I was speaking with a sweet friend a few weeks back and mentioned to her that I had not been feeling sexy as of late. What I really meant was that I hadn't been feeling very feminine/attractive. You know that pep you have when you're looking good - it seems to have vanished for me. These days I've been feeling plain and frumpy. So here's a quick list of what makes me feel sexy, put-together and all-around confident.
Soft, shaven, sun-kissed skin
Long, tousled hair (My hair is naturally curly so the grass is of course always greener...)
Passionate kisses...
and sweet kisses too
The film Something New with Sanaa Lathan and Simon Baker
Their chemistry is almost tangible and how sexy is the nail polish scene?!
Robin Thicke's tunes are synonymous with s-e-x-y. Here's a stand-out song called I Need Love
So on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day I made an effort to dress up, got my hair did and put on some makeup. It was nice to finally get out of my rut. Personal experience has led me to this conclusion - albeit an obvious one - feeling good and making an effort go hand in hand. It's amazing what a difference shaven legs can make, at least for me. So, take some time for yourself and invest in what makes you feel confident and alive.
Now I know it's been a while since my last post but I was surprised to see it had been since July. That just seems way too long ago...
As you know, from my initial posts, I was planning my first trip to Europe with destination to Spain and Paris. The trip came and went and was fantastic. Spain felt friendly and familiar and I loved getting lost in the narrow cobble-stoned streets and walking into hidden squares. Paris was as magical as one could imagine. Even the rain and overcast skies couldn't dampen the City of Light. The gloomy weather made it that much more romantic and surreal.
Vacation gave me that restorative, pensive, what-will-I-do differently feeling... I love that time away always seems to have that effect on me.
The cooler Fall weather (and by cool here in Florida, I mean a high of 81) adds to this feeling of change. I drove home tonight with windows down and breeze running through my hair and something just felt...different. Something felt new and reborn. I know that sounds cheesy but I just can't help it. The change is so real it's tangible. The feeling I have inside is reminiscent of the start of a New Year and while we're 3 months shy of welcoming 2012, change feels so right now.
I'm tired of the monotony. I want to do more, read more, write more. Love more, share more. I want to be passionate. I want to sing and play guitar. I want to cook more and bake more. I have a house that needs to be redecorated, a garage that needs to be finished. I want to take walks and go bike riding...
Any way I go about it, I make a list. Lists are my roadmaps, if you will. I jot down my wants and desires and wishes. Then I prioritize and budget and ask myself "how can X become reality?"
Here's to new directions and new adventures. Well, newness in general. Out with the old and in with the new as change is upon us.
I truly believe that you can tell a lot about a person by looking at their Top 25 Most Played Songs on iTunes.
I was feeling rather introspective as I was cleaning my house last weekend and realized that most of my top songs are love songs. Now, I love a good love song, but come on. Almost all the songs are about love. Some fast, some slow. Most in English with others in Spanish. But most about love. A hopeless romantic is what I am - clearly evident in my playlist.
But come to think of it, love truly is what's sung about the most - when we long for it, when it's unrequited, when our hearts are broken or on the mend, when love's new or when it's tried and true, the passion, the heat, the mountains and the valleys, about our family and our friends, love lost and love renewed and when we find love again... we can go on and on and so do the songs.
So, here's a snapshot of my Top 25 Playlist...
Tennessee - Peal Harbor - Hans Zimmer
I don't think there will ever be another reigning song on my Top 25. I've loved this song since I heard it play throughout the film when I was in high school. The strings and keys are such a lovely, soft combination. And I'm sure it's because of the movie but I feel like I'm flying when I hear it. Brothers along with And Then I Kissed Him... are equally beautiful.
Songbird - Love Actually Soundtrack - Eva Cassidy
Thanks to glee, I discovered that this song is originally a Fleetwood Mac song but I've gotta say, I prefer this version hands-down. I heard the song in a scene from Love Actually where Sarah, who's in love with Carl, and Carl, who's in love with Sarah, finally get together. The song has such feeling and the words are simple yet profound.
Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart - Alicia Keys - The Element of Freedom
This song helped me mourn the dissolution of a relationship. One line in particular stood out above the rest ... So rather than hold on to a broken dream, I'll just hold on to love...
No bashing, no regrets. Only moving on and looking ahead.
What are some of your Top 25 songs? And no, they don't have to be a love song...
Of all the places one could birth those ah-ha moments, I find that in my office restroom. It's quiet and compact and just happens to be that unique retreat from the workday whirlwind.
Two days ago, I had, what I like to call, a moment of realization (in my office restroom):
Love is a beautiful thing. For those of us that have been in love, you know it has the potential to be this all-consuming force that skyrockets to the top of our priority list. We think about them and dream about them. We plan our weddings and name our children. (Come on, ladies. You know you did.)
And yes, love is indeed a many splendored thing, so let's embrace it all.
Romantic love isn't everything. Sure, it's wonderful and gives you that on-cloud-9 feeling, but there are other types of love to be thankful for like the love of a mother, the love of a friend, God's love. There are other things to desire and hunger for. There are other interests and people and causes that are worthy of our passion and commitment.
So for those of us who are longing for love, let's take a moment to reflect on the love that's present in our lives, for the things that inspire and enrich us and be grateful for the powers and the people who so kindly bestow it.
And for all those seeking, romantic love will come when it's meant to come so rest assured and enjoy the ride.
"General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there – fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge – they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around."
It's 8:27 pm and I'm finally at home. I'm in my bed wearing my favorite Flashdance-inspired t-shirt courtesy of my beloved sister. (Thank you, Jack-Face)
If there's one thing I dislike it's coming home late from a long day with no time to relax. None at all. There's only time to prepare for the next day and get to bed only to do it all over again.
Now, I'm a list-maker, this we all know, so I enjoy routine and tradition. But I love to unwind and relax. I enjoy quiet evenings that allow me to re-charge so I'm glad that tonight, on this rainy summer Thursday, I have been awarded that opportunity.
As my work day was coming to an end, my mind was flooded with things to do and I fully intended on making it happen but was reminded by a dear friend to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Not only have I been go-go-go this week, I was non-stop last week and the weekend was so eventful that there was no downtime. Fun, but still, no downtime. So, at the urging of my long-time friend, the task of the evening is now to do absolutely nothing and revel in it.
I'm happy to announce that all items on my To-Do List have been completed! {Insert applause and praise}
Well, the only exception is practicing guitar since that's a life-long task but the practice has been consistent. The Brooke Fraser song, Something in the Water, which I have been learning is proving to be extra challenging. But as they say, whoever they may be, Practice makes perfect and so practice I shall. Learning to play an instrument is something I really, really want to master. As a singer, I understand my strengths and weaknesses and one of the areas in which I lack is range. Sure wish I could hit the High E above C like Christina Aguilera or pound my chest like Celine Dion but I can't and I never will. It's just not in my natural ability. That's where guitar playing comes in - I can sing and play at the same time. A feat that not all vocalists can do and a goal that I surely will accomplish. Plus, I can be my very own one-(wo)man show.
The Madrid accomodations have finally been booked! My upcoming vacation had felt like it was light years away but now I can see it in the horizon and I cannot wait. The hostel is highly rated on Trip Advisor and was featured in Fodors. Our room has an exterior view with a quaint balcony overlooking the city center. This will surely be a trip to remember!
While perusing the film selections at my local library, I found Vicky Cristina Barcelona and watched it on my day off last week. It immediately excited me - the scenery, the long, no-rush dinners, Javier Bardem's English-speaking accent and the music. Here's a scene from the film where you can hear some of the soothing sounds of Spanish guitar. Enjoy.
It's easy to overlook freedom because we have it, it's ours for the taking but not without sacrifice and effort made by men and women throughout history and even still today.
I am happy to announce that Task # 2 - Fix garage key pad and remotes - can be checked off the To-Do List! It's a treat to enter and exit your garage with the press of a button. Glad to have that luxury restored once again.
Today I have some light grocery shopping to do and continue planning for my trip to Spain. And let's not forget, guitar practice.
Another exciting thing on today's agenda is baking. My sister and I will try our hand at home-made red velvet cupcakes and the cream cheese frosting to adorn these little beauties. Fingers crossed!
I've had a desire to watch Pretty Woman for so, so long and I was delighted when I came across it while at my local library this weekend.
So, here's to a Monday filled with dessert and Julia Roberts.
The reason why I want to liberate myself from the ties of list-making is because I list almost everything, even the things I have virtually no control over. Most of my personal and professional goals don't get jotted down on physical paper but are on the tablet of my mind (Thank you, Lil' Wayne). That's normal, yes. But I have learned a valuable lesson in recent days, thanks to a dear friend who is on a similar road.
We want what we want. Fulfillment. To travel. A home. Love. Children. Successful career. The list goes on and on and on. Some things we can control. Other things we cannot. And for those things outside of our control, let's learn to let go. Life will bring things into our lives but we don't know when or how. Let's just enjoy the ride and be grateful for what we have right now.
My friend is starting a gratitude journal where each day you write one thing that you are grateful for. Just one sentence a day, something simple to commit to that can have a major impact. We're so quick to complain about our day with all the things that went wrong and what we still don't have and while it's healthy to vent, let's also reflect on the good things in our lives.
Try it today. Write one thing that you are grateful for and reflect on it. I think it has the possibility to change your outlook.
...and practice I did! Stole away some time this evening to practice scales and chords. Also, learning to play Brooke Fraser's Something in the Water. I love this folky little tune and, when mastered, it's a song I can actually sing along to as I play. Definitely something to look forward to.
2. Fix garage key pad and remote.
I haven't even made contact with the garage expert. In fact, I don't even have his number in my phone. First step is to get his number and schedule an appointment. Gotta get 'er done.
3. Book Madrid hostel.
Found a great location in the City Center with availability and at a fair price. Waiting on travel companion to confirm before booking. After Madrid, it's on to Valencia, Seville, Granada, Barcelona and Paris. Can't believe Euro trip is a few short months away!
As a parting gift, enjoy the sounds (and sights) of Ms. Fraser's Something in the Water...
As for most people, Monday begins the daily grind. There tends to be a sluggish start to the day as it signals the definite end to the weekend. Now, I love my job but that doesn't change the curse of the Monday's. While en route to work yesterday, instead of singing along to my Top 25 iTunes playlist I couldn't help but make a mental list, well, truthfully an audible-talking-to-myself-in-the car list of all the things I had to do. Most people see my lists and say "Wow, you must be so organized" and while the organization part is true and a benefit for sure, lists are both a blessing and a curse. The blessing comes through organization and not allowing things to slip through the mental cracks but the curse is that one becomes bound to their lists. It's all gotta be written down or you won't remember it. There's no room for spontaneity. There's only calculation and precision and exactness.
A friend recently glanced at a To-Do list I had on my iPhone that had shave my legs as a weekend task. I mean, you know you've reached a certain extreme when shaving your legs is on the list. Why not include get out of bed while I'm at it. So, for 2011, my goal has been to simplify. Simplify the lists. Go on a whim every now and then. Be spontaneous. Recognize that everything does not have to be calculated or planned or categorized. I mean, don't get me wrong, I want exactness when it comes to finances and paying bills and career planning but that's only a fraction of the life to be lived.
I want to embrace life and the unexpected moments. Have more fun. Be careless and free. Adopt a bit of that bohemian spirit. So, I thank you, Monday, for reaffirming the importance of balance.
So, here it is, my first realistic venture into list-making. Usually, when consumed with an idea or struck with a sudden bout of I-need-to-get-organized-and-now, I spiral into a To-Do list / note-taking frenzy.
I've simplified the list to tasks that carry the most significance and are high priority.
I can't even say that I play guitar because I don't. To my teacher's dismay, I don't practice enough to call it playing. All I can say is that I am learning to play and have been doing so for over a year now, maybe two. Shameful, I know. Mr. Guitar Teacher says even five minutes a day will make a big difference. Totally doable.
The ease of driving into your garage as soon as you pull into your driveway is a simple treasure I have recently come to appreciate. After my keypad and two garage remotes ceased to work, I've had to back my car out of garage, run into the house and close the garage door, lock the door, exit through the front door and then drive off. The two minutes spent doing what I just mentioned could be spent playing guitar. See how important this particular task is?
Madrid is the first stop on my summer trip abroad where I will reunite with my darling best friend after 8 months apart. Looking to book something affordable with a balcony overlooking some beautiful plaza. Fingers crossed.
I told myself very clearly this afternoon that enough was enough. I've spent hours of my (young) life making my infamous To-Do lists and with not much to show for it. That is it. The time has finally come where whatever task is penned onto paper (or typed into iPhone note pad) will indeed come to pass (and if not to fruition, then at least a good ol' honest attempt).
I do not discriminate went it comes to list-making. They are comprised of a myriad of things, from the mundane, everyday tasks - empty the dishwasher, pay the electric bill - to the more adventurous - end world hunger, reface kitchen cabinets. All tasks, ideas, wants, needs, hopes and dreams are eventually jotted down somewhere. But today is different. I've grown tired of list-making without the desired end result.
Today, I'll make a stand and I'll make it happen...one check mark at a time.
