101 Ideas for Your 101: Why The Hell Not

This is your list! Your chance to challenge yourself in 101 ways over the next 1001 days. Here are a few "Why the hell not!" ideas:

60. Write a song

61. Eat something you didn't like as a child but haven't tried since

62. Host a dinner party where none of the guests know each other

63. Start your own business

64. Find the best burger in your state

65. Display something a friend made in your home

66. Display something you made in your home

67. Learn how to play a musical instrument

68. Go on vacation by yourself

69. Get a dog or a fish

70. Plant a tree

71. Give yourself a pat on the back

72. Tell someone all the things you love about them

73. Go to a drive-in movie

74. Invent something

75. Throw a surprise party

76. Finish a game of monopoly

77. Ask someone for forgiveness

78. Forgive someone

79. Have your picture taken in a photo booth

80. Audition for a reality show

81. Blow on a stranger's dice in Vegas

82. Go to a taping of your favorite TV show

83. Swing on a trapeze

84. Take a hot air balloon ride

85. Feel really happy

86. Learn how to change a tire

87. Learn how to toss a pizza pie

88. Knit a sweater

89. Have your palm read

90. Don't say anything mean about anyone for a day, a week or a year

91. Fall in love

Song of the Day
I thought this would be a good time for another list song. Please enjoy You Gotta Be.

101 Ideas for Your 101: A Little Adventure

A little adventure never hurt anyone. Add a few out-of-the-box challenges to your 101 list. Here are a few ideas:

51. Swim with sharks

52. Go spelunking


53. Go to every baseball stadium in the US


54. Run further than you ever have before, whether it is one mile or 27 miles


55. Go to the Olympics


56. Go to the World Cup


57. Try parkour
- But please don't kill yourself doing it. I would feel really bad.


58. Participate in the Cooper Hill Cheese Chase
- Looks wicked crazy!


59. Run with the bulls in Pamplona

Song of the Day
Today's song is Bob Seger's Hollywood Nights.

Today is Positively

101 Ideas for Your 101: It Is A Dirty Job...

But someone has got to do it! Most of us wish our homes and/or offices were a little cleaner and more orderly. Those goals can be reached by simply putting aside some time and creating a plan that works for us. Here are a few ideas for your 101 list.

44. Make your bed every morning for a month

45. Organize your closet

46. Clean off your desk at the end of each week

47. Make your own cleaning supplies
- Here's how!

48. Recycle!

49. Clean out your garage, basement or attic

50. Create chore schedule with your kids

Song of the Day
Clearly the perfect song for this post is Outkast's So Fresh and So Clean. Duh!

101 Ideas for Your 101: To Your Health

We are creating lists of all the wonderful and fun thing we can do with all the wonderful and fun people in our lives but we can't accomplish any of those things if we are not healthy. Include your health on your 101. While they might not be the most exciting items on your list, they are certainly the most important.

37. Get checked!
- Get checked for whatever you need to: blood pressure, suspicious moles, STDs...whatever you need to do to make sure you are healthy.

38. Find a physician you like and trust

39. Go to the dentist

40. Work out 3 or 4 or 5 times a week for a month

41. Reach a healthy weight in the first 500 days and stick to it for the next 501

42. Eat 5 fruits and vegetables everyday for 2 months

43. Go see a therapist

Song of the Day
Sticking with the theme, today's song is Let's Get Physical.

Home Sick and Hating Every Minute

You know when the best time to be sick is? The holidays. Oh I'm sorry, that is all the acetaminophen talking. Being sick during the holidays is the freakin worst! I've been sick for three days and I've managed to miss some of the things that make this season my favorite: the annual winter visit from one of my favorite people, another friend's mega-holiday party AND the first snowfall in New York. Dang it, dang it AND dang it.

I'm over being sick. The apartment is a mess, overflowing with water glasses and Kleenex. The couch and my bed have lost all appeal. And I've watched everything on my DVR. EVERYTHING! I'm determined to get back to reality tomorrow. I'm sick of being sick.

Song of the Day
Matt is super into this song these days so I thought I would share it with you. Please enjoy Phoenix's 1901.

101 Ideas for your 1001 Days List: Reading, Writing, and Arithmatic

This is one of my favorite categories. Sometimes you need to carve out a little time in your life to curl up with a good book, or pen and paper, or even a calculator.

Reading

27. Read a book you enjoyed when you were young to a child
- I would read Eloise to every little girl in the world!

28. Read a book you were supposed to read in high school or college but read the CliffNotes

29. Read a collection of short stories
- I have a few suggestions for you from my very well read buddies
Everything Ravaged, Everything Burned - Wells Tower
Complete Stories - Flannery O'Conner
Unaccustomed Earth - Jhumpa Lahiri
Runaway - Alice Munro

30. Pick a book solely based on its cover

Writing

31. Write fan mail

32. Write a novel

34. Write a letter to your senator
- Find your senators address here.

35. Write a screenplay
- Here's how.

Arithmetic - Ok I could only think of one item for arithmetic but let me know if you have any ideas!

36. Create a budget

Song of the Day
Here is a little song about proper punctuation. Please enjoy Vampire Weekend's Oxford Comma.



Today in Positively

Making the New Boston Moms Proud

The moms of my hometown, New Boston, NH, are some of the sweetest, most caring people I know. And these women take three things very seriously: The 4th of July, graduation parties, and the Annual Cookie Exchange. Growing up, our holidays were always filled with delicious, expertly presented cookies and when I was invited to my first cookie exchange in New York I wanted to recreate some of that magic.

There are two main elements to a successful cookie exchange submission: the cookie and the presentation.

The cookie recipe was provided by my friend Caryn (logo designer extraordinaire). She had made pumpkin spice cookies with cranberries and pecans for Halloween but thought they were so good they they could transcend into the holiday season. And she was right! They were excellent. A hearty, sweet and warm cookie with a tasty cream cheese frosting. You can find the recipe here.

Now that I had the perfect cookie, I wanted to present it with appropriate splendor. Of course that wonderfully dangerous Container Store had everything I was looking for.

At a cookie exchange everyone brings copies of their recipe. Caryn came to the rescue again, designing these awesome recipe cards which have a picture of the cookie on them! I love this idea and wish all my recipe cards had this.
Well I survived my first cookie exchange and, New Boston Moms, I hope I have made you proud. Love you!

Song of the Day

Today's song is Momma Said. Have a great night!

Today In Positively

101 Ideas for Your 101: You Can't Pick Your Family

So you might as well celebrate and enjoy them! Here are some ideas of how to do both:

23. Ask your grandparents to tell you how they met and record it

24. Create a family tree
- Here are the hippest family trees I've ever seen.

25. Plan/host a family reunion

26. Visit where your family originated and find records of your relatives

Song of the Day
Please enjoy The Pointer Sisters' We Are a Family

101 Ideas for Your 101: My List Don't Cost a Thing

One of my readers said that they didn't want to create a 101 list because it was too expensive. It is true that some of the more grand items could be spendy but with some thought you could certainly come up with a full list of free ideas. Here are a few thought starters:

19. Watch a sunrise

20. Learn how to meditate

21. Start a blog
- It is easy and FREE! Get started here.

22. Come up with a mantra
- Here's how!

Song of The Day
You probably saw this coming. Today's song is Jennifer Lopez's My Love Don't Cost a Thing.

This Day in Positively

101 Ideas for Your 101: Grab Your Passport

If I had the money and the vacation days, my list would be 101 Place to Visit in 1,001 Days. But even though we can't spend all 1,001 days gallivanting off to exotic places, we can certainly spend a few days gallivanting to fun places. Gallivanting for one and all! So here are some traveling ideas:

14. Travel to all 7 continents

15. Go to Kalamazoo, Timbuktu, Kathmandu or somewhere else with a fun name

16. Go on a safari

17. Visit the Scottish Isles

- I know this oddly specific but I think the Scottish Isles are one of the most beautiful places in the world. I mean, HELLO!?

18. Drive cross country
- You obviously don't need a passport for this but it would still be bad ass

Song of the Day
Since I typed "Drive cross country" I haven't stopped singing Willy Nelson's On the Road Again.

Today in Positively

101 Ideas for Your 101: Getting Giving On Your List

We all know that giving to charity is important, whether it be our money or time. But all too often giving moves further and further down our priorities list. So get your good intentions on your 101 list! It will help to keep them from falling through the cracks.

Here are some charitable ideas:
7. Give blood
- Learn where you can give blood here

8. Adopt a pet
- And if you do, you must promise to torture me with adorable pictures.

9. Start a charity
- Here's how!

10. Give to public radio (Pledge Week has finally warped my mind)

11. Give your hair to Locks of Love

12. Set up a regular volunteering schedule - Once a week, once a month

13. Support our veterans
- Find some of the best veteran charities here.

Song of the Day
Today's song is the Goo Goo Doll's version of Give a Little Bit. Man, I'm appropriate!

This Day in Positively

101 Ideas for Your 101

101 Things in 1001 Days has been one of the best things I did in 2009. Every time I feel like I'm getting into a rut I check my list and I feel rejuvenated by all the different things I want to accomplish. I've heard from many of you that you have thought about creating your own lists but don't think you will be able to come up with 101 items. Fear not! I think the first day of the year would be a great time to launch a new list so from now until December 31st, I'm going to provide you with 101 ideas. They will range from things I've done, things I don't have the balls to do and ideas from other peoples' 101 lists. That is a lot to do in a little time so let's get started!

Since we are in the thick of the holidays, I thought we would start with a few seasonal items:

1. Start a new holiday tradition

2. Go caroling

3. Donate a toy to Toys for Tots

- Find you local drop off center here.

4. Make your own holiday cards

- My mom made hers using a linoleum print.

5. Host a cookie exchange

- Here's how!

6. Kiss someone under mistletoe

Song of the Day

I thought a good list song would be appropriate for this post. Please enjoy Billy Joel's We Didn't Start The Fire.

The Way To Handle A Thanksgiving Disaster

Each Thanksgiving my family is lucky enough to be invited to our dear friends the Kuncik's for dinner. We enjoy great company and wonderful food and always leave feeling very thankful. But this Thanksgiving disaster struck! BUM BUM BUMMMM! That morning the Kuncik's got up, prepared the turkey and popped it in the oven. They all bundled up for a nice walk in the woods with their dogs. When they returned a short time later, the house smelled wonderful (Got to love the smell of a roasting turkey). They opened the oven to take a peak and look at what they saw!Disaster! No one knows what the heck happened but mysteriously all the meat was gone for the turkey. Just disappeared! Re Christmas Vacation.

Luckily, on Thanksgiving, the only thing more important to the Kuncik's than turkey is a good story. When they called our house to tell us dinner would be pushed back a few hours they were out buying a new turkey and laughing their butts off. My family is so thankful to have such wonderful friends!

Song of the Day

I haven't played any Huey Lewis lately which is a crying shame. Please enjoy The Power of Love.

This Day in Positively

Surprised I Didn't Ruin the Surprise

If someone claims they don't like surprise parties, I'm pretty sure they are lying or have a screw lose. I understand not wanting to be the center of attention (I can't relate but I guess I can understand) but tell me what could possibly be wrong with being dragged to a bar that you don't want to go to, but then suddenly being surrounded by everyone you love!

On Friday, my very sweet friend Kyle threw a surprise party for his very sweet girlfriend Liz. He worked tirelessly planning it, contacting all her friends and family, and coming up with a master scheme for getting her to the bar. I love planning parties but I suck at keeping them a secret so we decided that the less I knew the better. At the pre-party dinner, which was not a surprise, I almost hyperventilated and Matt threatened to locked me in the bathroom but Kyle was cool as a cucumber and pulled off an amazing party! Liz was very surprised and had a wonderful birthday.

How I felt about the whole thing:


Song of the Day
I'm So Excited seems like an appropriate song for this post.

The Other Peas in my Pod

I have trouble writing "big" posts. I shy away from somethings that are really important to me because I can't always express in writing how I truly feel. That is why I haven't written about when Jess and Mandy, my best, known-them-forever, friends, came a few weeks ago. I can't adequately explain how happy, relaxed and loved I feel whenever the three of us are together. I guess the best I can do is ask you to think of your very best friends...

Now imagine you haven't seen them in awhile...

Now imagine they show up in your new home...

Ok. Got it? I felt just like that!

The other peas in my pod

Song of the Day

Another song we rocked out to during their visit...Jay Z and Alicia Keys New York.

This Day In Positively

Something Special for Guests

I know New York can be a tricky place to visit. It is hard to get into the city, tough to navigate and expensive. That is why I am so appreciative when friends come to see me. Their effort means a lot. I've mentioned that while growing up food equalled love so I like to make a little something special when I have friends in town. My two best friends came to the city from Boston a few weeks ago and I couldn't have been more excited. I whipped up my favorite granola from Lick My Spoon and I made parfaits the first morning of their visit. We were going to have plenty of time to eat pricey, less-than-healthy meals, so the parfaits made the perfect breakfast to start off a busy day of walking around the city. I made enough granola so the girls could take some home with them. Who doesn't love a little parting gift?


Do you like to do a little something special for your guests?

Song of the Day
This song was the soundtrack of my friends' trip. Maybe we spent a few minutes watching Doc Hollywood. And maybe we loved every minute of it!

Positively Enjoyed The Fantastic Mr. Fox

I've been dying to see The Fantastic Mr. Fox since I first heard it was coming out back in August. It was one of my favorite books growing up (Roald Dahl is a genius) and I've always enjoy Wes Andersons' style. Dahl + Anderson = Anna at the theater on opening weekend.

The movie did not disappoint. It was visually stunning. The detail and the care that went into each character and scene was really incredible. And the story, just like I remember it, was great. I wouldn't say it was a "kids" movie. There were several children in the theater and they weren't freaking out, like the poor kid sitting behind me during Snakes on a Plane*, but I think a lot of it was over their heads. But get them the book. It is a great read. And you should definitely the movie! Here is a little taste. Positively FANTASTIC!



* I realize that admitting I saw Snakes on a Plane in the theater may have lost me some credibility as a movie critic but I thought it would be funny. Unfortunately, like the poor kid behind me, I spent most of the movie with my sweater over my head just wishing it would end.


Song of the Day

The movie also boasts an awesome soundtrack. Please enjoy one of the tracks, The Rolling Stones' Street Fighting Man.

101 Things in 1001 Days: #21

#21 on my 101 List was to go to a concert with my youngest brother Jack. Instead we saw the comedian Patton Oswalt. So it was more like a concert of laughter.

As I've gotten further into my 1001 Days my perspective has changed a bit. At the beginning I was sticking to my list with a Type A intensity that would make Martha Stewart blush, but now I'm loosening up a little. The list is supposed to be fun and challenging, not crappy and stressful.

I invited Jack down from New Hampshire to some see the show and I thought that I couldn't check #21 off my list because I had specified "concert." But the point of that item was to do something fun with my brother that we would both enjoy. We have a similar sense of humor so comedy show = mission accomplished. We had a great time at the show and an awesome weekend. Thanks for coming Jack!

Please enjoy this Patton Oswalt clip. He is hilarious! Heads up to my younger or more sensitive readers, there is a bit of "spicy" language.



Song of the Day
Today's song is Pearl Jam's The Fixer. Surprisingly upbeat!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my mom's birthday! I inherited my love for my birthday from my mother. That lady loves her birthday and I'm sad I can't be with her today. So instead of celebrating with her I'll have to settle for bragging about her.

Besides birthday love my mom has taught me that life is long. In a good way! She has reinvented herself so many times. She is always growing, changing and learning. Watching her live her life this way has granted me tremendous freedom. I know that I can take my time and that I can accomplish everything I want in my life.

For about 10 years my mom has focused on painting. And because she is talented and works hard she has become really good. Here are a few of my favorites of hers.

Students in Mexico

My little sister Alice

My mom was inspired by the Shem Women's Group

The Chicken Guy!

And my all time favorite! My grandma and my brother Ben

You can check out more of my mom's paintings here and here.

Today's Song

Today's song is Regina Spector's Fidelity, one of my mom's favorites.

Not Very Often

Matt: Can beanbag chairs ever be cool?
Me: No
Matt: Are you sure?
Me: I've never been more sure of anything in my life.

Every once and while, but not very often, I'm cooler than Matt.

Song of the Day
What's cooler than being cool? ICE COLD! Please enjoy Outkast's Hey Ya.

Halloween: Part 1

Did you have a happy Halloween? Matt and I threw our first party in our new place and it was a huge success. I haven't collected all the pictures yet, but as soon as I do you will be the first to see them. Promise!

Here are a few of my favorites from other Halloween celebrations:

This is my co-worker and logo designer extraordinaire Caryn as Peg Bundy. Not her real hair. Or is it!?

Here is Dennis as the Dos Equis' Most Interesting Man in the World. He can speak French in Russian!

My mom and step-dad bringing Halloween to Mexico. Aye carumba!

And my favorite! Abby the pirate dog!

As you know I have a soft spot for adopted dogs and Abby has become leader of the pack. I met her last weekend while visiting Matt's sister and you may think the severe overbite and murderous stare would make her hard to love but it is the exact opposite! She is actually the sweetest, most mild mannered dog out there. I couldn't help myself but to rename her Pirate for the weekend and I'm so glad it inspired this awesome costume.

Song of the Day
I got a request for this song and I love it! Please enjoy Leo Sayer's You Make Me Feel Like Dancing.

Happy Halloween!

This picture slays me!

Are you dressing up? Tell me!

Song of the Day

I hope you do a lot of monster mashing tomorrow! And that your Halloween is a graveyard smash! Ok. I'll stop.

This Day in Positively

Seasons Shmeasons! Or Maybe Not

I never paid much attention to cooking with food that is "in season". If I wanted corn in the middle of February, by golly I was going to have it! Pumpkin bread in May? Don't mind if I do! But now that I'm cooking more often and learning about food, I'm realizing how important seasonal ingredients are to both the taste and the quality of your dish.

There couldn't be a better time than fall to start paying more attention to what is in season. 'Tis the season for loads of good veggies! I made Caramelized Autumn Roasted Vegetables from Food & Wine for my Dining for Women dinner last night. I got a ton of compliments, which, let's face it, is the only reason any of us cook.

Makes 12 servings (Perfect for Thanksgiving!)
Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups pecans
• 4 medium carrots (3/4 pound), peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick on the bias
• 2 large parsnips (1 pound), peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick on the bias
• 1 medium head cauliflower (2 1/2 pounds), cut into 1-inch florets
• 1 small butternut squash (2 pounds)—peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch dice
• 1 pound brussels sprouts, halved
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 425°. Spread the pecans in a pie plate and toast until fragrant, about 6 minutes. Let cool.
• In a large bowl, toss the carrots, parsnips, cauliflower, squash and brussels sprouts with the olive oil and nutmeg and season generously with salt and black pepper.
• Spread the vegetables on 2 large rimmed baking sheets and roast for 30 minutes, until the vegetables begin to brown. Toss once or twice during the baking time.
• Scatter the pecans and ginger over the vegetables and drizzle with the maple syrup; toss well. Continue to roast the vegetables for 25 minutes longer, until they are tender and golden.
• Scrape the vegetables into a bowl and serve hot or at room temperature.

(Thank you Food and Wine!)

Warning: This dish is not as great reheated, but trust me it, it is so good you won't have leftovers

If you are an in season newbie like me, click here. It will help you find by state, by month what is in season.

Song of Day

Perfect song for today's post! Please enjoy The Byrds' Turn, Turn, Turn.

This Day in Positively

Fun on a Treadmill? When Pigs Fly!

I've mentioned a few times that I'm always on the lookout for new motivation to get to the gym (Here and here), but I've never figured out a way to make it fun. Check out this great video (Thanks Sue!) These geniuses figured out how to make stairs fun. If they could work their magic on a treadmill I would give them $100 and my first born child. Ok, maybe not $100. I'm not rich people!



Song of the Day
You probably saw this coming...Today's song is Billy Joel's Piano Man.

This Day in Positivity

Makes Me Want to Go Grocery Shopping

Michael Buble's Haven't Met You Yet video is super sweet. I'm definitely wearing my dancing shoes next time I need to go buy milk.




This Day is Positively

Song of the Day
Haven't Met You Yet is so catchy! Have a great weekend

Chipwich: Sounds Disgusting

Matt: You sure like Chipwiches, huh?
Me: Well I only started eating them a year ago.
Matt: Really? Why?
Me: I thought they would taste gross.
Matt: I see what you're saying. Ice cream between two cookies does sound disgusting.
Me: Shut it!

I really don't know what I was thinking but I didn't try a chipwich until I was about 26. Now I have dedicated the rest of my life to making up for this egregious mistake.

Give something you've dismissed a try. You may find you like it as much as a chipwich!

Homemade Chipwiches! Totally worth the effort!

Song of the Day
Today's song is U2's Still Haven't Found What I'm Look For for all of you who still haven't found your "chipwiches."

This Day in Positivity

The Shem Women's Group

You may not get excited about an extended work day, but you aren't a Tibetan nomad.

Each month Dining for Women selects a charity to support through their web of giving circles. In September the charity was The Shem Women's Group of Tibet. "Shem" means charity and compassion in Tibetan. This organization is made up of educated Tibetan women who want to help improve the lives of other women and girls in their impoverished communities. These women have figured out the best way to provide the Tibetan people with what they need is not to depend on outsiders but to learn how to create development programs themselves. Having started relatively recently -- March 2005 -- The Shem Women's Group has already shown remarkable success, completing 72 projects, helping over 10,000 villagers.

40% of people living in Tibet are nomadic or semi-nomadic, the lifestyle necessary for a people who's main source of income is raising and selling sheep and yaks. They live at the mercy of the elements, and without electricity, so their days are strictly limited by the rising and setting of the sun. The Shem Women's Group figured out how to outfit many women with solar-powered electric generators. The generators allow the women to extend their work day without spending their hard earned money on kerosene and candles, which are dangerous and hard to come by. A longer work day for the women means more money in their pockets and lessens the labor burdens on the children, particularly the girls. This has allowed more girls to attend school and has generally raised the view of women in the community. Positively wonderful!

Each charity selected by Dining for Women submits a video to provide the members with a greater understanding of the women we are helping. The pictures in the Shem Women's Group video are beautiful and inspiring and I urge you to take a look at all of them. Here are a few of my favorites:

To learn more about the amazing work the Shem Women's Group and about Dining for Women please visit the sites below.

http://www.diningforwomen.org/

http://www.shemgroup.org/

The details for this post were found on the fact sheets created by Dining for Women.

Song of the Day

Today's song is With A Little Help From My Friends, the Joe Cocker version.

101 Things in 1001 Days: #59

I completed #59 on my 101 Things in 1001 Days: Plant herbs and use them to cook. I've mentioned the value of eating local, and it doesn't get any more local than your own garden, or in my case the window sill. I planted some herbs a few weeks ago. Basil, parsley, thyme and rosemary. I did a little research and found that these plants would work well in a window sill, plus they smell amazing. (Helpfull sites here and here)

There is something wonderfully gratifying about cooking and eating something you've grown. And this feeling is only heightened if you live in a city because the opportunity to plant anything is rare.

My small garden doesn't garner enough for me to completely forgo buying fresh herbs , especially if I'm making a larger meal. But my tiny plants are perfect when I want to make a little something special and I've found using my own herbs makes the meal taste Positively wonderful.

My little urban jungle

My camera smelled good enough to eat after taking this picture.

This Day is Positively

Song of the Day

Today's song is Welcome to the Jungle. Let's get pumped up on Friday!

Tis The Season to Feel Like Crap

Apologies for being MIA. I haven't posted in nine days! That is because for the past nine days I've felt like crap. It isn't like I have the Ebola virus or something but when the sore throat, runny nose and coughing fits hit I can't think of anything cheery to write. But don't you worry. The sleeping while hugging my humidifier and the diet of Halls and chicken noodle soup is finally starting to pay off and I'm planning on being Positively back real soon.

Song of the Day
This song has been in my head lately. One fine day I'll stop feeling like crap and looking gross. Please enjoy The Chiffons One Fine Day.

101 Things in 1001 Days: #76

I've completed #76, floss every day for a month. This is one of the least fun items on my list but one that I'm happy I accomplished. September was a rough dental month for me. Kicking off with a root canal and winding down with almost $800 in dentist bills. And I have dental insurance!

What bothers me the most about it all is that some of it could have been avoided. I don't like flossing but I enjoy it a heck of a lot more than spending that kind of money. Hmmm hard choice: A vacation or a trip to the dentist? Maybe a little shopping spree or a trip to the dentist? These are now the thoughts that run through my mind when I'm considering not flossing.

Song of the Day
Today's song is Gnarls Barkley's Smiling Faces. Now go floss!

Right for the Job

I am truly passionate about a group I joined last spring, Dining for Women, which "empowers women living in extreme poverty by funding programs fostering good health, education, and economic self-sufficiency, and cultivates educational dinner circles inspiring individuals to make a difference through the power of collective giving." And like everything I'm passionate about, I want to share it (That is why I write this dang blog!).

The idea of Dining for Women is so simple and yet so effective; Once a month, instead of going out, getting together with a group of women to donate what you would have spent on dinner to a worthy charity. I wanted to help create more chapters, without leaving the one I've found in New York, which is made up of an incredible group of women. To achieve this, I immediately thought of Sue! Sue is a close family friend and she is what Malcolm Gladwell calls in The Tipping Point, a "connector": one of those amazing people who knows everyone and has an incredible knack for bringing them together no matter their age, race, background, or location in the world. Last time I was home, I made a point of talking to her about Dining for Women and suggested she start a chapter in New Boston. As I hoped, Sue jumped all over it! She immediately started the first New Hampshire chapter. They have already had their first meeting and raised almost $500!

If you are interested in the New York or New Hampshire chapters for Dining for Women please email me at PositivelyAnna@gmail.com.

Song of the Day
Sue isn't one to keep away from but Run Around Sue is just so catchy that I couldn't resist.

This Day is Positively

This Day In Positively

SmittenKitchen is one of my favorite food blogs. Nay! One of my favorite blogs period. Her recipes are great and even if you aren't much of a cook the photography is definitely worth checking out.


One of my favorite features on SmittenKitchen are the links back to the posts written on the same day the year prior. She has been blogging for so long that she can go back three years! I'm adding this feature to PositivelyAnna. Enjoy!

This Day in Positively

Song of the Day
This song has been stuck in my head all day. Love it! Please enjoy Michael Franti's Say Hey (I Love You)

My Blob

My nursery school teacher recently found me on Facebook and told me that sometimes she plays The Song of the Day for her kids. They call it Anna's Blob. That made me smile for about a week. Thank you Renee!

Song of the Day
I thought about what songs I liked when I was a kid and I can't remember being more excited then when my friend's dad would play Yellow Submarine. I was kind of shy when I was little and was too embarrassed to ask him to play it every time. But when he would, I would get so excited that I thought I might explode. He would hammer it out on the piano and we would all march around singing on the top of our lungs. I remember thinking that those Beatles had the right idea and that we all should go live in a yellow submarine.

NO ONE Can Resist!

NO ONE can resist the power of Single Ladies!

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Song of the Day
Holy crap! I wasn't going to play Single Ladies today because I had played it last November but I just checked and it somehow fell off the playlist! My sincerest apologies. Enjoy!

PLEEEEEASE!

A weekly conversation between me and Matt:
Me: Can we get a dog?
Matt: No
Me: PLEEEEEASE!
Matt: No
Me: You are the meanest boyfriend ever
And then we go back to cuddling.

I really do want a dog but I know we don't have the time or space for one (Me: Would a dog reeeeally need that much time and space? Matt: Yes!).

Matt is right but what doesn't help the situation is that right now EVERYONE I know is getting a dog (Matt: Everyone you know? Me: Yes!...Ok, well 4.)

Remember that attractive engaged couple whose party we just went to? Well, Becca and Eric just adopted Hudson. Too cute! He's from the Oregon Humane Society.

My stepsister, Holly, and her boyfriend adopted a dog and she never even liked dogs! Now look how happy she is! This is Maebe.

And my mom just got a dog too! She adopted a stray she saw on the street. Don't worry, they have been to vet and the dog is clean and healthy. Meet Lulu!
And I would love to give you an update on Paxton, another adopted pooch. He, Kelly and Ben are all living happily together!


I had the best dog in the world growing up, Arlo, an Australian Shepard. I know how much time and efforts dogs need. And I don't want to get one until we are ready to give our pet everything it deserves. But, I'm jealous, okay!? But one thing I do know, when we are ready, there are still going to be plenty of cute dogs out there to adopt.

Song of the Day

Today's song is Carrie Underwood's The More Boys I Meet (The More I Love My Dog). Ha!

Say Hello To Your Mother For Me!

We just saw Mark Wahlberg! He is filming a movie outside my office. Very cute! Don't worry I didn't shout at him like I've been advised, but "say hello to your mother for me" was definitely on the tip of my tongue.



Song of the Day
Because you have probably already started singing this to yourself, today's song is Good Vibration.

The Sundays

I assume I used to get crabby and tense on Sundays, but until I met Matt I didn't have a word for it. He calls it "The Sundays" and he suffers from it too. Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest but we usually spend it a little pissed and antsy.

Diagnosing the Sundays is easy: you are not looking forward to the upcoming work week and you feel like the weekend went by too fast. The cure is much more difficult. Matt and I have found that a little alone time is good. Last night he hung pictures on the wall and I baked cookies. Every once in awhile we would leave our separate corners, give a quick kiss and say, "Sorry, I just have the Sundays."

How do you combat the Sundays? Go to a movie? Go for a run? Just decide to call in sick on Monday?

Song of the Day
Maybe you combat the Sundays by Groovin'. Please enjoy The Young Rascals.

An Accordion Playing Storm Trooper

That's what I said! An accordion playing Storm Trooper. I snapped this picture a few minutes ago at the farmers market in Union Square. Man I love New York.

Song of the Day
This is one of my favorite New York songs. Please enjoy Elton John's Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters.

The proof is in the picture!

As I had mentioned, we were at an engagement party this past weekend. I thought I would share a few photos.

The happy couple. What a good lookin' pair!

The happy guests

Me and my roomie!

Ok I'm not sure when I started saying inappropriate things to the bride-to-be's mom but it evidently happened. The proof is in the picture!

Song of the Day
As an apology for making her mother so uncomfortable, I'm letting the bride-to-be pick today's song. Walking on Sunshine it is!

Aloha!

I spent the weekend in Delaware helping some dear friends celebrate their engagement. A great party, with wonderful friends and gracious hosts. The weekend started off as I have found many good weekends to, with a ridiculous rental car. Seven us piled into a big white Chrysler minivan with Hawaiian plates. ALOHA!

Surprisingly enough this is not the "sweetest" rental car I've ever had. This past spring Matt and I were given a shimmering blue PT Cruiser. But by far, the best rental car I have ever had was a light purple Mustang convertible! Jealous!? Matt had to peel me out of that car. I loved that ridiculous thing.
What is the best/worst car you have ever driven?

Song of the Day
You know what makes a good song sounds even better? Hearing it with the top down in a light purple Mustang convertible! Matt and I turned more than a few heads when we screamed this song driving that awesome car through Lancaster, PA.

An Excellent Mob Mentality

Yesterday Oprah kicked off her 24th season. Impressive in its own right, but the Oprah staff also managed to pull off a huge surprise for her, which I can't imagine was very easy. The show was filmed in the streets of Chicago and opened with a performance by the Black Eyed Peas. At first no one was dancing and I thought "Poor Peas!" Then one girl started dancing in the front and then a few more. And a few more. Soon everyone in the crowd was doing a choreographed dance. All 21,000 of them! Oprah and my brains were blown!



The Oprah show had created the largest flash mob to happen in one place. The energy, even in my living room, was amazing. I'm sure it was an unbelievable thing to be a part of.

You can see a better video and how they created the flash mob at Oprah.com

Song of the Today
Today's song is the Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling. Excuse me while I go dance my ass off!

School Sick

Am I the only one feeling a little school sick these days? I MISS COLLEGE! It hits me every year but this year it's particularly bad because we just moved near NYU and the air is ripe with incoming freshman (Yikes! I sound like a pervy frat boy). But even if you aren't a sexual predator, you can pick out a new college student a mile away. The giveaways: The stressed out mom heartbroken about losing her baby and pissed she can't find the right sheets to fit the dorm mattresses; the father who is beyond exhausted from packing and unpacking minifridges and plastic containers; the bored siblings who thought the trip would be fun but are quickly finding out it sucks; and most importantly, the freaked-out and excited (but mostly freaked) freshmen.

I just want to shake these freshmen and ask if they even knooooow what is about to happen to them! They are going to be independent and challenged and get to experiment with theories, and booze, and love. And most importantly, they are going to meet incredible people and make some of the most valuable friends of their lives.

I'm so jealous, You lucky bastards!

Song of the Day
Here is a fun tune that came out my freshman year. Please enjoy Outkast's Miss Jackson.

Living in Sin...

And loving every minute of it! It is like having a great roommate that you can kiss!

As you know, I'm prone to excited fits of shouting (here and here). Think less turrets and more hardcore energetic spaz. So this week has been filled with "OH! I just love this apartment!" "OH! I just love this new bookshelf!", "OH! I just love living with you!" and Matt's personal favorite "OH! I just love the light in the bathroom!", which I have probably said about five times but I really dooo love the light in the bathroom.

Song of the Day
My new apartment makes me want to shout! LITERALLY throw my hands up and shout! Today's song is You Make Me Wanna Shout which reminds me that I need to add Animal House to my Netflix list.

We Are In!

I don't have much time to write but I wanted to let you know that Matt and I are officially moved into our new place. We still have a lot of unpacking to do but we can shower, cook and sleep so we are doing pretty well.

I'm so in love with this apartment, this neighborhood, and this boy of mine.

Song of the Day

Today's song is Madness' Our House.

A Little Less Stress

No matter how you slice it moving, specifically packing, is very stressful. Believe me! I'm in the thick of it right now. While there is no way to make packing stress free, I do have two tips for helping to cut down on those pull-your-hair out moments.

1. Start in the areas that are the most important to you. That way you will have the energy to do the job right. If you have to move your mother's china and it will break your heart if anything gets chipped, start there. You will have the best packing supplies available and you won't be in a rush. Matt has several musical instruments that he was nervous about being damaged during the move. He packed those first in his strongest box. One less thing to worry about!
2. Throwing your life into boxes can make you feel out-of-sorts. It is ok to take time to organize. Think of a few things that you like to have organized, like your personal documents or books. It is ok to take the time to pack them in the order or way you like. A little extra piece of mind can go a long way during a stressful process.

You may have noticed I'm a little crazy about my closet. I feel more at ease when it is organized and clean. You won't be surprised that it makes me a little anxious when packing it up. So I decided to pack it up first and keep it orderly. This of course took a little extra time but, for me, it was definitely worth it.

This just won't do.

PANIC!

Ah! Much better

Eat your heart out Martha Stewart.

Song of the Day

I appreciate that sorting my hangers and tying them with color-coded ribbons may make some of you think I'm certifiably crazy so GUESS WHAT!? Today's song is Britney Spears' Crazy. Serves you right ;)

You Were My First

Dear Giant Walk-In Closet,

You are a diamond in the rough! Your vast expanses are rarely seen in sub-$3 million apartments in New York City. While I gave up windows in my room for you, you were absolutely worth the vitamin D deficiency.

We had a some great times. You housed all my color-coding, over-organized craziness.

And you provided the perfect hideaway for my mess when an unexpected guest popped by (or when I was just too lazy to clean for an expected guest)

So now you are again a blank canvas for the next tenant. I have loved you Giant Walk-In Closet. While I hope you are not my last, you will always be my first.
Song of the Day
I know how you like when I match the song with the post so I thought of playing R Kelly's Trapped in the Closet but that song is wicked bizarrO. Instead I went with this request. Please enjoy Fins by Jimmy Buffet.

101 Things in 1001 Days: #86

I'm kicking my 101 list's ass! Last week I completed #86: Start or join a book club. I started one with a friend who also had it listed as an item on her 101 list. Our first book was The Time Traveler's Wife, which everyone really enjoyed. It is a wonderful love story with interesting, well developed characters. Oh ya, plus the whole time traveling thing.

Our first meeting was a great success. As none of us had ever been in a book club before, we weren't sure where to start. We decided to begin with "Did you like the book and why?" I know, I know, not an impressive literary question, but just one opinion was a catalyst to a whole evening of great conversation.

The book club was everything I hoped it would be. Our friends had great insight on questions I had about some confusing parts and brought up points that had never occurred to me. Repeatedly during the meeting I threw my arms up shouting "I'm so glad we are doing this!" (If it wasn't clear to you before, I'm an over excited nerd).

Our next book is The Road by Cormac McCarthy. I can't wait until our next meeting. We are going to do everything the same except with a little less food and a little more wine, always a recipe for success.

Do you have any book club book suggestions?

Song of the Day
Today's song is Chan Chan from Buena Vista Social Club. It was a special request from someone who needed a good memory during a hard time, which is exactly why this blog was created.

A Few Things To Look Forward To

As it is officially late August, I know I'm not the only one who feels that summer went by too quickly. Judging by the slew of Back to School promotion, fall must be just around the corner. And while I'll mourn the loss of beach weather as much as the rest of you, there is one thing I'm look forward to.... the FALL TV SCHEDULE. I'm done with all this rerun crap. Bring on the new seasons! Here is what shows will be rotting my brain in the upcoming months:

• Top Chef (Started Wednesday!)
• Project Runway (Started last night!)
• So You Think You Can Dance Season 6 (Me: So You Think You Can Dance is starting September 9th! Matt: groan Didn't that just end? Me: Babe, that is how I feel about hockey Matt: Touche)
• The Office (September 17th)
• 30 Rock (October 15th)
• Glee (September 9th)
• And what I am most excited for...wait for it....wait for it...BIGGEST LOSER (September 15th)

What are you excited about? Are there other awesome shows starting that I don't know about!?
Song of the Day
Here is a fun new song from Mika. Enjoy We Are Golden.

101 Things in 1001 Days: # 10

Man, I'm taking my 101 list by storm! This past weekend I completed #10, sail another boat besides Dulcinea. I met my dad, my brothers and my uncle in Boston Harbor to take a Sonar 22 out for the day. It couldn't have been a nicer day and the harbor was packed. I don't get to see my family as much as I would like, so getting to spend quality time with them, sailing, on a beautiful day was pretty perfect.

Song of the Day

Today's song is STYX Come Sail Away. Obiv!

Who Knew!

Scarlet Johansson can sing! Who knew!? I thought this duet between her and Pete Yorn was very catchy. Check it out.


Song of the Day
Please see above ;)

A Dream Come True!

Since I was a little girl I've loved musicals. My mom and I spent every car ride listening to Rogers and Hammerstein's classics. My dad took me to see Phantom of the Opera when I was 9 and I remember staring wide-eyed at the stage thinking "Holy crap! I wish this how life was!" Ever since then I've wanted to live in a musical. Somewhere where it was completely appropriate to sing and dance along with your emotions. A world where you could burst into song on the subway and no one could hear you. Or better yet, everyone could hear you and knew the words and would join in.

You may think I'm a giant dorky loser, but I'm not the only one who wishes for a musical world. I recently came across Break Out in Song and my mind was blown. My dream has become a reality.



Check out the additional Break Out In Song moments at other New York City landmarks here www.breakoutinsong.com

Song of the Day
When I first started PositivelyAnna, I told a friend that I would be including an upbeat Song of the Day. Her response was "You aren't going to play a million songs from musicals, right?" I've stayed strong and I'm proud to say that we've had over 230 Songs of the Day, none of which are from musicals. But I can hold out no longer. This post deserves a great Broadway tune! Please enjoy Defying Gravity from Wicked.

Big News!

Matt and I are moving in together! We made the decision a long time ago but I didn't want to tell you until it was official. I guess I was afraid I would some how jinks it. But we have signed a lease on the perfect apartment so NOW it is official.

I am so excited and ready to move in with Matt. He is my best friend and just the idea of living with him makes me smile. Now I know it won't be all sunshine and Eskimo kisses but we have been together for over 3 years so I know there will be a lot of sunshine and Eskimo kisses. But for the times that there is not, I'm confident we will work through them.

I'm also going to look to you, my wise and faithful readers who have already crossed this big life phase bridge. What should I expect when living with my boyfriend? Are there rules I don't know about yet? What about peeing when he is in the shower? What about if I reeeeeally have to go? What about alone time and bed time and gassy times? I'm looking to you for help.

Song of the Day
Along with the sunshine and Eskimo kisses, I also know there will also be a lot of The Beatles as it one of the few bands Matt and I agree on.

101 Things in a 1001 Days: #75

Today I had no choice but to complete #75, go to the dentist. Some very yummy ice cream left me with a very nasty toothache, which could possibly result in a root canal. I'll find out more about that tomorrow. I'm trying not to focus on that and just give myself a pat on the back for manning up and going to the dentist. I, like million of Americans, hate going to the dentist. And I actually really like all the dentist I know but the inevitable pain and the scolding about not flossing is something that I would rather skip. But I'm feeling very excited about finishing another item on my list. Hmm what's next? Maybe I could try # 26, not swearing for 1 week, although I should probably wait for a week that won't involve a root canal.

Song of the Day
Today's song is Rob Thomas' Problem Girl. Enjoy!

101 Things in 1001 Days: #54 Part 3

I almost forgot the best part of the whole golfing experience...what I wore. I had A LOT of options. Here are the two I went with. A little plaid and a little argyle...the the way I like it.

I've decided to use the winnings from my first PGA tour to by a new camera.

Song of the Day

My officemate is listening to this Kings of Leon song right now. Please enjoy Use Somebody.

101 Things in 1001 Days: #54 Part 2

Click here if you missed the first post about my golfing adventures.

My second day of golfing went much better than the first. We were on the third hole of the day, a par three, which had a MASSIVE water hazard smack in the middle. I looked at the hole with dread as I couldn't see how I was possibly going to get over a stupid lake. So I teed up high and, following the advice Matt's uncle who teaches 8 year olds, just wound up a little. I hit the ball on my first swing (an accomplishment, believe me). The ball shot off the tee but only about a foot off the ground and I wasn't surprised when it headed straight to the middle of the water hazard. But then, as if my ball had been kissed by the golf gods, it skipped twice on the water, ricocheted off a rock and landed on the fairway, a foot away from the green. Still a novice to them game, I did not completely appreciate what had happened until I turned around and Matt was staring mouth open at my magical ball and his dad threw his arms up in the touchdown sign. I then jumped up in the air and shouted (they really like when you do that on golf courses) and we all highfived several times and laughed our butts off. My hit was named Play of the Day and eventually was elevated to Play of the Week.

Song of the Day
Here is Carole King's Where You Lead, for the Gilmore Girls fans out there.

Love, Don't Love: Reading on the Subway

Love: Being so engrossed in my book that I almost miss my subway stop

Don't love: Being so engrossed in my book that I ACTUALLY miss my subway stop

Both of these happened today thanks to The Time Traveler's Wife.

Song of the Day
The characters in my book went to a Violent Femmes concert so I've had Blister in the Sun stuck in my head. Enjoy!

101 Things in 1001 Days: # 54 Part 1

I am happy to report that I spent this past week completing #54 on my 101 Thing in 1001 Days list: Play a whole round of golf. I've been in Minnesota visiting Matt's family this past week and that trip is the one opportunity we get each year to go golfing so I made sure to take advantage.

When I had written my 101 List, I was thinking that a "whole round" meant 9 holes. When I was ready to quit after 9, Matt informed me that technically a whole round is 18 holes. I panicked for a minute and then said "My list, my rules". Crisis averted! Now you might not think that that counts as a crisis situation, but it was. You might not think that playing 18 holes of golf is that big a deal but it is if this is the very first time you have played (I've never even been to a driving range) and you are whiffing so many times that you have taken enough swings to equal 250 holes of golf. By the end of 9 holes my hands were starting to blister and my back ached but I was beyond happy with my accomplishments. I was more than content to drive the golf cart and cheer on Matt, his dad and his brother as they played a much speedier back 9.

I really enjoyed golfing, so much so I went back for another 9 a few days later. Matt and his father were beyond helpful. They both gave me the perfect amount of advice...some because it was clear I had NO idea what I was doing but not too much because it was also clear that I was getting frustrated and not acting like an idiot on purpose. Step closer to the ball, aim your feet, don't bend your wrists: All very helpful advice. Funny enough, no one needed to tell me to keep my eye on the ball. I looked at each ball like it was the last piece of food on earth or, after I had whiffed 4 times, like it had insulted my mother.

I have plenty more to say about my golfing adventures but that is enough for now.

Song of the Day
Matt made a great mix for the vacation called Yesterday Envy, a bunch of older tunes that the whole gang was guaranteed to like. One on my favorites from that mix is The Swimming Song from Loundon Wainwright III.

Are You Mad At Me?

I feel like I must have done something to hurt my computer's feelings. Why else would it just decide to freeze when my boss has asked me to email her an important file IMMEDIATELY. I imagine my computer shouting "Payback is a bitch, isn't it!?" when it refuses to open a document or for some god forsaken reason just won't print anything.

Does this happen to you? I know I'm not the only one who has quietly whispered to the copy machine "I'm sorry I called you a giant piece of crap earlier. I didn't mean it. Now will you please make just one copy without destroying the original." Tell me about your epic battles with technology.

Song of the Day
Wow! I can't believe I've never played this song before! It is one of my all time favorite pick-me-up songs. Please enjoy Toploader's Dancing in the Moonlight.

One Man's Trash Is....

Another man's swimming pool! LITERALLY!



Here is a fun article from NYTimes.com about true creativity. I'm amazed at what people can imagine when they look at ordinary objects, even dirty ones.



The only thing cooler than a pool party on a summer night in New York City is a secret pool party. And the only thing cooler than that, as a few enterprising developers recently discovered, is a secret pool party in a pool made out of a Dumpster on the banks of the Gowanus Canal in industrial Brooklyn. Read the rest of the article.



Thanks for passing this along Ponytail.



Song of the Day
Today's post is about seeing something and realizing its other possibilities so I thought a cover song would be appropriate. Here is an awesome version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

Now I Just Have To Learn How To Play Golf

I'm heading out to Minnesota in a few days to visit Matt's family. There will be some golfing so I thought I would get a head start on planning an outfit. Good Lord! A girl who has never really golfed should not have this many appropriate outfits. Song of the Day

Today's song is Paulo Nutini's New Shoes, which you would think doesn't have anything to do with the post but you're wrong! Because the only thing I don't have for golfing is shoes. Dang!

Not As Good As I Thought I Was

I used to think I was good at keeping in touch. I used to pride myself in it actually. But I recently looked at my email and my Facebook I realized that that pat on the back was not deserved. I should be giving myself a slap on the wrist!

When we were younger it was easier. In high school you saw most of your friends every day and staying in touch with the few had who had moved was manageable. In college it was harder but lots of people were on IM and you had your vacations to catch up. But now we are grownups and everyone is all over the place! You have to combat peoples’ busy schedules, time changes, last name changes, email changes and a million other things! But every relationship takes work. And good friendships are certainly worth it.

So I’m using this Monday as an opportunity to get back to keeping in touch! Each day this week I’m going email, message or call an old friend. Are you up for this challenge too?

Song of the Day
Today's song is Jo Dee Messina's I'm Alright which is about catching up with an old friend.

Love, Don't Love: Subway 2

Love: Finding a an uncrowded subway car
Don't love: Finding that the subway car is uncrowded because the air conditioning is broken. DAMMIT!

Song of the Day
A friend and I were trying to decide if Ray Lamontagne's Trouble was a positive song or not. We still aren't sure but we agreed that it makes us happy so it is going on the list!

A French Hotdog

I went to France in high school and I considerate that trip a defining moment in my life, but I will talk more about that some other time. That trip was filled with more wonders than my young brain could wrap itself around, but what it wasn't filled with, unfortunately, was good food. Gasp! I know! This is not an insult to French cuisine, but rather a criticism of our tour company. Our large tour group was made to eat at all sorts of sub-par restaurants. In one place (I'm chuckling remembering this) we were seated on the third floor, which was clearly predominantly used as storage space. The ceiling sloped so steeply that I was forced to sit leaning forward at a 45 degree angle with my chest pressed against my plate. All this could have been forgiven for a delectable, traditional French dinner but we were served a wilting salad with a mystery meat and a crepe that looked and tasted like a piece of a paper shopping bag.

BUT there was one shining light in my culinary experience in France. Something so simple that I know sounds silly that I still pine for it. In Paris they have street vendors all over that sell ham and cheese sandwiches. They are served on long, crispy baguettes. And that is it! No dressings or spreads. So simple but SO good. They are about a foot long and are wrapped in a bit of butchers paper. And you just walk around Paris munching these sandwiches enjoying the city.

The idea of these sandwiches with the simplicity and the street vendors is similar to the way hot dogs are sold in the US. Now I don't mean to seem unpatriotic because I love a good hot dog just as much as the next American gal but I would trade a Fenway Frank for one of those French ham and cheese sandwiches any day. I try to recreate them but I can never get the taste and the feeling quite right. But maybe I'm giving the sandwich alone too much credit. Maybe part of the magic lied in being young and experiencing Paris for the first time. Hmm guess I should go back and find out ;)

An attempt at the French hotdog (I find wine helps most attempts)

Song of the Day

Today's song is Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat's Lucky which I think is a very sweet song.

52 Opportunities

I may write a blog about being positive but I hate Mondays just as much as the rest of ya. It is the furthest day from the weekend and you have to do all the stuff that you didn't feel like doing on Friday. But Monday is also the first day of the week, an opportunity to get back on track or to start something new. You can use Monday to start your week of working out or eating healthy or being more assertive or being more optimistic, ANYTHING YOU WANT! We can think of Mondays as 52 opportunities to be positively better people.

Song of the Day
Today's song is Marc Broussard's Rocksteady. Something a little fun for ya!

Do You See What I See

I can't count the number of times that I've seen something truly beautiful, like a sunset or the way the light shines off a building, and have taken a picture but have not come close capturing the feeling of the moment. There are people that can do that and I greatly admire them. Here is a very cool photo competition by National Geographic, where they KNOW how to capture a moment.

Song of the Day
Today's song is the funky version of If You Could Read My Mind which was playing in my bagel place this morning and I have been singing ever since.