Life’s tests

As we near the end of the first month of the year, I figured now was a good time to do a check of the goals I made just a few weeks ago.  I came across a quote that was simple, yet fitting: “The only way to have a life is to commit to it like crazy (Angelina Jolie).”  I want to have a life I’m proud of and do not honestly feel like I have “committed to it like crazy.”  I guess this has come to a head recently.  Granted, I am making a more conscious effort to go the extra mile and follow through better…..but not on everything.  I pick the easy things…like my responsibilities at work.  Consequently, the personal vices and unhealthy habits are taking a back seat.  The cool part that keeps me going is that I know my self-confidence will soar, my overall well-being will be on a whole other level and I’ll be happier with myself.  I can’t help but smile thinking about that.  I get in these little ruts when my mind gets consumed with fixing what is bothering me.  Life’s too short for these choices.  If I made the same effort on my habits as I do my work, I’d be in a better place.  Well, reality check to me: it’s not impossible.  No more being in a funk….no more telling one of my closest friends “I’m fine” when it’s not the truth.  Many people have issues they’d rather do without but that is part of life.  We encounter challenges to test us and make us better. I’m determined to not only pass the test, but leave it in the dust when I’m done.

 “It is not enough to take steps which may some day lead to a goal; each step must be itself a goal and a step likewise.” -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

My Version of Chicken Tetrazzini

 

While doing errands on Saturday afternoon, I made a stop in Homeland (a small grocery store).  In wondering what to make for dinner (and I do this a lot…the wondering part), I remembered I had some chicken in the freezer.  What happens frequently is that I stop there….I mean, it’s chicken.  It’s not that hard to pair it with something.  Nevertheless, I pulled out my Blackberry and typed in one of my favorite meals, Chicken Tetrazzini.  I’m an intelligent person…surely I can handle this.  I grabbed the items the recipe called for and I made my way to the check out.  I had called my Mom when this idea first started swirling in my head.  I never heard back from her so I was on my own.  This is not usually a good thing. But, I persevered….in other words, I had all the ingredients and figured ‘what the hell.’  I got home and unloaded the groceries.  I kept my Blackberry close by so I could refer to the recipe often and easily. 

  

       First, I boiled the spaghetti…..

 

                    Next, I shredded/diced up the chicken (my version of “cubing”)

After the pasta was done cooking, I put in strainer and left in sink.  The next step was to mix 2 cans of  cream of chicken soup, water, and 2 cubes of chicken bouillon together until it boils.  I transferred the pasta to a glass pan and then added the chicken.  Lastly, I poured the soup concoction over the meat and noodles and finished by sprinkling cheddar cheese all over the top.  I set the oven to 350 and when it was ready to bake, I slipped the pan inside.  I have to say that by this time, no smoke alarms had gone off (yes, it’s been known to happen when I cook) and the meal in the oven looked downright  edible. 

 

                                      And we have the end product…..

 I may have to try this cooking thing more often…..

 

Welcoming 2012

I think it was 2011 when I said that I wasn’t going to make a list of resolutions.  I was just going to live my life and try to make good choices.  Well, that was a great attempt but lately I’m becoming more of a list person.  So, the following is a list of things I want to focus on in 2012 and beyond: 

• Write more handwritten letters
• Save more
• Make smart financial decisions (see #2)
• Monitor what I eat and work out more
• Take better care of myself (goes with #4)
• Get more organized at home and work
• Be more self-confident
• Devote more time to journal/blogging
• Travel more even if just includes day trips
• Lose old bad habits
• Not put off things on my bucket list
• Get involved in community projects

 

True Friends

“Friends are those rare people who ask how you are and then wait for the answer.”  ~Author Unknown

The older I get, the more I continue to believe that when it comes to friendships, quality is more important than quantity.  When I think of the people in my life I am blessed to call my friends, I can’t help but feel loved.  I have had the privilege of recently acquiring not only a new co-worker but someone that has become a great friend.  Let me tell you, it’s pretty darn cool when I can come to work every day and look forward to the people around me.  Even though she’s only been with us about 2 months, Jenny has already been such a good influence on me and a complement to our office.  By sharing the same college, we work closely together so we’re in each other’s offices all the time. 

Along with our boss, Jenny and I recently attended a conference in Savannah, Georgia (separate blog with pictures to come).  Don’t get me wrong, the workshops were great but what I loved the most was just getting to hang out and spend time together.  Being around her is so easy and comfortable-we both feel like we’ve known each other forever.  We came back home closer and looking even more forward to working together to do the best we can at our jobs.  It’s so funny, when I would first hear of how many things we had in common-whether it be hobbies, travel or whatever….I would think “oh my gosh, seriously?”  Now, I just smile and think “yep, that fits…”   

“The best kind of friend is the one you could sit on a porch with, never saying a word, and walk away feeling like that was the best conversation you’ve had.”  ~Author Unknown

Breakfast

I got up at a reasonable hour today (7:20ish) and started with my usual routine of brushing my teeth and then heading into the kitchen to start the coffee.  I went back into my room to turn on the tv and then grabbed my laptop before hopping back onto the bed.  About an hour into working on my personal statement for the Ph.D. program and my assignment for tomorrow’s class, my stomach growling took over.  I set aside my computer and decided on cinnamon rolls for breakfast.  Actually, they were twists but essentially cinnamon rolls….just in a different form.  I’m really not a breakfast person and I know that’s REALLY, REALLY bad….and unhealthy.  I know, I know…it’s the “most important meal of the day…” blah, blah, blah.  During the week, I’m just not good at setting aside time to make anything.  I did have two smoothies this week that sort of helped alleviate some hunger.  I’m trying.  Anyway, back to the cinnamon rolls/twists….after 15 short minutes, the dinging of the oven let me know that it was time to dig in….

Bye Week

Don’t get me wrong, I love watching my Sooners whether it’s at home or on tv when they are away from Owen Field.  However, since I work the football games and am usually pretty useless on the Sunday following a home game, I was thrilled this was a bye week for OU.  I knew I would actually have a chance of getting something done.  Last night, I vacuumed my apartment for the first time in well, too long.  I made a mental list of what I wanted to get accomplished this weekend.  These pictures can show it didn’t take me long….the crap was practically screaming at me…

 

When I get in these moods, I start off very gung-ho.  I tell myself that I’m going to get a lot done….all the surfaces will be clean and I’ll feel so good.  I then turn on the tv to have something to watch in the background.  One of my piles becomes pictures I want framed.  So I get up and find a coupon for Michael’s.  Back to the piles….I see an old magazine with an article about my Dad in it…so I begin reading and become engrossed in it….forgetting about the other piles of crap lying around me.  Naturally, I made the pictures my priority and added a trip to Michael’s to the agenda. 

Another thing I haven’t been to in a few weeks in church so I wanted to make sure I went today. After framing my pictures and doing a load of laundry, I changed for church.  After mass was over, I came home finish the piles. Well, that was the intention….but as of right now, not all the crap is off the counters….but there’s another day to the weekend left to go.  Plus, I have this to consume….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Memories

I was e-mailing back and forth with a long-time family friend yesterday.  What began as a response to a Facebook posting of mine turned into some reminiscing for both of us.  The topic of her mother, the late Patsy Rockwood, came up and that brought us both to tears.  She reiterated how much her mom thought of me and that she would be proud of what I’ve done with my life.  I made the mistake of reading her message during some downtime of yesterday’s football game.  As I began reading, I felt my eyes get water, so I quickly exited out of the message.  Knowing what to expect, I opened it back up later.  I smiled at what she wrote and memories of her Mom started flashing through my mind.  I loved her mother like my own-she just had this sweet way about her and we formed a bond.  When I was little, my Mom would take me to church with her.  On the way back from communion, I would spot “Pappa” as I called her, and would sit with her for the rest of mass.  She would stretch out her arm and engulf me in a hug.  Though her name was Patsy, I was too little to use her first name.  So she was, and will always be, Pappa to me.  We lost her too soon to cancer years ago but she will always be with me.

While doing errands today, I was listening to some music via my iPod.  The song “God Gave Me You” by Blake Shelton came on and for some reason, I started thinking about Pappa again.  It didn’t take long before the tears started flowing.  I laughed, saying to myself “hmm, maybe I won’t go to the store just yet.”  So I just kept driving.  I finally pulled over and let the tears come.  After composing myself, I looked toward the sky and said, “Oh Pappa, I hope you know how much I loved you….just show me that you know that.”  On my way back to the store, I’m driving down a side street.  I look up briefly to see a street sign on the right and smile: Rockwood Dr.  I turned around and pulled over by the entrance.  I grabbed my phone and took a picture of the sign.  As corny as it sounds, I couldn’t help but look up to sky and grin.    

Confession from Norman

I hate to cook.  It is an act that tends to require some sort of creativity.  Well, not even that, it requires one to have a plethora of ingredients on hand (and by plethora, I mean variety).  If anyone were to see the lack of food inside my pantry or refrigerator, they would be ashamed.  Naturally, I love to eat…just prefer not having to devise the meal (nor make it) myself. 

As I am typing this, I am watching yesterday’s episode of The Pioneer Woman (with Ree Drummond).  Every time I watch her show, a part of me (rather small part mind you) gets an interest to cook.  She makes it look so darn fun and easy.  Don’t mind the fact that she has a huge kitchen, fresh vegetables ….and her own show…and cookbook….oh and you might have heard of her blog.  Anyway, back to me….so it’s the lack of motivation to put any effort into being creative with my meals.  Ugh, very boring and frustrating to eat the same meals over and over. 

Tonight was fortunately an exception.  I made stew…well, sort of made it.  I’m one of those clueless people who go down the aisles of grocery stores having no idea what I’m doing. For whatever reason, I got the idea in my head that I wanted to make stew.  Fine, whatever…simple enough.  I make my way over to the area with packaged meats.  I see a package of long strips of meat. Hmm, that looks good….oh wait, that says fajita meat. Small chunks of meat catch my eye–and it says Stew Meat on the label.  Bingo.  That was easy.  Now, um, what else goes with the meat….right-sauce.  Fast forward, and I check out with stew sauce mix (love when it’s right there on the package for cooking-challenged people like me), meat, some Ozarka water and package of frozen vegetables.  I don’t have patience for slicing the potatoes and all that.  I should, but I don’t.  I get home and unload the bags.  I scan the directions for the sauce….notice I said scan as reading directions completely doesn’t run in my family.  My “concoction” turned out okay…a little salty but not bad. Of course, I’m the opposite of my Mom and only use one pot….a crock pot.  I threw the ingredients in there and kept checking on it. Seeing as how I like to see glass half full, it was not a sandwich or anything from a fast food restaurant…so on that note, it was a success.  But I don’t anticipate Ree calling me anytime soon for the recipe. 

Until my next attempt at cooking…
Helpless in Norman

Expressing Appreciation

Yesterday during the football game, I had a conversation with a friend of mine who also happens to be a mentor to me.  She was reliving some stories of past positions she has held.  A remark she shared made me smile and will stick with me.  She referenced that people like to be told ‘thank-you’ and feel appreciated.  It’s such a simple gesture but yet can make a huge difference.  I was reassured in that moment that I’m not the only one who still gets a good feeling when I hear those simple words.  Whether you did a small favor or played a key role in a project someone was leading, it is still nice to be told that someone is grateful for helping them. 

Lesson in leadership

Last week I attended an invigorating event where the keynote speaker was John Maxwell. It was put on by Journey Church of Norman and NormanNEXT, the latter of which I’m a member.  I really enjoyed it far more than I thought I would.  To be honest, I only knew a little about John Maxwell before the event.  I am on the Special Events Committee for NormanNEXT so I had a role at the beginning-helping at the Will Call booths.  It was a great spot to be as I got to see everyone come into the church.  A lot of attendees were from OU so I spotted them easily.  After most of the crowd was seated, the volunteers got the go-ahead to grab a plate of food and find a seat.  First up for the guests were Mayor Mick Cornett and former First Lady of Oklahoma, Kim Henry.  Granted, I am still learning about the state I now call home, but I have heard nothing but good things about the mayor of Oklahoma City, Mick Cornett.  He’s a very dynamic, energetic individual that has the city’s interests at heart.  When he had his turn, he referenced when he first thought about entering the race for mayor.  It was neat to hear him talk about how he realized that he needed to start dressing like a mayor (as in little things like wearing a suit and tie).  He also didn’t think his front yard looked like it was where the mayor lived….so he took more pride in it.  I enjoyed hearing that an made me think about my professional goals.  Do I look the part?  Do I act like what I want to be?  Would someone take me seriously?  If the answer is no to any of those questions, I need to figure out how to tweak what I’m doing, how I’m appearing.

Sitting in the chair next to Mayor Cornett was Kim Henry.  I have met her before at football games but not sure if she would know my name.   But, that’s not important.  I related to what Kim had to say in that she is more the type who likes to stay in the background, out of the limelight and work to get things done.  She’s better in small groups vs. large crowds.  She’s very down-to-earth and I appreciate that quality in people.

After a small break was the guest of honor, John Mawell.  I won’t share every detail of his speech…mainly because there were so many good things he said, I can’t remember them all. But, toward the end, I did start to jot down some notes.  He stressed to be successful, you have to:

• Know your purpose…to have a purpose means you are anchored.  Ask yourself these questions: What is my passion? What are my strengths?  When you answer those, you have your purpose.
• Reach your maximum potential.  Grow to be the best.  “Growth isn’t an automatic process,” Maxwell stated.  Stretch out of your comfort zone (this took me a while to be okay with this but I’m getting better each day with it).
• Sow seeds that have value and give value to others.  Ask yourself this: How will I add value to people?

Maxwell also listed some qualities that help make a person successful.  They include:

• Be good with relationships
• Be mindful of your attitude-how do you see life?
• Be aware of how people see you….are you a plus or minus in their life?  Do you bring them down or lift them up?
• Be able to equip and train others well.
• Know how to influence and lead others.

Clearly I walked away with a new perspective on leadership.  I am very glad I went and had the opportunity to hear him speak.  If I am fortunate to be in a leadership position one day, I hope I can exhibit those qualities to the best of my ability and be able to influence others just as John Maxwell has influenced me.

I’ll encourage you what he encouraged all of us: Be A Positive!