This whole 30ish days, while forcing me to blog every weekday and giving me topics so I don't have to make a decision, is proving to be harder than I originally thought..you know, given my inability to choose one.
The good news is, I don't think they're all, "Favorite _____". Whew.
So, here we go again. Instead of one, I have a few. Although, if I had a most frequently used by me and those around me, I'd have to say it is in fact, "It is what it is." Probably because it's the most all encompassing quote I love. Most applicable in almost all situations.
However, there's absolutely no way I could leave it at just that. Because I? I am a total quote fiend. I love quotes. I have them scattered all over my life. In high school and college I printed out my favorite quotes and hung them on my walls. Now I have them tucked in the back of notebooks. My time keeping log has quotes I've recently heard in the back. And right now, if I look to my left on my desk? A quote.
Probably my second favorite quote is from my dad. It's pretty applicable as well to most situations (unless you're not a believer in God, in which case if you substitute Universe - or whatever who / it is you turn to in times of need / assistance / thanks / etc - it works for everyone).
"Reach for the highest, strive for the best, live day to day and to God leave the rest."
I should use this more than I do. I feel like I should say this every day when I wake up...and possibly check back with it every night when I go to bed. (I like routine.)
"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."
No, I'm not a huge Semisonic fan or anything (though I did enjoy the song in the 90's). This is a perfect quote for someone who admittedly does not adapt well to change. I often need to remind myself that in order for something new and exciting to happen, something else usually has to end or change. It's the way of life folks.
And finally...
"To see beauty, even in the common things of life. This is to be my symphony."
This is a portion of the Alpha Chi Omega Symphony. It serves two purposes in my collection of favorite quotes, the first slightly more obvious. It's a pleasant reminder that there is so much beauty in the little, the discreet, the understated. Sometimes I get caught up in the big, the grand, the life altering, that I forget to appreciate all things small and common.
Second, it warms my heart thinking about the time in my life when this symphony was spoken often. When I met, and subsequently lived with, friends I would keep for the rest of my life. It's a reminder of how that time and those people have shaped who I have become and who I continue to grow to be.
So that's a handful of my favorite quotes. I hope you know it actually causes me a little bit of pain to leave the rest of my favorites behind. I'm not a fan of choosing...in case you haven't heard.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Day Four: Favorite Book
If you know me, I'm certain I've told you about my favorite author. She's hilarious, she's snarky and she usually says what I'm thinking anyway. She's Jen Lancaster. You can check out her blog here. Her blog posts are like little snippets of her books so you get a good idea of how much you could laugh at a whole book.
She's currently got four. Here they are. Go buy them now. They're all different but equally hilarious.
And finally, to show I'm ready other books than just Jen's (although, to be clear, I'm really only ready one other book than her's lately). I've also enjoyed The Happiness Project.
Gretchen Rubin also has a blog, here. This book has some really well researched and fantastic direction for finding ways to make yourself happier. She realized she's got all the pieces for happiness but might not be taking full advantage of them. She's does a ton of leg work to figure out how to make a plan to be happier - which is good, because then you don't have to! I'm almost through the book and can't wait to go back and re-read from the beginning and actually put her plan into action in my own life. It's a really easy read and because of the great way she's laid out the content, it's easy enough to pick back up whenever you get a chance.
So when you've taken a break from TV, pick up one of these books, you won't be disappointed.
She's currently got four. Here they are. Go buy them now. They're all different but equally hilarious.
And finally, to show I'm ready other books than just Jen's (although, to be clear, I'm really only ready one other book than her's lately). I've also enjoyed The Happiness Project.
Gretchen Rubin also has a blog, here. This book has some really well researched and fantastic direction for finding ways to make yourself happier. She realized she's got all the pieces for happiness but might not be taking full advantage of them. She's does a ton of leg work to figure out how to make a plan to be happier - which is good, because then you don't have to! I'm almost through the book and can't wait to go back and re-read from the beginning and actually put her plan into action in my own life. It's a really easy read and because of the great way she's laid out the content, it's easy enough to pick back up whenever you get a chance.So when you've taken a break from TV, pick up one of these books, you won't be disappointed.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Day Three: Favorite TV Show
Have we learned yet I don't pick favorites? So this should come as no surprise that I can't pick a favorite TV show.
But I can tell you this, while I am a pretty big fan of TV (I don't believe people who say they don't watch TV...and if they really don't, I KNOW they wish they did.) I watch TV, judge if you will. After a long day of work, I like coming home snuggling up and turning on the tube. And, in case you need more reason to judge, I don't turn on the TV to watch educational shows that make me think and learn. I like shows that are an escape. A momentary vacation from reality.
So, while I have a good hearty list of favorite shows, there's a smaller, more elite group of shows that I just can't wait to watch. We use our DVR pretty extensively but there's a few shows I just can't bear to wait to see. I have to watch them on the actual night they air (remember when we ALWAYS had to watch every show exactly when it was on? Or you had to tape it on the VHS...)
So here they are...I'm not quite sure what this list says about me.
Friday Night Lights - NBC
Seriously if you haven't given this show a chance you REALLY should. It's not just about high school football. It's got an incredible cast, is shot beautifully and has pulled me in like no other. And, if that's not convincing enough, my dad likes it. And he hardly likes any shows.
Teen Mom - MTV
Oh man, I love this show. Christian calls it my crack. I rarely stay awake when the TV is on in bed but my eyes are wide open the entire time this show is on. And I usually start whining about 3/4 of the way through about how it's ALMOST OVER ALREADY!?!? I know it's kind of annoying sometimes (and REALLY annoying other times), and honestly I'm not sure why I'm so damn obsessed with this show but I just. can't. stop myself.
The Office - NBC
Does this need an explanation? I mean even those people who say they don't watch TV watch this.
Modern Family - ABC
Holy mother of all things hilarious?! This show has had me in tears multiple times in one episode. The cast is perfect, they all pull their weight in their own way. The comedic timing and delivery of the accurate yet slightly over the top writing keeps you entertained, laughing and wanting more. It's a great show, and as I said yesterday, I love me some intertwined plots.
Greek - ABC Family
It's a show about college. Even better, it's a show about Greeks in College. I'm a big fan of nostalgic television (high school, college, it's all good). Most grown-ups wouldn't like it. The only people I've talked to that really like it are high school girls (like me watching Saved by the Bell & learning about what high school was like...by the way? What a let down!) and Greek alumni. Although, if you're a Greek alumni who takes being Greek super seriously? You might be offended by some of the show, although I think it's relatively accurate, just a bit more exaggerated than reality..which, duh. It's television.
So that's my best attempt at a short list. However, I do feel inclined to mention that while I don't watch Jersey Shore immediately after it airs, it's playing an important role for me right now. I have JS DVR'd (I almost typed "taped"...I swear I don't still use my VCR) on the TV down in the lower level. This is also where my treadmill is housed. So I'm doing this Couch to 5k program and I've made a deal with myself. I can only watch JS if I'm doing my training. And both surprisingly and sadly, it has been quite the motivator for me. I get curious about whether Ron and Sam are dating today? Has the situation brought home another grenade? Is Snooki talking about Obama again? And it makes me look a little bit more forward to running that day. So thanks is due to Jersey Shore as well.
But I can tell you this, while I am a pretty big fan of TV (I don't believe people who say they don't watch TV...and if they really don't, I KNOW they wish they did.) I watch TV, judge if you will. After a long day of work, I like coming home snuggling up and turning on the tube. And, in case you need more reason to judge, I don't turn on the TV to watch educational shows that make me think and learn. I like shows that are an escape. A momentary vacation from reality.
So, while I have a good hearty list of favorite shows, there's a smaller, more elite group of shows that I just can't wait to watch. We use our DVR pretty extensively but there's a few shows I just can't bear to wait to see. I have to watch them on the actual night they air (remember when we ALWAYS had to watch every show exactly when it was on? Or you had to tape it on the VHS...)
So here they are...I'm not quite sure what this list says about me.
Friday Night Lights - NBC
Seriously if you haven't given this show a chance you REALLY should. It's not just about high school football. It's got an incredible cast, is shot beautifully and has pulled me in like no other. And, if that's not convincing enough, my dad likes it. And he hardly likes any shows.
Teen Mom - MTV
Oh man, I love this show. Christian calls it my crack. I rarely stay awake when the TV is on in bed but my eyes are wide open the entire time this show is on. And I usually start whining about 3/4 of the way through about how it's ALMOST OVER ALREADY!?!? I know it's kind of annoying sometimes (and REALLY annoying other times), and honestly I'm not sure why I'm so damn obsessed with this show but I just. can't. stop myself.
The Office - NBC
Does this need an explanation? I mean even those people who say they don't watch TV watch this.
Modern Family - ABC
Holy mother of all things hilarious?! This show has had me in tears multiple times in one episode. The cast is perfect, they all pull their weight in their own way. The comedic timing and delivery of the accurate yet slightly over the top writing keeps you entertained, laughing and wanting more. It's a great show, and as I said yesterday, I love me some intertwined plots.
Greek - ABC Family
It's a show about college. Even better, it's a show about Greeks in College. I'm a big fan of nostalgic television (high school, college, it's all good). Most grown-ups wouldn't like it. The only people I've talked to that really like it are high school girls (like me watching Saved by the Bell & learning about what high school was like...by the way? What a let down!) and Greek alumni. Although, if you're a Greek alumni who takes being Greek super seriously? You might be offended by some of the show, although I think it's relatively accurate, just a bit more exaggerated than reality..which, duh. It's television.
So that's my best attempt at a short list. However, I do feel inclined to mention that while I don't watch Jersey Shore immediately after it airs, it's playing an important role for me right now. I have JS DVR'd (I almost typed "taped"...I swear I don't still use my VCR) on the TV down in the lower level. This is also where my treadmill is housed. So I'm doing this Couch to 5k program and I've made a deal with myself. I can only watch JS if I'm doing my training. And both surprisingly and sadly, it has been quite the motivator for me. I get curious about whether Ron and Sam are dating today? Has the situation brought home another grenade? Is Snooki talking about Obama again? And it makes me look a little bit more forward to running that day. So thanks is due to Jersey Shore as well.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Day Two: Favorite Movie
Let's just go ahead and acknowledge this right now, I'm the worst (the absolute WORST) and picking out a favorite anything. I have the hardest time picking just ONE thing from a list of things I love and enjoy.
Given that, I'll choose my favorite movie in each major category. (always with a way to get around it).
Okay, I tried doing that, I really did. But then I had like 3 movies for each genre and just couldn't pick a favorite. So instead, I'm giving you a list of my favorite movies. Deal, ok?
Elf, Home Alone 2, Love Actually (I LOVE Christmas movies), RENT (play was so good, how could I not love the movie?!), Green Street Hooligans, Step Brothers, Varsity Blues, Boondock Saints.
That's probably a good handful of my faves...I know there's more. But to be fair, you got your blog post, happy now?
Given that, I'll choose my favorite movie in each major category. (always with a way to get around it).
Okay, I tried doing that, I really did. But then I had like 3 movies for each genre and just couldn't pick a favorite. So instead, I'm giving you a list of my favorite movies. Deal, ok?
Elf, Home Alone 2, Love Actually (I LOVE Christmas movies), RENT (play was so good, how could I not love the movie?!), Green Street Hooligans, Step Brothers, Varsity Blues, Boondock Saints.
That's probably a good handful of my faves...I know there's more. But to be fair, you got your blog post, happy now?
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Day One: My Favorite Song
Seriously, I've already posted this (in a way) before, here. But really, those are my top 3 "funk" songs. Which leads me to my problem of picking out just one favorite song. My music choices are so very dependent on my mood, surroundings, happenings, etc. It all just depends on what I need at the moment. (Also, this is why I love Pandora. I swear, that sweet, sweet jukebox knows exactly what I need before I even do).
So instead of doing my favorite song..I'm doing my top 10 songs I've been obsessed with at one point or another. I have a tendency for finding a song I like, listening to it non-stop on repeat for a good few weeks to a couple months. I don't really get sick of it as much as it falls out of rotation, but these songs I can hear time and time again even after the obsession dies and I still love 'em.
So here they are in no particular order.
10. "Love in this Club" - Usher
9. "Lollipop" - Lil' Wayne
These two songs were literally played back to back, over and over for an entire summer. I still go nuts when I hear 'em.
8. "Talk Dirty to Me" - Poison
I don't even want to think about the amount of money jukeboxes around the city have robbed me of. Get a beer in me and if there's a jukebox in sight, it's playing me some Poison (only this song though).
7. "Man in the Mirror" - Michael Jackson
Christian hates this song... When we first started dating I had a "wake up" playlist that I had on my alarm clock set to go off and wake me up. It seemed like every night he stayed over, this was the song to go off. Oh, that and I had it on a random CD from a while back and played it over and over again in the car.
6. "Your Love" - Outfield
No clue when the love for this one developed, but I seriously get all giddy when it plays.
5. "Mud on the Tires" - Brad Paisley
I remember one night probably 8 years ago, where a friend and I put this song on over 10 times in a row. I don't like sleeping outside and probably wouldn't enjoy driving a truck through mud all that much, but this song, it gets me.
4. "What Light" - Wilco
Also on the funk top 3. I can remember the first time my brother played this song for me, I actually got goosebumps and had to hear it all the time. Still brings a smile to my heart and feeds my soul when I hear it.
3. "Hold Me Now" - Polyphonic Spree
Again, introduced to me by Tyler. I get legitimately moved when I hear it. Feels like a hug.
2. "Free Fallin'" - Tom Petty
I know this is a cliche song for a list like this, and my love for it has nothing to do with Jerry Maguire (although damn, I did love that movie). I have seen Petty 8 times and he's played it almost every time I've seen him. Those 8 shows have spanned distance and time. I saw him when I was 20, I saw him this year at 26. I've seen him in Milwaukee with family, I've seen him in San Francisco and friends and strangers. I love this man, I love his concerts and I love this song.
1. "You are the Best Thing" - Ray Lamontagne
This is probably the most recent on the list. It's a recent discovery. It makes me grin from ear to ear. It's the song I want played for a first dance at my wedding and wraps up my feelings for C in a pretty little bow.
There ya have it. Enjoy.
So instead of doing my favorite song..I'm doing my top 10 songs I've been obsessed with at one point or another. I have a tendency for finding a song I like, listening to it non-stop on repeat for a good few weeks to a couple months. I don't really get sick of it as much as it falls out of rotation, but these songs I can hear time and time again even after the obsession dies and I still love 'em.
So here they are in no particular order.
10. "Love in this Club" - Usher
9. "Lollipop" - Lil' Wayne
These two songs were literally played back to back, over and over for an entire summer. I still go nuts when I hear 'em.
8. "Talk Dirty to Me" - Poison
I don't even want to think about the amount of money jukeboxes around the city have robbed me of. Get a beer in me and if there's a jukebox in sight, it's playing me some Poison (only this song though).
7. "Man in the Mirror" - Michael Jackson
Christian hates this song... When we first started dating I had a "wake up" playlist that I had on my alarm clock set to go off and wake me up. It seemed like every night he stayed over, this was the song to go off. Oh, that and I had it on a random CD from a while back and played it over and over again in the car.
6. "Your Love" - Outfield
No clue when the love for this one developed, but I seriously get all giddy when it plays.
5. "Mud on the Tires" - Brad Paisley
I remember one night probably 8 years ago, where a friend and I put this song on over 10 times in a row. I don't like sleeping outside and probably wouldn't enjoy driving a truck through mud all that much, but this song, it gets me.
4. "What Light" - Wilco
Also on the funk top 3. I can remember the first time my brother played this song for me, I actually got goosebumps and had to hear it all the time. Still brings a smile to my heart and feeds my soul when I hear it.
3. "Hold Me Now" - Polyphonic Spree
Again, introduced to me by Tyler. I get legitimately moved when I hear it. Feels like a hug.
2. "Free Fallin'" - Tom Petty
I know this is a cliche song for a list like this, and my love for it has nothing to do with Jerry Maguire (although damn, I did love that movie). I have seen Petty 8 times and he's played it almost every time I've seen him. Those 8 shows have spanned distance and time. I saw him when I was 20, I saw him this year at 26. I've seen him in Milwaukee with family, I've seen him in San Francisco and friends and strangers. I love this man, I love his concerts and I love this song.
1. "You are the Best Thing" - Ray Lamontagne
This is probably the most recent on the list. It's a recent discovery. It makes me grin from ear to ear. It's the song I want played for a first dance at my wedding and wraps up my feelings for C in a pretty little bow.
There ya have it. Enjoy.
In order to not neglect...
I've been terrible at posting...and I know Rebecca's upset. (And probably Gina too.) And with that I've upset over half of my readership. So while they both probably know all the answers to this, it will at the very least offer up a new post each week day for them to enjoy (there's no way I can guarantee weekends).
I got the idea from Emily over and A Leap Begins. First started reading her blog Burning River Bride...because ya know, I love reading wedding blogs. Seriously. It's an addiction. She got the idea from someone else...but here's the basic idea.
Every day for the next 30 (ish) days I'll write a post answering the following questions...and possibly some other good ones thrown in for good measure.
Day 1 - your favorite song
Day 2 - your favorite movie
Day 3 - your favorite television program
Day 4 - your favorite book
Day 5 - your favorite quote
Day 6 - 20 of my favorite things
Day 7 - a photo that makes you happy
Day 8 - a photo that makes you angry/sad
Day 9 - a photo you took
Day 10 - a photo taken over 10 years ago of you
Day 11 - a photo of you recently
Day 12 - something you are OCD about
Day 13 - a fictional book
Day 14 - a non-fictional book
Day 15 - your dream house
Day 16 - a song that makes you cry (or nearly)
Day 17 - an art piece (drawing, sculpture, painting, etc)
Day 18 - my wedding/future wedding/past wedding
Day 19 - a talent of yours
Day 20 - a hobby of yours
Day 21 - a recipe
Day 22 - a website
Day 23 - a youtube video
Day 24 - where I live
Day 25 - your day, in great detail
Day 26 - your week, in great detail
Day 27 - my worst habit
Day 28 - whats in my handbag/purse
Day 29 - hopes,dreams and plans for the next 365 days
Day 30 - a dream for the future
I got the idea from Emily over and A Leap Begins. First started reading her blog Burning River Bride...because ya know, I love reading wedding blogs. Seriously. It's an addiction. She got the idea from someone else...but here's the basic idea.
Every day for the next 30 (ish) days I'll write a post answering the following questions...and possibly some other good ones thrown in for good measure.
Day 1 - your favorite song
Day 2 - your favorite movie
Day 3 - your favorite television program
Day 4 - your favorite book
Day 5 - your favorite quote
Day 6 - 20 of my favorite things
Day 7 - a photo that makes you happy
Day 8 - a photo that makes you angry/sad
Day 9 - a photo you took
Day 10 - a photo taken over 10 years ago of you
Day 11 - a photo of you recently
Day 12 - something you are OCD about
Day 13 - a fictional book
Day 14 - a non-fictional book
Day 15 - your dream house
Day 16 - a song that makes you cry (or nearly)
Day 17 - an art piece (drawing, sculpture, painting, etc)
Day 18 - my wedding/future wedding/past wedding
Day 19 - a talent of yours
Day 20 - a hobby of yours
Day 21 - a recipe
Day 22 - a website
Day 23 - a youtube video
Day 24 - where I live
Day 25 - your day, in great detail
Day 26 - your week, in great detail
Day 27 - my worst habit
Day 28 - whats in my handbag/purse
Day 29 - hopes,dreams and plans for the next 365 days
Day 30 - a dream for the future
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
MIA...
I have been completely missing in action lately. Things got a little whirlwindy around here lately. We've decided to officially have another go at putting our house on the market. As you may or may not recall, we had it on the market for about 5 months last winter (that would NOT be the ideal season for those wondering). We had a decent amount of traffic but didn't have much success in terms of getting offers. We didn't feel as though we "clicked" with our Realtor and decided we'd take it off the market and try again later. We said we'd try again in a year. Given the patience of our two minds combined, it's no huge surprise that we're about 7 months into our year and we're going back at it again - this time in fall, which we're hoping helps a bit.
We met with a new Realtor last week and really felt a good vibe going. He gave us some suggestions on minor improvements to make before we list that were REALLY helpful (perks of a good Realtor!). So this weekend on top of our previously scheduled Labor Day weekend plans, we added home improvement.
I, being the self admitted control freak I am, made a spreadsheet. A list of tasks, costs, and associated people / notes. It made my head stop spinning and decreased my blood pressure the second I hit print. Let it be known I never actually referenced the spreadsheet, because by the time we started improvements on Sunday, we had already had a few versions of updates to the To Do List.
Saturday we spent the day helping my parents at coffee shop tent at the East Town Market. It makes me want to spend more time at the Farmers' Market. It's a pretty cool thing they've got going there. And there's puppies, which always sparks my interest. If you're in the Milwaukee area go to the East Town Farmers' Market. If you're anywhere else, find one in your area! After the Market, we made trips #1 & #2 to Home Depot. I find myself somewhat of an anomaly in that I'm a control freak who doesn't really enjoy making decisions. So when it came to picking a color to paint the greater majority of the first floor of my house, I got anxious. So trips 1 & 2 included picking up the baby jars of paint colors so we could do 4 different (although not THAT different) swatches of color on the walls...only to wait for my parent's arrival on Sunday morning to actually pick out the final choice.
Sunday it was home improvement time. Mom & Dad got here nice and early and we trucked on through the new and improved To Do List. Paint the walls. Move the island out, move the table in. Rent a truck, move the love seat in. Buy flowers (so cheap at Home Depot, Mums are so in right now). Re-vamp deck & seating area. And at the end of 6 hours we had everything completed. My dad and boyfriend are pro-painters and while we did the back and forth trips to Home Depot (seriously felt like it could have been my home by the end of the day) they got all the painting done.
It's all minor changes, nothing too drastic. But I feel like it's a HUGE difference. I keep calling it my "New Family Room". And that ends our updates, because otherwise, I'll just want to stay here. It did make me pretty excited to get into a new house that has more projects to tackle!
We met with a new Realtor last week and really felt a good vibe going. He gave us some suggestions on minor improvements to make before we list that were REALLY helpful (perks of a good Realtor!). So this weekend on top of our previously scheduled Labor Day weekend plans, we added home improvement.
I, being the self admitted control freak I am, made a spreadsheet. A list of tasks, costs, and associated people / notes. It made my head stop spinning and decreased my blood pressure the second I hit print. Let it be known I never actually referenced the spreadsheet, because by the time we started improvements on Sunday, we had already had a few versions of updates to the To Do List.
Saturday we spent the day helping my parents at coffee shop tent at the East Town Market. It makes me want to spend more time at the Farmers' Market. It's a pretty cool thing they've got going there. And there's puppies, which always sparks my interest. If you're in the Milwaukee area go to the East Town Farmers' Market. If you're anywhere else, find one in your area! After the Market, we made trips #1 & #2 to Home Depot. I find myself somewhat of an anomaly in that I'm a control freak who doesn't really enjoy making decisions. So when it came to picking a color to paint the greater majority of the first floor of my house, I got anxious. So trips 1 & 2 included picking up the baby jars of paint colors so we could do 4 different (although not THAT different) swatches of color on the walls...only to wait for my parent's arrival on Sunday morning to actually pick out the final choice.
Sunday it was home improvement time. Mom & Dad got here nice and early and we trucked on through the new and improved To Do List. Paint the walls. Move the island out, move the table in. Rent a truck, move the love seat in. Buy flowers (so cheap at Home Depot, Mums are so in right now). Re-vamp deck & seating area. And at the end of 6 hours we had everything completed. My dad and boyfriend are pro-painters and while we did the back and forth trips to Home Depot (seriously felt like it could have been my home by the end of the day) they got all the painting done.
It's all minor changes, nothing too drastic. But I feel like it's a HUGE difference. I keep calling it my "New Family Room". And that ends our updates, because otherwise, I'll just want to stay here. It did make me pretty excited to get into a new house that has more projects to tackle!
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