risky business

i’ve had this great little black leather journal for a long time… but until just recently I’d never written anything in it. you know, it was just one of those things where I wasn’t quite sure that I wanted to fill yet another journal with MY ramblings or whatever… but a couple of weeks ago I finally decided that the journal couldn’t live without words any longer and came up with the perfect use for it. I decided that I’d start writing little quotes in it that I’ve been collecting for several months.
so now I’m filling it with quotes like this one from Helen Keller: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”
this has become a pretty inspiring project for me… maybe because I’ve chosen a lot of quotes from people who have defied odds, overcome obstacles… like Helen Keller. she was one amazing person.
someone else who defied odds? Walt Disney. Did you know that he was once fired from an ad agency because he was told that he “lacked ideas” and couldn’t draw? um, yeah, I’m betting that the guy who fired him ended up feeling like a huge idiot later... and rightly so. Disney once said this: “It’s kinda fun to do the impossible.”
I love that.

speaking of great quotes, I read a motivating article yesterday. If you’re interested, it’s a great read. It’s written by Margaret Feinberg and there’s a diamond analogy that she includes in this article that really made the light go on in my head… or in my spirit… whatever.
http://www.injoy.com/Newsletters/catalyst/Full/default.aspx?article_id=34

The things that stuck out to me in this article:
“Courage requires the belief that something greater than yourself is at stake. It also asks you to trust that Someone greater is at work. “
“Learning to fly is risky business. Crash landings usually hurt, and it's hard to get up, brush yourself off, and try again. Stepping out and doing what you were created to do rather than what is expected of you is hard. Even faith is a risk, so living a life of following Jesus is littered with risk.”

Does that speak to anyone besides me? are you willing to step out and do what you were created to do rather than what is expected of you? RISKY BUSINESS!
oh well, like Helen said, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”

Bublé in concert

Michael Bublé performed in T-town last night… and I went.
oh my… it was something else. at first I felt like I was at an Elvis concert the way the old ladies seated in front of us were carrying on… they kept hollering and dancing & swaying to the music. it was pretty funny. obviously there were women of all ages there screaming & going crazy but it was the 2 old ladies in front of us that I thought funny… did they think he was Tony Bennett?
anyway, he put on a great show but I gotta say that I could’ve done without so much cursing… but oh well… you can’t have it all. I hope Bublé eventually realizes that it doesn’t help him in the “being classy” department to have such a mouth. when it comes to the singing though… obviously he was great. sings as great in-person as he does on his recorded albums. he forgot or messed up on his words a couple times… but it’s easy to look over little mess-ups when his voice is so great.
it was a mix between Elvis, Desi Arnaz, the Rat-Pack… and Johnny Knoxville. He was pretty funny & he did a few impressions of other people like Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, & yes…even Michael Jackson.

it was definitely an entertaining evening.

have you watched Cash's video yet?

Your Career Type: Social

You are helpful, friendly, and trustworthy.Your talents lie in teaching, nursing, giving information, and solving social problems. You would make an excellent: Counselor - Dental Hygienist - LibrarianNurse - Parole Officer - Personal TrainerPhysical Therapist - Social Worker - Teacher The worst career options for your are realistic careers, like truck driver or farmer.

What's" Your Ideal Career?

boy, good thing i gave up truck driving.

in other news, look at what I came upon:

http://mchammer.blogspot.com/

cool.

Johnny Cash's "Hurt"

i love music videos. LOVE.
here's one of my new favorites:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmVAWKfJ4Go

been there- done that- bought the t-shirt.

well, haven’t exactly been “there” yet or done “that” quite yet… but I have bought the t-shirt. What am I talking about? I’m talking about that dream inside every person’s heart… the one that calls out to you & wakes you up in the middle of the night. That thing you would finally do if you had all the money in the world… if there were no boundaries, no walls, no bars… the thing you would do if there was nothing holding you back. What is it that you dream & daydream about? What have you always imagined doing with your life that you haven’t quite done yet?
As for my dream- well, no, I’m not “there” yet- haven’t done it yet- but at least I’ve bought the t-shirt. I’ve bought into my dream… at least I can say that- can you? If you can say “yes” then that’s great, it takes something to own your dream. way to go- you’re on the way to making it a reality. you believe in yourself or God (or both) enough to know that you’re taking the first steps.
For those who haven’t quite owned up to the fact that your life is for a reason bigger than yourself- if you can’t own up to the dream that’s in your heart- or if you lost sight of it 15 years ago- it only takes one decision to turn that around. you CAN own your dreams. I have a feeling that after you decide to buy into what your heart says- after you own your dream- it’ll only be a matter of time before you own your life & are living it… or should I say giving it…?
so, c’mon, whatcha waiting for? as cheesy as it may sound- buy that t-shirt.

never too late

a co-worker sent this link around today- you need to check it out.
don't know how long this link will be active but it's a cool story.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=UBYPaNc57Ik&search=autism%20basketball

"It is never too late to be what you might have been. " -George Eliot

myspace vs. my acumen

so i’m contemplating the whole myspace.com thing… should i do it? should i take the plunge & give into peer pressure?
oh, btw, hope everyone had a fabulous Valentine's Day!

most of the time, they don't talk at all, because they walking.

I watched Hustle & Flow last night. If you can’t handle rated R movies w/the f-bomb and other R rated activities, then it’s not for you.

So, what’s it about? Here’s the plot in a nutshell: DJay is a pimp suffering a midlife crisis, yearning to be a rap star, and after being galvanized by a gospel song, he gets to work, finding it a very hard road to fame and respect.

In one of my favorite parts of the movie, the character Key(played by Anthony Anderson) gives a lecture to DJay(played by Terrence Howard) about not just talking but about walking.
KEY:There are two types of people:
Those that talk the talk and those that walk the walk.
People who walk the walk, they sometimes talk the talk.
But most of the time, they don't talk at all, because they walking.
Now, people who talk the talk, when it comes time for them to walk,
- you wanna know what they do?
DJAY: What is that?
KEY: They talk people like me into walking for them.

My other favorite part is when Shug(played by Taraji P. Henson) hears herself singing- hears her own voice on a track for the 1st time. It’s like she realizes for the 1st time in her life that she’s somebody.
She sings “It’s hard out here for a pimp…”

Not the best movie ever but it’s true what they say:
“Everybody gotta have a dream.”
http://www.hustleandflow.com/

get out of that tree!

here’s something I’ve been thinking about for the past few days:
Some people say that you shouldn’t give money to the rough guys- the “bums”- who stand on the corners with signs that say “Will work for food. God bless you.” People say that you can’t trust them- people say that they’re just going to take your cash & go get drunk. Well, I think every situation is different and you just never really know whether that person is seriously in need or not. I was reading the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19 the other day and it got me thinking.(Bear w/me… as I paraphrase & ramble.) Here was this guy who was a tax collector… this guy who no one liked and no one trusted… and Jesus looks up at him DIRECTLY and calls out to him and says “Zacchaeus! Get down! I MUST go to your house today!” And the people mutter among themselves: Jesus is going to hang out w/a sinner? So, this Monday, as I was sitting at the traffic light where my daily “bum” stands with his sign… and as I was thinking about what people say about “bums”, God reminded me and said “Hey, I want to go to his house.” No matter what other people may be thinking about someone else… it doesn’t matter because Jesus wants to visit their house. Even if they’re not living for God as Zacchaeus… even if they’re dirty and stinky… Jesus still says to them “HEY! I MUST GO TO YOUR HOUSE TODAY!” How cool is that? I love that. I love that God wants to visit my “bum”… He wants to visit the cool gothic girl who’s the checkout clerk at my grocery store… He wants to visit all of us… Get out of that tree!
And notice that the Bible doesn’t say that Jesus stopped, asked what the guy’s name was who was hanging out in the tree and then said “Zacchaeus! Come down here & let’s go hang out at your place!” No, He didn’t have to ask what Zacchaeus’ name was… (at least not that we know of) He already knew Zach’s name. I love that He knows the names of all the people in my life like the checkout clerk & the bum. yup, cool stuff.

yes, I'm still alive & breathing...

Hope everyone is doing really well and enjoying everyday life. :)
Rebecca & I went to the gym(the AC) last night. did some walking, then tried the elliptical machine (I lasted for a whole 3 minutes), then Rebecca taught me how to play basketball. (yes, I really know how to play but I’m afraid I’ve lost my skills). Dang! What has happened to me?!?! I need to take this working out stuff more seriously! I need to tone up and get back into shape!
New subject: OPRAH & THE MILLION LITTLE PIECES CONTROVERSY. Here’s the short version of what’s happened- the guy who wrote this book(James Frey) made some of his life story up but tried to pass it off as truth. On Oprah’s show, the book was said to be Frey’s true life story. Then not too long ago it came out that some of it was fabricated & I guess that Oprah didn’t handle it the way she could have… I don’t know what she said and I don’t know what she didn’t say… but if I was her I would’ve at least said Oh, hey, we found out that this was untrue and we’re sorry to have mislead you… please forgive us as we ourselves were mislead… or something like that. But i guess she didn't say that & some viewers are ticked with her.
Well, anyway, I say all of this to say that if you’re planning on reading this book (which I’ve heard is pretty good) then read it knowing that the author made some crap up so that he would seem like more of a superman than he really is. Or maybe if you’re looking for a good you-can-fight-through-it-and-win story, then just go pick up an authentic Superman comic? Don’t get me wrong, I see nothing wrong with a good book… it’s just that if it’s fictional then don’t lie and tell the world (via the Oprah show) that it’s all non-fictional truth.
Here’s an article on it: http://adage.com/news.cms?newsId=47546
peace out.
p.s. for all of you who've forgotten, my happy bday is monday... feel free to send me your love via ecards or gifts. :) I hate when people remind me of bdays- i'm terrible at remembering bdays!

need more oxygen

this time last week I was in Colorado. yup, went to visit Ingrid on her b-day. Even though she never reads my blog and there’s no danger of her seeing whether or not I disclose her age, I won’t do it. had a good time even though I had a slight problem with the altitude this time… i got over it by drinking tons of water.
so now I’m back home and I feel a little bit like these guys… feel like I’m trekking!
I wonder if they had problems with the altitude?

Merry Christmas!

Luke 2:11-14
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Anytime I hear or read this verse, I hear it in Linus' voice from the Charlie Brown Christmas Special... no joke. :) love that Linus... I'm a big fan...
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

{{{{{{{{{ frosty }}}}}}}}}}

"Half of the world is composed of people who have something to say and can't; the other half consists of people who have nothing to say and keep on saying it." Robert Frost

Hmm... i think that's a great quote. So i've been having a mental block lately... not able to post much... sorry Steph! I have a feeling that the block will pass soon. Shoot, i might even start writing some poetry up on here or something! ha!
So the last couple of weeks have been pretty good- been keeping busy with all the Christmas stuff- shopping, partying, etc. I've received some great gifts already and it's not even Christmas yet! We did that "Secret Santa" thing at work and my Secret Santa (who was Jamie) was really good to me and got me James Blunt's "Back to Bedlam" album and lots of other great stuff! More about James Blunt: http://shopping.msn.com/prices/shp/?itemId=1738404,ptnrId=26,ptnrData=0
I've also received lots of Starbucks love thanks to winning a door prize at the work Christmas party & thanks to another gift from my Secret Santa. Can't go wrong with Starbucks people! Just in case you still haven't had the opportunity to do your shopping for me... S T A R B U C K S. :)

I'm listening to the Vince Guaraldi Trio(Charlie Brown Christmas) and i love it. you've got to love jazz. Christmas is just around the corner... and we're having a little snow in T town today! hmm... i hear a peppermint mocha calling my name.

avodah(Ah´-voe-dah) (thanks for the help Stacey)

Hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving holiday. This weekend I came across something that I wrote a few years back... thought i'd share it:
The words "work" and "worship" come from the same Hebrew root, "avodah." Some people say, “As you work, you are worshipping the Lord”. It’s almost like the idea of “suffering” for God. I disagree with this idea. I believe that God created me to worship Him. God created us all to worship Him with the talents and gifts that He has given to us. In our use of those gifts and talents, we worship Him. And that is our work on this earth.

Kinda interesting that I came across this... as I am becoming increasingly convinced that I am not able to use my unique talents or gifts in the particular job that I have at the moment.... hmm...

A little Thanksgiving History:

Continental Congress Thanksgiving Proclamation 1782

STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE. IN COMMITTEE of SAFETY, EXETER, November 1, 1782.
ORDERED, THAT the following Proclamation for a general THANKSGIVING on the twenty-eighth day of November instant, received from the honorable Continental Congress, be forthwith printed, and sent to the several worshipping Assemblies in this State, to whom it is recommended religiously to observe said day, and to abstain from all servile labour thereon. M. WEARE, President.

By the United States in Congress assembled.

PROCLAMATION.
IT being the indispensable duty of all Nations, not only to offer up their supplications to ALMIGHTY GOD, the giver of all good, for his gracious assistance in a time of distress, but also in a solemn and public manner to give him praise for his goodness in general, and especially for great and signal interpositions of his providence in their behalf: Therefore the United States in Congress assembled, taking into their consideration the many instances of divine goodness to these States, in the course of the important conflict in which they have been so long engaged; the present happy and promising state of public affairs; and the events of the war, in the course of the year now drawing to a close; particularly the harmony of the public Councils, which is so necessary to the success of the public cause; the perfect union and good understanding which has hitherto subsisted between them and their Allies, notwithstanding the artful and unwearied attempts of the common enemy to divide them; the success of the arms of the United States, and those of their Allies, and the acknowledgment of their independence by another European power, whose friendship and commerce must be of great and lasting advantage to these States:----- Do hereby recommend to the inhabitants of these States in general, to observe, and request the several States to interpose their authority in appointing and commanding the observation of THURSDAY the twenty-eight day of NOVEMBER next, as a day of solemn THANKSGIVING to GOD for all his mercies: and they do further recommend to all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to GOD for his goodness, by a cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness.

Done in Congress, at Philadelphia, the eleventh day of October, in the year of our LORD one thousand seven hundred and eighty-two, and of our Sovereignty and Independence, the seventh. JOHN HANSON, President. Charles Thomson, Secretary.
PRINTED AT EXETER.

To see Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamations spanning from 1789 through this year visit:
http://www.pilgrimhall.org/ThanxProc.htm

slow motion

got the new David Gray cd “Life in Slow Motion” over the weekend… it’s so great. http://www.davidgray.com
does anyone else see their life as a slow motion music video like I do?
speaking of slow motion- it's Monday.

our employer supplies us with free soda & juice… the kitchen is stocked… nice, eh? anyway, it's really been one of those days for me and so… I went into the kitchen, grabbed a V8 & poured it in a glass along with lots of black pepper & some dried red chili peppers that I found in little Mazzio’s packages. yum. yes, I pretended it was a bloody mary. and while I was sipping my pretend Bloody Mary, I had a great marketing idea for bars. They should run specials for Bloody Marys after 5 o’clock on Mondays…. and call them BLOODY MONDAYS. if they marketed it right it would be a big hit.
seriously… I’m not much of a drinker… I have my occasion glass of wine… and a pretend bloody mary in the office every once in awhile.
Drink responsibly.

Listening to Coldplay's "Fix You"

FIX YOU
When you try your best but you don't succeed
When you get what you want but not what you need
When you feel so tired but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse

And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone but it goes to waste could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

And high up above or down below
When you're too in love to let it go
But if you never try you'll never know
Just what you're worth

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Tears stream down on your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
Tears stream down your face
And I

Tears stream down on your face
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes
Tears stream down your face
And I

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you.


Don't you hate it when you're so passionate about something that it comes spilling out all over the place and all over everyone around you? Yeah, I don't either. I make no apologies for who I am. Just call me Joan of Arc.

I promise to write an entry in the near future that's a "real" entry and not just lyrics & hub-bub.
But seriously, LOVE this song. Don't you have songs that speak to you??

Wizard Academy Reunion

Got back from the Wizard Academy Reunion just in time to make it to Joy & Isaac's wedding on Sunday. Had a great time in Austin!! We met Michele Miller at the Wizard Reunion & had the opportunity to chat with her a bit. Michele's blog WonderBranding was named as one of the best blogs by Forbes.com this year. check it out: http://www.michelemiller.blogs.com/marketing_to_women/
how cool is it that i got to meet Malcolm Gladwell in Atlanta & then Michele Miller the next weekend in Austin... and get my picture taken w/both of them! oh, and the top pic here is our pic with the wizard himself, Roy Williams. wow... i'm a nerd sometimes.

the happy couple

i present to you, Mr. & Mrs. Issac Abad.

THE RIGHT STUFF!

okay- so I went to the Catalyst conference in Atlanta- got back on Saturday afternoon. it was a great experience. just when you think that all christian related events and churchy people suck- you learn otherwise. let me just say that the very first sounds I heard coming from inside the arena when I walked through the door was: “ohoh oh o oh, ohoh oh o oh, the right stuff!” Yes, that’s right, a New Kids on the Block video. It was at that moment that I knew I was going to have a fabulous time.
I’ll write more about my Catalyst experience later when I have more time…
…checkout my picture with Malcolm Gladwell, author of the Tipping Point. Which btw, I was a big fan of Gladwell BEFORE the conference… if you haven’t read either of his books, you might check them out. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/ref=pd_kk_sr_2/102-6254586-7647309?index=stripbooks&field-keywords=malcolm%20gladwell