I Concur, Marilyn.

"I don't know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot." -Marilyn Monroe (Love her!)

The Simple Things.

I had another bad morning.  These seem to happen to me quite often, so I am open to the thought that I am simply not a morning person, and need to adjust my attitude.  I thought I had forgotten a final today, woke up late to a half finished research paper that was due TODAY (or so I thought), and had a half hour to not only finish said research paper, but get ready and head to school.  Needless to say, I scrambled to school with my shady paper, looking like I had been hit by a bus, only to discover that the final is not until Wednesday.

Okay, so I'm glad that happened.  Now I have time to turn in a presentable paper, and actually study.  However, after getting up at 6:00 am and driving 30 miles for nothing in rainy California traffic, I wasn't in the best of moods.  As I was driving home, something told me to take a walk on the beach.  Yes, in the rain.  I know, I thought it was crazy too, but it's not very often you see the ocean during the rain in California.  It hardly rains here.  So....that's what I did, and boy am I glad I listened to my intuition.  How could anyone be in a bad mood after witnessing such beauty (click on the pics and look at them in their larger form.  They are gorgeous).  Even when she is angry, she is beautiful.  There is so much beauty in the world, even on the rainiest of days.

Human Spirit - Dolores O'Riordan

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

I've been singing this song all day, so I thought I would list a few of my favorite things.  I also love raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, but there are many other things that make me smile when the going gets tough.  Here are a few....

Salt Lake City at Christmas

Elephants!

Pea Coats

Frank Sinatra

Reflection and Relaxation

New York City

Mashed Potatoes

Calvin Klein

The Smell of Pine

Pedicures

California

Faith, Friends & Family!

I Can Officially Get In the Spirit Now!

It's the day after Thanksgiving and I have my Christmas tree up and decorations out.  I even got the majority of my Christmas shopping done today.  What a relief!  The only people left on my list are my husband and my dad, the two people I always struggle buying for.  If anyone has any good ideas for gifts for men, please, fill me in!

I love Christmas. Every single year it just flies by.  This time, I'm going to really try to relish in it and just enjoy the season.  I'm going home on the 22nd, and I'm super excited.  Nothing beats Temple Square at Christmas, even if you're not Mormon.  It's breathtakingly beautiful.  My whole family will be together this year as well, and its been so long since that last happened.  We're talking about having a family picture done. I think the last time we did that was somewhere around 1988.  Here's how THAT turned out.

Guess who the blonde playing with her hair is? 

I hope you are all as excited as me.  I know Christmas can be stressful financially, but just remember what it's really about.  Enjoy the spirit, the music, the decorations, and your family..that's all that truly matters.

Well, I've just corrected about 10 typos.  I guess that's a sign that I should probably go to bed.  I'm exhausted.  Have a good night ya'll.

A Little Somethin' Somethin'

I had a bit of free time on my hands, so I thought I would check in with an update.  Honestly, not much is new.  School is pretty much killing me.  I know, I know ... I whine about it all the time.  Hey, can you blame me?  I'm doing this thing pretty late in the game and my old brain doesn't know what to do with itself!  I did manage to attend an amazingly fun bachelorette party last weekend.  My good friend, Nicolita really knows how to throw a party. She booked a killer suite on the 21st floor of the Marriott, overlooking downtown San Diego.  It was gorgeous!  We also took a private pole dancing lesson.  hahahahahaha!  So NOT me, but it was a blast. Perhaps if school doesn't work out for me, I can put those newly acquired skills to use.;) Anyhow, here are a few pics. Congratulations Sheena!

Happy Thanksgiving Week!!! xoxoxoxo

The Simple Things.

I had a rotten morning.  I don't know what has gotten in to me, but I've been struck by this little wave of depression for no apparent reason.  Lately, I've had a hard time doing anything, and have been literally bribing myself just to get out of bed.  Today I stayed there until noon, and then true to my routine, I bribed myself to get up and go to Starbucks.  You see, I have this unhealthy addiction to their birthday cake pops. Seriously, if you haven't had one, do it.  However, beware, they are addicting.  Let this serve as your warning.....

I threw on some clothes, brushed my teeth, and left the house looking like a bag lady.  I didn't care.  My plan was to get an iced coffee and a cake pop and come back home.  I pulled up to the drive thru window, and the guy working it told me that the car in front of me had paid for my stuff.  At first it didn't register.  I figured it was some sort of mistake. To my surprise, they did it just to be nice.  This made my day.  Not only did it make my day, but this simple, $4.00 act of kindness changed my entire attitude.  The depression lifted, and I felt happy for the first time in a week. I returned the favor by paying for the car behind me, and then I turned up my radio and went for a drive in the sunshine.  It was just what I needed.

Thank you, stranger for your thoughtfulness.  You reminded me just how much the small things matter, and today, I really needed that.  It's amazing how something so simple can be so inspiring.  I wonder how long that chain carried on.  Pay it forward is powerful indeed.