A change in perspective

The neurons in my brain have been firing at literally 100's of miles per hour this afternoon. (Ok, that's an exaggeration, but I have been about as excited as Lesley Knope when she comes up with a new project, so I figure it's a valid statement.)  I am feeling really inspired today and I wanted to blog about it.

The last few days I've felt a bit down, for no particular reason that I could determine. Maybe it's the sinus cold I'm battling, or maybe the downturn in the recent temperature. Whatever the reason, I just hadn't been feeling that optomistic, and I don't like getting into that funk.

Things started to take an uptick yesterday afternoon as I was getting ready to leave work. One of my co-workers made a comment that the sunset was really beautiful last night. As the days have gotten shorter, the sunset begins before I get out of the office. There is a window behind my desk, and I look out that window several times a day. Last night, I glanced out the window, and I was inspired! The sunset truly was beautiful, with shades of deep pink, orange and even some blue. Between the office and the sunset stands a grove of trees, and the contrast of the dark branches and the colorful sunset was really breathtaking.

As some of you may know, I like to crochet. My grandma patiently taught me how to crochet, and I've been doing so for several years. I've recently began picking it up again as I'm feeling creative and it's a good winter project. Looking at the sunset, I was inspired to search out these colors to make something with them. I haven't decided exactly what I'm going to make quite yet, but I'm excited about the prospect. And all of this because I looked out a window I walk by every day.

So this event got the ball rolling for me, and then today happened.  I was first inspired at our monthly staff meeting. Our company has a president who doesn't live in Des Moines, so he only gets back to visit every month or so. When he is in town he likes to stop by and visit. Today he was in town for our meeting, and he got up to talk about life and his take on things. Our president has shared in the past stories about his grandson. His grandson is autistic and isn't able to speak or communicate in a traditional way. They have made progress with him in the past few years, but at almost 12 he's still had to carry around a large book full of symbols in order to communicate his needs, etc.

Today our president shared an update on his grandson. A few months ago they purchased an I-pad for him, and for hundreds of hours his daughter programed symbols into the I-pad to help her son communicate. Our president shared that his grandson has been able to manuver the I-pad, and in a way it's really helped him to communicate faster. Our president was sharing that recently, he was at his daughter's having dinner with his grandson. Our president was talking with his daughter, and he made a comment that he might take his grandson to the car wash, as that's one of the activities he enjoys. They continued on with their conversation, when a few minutes later they heard a computerized voice come from the I-pad. "I'd like to go to the car wash, please." To think that in just a few months, an autistic boy who couldn't find a way to communicate without carrying around a heavy book full of symbols has found a breakthrough with the help of technology.

This really got me to thinking about what we take for granted and how grateful we really should be for what we have. How a little change in perspective can really change your whole outlook. My mood has been improving throughout the day after hearing this story. I realize that while things may get me down from time to time, there's always something to keep you in the right mindset and to motivate. It's amazing what a little change of perspective can do for your spirit!

As if that wasn't enough, this afternoon I received an e-mail from one of my favorite people in the world, my friend Kim Welch. Kim and I have been friends since we began college together fourteen years ago (crazy to believe it's been that many years!) and she has one of the brightest spirits of anyone I know. Kim is married to my favorite roommate of all time, Chris Welch. Chris and Kim make an amazing, dynamic duo of awesomeness and I'm so blessed to list them among my friends.

Not only are the Welch's great friends of mine, but they are also great parents. Chris and Kim have twins, Ezra and Ella. Ezra and Ella were born prematurely, but that hasn't stopped them in the slightest. Not only are they surviving, but they are thriving! I adore both of them and am always amazed to hear of their latest adventures.

Which brings me to the e-mail I received today. Kim had sent me an e-mail talking about picking up the kids from preschool, and seeing their latest art projects. This week the kids had made reindeer to hang on the wall. Kim sent the following picture along with her e-mail.

Now, looking at this picture you might laugh. I know at first I chuckled at the creativity that Ella displayed with her version of Rudolph. And then I read further. Kim said when she asked Ella why the reindeer's antlers were on the bottom of her artwork.  Ella giggled and said "Those are his feet, silly."

I was blown away by this story! I couldn't stop smiling, and I was reminded of how sometimes kids are the best example of what a small change in perspective can do. I'm so grateful to know I have these reminders in life. If you're ever feeling out of sorts or lost for a purpose, spend some time with a child. I guarantee you will receive some perspective on life and you'll have some fun too.

I hope this post gives you the small dose of perspective you may have needed today. Be inspired, create something amazing, or just do something good for someone else. Take the first step towards something great. And always remember that you always have something to be thankful for.

What I'm Listening to Wednesday (December 7, 2011)

It's another Wednesday, and another blog post from me regarding the music filling my head as I type. My choices this week range from new and popular to gone but not forgotten choices, and a few in between. And I've added them to my spotify "What I'm Listening to Wednesday" playlist, so feel free to check them out.

1. Remember the Time- Michael Jackson.  Lately there have been a lot of shows that I watch covering some of the classic MJ songs. He's been covered on the Sing Off, the X-Factor and on Glee in the past few weeks, so it's been great to revisit some classics from the King of Pop. Sadly, none of these shows have taken on one of my very favorites, "Remember the Time." I still remember this video and could watch it any time. Plus I play this song on repeat regularly. I sometimes have to force myself to change the song, as this one will always be a classic for me.

2. Jingle Bells: Michael Buble' and the Puppini Sisters.  If you haven't heard the new Michael Buble' Christmas album yet you really need to stop what you're doing and check it out. This is some classic Christmas music right here, and it's certainly gotten me into the holiday spirit! Every song on this collection is excellent and sounds both current and timeless. I enjoy several of the songs, but I decided to call out "Jingle Bells" for it's spotlight not only on Michael Buble', but also on an under-appreciated trio called the Puppini Sisters. No, they aren't actually sisters, and their last name isn't Puppini, but that's not important. What is important is their sound. They are a trio of beautiful-voiced women who sing in a throwback style. They blend perfectly with Michael Buble' and deserve more recognition for their own albums. They have their own excellent Christmas album which is also worth a few listens.

3. You Da One: Rihanna. The latest release from Rihanna, "Talk that Talk," is another collection of great pop/R&B songs that showcase Rihanna's voice and that can get the party started too. The album mixes elements from her Good Girl Gone Bad and Rated R albums to great effect. "You Da One" is the first song on the disc and it's a sweet love song to "the one that I dream about all day" and it makes me smile, so that's why I'm including it on my list this week.

4. Dream On: Robyn.  Robyn is a really cool artist from the UK who's got a following in the US, but not enough in my opinion. She's an intellegent pop artist who sings amazing songs that make you both dance and think. She toured with Katy Perry this summer and she released an album called "Body Talk" which gained her a lot of critical acclaim. The song "Dream On" is actually on her 2008 release called "Robyn." I really enjoy the lyrics of the song. She's singing to the freaks, the junkies, the drunks and cowards, etc. She sings to "rest your weary head" and dream on. I like the message of peace that creates in my head.

5. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow (2011): Amy Winehouse.  I started the list with a gone but not forgotten classic, and I end the list with another. The last album from Amy Winehouse was released yesterday, and includes a few alternate versions of songs from her Back in Black album as well as a few B-sides and non-released singles. The whole collection is beautiful, and the song that is really getting me right now is her cover of "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow." Amy's talent was truly a gift, and it's still so tragic to think that this will be the last official collection of music from such a young soulful voice. You can hear the pain and anguish in her voice as she sings the chorus of the song. The answer of course is that Amy, we will still love you tomorrow, but we'll miss you terribly too.

What I'm Listening to Wednesday (on Thursday!)

Well, this posting is a bit late, as I went to see Wicked last night and wasn’t able to type up a blog posting once I got home. So I’ll be telling you what I listened to on Wednesday on this Thursday, the first of December.  I’ve once again been listening to an eclectic mix of music, so hopefully one or more of these options will introduce you to something worth adding to your regular mix.

 Here are my choices this week:

1.       Fly- Nicki Minaj and Rihanna.  Nicki just received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist, and listening to her it’s obvious that she’s made quite an impression on the hip-hop and music scenes.  Nicki is very vibrant, edgy and fun all mixed together.  With her latest single, she partners with Rihanna on a mid-tempo song that shows off more of her heart.  It’s a positive message song about going for your goals, and Rihanna’s soaring vocals on the chorus really compliment the melody and Nicki’s raps. Definitely a highlight from an album full of hits.

 2.       Countdown- Beyonce’.  I will admit that when Beyonce’ released her latest album, “4” I didn’t go quite as overboard as several of the critics claiming it was her best work yet.  However, over the past few months this album has really grown on me and I appreciate the artistic choices Beyonce’ has made as she continues to grow in her career. “Countdown” is one of my favorite songs on this album (after Love on Top, which I can play on repeat for days if I choose to) and the syncopated rhythms in this song get stuck in my head every time I hear it. Plus, the lyric “Me and my Boo and my boof-boof ridin’” is silly and also gets the repeat treatment in my mind.  If you ever catch me nodding my head randomly, it’s quite possible that I’m singing this in my head.

 3.       On the Street Where You Live- Willie Nelson.  On a recent trip to the library I picked up the soundtrack to the movie “Valentine’s Day.” The soundtrack is full of an eclectic mix of love songs, but original numbers and covers of classics.  One of my favorites is definitely the cover of “On the Street Where you Live,” which is famously known from the musical “My Fair Lady.”  Willie lends his unmistakable voice to this classic, and it’s a really lovely version of the song. I can be a sentimental fool when it comes to love songs, and this song just makes me happy. To hear someone sing that they are content just knowing they are on the same street where you live is a very nice sentiment in my book.

 4.       Defying Gravity- Idina Menzel.  Well, I told you I went to see Wicked last night, and this is my favorite song from the entire show. There are several stand-out numbers in the production, but this show stopper from the end of act one always gets me.  The lyrics and message are so powerful, and Idina’s voice is a classic. Putting the two elements together makes for one amazing experience. 

5.       Don’t Stop (Color the Walls) – Foster the People.  I know I posted a song by FTP a few weeks ago, but I can’t stop listening to this CD.  I’ve lately been listening to this track, and it also puts me into a good mood. The song is also used in a commercial, so I hear it on TV as well. I can’t remember the exact commercial at the time, but that isn’t important anyway.  I enjoy the rhythm of this song and the chorus is catchy and repetitive, which means it also gets stuck in your brain.  I wouldn’t be surprised if I eventually recommend every song on this disc, so keep that in mind. Or do yourself a favor and just get the disc now. It makes a great Christmas present!

Image problems?

I realize that I haven't posted anything in a while and I need to get back in the habit of sharing my thoughts on my blog. The holidays certainly did a number on my normal calendar, but they were great just the same. I've got several projects I'm working on at the moment also, so I'm playing the role of juggler here.

Anyway, before I get to tangenting, I wanted to talk about self image. I got to thinking on this topic while Craig and I watched the Victoria Secret's Fashion Show this evening. Craig and I have watched this show every year since we started dating and we're always entertained. We find the costumes and designs to be very creative and fascinating and we also enjoy all of the music.

As we watched the show tonight I kept reading posts from my female friends on Face Book. The show definitely drew a crowd of viewers, but so many of the comments were negative in regards to the poster's own self image. Comments like "I could never be that skinny/tall/beautiful were the prevailing mood, and I became a bit upset seeing all of the negative.

I'm the first to admit that I don't always have a positive comment to say about my body image. I know there are things that I can change, and there are things that I will always live with. A shirt that I like to wear will feel too snug and I'll become dejected. A pair of pants fit too tight and I have nothing to wear. (Not the case ever, as I always have something I can wear, but you know what I mean.) I know these aspects affect me and I also know how to change them. And I also know that I have the power to choose my attitude, and that makes all of the difference.

I have tried a variety of different options in the past to change my image, whether it be a new shade of strawberry blonde hair dye or cutting out all fried foods for a month. Overuse of hair dye made my hair thin out to the point where now I just shave it off, and who am I kidding? I'm always going to have cravings for fried foods.  What I've realized is that it's more important to be concerned with your health than your physical appearance. I've been making small steps toward progress in becoming a healthier person as opposed to a "skinny" person. I know that one effect of choosing healthier options is that I may lose some weight, and that's fine with me. But simply losing weight isn't the goal for me anymore. Being healthy is.

And that's not to say anything negative against people who are skinny. I have many friends who I would qualify as skinny, friends who would fall into the average-sized category, and friends who have some substance to them.  They're all my friends. What makes all of them beautiful isn't the way they look, it's the way their heart projects their soul onto me and the world around them. I've known people who are "pretty" but have a soul as black as the midnight sky. I've known people who'd never enter a beauty contest who radiate warmth and love and joy in every situation they engage in. They are the people who are truly beautiful to me.

I think it's past the time we need to start learning to put more love into our self. When those negative thoughts and voices enter our heads, we need to remember that they're just noise. We're all beautiful people, whether we're models or sewer treatment specialists. It's time that we learn to appreciate the beauty inside, and let that be the image we project to the rest of the world. It's a beautiful thing that should never be hidden.

And in addition to tuning in to model's and fashion shows, let's also make the choice to watch and support those outside of the mainstream fashion world. Volunteer some time at a soup kitchen or with habitat for humanity. Visit a senior center or a youth shelter. You'll get the chance to witness the beauty that comes from within, and the light inside you will glow a little bit brighter too.

As a final thought, to those friends of mine who will read this, you are beautiful! Don't ever let outside forces (or your mind) tell you otherwise. I look at you and know you and see a bright spirit residing in each of you. It's the image I see, and I hope that when you look in the mirror each day it's what you see too.

What I'm Listening to Wednesday

It's that time of the week again! I've been listening to quite a bit of music this week, but I've managed to focus all that I've been enjoying into a top five for this week. And I've added them to my WILTW playlist on spotify, so feel free to check them out if you'd like the audio reference!

1. Banditos- The Refreshments
Last Friday out of nowhere this song popped into my head. I can't remember now what the trigger was, but I'm so glad that it happened. Quite possibly it was the song lyric "Everybody knows, that the world is full of stupid people." I may have had an exposure to one, and thankfully the reaction was thinking of this song and not doing something less polite. Jana and I used to listen to this song on repeat back in the day. She had the CD, but we both enjoyed it. Hearing it today still makes me happy.

2. Apartment-Young the Giant
Young the Giant are a relatively new band who've been getting more exposure this year. They have some catchy tunes and from what I've seen are also pretty great live. They performed this year on the MTV music awards and caught my ears. I downloaded their full album and I'm glad I did. The opening song on the disc is "Apartment," and I catch myself singing this song in my head on a regular basis. Definitely something to check out. Plus, Young the Giant are performing in Des Moines in March of next year, and I really hope to go.

3. I Smile- Kirk Franklin
I first heard this song earlier this year on the American Idol finale. Jacob Lusk performed it with Kirk Franklin and I thought, what a nice song. I downloaded the original version, and like the title states, when I listen to the song, I do smile. :) See, it's contagious. :) There are many positive lyrics in this song, and you can't help but feel better when you listen to it. I dare you to listen to it and not feel better by the end of the song. It's perfect for Monday mornings, rainy days, or any time you need a pick me up.

4. Something Stupid- The Secret Sisters
I've recently discovered the Secret Sisters and I'm captivated by them. The Secret Sisters are Laura and Lydia Rogers, and they are classified as country/americana music. I classify them as awesome. The duo have incredible harmonies and their album mixes original songs with covers. Their cover of Something Stupid is one of my favorites on their album.

5. For Today- Jessica Lea Mayfield
I discovered Jessica Lea Mayfield from a free download on I-tunes earlier this Spring. I thought her song was pretty interesting, and when Craig and I heard she would be performing at 80/35 I decided I wanted to see her live. She was definitely one of the highlights of the festival for me. She has a gorgeous, sometimes haunting voice and she has beautiful eyes too. Her performance at 80/35 made me a true fan, and I haven't stopped listening to her since. During her performance, technical difficulties caused the sound to be cut. Rather than letting this end the show, Jessica just went and sat on the edge of the stage, the crowd moved in closer, and she played accoustically and sang. It was a beautiful moment and I'm so glad I was able to experience it. Last night, I managed to catch the majority of the Americana Music Festival on IPTV. The festival was taking place as Craig and I were leaving Nashville on our honeymoon. Jessica was one of the performers, and she sang "For Today." It was my favorite performance of the show. Please give her a listen. I think you'll be impressed. And if you aren't, I'm still going to listen to her on repeat. :)

Realists vs. Dreamers

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

I'm very excited that tomorrow I get to celebrate my favorite of all holidays. As I like to say "What could be better than Thanksgiving? You get to eat and say Thank you. What else do you need?"

I was going to write a post about being thankful, which I may still do, but TV viewing this evening has changed my focus. Craig and I enjoyed a nice evening at home this evening hanging out and watching some TV. We're late to the party, but we've discovered that we really enjoy Modern Family. We have a DVR full of episodes that we need to catch up on, but this evening we were able to watch the new episode.

For those of you who watch but haven't seen tonight's episode, this blog contains "spoilers," so you may need to stop reading now until you've seen the episode.

Now that I've given my disclaimer, tonight's episode focused around Thanksgiving, and began with a former neighbor of Phil and Claire's coming to visit. The nieghbor had become quite successful for taking risks and is now an entrepenuer with his hands in several different businesses. He made a statement that when faced with a decision, he would ask what Phil would do in that situation, and then he'd do it.  This set up the basic premise of the entire episode.

Claire was focusing on getting the Thanksgiving dinner and festivities together in her typical Type A style. She needed Phil to get things together for the dinner, and each time he'd come up with a unique or creative idea she would have to shoot him down and get him to do what she wanted for the dinner. Phil came to decide that Claire was squashing all of his creativity.

In a side plot line, Cam was feeling upset after he told his famous "Chuckin Punkin" story and Mitchell told him it wasn't a believable story and he shouldn't waste people's time telling some of his stories. Cam felt like Mitchell didn't support him and didn't believe his stories were true.

And in the third side story, Jay and Gloria argued over whether Manny needed to hear constructive criticism after creating a Thanksgiving centerpiece. Jay didn't think the centerpiece was one of Manny's better projects, but Gloria praised him and told Jay she had always been put down by her mother and she didn't want Manny to hear anything negative as it would break his spirit.

All three plot points were played out quite nicely with several big laughs, as they typically are on the show. The culmination of all three story points came to a head at the Thanksgiving dinner, as the Pritchett family members took the side of the realists, while their respective spouses/families took the role of the dreamers. When Cam made a comment about his Chuckin Punkin story, which all of the family had heard several times, Cam mentioned that Mitchell didn't believe this story could actually have taken place. So to settle it once and for all, the family decided to go and "chuck" a pumpkin to see if it truly could have flown clear across a football field.

In the end of course, the pumpkin didn't fly as far as Cam had always said it did. But instead of gloating about being right, the Pritchett's realized they didn't feel good proving the dreamers wrong, and ended up encouraging them to keep trying to make it happen. With their combined efforts the pumpkins flew farther and farther.

I think this is a great message to be reminded of from time to time. I think that in most situations I have a decent balance of dreamer and realist in my decision making process. I'd like to say that in most situations though the dreamer side of me wins out. Craig and I discussed this and he is definitely more of a realist, but he has his dreamer moments too. When we work together we often end up successful.  There was a great line in the show tonight that basically said " The realists are there to keep the dreamers from flying directly into the sun, and the dreamers are there to help the realists get off the ground."

This has me thinking about what are the dreams I have that I'm not trying to make happen because I'm letting the reality of the situation get in the way, and also about the things that I could improve by dreaming a bit more than I do now. I wonder what I could accomplish by realizing my dreams, and I wonder what my followers could do if they followed their dreams too. What an exciting world we'd live in if we all stopped just thinking about our dreams and started making them happen.

But to keep myself balanced, I think I'll keep my realist around. If nothing else, he'll be there to celebrate with me when I do accomplish my dreams. :)

Apple Donut

Sometimes I like to use my blog for the random moments that happen in life. One such moment happened today, and I’m going to share it with you.

 As I was heading to my morning break today, my friend Jenny waved me over to her desk. She had donuts from Krispy Kreme at her desk and she offered one to me.  There were several to choose from. One of the donuts had a cut down the middle of it, and she presented the donut as “being totally fine.” Our friend Meggin had a curiosity about the filling of the donut, so she cut it in half to find out what it was. Jenny said that no one was interested in taking the apple-filled donut because it now had a cut through the middle of it.  I decided that was the donut I would choose. Jenny told me she was sure it would be good. I told her I would provide her with a review, and she said I should blog about it.

 Never one to back down from a challenge, I’m now blogging about the apple-filled donut.  It was quite delicious. I would recommend them to others.  It had a cinnamon/powdered sugar coating, and of course the apple filling in the middle.  I guess it’s a reminder of the “don’t judge a book by it’s cover” variety. I could have chosen a better looking donut, but then I’d have missed out on the delicious option I chose.  So now I’ve not only blogged about the donut, but I’ve made it a little life lesson.