Sunday, February 28, 2010

...and Having a Daughter Who Can Think for Herself is Better than Having a Daughter who Blindly Obeys

I can't remember a time when my parents didn't ask my opinion on matters. They still do. When I was a kid, this was sometimes a burden. I knew they took to heart whatever I said, but it taught me to think things through carefully.

Now that I have a daughter, I want her to know her voice matters. I also want her to know sometimes mine has to override hers.

It's not always easy, raising a daughter who has strong self-worth, but I think it's the most important thing I'll do this time around.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

...and Mints Are Better than Gum

Okay, I'm biased because I have jaw issues (just ask my massage therapist, Maire Scott-Jones - yes, that was a plug and, yes, I have her number and can get it to you), but I really like mints better. When I was a kid, though, I was all about the gum, so I'm thinking this could be one of those weird things that changes as one gets older. Like, how I used to love Cocoa Puffs as a kid, but cannot eat them as an adult. Seriously, they rough up the roof of my mouth. My daughter, however, loves them.

(So does my husband...hmmm...I think that's an entirely different post.)


Being the Google-lover that I am, I searched "mints versus gum" and noticed gum seemed to be in the lead, with mints being the popular answer for people who kiss.



Of course, these carefully researched answers did come from questionable resources...


Wednesday, February 24, 2010

...and Encouragers Are Better than Naysayers

Saw a very inspiring speaker (live via the web) yesterday and now I have to share what I got out of it, of course.

Kevin Carroll believes that the world can be changed through sport and play, because his own world was. You can read his blog or his books and understand how and why. His presentation was sad and funny and very thought-provoking. He insists that we cannot marginalize play. Coming from a background of abandonment and dispair, this man eventually learned many languages, worked for the NBA and Nike, and published multiple books - and he credits his amazing life to one red ball.

I have a five year old daughter - the great love of my life - and it always amazes me that wherever we go she can make people laugh and smile. Like most children, she will instantly make friends with other kids on the playground, never worrying about their jobs or their financial situations (she doesn't even worry about asking names!).
Kevin wants us, the grownups, to remember that optimism and use it again. He has seven simple steps he teaches:

  1. Commit to it - what are you willing to do?
  2. Seek out encouragers - success needs a team!
  3. Work out your creative muscle - do something new everyday.
  4. Prepare to shine - you must work at the process, invest in the outcome.
  5. Speak up - let people know what you want & need
  6. Expect the unexpected - look for it, be open to it.
  7. Maximize the day - there are 86, 400 seconds available every day, what are you doing with them?

I just decided to use some of my seconds to encourage you to be better today. Go play. Go create.
To quote Lewis Pugh: "Ordinary won't change the world."

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

...and Struggling in a Difficult Class Is Better than Hanging with the Dumb Kids

I don't want to offend with this statement, but I was talking with a friend about high school math class as a life metaphor. When she was a freshman, they gave her a choice: take "easy" math - the class they said suited her - or work really hard to be in algebra.

She chose to work really hard because - and this is a quote from her teenage self - she "didn't want to hang with the dumb kids."

I don't know if she was thinking it at the time, but she basically created her life path with that one decision. She never has taken the easy way, choosing instead to be the creator of her destiny.

And I like her all the more for it.

Monday, February 22, 2010

...and Walking Is Better than Taking a Cab

...unless, of course, you're only wearing socks.

Those of you who know me well, know that I seldom go out. There was a time when I could party with the best of them (Allyson Crane, I know you're out there), but I'm pretty mellow now. Partying is usually getting together at a house full of kids and toys. Woohoo!

Every now and then, though, a girl is coerced into going out.

Maybe one of your best friends turns 30, so you put on an outfit that your husband finds mildly ridiculous (because you're getting dressed to please other women...and gay men) and you venture downtown.

And, maybe, you decide after half a drink, that you will not be driving home, and so you make plans to catch a cab with your friend, because you are a grown-up for f*ck's sake.

And, let's say, a few hours later you're still not drunk enough to have changed your mind about driving (thank goodness), but you are drunk enough that walking three miles home at 2 a.m. sounds good, but only after stopping at the local Winco to buy some cheap socks (because the mildly ridiculous kitten heels you are wearing are no longer, um, comfortable).

Yes, this happened to me last Friday. Yes, I am a grown-up (I'll be thirty-eight in April). Yes, I threw the socks away as soon as I got home.

And, yes, I would do it again, because it was great to hang out with you, Karli.

Happy Birthday and welcome to the Decade of Excellence!

Saturday, February 20, 2010

...and Talking Is Better than Texting

...at least today. My thumbs need a vacation! Or at least a nap. Today, instead of texting, call me. I'll even meet you at a coffee shop so we can talk face-to-face. It sounds novel, doesn't it?

You, me, over coffee...like a black and white film.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

...and Pizza and Beer Are Better than a Diet

So my twenty year reunion is in August and I want to look my best, which means I've been (yawn) watching my caloric intake and exercising.

Not tonight, though. Tonight was all about the MacTarnahan's amber ale and cheese-crusted meaty pizza. Mmmmmmmm...

Tomorrow I'm going out to celebrate my friend Karli turning 30 (what a baby) and I'm sure I won't be abstaining from drinking cocktails then, either. If I keep the drinking to a minimum it will only be because of finances.

Don't think this means that I am some kind of lush - it's quite the opposite - I generally save the drinking for special occasions (like Thursday nights after Vampire Diaries...just kidding...kind of, I mean, I watch the show, but only because...oh, forget it).

Anyway, I don't drink every night.

The, gulp, dieting thing is always interesting. What will break me? Will it be sugar? Salt? Today it was both. Chocolate covered caramel corn from Harry & David and jalapeno potato chips, which led to beer and pizza.

Saturday, I will start all over so that I won't embarrass myself in front of the Class of 1990.