In the Eyes of the Beholder

Today's Quote from A Fancy Word for Simple:

"Simply put you believe that things or people make you unhappy, but this is not accurate. You make yourself unhappy." -- Wayne Dyer

I am the maker of my own destiny! People can influence me from day to day, and if someone's really a jerk to me, it's going to make me feel kind of rotten, but it's not going to rock my world. Perception is a huge player in how my life evolves. If I am pessimistic, the world is not going to be a very nice place. Nor will it be fun if I think people are out to get me. I'm not saying I go about with rose-colored glasses, assuming everyone is an angel, but I do try to put more of a positive spin on things. It's hard to sustain when I'm drained to the dregs ... so I try to take care not to get that exhausted too often! It's a lot easier to maintain a balanced perspective when the rest of my life is in balance, too!

Love of books

Today's Quote from A Fancy Word for Simple:

“I had just taken to reading. I had just discovered the art of leaving my body to sit impassive in a crumpled up attitude in a chair or sofa, while I wandered over the hills and far away in novel company and new scenes... My world began to expand very rapidly,... the reading habit had got me securely.”

H. G. Wells

Oh, books are for devouring and inhaling! I cannot get enough of them. They are around me all of the time. They go with me to the gym, to work, and on trips. They have a place in, literally, every room of our house, except maybe our main bathroom. Let me check .... nope, no books in there. There are books everywhere else, though! Here are the books I received as Christmas gifts. To date, I have read all of them except one. I would say I read about a book a week, or in some cases, I'll devour one in the span of less than 24 hours, which is bittersweet, indeed.

Making Memories Idol

MM Idol is up and running, the scrapbookers' version of "American Idol". My online scrappin' buddy from years gone by, Ramona, is in the running, so please take a gander, and if you're so inclined to cast a vote, then do so! :)

Don't give up.

Today's Quote from A Fancy Word for Simple:

Just don't give up on trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong. -- Ella Fitzgerald

Right now, all I want is for my body to stop aching! I want to be in better physical condition, so I have ramped up my workouts to include 5 workouts at the gym, 1 at the park district, and my once weekly sword class, and every so often, a 2 hour stint with my tai chi instructor. My body is killing me right now. I am doing an inventory of my muscles, and I think the only part that doesn't hurt is the front of my neck. Everything else aches. My muscles are tired most of the time, and I wake up with aches from my workouts. I tell myself to just push through it, because I don't want to give up on what I really want to do...but some days, like today, it's really hard.

I am Kareem Abdul Jabar!?

I don't know about this ... but supposedly these are the top 8 celebrities whose facial structure I match. I had no female matches! LOL! Hm. Maybe I should try a different picture. Here we go:



This is just too funny. Upload your pic & link me to your results!

Super Sunday!

I hosted another "White Elephant" type event today. It was so much fun! *smile* Everyone brought books, movies, music, and/or games, and I made it tropical-themed with music, food, and atmosphere. I even wore my "I'm on Island Time" shirt with my hot pink capris, sandals, fish necklace & earrings, and dolphin ring and bracelet! Awesome!!!

And now, for something completely different, from Mel's blog:

When was the last time you :
Watched a sunrise or a sunset? -- Sunset, 2 days ago. Beautiful peachy-pink sky!
Stopped to smell a flower? -- today, my lilies on my dresser!
Gave a friend a present for no reason at all? -- mailed one out to a friend on Friday!
Treated yourself to something? -- sipping lavender tea, right now!

Play nice?

Today's Quote from A Fancy Word for Simple:

I tried being reasonable, I didn't like it.
-Clint Eastwood

Reasonable? Hm. I don't know. I think I'm awfully reasonable. I mean, what's the opposite of reasonable? Unreasonable? I don't think I'd like to hear "You're being so unreasonable!" It just sounds like I'm being unfair ... asking for someone to play favorites ... or asking for something beyond the pale. I guess I can get the humor of this, in context, but the more I think about it, the more I think that "being reasonable" is a way to get along with others, to play nice, and to be considerate.

Beware little girls!

Today's Quote from A Fancy Word for Simple:

Wicked Witch of the West: Who ever thought a little girl like you could destroy my beautiful wickedness?

I think that little girls are often overlooked, seeming so innocent and carefree. Witches can be stupid, and forgetful, that they, too, were once clever little girls, paying careful attention to the world around them. Little girls are powerful, often in ways that are completely unexpected. A pair of ruby slippers, a little dog, a band of friends, and a bucket of water will see you far.

The pulse of my life

Today's Quote from A Fancy Word for Simple:

I define joy as a sustained sense of well-being and internal peace--a connection to what matters.

-Oprah Winfrey

I picked "joy" as my word for 2007, for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it is a feeling that I treasure, and one that I am blessed to experience many times in a given week. I try to consistently refine "what matters," which changes for me from time to time. There are some things in my life that are vitally important, no matter what, and to these elements, I strive to be connected all the time. Then there are things that matter at some times and not at others -- I try to stay in synch with this, not clinging on to things that once mattered, but no longer do. I also know that I find joy in small things -- savoring baby goldfish crackers ... fingering the earrings I bought in Wales ... glancing through my longsword manual ... smelling the fragrant lilies from Valentine's Day ... listening to Serendipity's purr. I think that one of the best things about being connected is that I can truly feel the pulse of my life, beating strongly, carrying me forward to new adventures.

Human, Alien, or Game Show Host?

Today's Quote from A Fancy Word for Simple:

If you were happy every day of your life, you wouldn't be a human being; you'd be a game show host. -- Veronica Sawyer (Heathers).

Game Show Hosts. Used Car Salesmen. Politicians. *shudder* That slimy, sappy grin just creeps me out. They're creepier than clowns. So fake, so unreal. I'd rather be a human being with depth, dimension, and dark days, thank you very much. I must admit that there is almost always some measure of happiness in my days, but the idea of being happy all the live-long day? *cringe* I was recently mentioning to someone that people who are like that really freak me out. I wonder if they're not human. This quote just goes to prove I'm on the right track.

I am Blue!

Congratulations. You are BLUE. BLUES are motivated by INTIMACY. They seek to genuinely connect with others, and need to be understood and appreciated. Everything they do is quality-based. They are loyal friends, employers, and employees. Whatever or whomever they commit to is their sole (and soul) focus. They love to serve and give themselves freely in order to nurture others' lives.
BLUES have distinct preferences and have the most controlling personality. Their personal code of ethics is remarkably strong and they expect others to live honest, committed lives as well. They enjoy meaningful moments in conversation as well as paying close attention to special life events (e.g. birthdays and anniversaries). BLUES are dependable, thoughtful, and analytical; but can also be self-righteous, worry-prone, and moody. They are "sainted pit-bulls" who never let go of something or someone, once they are committed. When you deal with a BLUE, be sincere and make a genuine effort to understand and appreciate them.


Take the test here: http://www.thecolorcode.com/

Truly Amazing!

I am combining a realization I had tonight while posting away at House of Paper, and the Quote of the Day from A Fancy Word for Simple:

“I never want to hear that song again. I cannot stand it. I'm allergic to it.” -Simon Cowell

You know what? There are ENOUGH things in the world to not like. I mean, I can sit around all day, be cranky and not like things, people, experiences, and it doesn't expand my world one bit. What is the use of being critical and irritable. Be appreciative of the things that go well...the things that are beautiful...the things that enrich our existences! There are so many small things that enhance my life -- all I have to do is stroll through my home and I find:

I am excited about the beautiful new bracelet I bought for myself * Chiara made me a lovely paper clip * Jacquie's Valentine's Day card is on top of my display case, next to Diane's quilted card * I bought something cute for sethro I want to send her * * I increased my stuffed animal collection by one last month, and I don't regret it one bit * I love those "kiss" stamps the post office put out * My lip balm makes my lips shiny and minty-tingly * I love having fresh flowers in the house * the cats haven't pooped, peed, or vomited on the carpet in almost 2 weeks * I don't own a hamster * I am looking forward to another White Elephant exchange this weekend * I've been having a blast going through old (c. 1995) videotapes * I am so happy I own an iPod for my excursions to the gym * Supervillain University is shaping up nicely * I am having tons and tons of fun with my leftover scrapbook stuff and feel awesome about using up my stash *

I reflect on my relationships with those I care about and realize:

I am looking forward to going to Cape Cod to see sethro, birdie, Dawn, and Johnna * Jenn's blog almost always cracks me up * I have been enjoying all my outings with my friends this week *
I am sending hugs galore out to toos, mrsW, and kaj * My parents are just awesome people* My baby brother and I share a wonderful relationship * The love of my life sits a mere four feet away from me, and I could kiss him deeply, passionately if the mood struck me. [I just paused and did so, there. That was oh, so nice.]* Our cats are unbelievably affectionate* I find friends in the most amazing places* Jill is just too fun, too generous, and too sweet for her own good *

I mean, who cares about the stuff that doesn't go well? Enough already. Pay attention to the stuff that's truly amazing about our lives, even the tiny things that we could so easily take for granted.

edit: Now, my sweetie says I can kiss him more, if I need it for inclusion in my blog. Be right back... *grin*

Inigo Montoya

A Fancy Word for Simple prompted us to think about our favorite movie quote. I have hundreds, if I really trolled my memories. My brother and I can carry on whole conversations in nothing but movie/TV quotes! So, it took me most of the day to come up with one, all purpose, extra special, favorite quote. Here it is:

"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." *grin*

123 Book TAGGED

In response to being tagged for the 123 Book Meme.

1. Find the nearest book.
[found it!]
2. Name the book & the author.
[The Grand Tour: A Traveler's Guide to the Solar System by Ron Miller and William K. Hartmann]
3. Turn to page 123.
[got it. it's mostly photograph & only HAS six sentences!]
4. Go to the fifth sentence on the page. Copy out the next three sentences and post to your blog.
[By stepping into the shadow of a boulder thrown onto the rim of a small crater, we can block out the glare of the sun itself, enabling us to see the delicate streamers of the solar corona, the sun's outer atmosphere. Jets of ionized gas ejected from the sun are molded by the sun's powerful magnetic field. The large faint glow across the sky is the zodiacal light - interplanetary dust lit by the sun.]
5. Tag three more folks. [I'm tagging Paula (Pixie!), Barb (AFWFS), & Karen (Sethro)]

Putting on a happy face .... not!

Today's quote for a A Fancy Word for Simple:

I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.

-Martha Washington

This is an interesting quote. I love the feel of self-determination, of a woman who is bound to have a good time, even if the world is falling apart around her ears. On the flip side, I know many people who are unhappy, and that unhappiness is a vital signal to prompt them to take charge of their lives and make a change. I think I'd rather feel some sense of misery or unhappiness, if it meant that I had my fingers on the pulse of my own life. I wouldn't say wallowing in such feelings is very helpful, but just putting a happy face on things when life REALLY isn't going well and desperately needs your attention, well, that's just ridiculous!

Damn foolish?

Today's Quote from A Fancy Word for Simple:

"Every man is a damn fool for at least five minutes every day; wisdom consists in not exceeding the limit."- Elbert Hubbard

I don't know about this one. It seems awfully overly simplistic. Taken tongue in cheek, I suppose I can wrap my head around it. It seems kind of like having a free space in bingo...or being granted "grace" by God...to be allowed to err in advance. And the rest of the time, you gotta be responsible for sitting up, paying attention, and not being a damned fool.

Photo Scavenger Hunt!!!!

Take pictures of ALL of the following & share your link with me!
1. A folded towel
2. An item that shows temperature
3. Toes
4. Something red, in a cupboard
5. The view from your front door
6. Shampoo
7. The view underneath a bed
8. A potholder/oven mitt
9. A stack of books
10. A canceled postage stamp
Each person who posts all 10 photos will be entered in a random drawing to win a prize!

Check back on Wednesday night to see if you've won!

unADULTerated joy

Today's Quote from A Fancy Word for Simple:

I've heard that it's possible to grow up - I've just never met anyone who's actually done it. Without parents to defy, we break the rules we make for ourselves. We throw tantrums when things don't go our way, we whisper secrets with our best friends in the dark, we look for comfort where we can find it, and we hope - against all logic, against all experience. Like children, we never give up hope...
-Dr. Meredith Grey, Grey's Anatomy

I am a blend of child and grown-up, and I like the combination quite a lot. I can trace this balance back to at least age 12. I say this because I remember vividly saying to some adult, "Yes, I like playing with my doll. I enjoy it because I know in another few years, I'll be moving on to other things." That being said, Heidi (my doll of a thousand handmade outfits), is still in my tender keeping, and she elicits some wonderful memories for me, well into my teens. We all, regardless of age, need playtime ... need hope ... need starry-eyed innocents ... need others to care for us ... and need pure unADULTerated joy. But we also need to be adults on occasion, to do the difficult things that we can often set aside as children. We need to scrub the toilets and pay the bills and not ram the car in front of us, even though we have a desperate urge to teach that @$$ a lesson.

I count myself lucky in the friend department.

Today's Quote from A Fancy Word for Simple:

"I value the friend who for me finds time on his calendar, but I cherish the friend who for me does not consult his calendar." Robert Brault


I like this quote! My schedule is almost always jam-packed, and my friends and I have learned the value of putting things down, way in advance, to make sure we find time for one another in our busy lives. We are all active, interesting people, with lots of things going on. I hadn't thought about the friends who don't consult their calendars ... but then I remembered moments with friends that were totally unplanned, and the pure joy in that "Hey, I miss you" (even if we just saw each other 72 hours ago!) "I'm in the neighborhood. Do you want to get together?" It doesn't happen often, but I count myself extraordinarily lucky to be able to count four different friends with whom this has happened in the recent past. It is just such a warm-fuzzy to have delightful friends like this. I cherish them so very much!

I also have friends that if I lived closer to them, I suspect we'd be popping in and out of each others homes all the time. Maybe if I moved to Palm Harbor, East Longmeadow, Pittsburgh, San Diego, Phoenix, or Dudley, I'd find out! *grin*

Thanks, honey!

You know I love them! *smile* You are so wonderful to me!

Going in swinging?

Quote of the day from A Fancy Word for Simple:

These five fingers... individually, they're nothing. But when I curl them together like this into a single unit, they form a weapon that is terrible to behold!
-Lucy, Peanuts

I dunno. I can think of more formidable weapons, like a scathing word ... or financial ruin. People who go in swinging always seem to have a bit of the reckless berserker streak in them...and I try very hard not to be reckless. It seems so impulsive, so messy, so .. crazy. I don't mind being whimsical or spontaneous, but when it comes to something that could do someone genuine harm, I think it's vital to slow way WAY down and seriously contemplate the consequences of my actions. So, I am not very much like Lucy ... well, except for her entrepreneurial spirit of setting up a shack for 5 cent advice ... I think I am much more like Snoopy, full of dreams.

Around every corner

Today's Quote from A Fancy Word for Simple:

"Once in awhile, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale" -- unknown

Oh, I am a big-time romantic. And I admit it: I live a fairy tale life. I've gotten where I am through enduring brutal hardships, fighting fire-breathing dragons, and scaling mountains of despair. And the reward I have reaped is worth it, a thousand times over. I am a believer in magic, stardust, and pixies. One only has to open one's eyes to see that "ordinary" life is anything but. Around every corner lurk wonderful possibilities, if we only have the courage to edge forward. Allow yourself to be caught up in the moment, totally enraptured, and then you'll have a fairy tale, too.

Outside my comfort zone

Today's Question from A Fancy Word for Simple:

What makes you comfortable?

Comfort is relative. It is also dangerous, at times. Ya gotta venture outside your comfort zone, you know? I like being cozy and snug, in many aspects of my life, but there's a point where too much comfort is a decidedly Bad Thing (tm). Comfort means that we aren't stretching, we aren't paying attention. I'd rather be uncomfortable and growing, than comfortable and stagnant. Besides, the constant shifting of my life means I always have new comfort zones to explore, and, eventually, to abandon.

Roll up your shirt-sleeves!

Today's Quote from A Fancy Word for Simple:

Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don't recognize them. --Ann Landers

I embrace this idea whole-heartedly! I've had to work pretty hard to get where I am, and I don't feel one jot of guilt that I rest on my laurels occasionally. It frustrates me to no end to hear people complaining about how they have no options. We ALWAYS have options. They may not be options that are very fun, or are easy...and sometimes they all just suck. But if you can take the long range view, sometimes a lousy option now will turn into the best thing you could ever hope for. I do not know where people got the idea that life is supposed to be easy, and things are supposed to fall into your lap. I try to avoid people that have this perspective, and I hang out with (and work with) people who are willing to roll up their shirt-sleeves and apply themselves!

My new pet hamster!

adopt your own virtual pet!

Subtleties

Today's quote from A Fancy Word for Simple:

"It feels good to finally be talking about something that we care about." -Martie Maguire

I spend most of my conversation time talking about things I care about! Not in terms of political issues or world news or hometown dramas, but about the people I love, the causes I value, and the beliefs I uphold. I am not a huge fan of people getting up on a soapbox and yammering away, so I try to be sure that I keep it at a conversational level. Some people seem to just have an "on" switch & a one-track mind. I find them to be dull and lifeless, even if they come across as "all fired up" about their particular issue. I'd rather have someone be multi-dimensional & subtle, so I try to be that way, too!

No fear!

Today's quote from A Fancy Word for Simple:

I've been absolutely terrified every moment of my life -- and I've never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do. -- Georgia O'Keefe

I am somewhat stymied by this quote, because I have been blessed to feel very little fear in my life. I am scared of rollercoasters ... I just don't like the intensity of the physical and emotional experience. *pause* *reflect* *pause* I really can't think of anything else that scares me. Oh, I don't like straight razors. I've seen too many movies where they become menacing and deadly. Horror movies in general, like rollercoasters, are scary. I just don't need the in-your-face intensity of them. But my life is just peachy without rollercoasters and horror movies. And I will go on some rather tame rollercoasters ... and I'll watch the Alien series of films, which I consider to be pretty scary, and I like them. So, all in all, I would have to honestly say I don't harbor any secret fears.

Cause for Celebration!

Today's Quote from A Fancy Word for Simple:

My weaknesses have always been food and men - in that order. -- Dolly Parton

Hm. Weaknesses? Like Georgia has already said, why can't these be celebrations, or enjoyments? I had to look "weakness" up on Dictionary.com, to really mull this over in my head. I would not describe myself as lacking strength or rife with flaws. Things that are self-indulgent? Well, that happens very rarely. (Although today I am seriously contemplating the purchase of a nice piece of jewelry -- the first I will have added to my own collection since ... uh ... Wales 2005!) As for object of special desire: chocolate, pizza, lilacs, long baths, snow, castles, swords -- I do have some things that I especially lust after. I don't know if I'd consider them to a sign of weakness, though, as all of the above are cause for celebration. Well, except for the pizza, which is the cause of my big butt. *snicker*

Hands

In response to A Fancy Word for Simple's challenge, I took a picture of my hand. It's pretty typical of how my hands look most days. I recently decided to trim my nails short, so I don't wind up with gouges in my palm from gripping my longsword in class. I rarely wear nail polish as I am very talented at chipping and smearing it within the first 36 hours, even when I sit still for as long as 3 hours to make sure it's completely dry. I'm just not a nail polish kind of gal when it comes to my fingers! I routinely have a paper cut or two on my thumb or index finger, but otherwise, I have no scarring.

Fairy tales?

Today's Quote from A Fancy Word for Simple:
If you see me as just the prin- cess then you mis- under- stand who I am and what I have been through.
- Mariah Carey

I don't think I've ever been thought of as a "princess." At least not a traditional kind of princess. I am not big on frou-frou, glitter, pink, shoes, handbags, or make-up. I do like being pampered at a spa, but I don't think of that as a princess-like pasttime.

In terms of fairy tales, I generally like the role of the prince far more than the princess. I love the tale of Sleeping Beauty -- because I want to be the prince, hacking through briars, fighting dragons, an unstoppable force!

My top animated princesses are Belle (she's got a fighting spirit and a love of books) and Fiona (that sassy attitude, and an inner fire that just won't die). Not for me the milk-toast, namby-pamby, doe-eyed, wishy-washy, pale-complected princesses that most little girls aspire to be!

Perfection's too constricting!

Today's Quote from A Fancy Word for Simple:

The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.

-Anna Quindlen

I've never been one for perfection, and I've always been very keen on the idea of being my own individual. Perfection, to me, seems overly dull and sanitary. So much of the cookie-cutter-sameness that runs rampant in so many lives. I feel genuinely sad for people who are pressured into conformity and semi-perfection. It just seems so constrictive. I'd rather play with finger paints and get all messy and have plain ol' fun than have a perfectly painted masterpiece.

my Look Book Challenge results ....

It was a very interesting process just to start pulling out stuff I loved ... not worrying if it made sense or "went" with the page. YUM! I am definitely going to use this method AGAIN. Thanks, girls!

Beginner's Luck?

My body is taut with excitement.
Words fall into my ears, and my mind absorbs them.
I drink in every movement, savoring circles.
Intuition comes bounding to the forefront.
Poised on the edge, I stand, waiting.
A sudden flicker of activity brushes my awareness.
I react, releasing spirals, crashing down.
A quick clatter ensues, and I coil up my body once again.

Got mittens?

Today's Quote for a Fancy Word for Simple:

You learn at a very young age that, besides the obvious Christmas break, summer, chicken pox epidemic, and the time when you realize the smelly kid who picks his boogers and eats them is sick, Snow Days are the best damn thing to happen to your school year.
-Chad Stevenson

The weather here today is even colder than yesterday. Currently it's -7F without windchill factored in, and -26 with it. I suspect this has GOT to be setting some records. No "snow day" for me, here -- unless I get into the office & the heat is somehow non-functional, which I highly doubt. I'm actually not a huge fan of "snow days," even as a kid. I don't mind the cold, but I don't like heat -- and I was all-too-aware that an extra day would get tacked on in the sweltering heat of June, when we all desperately wanted to be done with school, to move on to summer's new activities! I still don't mind the cold as much as I do the blistering heat. I can always add more layers ... I can only take so many OFF. And that being said, it's time for me to prove it. I am thinking of leaving something the mailbox for our poor mailman...but I can't think of what it should be!

Enh.

Over at A Fancy Word for Simple, this is today's quote:

"If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score"? -- Vince Lombardi

We were asked to write about our feelings regarding football. I don't know if apathy can be considered a feeling. If anything, it's an anti-feeling...but that pretty much sums up my feelings (or lack thereof) regarding football. I find it to be unengaging, dull, and repetitive. Then again, I also find baseball and basketball to be cut from the same cloth. I'm just not sports-minded. Or maybe it doesn't seem challenging enough. I mean, I get the whole physical endurance & strength thing -- and the working-as-part-of-a-team thing ... and a little bit of the strategy thing. But for the most part, sports just don't grab me.

My niece DOES take after me!

I am absolutely chortling with delight! My mother informed me, by phone tonight, that my niece was awed to learn I am taking swordfighting lessons. This information was delivered in between segments of watching The Princess Bride, and apparently, encouraged Lauren to fashion a sword out of Tinkertoys, wield it in a variety of poses, and beckon her grandfather with a classic "come hither" index finger gesture, complete with bold phrase: "Bring it on!" I will have to see if my short wooden tai chi sword is the right size for her to practice with ... and it makes me want to get my own practice blade so we can do this together, the next time I see her. I'll have to talk to my instructor tomorrow!

Minus four degrees fahrenheit?!

This thermometer is attached to the outside of our home, so we can read it from the kitchen window. This was the reading first thing this morning. It is the coldest reading we've had since we got the thermometer about 4 years ago!

No dark corners

Today's Quote from A Fancy Word for Simple:

The greatest gift you ever give is your honest self.

-Fred Rogers

I've always liked Mr. Rogers. He was just a really cool guy. I never thought he was geeky or nerdy. Well, that's not saying much, as I am, myself a geek and a nerd! *grin* I like this quote of his, because the gift works both ways -- not just a gift you give to others, but one you give to yourself. When you are honest with yourself, there is nothing to fear, no dark corners that get cobwebby and scary. If you live life like that, it is, indeed, a beautiful day in the neighborhood!

Focus .... FOCUS!!!

I am trying hard to focus. I feel terrible. Something massively wrong is going on my abdomen. It's been going on for about 9 hours, and I'm heartily tired of it. I ate dinner, and I actually feel better, but I wish it would stop. Nonetheless, it isn't, so I'm still churning through my to-do list.

Here's today's quote from A Fancy Word for Simple:

"I used to be Snow White, but I drifted."
Mae West

I've always liked Mae West quotes. I find her to be a really sassy chick -- she doesn't take any crap, manages to twist a guy around her finger, and doesn't care if people think awful things of her. She's a lady who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to get it. I'd like to think I am like her in that respect -- going after what I want, without fear.

or, maybe I'm possessed?

Ken's proposed the idea that this new focus in my life is not an obsession or a passion, but that instead, I am possessed. So, here's the definition: domination, actuation, or obsession by a feeling, idea, etc. I don't know how well that fits, though -- it's not really dominating me, just threading its way throughout my day, my brain, and my body. And my decisions. And my plans. That's all. Is that so wrong? *grin* All I can say is this: Have you ever felt like you were just BORN to do something? A perfect fit: hand in glove. Like you must have done it in a past life. As if you'd already learned it, and were just now remembering it again? It's like that. My word for 2007 is "joy" ... and THIS new pursuit is definitely bringing me that, in spades.

Obsession vs. Passion

I'm thinking about it multiple times a day. I review it in my head when I have a spare moment. I am soaking up information about it, like a dry sponge. I can't wait to get more. I am dreaming about it. I am waking up with more ideas, more questions, and I feel compelled to get answers and to see if my intuition is correct.

So, is it an obsession or a passion?

Obsession is defined as: (a) the domination of one's thoughts or feelings by a persistent idea, image, desire, etc. (b) Compulsive preoccupation with a fixed idea or an unwanted feeling or emotion, often accompanied by symptoms of anxiety (c) an unhealthy and compulsive preoccupation with something or someone.

Well (a) is on the money, but I'd have to say that (b) doesn't fit, because this is definitely wanted. And (c) also doesn't fit, because it's not unhealthy.

Passion is defined as: (a) strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for anything (b) Boundless enthusiasm (c) an irrational but irresistible motive for a belief or action.

And I'd have to say that (a) is right on the money, as is (b) [Just ask Kim, Chris, Jason, or Ken ... they'll tell you how I look when I talk about it], and as for (c), it certainly is irresistible, but I am not sure it's irrational.

For now, I'll have to say that it's my new passion. And it borders on obsession.

Journeys

Today's Quote from a Fancy Word for Simple:

"Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there."

-Will Rogers

This puts me in mind of Dory, from Finding Nemo: "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming." I often hum this to myself when I feel I am just too damned tired to put one foot in front of another! I rarely "just sit there." In fact, that concept is really hard for me to delve into. Even so, I can see times where I've felt justified in taking an extensive break, just because I'm on the right path. It seems like something a Chinese philosopher would have said about roads not being the same thing as journeys. Long live the journey!