Day 243 - 10 Things

"I hate the way you talk to me, and the way you cut your hair. I hate the way you drive my car. I hate it when you stare. I hate your big dumb combat boots, and the way you read my mind. I hate you so much it makes me sick; it even makes me rhyme. I hate it, I hate the way you're always right. I hate it when you lie. I hate it when you make me laugh, even worse when you make me cry. I hate it when you're not around, and the fact that you didn't call. But mostly I hate the way I don't hate you. Not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all." - From the movie, 10 Things I Hate About You

Day 242 - D+

I really need to study my ASL more often! Every week we have quizzes, and while the instructor does not "count" these quizzes, the sad thing is today I would have gotten a D+ if she did. Time to buckle down, especially if I want to continue onto the next levels. Sometimes (most times) it's very hard to balance it all, two jobs and what seems to be a super accelerated class, but I must succeed now as the classes going forward are with non-speaking teachers! This means that all the next level classes are taught by non-speaking, deaf teachers - if I don't know the signs, I will not understand the class! Wish me luck.

Day 241 - MMOM

1) Do you have any pets?
I'm owned by two cats.

2) Do you text or call?
Text more often then I should.

3) AM or FM?
Both actually. I listen to more AM then I ever thought I would.

4) Dream vacation?
Hmm? Disneyland, Bora Bora, Australia...

5) How do you get your news?
I listen to AM radio for the most part, and hear other things word of mouth. I try not to watch the news as it's mostly depressing!

Day 240 - Extraordinaire

Today I subbed at work for a friend and rocked it out! Well, except for the brief moment when I had to yell at her pupils for being late and not paying attention. Despite that, classes went well and I sold 3 new classes and talked up 3 more potential sales. Management was so impressed at my machine like sales drive, that they bought me lunch! It's the little things that make my day, yay for positive reinforcement!

Day 239 - Pomegranate

I tried to order a Pomegranate Margarita tonight in effort to try something new.

Me: I'd like one of these please (pointing to the drink menu). Does it come in any other size than what's pictured?

Waitress: No, it comes in the highball glass. But I can ask the bartender to make it bigger.

Me: Okay, can I get it in the "Presidente" size?

Waitress: I don't know.

Me: Okay...well if it's a problem, I'll just order a Blue Curacao.

Waitress: What size?

Me: Whatever size it comes in.

Waitress: A regular size martini glass?

Me: No, doesn't it come in the bigger glass?

Waitress: Do you want the original size?

Me: Whatever size it comes in.

Waitress walks away, and comes back shortly...

Waitress: What's a Blue Curacao?

Me: A blue Margarita.

Waitress: Do you mean the Blue Pacific?

Me: Yes - just order that!

Sadly, the 15 minute exchange didn't do anything for my mood, or the quality of my beverage.

Day 238 - Colbie

Tonight, despite having a very rough day, I kept my promise and plans and went out with friends for a pre-planned, concert event. While I have to admit my heart and head weren't totally in attendance, it was good to get out with friends. Sometimes facing fear is just getting up and doing the things you planned. The photo above is of Colbie Calliat in concert.

Day 237 - Shooters

I went out to dinner with an awesome friend tonight. We went out for Sushi. While I like scallops, I wasn't quite expecting, literally, having the "Scallop Shooters" I ordered be served in a lumpy liquid filled shot glass. Now that's scary stuff (or at least scary looking!).

"Bottoms up!", I thought as I lifted the seafood laden shot glass to my lips and took a sip. Not bad, however I would definitely recommend the Crab Rangoon over the slimy shot any day! Despite the odd appetizer, the rest of dinner and the BYOB bottle of wine with the flying pig on it was great! Go ahead, try something new the next time you're at dinner.

Day 236 - Compliment Wednesday

I got another compliment on my pet training skills today! That's two Wednesdays in a row (yay me!) that I received a compliment on our corporate survey. The great thing about the survey is that it trickles down from corporate, to our district, and then to my store and managers, and then to me! It's good to be reminded that not all attention is negative!

Day 235 - Favors

Today I was asked for a favor by someone I hardly know. Do you ever get that uneasy feeling when you hear or read the words, "Can you do me a favor?". Yeah, I got that sense of doom today, but decided to (attempt to) be the good citizen despite my fear. The best thing is, my efforts paid off and I got to upgrade an acquaintance to a friend. By spending some time helping someone else I got to know them a bit better, yay for humanitarianism!

Day 234 - MMOM

1. What is your favorite yogurt flavor?
I love Fage Greek yogurt with strawberries.

2. Ankle or knee socks? and on the same theme, white socks or coloured??
Ankle, and white or black. On rare occasion, tan.

3. How is the weather right now?
Sunny and gorgeous.

4. Are you a fast typer?
Yes...and now ask me how accurate I am?

5. Red or White Wine?
Usually red, I am enjoying trying different Pinot Noirs right now.

Day 233 - Study Buddy

I met up with a fellow student from ASL class to study together today. I know it's not super scary, but reaching out and making new friends isn't always the easiest thing to do either. I figured, what have I got to lose, right? Best thing is, we met up at Dunkin' Donuts and she bought me some type of Oreo cookie coffee drink, and it was awesome!

Day 232 - Mud

Today I drove to the Dirty Girl Mud Run hosted in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin. That's about 140 miles away from my home. Did I mention, it rained so hard while I was driving that I could hardly see four feet in front of my car? I was afraid and thought about turning around to go home. Yes, the weather was that bad! I pushed through the storm, and safely arrived to my destination courtesy of my Tom Tom just as the rain turned to barely a sprinkle. By the time I made it to the nearest port-a-potty, this is what I saw over the parking lot. Beautiful.



The closer I got to the event starting line, I saw signs such as...



and...



After I picked up my registration packet and bib, I saw the starting gate corral, filled with plenty of girls just waiting to get dirty.



It wasn't long before my gear was checked, and I headed to the starting line. I immediately introduced myself as Lynn, and started up a conversation with some fellow "Mudders". We worked our way through the first obstacle, the "Barn Burner" below, and then all the sudden my new friends started calling me Jill. At first I let it go. But three obstacles and tons of cheering on later, I finally said, "I'm sorry, but my name is Lynn, not Jill". And that's when they pointed out my bib said I was "Jill Patty". I have no idea who this girl Jill was, or how I got her bib, but I did feel sorry for her at that moment as I am sure not having a bib waiting for her at the registration tent made for an eventful morning for her! Poor Jill.



As the event continued, I got muddier by the moment. Obstacles like the water and mud pit below didn't help, but sure were fun!



My biggest fear of the course was conquering the wall climb. Since the wall came in 2, 4, 6 and 8 foot sections, I joked that I would take on the 2ft section and just jump over it. Once I was actually face to face with the beast, I challenged myself and climbed over the 6ft section instead. Maybe next year I will conquer the 8ft section.



The wall climb was a breeze compared to the second to last obstacle which was the cargo net climb! I confidently made my way up the net, and then froze once I reached the top! I felt like cat stuck in a tree! Thank goodness for great moral support and girl power, since two complete strangers started talking me down from the top. "Focus on me, don't look down", I heard one say. Another said, "OK, swing your leg over, you got this!", and the encouragement continued until I was safely off of the net. I thanked them, and God profusely for helping me tackle this two- story challenge.



After one last water obstacle, I was done! I completed my first 5K mud run!



As I headed to the "showers", I saw this fun sign...



This is me, post race and loaded with mud.



Oh, this photo doesn't include my shoes or legs, but the one below does!



Needless to say, I didn't feel the need to keep my water logged and mud laden shoes, so they ended up here...



I can't wait until next year's mud run, it was so much fun!

Day 231 - Shocked

Today was the worst pre-Chiropractic electrical-stim session I've ever had. And to add insult to injury, I got a half hearted and very lame, "sorry" from the administrator. Now, let me clarify, the session was not hosted by my actual chiropractic office, and was done third party. In addition, my misery was not caused by my chiropractor or an actual adjustment.

Based on the link above, electrical stimulation is supposed to help the range of muscle movement. Well I can attest that it sure does! Range of motion issues? I had no range of motion issues in moving my arms up over my head and behind my back in order to literally rip off the way too hot heat pack and over stimulating electrodes that were causing massive amounts of pain all while yelling, "THIS HURTS!" in hopes that someone would come rescue me. A few moments later, the "therapists" as I'll loosely call them, came into the room and asked what the problem was. Umm, you electrocuted me, that's what the problem is!

I like to pride myself on the fact that I am not a wimp when it comes to pain, but this session was just way too much, and definitely not relaxing as it was intended to be. I could have had the same session at home with a plugged in hair dryer and full bathtub, only much cheaper! So what is the lesson or scary thing here for me? That I actually spoke up and complained instead of enduring the pain was a huge step for me. In addition, not that it did much good, but I complained to my Chiropractic office as well as the people administering the "therapy" in hopes of sparing the next electric chair victim.

Day 230 - Reading

"The lessons of love come in many different forms. Fascinated by the affection [her horse, Lay Me Down,] accords a stranger, Richards notes the mare's courage and slowly begins to emulate it in her own life, opening up to a love affair and its aftermath and proving to herself that she will not run when life pushes hard against her heart." - Pamela Crossland for Booklist from the American Library Association

I just completed reading the book, "Chosen By A Horse" by Susan Richards. While "Chosen By A Horse" wasn't a bad novel (by any means), I felt that the story ended flatly. While there were lessons learned by the main character, I felt there was little development or examples of putting those lessons to use. Me personally, I have to be proverbially "beaten over the head" sometimes in order to learn a lesson, so I recognize my own bias of the outcome of this novel. In addition, I think what I missed most was a happy, fairy tale ending. Perhaps I still want to read how the changed heroine ends up with her Prince Charming, and that's just not quite how this story ends. While the ending leaves it's reader with hope, I can't say it left me with that "warm fuzzy" feeling I had expected. Call me a hopeless romantic, and call Susan Richards a great author, despite me feeling that the story ended a bit soft! If you love or have any interest in horses, Susan Richards is the author for you! Next read in progress is "A Dog's Purpose". I'll keep you posted!

Day 229 - Triple Score

I arrived at my part-time job and over heard my managers discussing a great compliment about an employee. The best thing was that, it was about ME! A client submitted a compliment to our corporate office about how fantastic I am (their words, not mine) and all the good I did for them and their pup. They also included how they can't wait to take the next level class with me, the highest compliment I can receive as a trainer. What a great way to start my night! Shortly afterwards, I closed the deal on 3 sales (for a slow Wednesday, that's phenomenal) and I had one of the best, first night Intermediate classes ever! Triple score for me, I get a gold star for this Wednesday!

Day 228 - Meanie Pants (Part 2)

I finally spoke to Meanie Pants about the derogatory commentary offered (see previous post). After a bit of back pedaling and excuse giving, I got my apology. In addition, Meanie Pants is supposed to apologize to my staff (I hope he does, they deserve it!). In the meantime, I feel vindicated. Yay for confrontations!

Day 227 - MMOM

1. How often do you pray?
Often, but increases are directly proportionate to the amount of chaos I'm surrounded by.

2. What do you order when you eat Chinese food?
First, I must confess the "Chinese" food that I was raised on is actually Cantonese food, so I do not like typical Chinese food. Despite sharing the same name, the Cantonese version of my favorite dishes are pretty darn different when compared to Chinese food. When ordering from my favorite Cantonese restaurant, Ming Toy, I will order 2 crispy egg rolls, and chicken fried rice. Occasionally, I will get Sweet and Sour Chicken.

3. If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?
Medical Illustrator, as this was what I was born to do.

4. Do you prefer your toilet paper to come over the roll or under the roll?
Over.

5. What was your favorite TV show as a child?
Hmm, I don't know that I can narrow it to just one, and at what age? As a child my favorites ranged from Underdog, Popeye and The Flintstones to The Facts of Life and Diff'rent Strokes.

Day 226 - Sweet Serendipity

"Sweet Serendipity" by Lee Dewyze has become one of my favorite songs, and the most poignant line I find is... "I don't want to hold on, I want the strength to let go". Sometimes letting go takes more courage and strength then hanging on.

I ain’t got no car
And I've got one pair of jeans
They’ve been stretched too far
And now they’re weak at the seams
I can’t say what’s next
And I got nothin' up my sleeve
But I don’t lose my head
Cause it ain’t really up to me

[chorus]
And I’m doing just fine
I’m always landing on my feet
In the nic of time
And by the skin of my teeth
I ain’t gonna stress
Cause the worst ain’t happened yet
Somethings watching over me
Like Sweet Serendipity
Sweet Serendipity

I don’t ask for a lot
No nothing more than I need
Because I love what I got
Don’t need to play the lottery
I just want to be strong
At the end of the road
I don’t want to hold on
I want the strength to let go

[chorus]

And what will be will be
In the nic of time
And by the skin of my teeth
I aint gonna stress
Cause the worst ain’t happened yet

Somethings watching over me
Like Sweet Serendipity
Sweet Serendipity
Like Sweet Serendipity

Don’t look fate can only find you
You can’t choose for something to surprise you
Set sail without a destination
Just see where the wind will take you
You never know when you're gonna fall
But I'm not worried
No I'm not worried

[chorus]

And I’m doing just fine
I’m always landing on my feet
In the nic of time
And by the skin of my teeth
I ain’t gonna stress
Cause the worst ain’t happend yet
Somethings watching over me
Like Sweet Serendipity
Sweet Serendipity
Sweet Serendipity

Don’t look fate can only find you
You can’t choose for something to surprise you
Set sail without a destination

Day 225 - The Help

If you haven't already, I recommend that you read or go see the movie The Help, I thought it (the movie) was amazing!

Day 224 - Funerals...

...pretty much stink.

Day 223 - Art

- Wrigley Field -
by Steve Slaske

Of course art is subjective, but I proudly bought my first local artist piece to hang in my home. Is anyone surprised it's of Wrigley Field? After all, Wrigley is a home away from home for me. While the print is small, 5.5" x 17", it will hang proudly on an entry way wall. I love ink and water color, and even got to meet the artist in person. Be sure to check out Steve Slaske's website, and more importantly, check out and support your local artists!

Day 222 - Badger

"STOP BADGERING THE WITNESS!". A familiar phrase if you've ever watched any type of courtroom television show, but what happens when you're at work, and you're busy, and someone insists on badgering you and there is no legal representation to defend you? It's not like you're just kinda busy, you have looming deadlines to meet (like, in ten minutes) and additionally, your distress is obvious to the person badgering you, yet they keep badgering you!

Example? I'm on a conference call and working on my computer simultaneously. My boss has just left my workspace, insisting I meet her deadline on a project (in addition to what I'm already working on), and an instant message has just popped up on my computer with yet another work related task. I'm pretty much over my limit with stress at this point, but yet, the Badger insists on coming to talk to me, and then hover over me and even states, "I know you're busy, but...". Well, if you know I'm busy, then GO AWAY is what I want to scream, but before I can respond, the Badger is gnawing away at me asking questions. I can't even think straight at this point, much less logically compute it's request or respond, and yet the Badger remains relentless. I struggle to answer, and finally I turn around and in my most agitated voice state, "CAN WE HANDLE THIS IN 15 MINUTES?". Sensing this wasn't really a question, the Badger looked on in shock and then responded positively to my request and retreated.

What did I learn from this situation? That when dealing with a Badger, in conversation, everything that comes before the word "but" doesn't matter. The Badger knew (and could physically see) I was swamped, and more so drowning in work, yet it didn't matter. The Badger felt the need to make it's issues my priority despite visibly causing aggravation and stress. Once the Badger was proverbially "smacked in the nose" by my comment, it retreated. Why couldn't this scenario have gone that way in the first place, meaning, that the Badger viewed my workload and then proactively choose to come back in 15 minutes? Well because that's not the nature of the Badger! Knowing that badgers will come and go, I suggest we all figure out our own forms of badger repellent, and more so, don't be afraid to use it! Happy badger hunting!

Just say "NO" to badgers!

Day 221 - Donor

If they say bad things happen in threes, I don't want to find out what the third bad thing is, as I just found out the second. Sadly, my co-worker and friend who I previously posted about succumbed to a stroke this weekend, and passed away. Rather than posting about the sadness, what I want to focus on here is organ donation. Lynn (yes that's my name too) not only proved to be a generous spirit in life, but at the end of it as well. Hopefully, through her organ donation other families will not have to suffer an unneeded loss.

Please think about becoming an organ donor, if you haven't already, and make sure your family knows your wishes as well. You can find a local donor registry (in the USA) to sign up at this government site. While I know not everyone feels the same, my personal thought is to recycle what you no longer have a use for.

111,828 people are waiting for a transplant

18 people will die each day waiting for an organ

1 organ donor can save up to 8 lives

Day 220 - Short

I received sad news today, that someone I hardly knew passed away this weekend in an unfortunate and really, freak, accident. I cried almost immediately. I thought nothing except, "how senseless!". How can someone I saw practically every day, yet hardly knew affect me so deeply? Because of the context in which I knew her, no matter how limited. She was positive. She was bubbly. She was healthy. She was energetic, and if you spoke to her for just a few minutes (which I did), that energy was contagious. I've learned now after the fact, in addition to my limited knowledge of her life, that she was a "go getter" and had done and continued to do nothing but positive things in her life personally and professionally. She was 24. I'm 35 and while I know better than to compare my life and accomplishments to others, I can't help but pause and think, what the hell am I doing here? This comes weeks after a previous post where another co-worker's brush with death left me questioning my purpose. While I won't repeat that sentiment or blog post here, I will leave myself, and to you my readers, these reminders...

“Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it's business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don't love what you're doing and you can't give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You'll be an old man before you know it.” - Al Lopez

“Life is too short not to make the best and the most of everything that comes your way everyday.” - Sasha Azevedo

“Life is too short to spend your precious time trying to convince a person who wants to live in gloom and doom otherwise. Give lifting that person your best shot, but don't hang around long enough for his or her bad attitude to pull you down. Instead, surround yourself with optimistic people.” - Zig Ziglar

Day 219 - Plans

John Lennon once sang, "Life is what happens to you when you're busy making plans". Couldn't have said it better myself. Example? See below.

Today's Plans:

Get up early

Go to breakfast with significant other

Stroll through the city, possibly visit the zoo

Unwind at home in the afternoon

Watch mindless tv

Possibly order pizza for dinner

Today's Actual Events:

Sleep in

Make breakfast at home
Don't get showered and out the door until after 1:00pm
Attempt to find cheap tickets to the Cubs game
Fail to find cheap tickets
Go to favorite pizza place, order pizza for lunch
Watch Cubs game on TV
Stroll around city and window shop
Return to Wrigley Field (on way home from lunch)
Watch 7th inning through opening in right field wall
Continue walking home
By pass building and walk directly to car

Listen to the rest of the Cubs game on radio

Drive to movie theater

See "Crazy Stupid Love" instead of "Horrible Bosses" because boyfriend misread times

Enjoy movie immensely

Drive home and relax

Watch "South Park" and "He-Man"
Kiss boyfriend good-bye

Day 218 - Wicked Queen

- Disney's Wicked Queen with Poison Apple -

One of my nicknames is, "Queen". So, when I went to one of my favorite Irish restaurants, "Wilde", and saw the martini menu, one beverage screamed out at me, quite loudly I might add. Right there in bold print it stated, "WICKED QUEEN". How could I not order this? Oh, I know, because I don't really care for martinis. But, the fact that the beverage was a martini mixed with my favorite Irish cider (Bulmer's if you're in Ireland, but dubbed Magner's in the USA) how could I go wrong? (Because it's still a martini, that's how!).

Choosing to order my $10 dollar Wicked Queen at risk of throwing my money down the drain, I decided to face fear and try something new. Moments later, it arrived.

- Wilde's Wicked Queen -

The poison was in front of me, in a chilled martini class with a cherry garnish. I took one sip of the Apple Stoli Vodka, Apple Pucker and Magner's Cider mix and fell in love. And ya know what, it didn't kill me! It tasted like a Granny Smith apple, not too bitter and not too sweet. I recommend every one indulge their "wickedness" once in a while. What are you waiting for?

Day 217 - Meanie Pants

Tuesday a manager was very mean to me, as well as my staff, by making a very derogatory statement about our work and success or, in his opinion, lack thereof. Wednesday I went to seek him out and talk to him about his demotivating comment. He was busy. Thursday I sent him an email stating I needed to talk to him. Friday, I reminded his smug ass that we needed to talk as he ran in and out of the elevator, and I sent yet another email reminder to him stating we need to set up a time to talk on Monday. I am not letting his attitude and commentary go unchecked. While I realize I may not be able to change his opinion, every one's entitled to one (even if they are wrong!), but I will hold him accountable for his statement and make him aware of the fall out from his comment, which has led to an unmotivated and depressed staff.

Despite a rough week, I left work early on Friday on a high, positive note, as a manager from another department had heard of the foul behavior and commended my team and their constant help and stated that the meanie-pants manager must have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed that morning. Yay for positive reinforcement!

Day 216 - Award

I just received the following Liebster award from John at RJR Daydreamer. I have to say a special thank you to him, as I think he's one of my original followers and possibly vice versa! I really do enjoy the cyber, blog community that I'm slowly building here and have become addicted to posting and reading! Thank you John for the award, and to those of you reading this, stop by his blog!

What is the Liebster Blog award? Of course I had to Google it. It seems the meaning may be up in the air, but best I can find, it's German for, "best" or "dearest". And, the intention behind the award is to allow bloggers with smaller following (under 300) to recognize other fellow bloggers. With that said, the rules are:

1. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.
Thank you John!!!

2. Reveal your top 5 (or in my case, 4) picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.

Joanne at 10 Minutes 2 Breathe

Daisy at Down Under Daisy

Tim at The Life of Riles

Doris at Hold My Hand

3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.

4. Have faith that your followers will spread the love to other bloggers.

5. And most of all - have bloggity-blog fun!

Day 215 - Wordless Wednesday

Feel free to add a caption!

Day 214 - Smart A$$

Can't say I tackled anything scary today, and after the day I've had the most positive thing I can post here is, that I learned how to sign the word "smart ass" in ASL.

Day 213 - MMOM

I can't believe August is already here!

1) Last book read?
Just completed Betty White's, "If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won't)". Couldn't put this one down, it was such a quick and fun read.

2) Favorite kind of cake?
Cup-cake! I love Molly's, Blueberry Cheesecake cupcakes! Okay, seriously, I like plain white cake with butter cream frosting, and I love chocolate cake, with chocolate frosting. I'm not big on the fruity fillings.

3) Are you superstitious about anything?
I once heard wearing opals, unless they're your birthstone, was bad luck. To this day I've never worn or bought anything/jewelry containing opal.

4) Do you have any trips scheduled?
Nothing official, but lots of year end ideas.

5) Stranded on an island, what 3 things would you need (not including humans or electronic devices)?
I'm assuming I've retired as a millionaire and bought my own private island in this scenario. So in addition to my self designed house and gym, I'd want the following:
1) An endless supply of food, beverage, and a chef to cook and prepare anything I want.
2) A horse ranch (with full staff to care for the animals).
3) Lots of friends to come and visit!