Happy Birthday Papa Bob!

Last day of September-what, what! Today is also my Papa’s Birthday and he is 60…something! I cannot even wrap my brain around being 60 something years old. What makes 60 years fly so fast (because he always says it went by too quickly)? So, I started thinking about my pretty lame interpretation of a “bucket list” that I created a few years ago, and I have only accomplished 2 of the bullet points. One was graduating from higher education, AKA: College! The other is… hush, hush; for now. Whether it’s 22 or 60 years, just live each day with your whole heart because I hear it flies by ;)

Beautiful

As I have gotten older, I notice different things I never used to care about. LIKE, the weather!  Can you believe the 60 degree Sunday?! I had to light my fall scented candle, wear a scarf, and open my bedroom window in honor of the day. So freakin excited!!! The fair is coming to town and I am really craving an Indian Taco, right about now—lots of sour cream, please! I am happy to say that I will be taste testing Thursday with my love A Money. I love my friends and my life. Couldn’t ask for a better kick off to October…Happy Tuesday!

thoughts...

…things that make me happy…




1. When TK says “I wanna hold your hand” and then breaks out into The Beatles’ most famous tune.

2. Seatbelt dancing.

3. Wearing scarves!! (Got to do this Sunday)

4. Opening my windows and actually smelling “air”. Thank you Autumn…

5. Christmas music, holla.

6. K-mart. Nuff said.

7. Nikki Minaj, just because she is pretty hardcore and I appreciate women rappers.

8. My iPod working correctly…you have no idea how bad my day CAN go.

9. Getting to know complete strangers through their words/pictures alone. (Blogs) It has become such a hobby of mine. I promise I am not creepy and I learn so many new ways of thinking.

10. Knowing I have a really great future ahead of me and I am so excited for it!



Bonus: Photography is such a great way I utilize my creativity and I really want to do something with it.



Think about the simple things that make you happy, maybe your Monday will bring a smile or two?

The easy button!

This weekend TK, Sara, and I went to see the new movie Easy A, which got me to thinking about high school peer pressures. If you haven’t seen the trailer, check it out. But, I will warn you that this movie was very raunchy in parts (most of the movie) and was about one topic! SEX. This hilarious film caught and kept everyone in that theaters attention and left us laughing even after it was over. But back to my first point, peer pressure. Today’s society’s views are certainly different than my grandparents and even different now than when I was in high school—although that wasn’t very long ago. My point is…what is going to be the next controversial topic? Now, the VMA’s do a great deal of uncomfortable talk and Chelsea Handler’s late night program is certainly no saint. But, I mean what is going to be socially acceptable in 10 years? What is going to be the pressures of the next generations’ kids? I suppose it will be the same struggles we have now, but just a little more high techy (I don’t think that is a word) and more complicated. Complicated only because there is no face time anymore! Everything is done through the internet, chat, or text. Does anyone really even have face-to-face relationships anymore?

Runway

Fall is upon us and so are all of the trends. Fall is that time that we transition from summer to winter with our wardrobe (my favorite). With this, comes lots of thrown together looks that you begin to see everywhere! I was in Target on Sunday and this woman had on jean shorts and a tank top with a sweater over it that she paired with riding boots—to the knee people. I am not complaining one bit, because I liked the look, but this is what you are going to start seeing: Summer on top/bottom and winter on the other 1/2 that is left. I think it is trendy and easy to use layers effectively and then throw on a pair of boots for comfort and warmth on chilly nights. But, to all of the girls out there that fit the above description; more power to you! Fashion is your own personal style. So, if you see anyone that looks cute or has a great idea (clothes wise), borrow it. Use it and wear it proud!




*Try second hand shops, Ross, and TJ Maxx. They also have some really great buys at the Salvation Army, if you aren’t opposed to going in there and digging around. I have found some really great “statement” pieces from all of the above for super cheap. Also, take advantage of “buying online”. Sometimes they have great incentives and free shipping when you purchase a certain amount. Check the ads every week and visit the stores that have the clearance or red tag mark downs! Can’t beat jeans for 5 bucks! :)

(I did really get a pair for 5 bucks).

People are People

“Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful, or joyful”. I read this in an e-mail I received yesterday and now I can’t stop thinking about it. We have all put up with certain situations/people that we really wanted to get away from or really wanted to tell them how we have felt. That, to me, is the hardest thing in this life to do. I hate having to be brutally honest or say goodbye to people. Over the past few years, I have met some EXTRORDINARY people! You could say they’ve changed my life and my outlook on it.

This is what I’ve learned: SUPER SIX

1. Meet new people! They cannot judge you on anything you’ve done in the past because they don’t know better. They most usually, point out something great about you they’ve noticed-- that you’ve never heard. Total confidence booster…

2. If it makes you happy, do it! Let me elaborate on this one—a little. When I first read this, it sounded immature. If we all walked around doing whatever made us the happiest, well we’d be in trouble! All within reason people…you know what you should and shouldn’t be doing.

3. Stay out of it. Always, stay out of it! I mean business, personal, business…get the picture? Deal with you! Everyone else will be ok.

4. Be the shoulder for someone to cry on. Show compassion, all the time, every day.

5. Always tell the truth.

6. And lastly, but not least (ever) DANCE! I really mean dance!!!!!! Who cares who’s watching.

Check...1, 2, 3

My new found obsession. Ernie Halter...please check him out, for me! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lydiPtZ8voQ&feature=related this clip is of him singing the hit "Ain't No Sunshine" using the washer as his instrument. Brilliant. I love watching YouTube. I get inspiration from others' ideas, I laugh at others' videos, and I find new artists that I fall in love with. It makes me want to dabble in so many different things, because we all know we have more than one talent. Let's not forget about all the other things we can bring to the table...I am starting to take pictures again, speaking of. And I am also working on some side projects too. I am getting back into the creative groove I had lost. What inspires you?

Achoooo

This morning I was reminded (not very gently) of all the wonderful allergens that are lurking in the air. YUCK! My eyes are swollen shut almost…and my throat, ears, and nose are congested. My head feels about as big as a balloon right before it pops and I for one, cannot function like this. I really hate the changing seasons because it brings on a whole new box of problems for me. I really appreciate Kleenex around this time of year and those delicious Ricola-Honey Lemon cough drops. Thank you cough and cold aisle!

I am going to dope on Vitamin C, orange juice, and Day Quil—so if my words are not making sense, you’ll know why.

Count your pennies!

I have been budgeting…which I previously blogged about, and I am really getting into it. I just may open up my own personal assisting/professional budgeting business (I know a few people that could use my services) and start saving people money. Saving doesn’t always have to mean sacrifice. It just means change. Becoming more responsible and savvy with your cash is all it takes! When is the last time you added up how much you spend monthly on “random” buys? It had been a long time for me but I was forced to take a look at it. Boy was I spending money excessively or what!

I am now on a “plan”. Some of it stolen from Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace book and if you have ever heard of this genius, you know what I am talking about when I say “Emergency Fund”. By the way, this is my first piece of advice. No matter how much or little you are making, set up a savings account and start putting a percentage or amount in every month. I take out a set amount every 2 weeks when I get paid and I now have a chunk of hefty change in my account for any emergency that may happen. He suggests keeping 1,000 dollars in as your “cushion” so that is what I will suggest to you.

Second piece of advice is to pay off those credit cards and throw them away. It is time to start living within your means. No more swiping the card if you don’t have the actual cash to pay for it. That is financially wrong and you are lying to yourself. I can understand having one card if you are building your credit and then paying it off at the end of every month—but you must promise to pay it off. Make a list of all your essential bills (things you must have) and those are the 1st to get paid every month. Then you must divvy up the remainder.

Lastly, if you are making enough and are able to…pretend you have a car payment even if you don’t. This is for all the ones who desperately need a newer vehicle! I will not buy a car without having the cash for it so making a “fake” payment will get me to that goal!

Happy Weekend!

Bloom

So I have signed up to receive e-mails from “Groupon” of Tulsa-if you’ve never heard of it check it out http://www.groupon.com/tulsa/. Every day they send a new coupon to a hot spot in our city. For a week or so, I have been sent “personal trainer” coupons. Tulsa! Are you trying to tell me something? I think I should take the hint and get to the gym or find a trail to walk.

Meanwhile…Jordan (co-worker) brought me 2 flowers off her bouquet she received for her birthday! They brightened my day and they are such a fun accessory to my cluttered desk, plus they smell great. I would like to take this opportunity to express my LOVE of flowers. I do not care if they die in a week, or if they are cliché. I will always enjoy receiving them and picking them and admiring them. There I said it. I think it is the kindest gesture out there (besides greeting cards) and should be done every once in a while to show that you are thinking about someone special.

Brain means Power

Realization # 10: When other people tell you their opinions, it changes yours…at least a little. I work in an office and let me tell you how many times a day I hear gossip. I can admit to speaking about another person or something I have heard with my closet friends (yes, I have friends at work). But the point in my writing this is because I have realized something. After hearing what person A did to person B, I become slightly turned off to them. Even if I don’t know if it’s true or if person B deserved it, my opinion or “view” of that person A has changed all because someone told me some “information”. I don’t want this to be the case. Words are so powerful and it makes me angry when minds are skewed in such a way. Especially my mind-I should have control over it. That is the only thing I deserve to have control over. Me. When someone comes in and changes that or takes that away from me, shame on me. This has been my problem. Everyone, knew what was best for me! How can anyone know what is best for me? I know what’s best for me! I let everyone’s thoughts control my actions. I just took control again of my body again and it I feel so normal. I should be a therapist. Just sayin’...

Admit One

Today’s weather has been fantastic! I wore a sweater, my 1st one this season, and sat outside for lunch on the patio of a restaurant. It feels like fall more and more to me. My mom and I’s whole conversation—basically—was about football, homecoming plans, and school spirit. The one thing that this conversation brought to my attention was that I really miss being on campus. Stillwater would be booming right now with parents, student, alumni, and faculty all dressed in orange from head to toe. I guess my future Fridays in Tulsa could mimic that same scenario….I’ll start my own tradition. I have no problem with that. I was looking up Bedlam tickets today and to my surprise they have a great “Ticket exchange” program. For season ticket holders that cannot make a game or for anyone that wants to buy/sell OSU football seats, you are able to get on the website and purchase them. It goes through the Okstate website so they must be safe to purchase…I think? I will keep you posted.

On a side note—I am going Garage Sale-ing tomorrow! Happy shopping.

Pigskin

Brandon Weeden ----------------------->

Well if you are out of the loop, he is Okstate’s newest QB for this starting season!! Why the exclamation? Well because I am so excited for football, BBQ’s, cute boys in jerseys, and shouting touchdown! Not only that, but he seems pretty legit. He has a (sort of ) boy next door look going for him, that I pretty much DIG! The season is here and it is very near and dear to my heart. College football is where you find the heart and soul of this sport. Forget NFL…they don’t impress me and they are getting paid to frolick around on the “fake” green turf. BIG, BIG bucks that our country-for one-could use. I am on my soap box so I will step down…but just remember, whatever team you’re into, wear it loud and proud! Are you ready for some football?

Cup of Sunshine

This morning a co-worker, that I see every day, (love her) actually, walked up to me and said good morning! I said that very same greeting and added a huge smile, because that is what she makes me do. Smile. Her eyes filled up with tears and I asked if she was ok…she ran over and gave me a huge hug and said: You fill up a room. Immediately I thought—“girl that better not be a fat joke.” I asked her what she meant and she said: You have this presence about you and you make it brighter in here. I just had to give you a hug! As she walked away, I couldn’t stop smiling…because after everything I have complained about on here and about “losing” myself and blah, blah, blah…Today is my day. I’ve returned to my normal self. The one that is happy go lucky, and smiling, and singing, and most of all compassionate towards others. I guess it is written all over my face or something because people are noticing. So to that I say bye-bye to Bad Mood Betsy and hello to Bright Brittany. I’m shining people, I am shining!