs.
Enjoy. I will.
I follow several blogs that have a Grateful Posting of some sort on a weekly basis. I have been considering this, too, but, realize that I prefer the term affirmation over grateful.
I remember, being in high school, and taking P.A.L.S.--Peer Assisted Learning--and my teacher, kooky as all get-out, was motivational and endearing. She always pronounced, Target, like Tar-geh. It drove me batty. Again, I think that was a term, she used.
Mrs. Trickle encouraged us to be kind to our peers. We had to do affirmations for ourselves and share affirmations with others. At the time, it was challenging. I mean, you don't want to appear too lovely with your classmates. Now, with all of the "Mean Girls" in high school, I am sure that there are fewer and fewer affirmations occuring.
I guess I am trying to incorporate that into my life.
Being happy with myself and thankful for my life on a daily basis.
Today, I am happy to be living in the now. I definitely make myself a priority with food, travel and wine. I still need to plan out 2010, but I have two trips, in the making---Santa Fe and Seattle. It is a solid foundation to begin with.
I have a lot to be thankful for. I love my rental. I live in the metro area, which I wanted. I have a job. I have opportunity to travel and give back. Right now, is a time to give back. I look Haiti and the aftermath. Doesn't it inspire you to consider your own happiness/gratitude as well of ways that you could give back to the community? There are many charities associated with the Haitian Aid. I saw the Brangelina gave 1 million dollars to the efforts. Instead of seeing the good that they are able to provide, people criticize them. They suggest that this is a publicity stunt. Really? How so? Yes, I am familiar with the whole hook-up between this notorious pair, but thay have always given back to the community--Stateside and abroad. They have adopted kids, done humanitarian aid and continue to use their wealth to give back in whatever fashion they deem useful. Why is that bad? At least they are giving something, unlike many people that will not. People that are able to give, something--anything helps, but still will not help.
But, back to the Affirmation--Live in the Now. Make yourself a priority. Do something, even small, in some way, that puts on the emphasis on you and your needs.
Enjoy. I will.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Random mid-week thoughts....
I am finally settled in to my space on Corona.
Artwork is up.
That settled it. Instead of being wrapped in a corner, I have displayed my Diego Rivera's, Rafuse and other wine related artwork. I have one more piece to display, but I need Sara's help with it. It is blown-up photo of Brian, framed, that was signed by everyone that attended the Celebration of Life in 2006. I didn't sign it. But, at the time, I didn't want a reminder of my thoughts that day. I don't know what I thinking. I was in complete shock, but somehow managed to recognize that it was unnecessary to write on it. I don't think I wrote on the one in Wisconsin, either. I think his parents knew that everything that I wanted to say, had already been said to him or written down. I didn't need to express my love for him on that piece.
I have many memories, beautiful, of my life with Brian. I have notes, letters, photos that will always be in my life.
So, yes, I need help displaying it. It's heavy and I do not want to break it. Sara will be home, later, and I will make her help me then.
In other news....I met with the lawyer's to discuss my best course of action with the landlord. I am still waiting to hear back from them. I know they are not lazy or putting me off. Genuinely, they seemed interested in helping me get my deposit back. Patience is a virtue, right. I have to remind myself of this, frequently.
Shari and I are hoping to do back to back trips. We are meeting in Seattle, already planned, at the end of February. We are celebrating the anniversary of Brian's passing there, this year. Seattle is food friendly and I love Pike's Place Market.
I am restless, dreaming of a mini-vacation. She has a voucher from our trip to San Francisco last year. I mentioned flying to Phoenix and driving to Sedona, meeting in Austin since I keep being told how much I would enjoy it or heading to San Francisco--because it's, well, my favorite city in the States. But, I would need more than 3 days to enjoy the city. I would have to go to Napa.
Realistically, I am drawn to Santa Fe. The weather is questionable, but I believe that is the most likely option. She can fly to Denver and we will drive to Santa Fe or Taos. Either way, we will be enchanted.
Enjoy your day!
Artwork is up.
That settled it. Instead of being wrapped in a corner, I have displayed my Diego Rivera's, Rafuse and other wine related artwork. I have one more piece to display, but I need Sara's help with it. It is blown-up photo of Brian, framed, that was signed by everyone that attended the Celebration of Life in 2006. I didn't sign it. But, at the time, I didn't want a reminder of my thoughts that day. I don't know what I thinking. I was in complete shock, but somehow managed to recognize that it was unnecessary to write on it. I don't think I wrote on the one in Wisconsin, either. I think his parents knew that everything that I wanted to say, had already been said to him or written down. I didn't need to express my love for him on that piece.
I have many memories, beautiful, of my life with Brian. I have notes, letters, photos that will always be in my life.
So, yes, I need help displaying it. It's heavy and I do not want to break it. Sara will be home, later, and I will make her help me then.
In other news....I met with the lawyer's to discuss my best course of action with the landlord. I am still waiting to hear back from them. I know they are not lazy or putting me off. Genuinely, they seemed interested in helping me get my deposit back. Patience is a virtue, right. I have to remind myself of this, frequently.
Shari and I are hoping to do back to back trips. We are meeting in Seattle, already planned, at the end of February. We are celebrating the anniversary of Brian's passing there, this year. Seattle is food friendly and I love Pike's Place Market.
I am restless, dreaming of a mini-vacation. She has a voucher from our trip to San Francisco last year. I mentioned flying to Phoenix and driving to Sedona, meeting in Austin since I keep being told how much I would enjoy it or heading to San Francisco--because it's, well, my favorite city in the States. But, I would need more than 3 days to enjoy the city. I would have to go to Napa.
Realistically, I am drawn to Santa Fe. The weather is questionable, but I believe that is the most likely option. She can fly to Denver and we will drive to Santa Fe or Taos. Either way, we will be enchanted.
Enjoy your day!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
No scathing letter necessary
Yesterday, while working, I decided to tell the scotch drinking lawyers about my continuing saga with the Slumlord.
I mean, scotch drinking, in the most endearing way...these lunch lawyers remind me of the show Mad Men. They would 100% prosper in that decade of cocktail lunches, smoking and sexual harassment. There are days, when I wait on them, where I feel that they need a personal assistant (female) to address all of their needs. Yes, they are misogynists, but yesterday, they truly aided me in my quest to deal with the Slumlord.
I had told them of my issues with the deposit return. I started off with--he charged me...and it arrived a week after the 60 days were up. One of them, looked at me and said--enough. It doesn't matter what he charged you for--he was late and there is a statute in Colorado where if they exceed the deadline of 60 days, they are obligated to return the full deposit. AWESOME.
Now, I need to write a letter or have them write the letter, today or tomorrow. The Slumlord has 7 days to return said deposit or go to court where he could face a repayment of 3 x the initial amount. I think the odds are on my side in this. And, he needs to be held accountable for his negligence in maintenance and human kindness. I mean, there are deadlines for reasons. I paid rent, on time, every month, for 16 months. He should have returned my money is an orderly fashion.
More on this later. I am off to work.
I mean, scotch drinking, in the most endearing way...these lunch lawyers remind me of the show Mad Men. They would 100% prosper in that decade of cocktail lunches, smoking and sexual harassment. There are days, when I wait on them, where I feel that they need a personal assistant (female) to address all of their needs. Yes, they are misogynists, but yesterday, they truly aided me in my quest to deal with the Slumlord.
I had told them of my issues with the deposit return. I started off with--he charged me...and it arrived a week after the 60 days were up. One of them, looked at me and said--enough. It doesn't matter what he charged you for--he was late and there is a statute in Colorado where if they exceed the deadline of 60 days, they are obligated to return the full deposit. AWESOME.
Now, I need to write a letter or have them write the letter, today or tomorrow. The Slumlord has 7 days to return said deposit or go to court where he could face a repayment of 3 x the initial amount. I think the odds are on my side in this. And, he needs to be held accountable for his negligence in maintenance and human kindness. I mean, there are deadlines for reasons. I paid rent, on time, every month, for 16 months. He should have returned my money is an orderly fashion.
More on this later. I am off to work.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Izba Spa
Today, the Goddess and I treated ourselves to a massage at Izba Spa.
During our marathon training, I spoke to her of Izba. I mentioned how glorious Izba was and we imagined taking a day to go there instead of running. While training, we talked about everything. I enjoyed our long runs, but dreamed of day we would skip running to go to Izba.
We have continued to run, weekly, but in a much more relaxed state. We still b.s. an array of topics and in November, we discussed going to Izba. Christmas seemed like an appropriate time to enjoy a massage. But, with shopping, work, the weather, we decided to put it off until January.
Why not? It would be something to look forward to.
And it delivered.
Our appointment was at 3:30. We arrived early so that Lindsay could fill out the paperwork. Izba offers many services and I had arranged for us to have the Short Spa Treatment. Basically, there is a 15 minute dry sauna session, followed by an hour long massage. During the Banya session, a therapist gently beats your back with oak leaves. The air is filled with the essence of peppermint or lavendar--sometimes--and then, they slather you with honey. At this point, you are hot, finding some difficulty breathing and then they douse you with cold water. It feels amazing.
A quick rinse off shower follows. Then, a massage ensues. Lindsay had a female therapist and mine was male. My guy was fine. I was super relaxed from the banya treatment and the massage was great. He focused on my rhomboids, neck and eventually, my legs. I need to be proactive with stretching. The last two massages have been rough on my legs.
We showered, dressed and then drank hot tea and ate orange slices. It was the perfect way to conclude the experience.
Lindsay loved the massage and told me that she wanted to buy one for her mom and aunt for Mother's Day, or her sister, for her upcoming nuptials. I was glad to be able to share Izba with her.
Then, I realized maybe this could be a goal of 2010--monthly massages at Izba. That would be something to look forward to and a nice accomplishment. Body maintenance is essential.
Enjoy your day. I am about to melt into sleep...
During our marathon training, I spoke to her of Izba. I mentioned how glorious Izba was and we imagined taking a day to go there instead of running. While training, we talked about everything. I enjoyed our long runs, but dreamed of day we would skip running to go to Izba.
We have continued to run, weekly, but in a much more relaxed state. We still b.s. an array of topics and in November, we discussed going to Izba. Christmas seemed like an appropriate time to enjoy a massage. But, with shopping, work, the weather, we decided to put it off until January.
Why not? It would be something to look forward to.
And it delivered.
Our appointment was at 3:30. We arrived early so that Lindsay could fill out the paperwork. Izba offers many services and I had arranged for us to have the Short Spa Treatment. Basically, there is a 15 minute dry sauna session, followed by an hour long massage. During the Banya session, a therapist gently beats your back with oak leaves. The air is filled with the essence of peppermint or lavendar--sometimes--and then, they slather you with honey. At this point, you are hot, finding some difficulty breathing and then they douse you with cold water. It feels amazing.
A quick rinse off shower follows. Then, a massage ensues. Lindsay had a female therapist and mine was male. My guy was fine. I was super relaxed from the banya treatment and the massage was great. He focused on my rhomboids, neck and eventually, my legs. I need to be proactive with stretching. The last two massages have been rough on my legs.
We showered, dressed and then drank hot tea and ate orange slices. It was the perfect way to conclude the experience.
Lindsay loved the massage and told me that she wanted to buy one for her mom and aunt for Mother's Day, or her sister, for her upcoming nuptials. I was glad to be able to share Izba with her.
Then, I realized maybe this could be a goal of 2010--monthly massages at Izba. That would be something to look forward to and a nice accomplishment. Body maintenance is essential.
Enjoy your day. I am about to melt into sleep...
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