Make Life Your Goal

Recipe time!

2009-09-02T22:13:00.003-04:00

I know I said this blog will have recipes but I still haven't posted one... until now.

Tonight I made Itlian Tofu Steaks. My recipe of course.

Ingredients:
-Lite Firm Tofu
-Red Onion
-Spinach Leaves
-Olive Oil
-Balsamic Vinegar
-Pepper, Oregano, Basil and Garlic
-Vegan Cream Cheese
-Vegan Bread

1. Drain tofu overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 400.
3. Cut tofu into three steaks.
4. Grease pan and place tofu steaks on pan. Layer all ingredients minus the bread and cream cheese. Bake for about 10 minutes or until desired golden brown.
5. Toast some bread then drizzle balsamic vinegar on one slice and spread vegan cream cheese on the other. Place cooked tofu steak on bread. There you have it.

Note: This method of cooking tofu uses olive oil so the outside is crispy and the inside is soft. (The consistency you get at most Thai restaurants.) If you are wanting your tofu dryer on the inside, make the steaks smaller and thinner and try freezing the tofu for a night after you drain it. (Slice. Then freeze in a plastic bag or plastic container. Don't stack the slices or they will stick together.) Defrost and follow method above. You can even eliminate the oil but the outside will not be as crunchy or golden brown.

*Picture is just of the steak and was taken with an iPhone because I misplaced my digital camera. Sorry!

Diversity.

2009-09-01T20:49:00.000-04:00

This blog makes me want to live in New York. People are unique. They are themselves. They have style. I absolutely love it.

So often I witness people who can't seem to think for themselves. They judge everyone and they base their own interests/opinions/fashion on what everyone else likes/thinks/wears. It seems they lack their own identity.

I'm an Ani DiFranco fan and this morning, as I listened to the poetic lyrics of My IQ, I was thinking about how much her words mean to me.

When I was four years old/
They tried to test my I.Q./
They showed me a picture of 3 oranges and a pear/
They said, which one is different?/
It does not belong/
They taught me different is wrong

Those words demonstrate a thought that I've always struggled with. In our Western society, as I can't speak for any other society, why do people try to teach that different is wrong? We are taught to dress a certain way for job interviews and to put on a false front and a plastic smile when we want to impress someone. We have to play the game. If we have tattoos sometimes people make fun of us and judge us to be someone who doesn't have a job or an education. (I've had people say things to me like, "Why would you do that to yourself?" or "You would be pretty without tattoos.") If we dress up then we are preppy. If we live in a trailer park then we must be "white trash." If we do drugs then we are "bad." If we don't wear designer labels then we must be poor.

I'm always so delighted to find people who defy stereotypes. I have a friend whose mom married a wealthy man. Therefore my friend has money. You would not know it by looking at him. He doesn't look down on people nor does he dress the part—well, what society defines as such...

I always thought it would be so much fun to walk into Tiffany & Co. or some store at the Mall at Millenia, dressed in my usual attire, and throw down thousands of dollars in cash just for the shock value. One day if I ever have money, perhaps I'll do that.

I've been in a store where the worker smiled and said hi to everyone, letting them be. But (my assumption is that), because I have tattoos and was dressed in a torn t-shirt and ripped jeans, the worker's expression changed when she saw my face. She appeared to be disgusted. Then she followed me around as if I was a criminal. I've also had people ask me what I was "trying to prove" by having tattoos and a trihawk. All I could think was how I felt sorry for these people for being so blind.

Sure, we are all guilty of passing judgements on some level, but there is a difference between correlating a look and personality in your head and actually believing the person must behave a certain way because of how he/she looks.

Ever since I can remember, I was the person who never quite fit in with one social group. I am somewhat of a chameleon and could therefore easily adapt to whichever group I was with at the time but it wasn't as if I was truly a part of the group because I've never really been a cliquish kind of gal.

I've always been someone who has had different types of friends. Some rich, some poor. Some fat, some thin. They all dress a certain way. They are different races. They have different interests. Some were "cool" in high school, some were "losers." Some drink or do drugs, some don't.

I just love people. And I love when people are different. I admit I have some crazy tattoos, I wear too many accessories, my outfits are sometimes mismatched, I can be a hypocrite at times and I'm definitely a handful (my moods can shift at the drop of a hat). But I am who I am. And, though I continuously try to be a better and more positive person, I embrace everything that makes me who I am.

Embrace what makes you unique. Don't spend so much time trying to fit in. It's not worth it. So you might get made fun of. You might get judged. So what? At least you are being yourself!

This is Halloween, this is Halloween...

2009-08-25T09:55:00.001-04:00

Again, sorry I haven't updated in a while. I finally moved and got situated. Finally got Internet again. Now, on to the post...

There's something about Fall that I absolutely love. I know it's not Fall yet but I seem to be getting excited about Halloween already. Perhaps it's because Halloween II comes out this Friday and I've been waiting for that day for many months. Whatever the reason may be, last night I bought two pumpkin spice candles from Walmart ($3.50 each) so that I can be reminded of Halloween. They also had a delightful mulled cider candle that reminded me of Christmas but I figure I'll save that one for December and January.

Is there a certain holiday you love? Or just a season? Does one of them remind you of being a kid and having absolutely no worries? I think that's why I love October so much. And I tend to celebrate Halloween (and pumpkin spice things) from September until November. I do lots of baking with pumpkin, carve pumpkins, watch horror movies, go to costume stores, play scary music, etc. And I really can't wait until it is October so that I can do all of my favorite Fall things while opening all of the windows in my house!

Try celebrating a favorite holiday or season for an extended period of time. Trust me, it'll spice up your life.

*Photo is from the pumpkins Matt and I carved last Halloween while we listened to the Misfits. :-)

Home.

2009-08-13T23:23:00.009-04:00

What does your home mean to you? Do you decorate it? Move the furniture around? Do you get excited each time you walk inside? Do you really feel comfortable there?

To me, a home is a place to express myself. I have always had at least one entire wall covered in every single place I've lived in. Usually there are photos of friends and family, musicians, artists, etc. Anything to make me feel inspired.

And I love to be crafty so I always manage to sew some pillows and cut up some fabric to liven up my room(s).

I love my home. This past 1 1/2 years was the first time I lived by myself. No roommates! Though I hated living alone at first, I ended up loving it. I learned so much about myself. I felt like I was actually working for a reason. I would walk in from a long day of work and collapse on my bed or couch and feel so grateful that my work paid for my freedom and independence. I definitely think everyone should live alone for at least one year of his/her life. And by alone I also mean fully supporting yourself. There is just this great level of appreciation, independence and self-awareness that comes along with it.

To my surprise, a couple weeks ago, there was a rather startling knock at my door and a man presented me with foreclosure papers. Apparently Mr. Landlord stopped paying his mortgage and so I decided to immediately give my 30 days' notice and get out. I wasn't too happy about this at first. I tried to remain calm but inside I was a bit panicked because I am still digging myself out of my financial hole and therefore have absolutely no money saved. I did try to tell myself there must be a reason this was happening.

To make a long story short, I ended up going to my brother's house to show him the papers and ask for advice. Then on my way home I happened to see this For Rent sign. I had noticed the sign a couple weeks prior to that day but I hadn't really thought much of it. This time I immediately called and made an appointment to see it. Fast forward a few days and I end up deciding to rent it. I still had mixed feelings but tonight I realized how excited I am about moving.

Sure, I will be living with another person, but I think it's going to be good for both of us. We both happened to need a place at the exact same time and maybe we can start playing music together again. I really see good things happening. We haven't lived together in years.

Tonight we picked out our bedrooms and started moving a few things. And so starts a new chapter of life.

Goodbye to my first 1-bedroom place. I love you and I will forever remember you, but it's time to move on.

If you happen to be bored of your home, here are some fun ways to make it feel new again:

Paint a few walls/rooms. You can even sponge paint or use stencils. Be creative!

Cut out inspirational pictures from magazines. Or just cut out any pictures that you happen to like. Then tape them on the wall(s) or make a collage. You can buy cheap picture frames at Walmart to display your collage.

Rearrange your furniture! Rooms always seem to look so much bigger when you first rearrange them.

Restore a couple pieces of furniture. You can buy cheap tables/chairs/desks from places like Big Lots, consignment shops or yard sales. Sand them. Mosaic them. Paint them. Spray paint them. Write quotes on them. Make tablecloths. Use your imagination. *Photo on left is a mosaic table I made from a broken mirror. Fun!! And it looks really pretty too.

Spring cleaning. It doesn't have to be Spring. If you feel like your place needs a makeover, you can always first attempt to clean it. And clean it thoroughly. Empty the entire refrigerator. Clean it out. Clean the oven. The entire bathroom. Do the floors. Clean the fans. Vacuum. Shampoo. Mop. Clean the windows and screens. You will find this might liven up the place a little.

IKEA. You can check out the super cheap furniture downstairs, next to the checkouts. Or you can buy the other stuff upstairs. Even if you don't buy anything, you can at least walk around the showrooms and get ideas of different ways to make your space work.

Garden. You can always plant a garden. If you don't have a yard, try buying a plant.

Silk flowers. Buy some silk flowers at a craft store or the flea market. Arrange them in a vase and/or accent them throughout your home.

Basically, just remember to make it your own and have fun!

"I hate my job."

2009-08-12T22:57:00.001-04:00

"I hate my job."

Then leave it!! I am always so frustrated and unsympathetic towards those people I know who wake up daily and complain about going to work. There are plenty of jobs out there. Try to get another one if you absolutely loathe yours. You can even try starting your own company. Be smart about it but maybe try starting your own thing on the side. I promise you won't be let down.

You might not find what you're looking for right away but eventually you will find a job you enjoy. I get paid to read, write, edit, be creative and listen to music. And I don't even have to cover my tattoos or dress a certain way. Has life always been this great? Of course not.

*Photo is where I used to work on days I worked remotely at the publishing company. It was so peaceful to write at home, with the sliding glass door open to the pool and feel the breeze... ahh... love it. For some cool photos of writers' work spaces, check out this link.

I've had about 45 jobs. Everything from waitress, janitor and cashier to data entry and stocking children's clothes. But each time I really started to hate what I was doing, I would quit. Sure, most times I didn't have a job lined up—and I wouldn't exactly advise that, especially in this economy—but eventually I pushed myself to find a job. Sometimes I ended up disliking that job even more than I'd disliked the previous, but then I would quit and find a new one. My point is that if you hate your job, it's probably your own fault. Don't expect people to feel sorry for you. No one can find you a job you enjoy except you. So do it!

*Photo to the right is from when I worked in publishing. Very hectic!

If you need some job ideas, explore the list of previous jobs I've had. Note, there is probably a good reason I left all of these so you might want to avoid them... but, I must say, I think each and every one of you should work in the service industry so that you don't under-appreciate those people. They're amazing and they deserve respect. And, always remember, tip your server! Twenty percent is the lowest I tip, because I served plenty of times and it can be really brutal!!

Some job ideas (jobs I've had):
-bus girl
-waitress at a restaurant
-waitress for catering
-food prep
-video store
-porn store
-costume store
-consignment shop
-ice cream shop
-marketing for real estate agency
-marketing for pac-man cafe @ xs orlando
-traffic person for ad agency
-sole proofreader/editor for ad agency (I like this one!! That's why I'm still there.)
-listings specialist at tourism publishing company
-internal project manager for new business development, proposal coordinator at tourism publishing company
-concert reviewer
-web editor
-writer
-word and logic puzzle proofreader
-kids' clothing store and toy store
-bookstore
-calendar kiosk
-bartender (but I quit before I really started)
-data entry
-waitress at restaurant in islands of adventure
-food prep
-busser
-picture framing expert at craft store
-bed, bath and beyond
-private investigator (I quit this one before I started too)
-vegan baker

I am happy to say that, though I sometimes grow weary of office politics and I ultimately plan on being 100% self-employed, I do love my job at the ad agency. And I am grateful for where I am. I've worked hard to get here but I truly appreciate it. I write and edit all day. I do freelance writing and editing. And I have a vegan donut business that I started a couple years ago. One day I plan on expanding it but for now it's just more of a hobby and a means of making enough extra money to pay my car insurance.

Have a happy day!!

Going vegan.

2009-08-04T21:29:00.016-04:00

Please excuse the hiatus. I've been so busy with other things that I haven't made time for this blog. I need to make more time! That's all it is. No excuses.

Do you eat unhealthy? Are you trying to lose weight? Trying to eat more balanced? Why not try going vegan for a while?!

Some misconceptions about being vegan:

What can you eat--lettuce?? Contrary to what some believe, you can eat far more than lettuce. As a matter of fact, I don't really even like lettuce and I've been vegan for years! I eat lots of salads but they're usually made with spinach. See the blog links posted to the right for various vegan recipes/info. Also try Googling "vegan" or "vegan recipes." You will find so much.

Tofu is so mushy. I would never eat it. If you learn how to properly drain and cook tofu, it doesn't always have to be mushy! You can drain it and pan fry it or, for a healthier option, bake it. You will find it's much drier this way.

But I like chocolate. Sure, you have to miss out on MILK chocolate but there are countless vegan dark chocolates available. Watch out though because often the name brands you are used to eating probably contain milkfat, even in their dark chocolate varieties. There are certainly a number that do not. You can find them at Target, health food stores, Publix, etc.

How do you get protein? When I used to eat meat, I didn't like it all that much so I definitely get more protein now that I'm vegan than I ever did when I ate meat. You can get protein from nuts, tofu, tempeh, seitan, soy milk, beans, grains, vegetables, fruits, etc.

But I like ice cream. So far I've yet to find a substitute for Twistee Treat but, aside from that, there are some tasty vegan ice creams. Check your local grocery stores and health food stores! You will be surprised. *Note, this isn't exactly healthy... but an entire pint of vegan ice cream is never as caloric as, say, an entire pint of that oh-so-good-yet-so-fattening Ben 'n Jerry's.

Bread and pasta are vegan but won't I be fat if I eat too much? Probably. So don't! Try to choose light breads. Whole grains breads. Limit the amount of pasta you eat. As a matter of fact, limit your portion sizes. Try eating out of baby dishes and with baby silverware. It will force you to eat slower, you'll get full faster and then you will eventually shed some pounds.

What about eating out? This can be a challenge, especially depending on how extreme you take being vegan. There are some vegans who will not eat off the same grill or plate that meat was cooked/served on. If this is what you turn into, eat at home or at an all-vegan place. There are numerous websites and iPhone apps that can point you in the direction to the nearest vegan eateries. Additionally, you should try Thai, Vietnamese and Indian restaurants because you will find there are plenty of vegan-friendly options at these places. And, you can always get a salad minus the chicken or steak. Most restaurants offer something like that. If you know that a bread is vegan you can also get a chicken sandwich without chicken, a BLT without bacon, etc. You just have to get creative.

I'm not here to preach vegan. But I get sick of people who put down all vegans or who immediately associate veganism with lack of protein and being sickly. Not the case.

Another big thing is the price factor. I hear many people complain about how expensive it is to be vegan. Also not the case. Sure, if you buy processed foods--frozen vegan meats, vegan cookies from the store, organic everything, and you eat out at vegan eateries daily, then you'll probably find cost to be an issue.

If, however, you learn to cook your own vegan meals and you make your bean burgers from scratch (quick and simple, by the way), bake your own vegan cookies, buy your fruits and veggies at a farmers market, and look for sales, you will find that you are able to accommodate your diet to be vegan-friendly.

If you live near a Publix, stop in right now for the almond milk. It's on sale: 2 for $5. Give it a whirl.

Lastly, I would like to share some of my favorite vegan cookbooks with you. Check them out if you need some ideas.

La Dolce Vegan, by Sarah Kramer
How It All Vegan, by Sarah Kramer and Tanya Barnard
Vegan with a Vengeance, by Isa Chandra Moskowitz
Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World, by Isa Chandra Moskowitz
The Joy of Cooking, by Irma Rombauer and Marion Becker

Many of those books have informative introductions that cover vegan basics and teach you all about substitutes. That last one is not vegan, but once you learn how to be a vegan cook you can easily--or sometimes with a challenge--veganize a variety of recipes.

Now go give vegan a try!

*Pictured are some random things I've baked/cooked from scratch. Not all super healthy of course, but definitely healthier than non-vegan versions. I never use any mixes and I typically don't work with prepared foods. It's a fun challenge!

Appreciation.

2009-07-27T18:57:00.004-04:00

If you work a Monday through Friday, 9 to 5 job, you probably love how it feels to walk out of your office on Monday evening. You also probably love Friday mornings. I do!

Today as I eagerly trotted down the stairs of my office building I was a tad peeved. Full of negative thoughts--recent money problems, the bad attitude I had today, family stuff, etc. But the instant I opened the door and my right foot hit the cement there was this immediate sense of peace. I felt as if I had just been freed from imprisonment. As if suddenly the blue sky was brighter than it had been in the morning. The warm air more pleasant. The scenery more picturesque. Everything was just so much better. Why? Because today was a rough day and I suffered through it.

Anyway, I want to remember that feeling. I want to file it away and refer to it when needed. Next time I'm having a crappy day I want to be able to put myself back in that moment and remember that no matter how many stressful situations I put myself in, I will always have wonderful moments like I did today at 5:33.

Remember to appreciate all the little things. And also remember to embrace your bad moods and your bad days. Without the bad, we wouldn't really know how amazing it was to feel so great when we have awesome days.

new things.

2009-07-26T06:20:00.005-04:00

Lately I've been all about experiencing new things.

July was a month of firsts:
-Stopped dying my hair black for the first time in a LONG time... however, I think I'm going back to black soon. I miss it.
-Made a vision board.
-Yoga.
-Saw many new movies.
-Started reading more new books.
-New Smyrna Beach.
-Gemini Springs.
-Juniper Springs.
-Hang gliding.
-Probably going to try Ethos vegan pizza this month... I can't believe I still haven't tried it.

To me, life is about experiences. I feel like I just want to experience so much. It makes you feel alive. And it's fun. If you haven't done anything new/or exciting in a while, give it a try. Even something as small as going to a new park or driving a different direction on a highway you frequent.

Diversity is the spice of life!

*Llama pictured is from Sanford zoo. I went there this past May, after having not been for a year. Sure, it's not the biggest or best zoo, but it's nearby, fun and inexpensive. Give it a try if you've never been. There's even a petting zoo.

Feeling good.

2009-07-25T23:46:00.000-04:00

Here are some tips to feeling good. I've collected these over the past couple months.

Every time you glance in a mirror, smile at yourself.
Make eye contact with people and smile at them.
Greet the cashier at the checkout line with a smile and ask him/her how his/her day is going.
Make people laugh.
Bake something you haven't baked before. Perhaps vegan peanut butter cups. (You don't really even bake them... just melt chocolate, add some confectioners sugar, create and refrigerate.)
Whenever someone asks how you are say, "Wonderful," "Fabulous" or "Livin' the dream." It will not only make you believe that is truly how you feel but it will also make the person who asked the question feel good. Who wants to hear you complain or say how crappy your day is? Wouldn't you rather hear a positive response when you ask the question?
Help someone. Whether it's letting a stranger in need borrow your phone to make a call, giving someone spare change, lending someone a pencil, holding a door... whatever it is, I promise you will feel better for having helped someone. It sort of makes you feel like your life is a bit more meaningful that particular day.
Exercise. (I'm sure no elaboration is needed.)
Watch an uplifting movie.
Go for a walk outside.
Hang out with adventurous people.
Try waking up early one Saturday or Sunday just to experience something different... or if you usually wake up early, try waking up late.
Try new things.
Taste new foods.
Meet new, diverse people.

hide and go seek.

2009-07-23T07:00:00.000-04:00

Here's your mission for today, if you happen to be bored or need a laugh: act like a child. I know I say that a lot but I really think that a part of us needs to stay young as the rest of us grows old.

Some ideas include:

Climb into a small space (e.g., a dryer, a cabinet, a refrigerator).
Build a fort out of blankets, pillows and furniture.
Play tag.
Go to a playground and play on all the equipment.
Ask your friends if they "want to play" instead of "hang out." It makes it seem so much more fun that way.
Eat some candy or fun cereal you used to eat as a child.
Watch cartoons.
Play a video game from your childhood.
Watch movies you watched when you were younger.
Color.
Play in the rain (as long as there isn't a lightning storm).
Make jewelry.
Make newspaper hats.
Go to a toy store.
Buy ice cream from an ice-cream truck.
Play dress-up.
Choreograph your own dance.
Go to a petting zoo.
Go to an arcade.
Go roller skating.

Happy Unbirthday!!

2009-07-22T05:00:00.000-04:00

Good news: today is your unbirthday and I am here to wish you a Happy Unbirthday!

Have you ever celebrated someone's unbirthday?

The first time I did it was when I was bored and wanted to make my mom smile. While she was at work I baked a cake, bought some fun gifts, decorated the house and cued the Very Merry Unbirthday song (from Alice In Wonderland) to play as she walked in the front door. Her first reaction was laughter, followed by: "You're crazy, Mary." And after that she was beaming with excitement.

This happened about eight or nine years ago. Since then I have celebrated countless unbirthdays. No one ever sees it coming. That's the best part. Birthdays are overrated. Everyone has one. Everyone knows when to expect it. Some people even go as far as making birthday wish lists, which I find to be a tad greedy. But by celebrating unbirthdays you are the one in control of the date and the chosen gift(s). And of course you can really brighten people's days. Additionally, you can celebrate one person's unbirthday multiple times a year. Technically you can do it 364 days a year, but that might suck the fun and randomness out of it...

First step to getting into unbirthdays is to collect the addresses of everyone you know but don't tell them why or you'll ruin the surprise.

Next step, randomly celebrate!

Some fun unbirthday gift ideas include:

A balloon bouquet.
Homemade vegan baked goods. (The gingerbread men pictured above were actually sent out inside my Christmas cards but I like to collect all my friends' addresses so I can celebrate their unbirthdays at the drop of a hat.)
A giant remote control. (It's especially funny if gift recipient has a 10-inch TV like I did when I got mine.)
A giant birthday card, mailed in a giant envelope of course.
Giant sunglasses.
A sombrero.
Something else you made (e.g., a painting, drawing, music recording, collage, etc.).
Dollar store treasures.
A singing telegram.
Toys.
Candy.
Personalized gift baskets.
Photo book or scrapbook.
Write a story about the person.
Stuffed animals.
Kidnap them (with their permission) and take them on a surprise adventure. Be spontaneous with this one. Make it good.

And remember, with every unbirthday gift you better get an unbirthday card. I sometimes make them but I also find joy in purchasing birthday cards and just writing in the "un" to accommodate my needs.

Now what are you waiting for? I'm sure you can think of at least one person you know who is having an unbirthday today. Go celebrate it before the day ends!

Snail mail.

2009-07-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

I know this post is meant to be about snail mail (see title), but, now that I'm on the topic of snails, let me start by saying I love the song Snails by The Format. Read the lyrics. They're amazing. And the music is melodic, peaceful and playful.

Here's my tattoo for this song. :-) Each time I look down at it I can't help but smile.

I'm sure just looking at this adorable tattoo has made you smile or at least experience some degree of happiness, right? In the event this is not doing it for you, I will go ahead and post a video of The Format doing Snails.

Now, back to my topic. Snail mail.

For most of us, gone are the days of snail mail. We needn't eagerly await the sound of the mail truck and run to the mailbox to see who wrote us back or who might've sent us a card or letter. Nope. We are spoiled by instant gratification. And while devilishly convenient, communication by way of instant-gratification tends to be lacking something. Lacking in some degree of substance. And often more impersonal. Abbreviated thoughts often lost in translation.

So, we have texting. Emailing. Instant messaging. Social networking. But a handwritten letter or note goes a long way.

My mom always wrote me notes when I was little. Did your parents do that? She would stick them in my lunch bag and always be sure to write "love" or "xo" somewhere. As a matter of fact, when I moved back in with her for 1 1/2 years at the age of 23, she would still write me notes sometimes and leave them on the kitchen counter if I had to work a late night and she was already in bed. Here's a photo of one of them. (Yes, I eat off play dishes and I eat with baby silverware.)

Anyway, they just make you feel good. Taking the time to actually write by hand and personalize something for is a great way to express how much you appreciate/care for someone. (I've always collected stickers and, to this day, pretty much every single time I write someone a note, card or letter I tend to add stickers or use colored pens to sort of put my personality into it. I even try to give the person stickers that are suited to him/her--whether it be their favorite flowers, foods, hobbies, animals, etc.)

Yes, I'm a bit like a grandma. I realize this. But I think I'm not alone here when I say that deep down we all secretly get a little thrill from receiving something handmade. It doesn't even have to be mailed. It could be delivered in person.

And it doesn't matter if the recipient is tattooed from head to toe, old, young, looks tough, etc. I especially enjoy giving frilly handmade cards to everyone. And I can tell you from experience, everyone enjoys them!

Give it a try. Make someone happy.

I leave you with another song suggestion. Check out Tomorrow's Gonna Be A Brighter Day by Jim Croce. If this blog hasn't made you smile, that song might.

Have a fun day. Write a letter--or send a postcard. Those are fun too!

How to spend your Sunday.

2009-07-20T08:00:00.003-04:00

Have no weekend plans? Don't wanna end up sitting on a bar stool for hours or sitting on your couch watching TV while trying to think of stuff to do? Try being productive. And surrounding yourself with motivated people. Not indecisive people who are just content sitting still doing nothing all day. I find that to sort of bring me down.

Try making a list. And then just start doing things. But don't sit around planning them too much or overthinking them.

I made a list Friday and I accomplished everything on my list (except for getting a cat... because the cat owner was working). By Sunday night I felt so accomplished.

If you live in the Central Florida area and haven't been to Gemini Springs, you should check it out. It's in DeBary. Good for a low-key day when you don't really want to deal with a busy Springs and you don't need to go in the water. (I'm told the Springs there used to be for swimming but have since become contaminated.) Anyway, you can enjoy walking and biking trails, fields where you can play ball, playgrounds and animal watching. We saw plenty of fish, birds, squirrels, etc. I'm also told there are peacocks there. And gators. But we didn't see any.

It was nice to be outside all day. It rained for a bit but playing in the rain sort of reminds me of being a child so I enjoy it--as long as there's no lightning.

Another thing I would like to stress is to just allow yourself to be free. Just because we aren't children anymore doesn't mean we can't sometimes act like we are. Today I described our hangout time as "playing" and I was sure to hit up the swing set. My friend and I, ages 29 and 26, ended up on the swings where a boy, no older than 8, soon joined us. It felt so good to be doing something so carefree.

Playgrounds are a good way to reduce stress and act like a kid again. (This photo is not Gemini Springs. It's a different playground I enjoy.)

After Gemini Springs and yoga, I saw the film Food, Inc., which reminded me of The Future of Food. Both documentaries were informative and made some good points. You might want to check them out if you're interested in health and where your food comes from. Warning though, Food, Inc. might gross you out if you happen to be a meat-eater.

This is sort of backtracking but another suggested activity for feeling like a kid again is coloring. Or painting. If you haven't done either of those things in a long time, you should try it. There's something therapeutic about it. Something we all probably did as kids but might never think of doing. You can purchase coloring books at the dollar store. You can purchase crayons there as well but you might want to get some Crayola if you don't want too many thick waxy streaks.

Remember, Frank Sinatra sang it best:
"Fairy tales can come true,
It can happen to you,
If you're young at heart..."

"Don't lose faith... I know it's gonna happen someday..."

2009-07-19T01:00:00.005-04:00

In case you missed the reference, those are Morrissey lyrics in my blog title. I absolutely love that song.

Today I made my vision board. This photo reflects it in its current state but I am going to add some stuff.

I got a gigantic piece of foamcore because I wanted it to hold up and to be hard to miss. I'm going to hang it in my bedroom so I have to look at it daily. That is the point of these things, right?!

I really think this will keep me driven towards achieving my life goals. It excites me.

Do you have a vision board? Do you have a list of life goals?

Since I love to write, I tend to make many lists and I find joy in going back to read them and finding I've accomplished things I set out to do.

You should try it. Make a vision board. Or write a list of life goals. Sure, you might have it all in your head, but if you have to look at it you will feel like the goals are slightly more tangible. And don't sell yourself short. I firmly believe you can achieve far more than you may allow yourself to think. And it's never too late. It doesn't matter how old you are, which mistakes you've made, where you are in life or what you are told you cannot do. Just do whatever you want. Make yourself happy. No one else can do it for you.

If you happen to be in a funk, check out the movie Yes Man. I promise it will restore your faith in yourself. And even in other people. Sure, it's just a movie. And if you have the same money problems as I do, you might not be able to just go to an airport and randomly pick a place to fly on whim. But it will change your perspective. You will be more willing to move forward rather than sit around wondering or turning everyone down because you're scared to just take risks.

Sorry to make this short but I'm pretty tired. It's been a long day. Have a fabulous night!!

Pain, pain, go away.

2009-07-18T10:47:00.000-04:00

I've spent my entire life battling headaches. During college I developed a bit of an addiction to nasal spray. And, nope, it wasn't the saline kind. That one didn't do a thing for me. I moved on though--to Claritin-D. Finally I realized I was really doing damage to myself. Then when I was 24 I met someone who was further into health than I was at the time. He gave me some pointers on various topics including my headaches. It was then I was introduced to the neti pot. If you do not use one of these, I highly recommend it. I would suggest the ceramic ones, as opposed to the plastic ones, because I believe they're supposed to hold less bacteria. You can find the plastic ones at Walgreens or CVS (or your other local drugstore) or the ceramic ones at Chamberlins (or your other local healthfood store). You need to buy some salt too. I also add a small capful of white vinegar to each mixture because another friend of mine, who had a sinus operation, told me his doctor suggested the addition of vinegar to enhance the cleansing process.

I'm just getting over a sinus infection and, let me tell you, the neti pot made me feel SO great this morning. You should've seen what came out of my nose.

Anyway, after you do it, you should hang your head upside down for a bit then slowly bring it back up, and blow your nose. Otherwise you might notice water randomly pouring from your nostrils.

Another solution for those with sinus problems is a massage cane. You can order one on the Internet for about $25. Some come with a DVD and/or booklet demonstrating the proper use. This also helps for stiff necks and sore muscles of course. I keep mine next to my bed. Love it!

Additionally, I find exercise helps headaches. When I am in a non-exercise phase I immediately notice more pressure.

Speaking of exercise, guess who started jogging again this week. Me! I usually breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth but I'm trying a new challenge by doing yoga breathing the entire time instead. It's a bit more difficult at first but I can see that it will really help me in the long-run. Last summer when I was jogging regularly I was able to jog for 50 minutes straight but now I'm back to just 20 before I have to alternate with walking. But I'm just trying to remember that everyone starts somewhere and I need to stay positive about the whole thing. The fact I'm even doing is a step in the right direction. It sure beats hanging out at smokey bars all evening and listening to people complain.

Next time your friends invite you to a bar try taking a random exercise class or going for a walk/jog instead. Friends are great and bars can be fun but if it becomes habitual you might eventually get lost in the sea of stagnancy that seems to go hand-in-hand with that lifestyle. I much prefer being in a room full of people with drive and motivation. As for yoga, or any type of exercise class I've ever taken, I also must say that it's so nice to have the teachers' encouragement. It really makes you feel good!

Good Morning !

2009-07-17T07:52:00.008-04:00

Good morning. I don't really have time to write a long post because someone decided to give herself a French manicure before work, but I will do what I can.

Sometimes we take for granted our surroundings. Palm trees swaying in the wind. Beautiful beaches. Snow-capped mountains. A clear body of freshwater. A dazzling blue sky accented with billowy white clouds.

Try to just take a moment to look around today. Appreciate what you see. Nature. Really take it in. If you meditate, you can even use whatever you fixate on to aid your focus process through meditation.

If you haven't tried meditation, I suggest you look into it. Like many people, I am someone who thinks a lot. Well, I used to. I still do at certain times but I've learned to quiet my mind. It takes practice and at first can be a bit frustrating but, if you stick with it, I promise you will be pleased with the end results. You will be more calm in your daily life, you won't have trouble sleeping (if you happen to be someone who stays awake pondering things whilst attempting sleep) and you might just start seeing the world from a different perspective.

I had my second Ashtanga yoga class last night and the teacher mentioned I was good at breathing. I attribute that to the fact that I started practicing meditation a year ago, and also that I jog. Both help regulate your breathing.

Anyway, give it a whirl. What's the worst that can happen? And, more importantly, think of the best possible outcome.

Anipals!

2009-07-16T01:00:00.002-04:00

These are the kittens a friend of mine brought to me this past October. I fell in love with them and had them at my house over night. I woke up and considered keeping all three. In the end, my own laziness and fear of commitment prevented me from keeping any of them. I gave all three back to her and apologized.

But time goes on. And people grow.

And, lucky for me, I have an understanding friend who puts up with me. I recently told her I decided I wanted an animal again and this time I would keep it. I almost got a mini dachshund a couple months ago but I'm really not home enough to devote the proper attention to a dog. Seeing as cats are more self-sufficient, I will purrrrrsue that route. I'm so excited. It's going to be a fun new responsibility and also a new companion of course. Taking care of another living creature, aside from myself, will be a fun new challenge for me.

Do you have any animals? If not, I suggest you think about getting one. I would recommend first going to a local shelter because those are the animals who really need your help. After that perhaps an independent pet rescuer. I'm not such a breeder fan nor am I a puppy store fan. Not at all! If I had millions of dollars I would just go around to flea markets or puppy stores and buy the puppies because there are about 10 in each cage I see. It's so sad. The owners don't deserve money, but the animals don't deserve to be in the cages.

In my humble opinion, here is the pet rundown:

Dogs: The coolest! They can read you like a book. They are always on your side. They sleep with you. Eat with you. Judge men for you. (When I lived with my brother's mini dachshund she was only nice to the guys I liked. It was so awesome!) Exercise with you. BUT You need to give them attention. Take them for walks. Play with them. Hang out with them. Take them places. Take them outside for bathrrom breaks. This pet probably isn't good for someone who works a lot.
Cats: My second favorite. More self-sufficient. Some will cuddle but not all. Some prefer to be left alone. They don't mind their alone time. You can get a litter box and not worry about taking them outside. You don't have to walk them. Good for someone who might work more than she should.
Fish: Kind of boring in my opinion. Fun to watch though. They don't require you to be home but you can't cuddle with them. So if you're looking to fill an emotional void, I say stay away from fish. If however you just want to watch them swim around and interact with each other, go for it. They are interesting creatures and they have little personalities just like dogs and cats. I miss little Steve Martin (indirectly named for his character Gil in Parenthood).

Okay, those are the only pets I've ever had so I can't give firsthand accounts for any others.

In closing, if you do not have time to devote to a pet, please do not get one just to fill a void! It is bad for the animal. You can always just go to a local lake, park or zoo and watch animals. In Orlando there are swans, birds, other people's dogs and occasionally chicks at Lake Eola. I snapped this photo on my lunch break one afternoon. How cute is this?!

And no matter where you live, I'm sure you can find a park, zoo, beach or perhaps even your own yard. Just observe. Stop and take a moment to appreciate the beauty around you. There is so much life that we just take for granted.

For more animal photos, I suggest this blog.

Music is the love of my life. I always make themed CDs and I find it helps me get through my days to have CDs for every mood and every situation that may arise. My love for music reaches far across many genres, so hopefully as I write this blog I can help you discover some great music that you may have never heard.

If you are unhappy at the moment, try listening to some happy songs such as:

"Don't Worry, Be Happy," by Bobby McFerrin
"Live Before You Die," by Social Distortion
"Oh How Happy," by The Jackson 5
"It's A Beautiful Morning," by The Rascals
"Here Comes The Sun," by The Beatles
"Happy Street," by Diesel Boy
"Come Out Fighting," by The Vandals
"All Or Nothing (Live Your Dreams)," by Athena Cage
"Young At Heart," by Frank Sinatra
"Powder Your Face With Sunshine," by Dean Martin
"I Will Survive," by Gloria Gaynor
"Three Little Birds," by Bob Marley
"What A Wonderful World," by Louis Armstrong
"I Hope You Dance," by Lee Ann Womack
"I'm Into Something Good," by Herman's Hermits
"Over The Rainbow," by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
"You're My Best Friend," by Queen
"Make Someone Happy," by Jimmy Durante
"Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go," by Wham
"Take On Me," by A-Ha
"Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree," Tony Orlando & Dawn
"Margaritaville," by Jimmy Buffett
"Manhattan," by Ella Fitzgerald
"Sunday In New York," by Bobby Darin
"New York State Of Mind," by Billy Joel
"What's Going On," by Marvin Gaye
"Dock Of The Bay," by Otis Redding
"Little Saint Nick," by John Denver & The Muppets (I play this one year-round!)

*When I say "by" I mean "sung by" not always written by...

Of course that list could go on forever, so I will stop now. One person I forgot to mention though: Raffi. He's always good for some uplifting tunes aboot happy lighthearted subjects.

Okay. I am done. Try listening to some of those. They always make me feel good!

Positive News.

2009-07-15T07:48:00.000-04:00

Here's a story I found to be inspirational. It's about Nick Vujicic. You can learn more about him on his website. He was born with no arms or legs, yet he has already accomplished more than most people do in a lifetime. I've read about him and watched his videos and found him to not only be cute but be motivated, charming, driven and inspirational.

Check out this video. And then think twice next time you say you can't do something.

Hope.

2009-07-14T22:43:00.003-04:00

I thought today was a good day to do my first post.

I'd mentioned to a coworker of mine that I was sort of feeling lost today and I was trying to regain composure but felt a bit hopeless. Later on he came to my desk and presented me with this Bowl of Words. He instructed me to open one each day. I then asked if I could open all of them today and he said yes, as long as I put them back in the bowl. :-)

Each paper is folded in half and "hope" is written on the outside. Upon opening each folded paper, you find an inspirational quote written by an optimist. Needless to say, this put a smile on my face and reminded me that life isn't so bad. I suggest you try this out on a friend in need. I plan on one day passing this gift on to someone else. (Thank you to my coworker, he knows who he is.)

In other news, I took my first yoga class today. I absolutely loved it. I figured I could either go home and jog on my treadmill by myself, vent about my problems (without actually doing anything positive to make myself feel good) OR attend the yoga class with a room full of other motivated people. I'm so glad I decided to take the class.

I also found out that my vegan donuts got 3rd place for Best Doughnuts once again this year in Orlando Weekly's Best Of. Yay! (I was beat out by two national fried donut chains of course...)

Have a wonderful evening!

Welcome.

2009-07-13T20:51:00.002-04:00

Introduction

I am starting this blog in an attempt to spread positivity through my personal experiences and the lives of optimists I befriend along the way. (Ever since I really changed my life the past couple years I have tried to surround myself with as many optimists as possible.) I have blogged for 10 years. My past blogs, laced with vulgarities and risque topics, have focused more on humor, but I am trying a new style of writing. I'm sure some of my wit will shine through but ultimately the focus is solely on FUN and being POSITIVE. This blog will include healthy vegan recipes, book and music reviews, suggestions for fun, positive news, interviews with people I find to be inspirational and how to overcome personal obstacles such as self-doubt, substance abuse, debt, laziness, etc.—all of which I have overcome in the past few years.

*My other posts won't have as many photos of myself but I thought they were good for introductory purposes. Also, all photos will be taken by either me or my friends. No stolen images here. :-)

extended bio...

What makes me different?

Well, we are all people, so I'm really not that different from others. I am definitely my own person though. And I try not to judge people too much. I've always been a chameleon. I've never been part of one social group. In school I was the gal who was friends with a couple jocks, some punks, some academic overachievers, some burn-outs, etc. I just love people and I have friends who are all very different. I love to defy social norms and I am a big fan of shock value. Most random strangers I run into ask me if I work at a tattoo shop because of all the tattoos I have but are a bit shocked when I tell them I work in an office. Interestingly enough, some are further shocked upon realizing I am intelligent and educated. Some people are surprised someone with tattoos and black hair who loves concerts and bars doesn't drink anymore and has a domestic side. Basically it's because I believe in being ME. I can wear a dress one day, then cowboy boots, heels, a collared shirt or ripped t-shirts on other days. I can work in a restaurant as a waitress or work in an office. Be outgoing or more reserved. Take a line dancing class or play bass guitar. I just do whatever I want and I believe that is the key to staying happy. So many people just do things to appease others or to attempt to fulfill societal norms or fit into a label. I try not to, though I admit I am occasionally guilty of it.

Why should you read what I write?

I've been called "unique" and "funny" my entire life. I am an open-minded individual who has an endless love for learning and experiencing pretty much anything I can be exposed to. I have always questioned social norms and recognized that Western society thrives on corporations and sheep. Therefore, I ended up submerging myself into the punk subculture at age 15 and I learned a lot about who I was and how wonderful it is to be able to be inquisitive and see things from my own perspective rather than see everything the way society says I should see it.

Eleven years later, I am proud to say I have absolutely zero regrets in life and I believe everything happens for a reason. I am constantly evolving and I admit my mistakes as opposed to those who constantly complain and blame everyone else for their problems. Am I better than those people? No. As a matter of fact, though I've overcome many of my issues, I, just like everyone else, still have my days in which I start to feel a bit negative. In addition to my goal of helping others through this blog, I am also using it for myself, to keep me positive and motivated.

I have my BA in Psychology, with minors in Criminal Justice and Sociology. I do not think this makes me better than someone without a college degree nor do I think it makes me less qualified to write than someone with an MA or a PhD—I actually think college is a money-making scheme that brainwashes the social masses into believing a degree equals success but that in spite of this college can be good for those who love to learn and don't have false expectations, but I'll get into that in a blog post at some point—however, I am simply putting it out there to express my interest in such topics and my dedication to learning about them. I'm a full-time proofreader at an ad agency and freelance proofreader/editor and writer. I also operate a small vegan bakery both online and locally. My passions include music, bass, guitar, flute, writing, editing, reading, vegan baking and cooking, animals, learning, jogging, stretching, natural health, road trips, travel, dance, people, art, crafting, drawing, painting, sociology, psychology, philosophy, self-awareness, living in the moment, adventures, randomness, tattoos, watching movies, etc.