a good day

Today has been a good day! I have been in such a great mood all day and it also helps that my fabulous family is coming to visit tomorrow!! I am taking Friday off to hang out with them and I am really looking forward to seeing them.

I am also looking forward to going home tonight and catching up on all of the fun things that have been waiting on my TiVo for a week (we've had company and been very busy). I love reality tv and I don't apologize for it. I don't watch everything out there, however, I won't judge you even if you tell me you like Flavor of Love (I personally don't) or one of the other crazy shows out there because sometimes your brain just needs a break. Some people say there's no intellectual value in reality tv. Maybe there is and maybe there isn't, but it's still fun to me. I use my brain all day so I feel entitled to enjoy Big Brother, Survivor and anything else that provides an hour of ridiculous people being dramatic and funny for entertainment's sake. I have also been playing a new game where I try to predict what is going to be on Talk Soup's "Reality Show Clip Time" every weekend. They take clips from popular shows in which people look silly and make fun of them even more. I'm getting pretty good at it. I can point out a clip that taken out of context (or usually left in context) looks hilarious and stupid. Good times.

I know this is a random blog but it's what came to mind when I started typing so this is what you get today. No earth shattering news or ground breaking thoughts, just me - happy to be alive, and thankful for TiVo.

Can't we all just try to get along?

Politics. That's right, I'm jumping off into the deep end on this one but here it goes. Most people who know me know that I don't usually talk about politics. It's not because I don't have strong opinions or that I don't stand up for what I believe in, I actually enjoy it and think it's interesting. I don't talk about it for a couple of reasons. The main reason is the topic of this blog. I feel like many people can't talk about it in a productive manner. It often becomes negative, judgmental and about trying to convince people why they are wrong instead of listening and understanding. I want no part of that.

Now let me say this - I am not talking about anyone in particular, I am talking about the way everyone in America seems to be divided down party lines. What I mean is, when you identify yourself with a political party most people automatically seem to assume they then know your stance on everything under the sun and start assigning labels as to what kind of person you are. It's not so black and white for me. Although I am registered with a party and identify closely with many of the values and issues of that party, there are other issues that I completely differ from "my party" on. However, many people take the most extreme or controversial personalities from a party and assign those characteristics to the masses. To be honest, I resent that. I am an educated person who looks at the issues from different angles and then forms an opinion. Some of my stances align with Republicans, some with Democrats and sometimes neither one! I don't know what I'm trying to accomplish here but I am approaching the upcoming Presidential election with apprehension. Not because of the election itself so much as the conflict that will inevitably crop up among people I love. I wish we could discuss issues and try to understand why people feel the way they do instead of labeling them the enemy. I definitely know there's no in-between on some things but really ... why can't we at least try to get along?

a reminder

a reminder not to take things for granted … Well, this week I am being reminded not to take things for granted, specifically my health. No, I don't have any serious disease, just a little cold but I am a big wimp when it comes to being sick and I am counting the minutes until I get back to feeling like myself. We have had company for a week and a half and now I have a moment to take a breath – except I can't (literally). Plus, why is it that you have to look or sound sick for people to take you seriously that you aren't feeling well? Every time I mention that I'm feeling rough someone replies "you don't look sick." Here, let me cough on you – would that convince you? I guess it's better than someone saying how bad you look but it's still frustrating because I feel terrible and I need a little bit of sympathy. (I told you I'm being a baby) And speaking of not taking things for granted - have I mentioned that I am married to the greatest man in the world? He's giving me lots of sympathy. Hugs and dinner await me when I get home from work. He's ridiculously wonderful.

Now that I've had a pity party for myself I must say that everything else is pretty good. Almost too good, I almost feel like I'm waiting for the ball to drop. That sounds terrible and I'm not a negative person at all but everything has been so good that it's freaking me out. I keep thinking "can this be real?" Maybe having a cold is my struggle for now. Yes - I'm going to go with that because I can deal with that (if I can at least get some sleep tonight) and then get back to the sunny days!

Fear

So, for about a year I have been into doing things that scare me. I think it started with skydiving. It wasn't so much that skydiving or heights scare me but I challenged myself to try it and there was no going back. That was an amazing experience (and an incredible rush) and it gave me confidence and a willingness to try pretty much anything. Since then, I have ventured to do various other things that are scary or unexpected of me (I won't get into the list but I'm loving it!). I think part of the lure is that I know that people see me as responsible person that plays by the rules. Every so often I like to surprise people and show them that I have an adventurous side. I'm not just referring to the physical/outdoor type obstacles - I like to break the mold in lots of ways (Melissa - am I right? LOL)

I must admit it's also an adrenaline thing. It's a wonderful rush to be scared to death, push yourself through it and feel that rush of accomplishment once you've completed whatever it is you've set out to do. I feel like life is short and you have to live every moment to the fullest. Breaking out of routine and doing something you find to be scary or challenging is a great way to do that. I'm in a very good place right now in life - totally happy. I have always had goals in my life and I think that now that I've gotten to a great place with my career, I have great friends, family and a wonderful husband - I am now seeking new ways to stretch myself and grow. I've got to figure out what challenge to set my sights on next ...

Bloggedy Blog

Well, I have been thinking about blogging regularly for quite some time now but I never do it. I'm not sure why ... maybe because I'm kind of a private person and I'm afraid if I put something out there I might decide after the fact that I didn't want it out there for the world to see - or maybe I just haven't made time. However, I have been inspired by my fab friend Kaylor whose new "sevenchicks" blog is a fun read. I think I'll start sharing my thoughts and opinions for all who care to read and because it's fun to have an outlet where you can say whatever is on your mind even if it's silly and random. If this is anything like my attempt to blog my europe trip you're in for some big gaps in time. That didn't work out so well ...