Thanks Oprah

One of my favorite bloggers, Maggie Mason, tasked her readers with writing down and photographing what Oprah has taught us. Oprah has certainly taught us a lot but one things has always stuck with me.

You teach people how to treat you. When I heard Dr Robin Smith say this during an episode a few years ago I had what Oprah refers to as an "Aha Moment." If someone is treating you with disrespect or demeaning you and you don't stand up for yourself, what you are really doing is saying "I don't mind that you treat me that way." And you better believe they will continue to treat you badly.

I've carried this thought with me every day. When I don't like the way someone is treating me, I let them know that I won't tolerate it. They either shape up, or we don't continue to have a relationship. Either way, I'm much better off.

Make sure you are teaching people the way you would like to be treated.  You deserve the utmost respect.

What has Oprah taught you?

Song of the Day
Today's song is Alicia Keys' Superwoman.

Fierce Girl Power

Beyonce performed her new song Run the World on Oprah's Farewell Show.  She is beyond fierce!  Her new album comes out June 28th and I can't wait.

Something New York-y for the Summer

This past Friday I did something wonderfully “New York.”  I sat on a blanket on a graffiti-ed roof and watched short films under the stars (we couldn’t see the stars but you know they are there).  We were at opening night of Rooftop Films Summer Series.  We saw nine short films.  Some were great, and others...not so much.  But as a wise friend said “The good thing about short films is that if they suck they are over in a few minutes.”

One of the coolest shorts was directed and animated by Blu.  Check it out!


I definitely recommend you go to one of the Rooftop Films.  They run all summer, only cost $10, and are a lot of fun.



Song of the Day
Today's song is The Drifters' Up on the Roof.

Birthday Surprise

It was my birthday a few weeks ago, and as I've mentioned, I love it. Unfortunately Matt had to leave for a business trip on my birthday. He was very sweet and we celebrated the day before. I really appreciated it but when my birthday arrived and he had to the head to the airport, I was disappointed.  I didn't want to be a Birthday Brat but I planned a celebration with lots of people I love and it didn't feel complete without him.

The weather on my birthday was horrible. Huge thunderstorms.  Matt's flight was delayed.  We were both bummed because not only was he not helping me celebrate, he was stuck a few miles away at the airport.

Later that night I was enjoying a fabulous dinner with a few friends.  My friend Trish took out her camera, but I asked her to save the pictures until after we were all done eating.  I thought it was strange she seemed so disappointed and hesitated to put the camera away.  It was a lucky thing she did.  A few  seconds later Matt stepped into the restaurant, soaking wet and carrying his luggage.  After sitting in the airport for six hours, his flight was officially canceled, so he sprinted to the restaurant.  He had been in touch with my friends so they were all in on the surprise.  It was wonderful!

It was a fabulous birthday surprise.  I'm so glad it was caught on camera.  Thanks Trish!

Song of the Day
Today's song is Kelly Clarkson's My Life Would Suck Without You.

101 Things in 1001 Days: 78

I like my jewelry to mean something.  I enjoy wearing it more when it has a story.  I have a few pieces that were handed down from my grandmothers that are priceless to me.

I put "Buy myself a nice piece of jewelry" on my 101 List with the intention of buying something that I would have for a long time.  I got a signet ring.  I've been wanting one for years.  I hope to pass it on to my daughter or granddaughter some day.  Since neither of those women will exist for a while, I wanted something that would be meaningful to me now.

I bought my ring on my one year anniversary at my current job.  This is the happiest I've ever been at a job and I wanted to celebrate that.  I also am proud of my career and, for years to come, I know when I look at this ring I'll be reminded of my capabilities and what I'm able to accomplish.

Don't worry...I don't usually wear my ring on my wedding finger.  It is just dang impossible to take a picture with your left hand.

What is your favorite piece of jewelry?

Song of the Day

Today's song is Freda Payne's Band of Gold.

May = The Month of Clean

I've dubbed May The Month of Clean.  Our apartment is in the chaotic phase when our spring clothes are needed, but we haven't put away our winter gear yet, aka The Shit is Everywhere Phase.  Work has been busy and we have been traveling a lot so we haven't found time to get our place in order.

But never fear...the to do list is here!  I've listed some pretty lofty goals but I've given myself a month to complete them.  And when I don't feel like cleaning out the closet or organizing the tupperware, I reminding myself how much more at ease I am when things are clean and in the right place...and at ease is a wonderful place to be.

Because I'm a fan of positive public pressure, I'm posting my to do list here:

1. Clean out and organize all closets
2. Clean out and organize underneath each bed
3. Rearrange kitchen so tupperware can be found and pots don't fall on my head
4. Get rid of unwanted books (sorry books, someone else will definitely want you)
5. Bring stuff to Goodwill
6. All dishes done before bed on Sunday night

Wish me luck!  How your spring cleaning going?

Song of the Day

Today's song is Men at Work's Down Under.   

Mother's Day

I send appreciation and gratitude to all the mothers of the world, with special recognition for my mother.  She is loving, fun, talented, understanding, and a wonderful travel companion.  Mom, I would go anywhere with you.

My mom and me in Hallstatt, Austria.  One of the best days of my life.

Happy Mother's Day!

Song of the Day
Today's song is the Scissor Sister's Take Your Mama.