Ready for the long weekend

I feel relieved because I have now completed the strategic communications plan (13 pages!) for my new job and have emailed the first draft to my new boss. I have wrapped up everything at work and it's goodbye to agency life for now, I'm moving into the non-profit world. In the morning we leave for some family time and I'm super excited! We'll be making the LONG drive to a place my husband refers to as "God's Country." That's a matter of perspective, it seems like the middle of nowhere to me:) It will be wonderful, we are lucky that our families live within an hour from each other and we get to see everyone in one trip.

On a different note, it turns out we are not going to NYC in November. However, we have already bought the plane tickets and they are non-refundable so we have to transfer them and pick somewhere else to go. Any ideas? We are considering Chicago because I've heard it's fab but I love to travel and want to go anywhere and everywhere!

It's about time ...

This is a long clip but I think it's so good that some Republicans are stepping up to the plate and speaking out on this issue. I personally agree with Governor Crist that it is a "people" issue, not a party issue and it needs to be a part of every political and personal agenda.

I have been doing everything I can in the past year to reduce my impact on the planet. It's not enough but it's a start - I bought the "green" bags from Publix so we don't have to use plastic, we switched al of our lights to cfls, we pay extra on our utility bill to purchase renewable energy and if I buy any bottled water, we buy Zephyrhills since it's bottled in Florida there's less fuel used in transport. Still trying to reconcile all of the extra energy the new plasma tv uses (LCDs are more environmentally friendly) but I love it so much (I never would have thought so but I do) ... maybe my other efforts will offset it a little bit.

All By Myself

Sometimes I feel like I’m all by myself (like the dramatic title?). I mean this in a spiritual sense. I grew up in a wonderful Christian household in a part of Florida that is referred to as the “Bible belt.” I went to a Christian high school and have had both friends who shared the same beliefs as me but also many friends who don’t. I like to consider myself someone who is sensitive to people’s differences in religion & background. Even if I don’t agree with someone’s beliefs, I don’t make fun of them. What I find frustrating is that many other people in this world are selective in which groups they are going to be sensitive towards. For the last few years I have worked in an office where the only time anyone talks about God is to make jokes. One of my co-workers is an atheist, my next door neighbor is an atheist, and much to my dismay, not only are many of my other acquaintances not Christians, but they make little comments sometimes about people who are too vocal about their Christianity. In a business group I was involved in this past year, someone called another member of the group a “Jesus Freak” behind his back because he’s involved with a band in his church. Another person asked me if I handled snakes because I said I go to a Baptist church. Seriously!?!?

Let me just take a moment to clarify something. I know there are many stereotypes about different church denominations, some of which are based on truth, however, where I live “Baptists” are just regular people. We don’t go around hitting people on the heads with tambourines or singing to snakes. I grew up going to non-denominational churches so when people ask me “what I am”, I honestly don’t consider myself Baptist so much as just Christian.

Down here, it seems that being Catholic or Episcopalian are the only socially acceptable forms of faith. Everyone is a casual christian, they'll say they believe in God but you better not talk about it outside of Sunday morning. Unless of course you are New Age, and then you’re viewed as unique and inspired. I don’t mean to make it sound like I live in a place that’s anti-God because I honestly think it’s like this across the country. Just watch the news. Yesterday the Today Show covered a story on the cartoon that joked about a Muslim woman that was pulled because it might have offended Islamic groups. They even said that it would not have been the same outcry had it mocked Christianity. People don’t want to offend Jews, Muslims, Buddists, etc. but Christianity seems to be fair game. Heaven-forbid someone take a stand - they'll be labeled a radical evangelical or “Religious.”

I have a great church and have some wonderful friends who are Christians. It’s just that I sometimes I find this inequality so discouraging. I am not ashamed of my beliefs, but I feel like it’s so hard to be bold when everyone around you thinks it’s a joke. Why is it okay to make fun of Christians but it’s often respected and even “cool” to be Buddist, New Age, Hindu, etc? I know that Christians have been persecuted since the beginning of time, I just wish people would lay off sometimes. Being a Christian does not mean you have to be uptight and boring. I pray, I believe in God, and I read the Bible. I am also sometimes a gossip, judgmental, and imperfect. I’m human. I am trying every day to live a life that is pleasing to God, many times I fail but thankfully I am forgiven. Next time you make a joke about someone who’s “religious,” take a step back and ask yourself why you’re criticizing them.

Sorry that this turned into a vent session, it’s just been something that has been building for awhile and I needed to express my feelings on the matter.

Flowers ...

I received flowers today at work from one of my clients with a card that said "Good luck with your new job, we'll miss you!" Unexpected flowers are fabulous. What a kind and thoughtful thing to do, it really made me feel good! It's hard to believe that tomorrow is my last day ...

Motivation

After I wrote about being stuck earlier I read a quote that I had copied and saved and it really kicked me into gear. I love it ...

I will persist until I succeed.
I was not delivered unto this world in defeat, nor does failure course in my veins. I am not a sheep waiting to be prodded by my shepherd. I am a lion and I refuse to talk, to walk, to sleep with the sheep. I will hear not those who weep and complain, for their disease is contagious. Let them join the sheep.
The slaughterhouse of failure is not my destiny.
I will persist until I succeed.
~ OG MANDINO from "The Greatest Salesman in the World"

Procrastination is my enemy

I am officially procrastinating. Why, why, why!?!? I have a project that is sitting in front of me but I can't make myself push through and get it done. I worked on it on Sunday and I felt so wonderful to have made progress but it's like I'm stalled out and can't make myself just finish already! Sometimes Red Bull helps me in times like these but I don't think that will work this time. Why would I waste the day away when I have time to get things done? AHHHHH!

Making blondes across America look bad

There are no words for this one ...

Calm after the storm

Well, I haven't blogged in a couple of days because I haven't been sure what I would say if I started typing. I got some upsetting news on Friday morning and my feelings have been all over the place for a couple of days. I spent Friday feeling sad, Saturday feeling angry and Sunday feeling optimistic. I think I'm sticking with optimistic now which is a very good because who wants to read blogs from a Debbie-downer? The turning point for me was that I started my day yesterday by reading my Bible and I was immediately drawn to the pages/verses I needed the most. It always seems to work out like that. I have decided that since the person that this situation affects the most is trusting God with it, then I have to do that too. I have also decided that I'm going to try (again) to start every day reading a few scriptures. I have tried to do this before but now that I have my gym routine maybe this will be easier to stick with. It is a great and uplifting way to start the day and that way it doesn't get bumped if something else comes up.

Now I am focusing on Friday when I get to go see my family! My last day at KSC is Thursday which will be bittersweet. I have been here for a long time and it's going to be hard to say goodbye! I am very excited about starting my new job, I have already been working on a communications plan (I know, I know, I'm an overachiever) and I'm looking forward to the new adventure that awaits! This weekend should be fabulous, lots of family time. Now I have to get back to being productive!

Addicted to the Internet

This stupid computer is distracting me from working. First of all, I found a bunch of new blogs that are full of good stuff and now all I want to do is read those and follow the links to more good stuff. (dangerous because it makes me want to shop - just read about some new perfume by Tommy Bahamathat sounds scrumptuous) Secondly, I can't figure out what to do about my blog. Yesterday I moved all of my posts over to a blogger page and even posted a new blog on there. I want to start using another web page because then I can post pictures (and I just found a couple of new ones!), links, and other fun stuff. The problem is that I have it set up under my name. Should I be anonymous or just me? Is there any danger in blogging under my real name ... liability issues? I don't want to link everyone there if I'm going to change it. What should I do?!?! Who knows how much time I'll even have to blog once I start my new job ... hopefully some

Commitment

I have a commitment problem. It's actually the opposite of what you might think - I tend to over commit myself. Here I am starting a new job in less than two weeks, I am up to my ears in other commitments, and I'm actually considering adding to the list! I came out of my last round of commitments resolving to scale back this year and carefully evaluate each opportunity with my time, values and goals. I have to talk myself out of committing to something else.I have been asked to consider a position on the Board of Directors for a festival/organization that promotes literacy. I'm very interested but I think it will require a lot of time and work. I have to remember that I am young and will have the opportunity to serve on BODs in the future, I don't have to do everything right now. I'm already chairing a LSC day and on the planning committee for another, on a committee for Junior League, involved with FPRA, taking tennis lessons and starting a new job. Then again, all I needed to do was make that list. Now I'm officially talked out of it. Maybe I'll just be on the committee and not on the Board ... here we go again!

I hate hurricanes

This morning my heart aches for the people facing Hurricane Dean. We have heard so little about the people in the Caribbean who were affected so far. Most of those island communities have so little to begin with, I can't imagine losing my home and living in a place where the infrastructure is so weak to start. The devastation is going to affect everything about their way of life. I know that Mexico is seeing the worst since it's made landfall as a Cat5 and this morning I felt tears well up as I watched coverage on The Today Show. It's easy to get caught up in the sensational aspect of the story when you're detached and watching through the TV screen but it hits too close to home. A couple of years ago when Charlie was headed to the Tampa Bay area I was still jaded about hurricanes. Not anymore! We had my grandmother and great-grandmother evacuated from Siesta Key and staying with us, but looking back that was so stupid. I was sitting there eating chips and watching tv like it was some kind of entertainment, not understanding why my mom was panicking from afar. What would we have done with a 75 year-old and a 98 year-old woman in that kind of catastrophy? We should have evacuated. It went through just 50 miles south of us and went up the state right behind us. I know everyone in Florida has hurricane stories from the past few years. I can only pray that we continue to be spared a direct hit here and that the rest of the state is spared as well. There are people I love in literally every direction a hurricane could take so they need to just stay away. For now, my prayers go out to everyone who's facing the unthinkable today.

Hold the fries

Before moving to Sarasota, Nate and I used to make jokes about a couple of people that we knew who lived here that claimed they could not eat fast food. We thought they were being food snobs and said that although we knew that it was junk food, we would never be like that about it. Well ... open mouth and insert foot because I think I have become one of those people. Not only have we just adopted much healthier eating patterns since leaving college, but we have an abundance of really good locally-owned restaurants here so why eat garbage when there's a better alternative next door? As great & healthy as it sounds though it does present a problem when you just want to grab something quick, especially on road trips. Thank God for sandwiches or I'd be dead from a french fry overdose on the side of 1-75.

Well, I went to visit my aunt at the hospital after work yesterday and the doctor had just told her she could have soft foods which meant she could eat fries. She hasn't been able to eat anything for a week and besides that, I don't think she's eaten McDonalds in like 5 years - so imagine my surprise when she called and asked me to pick up a large order of fries for her on my way. While sitting in the drive-thru I thought (stupidly) that although I haven't had McDonalds in months and that it makes me feel sick every time I eat it, I should get something as well since I wasn't going home for dinner. Not my best idea, I felt so yucky all night. I think when you eat it regularly your body adapts and it's no big deal but once you go without, it's all over. My body recognizes that it's poison now. The doctor wasn't too thrilled when he saw the bag sitting on the table either - I think he had something more like apple sauce in mind. Oh well ... I seem to forget every couple of months and have the feel sick for a day to learn my lesson again. I know what you're thinking, food snob. Maybe a little, but it doesn't mean I'm a role model for healthy eating. It might be "organic" but I still get mac & cheese when I go to the hot bar at Whole Foods and a burger is still a burger whether it's from McDonalds or any other restaurant. And cookies ... cupcakes ... and ice cream ... oh my!

The lost art of letter writing

I feel like letter writing is a lost art. Email, blogs, text messaging ... it's all wonderful but there's something special about a hand written note. It's unfortunate that it seems to be something that people do less and less. Especially thank you notes. Not just for big occasions but also for little things. I think it makes someone feel appreciated and loved when you take the time to sit down and write a note of thanks or to let them know you're thinking of them. I love to write letters and even more, I love stationary. Seriously, I love pretty paper and notecards more than most. In Italy I went crazy over the handmade cards and papers. There is also a fabulous store in New York called Kate's Paperie that has the best notecards ever. (mental note - go there in November while we're in NYC and stock up!) Nate thought it was torture to wait for me while I carefully looked at everything. I thought he would die when I found they had another store right around the corner from our hotel. Luckily for him they were closed that day and we were leaving so he didn't have to endure another hour-long shopping spree. I just finished writing a bunch of notes to people and as much as it makes me sad to part with my beautiful paper, now I have an excuse to buy more! I think I need some embossed name cards from Tiffany ...

How did I get so lucky?

This week I have had the opportunity to spend more time than usual with some of my favorite people. I seriously have the best friends anyone could hope for! How did I get so lucky to have such a great group of smart, fabulous, fun, supportive friends? (the list goes on and on!) I love them and I'm excited we'll all be seeing each other more soon with tennis lessons and a new book club. I was going to work out in the morning but tonight was just too much fun - who wants to go home and go to bed when you can drink purple martinis at Saks and then have dinner with your favorite people? Not me, that's why I'm still wide awake. No 5:30 wake-up call for me.

When did Oprah get so deep?

I recorded a couple of episodes of Oprah this week. I haven't watched it in forever and thought I'd check it out one night this week since Nate is out of town. I had it playing tonight in the background while I cleaned the house. Good lord ... when did that show get so deep?! I was expecting a home makeover or something else light and interesting. The episodes I recorded where not so much light. One was about the whole "working mother" vs. "stay at home mom" debate. It had all of these women who were either battling guilt or loss of independence. Geez ... I have enough fear of having children already without needing to go down that road. The second episode that came on was about finding yourself. I'm tired after just listening to it. I normally love that show but tonight's experience was enough to make a normal, happy person seek therapy. I think I'm going to cancel that season pass and stick to recording Ellen.

Just because

Just because something pops into your head, doesn't mean you should say it.

*Let me just warn you that this blog is actually a venting session. I have to step down from the "positive perch" for a few moments and be blunt, please excuse this brief departure from the norm, I will return to my regular state of mind shortly.

Can I just ask - why is it that people do not think before they speak? So many people just blurt out exactly what they are thinking without stopping a moment to think about whther what they are saying is polite, intelligent or productive. Now I am realistic and I know that I have high standards for what is polite and appropriate, however, there are just some things that the world needs to be taught that are not polite to discuss. A BIG one being money. I guess people don't teach their children that you should not make comments like "they must be rich" to just whoever they are talking to. If you are among close friends and family-maybe, it's still tacky in most cases (in my opinion). One should also not ask how much things cost, especially not big things like cars or houses. Rude! (sorry, but that's how I feel and I'm too polite to say that back to someone when they actually utter those stupid questions) Again, unless you are asking as a close friend and are asking for a legitimate reason, such as being in the market for the same thing yourself. Otherwise, it makes people uncomfortable. Some people are private (me!) and don't want you blabbing about their finances to everyone you know. I'm getting way off topic from what actually got me started on this though.

What is actually bugging me is that upon telling people about my new job, several people have made comments like "oh, it's a nonprofit - are they paying you anything?" Now seriously, is that a polite thing to say to someone that's excited about a new opportunity? I understand that because it is a nonprofit organization it is something that people wonder, but in my opinion that is one of those things you just keep on wondering about. Here's my problem with that question. Besides being impolite, I find it a little bit insulting. Yes, it's a good opportunity, I'm not stupid! Anyone who knows me knows that I am a planner. I set goals, I like challenges and I am always trying to move forward. I am not naive, I am not a martyr, I would not take a job that was going to be detrimental to my lifestyle or that would be taking a step back. I am a strategic thinker and look at every opportunity carefully. I have a plan. I do not fly by the seat of my pants. I hope no one else says something like that to me because honestly, it's getting harder and harder to come up with a polite answer. Next time I might just say "No, they actually are making me pay them to work there but it just sounds like so much fun I couldn't say no."

Ok, I feel better. I apologize if you actually made it this far through my rant because none of the people reading this blog are who I am speaking to, I just had to let loose a little frustration. Stepping back onto the positive perch now... All is well with the world.

Busy Busy

I always seem to have something going on but I feel like this week is busier than usual. I thought I was busy before but now I feel like I have a million things that I am supposed to be taking care of. It's all good stuff, it's just that my plate suddenly got very full. New job to think about, Junior League stuff, and the list goes on. I signed up for tennis lessons today which should be fun. I will be taking them with some friends so I'm not sure how productive it will be. lol

The cool thing is that things really do happen for a reason. I feel like several of the things I was involved with last year have prepared me for new things I am doing or have lead me into new opportunities (like this new job!). Although it may all seem like a really good coincidence, I know it's God's plan for my life and it's great! I want to write more but I have a League meeting to get to! :)

A perfect plan

God has a perfect plan for my life and he reminds me of that at the most unexpected times. I can now officially share the big news I hinted at in my blog from Wednesday. I got a new job! It totally came out of the blue and everything happened really fast. I am going to be the Director of Community Awareness for a large nonprofit that provides services to victims of rape and domestic violence. It's going to be a big challenge and a lot of responsibility - I am really excited!

These past few weeks have been so busy and looking for a new job was the last thing on my mind but God had different plans. The opportunity presented itself and I could not say no. I am passionate about community service and involvement, and this job will be a perfect blend of my talents and passion. Even better is that the money is good and the benefits are awesome! One thing I've noticed is that when people hear "nonprofit" they seem to think the employees don't profit either. If people want to have the perception that I'm a martyr for the cause though I guess there could be worse things. I am officially starting in 3 weeks but I am already making lots of mental notes because I am really going to have to hit the ground running. Life is good and things keep getting better and better!

A whole lot of nothing

Well, conference is finally over and I am glad. I came home early today and took a nap but I think I gave myself a sleep hangover. I was in a very deep sleep and I made myself get up so I could go to bed like a normal person tonight but now I just feel groggy and weird. I have so much I need to get done I can't even begin to think about it right now. It's actually probably not that bad, I am just normally very organized and prompt and being sick last week didn't help. I was walking around in a fog and then I was locked in a hotel for 3 days so I am being OCD about my "to do" list.

On another note, there is something else brewing in my life and I can't stop thinking about it. Before you even go there – NO, I am not pregnant. (Every time I hint at something big in my life I feel like that's everyone's first reaction) I can't really talk about what is going on but maybe in a couple of days. Don't you hate it when people do that? I just can't get it out of my head and even though I can't talk about it, I needed to get something out there. It seems like life takes interesting turns when you are least expecting it, it's exciting and scary all at once!

I have managed to blog for two paragraphs about absolutely nothing. The sad thing is there are good "blog-worthy" things inside of my head right now, I just get them through the fuzz of the sleep hangover. I'll be better tomorrow, I promise.

Princess Grace

Just call me Princess Grace. Today, while setting up centerpieces for an awards banquet that is part of our conference I pulled a fabulous move and fell flat on my face. Well, it wasn't really on my face so much as my knees, side, etc. I was in too much of a hurry running between tables and somehow I went flying. I went into self-preservation mode and was able to push myself through a gap in chairs so I didn't hit my head but it was not a graceful move to say the least. Picture frames went flying ... I'll probably have bruises in the morning ... you can feel sorry for me now ... lol. I'm owning the fall and I can laugh about it now. At least it didn't happen when I went onstage tonight to accept an award. That would have been much, much worse!

Ritz Carlton, Take Me Away

I am at the FPRA Annual Conference this week and although it's being held here in Sarasota (ridiculously close to my house), I'm lucky enough to be staying at the hotel. It's not just any hotel, it's The Ritz, I've got a suite, and yes, I'm bragging just a little bit. Who wouldn't? It's fabulous. I think this Ritz might be even nicer than the one we stayed at last year on Amelia Island. It might also be that my room is freaking awesome. It's got a living room, a "guest" bathroom, and a king size feather bed that I could stay in forever (or at least past 5:30 am). Everyone from our office is staying here because we are working long hours and have to be down at registration at 6:30 am. I'm not complaining about that though, I love a Ritz Carlton. I can't say enough about how great this hotel is. Plush robes, soft slippers, chocolates on the pillow (which I just ate even though I've already brushed my teeth), and I really could go on and on. But enough of my little commercial here ...

Here is the link to the conference blog and photos www.fprablog.com. I'm busy with conference activities until Wednesday so this is what I'm focusing on at the moment.

Oh I wish

Oh how I wish I could blog about work. But I'm not gonna do it. No sir, I'm not stupid. First of all, a couple of my co-workers are on MySpace and might stumble across my lowly blog. Not that I would be saying anything about them in particular but the things I wish I could say are part of the running dialog inside my head and you never know how my sarcasm might be translated online. I've also read enough blogs and articles about blogging that say to watch out when it comes to blogging and your job. Many people have lost their jobs over stupid posts or been sued over things they have said. I doubt I could conjure up something worthy of this type of drama (I am the queen of appropriate behavior) but you can't be too careful.

Don't get me wrong, I love my job, I just sometimes feel like I am on a reality show. Seriously, I have actually looked around for the hidden cameras after certain moments with certain people. I am hoping it's being recorded because no one would believe me otherwise. I recently read something that referred to co-workers as "these odd people who you are forced to spend so much of your life with, but who in your everyday life, would not even be on the fringe of your acquaintances." I shared this with my boss the other day and he thought it was pretty funny. I know you're very curious now but unfortunately that's all I'm going to say about work. Ever.

Now I'm off to a conference until Wednesday for more good stories that will have to remain in my head. Oh, I wish …

Danger Lurks ...

Danger lurks ... in the mall. Particularly among the sale racks of Ann Taylor and Banana Republic. Why oh why can't I just say no? If I just stay out of the mall completely I'm okay, but once I get there and see the goods, it's very hard to resist temptation. Just as I was feeling so proud of myself because I refrained from buying a fab dress last weekend at BCBG (thanks to my brother's voice of reason and the fact that even though it was on sale it really wasn't that good of a deal) I had to go by the mall last night and fall prey to the sale. I can justify it all day - the stuff I bought is very cute and compared to the original prices, I got some good deals. However, I have still been kicking myself all day for spending money. Maybe once I finish giving myself a guilt trip in public on here I'll feel better. Maybe new clothes and shoes are my reward for being sick all week ... I think I feel better already …

I love a rainy day

It's my favorite kind of day – rainy! The only time I don't love a rainy day is when I have something fun planned for outdoors or I get stuck running through a parking lot in a good outfit with no umbrella. Otherwise, bring on the rain! It's great that it's raining today because the last thing you need when you have a head cold during a Florida summer is one of those bright, hot sunny days. It's just wrong.

I must say that the hot sunny days are much appreciated when one wants to fully enjoy the beauty of where we live though. We were out on the water this weekend and I was reminded of one of the many reasons I love living here. It's beautiful! We docked at several sand bars to swim, laid in the sun and actually ran into friends who were out on their boat. (What are the odds? Apparently pretty high) It was a great day and I enjoyed it even more because my brother, sister & mom were with us. We've been out on the water a lot this summer with friends and on Saturday, just as I was thinking that I might be persuaded into finally buying a boat (Nate's been campaigning for a year), the boat we'd rented started having issues. We couldn't get the motor to trim back down so it took us forever to get back to the docks because we had to drive very slowly! It didn't put a damper on the day because you can't complain when you're cruising through beautiful blue/green waters, however, it made me really glad that we didn't have to deal with getting it fixed. Just drop it off and let them deal with the expense and headaches. My grandmother always says that "a boat is a hole in the water that you throw money into" (she was obviously against my grandfather's various boat purchases). Well, there are days when I think "at least it's a fun way to throw money away," but on days like Saturday, it made me glad that we have lots of friends who are willing to sponsor that hole in the water for now. lol

I miss the gym

I miss the gym. Seriously? Did I just type that? Maybe this cold has affected my sanity. I never thought I would say it but I do miss the gym. I haven't gone all week because I'm trying to rest and get over this cold before my conference begins this weekend. For months now Nathan and I have been getting up very early and hitting the gym before work. I think it's such a great way to start the day. On days when we don't go I don't have nearly as much energy. I used to hate working out - seriously, I was one of those people who thought anyone listed "working out" as a hobby was full of it. I think it's all about getting into a schedule that works for you. I hate going after work, I can always find at least 3 reasons not to go in the afternoon. Once I got used to going to bed earlier and getting up at the crack of dawn it became no big deal, I actually want to go every day. Now I'm afraid that I'm going to lose all of the endurance and strength I've acheived in the last few months. I know it doesn't happen that fast but I'm still hating it. By the time I'm back to feeling like myself, I'll have conference until Wednesday next week. Hopefully the Ritz will have a fab gym and I'll be getting enough sleep to be able to get up and go every morning. I can't lose my schedule! Besides being crazy, not much else going on with me this week.

I am excited though because Friday I found out that Nate & I were selected to be ambassadors for Sarasota County to Presidency IV in Orlando in October and we're going to stay at the Shingle Creek Resort for a weekend and attend one of the Presidential debates! It will be broadcast live on Fox News. Should be a cool experience ...