Admiration (57/100)

Day 57 - To Thine Own Self Be True.  I challenged my beautiful co-creator to think about today what you admire most about yourself.  Brag a little and see your greatness. 

I am willing to also meditate on this same topic. 

What do I admire most about myself?

• I am a good friend (always room for improvement though)
• I listen to others
• I have a great relationship with my parents
• I call my grandma to see how she's doing
• I am kind, thoughtful & considerate
• When I give a hug, I am aiming to truely connect with a person
• I am good natured
• When I love, it's with my whole heart
• I am a big fan of God
• I laugh at my friends' jokes
• I am always willing to be out on the dance floor
• I send out birthday cards to family &; friends
• I made personalized Valentine's this year for my co-workers
• I excelled in school - I am proud to have graduated top 10 in my highschool class and Cum Laude from college
• I give out sincere compliments
• I am a hard worker and represent my place of employment well
• I am loyal
• I encourage myself to dream big
• This year, I took a risk and opened my own business & I am so happy that I did
• I said I would help a dear friend & take this 100 Day Reality Challenge with her

Well, those are some things that initially come to mind... at the end of this 100 day challenge, I know I will be able to add some more things to this list. 

Take Charge of today!  I was at work yesterday and as I was talking with some co-workers, I offered to lend a hand on a small project that needed to get done in the office.  One friend at work said, "This looks like a job for..." and I chimed in, "Super Stacey!"  It got a few laughs and was fun to say.  Another friend said that I should have that on my mirror, "This looks like a day for Super Stacey!"  He was kidding, but as I thought about it more...why not?! 

Today is the perfect day to say...

This looks like a day for Super Stacey!

 

Good Habits (21/100)

Day 21 - Did you know that it takes 21 days to form a habit?  It has been said that to break a bad habit you have to stop doing the act for 21 consecutive days - then the bad habit is broken.  Today I wanted to focus on the opposite side of that coin.  What good habits have I been forming in these past 21 days?

--I value that I have taken to heart a partnership with a dear friend during this challenge.  We text/communicate daily & encourage each other to lead each new day with purpose.  This daily contact with my "co-creator" has been truly enriching.
--I am impressed at my increase in blog activity - I have more posts!  I am thoroughly engaging my journal and opening my mind to creative writing, impulse writing and thought-release writing. 
--I have started reading a powerful book & look forward to adding more influential novels throughout these 100 days.  The Happiness Project has been the perfect tool along my journey. 
--Also, I check in 5x a week with my National Sales Director with Mary Kay & she provides such incite and words of wisdom for having a powerful day.  The last thing that she shared that inspired & resonated with me was a passage from a blog post from the Mary Kay Blog (which I didn't even know we had?!?)

This particular blog entry has been the something that I have been mulling over for a day or two now...

In this entry the idea is discussed that 2012 should be about losing the "wait" - we need to stop waiting for the right moment to come or the right time.  Why do we make resolutions only on Jan 1st of each year?  (Don't worry, I am guilty of it too...) She writes:

Like many others, I waited until January 1st to put my New Year resolutions into effect. On New Year’s Day, however, I had an "aha moment" and asked myself, “Why did I feel the need to wait until January to take action? Why am I postponing progress?”


Just like athletes crave the perfect weather and playing conditions to play their best game, it’s human nature to feel that we do our best under the best conditions. So often we wait for a good time, better time or even the best time to pursue a goal, change a habit, or perhaps resolve an issue. The problem is that if we wait long enough, we realize that we’ve waited too long. Did you ever notice the time frame between “It’s not the right time” and “Hmmm, I’ve waited too long” is incredibly short?


How ironic that we wait for time, yet as we know, time waits for no one. And as Benjamin Franklin said, “Lost time is never found again.” Like many of you, there have been times in my life when it seemed like a great idea to wait for the right time. In actuality, we often do our best or achieve the most under less than ideal conditions or even, at times, adverse conditions.

This is a thought that does not seem incredibly profound & yet, here I am a person who waited to make some serious changes in her way of thinking until Jan 1 came around.  It is easy for me to get into a routine and "go with the flow" ---meanwhile, I become more like a robot that an actual employee.  I share this to hopefully continue to remind myself to continue to kick it in gear and challenge myself.  A big thank you to: Mary Kay Inc.’s Chief Marketing Officer, Sheryl Adkins-Green. Sheryl for her beautiful thoughts on losing "wait." 

Top Ten (10/100)

Day Ten.  I am 1/10 the way through my Reality Challenge.  Let's make this a day for Top Tens...

Ten Things That Make Me Happy:

10. jazz music

9. drinking wine with friends

8. laughing so hard I cry

7. sending someone a card

6. giving a close friend a hug

5. making someone else laugh

4. snuggling
3. dancing

2. theater

1. my family

-----------------------------

Ten Things That Happened Today:

1. had 90's music mix playing at work

2. our office got a pizza party as a thank you

3. watched "Midnight in Paris"

4. had a coworker tell me I had a lovely phone voice

5. drank a glass of wine with dinner
6. was told that I had on a lovely outfit by several coworkers

7. talked to a friend about her visit to LA & Vegas

8. laughed with some friends at work over silly things
9. talked to lots of patrons...got one very excited about getting tickets to "The Music Man"
10. ate a piece of cholocate before bed
----------------------------------
Ten Words To Describe My Reality Challenge:
1. Co-Creator
2. Breath
3. Courage
4. Depth
5. Insight
6. Self
7. Realization
8. Worthy
9. Treasure
10. Exploration

100 Day Reality Challenge

Ok, so here's an idea I have for the next 100 days.  Starting tomorrow and going until May 24th, I will be partaking in the 100 Day Reality Challenge!  Please visit http://cocreatingourreality.com/ to see the website and read more about this facinating project. 

Basically, for the next 100 days I will:
1. Focus on an intention - something I different I want in my life
2. Take steps to make this intention happen
3. Bring out positive thought, mediation &/or prayer to help guide me
4. Surround myself with positive people, events & things that will help be fulfill my set intention
5. Journal, blog, tweet, facebook, text, post to my new pinterest page, and possible video blog to share/grow deeper in my journey

It may sound trippy - but I think it is worth a try!  I am so glad that my dear friend ask me to join her on this epic journey.  I mean, what else did I have planned for the next 100 days?  I might as well work to make my life richer and more engaging.  One of the creators of this movement, Lilou Mace, talks about having a "juicy" life.  What a fun image!  Just a life more full of flavor!  A life you can sink your teeth in - a life that is savory & tasty.  A life you can truly enjoy! 

I will be posting updates on my journey and I hope you will check out this project/program and give it a try.  Let me know if you do!  

And...we're off...reality challenge...I accept!

Bring It

We have all been there...it's January 1st and now what?  Do I make a list of resolutions?  Do I even care enough to change what I was doing last year?  It may be almost at the end of the month but I am still defining my resolutions...or rather how I want to create an even better 2012. My obsession this week is focusing in my resolutions and the current book series I am addicted to (I have fallen into the arena...I have been sucked into the Hunger Games)

Here's what I have so far:
1. Read 12 books of varying genres, I figure there are 12 months in a year and it's 2012...time to step it up a notch. Who knows maybe I can even get to 15!  And the book that I am currently devouring is "Catching Fire", book 2 of the Hunger Games series which is brilliantly written by Suzanne Collins.   
2. I am going to stop accepting situations in my life that I am unhappy with - if I want to change something, then I am going to start taking actions to change it.  (a little vague, I know...)
3. Work on really and truly stretching myself to Give Back - I have not yet read (but it's on my list): "Start Something that Matters" written by Blake Mycoskie, creator and founder of Toms - a wonderful one-for-one business program that allows for you to not only buy awesome shoes (and other items) but then give a pair to a child in need. 

I love the blog of "Start Something that Matters" that highlights other programs with a Give Back motto and also highlights the wisdom of Blake Mycoskie.  I have never met him, but think he is simply fantastic!  He seems to have such a rockin' cool soul.  (Plus, one of his entries on his blog offers some great idea for books to read!  It helped to inspire me reading 12 this year.) 

4. Grow closer in my faith.  There are always new things I can learn and new avenues to be explored.  Plus, continuing to improve my relationship with Christ is a win-win.  I am also going to look more closely into the life of a saint.  This year it's Saint Thomas of Villanova and I will try to gain future insight into the virtue of humility. 

 

5. Keep my mind & body stimulated - this is an extension of my reading goal...and adding on healthy living.  It's important to exercise to stay fit but to exercise your mind too so that it stays focused.  I will try to do more puzzles and word searches.  It may sounds simple but even that is a big help to keep your mind active.  I want to incorporate more foreign and/or independent films that require more thought to process.  As much as I love Romantic Comedies, it is also important to put value into other avenues of Film making. This also goes with keeping my creative juices flowing.  I will do better to have more blog entries as well as work more on actually completing the One-Act plays I have started.  It's as if the characters' stories have been put on pause and they are desperately waiting to have it completed.  

Alright 2012, you may have started off rocky - but you will finish strong! Bring it!

Things I Love This Week - Feb 28th

Things I Love This Week

Television:

• Glee: My roommate and I bond over this show...we were late to join the craze, so we have been using Netflix to catch up on the episodes.  For a theater lover like my self, this show offers musical flare, drama, romance, witty dialogue (well, sometimes), twisty plotlines, and crazy characters.

Movies:

• Singing in the Rain: I saw this movie for the first time (I know, I know...why did it take me so long?!?!)  Anyway, I loved it!  Such a great classic and deserve every bit of praise.
• The King's Speech: In honor of the Oscars, I had to put in a note about this film.  This is worthy of the award!  Such a truly great film and a noteworthy performance by Colin Firth.  Someone special to me took me to see this movie and I am thrilled that he knew I would value this experience. 

Short Films:

• Nooma: is a company that houses a series of short films narrated by Rob Bell.  They are each about 10-15 minutes long of sheer brilliance.  Rob Bell takes a specific point about God, Jesus and Christianity and outlines it in these short films, which can be found on their website.  Seriously, check them out!  My favorites so far are: "Kickball," "Lump," "Flame," and "Sunday."    

Music:

• "Only Hope" -Switchfoot:  Such a touching song (featured in A Walk to Remember) that speaks to our desperate need to be connected to our creator.   

My 100th Post

Being that today is my 100th post, I wanted to do something festive. Do you like my balloon? :)

100...wow! To think I had 100 things to post about. Geez...really, I know I just rambled. LOL

To reflect on my past posts I have found that I need more unity. I will do more re-occurring themed posts as well as have more of a blog focus.

To continue with the "100" theme for today...let's see...

100 ways to make the most out of your day:

100. Wake up with a smile
99. say a prayer
98. have a good hearty breakfast
97. sing a little tune in the shower
96. wear your "special" outfit
95. call an old friend
94. treat yourself to a great cup of coffee
93. listen to your favorite song
92. take the scenic route to work
91. wear your pretty scarf/necklace/earrings
90. pay a compliment to a stranger
89. take a long lunch break
88. turn your radio up in the car
87. wish upon a star
86. sing a Christmas carol
85. youtube your favorite childhood cartoon
84. start to read the book you have been longing to read
83. send a card to your good friend
82. order dessert
81. paint your nails
80. be more forgiving while driving during rush hour
79. write a love note
78. laugh
77. plan your dream vacation
76. buy yourself a blow-pop
75. go for a long walk in the park
74. rent a movie you have been waiting to see
73. pop some popcorn
72. order a regular soda instead of diet, it's ok
71. go window shopping
70. take a mini road trip
69. smell some roses
68. go out on the town
67. document your day through your camera lens
66. call your parents
65. break out into a random dance party
65. read your favorite childhood book
64. order yourself some flowers
63. buy some good chocolate and savor it
62. allow opportunity to knock
61. keep a secret
60. support a local organization
59. make a special visit to your church
58. create a special moment with a stranger
57. help a close friend in need
56. tell someone close to you that you care about them dearly
55. write a poem
54. put your toes in the sand
53. write a list of the things you are thankful for
52. buy your favorite ice cream
51. smile at everyone you pass
50. be a tourist in your own town/city
49. go get your hair cut/styled
48. make a small sacrifice for another
47. make the most out of all your struggles today
46. dance to Michael Jackson
45. watch reruns of your favorite old TV show
44. give out free hugs
43. buy tickets to the theater...you will like it, I promise!
42. go out and celebrate your un-birthday
41. finish your to-do list, or at least check something off
40. visit the SPCA to play with the kitties and puppies
39. take time to play in the rain
38. read a passage from the Bible
37. put a little cream and sugar in your tea
36. revisit an old journal you have or start a new one
35. spend some time in your favorite place (either outside or in your home)
34. roll the windows down in your car
33. sing along to the radio
32. bless someone when they sneeze
31. call your sibling(s) to see how they are doing
30. brush up on your "electric slide" dance skills
29. have a glass of wine with dinner
28. use your "nice" dishes
27. read poetry
26. light some candles
25. support a worthy cause
24. ride your bike or walk somewhere
23. skip
22. buy a balloon
21. go and feed the ducks
20. let the sun shine on your face
19. watch an old movie
18. recycle
17. don't be afraid to be honest with yourself and others
16. use glittery gel pens
15. cuddle with a warm blanket
14. buy a surprise treat for one of your co-workers
13. do a 15 min exercise
12. be very encouraging of yourself, "I can do it!"
11. wear your hair a new way
10. fly a kite
9. research your astrological sign
8. write a letter to yourself to open in 5 years
7. watch Harry Potter
6. send a funny text
5. go running down an aisle in Target with a cart
4. buy a pair of new shoes
3. forgive yourself
2. don't be afraid to cry and let it out
1. believe in miracles

A special thanks to Faith, who helped me come up with some of these. :)


Check out my 50th post!

Movies I REALLY want to see...

Those In Theaters Now:

1- The Ugly Truth...It has Gerard Butler. Enough said.

2- The Time Traveler's Wife...It's a great novel and I am anxiously awaiting how this story goes from paper to film...plus it has Rachel McAdams and I adore her.


Those In Previews:


1- The Blind Side...It is a heart warming story (the preview made me cry) and it has Sandra Bullock who I love.



2- New Moon...I cannot help it...I have been bit by the Twilight Saga bug (or vampire?)

My "Carpe Diem" Summer

Lots of things in my life will probably change this Summer. I am moving out of my apartment (to where is still being decided), I may be living in a new city with a new job with new people...so I need to make this Summer the Biggest and Best yet.

Who's with me????

I want to do a "TOP 50 Summer" - which means I want to do 50 Things that I Wouldn't Normally Do...to enliven my life and encourage me to "Seize the Day!" I think I will call it My "Carpe Diem" Summer.

Here's What I Am Planning (thus far):

1. Drive for a day to an unexpected place - without a map or GPS...seeing what I find and then use my GPS to get back home.

2. Be a Vegetarian for a week.

3. Actually go dancing in the street.

4. Volunteer at a local charity.

5. Watch the sun rise on the beach.

6. Make my own interpretation of a "Dream Catcher"

7. Tell someone how I "honestly" feel about them.

8. Watch some old classic movies I have been "too busy" to watch.

9. Make something special and unique for my mom, dad and brother to show them how much they mean to me.

10.Surprise a friend in someway (with a gift, a visit, etc.)

11.Create a huge scavenger hunt for some of my friends so we can go crazy finding the items.

12.Throw a themed party.

13.Spend one whole day in my pajamas.

14.Turn my cell phone, computer and tv off for a weekend and create a relaxing retreat for myself.

15.Walk through the forest and observe nature.

16.Go visit my family, who live in other states.

17.Watch a sunset.

18.Attend daily mass for a whole 2 weeks.

19.Finish writing my One-Act.

20.Write a poem for someone and then read it to them.

21. Attend a wine tasting.

Any suggestions????

Warm Weather Equals

(Here are the 5 things I am looking forward too when we are finally in the Spring/Summer Season):

5. Drinking Lemonade Outside



4. Walking on the Beach



3. Wearing FLIP FLOPS - my favorite type of shoe




2. Driving with the Windows Down (courtesy of Ryan Grayson)



1. David Cook!!! ( I am seeing him in concert May 30th)

50th Post

Being that this post marks my 50th post, I decided to break out the 50s...

We all love the number 50 when it applies to dollar bills -



Goodness...seeing that makes me realize how I need more money in my life.

Fifty is a big deal. When you turn fifty, most people view that as "old," but I view it has having lived a good part of your life. And hopefully, lived it well. Fifty holds wisdom.

Fifty is even fun when it is written with a fun little accent -



And let's face it...who wouldn't love to have this address:



In honor of the number 50 - a five and a zero - I will give five reasons why I am happy today and zero reasons why I would be sad.

5. I have been blessed with another day. A new day. A beautiful day.

4. I just got a coupon for 30% off: good for either GAP, Banana Republic, Old Navy or Piperlime

3. I am going out tonight after work.

2. I am off tomorrow.

1. I got to listen to "1234" by the Plain White Ts today at work.

Therefore, I am not sad today. :)

A Happy Heart

I wanted to share...

Things that make my heart happy...
My Top 15

---my blackberry (it's cute and practical)
---shirley temples (a long-time love affair)
---David Cook (I think he is talented and wonderful)
---towels just out of the dryer (warm and they smell so good)
---phone call from my parents (love them)
---daisies (the most friendliest flower)
---girlie movies (simply the best)
---praising God in the morning (a great way to start my day)
---blogging (it's addictive)
---theater (it's my life, it's my love, it's my air)
---best friends (through thick and thin)
---sleeping in (I wish I could do this more)
---going green (every small step counts)
---coffee (from home, from Starbucks, from anywhere)
---free stuff (things are just better if you don't have to pay)

Now make a fun list of your own!

25 Tid-Bits of Info

So...I got this idea from Facebook. Here is 25 random facts about myself to get to know me better...

25 Random Things:

1. I am obsessed with the color green and my eyes are green…I don’t believe the two are necessarily connected.

2. Thai is my favorite food. And I think Thai Ice Tea is heavenly.

3. I have moved around my entire life – including living overseas. I believe that due to this I am far more outgoing that I would have been otherwise.

4. I love the movie The Breakfast Club and I have the movie poster in my bedroom.

5. I am extremely proud of my brother. He is not even 21 yet and already has a career and goals in mind for himself. He keeps pushing the limits and is not afraid to tell you. He’s a Marine serving our country, a sacrifice I was never willing to make.

6. My parents are my heroes. I love them for all they have done and continue to do for me. If I go without seeing them or talking to them for a long period of time, I become extremely sad.

7. My favorite constellation is Orion…whether or not it’s my favorite because it is the first constellation I can usually find in the night sky is irrelevant.

8. I love being Catholic.

9. I am in a sorority and I love it more than I could have ever imagined. These girls are part of my heart and soul now.

10. I believe in the power of theater as a supreme art form. It can change a person. I was changed from my first production experience and I will love theater forever.

11. At some point in my life I want to give a year to do missionary work around the world.

12. I believe in the power of true love and all the forms it posses.

13. If I were to ever win a big award on TV, I would most definitely cry.

14. I taught my cat how to sit, shake and give a high five. When I go visit my parents and he comes running up to me, it warms my heart.

15. I just created a blog this year and I am now addicted to blogging.

16. My 3 favorite shows on TV are: Chuck, LOST and Psych.

17. I wish I lived closer to my extended family.

18. B/c I have moved around (#3), I am extremely blessed to have such close friends all over the world.

19. As a director, my favorite moment is opening night right before the show…the audience is all seated and settled, the lights are dimming and a rush overwhelms me…I helped create this.

20. I need to work on my organizational skills…only pertaining to my room.

21. One of my happiest memories while I was in London was seeing Equus from the 3rd row. Daniel and Richard were brilliant!

22. I want to move to DC.

23. The moment before my dad walks me down the aisle, I will cry. Once I have recovered, I will ask him to be in a picture with me and that picture I will have framed by my bed forever.

24. When I become a mother, I hope I am at least half of the mother my mom is to me.

25. Being with Christ in Adoration, is when I am most at peace. It is during this time, that I can really listen to what He is asking of me.

Christmas Favorites

"Brown paper packages tied up with string...these are a few of my favorite things..."

Here are a few of my favorite things around Christmas:

--Christmas music playing on the radio
--Lighting Advent candles
--Watching holiday movies with family and friends
--Driving by houses and seeing them decorated with holiday lights
--Drinking hot cocoa because it tastes better this time of year
--Wrapping gifts with pretty paper and bows
--Singing carols during mass
--Seeing a production of A Christmas Carol at a local theater
--Watching friends and family open their gifts
--Walking by stores and seeing their holiday window displays
--Decorating the Christmas tree
--Sending out Christmas cards
--Going to holiday parties
--Getting away with wearing Christmas pins and decorative attire
--Saying Merry Christmas to everyone you meet