Inspiration

Every time I hear the word "inspiration" I think of the Chicago song "You're the Inspiration" which is both a cool and sad take on the word. As I've gotten older, inspiration has become synonymous in my world with a precursor to greatness.

• Inspiration for innovation
• Inspiration for writing / singing / creating
• Inspiration to be a better person / parent / lover / friend
• Inspiration of others

The last probably being the greatest gift we as people can give - sharing our story, letting people know they aren't alone, reminding them they can accomplish greatness. 

I found inspiration for peace, trust, and faith reading The Alchemist. I read it while unemployed and in the serious throes of a discouraging job search. It inspired (and reminded) me to listen to my gut, trust in God's plan (or the universe if you're so inclined), and my "plan" doesn't matter - the right thing will come along when it's supposed to (in my case 3 weeks before my unemployment ran out, but I digress). 

What does inspiration mean to you?

Simply the Best

It's my second day in a row to post! Not a record, but YAY I'm back for another day (don't worry I'll only celebrate for a few more days).

Today's prompt courtesy of www.dailypost.wordpress.com is:
NASA is building a new Voyager spacecraft that will carry the best of modern human culture. What belongs onboard?

I prefer to answer this in list format (because I love lists!) and in no particular order:

Paderno World Cuisine Rouet Spiral Slicer

• cheese
• spiral veggie cutter (because seriously, who doesn't love noodle veggies?)
• microwave (hopefully, whoever finds it will have electricity)
• refrigerator
• air conditioner / heater
• indoor plumbing & shower
• music player (be it a cd or mp3 player)
• crop irrigation system
• sewing machine
• industrial manufacturing machines
• dry erase markers
• velcro
• sleep machine
• books

Okay, WiFi is pretty important too!

Ok - I don't want to make an exhaustive list because I don't know how big this spacecraft is. I love technology, but I don't think that it's necessarily the "best" of modern human culture. While it makes information more accessible and daily life easier - I feel lucky for some of the "given" things we take for granted (indoor plumbing, temperature regulators, mass manufacturing technology). While I could (and did) go without a phone / smartphone in my pocket, I don't think I would last too long in a world where I had to go outside and dig a hole to relieve myself. Plus technology fails - books are forever :)

What would you add or remove? 

With faith comes patience

My entire life, I've been told a few things... 

• Patience is a virtue
• You can't always get what you want, but you get what you need (Thanks, Mick Jagger)
• When you give your worries to God, you will find peace

I do my best to "live" these things every day. Admittedly, I've had varying times of success and failure - now being one of those times of recent failure followed by a brief pity party and then re-realization that although "I want what I want, when I want it" (thanks Father John) life rarely gives us what we want when (and how) we want it. 

I've half-jokingly posted on my Facebook that God is trying to teach me a lesson that (after 35 years) I still haven't learned. But more so, I think He's also trying to give me a gift. The lesson is patience; the gift is faith. Faith in Him. Faith in His plan. Faith that He will take care of me (because He always has / does).

So this week, I've decided to stop acting like the stalker ex to the job I desperately want. I'm not calling, emailing, sending notes, popping by or devising some intricate and complicated code that probably wouldn't work anyway - I'm just stopping. I get it. No more praying for this job or that job. I will continue applying for the things that interest me. I will continue kicking ass at job interviews. I will continue helping myself and then let God take it the rest of the way. (I refuse to add any more song lyrics to this post - sorry Carrie Underwood).

So I will ask for, and graciously accept, your prayers, happy thoughts, good mo-jo, good luck, positive juju and any other karmic universal fabulousness you are willing to throw my way. Happy begets happy. Positive begets positive. Faith begets faith. 

Here I am - Happy. Positive. Faithful. Ready.

Coffee and Wine

Today I saw this little gem on Facebook and I just had to share.

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE wine, coffee and encouraging words that can be summed up hilariously on an ecard? 

What day is it?

You were gonna say Hump Day, weren't you?!?

Nope - it's New Car Battery Day

Don't worry, we'll celebrate next week :)

Price of a new battery: $126

Years I don't have to worry about a new battery:5 

Not having to replace the alternator today: Priceless

No one to crush on...

For a long time Bobby (the guy on the far left) was my big "My Boys" crush!

Last month, while house / dog sitting I decided to resurrect one of my FAVORITE shows (Thanks Netflix) "My Boys", and up came an episode about being in a slump - and boy could I relate! 

Everything in this show centers around how life mimics baseball, so when you aren't dating or crushing on anyone - you are in a slump. Couldn't agree more! My slump has lasted way longer than I'd like to admit but I digress...

What a difference a month makes!

You know, the Morton Salt Girl and I have something in common...

Except she gets salt. I apparently get boys coming out of the woodwork! (Notice I'm not complaining)

It's been so long since I've had a man actually courting me, that I forgot what it was like. I'm a little sad to report that it is not like riding a bike... okay well maybe it's like riding a bike you still remember the concept - but your center of balance has probably changed. 

So for now, I'm plugging along. Trying to enjoy the attention. Trying to enjoy 35. Trying to make sure I don't end up holding an umbrella when the next dry spell comes along.

The Blazing Race

The Amazing Blazing Race - or at least that's how we do it where I work. 

The Slimsons BEFORE photo :)

Today, along with a couple of coworkers, I competed in a scavenger hunt of sorts all over the university where I'm employed.  In an effort to become less fat-tastic, I have tried to become more active - which goes really well with this Slimdown Competition work is hosting. Our team, The Slimsons, is working on getting into our skinny jeans and this race was part of the goal.

We chose the low impact route and DAMN I'm out of shape! (Like it was that big of a surprise!) 

As we went along though, I realized a couple of things:

1. When you're too fat, your back hurts BAD when you walk.
2. The more active you are, the better you feel. DUH
3. My coworkers are really fun people (I kind of already knew that...)
4. This campus is HUGE (and yes, I realize "That's what she said")
5. I don't care what that stupid piece of paper said - we walked more than 1.14 miles!

My encouragement to you today is to get out there and walk or run or bike or whatever you do to be active. Looking down at the scale and tipping it to the highest you've ever seen it with your two feet standing on top is not a happy place, friends! 

Remember: Fitness is FUN!

750 Words

As some of you know, I teach computer classes at an organization that serves women looking to improve their situations by learning a new skill (e.g. computers). I came across this organization following the death of two of my co-workers almost two years ago. I'm on my 3rd class and last night we finished up the keyboarding portion of our course - which means we're a third of the way done with the program! Time seriously flies!!!

Anywho, a common thread among some of these women is that at some point they've been victims of domestic violence. Sometimes they suffer from low self esteem or self worth. They've never had someone tell them that they could do something - they've always been put down. This is where my 750 words comes in.

Think back to a time when you were learning something... say keyboarding. I take for granted that (once we moved to Texas) the schools I attended had computers and we always had a computer in the house (Thanks Dad!) so keyboarding is a skill I never really put much thought into learning. Now, I can type upwards of 75 words per minute. 

One reason I'm a stronger typist than others is that I spend a lot of time writing / blogging / etc. So I've encouraged my students to start doing the same. 750words.com is a website developed on the idea of Morning Writings. The thought is that if you write three pages every morning (roughly 750 words) it frees your mind and allows you to think more clearly for the rest of the day. The added bonus is that if you're learning to type, you can get practice and comfort typing to your little heart's desire. 

The thing I L O V E about 750words.com is that it is completely private - unless you change the settings. They also give you fun statistics (nerd alert) about your writing and who doesn't love getting into their subconscious? The only downfall at this point, is that they're going to a paid only subscription to assist in offsetting the cost of running the site. It is very modestly priced but my point is that even if you don't use this particular platform - getting those pesky thoughts out of your head every morning really helps you become a more productive and creative person. 

Give it a try. You never know what you might find out about yourself. Even if it's just that you improve your typing speed :)

Spelling Anxiety (aka Spell-ziety)

I'm participating in a Corporate Spelling Bee for the benefit of the Tarrant Literacy Coalition and I fear I'm in over my head. 

The competition is tonight, I've studied (yes, I use that term extremely loosely), I've worried, I've quizzed, I've indulged in spelling juice (aka wine). Now the time has come for me to bite the bullet, get up in front of a ballroom of professionals and leaders in my community

and make a complete and utter ass out of myself. 

Yes, friends. I'm probably the most nervous I've been about an activity in quite some time. I've spoken to crowds, performed in plays, played an instrument, sang both alone and with a choir - but today I'm a little north of mortified. 

Did I mention, I'm on the team sponsored by Fort Worth Mayor? 
Did I mention that last year her team came in 2nd place? 
Did I mention, I'm the team captain?
Did I mention, I have a SEVERE ISSUE with saying No?

Okay, well with all that - it's time for me to leave work and go get ready (Did I mention, I'm wearing a costume?). Yes it's all in good fun. Look for the horrifying evidence photos tomorrow. 

Oh and if you're looking to contribute to a worthwhile organization that believes in parading community members around and making fun of them through spelling, might I suggest Tarrant Literacy Coalition? :)

Nutrition Counseling

A couple of weeks ago my employer held a benefits fair. All sorts of banks, insurance companies  local businesses and doctors eagerly showed up to share with my fellow employees about how great and wonderful they are. I go for the free stuff. I'm not even trying to front. I usually get a couple of work toothbrushes, some fun crap giveaways and a bunch of business cards I don't want or need (it would be rude not to take them, right?!).

As I was going down the last aisle, I noticed a brochure for food intolerance testing. I have a good friend that did an elimination diet (and as seen all over Pinterest and Facebook) Ain't nobody got time for that! so a blood test seemed perfect for a lazy-ass like myself. A quick call and I was in the next week. 


This doctor claims he can cure everything that ails me (including a couple of auto-immune disorders) and get me off all of my prescription medications in 12 - 18 months. I'd be crazy if I didn't take him up on it, right? So here I go. Setting off on the journey of eliminating (probably) everything I've ever loved from my diet. BUT the prospect of feeling good (not even great) regularly is an enticing carrot. I can do anything for a year, right?

I will chronicle my journey on my other blog: jennewilson.wordpress.com

Come on over and see how I'm holding up!

The Saga of the Slide

Who knew a McDonald's slide could cause so much angst?

I don't remember being worried about going to the top of the PlayPlace... Little A (my niece) on the other hand - makes it seem like the idea of going down the slide will be worthy of (at least) 5 years of adult therapy.

It's funny, the difference between siblings. My sister and I couldn't be more different, but I see similarities to each of us in her kids. J (my nephew) is fearlessly confident (like me) while Little A is confidently fearful (like my sis). The interesting thing though is that they're both insecure in areas that you would stereotype them by gender to be good at. Little A is probably one of the most aggressive competitors you'd ever meet, but has the social skills of a tree frog. Whereas, J would rather woo you with his wit than compete with you on any level.

And so it has begun...

What has begun, you ask?

Valentine's Day

Thanks KGB Deals... maybe I'll buy some flowers for myself this year!

The day single women and all men dread - but both for very different reasons. So imagine my disappointment when I open this lovely email offer. 

Ummm - KGB Deals, I don't have a sweetheart (yet) and if I did I'm pretty sure he wouldn't want me to send HIM flowers. (If he did, we might have a whole other problem, but I digress).

These kinds of things usually don't bother me - and if I'm being REALLY honest it doesn't bother me right now. What bothers me is that I've kind of been seeing this guy. He's really nice, funny, smart, handsome... .

WAIT FOR IT

wait for it

B U T (there it is)

But he's got it in his head that I want him to spend money on me. Okay gals, before I start getting hate mail. I'm not the kind of woman that measures love by how pretty and shiny and expensive the last gift or dinner you bought me was/is. However, this guy has clearly been burned in the past. 

A snippet of our conversation that brought me to this conclusion:

Me: Riddle me this, Batman. When are you going to ask me out again?                (aren't I cute when I'm trying to flirt?)
Him: I can't answer that until tomorrow          (in the interest of full disclosure he's having some vehicle issues that he needs to take care of and are costing him a large chunk of money out of pocket)
Me: Because??
Him: (info about the aforementioned vehicle issues)
Me: Ok
Him: I'm stressed. Your repeated request for me to take you out is kind of demanding and honestly, I haven't had a girl be like that since my ex... kind of upsetting. 
Me: (screaming in my head) WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?

After further discussion, it comes out that the way I've phrased the question implies that I want him to take me out and spend money on me. When I think that all I'm asking is "When do I get to sit down and spend time with you?".

Now, if you are one of the 5 loyal followers, you know - I'm crazy. I want to be "the girl". I don't want to be the one that has to continually make plans. I don't want to be the one that makes stuff happen. I do that in my day job. Why in the hell would I want to do that in my personal time?

So I decided I wouldn't ask anymore.  (Remember how I told you I was crazy, right?)

Okay, so maybe it's not so "green" over here on the (almost) couple-dom side of the grass either. Stupid grass.

Guess it's been awhile

A friend asked me today "Why aren't you blogging anymore?"

I was taken aback. I'm ashamed to say that I kind of forgot I had a blog.

But never fear, my 4 subscribers! I'm back and going to make a commitment to blog EVERYDAY for the rest of January. 

Happy 2013!
Credit: Boulder, Colorado website

I can do that, right?

So here's an update on me: I got a new job.

YAY!

No really... Y A Y!

You are reading words straight from the brain of the new(ish) Assistant Director for Constituent Groups at the University of Texas at Arlington Alumni Association. Of course, i would be remiss if I didn't mention that all thoughts and opinions are mine and in no way are affiliated or reflect the views of the University. (Was that wording legal enough?)

I've hit the ground running in a couple of ways to start off 2013. One of which is getting a nasty case of strep throat out of the way. I'm also still teaching at The Ladder Alliance; and serving as a Vice Chair on the SteerFW Employment Committee - so of course, I'm busy.

A new(ish) man prospect is on the horizon, so stay tuned for the torture fun that ensues from that too. All in all, folks - Happy New Year! I look forward to letting you in and (hopefully) entertaining you a little this year.

Cheers!

Olympic Joy

I know we're only a few days in, but I am completely overwhelmed and awed by the Olympic Games this year. I don't really think it has anything to do with the location (although I do prefer Summer to Winter any day!). I think I'm getting a new level of respect for the athletes and what it takes to compete at that level, I mean - they make it look easy... But seriously!! I can barely walk down the hall without bumping into walls - much less flip all over a 4-inch beam.


Perhaps it's that I've watched more games this year than any other before - look at me - I'm growing :) but these Olympic Games make me proud(er) to be an American! <3