Counting and Discounting

It's easy to get caught up in someone we are not. Sometimes I find myself living in the past or the future, forgetting about who I am today. I tear down who I am, because I envisioned myself somewhere else. I forget to praise myself for the person I am today.

"But I'm learning who you've been ain't who you gotta be."

Each day is a new start; we are promised the day ahead to do be better than we were the day before.

Instead of discounting the person we are, it's important to count our blessings. We must reward ourselves for learning from past mistakes. Looking forward doesn't mean living in the future. It's a reminder that good days are ahead. The opportunities are endless, and more importantly, we are deserving of these moments.

"Better Than I Used to Be" - Tim McGraw

No more discounting. Things have worked out this way for a reason. Practicing patience and believing that something good will come are the best ways to live life. Focus on counting blessings, and do not discount losses.

Mind Reading Music

I love my computer. I love the sound of the keys as my fingers grace across the 'home row.' There is nothing better than finding a good website filled with tons of interesting information. I sound like a complete nerd, but seriously what did I do before my Macbook? It's more than a tool for writing and researching; it's my favorite avenue to good music. 

Music changes people; it fits every mood. When I am feeling hopeless, I turn to Tenth Avenue North to uplift me. Sometimes I want to pump up my spirits, which can be done with Britney or Rihanna. For smooth listening I go one of two routes: country or Adele. My newest obsession (thanks to my friend Ellen) is Sarah Bareilles. Oh. My. Goodness. She has a beautiful way of exerting calming words in each song. Needless to say, she is my top station on Pandora.

For those of you who don't know, Pandora is an online radio station that you are able to personalize. I find it funny how some days the station is right on. It's playing everything I want to hear; I just can't get enough. Then there are days that I just can't find the right beat. You are only allowed so many 'skips' in one setting, and it is frustrating when I exhaust all of my musical options.

Overall, I love Pandora. Lately, it has been ready my mind. It's like it knows what I want to hear before I even do. This mind reading music is just the way I like it! 

Here's some easy listening for your Tuesday morning. Enjoy!

Take a Second

Good Motivation Morning! I'm sure after hours of football, chicken wings, and beer, y'all could use some serious motivation today :-)

I'm coming off a great weekend that I spent with wonderful friends. My friend, Ashley, and I shared quite a few belly laughs. She makes me feel like myself, which is so important to me. In some ways, she grounds me; she makes me believe in second chances. Things don't always go the way we believe they should. Then a second (or third, or fourth) chance is waiting for us; it is planned for us. Take it.

This morning, I want to take a second to believe in second chances:

Embrace life's uncertainties.

All we can do is believe there is something better.

Just as we can't be afraid to fail, we also can't be scared of picking it up and moving forward.

Everybody.

There is a right time for everything. 

Sometimes we just need to take a second a reflect and refocus. Who gave you a second chance? What are you going to do with it?

Ever Get That Feeling?

I had a really good day yesterday. It all started with a sweaty trip to the gym, which always gets me in the best mood. I cleaned up and spent my afternoon hanging out with my mom's 3rd graders. If you ever want to feel loved, visit an elementary classroom. Kids have so much love to give and have no problem showcasing it; each one is such a blessing.

I was able to read one of my favorite books to them:

They were hilarious.

Last night, I went to my sister's basketball games. While I may not be super competitive, there is something about basketball that changes me. I love it. I can't shut my mouth, and I find myself bouncing up and down in my seat. The girls played AWESOME! It was so fun to watch them play together. They were moving their feet, playing as a team, and making their free-throws (incredible, right?).

After the game, Sarah came up to me and said, "That was fun!" Yes, winning is fun, but even more so, playing together as a team feels right. I remember the feeling of coming off a good win. It's like you are right where you are supposed to be.

On the drive home, I got that feeling. I was able to share the game with my sister and my dad (who happens to be the assistant coach). Watching the girls play well together and the coaches smiling and high-fiving is an awesome feeling.

Last night I was right where I was supposed to be... with my mom, watching my sister and dad :-) Go Dogs!

Drop Crotch

I’m not sure if y’all have been noticing men’s fashion trends lately. While I have not been shopping in the men’s department at Von Maur, I do read about fashion trends quite a bit.

Recently “The Today Show” did a piece about the evolution of men’s fashion. It is seemingly more acceptable for men to focus on their look - to look a little "metro". 

As I was watching the piece, I realized that one almost needs a separate dictionary just for the world of men’s fashion.

Murse: the male purse

Mandals: men’s sandals

Mankini: a male bikini (gross)

Clearly if you add a masculine “m” on the beginning of a word, it becomes a part of men’s fashion.

The latest to come on the scene: the drop crotch. We’ve all seen how men drop their pants, showcasing their preference of underwear. Apparently a droopy crotch is what the ladies are supposed to be loving. Ummm… count me in?

Now the drop crotch trend is sliding over to women’s fashion. This is absurd to me. I hate when my pants are slipping and sliding (which is pretty much every day that I am not wearing leggings). So, what do you think? Hot or not?

Does this really look comfortable? I'm leaning towards "no."

On a slightly different note. Fun Fact Friday: Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream", written in 1590, was the first recorded use of the word 'swagger'. 

Maybe drop crotch pants are the latest form of swagger. Just maybe. 

Stay the Same

It’s always fun to break out old photo albums, birthday cards, and notes from friends growing up. It can also be quite an adventure to snoop through high school yearbooks. It’s interesting to see how people have changed and wonder where they are now.

In middle school, we had a year “book” that I would say resembled more of a pamphlet than anything. Either way, it was a great place for people to draw pictures of body parts (if you know what I mean) and doodle hearts around people’s heads. Ohhh, to be young again. There was a popular saying to write on the creases of the pages, “They’ve signed your front, they’ve signed your back. This is where I’ll sign your crack.” Nice, huh?

As we grew older, the messages became more thoughtful and nostalgic. Senior year in particular was a time to wish friends luck as they started a new chapter in their lives.

Creating memories is a part of life, but I have recently forgotten that memories are not all of life. I always found it silly that people wrote, “never change,” in yearbooks. We are constantly changing, and I am thankful for that. Can you imagine being the same person you were as a senior in high school? We are meant to change; we are meant to evolve.

I was listening to the song lyric, “I know my heart will never be the same, but I’m telling myself I’ll be okay.” Everyone is changing and leaving lasting impressions on our hearts. It is important not to get caught up in the memories. If we do that, then we forget to move forward. We are forever stuck reliving a life that has passed. I challenge you (and myself) to not stay the same. Embrace the exciting changes, promises, and uncertainties of life.

She's Still My Girl

As you may have already heard, Paula Deen recently announced that she was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in 2008. This comes as no surprise to health advocates that have watched her pour butter and cream over dishes. She makes it no secret that her fryer is one of her favorite tools. While this adds to her southern charm, it obviously stirs up health concerns.

I have always been a HUGE fan of Paula Deen. Maybe you even remember my ode to her? Whenever she belts out her contagious laugh, I can’t help but smile. While I’ve never attempted to cook any of her foods, I must say that I enjoy even pretending to sample at the end of the show. They look delicious - almost as delicious as her two sons ;-)

I ran across the “Paula Deen’s Most Outrageous Recipes” the other day.

A few that topped the list:

The Lady's Brunch Burger - a donut as  the bun?!?

Fried Butter Balls - frying butter... yuck.

Peanut Butter Cheese Fudge - PB and cheese may be a little extreme.

Deep Fried Mac n' Cheese - no comment necessary.

A couple of my friends have asked me what I think about the whole Diabetes controversy. Honestly, Paula will always be my girl. She seems to have an amazing attitude towards life, so I’m sure she will take this bump in the road, turn it into something good, and laugh on.