Day 80: Divergent Premiere

If I love a book, I have to see the movie if they make one.  If I really love a book, I have to see the movie at the premiere, the night before it opens.  I absolutely cannot let anyone see the movie before me and spoil it or influence me with their opinions.

I also love sharing the experience with others who cherish the book as much as I do.  Tonight, my hubband, my friends and I had a chance to go to the premiere of Divergent, a book by Veronica Roth. Luckily they have started running these screenings at 8 pm instead of midnight.  I'm too old to go to a midnight movie and be up for work at 5.

It's a blast to see, for the first time, the images your mind conjured up and how someone else translated those into reality.  It's one of the most fascinating adventures for me.  It's never exactly as I pictured it, there are always parts left out or changed, but I would never pass up the opportunity. 

Day 79: Morning Birds

One of the ways I know it's spring and that winter has finally gone is when I go out with the dog before dawn and I hear the twilight song of morning birds.

I've never been a fan of birds in general.  They creep me out to look at and to hold.  I hate when they whiz by my head when I'm walking or bounce around my table when I'm enjoying a meal on an outdoor patio. I'm absolutely positive they carry all sorts of diseases.

But their songs can be beautiful, especially when it's the first one you hear after a long and miserable winter. So as long as I don't have to pet them, I'm thankful for all the heralds of morning.

Day 78: Kristy

Happy Birthday, Kristy!

Today is in interesting day.   I can never seem to forget that today is the birthday of an incredibly close friend of mine from high school.  I haven't even spoken to her in almost 20 years, but every year, I remember and silently wish her a happy birthday because she was such an important part of my life and my life in high school and college, those years which were so important to shaping who I am today.

With technology and social media, I've made attempts to contact her, but she has blocked me at every turn.  I'm sure she has her reasons, whatever they may be, but I'm still saddened that, for whatever reason, we won't be able to re-connect.  She is as much a part of me as any person in my past, even more so since we shared so many crucial moments of our youth.  Like Elphaba and Galinda sing to each other in Wicked, "Because I knew you, I have been changed for good."

I'm thankful for the years and the experiences I shared with this wonderful woman.I wish you only the best!

Day 77: Kiss me! I'm irish!

It's St. Patrick's Day!

While I'm not really one for green beer or for going out and getting blitzed on St. Patrick's Day, I am one for admitting that I am proud to be Irish.

Even though most people have this idea that I'm some sort of alcoholic leprechaun, I don't drink much.  I don't get out and celebrate my heritage on this one day that everyone else pretends.

I am proud to be Irish each and every day of my life.

Day 76: Orion

When I was little, someone taught me about the constellations.  The only ones I could ever remember were the Big Dipper and Orion.  Something about Orion used to fascinate me much more though.  Since he was only visible during the winter half of the year, the mystery of finding him seemed to make him more elusive. 

In college, Orion was probably the primary reason why I signed up for Astronomy as a science elective, and I was rewarded with even more knowledge.  I learned about Orion's story, and his fight with the bull, Taurus and the mystery of the seven sisters, the Pleiades.

Today, I see Orion whenever I'm out walking, watching over me. He's someone I can talk to in peace and share my thoughts.  He is almost gone for the summer, but he still helps me to think about science, astronomy and what's "out there."

Day 75: SBUX Pay-it-Forward

Once in a blue moon, I'll swing by Starbucks on my way to work.  Usually it's because I am running too late to have made my own coffee, or I'm out, or I'm simply craving something sweet.  And since my closest SBUX has a drive-thru, it makes it super easy.

Yesterday morning, when I pulled up to the window to claim my succulent reward, the friendly barista smiled and said, "The customer in line before you paid for your drink and wishes you a Happy Friday." 

What a great way to start a Friday!  When someone shows kindness to a complete stranger, it warms my heart (especially when that stranger is me).

So before I pulled away, I asked to pay for the person in line behind me, and I had the barista with them a Happy Friday!

Day 74: memes

This is one of my favorites recently for any GOT fans.

Internet memes crack me up.  They can make my day whether they are the "Old school" e-card style, the quirky TV show inside joke, or the 80's throwback reference.

I especially like the ones that require insider knowledge about a topic or simply educated wit.

Without these little gems, I don't know if I could make it through the day.  Thank you, internet!

Day 73: Interview

I had my own interview today.

I'm applying to be part of an educational organization's program of study.  It's two and a half years and attendance at various conferences around the country all with a focus on a problem of practice I'd like to address in my work institution.

After talking to the interviewing coach for almost an hour, I'm really excited, not only for the opportunity, but also for how good the outlook seems.  The coach himself was so positive and encouraging. I admire that so much in an interview when you can feel at ease and relaxed.  Also, so many of my colleagues have been through this Academy and have learned so much that I can wait to be involved.

Now I have to wait two to three weeks until I hear.  Talk about tension.

Day 72: Touch Screens

I really love technology and how recent advances have made my life so much easier.  Smart phones and tablets allow me to interact directly with my computer and I have become dependent on them.

So dependent, in fact, that I end up feeling little foolish when I tap the screen of my laptop (or worse, my television) trying to get it to behave the way I want.  And yet, I'm still thankful.

Day 71: Teaching a class

Anyone who has taken an online class knows how much different it is than sitting in a class face-to-face with a teacher and other students.  From the teacher side of things, it is vastly different as well, from the planning to the design and through the delivery.  This has been my life for the last five years.

I have been working online for so many years that I have forgotten what it's like to work with people face-to-face.  Last night I had that chance. 

I have gotten a little "rusty" when it comes to planning for in-person experiences, and this class didn't go so smoothly (at least from my perspective).  But everyone in the room was thankful for such a great learning experience and I was thankful to help people, one on one, and make those connections with people that are so different when you interact in person.

I need to take this as a message.  Unplug.  Get out more, work with people more, and value the importance of a human connection.

Day 70: The Kid's Birthday

My niece is a pretty awesome kid.  This year she turned 25.  A few days ago, we (my husband, my sister/her mom and I) took her out to dinner to celebrate.  For most kids, that would have been enough.

On her birthday though, she went out for drinks with a bunch of her friends.  And she insisted we come because she wanted us to be there and be a part of her celebration.

I'm thankful that there are people in my life who appreciate me for who I am, not for what I can do for them.  She is one of these unique and amazing people and I am so glad she will always be a part of my life.

Day 69: Daylight Savings

Most people aren't very thankful when Daylight Saving's Time ends because that means we lose an hour (yes, the hour we gained in the fall).  Don't worry.  I'm part of that group.

But I'm also very thankful when DST ends because it means we are just that much closer to my favorite time of year.  Summer!  I also LOVE when I get up or when I'm driving to work and the sun is actually rising or already up.

No matter how punk rock, or waver, or vampiric I may like to come across, I just can't deny that I love the sun, the warm, the heat and I love the daytime.  So I may lose that hour, but I gain more sunshine!

Day 68: Cosplay

Have you ever seen those crazy people who go to comic book conventions dressed up as superheroes or characters from their favorite game, movie, anime, etc?  They are called Cosplayers (Costume Play).

Yup.  I'm one of them.

I'd love to do it more, but sometimes my lack of self-esteem and my body type prevent me from thinking I can pull off the characters I really want to pull off.  I admire those people who really embrace and own what they do when they cosplay.  I think they have tremendous talents and strength to be someone else and not care about what others think. I've always had a hard time doing this and I see them all as role models.

This year's Denver Comic Con is rapidly approaching and my other half has to work the entire weekend which means I'm going solo.  It might be a perfect time to embrace my inner geek and put together a couple outfits.  But what?

I don't have much time, so I better get started.  Any ideas?

Day 67: Professional Passion

Today I sat through a grueling day of interviews to replace my boss who is retiring.

Of the six candidates we interviewed, there was only one who actually knew what the job was all about and who had the passion for the work he was aspiring to lead.  You could hear it in every answer, see it in his presentation and vision, and feel it every time he referred to working with a solid team.  He sees this position as his endgame, the place he truly wants to be.

Unfortunately, the politics of my business won't award him the position.  It will go to someone with no passion, who is merely using the job as a stepping stone to something else.  I think inside he knew this as well, but I am so thankful that it didn't stop him from taking that chance and showing me, showing my team and showing those in charge what he is capable of.  Maybe someday our bosses will honor passion and integrity over ladder climbing.

Day 66: Rainkissed Leaves

I'm a smeller.

Sometimes smells are what evoke my strongest memories or activate my brain.  One of my favorite smells lately is Rain Kissed Leaves soap from Bath and Body Works.

I'll admit.  I'm a BBW junkie.  I wait for sales and I go in spending way more than I should, but their soaps and their wallflower fragrances (air fresheners) are incredible.  I have been known to by certain smells by the case (but we will save that for another post).

This smell is so natural, so fresh and so clean, I could use it all day, every day!  Highly recommended.  Today I'm thankful that I always smell good and clean when I wash up.

Day 65: A Willing Team

Today, my team got some unfortunate news.  One of our "higher ups" decided to bring in a nationally known consultant to do work with schools in our district. This man was to come in and deliver two days worth of training, one in January and another at the end of March.  When the man first presented in January, it was clear he had not done his homework getting to know us, our needs, and our goals.  He only wanted to deliver he pre-packaged spiel.  A different "higher up" didn't agree with this person politically and decided it was not in our best interest to invite him back for the second day.

Of course, no one decided this until today, exactly three weeks before his scheduled return.  My team of four was told today, on top of all of our regular duties, that we would be taking over the "Day 2."

Even though I'm not a big fan of my teammates, I am lucky to be part of a team who will pull together and work hard to make sure we get done what we need to and be successful at it.

March 26 will kick butt!

Day 64: My morning walk

Almost every day for the last thirteen years, I have gone on a morning walk with my best friend.  She gets me up at dawn, I get my happy (or lazy or tired or hungover) self dressed, usually clothes from the day before, bundle up if necessary and head out for the walk.

These walks started out short when she was tiny, and as her legs grew, so did the length.  We would get in walks up two two miles some days, usually just one mile, but unless I'm deathly ill or out of town, we do the walk every day.

During these walks I get a chance to decompress, talk with my bub, look at the stars or watch the sunrise.  It's a peaceful time that the two of us get all to ourselves and I appreciate those so much. Recently our walks have gotten much shorter, just around the block, but they still take as long.  I know pretty soon, if I decide to continue the walks, I'll be taking them alone, but I know, no matter what, my bubba will always be by my side.

Day 63: What's Your Passion?

I love jewelry and I love comics.  Anyone who knows me knows that my favorite superhero (and villain and others in that universe) would be nothing without his ring.  Is it any wonder then why I would absolutely love something that combines the two?

Some of the best parts of Facebook and comic conventions are the discoveries you can make in your own little niche world.  And from these, I discovered What's Your Passion jewelry.  This amazing, independent artist, Ari, makes custom rings that are comic and anime themed.

I am so awed by people who are creative and can turn a vision into a reality like this.  I wish I had those skills, but since I don't, I'm thankful there are people who do.

While I don't have the funds right now, I have my sights set on MANY of these rings, including one or two I might request as custom.  We are planning our wedding soon.  I think Ari might be our answer.

Day 62: Sound App

I have trouble focusing. And relaxing. And de-stressing.

Recently, a work colleague was talking about a free sound app she uses to sleep.  I figured if it could help me relax, I should give it a try.  It wasn't going to cost anything, right?

What I found is that this app, with its 50+ sounds that you can mix and match was perfect for me.  Most recently I've saved a combo that has lightly lapping waves, a very light rainfall and a low white-noise.  Even when it doesn't help me focus entirely on my task, it does make me feel like I'm sitting by the ocean.  Perfect tranquility.

If you need something to relax, focus, de-stress or if you just like noise, I highly recommend Relax Melodies by ipnossoft. 

Day 61: Amazing Race

Yup.  More TV.

So I religiously watch The Amazing Race on CBS.  I've applied a few times to be on it,  but have since decided the experience is not for me.  It's now in its 24th season, and I can't imagine there is anyone who isn't familiar at least with the concept of this show. Teams race around the world, finding clues and competing in challenges all for the opportunity to win $1 million. I like the suspense and the action, but what I enjoy most is what it has helped me to learn over the many years.

What I learn from this show is "Never give up."  Even when it seems like all hope is lost, you have to fight to the very end.  You never know what could be waiting for you at the end.  It might be a temporary reprieve.  You may not be the last in the race, but even if you are, you have learned from the experience and you have grown as a person because of it.  In some way, no matter how small, you are a different person than you were before you began.