Here's to 2012

If you read last year's post you know I'm not big on new year's resolutions. So a little continuation from the last post, this year I will try not to dwell on closed doors but open my eyes to doors that are opened to me. 

For those of you who have seen the movie New Year's Eve (not particularly the best movie this year) but loved this quote from Hilary Swank's character, and will leave this note as 2011 comes to a close.

"It's suspended there to remind us before we pop the champagne and celebrate the new year, to stop and reflect on the year that has gone by. To  remember both our triumphs and our missteps, our promises made and broken. The times we opened ourselves up to great adventures or closed ourselves down for fear of getting hurt coz that is what new years is all about - getting another chance. A chance to forgive, to do better, to do more, to give more, to love more. And stop worrying about what if and start embracing what would be. So when that ball drops at midnight and it will drop, let's remember to be nice to each other, kind to each other. And not just tonight but all year long."

Wishing all of you a happy and prosperous 2012!

An Open Door

"When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us." - Alexander Graham Bell

Can't help but look back as another year comes to an end. I have come to realize that I am so wrapped up with all the doors closing on me, that I don't see what's right in front of me sometimes. I have had so many doors close on me, it doesn't faze me anymore. Phone interviews that don't lead to a face-to-face interview, job interviews that don't turn into job offers. But you know what they say when one door closes... 

... another door opens. I have had a door wide open to me since June. Thanks to Saya for opening this door for me and giving me the opportunity to work for the amazing CRAVE Company. A week ago we launched the second edition of the CRAVE Chicago guide (pictured above). For the past six months I have researched women owned businesses to be featured in the book and was in charge of the social media for Chicago. Each month we had events where I got to meet these fabulous women. 

After the launch party was when it all really came together for me. Seeing the book for the first time, seeing my name and photo published, and getting to hold a finished product in my hand that I helped put together! It's always great when you feel accomplished!

I met so many more incredibly smart women who own their own business that night. They have something to call their own and get to call all the shots. It made me think of all the time and energy I have put into trying to find a job working for someone else. I should have put all this time and energy in working for myself. I have a MBA, I know how to write a business plan, and it's time to put this knowledge to use! I have been so inspired and have had a burst of ideas! I hope to  explore it more and get it started in the new year. I know I now have a great support system who I can call on for advice and guidance. In the meantime, I am still in need of a paying job and will continue to look for the next door. But this may be one of the best doors that have been opened to me! 

Have you had any doors open for you this year?

P.S. You know I love books and love to read! We had the CRAVE book launch party at one of the coolest bookstores I've seen Open Books. I could spend days in there! They are a nonprofit bookstore that help promote literacy in Chicago! Definitely visit them if you're in the market to buy some books!

I Am Blessed

"I am blessed, From when I rise up in the morning, 'Till I lay my head to rest..." - Rachel Lampa

I don't need Thanksgiving to be reminded of all that I have. I know I am incredibly blessed and am thankful everyday. But I am especially thankful for the opportunities that have come along my way this year, and hope that the doors continue to open. I am thankful to have my health, because we have seen that no matter how much wealth you have, you can't buy your health. I am thankful for new and old friends, who continually bring joy and laughter into my life. I am thankful that our family is all together this year, even though at times they drive my crazy and are really loud, I wouldn't be here without them. I am thankful for the grace, compassion, forgiveness that God gives me because I know most times I don't deserve it. I am thankful for everyday I am given to be alive and a chance to live it right and make a difference. 

Happy Thanksgiving! 

What are you thankful for?

To Be Entitled?

"Don't feel entitled to anything you didn't sweat and struggle for."

- Marian Wright Edelman

Depending on which breakdown you look at, I am either Gen X or Gen Y. I never really got the whole entitlement thing. Being first generation American, I was brought up to value hard work and understand that I need to start at the bottom of the totem poll to get to the top. I guess the generation now are just looking for a way to get to the top without working for it. 

I didn't see this whole entitlement thing play out until recently. My sister, who is definitely part of Gen Y/Entitled/Millennial Generation, came home two months ago after being in China for a year working on her Master's. She, like me, is now on a quest for a job. However, she is on an ambitious job search, not settling for anything less that requires a graduate degree, because in her words, it pays more. That I get. You went to school, worked your butt off, and deserve the equivalent pay. For the past month she has been sending off her resume and wondering why she hasn't even gotten an interview. I think her expectation level may be too high, but again, it's the attitude of this generation I don't fully get. Fast forward to this week, lo and behold, she was offered a job! Only after two months on the job search! Not going to lie, a little jealous, since I've been at this for three years and all I've got to show for are some unpaid internships. Maybe I need some of this entitlement to rub off on me!

So what now? Do I need to embrace this Gen Y attitude and feel more entitled? I do, after all, have a MBA. Am I settling by taking unpaid internships? It's not like I haven't sent off my resume to hundreds of paying jobs. I haven't lost anything by taking on these internships. I've gained new skills and expanded my network. At this point, I would be happy just to get a paying job in my field of interest. Does anybody pay their dues anymore? For me, it's a sense of accomplishment to be able to say that I am slowly but surely working my way there. And when I do finally get a job it will be because I know I've struggled my way there and overcame it not because I think I deserve it. 

Has being entitled or hard work gotten you where you are today?  

Funemployment continues...

"In life, Patience is the key. It's much better to be going somewhere slowly than nowhere fast." - Unknown

Year three of funemployment began this weekend. It's been three years since I've last seen a paycheck. Honestly don't know I've survived. Everyone keeps asking how I do it. I have my family and friends that support me, although my mom still gives me a hard time. I have my faith and strongly believe that the right job is out there. I've definitely learned how to be smarter with money and not give in and buy all my wants, which is definitely a long list! 

 

"I don't need easy, I just need possible." - Bethany Hamilton, Soul Surfer

 

These past three years have not been easy, but I know that all things are possible. This year especially has been looking up being able to get two internships with similar job duties, that I've quite enjoyed. I love being able to do a little marketing, a little social media, and a little event planning. I feel I'm on the right path and fine tuning my skills. 

 

On that note, I will continue to count my blessings, continue on this slow but upward path, and enjoy the little things in life that otherwise I wouldn't have a chance to do, like take my friends' kids trick or treating. 

 

When life isn't easy, how do you handle it?

Legend....wait for it....dary!

"We’re born, we live for a brief instant, and we die." - Steve Jobs

Apple Store on 5th Ave NYC

It doesn't matter if you're a Mac or PC, you can't deny the technology world lost a real legend yesterday. In just thirty years, Steve Jobs has made a defining impact on the world. His story and legacy are the stuff legends are made of.

There are so many great life lessons to learn from Steve Jobs. These are my favorite quotes from him that came from his Stanford commencement speech in June 2005. It's definitely words I've been living by. It's what  I've been all about. I've said it before Never Settle!

"You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don’t settle.”

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” 

"Stay hungry, stay foolish."

Rest In Peace Steve Jobs, you truly were truly a remarkable legend. 

What are your favorite quotes from Steve Jobs?

Thought for Today

Just a great reminder to always be thankful for all that you have. A close family friend passed away on Friday. He was like a grandpa to everyone since he didn't have kids of his own. It came as a shock because he seemed healthy and full of smiles just a couple weeks ago when I last saw him. It's never easy to say goodbye to anyone. 

So I leave you with some thoughts for the day, although cliché, sometimes it's just a good reminder.

Walk away from all the drama and people who create it. Surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Forget the bad, and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right, forgive the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living. Take the time to say I love you to those you love. Don't take anything for granted. Smile often. Don't sweat the small stuff.

What do you need to be reminded of today?

In Remembrance

"The city is going to survive, we are going to get through it, It's going to be very, very difficult time. I don't think we yet know the pain that we're going to feel when we find out who we lost, but the thing we have to focus on now is getting this city through this, and surviving and being stronger for it." - Rudolph Giuliani

Memorial in Naperville

September 11, 2001. It's a day that this generation will never forget. I was in the car with my mom on the way to drop me off at the train station when we first heard on the radio that a plane hit one of the towers. No one knew what it was yet and the tragedy to follow. By the time I walked on the UIC campus, TV screens were all over the place and many of us just stared in shock and not believing what were seeing.

For the husband who told his wife he loved her before his plane went down in a field. For the wife who stopped in the stairs to call her husband to say she will love him forever. For the mothers and fathers who kissed their kids goodbye that morning for the last time. For the policemen, firemen, and other rescue workers who rushed in to help others and lost their lives. For the soldiers who fought back and made the ultimate sacrifice. Today, tomorrow, ten years from now, we will remember!

Our hearts and prayers to those who lost loved ones so suddenly and tragically ten years ago. Our gratitude to the many who have fought and are still fighting for our country. Life is too short. Hug those you love and tell them you love them often. Never forget! 

Where were you? 

Here's to Literacy & Dressing Better

"Meaningful work is a gift. If you can find some, it doesn't matter what it is, only that it engages you." - Erin McKean

Lulu Loves Books

I would be perfectly happy with a job where I can read all day! Anyone know where I can find one? 

Read this book over the weekend. I've never been a big vintage shopper, but this book made me think twice. Now I want a dress with history behind it. I wish my grandma still had her dresses when she was growing up in the Philippines. I'll need to dig up the very few photos she has and start there for inspiration. Hopefully I can find something of resemblance to something she used to wear.

The reading group guide at the end of the book had some great questions: 

• If the outfit you're wearing right now were to tell a story, what would it say? Sadly what I'm wearing now has no story to tell. I don't think my jeans and t-shirt have anything to say.
• Do you have any items in your closet that would have interesting stories to share? I'm hoping something in my closet would have some interesting stories! If not, I've been living a sad, sad life! 
• Do you wear something you love every day? No, I do not wear something I love every day. Why don't I? Makes me want to start dressing better! 

Celebrate International Literacy Day! Read a book! Thank a teacher and your parents for teaching you to read! And wear something you love every day! 

Something New

"Somebody must always be doing something new, or life would get very dull." - Ninette de Valois

In an effort to write more often and update more than once a month, I’ve decided to add something new. I've been trying to figure out a way to  stay motivated  and I figure the only other things I do as much as send out my resume is eat, read, and watch movies. If you've seen my Tumblr Life Of Lulu more than half the pictures are of food! So starting today I will try to keep track of all the things that consume my time, which hopefully will challenge me to blog more often. 

Let's begin!

Lulu Loves Food

I have been wanting to share this place for awhile now. A few weeks ago we went to visit a friend who lives in the Forest Park area. After lunch in Oak Park, she took us to  The Brown Cow for dessert, and I have been craving their ice cream ever since. 

The guy behind the counter was super nice to us especially when he found out it was our first time there. He told us about their homemade ice cream and we were sold! I had to go with one of their best sellers the chocolate peanut butter, which was just the right blend of chocolate and creamy peanut butter in every bite. I have been trying to recreate the same flavor and texture at other ice cream shops but nothing comes even close! A definite must try if you're in the area, if not totally worth the drive!

 The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor - 7347 Madison St. Forest Park, IL 60130 

Think this is a good way to blog more often?

A New Target?

"Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally. " - David Frost

 

San Francisco

Wow I am in need of an update! It’s been awhile since I’ve even opened up this site. Oops! Summer, as usual, has flown by but I’m excited to say I’ve been keeping busy with a couple new projects. 

The job search is still slow. Had a few promising job interviews earlier this summer, which unfortunately didn’t turn into anything. Thanks again to Twitter though, I got another internship. Since mid-June I’ve been working with CRAVE Chicago. It’s everything I enjoy doing, a lot of social media, marketing, researching prospects, planning and going to events (now if I can only find someone to pay me!) and to top it all off I’m meeting extraordinary women business owners. My goal is to network my way into a job or maybe even find the motivation to strike out on my own. I already have a business plan in place thanks to my MBA days. Every job rejection always makes me wonder why I’m trying so hard to work for someone else when I’ve met so many women who work for themselves and love what they do. Makes me wonder if it’s something I should really look into. 

I also found myself being thrown into the insurance/financial field. I never even thought about or really had any interest in this area. I took a 20-hour class over two days back in June and took my licensing test a few days ago and surprisingly passed! I have never been a good standardized test taker and after an overload of information, it took me a few weeks to get back into the habit of studying. After taking and failing the practice exam a few times, I was completely panicked on test day. I either worry way too much, great at guessing, or really do know my stuff because after the two-hour test, I left with a piece of paper that said I passed! This wasn’t my original plan in life, but apparently this is something I know well enough and I’ve always had a natural knack for giving advice, so who knows I may have discovered a new goal. 

When have you had to aim for something new?

Turning Thrity

"The only time you really live fully is from thirty to sixty. The young are slaves to dreams; the old servants of regrets. Only the middle-aged have all their five senses in the keeping of their wits." - Theodore Roosevelt  

I am thirty! There I said it! The day has finally come and already almost gone. While looking for quotes to commemorate today, I found the one above. Is this what it comes down to? Being middle-aged? I don't like the sound of that at all! There is something about getting older though, especially turning three-oh, you start to notice the signs of aging. I am definitely starting to see more gray hairs and wrinkles around my eyes that weren't there before. 

I have no profound words of wisdom to share, just a little bit of anxiety. I'm not ringing in my dirty thirty Vegas style or even on a beach somewhere like originally planned. Instead I am visiting my sister in southern Illinois and went outlet shopping with my mom and had dinner at the only decent Mexican restaurant in town, so maybe I am middle aged! 

While driving in the car today I heard One Republic's song "Good Life" over and over! Love the song! Took it as a sign that my thirties has gotta be the good life!  I don't know what this next decade holds for me, but I'm hoping it will be filled with amazingness! Stay tuned!

51 Weeks Later

T-minus 1 week until my birthday, which means it's been 51 weeks since I started this blog. This year has certainly been a crazy year with lots of unexpected surprises and new life experiences. I didn't get to travel as much as I wanted to but I did meet many new wonderful people. I'm not much one for exploring dark alleys and  have come to realize that some of my life ambitions  may have come to a dead end. Isn't this all part of pursuing and living life though? It's all definitely very exhausting!

How has the last 51 weeks treated you?

A Simple Thanks

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." - Mother Teresa

It's been a crazy week with 3 weddings in the past 7 days. I love weddings! It's a big event that takes months of planning and no two are ever the same. I like to see the details that the bride and groom put on everything from invitations to center pieces to the flavor of the cake. In the same respect, as a guest I take the time to find a dress and shoes, the perfect present for the couple, and even make travel arrangements if it is an out of town wedding, and not to mention all  you do if you happen to be part of the wedding party. So it always surprises me when everything is said and done I never get a simple card that says Thank You. 

As a job seeker, the advice we are given is to send a thank you email or note within a few days. As kids our moms made us write out thank you cards for all our birthday gifts within the week. So why is it that newlyweds are given a year to send out their thank yous? I  don't know where this business of waiting a year to send out thank you cards started. I personally think these should be sent out soon after the wedding, when you come back from the honeymoon because everyone knows that's when you open presents.

 

Since I have not been a bride, I have never experienced the stress and emotions it takes to plan a wedding, so maybe I'm expecting too much. But a simple thank you is just part of the common courtesy that goes a long way, and there are people out there (ok, maybe just me) who remember these kind of things.

As another wedding season has begun, my tip to the newlyweds is to get those thank you cards out as soon as possible and get them out of the way. Thank everyone for the pots and pans that you will use in your everyday new life together. When your guests get that little thank you in the mail, they will smile and remember all the fun they had on your special day, I guarantee it! 

Have any long overdue thank yous you need to say?

Start of Summer Plans

"I've got a lot of crazy plans." - Henry Thomas

View from bleachers at Wrigley Field

I saw this on Feeny's blog very late last night and decided to copy her (hope you don't mind!) With summer under way, this month is already jam packed with plenty of things to do, especially weddings! So here goes my plans for the month of June.

Today (yesterday? let's pretend it's still June 1) - 1st Cubs game of the season (Cubs vs. Astros. Despite a lose and getting sunburned, it was my first time sitting in the bleachers, the weather was perfect - sunny with a breeze, $1 hot dog day, and got to see some old friends... I have no complains! It was the perfect start to a busy month and summer.)

3 days - Glee concert (and reunion of Team LAF)

7 days - Leave for LA

11 days - Gigi & Lucas wedding in Santa Monica

17 days - Anna & Eric wedding

18 days - Andy & Trisha wedding

29 days - Maroon 5 at Ravinia 

35 days - The big birthday (Still gotta plan this. Do I stay put or take off?) 

And that's just the beginning! Happy summer! 

What are your summer plans?

Do More. Volunteer.

"Don't ever question the value of volunteers. Noah's ark was built by volunteers; the Titanic was built by professionals." - Unknown 

Every Friday for the past three months I have been volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House. Since the job hunt has not been exactly going according to plan, I've had nothing by time. I need an outlet for all this extra time and put it go good use. Looking to volunteer is much like looking for a job. Although there's plenty of places who will happily take volunteers, it still has to match your interests, be accessible, and be a cause you're passionate about. 

While looking for a job in the non-profit field, I found that the Ronald McDonald House was needing volunteers. I filled out an application and was contacted within a few days. Because of previous engagements I wasn't able to make it to the orientation and then I got an internship. Sadly this opportunity was pushed aside. Then I got an email in February that they were still interested in having me come in, and I've been volunteering ever since! 

I love what the Ronald McDonald House does and their mission to be a “home away from home” to keep families together while their child is receiving medical treatment far from home. They have a very small staff and rely heavily on volunteers to keep the house running. It's been a pleasure of mine to be of help even in some small way. So if you're finding yourself with some extra time on your hands, put to good use and volunteer. 

Have you volunteered lately? 

Water Sign

"You’ve been walking in circles, searching. Don’t drink by the water’s edge. Throw yourself in. Become the water. Only then will your thirst end." - Jeanette Berson

Lake Michigan

I went on an interview the other day and was asked to write about water, so they could see a sample of my writing skills. When I mentioned I had a blog, she said she would check it out and I didn't have to write about water anymore. (Sigh of relief)

Of course my initial thought was what the heck would I write about water?! Do I write about the weather or the importance of drinking water or about how the world is made up of 75% water or maybe find a song or poem that mentions water? I had no idea which angle I would take it.

Even though I didn't have to write about water anymore, it still had me thinking. Then I saw this tweet by CareerBuilder - Do you know the best careers for your zodiac sign? There it was! My answer to writing about water. And I had this great picture I took over the weekend of Lake Michigan, which I really like. I had to show if off somewhere!

So what does careers, zodiac signs, and water have to do with anything? I am a water sign. According to this: The Water signs are the touchy, feely people of the zodiac. Water is related to our emotions and many excel at counseling. They are highly empathic and each sign has its own unique energy.  

More specifically I am born under the Cancer sign and this says that my Key traits: Caring, intuitive, creative, persevering, moody. You love to support and nurture people but can feel burdened by this responsibility, too. Best careers: Real estate, interior design, psychologist, teacher, therapist (occupational, speech, etc) Careers to avoid: Isolating Jobs that involve constant oversight and no creativity.

While I'm not really big on astrology and horoscopes, I can get on board with this. At one point in my life I was on the psychologist/therapist, even teacher route, and I can see how these careers fit my personality. Maybe I should even look into real estate and interior design! If you've been reading this blog, you know that I've been searching for a path and trying to fill a thirst. I'm still in need of that job/career that I can throw myself into so that my thirst can be satisfied. My internship just gave me a greater thirst and know that right now, this is what I should be doing with my life. Have I closed off the possibility of pursuing the psychologist or teacher route, of course not. But as of right now I believe a job in the marketing field to feed my creative side is what will end my thirst. If you're company can use someone with my personality, please give me a call!

Does your job filling your thirst? 

Royally Intrigued

"If you find someone you love in life, you must hang on to that love and look after it... You must protect it." - Princess Diana 

 

Thanks to Disney movies we have grown up with the belief that someday our very own Prince Charming will come and away to his castle we'll go. Although chances of meeting a real prince and getting a wedding proposal is slim to none or only happens in movies. Today we got to witness a very lucky Kate Middleton marry her very own Prince William. 

Up until last night, I was still unsure to whether or not I was going to get up early this morning to watch the Royal Wedding. I set my alarm for 3am and thought I'd figure it out then. I turned the TV on and got sucked in by all the pomp and circumstance. For the next five hours in between my state of not really being fully awake, I somehow managed to watch this very special event, and I'm glad did. Although while waiting for the Prince and the new Princess to come out for their first public kiss, I fell asleep and missed it!  

For me the intrigue really came when I thought about another big Royal Wedding that took place when I was just a few weeks old. Back in July 1981, Prince Charles and Princess Diana had their very much anticipated wedding with the world watching. Of course, I have no recollection of that day, but my mom still talks about it. Almost thirty years later, the wedding of this century has arrived, and it's certainly one my generation will be talking about for years to come. And as the royal couple of this generation, who are only a year younger than me, I'm sure we will be following them for years to come and one day even see them crowned King and Queen. 

Prince William and now Princess Catherine have a love story right out of the books. It's a Disney movie come to life. The wedding was a great mix of old and new, regal yet simple and elegant, traditional meets the 21st century. So moral of today's story - if the Prince/future King of England asks you to be his roommate, say yes! Not very often do fairy tales come true! 

What did you think of the Royal Wedding?

What's Next?

"You don't just luck into things as much as you would like to think you do. You build step by step, whether it is friendships or opportunities." - Barbara Bush 

Rockit Ranch Productions/Sunda

Last Tuesday was the end of a four and half month internship with Rockit Ranch Productions and Billy Dec. I can check that off my dream job bucket list! I don't know why after two years of searching for a job this opportunity finally opened up. You could say it was luck, but it was so much more than that! 

Rewind back to October of last year. I finally got on the whole social media bandwagon and started following companies I have wanted to work at on Twitter. Rockit Ranch Productions happened to be a company I have wanted to work at for a very long time, and have sent my resume a few times over the years. Thanks to the power of social media I found out that they were looking for interns and holding an intern search event, so sent in my resume once again and wait for the event. 

In the meantime, also thanks to Twitter, I find out that that Cheeky Chicago is having a party at Rockit Bar & Grill, which is owned by Rockit Ranch Productions. I decide to go and check it out with a friend and happen to run into Billy Dec! I introduce myself and tell him I am applying to be an intern and to remember me.

A few weeks later is the intern search event and the days leading up to it, I attach a picture I took with Billy, so hopefully he remembers me! Let me tell you, it totally worked! There were about 40 other intern hopefuls there and when I approached Billy he knew who I was! And of all those people I was one of the three chosen to work directly with Billy Dec! 

It's been a great honor and adventure working for Rockit Ranch Productions and especially Billy Dec, Katie Rose, and Amy. I had no idea what I was getting myself into and learned so much about marketing, social media, event planning, and even a little bit of video editing than I could imagine. To my girls, Team LAF, Feeny and Amanda, it's been a great ride! I know we'll be great friends for years to come! 

So the big question is, what's next? I can't say for sure. I'm back to applying for jobs and sending out my resume. The only thing I can do is build on this experience and the connections I made during this time and hope something just as great comes along! 

What's your next step?

Today My Life Begins

I know I've been MIA for the month of March. I'm working on an update and hope to post soon! 

Until then, I fell upon this great Bruno Mars song today! I love how songs have a way of finding you when you least expect it and leave a great impact! This is something I really needed to hear today! I love Bruno Mars! Don't know why I just discovered this song! Hope this holds you over until next time!

Has any songs found you lately?

I've been working hard so long
Seems like pain has been my only friend
My fragile heart's been done so wrong
I wondered if I'd ever heal again

Ohh just like all the seasons never stay the same
All around me I can feel a change (ohh)

I will break these chains that bind me, happiness will find me
Leave the past behind me, today my life begins
A whole new world is waiting it's mine for the takin'
I know I can make it, today my life begins

Yesterday has come and gone
And I've learned how to leave it where it is
And I see that I was wrong
For ever doubting I could win

Ohh just like all the seasons never stay the same
All around me I can feel a change (ohh)
I will break these chains that bind me, happiness will find me
Leave the past behind me, today my life begins
A whole new world is waiting it's mine for the takin
I know I can make it, today my life begins

Life's too short to have regrets
So I'm learning now to leave it in the past and try to forget
Only have one life to live
So you better make the best of it

I will break these chains that bind me, happiness will find me
Leave the past behind me, today my life begins
A whole new world is waiting it's mine for the takin
I know I can make it, today my life begins

I will break these chains that bind me, happiness will find me
Leave the past behind me, today my life begins
A whole new world is waiting it's mine for the takin
I know I can make it, today my life begins
Today my life begins...

Living Vicariously

"Maybe it's easier to to like someone else's life, and live vicariously through it, than take some responsibility to change our lives into lives we might like." - Tish Grier 

Remember this Friends episode? 

"We're not sad, we're just not 21 anymore. Ya know? I'm 29 years old, damnit! And I want to sit in a comfortable chair, and watch television, and go to bed at a reasonable hour!... And I like to hang out in a quiet place where I can talk to my friends."

Some of the perks of this internship is getting to hang out at Chicago's top spots for celebrity stalking - Rockit Bar & Grill, Sunda & The Underground. Although I have yet to see or meet a celebrity! Last Saturday, after our Blues fundraiser/social media event at Rockit, some of us went to the Underground. I have never really enjoyed going to clubs and nothing has changed. Not to single out the Underground, because I really did like the DJ that night, but clubs are just not my scene! I don't like yelling to carry on a conversation, it gets too hot, there are too many creepy people, too many people in general, getting drinks  spilled all over you, people trying way too hard to impress someone else... To sum up, clubs are just not for me! That's me in the Friends episode! I just want to be comfortable, talk to my friends without yelling, and get some sleep!

In this case, I will gladly live vicariously through my friends who love to go out, drink, party it up, and wake up the next morning not remembering anything that happened the night before. It's their thing, not mine, and I can live with that. I'll just live it up through their stories without the hangover and regrets of drunken text messages, thank you very much! 

But I've also learned that surprisingly, I have friends who live vicariously through me! Who knew that my life is exciting to someone else? Of course these friends are married, have kids, and work or stay at home. They don't get out too much so I am their eyes and ears to the world! I had no idea!

I guess where I'm going with this is, that we all one time or another wish we were living in someone else's shoes. But don't live your whole life through another person that you forget to be your own person. Don't wish for someone else's life because you don't know what's really going on and your life may actually be pretty good. And who knows someone may be living vicariously through you! 

Are you living vicariously through someone?

Thanks Mom!

"Where there is a mother in the home, matters go well." - Amos Bronson Alcott

Watching Glee tonight reminded me of the parties we used to have in high school. Ah, the memories! My mom is out of the country for two months  for a mission trip and my dad is joining her in a few weeks. If I was still in high school, this would be the best news ever! And I can't believe I'm admitting this but it's only been three weeks and I can't wait for her to come home!

I know I'm a little early for Mother's day, but today is a tribute to my mom. They say you don't know what you got til it's gone (thanks Joni Mitchell) but it's so very true! It's already been a very long three weeks! I honestly don't know how my mom keeps up with us! Between driving and picking us from the train station, cleaning, cooking, laundry, plus her gym time and yoga classes (that would be my mom on the right doing yoga in the middle of a dance floor at a wedding reception!)... it's exhausting! My OCD tendencies wants to keep everything clean and I'm constantly picking up after everyone. But I'm so done! Especially when everyone else in the house is fully capable of cleaning up after themselves! Yes, I know it's time for me to move out, but until I get a paying job and save up again, it will be awhile.

Let's just say since my mother is not in the home, matters are not going well!  And needless to say, there will be no parties going on. I realize now we really don't appreciate all that she does, and can't wait for her to come home. So glad she's only temporarily gone and truly thankful for everything she does even though I know she doesn't hear it enough. 

How about thanking your mom today, just because? 

Life

A friend forwarded this to me. Thought is was great. I want a big poster of this. Anyone know where I can get one? Just sums up what life is all about! Don't you think?