tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30948575056313239132024-02-08T00:25:06.508-05:00Hello DarlingLife is a little brighter when we simply read the very words we need to hear, reading the books that push our mental capacity, and eat delicious meals to satisfy your tasete buds! EnjoyShirley T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05534258418229394590noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3094857505631323913.post-40441808360943105582012-04-09T23:46:00.002-04:002012-04-09T23:46:30.135-04:00Can't Help Falling In Love<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBxaMeRtiTEMqVYwFVPQjHBmLJj0OGFt-enZD6zBXNHK4-V1J4K7QvHq7rMUB4-IqKVxNLyV-nKourgGPhPqE54lWtq33_Ac8CnGyhBrNT8J-tPJcWvgm64vF3lQHIpe0dZxzfnUdBYty/s1600/inlove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBxaMeRtiTEMqVYwFVPQjHBmLJj0OGFt-enZD6zBXNHK4-V1J4K7QvHq7rMUB4-IqKVxNLyV-nKourgGPhPqE54lWtq33_Ac8CnGyhBrNT8J-tPJcWvgm64vF3lQHIpe0dZxzfnUdBYty/s320/inlove.jpg" width="320" /></a>Reading many of my posts you will know that I've learned the best love comes with time. It comes with assurance, with trust, with security and complete faith. I've come to believe that these thing most certainly do not happen over night. And for some strange reason, once I realized this to be true, expected the whole world to believe it too. After all at a certain point shouldn't this simply be common knowledge? Clearly I was wrong. In this chapter of my life, I find myself encountering people with extremely fairy tale like fantasies of love (which I'm pretty sure is going to offend someone).<br />
<br />
It's been so hard lately to share my perspective on this subject. Mostly because I'm stubborn and refuse to adopt anyone else's philosophy on the topic. But secondly because it is truly unsettling to constantly change the idea of love simply because some love-craved person wants to feed you their psyobabble to make themselves feel justified in their romantic decisions. (Again I don't mean to offend, just ranting)<br />
<br />
One night over glasses of wine with some lady friends, the topic of men came up (obviously not a surprise). What I absolutely could not internalize was the fact that these women whole heatedly believed that one could fall in love practically at first sight. They truly believed that love had limits i.e. you could fall in love, you could fall out of love. Apparently one can have love for someone, yet not love them at all. One can know love within the first few weeks of meeting someone sans any trial or tribulations.<br />
<br />
That very discussion reminded me of the song "I can't help Falling In Love" (Side note: absolutely love the Bob Marley version. It is the only version I can listen too.) I listened to the song and for a moment almost fell into a trans.<br />
<br />
Maybe, when caught in the moment, love is the only word we can use to describe the overwhelming sense of euphoria. The moment it passes our lips and is received by all to hear, it almost as if life itself has changed.<br />
<br />
I guess in essence love is anything an individual defines it to be. But if little time has passed, or when we find a relationship has reach it final point, how do we know whether we were ever in love, or just fools who rushed in?Shirley T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05534258418229394590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3094857505631323913.post-77402909681647161932012-04-09T23:05:00.001-04:002012-04-09T23:05:56.760-04:00Maybe I'm Just Too OpenIt's late, I'm emotional and for all sense of logical thinking should not be writing write now. Yet here I am with fingers steadily moving across the keyboard opening my heart to this not so private diary. The next few posts or so will be kind of raw, unedited and short. I've been exposed to a lot of experiences over the last few weeks that have unconsciously kicked me back into a places where I need to truly internalize my actions.<br />
<br />
What bothers me tonight, is an inability to be vulnerable. The word itself sounds almost disgusting. The very idea of intentionally putting oneself in a position that may or may not cause you harm sounds audacious. Borderline idiotic...well just idiotic. However, with all my reservations about being vulnerable it seems that vulnerability may be the key to the missing piece of my life.<br />
<br />
I was always taught never to reveal too much. Experience with being too openly emotional around the wrong person has cause me to harbor the belief that opening oneself up does not provide power, but instead stifles our growth. It was moments when I would reveal a private thought to a close friend, only to have them expose that very information to the world that caused me pause. It happen when I would go out of my way to do something special for a virtual stranger, only to realize that they care nothing about my welfare nor do they even remotely remember my gratuitous gesture.<br />
<br />
These bits of vulnerabilities were small, yet that simple exposure meant something to me. So here I am at 26 wondering why it's so hard to maintain new relationships/friendships when my mind keeps reminding me that at any given moment, someone is waiting for the moment my guard goes down to destroy my happiness.<br />
<br />
Whether intentional or not, the fact is opening oneself up is a risk. The question that haunts me right now is, when looking to make new found bonds as a twenty-something, should we take that risk to be vulnerable or simply live with the idea that a cautious perspective is just a way of life?Shirley T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05534258418229394590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3094857505631323913.post-55169248907521723592012-02-01T23:26:00.000-05:002012-02-01T23:26:35.990-05:00No Ordinary Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPgbsyZcbKZo-LJCY28f8qlJeEu-_46wy1SfHE2cj4M6FdxSJrjGh2670MpjV6DhN_jaFtx476LmrUa7aavOllkQxswt6691LKuLx-6inEZ4XRwzDoNyRi5WuuMYkh7eHuiIkgnNZfglK/s1600/ordinary_love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPgbsyZcbKZo-LJCY28f8qlJeEu-_46wy1SfHE2cj4M6FdxSJrjGh2670MpjV6DhN_jaFtx476LmrUa7aavOllkQxswt6691LKuLx-6inEZ4XRwzDoNyRi5WuuMYkh7eHuiIkgnNZfglK/s400/ordinary_love.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
He was quite frankly the only man I ever loved. I had loved before him, and loved after him, but never truly loved anyone one the way I loved him. It was an experience which to this day I can never truly put to words. Often times I had convinced myself that he was indeed my soul-mate, and for that moment in time what we shared was a miracle. It was an extraordinary love.<br />
<br />
The amazing thing about life is that we are blessed with an opportunity to experience love. A ubiquitous word used often by many but clearly defined by few. In your lifetime you will encounter many different shades and shapes of love. You will experience it in all it's glory. However, love is so powerful it can be overwhelming.<br />
<br />
If you have ever experienced love, you know it is scary the first time you encounter it. It causes you to fear and question many things. You thirst for it day and night, to the point where that person's love is your only means of survival. Your desperation for that feeling hits you harder than rocks. It becomes your addiction, and you are a slave to it's every beck & call. You know nothing of reality, because the world around you ceases to exist with it's presence. The first taste of love is indeed potent. It is exactly what every man, woman, and child on earth should experience to truly understand the value of living.<br />
<br />
Love is life. Life is love. There is nothing more. If you are out there pursuing your passion, or making bonds with family, or dating it is all rooted in the ground of love. You are essentially walking down the path of being an extraordinary person by simply loving. Today I truly want to encourage you to not pursue just any ordinary fashion of love, but that extraordinary love that leaves you feeling deliriously happy. For me it was the ability to share my life with someone. It is the ability to pursue my desires. And through these things I realize that my life truly aligned itself in perfection. And I believe within the depths of my soul that the same can happen for you.<br />
<br />
I love you more than you will ever know.<br />
<br />
xxx<br />
Enjoy<br />
<br />
<br />Shirley T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05534258418229394590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3094857505631323913.post-12769034151793662172012-01-29T16:32:00.000-05:002012-02-01T23:26:52.067-05:00Is it Really Over?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She sat in my room barely breathing through tears. Each exhalation was followed by deep heavy sighs of sorrow. She hadn’t eaten in 12 hours. She hadn’t slept even longer. Her eyes carried heavy bags that only added to the obvious display of her pain. She was sad, depressed, and desperate for answers from the universe. She mumbled under muttered breaths that one could barely hear. I sat there unable to do anything but keep a supply of tissues in her palm. After 10 years, she and her husband’s rocky marriage seemed to have drawn its last straw. It was time for a divorce.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This was the scenario almost two years ago on a dreary Monday morning as she and I sat in my tiny room during a healing session after their last explosive argument. I was disheartened to see her suffering when once upon a time she was blissful with happiness. Over ten years ago someone was helping her into a beautiful wedding gown as she anxiously awaited the moment to walk down an isle to and equally anxious groom. And now, the “I do’s” are being replaced with “I want a divorce”.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When we were young it seemed so simple. We go into our first relationships with great expectation, thinking that it will last forever. What really happens is we experience that first break up which taints our image of relationships all together. The unfortunate truth is that most individuals in relationships walk around knowing that there is a possibility the relationship will end. They go into relationship with the mindset that if all fails, break up. Lately what’s been bothering me is the very fact that we all subscribe to this dogma. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was once asked why so many marriages end in divorce. And with little thought, the answer was simple: It’s because we can.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Breakups, divorces, separation are all sneaky words for options. Since that first experienced breakup the lesson learned was that when things don’t work out, use your options. In other words, you are not obligated to stay with a person if they are not your idea of perfection. In our youth, it truly is just that simple to cut ties with someone who simply no longer shared our interests. But in our twenties and thirties, does this same philosophy apply? Just because breaking up is an option, is it really in our best interests to utilize it?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It may seem like this post is heading down the direction of taking a certain bias towards clinging (aka settling) with whatever current relationship you are in, my point really is challenging the idea of breaking up. What if breaking up were not an option? </span></div>Shirley T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05534258418229394590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3094857505631323913.post-16998639425073780232012-01-06T01:20:00.000-05:002012-01-06T01:20:34.284-05:00Where Did Time Go?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOE4ty0CpKWwKo9_qRL1QvRsgwfoqNNJNN7vXU5xTg0N1kosbIz3lzAevVwChICFxi6PqMZqjoESO58qP8S9-kgl_xiGMyZUyYfFwv6uuhKK8y-MN8Wi8zLTa3Vb9aCk0hXiAqJMyhzzbU/s1600/sparklers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOE4ty0CpKWwKo9_qRL1QvRsgwfoqNNJNN7vXU5xTg0N1kosbIz3lzAevVwChICFxi6PqMZqjoESO58qP8S9-kgl_xiGMyZUyYfFwv6uuhKK8y-MN8Wi8zLTa3Vb9aCk0hXiAqJMyhzzbU/s400/sparklers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
It seems like only yesterday that I logged onto Blogger and began my first post. Over 5000 views later I'm now a year older, a year wiser, and can proudly call myself an official blogger. Four days ago I was at work in a chaotic mess when suddenly I realised the source of all the franticness was for the upcoming highly anticipated celebration of a New Year.<br />
<br />
Time has certainly flown by without my knowledge. But I realised something amazing in that moment of epiphany. I realised that I have no longer become a slave to time. At least not in the traditional sense.<br />
<br />
Back in 2010 when I started reading The Secret, I learned that in order to be at one with the universe, we must recognize and accept that time does not really exist. How many times have you gone to work and started working on a project only to look up at the time and realize that 5 hours already have gone by? How many times have you started a boring task and find out that only 5 minutes of your long day have past by? I'm sure one or another of these situations have happened to you. They do to all of us. <br />
<br />
As members of this society we value time because it affords us an opportunity to be, do and live life to our liking. Time is as precious as money and yet there are moments in our lives where time has escaped us, or even worse, has been wasted. <br />
<br />
Unlike many others, I made a decision not to make a new years resolution. My decision was based mostly on the fact that I found it an absolute waste to devote such precious "time" to something I probably was not going to uphold. Most importantly it was based on the fact that this New Year meant more to me than empty promises written on a piece of paper. This new year is a gift of time. It is the most lavish present given to me and I want to appreciate it by utilizing every moment for what it is.<br />
<br />
Today we have all been given a possible 300+ days to live an extraordinary life. The life we've always wanted. The life we've always prayed for. So rather than focus on counting down goals day by day, focus on striving towards your inner happiness and you will find you have all the time in the world to do whatever it is your heart desires.<br />
<br />
Enjoy<br />
xxxShirley T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05534258418229394590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3094857505631323913.post-82072674824411199752011-12-15T00:22:00.001-05:002011-12-15T00:22:29.059-05:00Living the Dream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzFVLt4hJA7fsqO6ygK_EnN13N9c-zseEN7e4Bz3xg7vJcF1k6pnHQag1qabX7gsm5tAp0b9XZSn_kgXnj9bqxS3o0WGt4sL-DfthaZW3NuYHLNDokygX1uBhL6bYxM3Y7Kg9NbRODz9a/s1600/dreamer_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzFVLt4hJA7fsqO6ygK_EnN13N9c-zseEN7e4Bz3xg7vJcF1k6pnHQag1qabX7gsm5tAp0b9XZSn_kgXnj9bqxS3o0WGt4sL-DfthaZW3NuYHLNDokygX1uBhL6bYxM3Y7Kg9NbRODz9a/s400/dreamer_large.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
One of my best friends gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. I was on facebook one day mindlesslesly probing through people's lives when I landed on her page. Almost everyday there was a new status update on her business. One day it would be new construction, the next it would be a sales event, the following day would be a fabulous on location shoot at some amazing wedding. It was so exciting to watch her business grow. I could remember when we were just young girls in high school dreaming about being rich and established. Suddenly this dream had met reality. And that's when a light bulb went off in my head as I saw the perfect opportunity to live the dream as well.<br />
<br />
It began with simple idea for a business logo which evolved into ideas for a business cards, and then my entire creative juices started flowing as I began to work feverishly on the images that invaded my head. What she doesn't know is that it took me months to create the best proposal (I told her it had only taken a week or so). I was riddled with so much fear I couldn't gather up the nerves to simply send the thing. What if she didn't like it? What if thought it was stupid or unprofessional? What if I had done this all for nothing?<br />
<br />
When I finally sent it I had lost all feelings of apprehension. Instead what replaced it was feelings of achievement. I had told myself that if I did nothing in my life, this proposal would be the best thing I'd ever created. I believe it was two whole days before I heard anything back. But when I did, it was good! Shortly after I began working on a number of projects for her. <br />
<br />
I tell this story because I had learned a powerful lesson. My dear friend had given me the opportunity to truly apply my abilities in the exact way that I wanted to. Before I developed this proposal we had had a conversation about business where she specifically told me that if we were to ever do business she would expect me to be 100% professional and blow her out of the water. So when I came up with branding ideas for her company I worked my butt off to make something amazing. Ever since then my work has strengthened and brought me countless opportunities.<br />
<br />
Living the dream is 20% miracle and 80% work. There were a number of nights were I would lie awake in my bed simply dreaming of a better future. I prayed on it. I wished on stars. I would read books, watch motivational movies and talk to so many people. But all of that was a small fraction of what I needed to do in order to achieve what I wanted. Dreams come true when one is willing to take initiative and progressively move towards a goal. Living our dreams is about placing ourselves within arm's reach of opportunity. When you are a point in life where you are that close to being where you want, the only thing that stands in your way is the ability to grab it. Action is the secret recipe to living your dreams. Once we relinquish our fears and stop dreaming, we start living a reality far better than any dream.<br />
<br />
Enjoy<br />
xxx<br />Shirley T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05534258418229394590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3094857505631323913.post-71551904609448934322011-12-13T11:36:00.002-05:002011-12-13T11:36:57.136-05:00Just a Life Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5oBm0PJx1cT9vzbEW70O3G2pu1NSgEIu0gBEqD__u5cC9MAHH42Ea-sx4INfJe07CkT5sfvIj-ecsrValGXd4lH_oBEt9MmAzsJETPNyc1_VgRppXyr7EOLcELCR-0ODM3CI0PCgZn3B/s1600/just+a+story.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5oBm0PJx1cT9vzbEW70O3G2pu1NSgEIu0gBEqD__u5cC9MAHH42Ea-sx4INfJe07CkT5sfvIj-ecsrValGXd4lH_oBEt9MmAzsJETPNyc1_VgRppXyr7EOLcELCR-0ODM3CI0PCgZn3B/s1600/just+a+story.jpg" /></a></div>
Writing almost feels foreign to me having spent so much time apart from it. As many of you know I have spent the latter part of my year working a part time and designing. I made the decision a few months ago to go back to school The irony of the situation is that if you have read my blog thus far you will know that I have very strong reservations about college and it's ability to add value to my life. Strangely enough it provided me with an opportunity to get out of retail and double my pay check.<br />
<br />
In August I went through the worse stage of depression I have ever encountered in my life. I was irrational. Crying all the time. Fighting all the time. Doubtful about my decisions and had extreme low self esteem. It was such a new experience for me that I thought I had truly gone mad. There were days my parents crept around me with apprehension. Afraid to set me off. Each day a sense of guilt permeated through me. The feelings of insufficiency suffocated me.<br />
<br />
I started looking into medical reasons for my behavior. Depression and bipolar disease would frequently pop up. At that point I had thought maybe it was time I checked myself into a clinic and get some professional help. Maybe I was just one of those people. So I went to sleep that night with little to no hope. The next day I woke to a bright sunny summer day. Birds chirping outside my window singing sweet melodies of happiness. Inside I felt nothing. Like an emotionless zombie my body moved out of bed and into the bathroom. <br />
<br />
It was then I looked into the mirror and saw myself. I mean really saw myself. My eyes were a bright brown lit with a fire that refused to go out.The image that reflected in front of me was not how I felt. I saw someone beautiful, someone with potential, someone who embodied everything I wanted to be emotionally. I got dressed and headed out that morning with only one thing in mind: I am Shirley T.<br />
<br />
Several months later I have accomplished much. With a small salary I was able to get out of credit debt, acquire my dream job, perpetuate the success of my business, and still maintain balance of every element of my life. Though this story in itself is a cliche, it's hard not to tell a happy story that doesn't end with a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.<br />
<br />
The story of our lives is this: you are not your situation. You are you. Depression is not a part of you it is only a situation that you will cross paths with. Financial burden is only a situation you will cross paths with. Heartache is only a situation you will cross paths with. These negative situations do not define you...you give it definition. Our lives are all tales written to our specifications. To acknowledge that our past has no power over our future is essentially what empowers us individually.<br />
<br />
Enjoy<br />
xxxShirley T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05534258418229394590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3094857505631323913.post-73887687899681858512011-10-28T21:40:00.002-04:002011-10-28T21:40:58.882-04:00Music Obsessed!: Kimbra, Emile Sande, Gotye, & Miami Horror!Now what kind of blogger would I be if I didn't share these tracks that have been burning up my Ipod! I work part time in retail so there's always a constant flow of annoying pop techno remixes going on. But every once in a while they will play an amazing track that will lead me to other great artists. And these artist by far have absolutely tickled my fancy:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LBzgpmy-jfxCffGd4CPcbcWS6e7z41ErPrxjvUbP_nrFCl7LcxdiEzjs5qFEc4c3AiIKB2AJccasov-ECaYzDioGyS5xij9g5TTvLFPxgAM0G8jHEVgiOR6xSiuZK5qApVUmRBurceI1/s1600/emile+sande.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LBzgpmy-jfxCffGd4CPcbcWS6e7z41ErPrxjvUbP_nrFCl7LcxdiEzjs5qFEc4c3AiIKB2AJccasov-ECaYzDioGyS5xij9g5TTvLFPxgAM0G8jHEVgiOR6xSiuZK5qApVUmRBurceI1/s200/emile+sande.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<strong>Emile Sande - Heaven</strong><br />
When I first heard Heaven I thought it was Leona Lewis. Her voice is flipping amazing, and I absolutely love her image! I've never been a fan of shaved heads but her haircut is so cute I'm temped to shave bleach and straighten my hair. What do you think? But anywho, if you get past the pop techno beat, the lyrics to Heaven are pretty deep. I can't wait to hear more<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/cwHe0ddggig?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqq_4Y7oIDmA2JaweO2EDH0MtSFgOQzTx5tGHlYh8fp7SusZmAAJ7qDYqk90eDWiuVQ-k3zLrPin9Dc5sQjYY-Zw0bAXzTB3D_NGiQIeccOUoPmsADQosuDVb1Iq2fMzTshyphenhyphenwhiFKZwflE/s1600/miami-horror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqq_4Y7oIDmA2JaweO2EDH0MtSFgOQzTx5tGHlYh8fp7SusZmAAJ7qDYqk90eDWiuVQ-k3zLrPin9Dc5sQjYY-Zw0bAXzTB3D_NGiQIeccOUoPmsADQosuDVb1Iq2fMzTshyphenhyphenwhiFKZwflE/s200/miami-horror.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<strong>Miami Horror - I Look to You ft. Kimbra</strong><br />
This is such a mainstream song, so if you're not into the who popular music thing you might want to skip this track. However when I'm working and this track starts playing I envision myself on a runway a a bedazzled sequin dress and some show stopping 6" stiletto heels. Love it! The video has this trippy kaleidoscope thing going on. I kind of like it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/jna2r56EXTg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRQUCAaUM0XF2w9K87WC8NS1wMMGUwV3NiLcl2P9iNLgonGdA7b92zfBsMYm6dBUItSABLmauudvPyRDnajKkyu-OmTsk-zxJ2aa3_LI0DSFU5IcUh4rZYsNwVx4k6dQWPzSz83sKKLPN/s1600/kimbra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; height: 141px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 201px;"><img border="0" height="175" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRQUCAaUM0XF2w9K87WC8NS1wMMGUwV3NiLcl2P9iNLgonGdA7b92zfBsMYm6dBUItSABLmauudvPyRDnajKkyu-OmTsk-zxJ2aa3_LI0DSFU5IcUh4rZYsNwVx4k6dQWPzSz83sKKLPN/s200/kimbra.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<strong>Kimbra - Settle Down</strong><br />
This song sounds absolutely crazy the first time you hear it. If I were a man, I can only imagine being thoroughly creeped out hearing a woman talking about having a child with me which she has already named. Yikes. Yet at the same time I find it truly clever. How else can one perfectly portray how obsessed women are with commitment to a funky beat? <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/yHV04eSGzAA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcz3jIyuDS9vCiLGdl3K0GR3sEXynyEH8UgV2qCfl8Lo-2qEp0HcV2YsprOnJAjioxi7wqy71pLJ_cgCKYF3nGU2EdEdWDraDszDyE8qXSEkuh1O4AmhlsPLWJEcHT7_4mfpsstyh9KJXV/s1600/gotye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcz3jIyuDS9vCiLGdl3K0GR3sEXynyEH8UgV2qCfl8Lo-2qEp0HcV2YsprOnJAjioxi7wqy71pLJ_cgCKYF3nGU2EdEdWDraDszDyE8qXSEkuh1O4AmhlsPLWJEcHT7_4mfpsstyh9KJXV/s200/gotye.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<strong>Gotye - Somebody I Used To Know ft Kimbra</strong><br />
Yes I know more Kimbra. What can I tell you folks, she's talented. But I digress. After listening to Settle down I saw the link for Gotye's song which had over 12 millions hits on the YouTube video. WTF?! I've never even heard of this guy before. I'm glad I found him though. This song is so addictive! Video is interesting. I keep wondering how long it took to paint. Anywho, I've been listening to his latest album Making Mirrors which is also marvelous so I definitely recommend giving it a listen!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/8UVNT4wvIGY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
xxx<br />
Enjoy<br />Shirley T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05534258418229394590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3094857505631323913.post-22095588430452637082011-10-28T20:48:00.002-04:002011-10-28T20:48:52.222-04:00Happy Halloween! Life Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxQtl75-TPBueKum3_IhLfJPaIQrrlnsg8mbu6SEGf8SmnIeHx_F7ST8Itxfo8Tm81Gd-XOw3-M06CFou61nU2dwMB_8geT-laU07AN1uW39hXU6F3_oty-GDqUUV1yu66iAYxgEXuzN5/s1600/halloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxQtl75-TPBueKum3_IhLfJPaIQrrlnsg8mbu6SEGf8SmnIeHx_F7ST8Itxfo8Tm81Gd-XOw3-M06CFou61nU2dwMB_8geT-laU07AN1uW39hXU6F3_oty-GDqUUV1yu66iAYxgEXuzN5/s400/halloween.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Hello Darlings!<br />
<br />
It's been a lovely October. The weather has been unusually warm until two days ago. Now it's simply unusually cold. But looking past the frost bitten blades of grass on my lawn, I am so amped for Halloween. Each year I promise myself I will get all dolled up and make plans to attend several hundred parties. And each year I never do it. This year is no exception, however what excites me is prospect of handing out candy to the trick or treaters! It's so cheesy but I love little people (aka children)! So the idea of little people dressed up in cute little people costumes is so adorable!<br />
<br />
Side bar: I realize how absolutely girly it is to be enamoured by children and parties, but what can I say. I love what I love!<br />
<br />
So as I spoke of before, I spent my October doing a Fearless Challenge where I spent 30 days tackling the things I fear on a regular basis. The challenge extraordinarily went well. I can not say that I am absolutely fearless when it comes to certain things that make me a bit paranoid. The point is that I now have the courage to approach certain things that I typically avoided before.<br />
<br />
For instance I have a fear of:<br />
Awkward pauses. So much so that I try to avoid being the person who initiates conversations and phone calls. I just hate it when I say something and am returned with a blank stare. So embarrassing. But now, i don't care. When I sense the awkward pause I keep talking or start breaking into dance (and yes I'm am very serious I really broke into dance).<br />
<br />
Being around people who don't like me. I'm sure I'm not the only person who contemplates walking in the other direction when seeing someone we know dislikes us. Their very presence makes my skin crawl. Yet I managed to feign niceties with my adversaries. As the saying goes keep your friends close...<br />
<br />
Acting like a fool. I am so self conscious that I embarrass easily. I kid you not when I say I probably would die if I were asked to conduct an impromptu skit. I simply hate being the center of attention. I gave it a whirl and found out that it's not as bad as it seems (did I mention I break into dance to avoid the awkward pauses? LMAO. Cracks me up every time!)<br />
<br />
And that's just a sample of the plethora of fears I have. Cheers for anyone else who decided to be fearless this October! Happy Halloween!<br />
<br />
xxx<br />
EnjoyShirley T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05534258418229394590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3094857505631323913.post-10426428369532007572011-09-26T23:38:00.000-04:002011-09-26T23:42:34.405-04:00The Great Fear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ibVvXkRYGYiFzGGSPIfyXFzL3x_Y4xMKkiFzcP-1vHz4Nlb3Wc4uNy7fLa1XD7FAYZ85668NYs8Rtc-WBrQhTivCQRMmJvUT3HgIZ8CyafIO0xhdzWJZ-orlQ_pUIJwcUGaApS0ZJbnm/s1600/fear+sin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ibVvXkRYGYiFzGGSPIfyXFzL3x_Y4xMKkiFzcP-1vHz4Nlb3Wc4uNy7fLa1XD7FAYZ85668NYs8Rtc-WBrQhTivCQRMmJvUT3HgIZ8CyafIO0xhdzWJZ-orlQ_pUIJwcUGaApS0ZJbnm/s400/fear+sin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you <em>not </em>to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."-Marianne Williamson </span></strong><br />
<br />
Marianne Williamson describes hatred as an alternative description for fear. Think back to every time you've complained about the things you hate about life and society. I reflect on why I loath these things with such intensity. Until reading A Return to Love I would have thought hate was just one of those mystifying emotions that we as humans may never get a handle on. That feeling in the pit of your stomach that screams "this doesn't feel good." Now, I have come to the conclusion that maybe she is right. Maybe the things that we hate the most are the exact things that unintentionally stir up an underlying fear from within.<br />
<br />
Here's my confession: I hate being normal. My fear is that everyday I slave away for those precious dollars at a 9-5 job, I lose a part of myself. Everytime I take on a role that is unfulfilling I feel I have committed the greatest sin. As the fear permeates throughout my thoughts, other attributes are effected. I my confidence slowly chips away, my demeanor unenthusiastic, and my attitude steadily becoming more artificial in an attempt to please everyone. My fear is that I may die one day without having made a profound impact on the world. My fear is that this nornal lifestyle is quite frankly the key to a depressing future.<br />
<br />
The fear is overwhelming at times. But there's a part of myself that vehemently resists all attempts at being normal. It resists the urge to fit the mold. I desperately seek to be unique and different yet have no idea how to translate this in a way that normal people will understand.<br />
<br />
This may sound a bit arrogant but I believe I was specially made for something great. However this fear stifles my growth. It's stifles us all. Your great fears may be profoundly different from mine, but there is no denying that fear inhibits us from some activity that we truly want to do.<br />
<br />
Within the next 30 days I fully intend to disregard my great fears. My intention is to not only test the amount of achievements made in this time period but to gain that sense of relief in my spirit that I am doing exactly what I was put on this earth to do. I'm tired of being average. There are enough average people walking the earth. It's time to be extraordianry. Definitely will keep you posted.<br />
<br />
Enjoy<br />
xxxShirley T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05534258418229394590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3094857505631323913.post-35126721612780568862011-09-18T22:15:00.001-04:002011-09-18T22:15:08.816-04:00Never Ever Enough<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyf034GBuCteLvPUXZ7_GTexorcR_0uZ_7zOVLSYInYI1tKOBNrXwFgZ5jJelXMkXDkZcOy4kVmGo8HYYnD6Yx-LcxgJ4tVvugJE6tvr_aEbG2JjUIoVz89em-eBvW3zF6bPLcRM70mLR/s1600/good_enough2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyf034GBuCteLvPUXZ7_GTexorcR_0uZ_7zOVLSYInYI1tKOBNrXwFgZ5jJelXMkXDkZcOy4kVmGo8HYYnD6Yx-LcxgJ4tVvugJE6tvr_aEbG2JjUIoVz89em-eBvW3zF6bPLcRM70mLR/s400/good_enough2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
One lesson that my parents taught me which I've carried with me through adulthood is this: good is never enough. <br />
<br />
On friday five of my coworkers decided to quit, leaving me and two other people to close the store. Now I cannot begin to emphasise how large this store is. Or how insane the task of cleaning up while providing oustanding customer service on a Friday night at the mall is with just a 3 person team (excluding the manager of course). I'm pretty sure you can imagine it's crazy. Never the less, there I was as racks upon racks kept piling up, feverishly trying to be a class act juggler of the multiple tasks laid out for me. Needless to say we were unable to clean the entire store by the end of shift.<br />
<br />
The following day came, more busier than the proir. Even with additional bodies working on shift, the combination of the previous night's mess compounded on top of the chaos of a Saturday afternoon had the entire store looking like a scene out of Jumanji. It was ugly. <br />
<br />
My ears were burning with complaints from coworkers. They gossiped under not so low breath about how this mess was the fault of the people who were unable to clean up the store on Friday (that's code for me). Finally my manager walked up to me demanding an explanation for last night's fiasco. Although I tried to reason that under the circumstances we did as much as we could to leave the store looking good, she quickly dismissed it as an excuse. Bottom line is the store should have been clean understaffed or not.<br />
<br />
I walked away from the store that evening feeling defeated. I tried my best to be good at my job, and yet good was not enough. <br />
<br />
I took on this job simply for a paycheck as I continue to build my business. But somewhere within the last 3 months I lost sight of the objective. This simple part time job became a pet project. A challenge for me to be favorited, well recieved, and respected as a result of doing good. And so I worked hard at being really really good but not to the satifactions of my collegues. <br />
<br />
When I was young my parents always thought I could do better. My mentors always pushed me to do something better. My professors, advisors, supervisors, whoever... always the same thing: "you should have done better".<br />
<br />
It leads me to wonder: either I've been half assing everything my entire life or there are people out there whose expectations I may never meet. I'm not quite sure what to make of it. But over the last 12 hours or so my mind keeps asking the same question over and over again: will good ever be enough?<br />
<br />
xxx<br />
EnjoyShirley T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05534258418229394590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3094857505631323913.post-6890816656617832332011-09-12T13:19:00.000-04:002011-09-12T13:19:17.903-04:00The Right Tools<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WqRXaU_pxPERZWoJ_GUU59BSpY-A4iWmrLVQ69rho3CvI5G04k9w9wGzFMqHFpeJLq-aqwMNqM778W2bT6NocOViBTQS9OmRwTWE00VE7uEhBk_Z_jyTYAW5aEptIxPDIxzOWiSpnUIF/s1600/Instruments_Of_Ctrll20Detail_large.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WqRXaU_pxPERZWoJ_GUU59BSpY-A4iWmrLVQ69rho3CvI5G04k9w9wGzFMqHFpeJLq-aqwMNqM778W2bT6NocOViBTQS9OmRwTWE00VE7uEhBk_Z_jyTYAW5aEptIxPDIxzOWiSpnUIF/s400/Instruments_Of_Ctrll20Detail_large.png" width="400" /></a>With all the distractions in life I've almost forgotten my love for writing on this blog. Venting, and sharing positivity, or insight. Don't worry my dears, until my brain is fully incapable of functioning, I won't stop writing. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Today I am reading a manuscript about my favorite topic, money management. And although I'd love to delve more deeply into the topic, that is not what I'm going to discuss today. Today I'm going to talk about the tools we use to get to success.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
How many times have we heard the phrase "You need to have to right tools to do the job"? Probably 100 times with in the last year alone. So as this substantial piece of advice repeats over and over again in our heads, it's no wonder we become fixated on getting the right tools. Hunting down the latest IPhone model. Standing in line for hours to purchase that new $2500+ Nikon. Working our butts off to get into the most prestigious universities all with the intention of "having the right tools."</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
So now you have the right tools, but do you know how to use them? Enter in phrase number two: "It's not about what tools you use, it's how you use them." What sense would it make to buy the most advanced version of Adobe Photoshop if you have no clue how to use it? None at all!</div>
<br />
If your objective is to be the best, you must learn how to use the tools you have first. Once we have learned how to use basic simplicities, it becomes almost second nature to master more complex things. <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
Short and simple yet still immensely profound.<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Enjoy</div>
xxxShirley T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05534258418229394590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3094857505631323913.post-15385718957264840202011-09-02T18:50:00.005-04:002011-09-02T18:51:39.421-04:00Great Sounds: Bag Raiders<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzz47YxP7l6tl-ilPi9raZBrcq2QcYqCLdMceiL1V95HlXN7iwz5_1dZLMEyoaecHJ13BvfBvop7bYr-QwG-7D9VlH3xQX2hBMVrgZlRD-dGlpY0I6IGFo3McNtAZVmIA1jebnKfeg2uEQ/s1600/bagraiders%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzz47YxP7l6tl-ilPi9raZBrcq2QcYqCLdMceiL1V95HlXN7iwz5_1dZLMEyoaecHJ13BvfBvop7bYr-QwG-7D9VlH3xQX2hBMVrgZlRD-dGlpY0I6IGFo3McNtAZVmIA1jebnKfeg2uEQ/s320/bagraiders%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div>
I get eargasms when I listen to Shooting Stars by Bag Raiders. Since house music is still very much in music trend, anyone looking to expand their Ipod music library should add this group immediately to their playlist. This duo from the down-under (that's Australia if you didn't know) have a hit self-titled album that hit airwaves Oct 2010. But it's never too let to grab the album and start jamming. Visit the website <a href="http://bagraiders.com/">here</a>. Until then hope you love the video!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/feA64wXhbjo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Enjoy<br />
xxxShirley T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05534258418229394590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3094857505631323913.post-42353122300649378242011-09-02T12:47:00.000-04:002011-09-02T18:51:26.158-04:00Who Are You Really?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkaSI3Q1xEz50YsrHSxWbwT92VxAQg9M3b7GFOWkI10kg7n5Omh0B8o23VHIdIgrsf3CnVcexXQAC7DR8pCKCtGLZDRir73sB9A3Jn5H9GtT2ibY_BCOMVzJyRbajQqx7tFKcz6m2ha5-/s1600/true+you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkaSI3Q1xEz50YsrHSxWbwT92VxAQg9M3b7GFOWkI10kg7n5Omh0B8o23VHIdIgrsf3CnVcexXQAC7DR8pCKCtGLZDRir73sB9A3Jn5H9GtT2ibY_BCOMVzJyRbajQqx7tFKcz6m2ha5-/s400/true+you.jpg" width="400" xaa="true" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">pic source [</span><a href="http://weheartit.com/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">1</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">]</span><br />
<br />
I'm prepping mentally for yet another interview. Postulating answers to questions they might ask me. But none as familiar as "Tell me about yourself". <br />
<br />
As we sit there in our best clothes and wear a beautiful fake smile, I wonder why this person would ask such a question with a document containing my every move since high school on it. I ask myself "Isn't it obvious that I'm a well rounded college graduate looking for a job?" So in response to the enigmatic quandary I simply regurgitate everything written on my resume with maybe one or two things not on the paper for brownie points then plaster on another smile. <br />
<br />
But alas something inside feels hallow. I get a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach at the realization that sometimes in order to get what we want, we have to be who we're not. The truth is I'm not the Type-A personality recruiters salivate at the prospect of hiring. But I know by acting like one, my chances of getting the job increase by 60%. Moments like this happen all the time in every aspect of life.<br />
<br />
A subtle thing that most people don't notice about me is the fact that I change my vernacular to match the crowd I happen to be around. Is this being fake? In a word yes. But if that allows the person I'm interacting with to be a little more comfortable, is it wrong? Is it wrong to put on a show of being conservative to get a job you've always dreamed of when the true you is wild child? Is it wrong to act like a highly adventurous, spontaneous, out of the box character to impress a person you really like? Is it wrong to put on a happy face after something terrible has happen in your life?<br />
<br />
Ask yourself, have you ever really gotten anything from anyone without having to insert a little white lie here or there? Most likely not. <br />
<br />
The truth is, being authentic is a more difficult than people think. Sure we can show it off a bit, but there comes a time when we need to censor our true selves. The absolutely true version of yourself is really only reserved for you. Even your closest ally, lover or family member will never know your deepest darkest secret, your lifelong fantasy, your greatest fear, etc. No one can ever know you but you.<br />
<br />
So when the statement "Tell me about yourself" is presented, remember that revealing the true you is not what they want to hear. Society wants to hear the story of a person is some pocket size version of a super hero. They want to hear that you can perform miracles but be broken if necessary. They want your personality type to match their fantasy. They want you to be someone they are comfortable being around.<br />
<br />
So who are you really? You are whatever you need to be to get what you want. <br />
<br />
Enjoy<br />
xxxShirley T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05534258418229394590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3094857505631323913.post-76582874047303465442011-08-14T23:53:00.001-04:002011-12-27T21:59:44.600-05:00Side B<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjROmaNTeGttSwiume4s7N64Fd4I4yfEE1SudPIh4-dKuDN61sUi1IrtUIrnKr69xAcusMfTZJWl6bbbmobZxm-Tr8rDa3IpiY_GntKNTLp3RWajSx1krMAMqwZ-3kf52hG16U78_yfaY4T/s1600/tumblr_lwob5sPNbr1r8z63lo1_500_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjROmaNTeGttSwiume4s7N64Fd4I4yfEE1SudPIh4-dKuDN61sUi1IrtUIrnKr69xAcusMfTZJWl6bbbmobZxm-Tr8rDa3IpiY_GntKNTLp3RWajSx1krMAMqwZ-3kf52hG16U78_yfaY4T/s400/tumblr_lwob5sPNbr1r8z63lo1_500_large.jpg" width="346" /></a></div>
<em>"If I don't know you I'm very quiet and I observe and people think I'm snotty because of that. But I don't feel like I have to be that enthusiastic if I don't know who you are yet. So people think I'm a bitch because of that" -Rihanna</em><br />
<br />
Now I may be telling my age a bit through this but who cares (after all we are forever young as long as we believe we are). I notstalgically reminisenc about days when cassette players were umbiqitous and side pony tales were a serious hair craze. My sister and I would anxiously strew about Strawberries (you know... the media store that sold CD's and all that jazz) looking for the latest R&B boy band or something of that nature. When we'd puchase the tape that day and head home, unwrap the newly purhased item with delecate precision as we sat in our parents bedroom of a cramped little apartment. There we'd this tape into the only cassette player we owned in our little humble abode. We'd listen to side A, filled with track after track of lovable tunes until it was completed. Only then did we succomb to the inevitable flip to side b: The other side of the tape.<br />
<br />
Majority of the tiem, side b contained a number of remixes of side a. Most of the songs were unfavorable after first listen. But since the cassette tape was purchase with our precious allowance, it seemed almost useless to not listen to those incepid songs. And so over and over agian we'd listen to side b until one day Side B was not so bad.<br />
<br />
I equate side B to people all the time. Like tapes people have two side. The one that the majority may liek and the other side that majority dislikes. This problem is in reality (and I speak for myself) we tend to hear side B before we hear side A. We see the remixed version of people. The one that is made to appease all. This personality is airy, bubbly, bright and over the top. And no matter how great the intention is, Side B can be misinterpreted as the fake, or bitchy version of you.<br />
So maybe it may be just me but I feel it to be totally unecissary to be over the top- rambunctious and overzelous with perfect strangers. If you really think about the ramifications of revealing your true self to someone you barely know, you'd be beside yourself with chock. I myself am more of a sit-back-and-watch-what-you-do-before-I-open-up type of person. However majority of society misinterpret's this silence as being a bitch. <br />
<br />
First and firstmost, let it be known for all that <strong><em>no one can be trusted</em></strong>. I for one will not engage in conversation with someone I deem to be fake, phony or untrustworthy. Why bother? I've been there and done that and I'm sure many of you have also. In life, meeting new people is like buying a new cassette tape. The package is exceptioally pretty and beautiful, but before we even get the chance to hear Side A, we're forced to fall in love with side B which unfortuantely has become the norm. But what about the people who don't fall prey to this stigma? What about those who like myself are quiet and observant, only to be labled an unsavoray 5 letter word for being their authentic self?<br />
<br />
If their was is one this I've carried with me in my lifetime, it is that we all must take a moment to step back, observe and then proceded with action. My side B may be unpopular but it has yeilded me great insight and better friendships.<br />
<br />
Enjoy<br />
xxxShirley T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05534258418229394590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3094857505631323913.post-35143307342489067092011-08-10T17:25:00.000-04:002011-08-10T17:25:12.871-04:00Friends, Money + Shades of Grey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluYYaF020jF5SkahFpv5UsHPYfwj5dL1Crjj6zO2x6zJYS1w08WJYV28B1_vwhLY09d3-RSkKrdUpZBP9ricwJdoiVybsjeENCB6-qjS06RGQRoy_POZQvrZpBV4s0UyffnJpBWt2Qbh3/s1600/friends+and+money.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluYYaF020jF5SkahFpv5UsHPYfwj5dL1Crjj6zO2x6zJYS1w08WJYV28B1_vwhLY09d3-RSkKrdUpZBP9ricwJdoiVybsjeENCB6-qjS06RGQRoy_POZQvrZpBV4s0UyffnJpBWt2Qbh3/s400/friends+and+money.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Do not underestimate the phrase "You are the company you keep". In the past, every few months or so I would go on a hiatus for several weeks. Why? Because I had no money and couldn't afford to hang around my friends.<br />
<br />
Now I'm sure you're wondering what friends have to do with money. Well think about it. Imagine going to the mall and seeing a group of friends walking together. Chances are they are wearing virtually the same thing, shopping at the same places and most likely have the same number of bags in their hands. Yet in actuality their incomes could be completely different! One friend could be making a comfortable cushy salary while the other makes the bare minimum. Regardless if person B is struggling, they know deep down that if they want to keep the company of that friend they're going to have to keep up with the spending too.<br />
<br />
Let's admit it. Keeping friends is practically a second job (except you're trading money for time). One that can be expensive depending on who you like to hang with. This is a concept I knew very early on in life but didn't really bother giving much attention to. As long as I could take care of myself (and perhaps give my friend a little help too) than I was all set.<br />
<br />
But alas, I ran into a few money woes or two. And that is when everything was not all set.<br />
<br />
So here's are some of my conclusion to this issue with friends and money:<br />
<br />
Be rich. When there's money in your pocket, there's money to entertain yourself hence you'll be able to keep up with the Jones'. Sounds shallow, yes. However I've learned first hand that people start to disappear when your pockets are empty. Don't believe me? I challenge you to 1 month of being penniless. I guarantee you'll be awakened.<br />
<br />
Understand the golden rule. Remember that episode i Sex & the City when Miranda refused to lend Carrie money? That's because she knew that money and friends don't mix. I used to be an avid money lender. However when the tables turned I found my friends weren't so quick to offer a hand. Outraged? A little. But it's not because they weren't good friends, it's because they understood something I didn't. When we mix friendship loyalty with finances it gets pretty messy. Make that down right ugly.<br />
<br />
Be upfront. When you're going out and about set a limit that everyone has to stick to. Even if one person is spending more than the other it sets off a chain reaction. If you're a big spender, you're essentially throwing your money in your friend's face. You may even unconsciously trigger your friend's uncontrollable spending habits (you may or may not care. It's your conscious not mine). Of course this is just a suggestion. If you have incredible discipline when it comes to money management, then ignore this advice.<br />
<br />
If your pockets are collecting a bit of dust (or debt), please follow suit and take a break from your friends. Sure they may think you're hiding or being shady, but it's better than feeling shame at not having enough to keep up. You can opt to tell them you're broke (which is a bad idea in my opinion), but I can almost guarantee it won't make a difference. <br />
<br />
Friends are great! But don't let them influence your finances unless it's adding more money in your pockets.<br />
<br />
Enjoy<br />
xxxShirley T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05534258418229394590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3094857505631323913.post-38555867431325962822011-08-09T16:15:00.000-04:002011-08-09T16:15:37.294-04:00Tasty Pallets: Grilled Chicken Sliders w/ Apricot Spread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuS0Lo7IsdTVP79ar74a2lZdaongABe1Ha0lR8ULQnM2oUS-OaeUlCRoyC5Ve7Jrmh8z0Uu_Eg2V5lQhKtWXywq2BN7wGm3vEUqnITHWW2TnqAD7zOipE-Po3bKSq94rlIXNUUjfZbi37H/s1600/grilled+chicken+sandwiches+apricot+sauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuS0Lo7IsdTVP79ar74a2lZdaongABe1Ha0lR8ULQnM2oUS-OaeUlCRoyC5Ve7Jrmh8z0Uu_Eg2V5lQhKtWXywq2BN7wGm3vEUqnITHWW2TnqAD7zOipE-Po3bKSq94rlIXNUUjfZbi37H/s400/grilled+chicken+sandwiches+apricot+sauce.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Pic and recipe courtesy of <a href="http://www.thecookingphotographer.com/">The Cooking Photographer</a>.<br />
<br />
I've never tried a lunch or dinner which uses fruit in it. I mean <em>NEVER</em>. I've been a picky eater since I was a child and fruit in salty meals is one of those things I've always thought was weird. (Imagine if you will the child from the Domino's pizza commercial running away from the Hawaiian pizza. Yes, that was me.) But since I'm slowly but surely experimenting with different pallets I thought I'd give this a try. Verdict: Not bad. Not bad at all!<br />
<br />
Note: I don't own a food processor. I just throw things in the blender and go from there<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Ingredients</strong></span><br />
<ul><li>1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika</li>
<li>1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon salt</li>
<li>1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs</li>
<li>Cooking spray</li>
<li>3 apricots, halved and pitted</li>
<li>1 tablespoon water</li>
<li>1 tablespoon vinegar</li>
<li>1 tablespoon Dijon mustard</li>
<li>1/2 clove garlic, pressed through a press</li>
<li>8 (1.3-ounce) mini sandwich buns</li>
</ul><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Directions</strong></span><br />
<div></div><div>1. Spray the grill with cooking spray and heat to medium high heat.</div><div></div><div>2. Combine first 4-ingredients in a small bowl. Spray chicken with cooking spray and rub with the paprika mixture. Set aside.</div><div></div><div>3. Grill chicken and apricots about 5 minute per side until the chicken is cooked through. The apricots may finish a little sooner.</div><div></div><div>4. Cool chicken slightly and shred with forks. Place the apricots in a food processor with mustard and garlic. Process until smooth.</div><div></div><div>5. Warm the buns in the microwave. Spread a little chutney on buns. Add chicken and sandwich together.</div><div></div><div></div><br />
Enjoy<br />
xxxShirley T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05534258418229394590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3094857505631323913.post-91640585868105465042011-08-08T15:28:00.000-04:002011-08-08T15:28:28.078-04:00Tasty Pallets: Turkey, Brie and Pesto Panini<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSC5h0yENQ72wFC8mNXuHqSbOWthTT956IBYOBHbLmDp0yz7L-wR0dfp8i8MHMgCHpAX58LKwoELsZzb31Dt7DBNDHqqSwdBPFEL5niX7l3r5pXNlmD0qVHBT2gTBj4F-NrwwU7m610Axl/s1600/Turkey-Brie-Pesto-and-Arugula-Panini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSC5h0yENQ72wFC8mNXuHqSbOWthTT956IBYOBHbLmDp0yz7L-wR0dfp8i8MHMgCHpAX58LKwoELsZzb31Dt7DBNDHqqSwdBPFEL5niX7l3r5pXNlmD0qVHBT2gTBj4F-NrwwU7m610Axl/s400/Turkey-Brie-Pesto-and-Arugula-Panini.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Recipe and Picture courtesy of <a href="http://whatsgabycooking.com/">What's Gabby Cooking</a>. Tons of great recipes! Check it out.<br />
<br />
<div class="ERIngredientsHeader"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Ingredients</strong></span></div><ul class="ingredients"><li class="ingredient">2 slices bread, whole grain preferred</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 tbsp olive oil</li>
<li class="ingredient">2 tbsp homemade pesto</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 small handful arugula</li>
<li class="ingredient">4 slices Brie</li>
<li class="ingredient">3 slices oven roasted turkey</li>
</ul><div class="ERInstructionsHeader"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Directions</strong></span></div><div class="instructions"><ol><li class="instruction">Plug in your panini press and let is get hot.</li>
<li class="instruction">Brush the olive oil on one side of each piece of bread. These are the sides that will be touching the panini press.</li>
<li class="instruction">Place a piece of bread on a plate, olive oil side down. Spread on the pesto and then layer on the turkey, brie and arugula. Top with the remaining piece of bread.</li>
<li class="instruction">Place into panini press and close. Let it toast for about 5 minutes until its golden brown on the top and bottom. Remove, slice and serve.</li>
</ol></div>Shirley T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05534258418229394590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3094857505631323913.post-68230678993740144452011-08-08T15:22:00.000-04:002011-08-08T15:22:08.735-04:00Sincerely Me<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgCmCqkzKOA9orH1p7c7-Q01v0K6kBrgouiG9Be34Wb07mpiukAyDo7v1wc_YHAxE3v4b5KggJiXdPvVwO5B3pHa9iFHjXzN61PFt5-1hMjbKiDX3wKWQQ7MbcVapeuWaOPo9tKxbfg2v/s1600/zombie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgCmCqkzKOA9orH1p7c7-Q01v0K6kBrgouiG9Be34Wb07mpiukAyDo7v1wc_YHAxE3v4b5KggJiXdPvVwO5B3pHa9iFHjXzN61PFt5-1hMjbKiDX3wKWQQ7MbcVapeuWaOPo9tKxbfg2v/s400/zombie.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">pic courtsey of Freak Alternative Photographics [</span><a href="http://freakaltfoto.tumblr.com/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">1</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">]</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Dear World,</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I don't when it happened, but you have unconsciously turned into a robot. You are no longer alive. Everyday I watch you get up go to work, go home, eat dinner, go to sleep, and repeat the cycle again. What happened to the days when you spoke your mind unfazed by the criticism of others? What happen to the times when your clothes would make a statement of the person we both know you really are? What happen to making your dreams a reality? </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">You've become a slave to the paycheck. You've become a slave to fear. You've become the butt of jokes among strangers. You've allowed far to many things to slide. You're trapped in the twilight zone of comfort. Imprisoned by the familiar. You don't even realize you're no longer living. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I know you're not happy. So get happy. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Feel the breath of fresh air expand your lungs. Feel the sensation of blood running through your veins. Take off the shackles of monotony and be a little spontaneous. Live. Live the life you've always dreamed. Live the life you know you deserve. Be bold. Be courageous. Be extraordinary. Be legendary. Do it now. Do it today, and I promise you'll thank me later.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
Shirley T.Shirley T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05534258418229394590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3094857505631323913.post-35560060014359067102011-07-29T16:18:00.000-04:002011-07-29T16:18:13.266-04:00Tasty Pallets: Shrimp Fried Rice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynlRJgBG9eQNmRFfqbEkT8g0qVMJDgKDn3P_-uztP29OGmSVDYdI4d00bcZRj2cNCzlQKN4Rks0-RJiDM19ECVD-oPy6Oqi36ClbMAOkeT7w96uVZKVOn09du8jvLeRczpqX6TVc5zpR_/s1600/shrimp-fried-rice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynlRJgBG9eQNmRFfqbEkT8g0qVMJDgKDn3P_-uztP29OGmSVDYdI4d00bcZRj2cNCzlQKN4Rks0-RJiDM19ECVD-oPy6Oqi36ClbMAOkeT7w96uVZKVOn09du8jvLeRczpqX6TVc5zpR_/s400/shrimp-fried-rice.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Pic and Recipe courtesy of </span><a href="http://simplyrecipes.com/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">simplyrecipes.com</span></a><br />
<br />
This is a favorite of mine when there's leftover rice in my fridge (which is almost always). The slight different between this recipe and my recipe is that I don't use sesame seed oil or cornstarch, but I do use a pinch of ginger. So if you don't have cornstarch and sesame seed oil laying around in your cabinet, you can omit those and use a pinch of ginger instead.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Ingredients</strong></span><br />
<ul><li class="ingredient">8 ounces small raw shrimp, shelled and deveined</li>
<li class="ingredient">1/2 teaspoon kosher salt</li>
<li class="ingredient">freshly ground black pepper</li>
<li class="ingredient">1/2 teaspoon cornstarch</li>
<li class="ingredient">2 tablespoons cooking oil, divided</li>
<li class="ingredient">3 eggs, beaten</li>
<li class="ingredient">2 stalks green onion, minced</li>
<li class="ingredient">4 cups leftover rice, grains separated well</li>
<li class="ingredient">3/4 cup frozen peas and carrots, defrosted</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 tablespoon soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce if you are making a gluten-free version)</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 teaspoon sesame oil</li>
</ul><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Directions</strong></span><br />
<b>1</b> In a bowl, toss the shrimp with the salt, pepper and cornstarch. Let marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature. Heat a wok or large sauté pan on high heat. When the pan is hot enough for a bead of water to instantly sizzle and evaporate, add just 1 tablespoon of the cooking oil and swirl to coat pan.<br />
<br />
<b>2</b> Add the shrimp, quickly spreading out around the cooking surface area so that they are not overlapping. Let fry, untouched for 30 seconds. Flip over and let the other side fry for 30 seconds, or until about 80% cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan onto a plate, leaving as much oil in the pan as possible.<br />
<br />
<b>3</b> Turn the heat to medium, let the pan heat up again. Add the eggs, stirring in a quick motion to break up and scramble the eggs. When the eggs are almost cooked through (they should still be slightly runny in the middle), dish out of the pan into the same plate as the cooked shrimp.<br />
<br />
<b>4</b> Use paper towels to wipe the same wok or sauté pan clean and return to high heat with the remaining 1 tablespoon of cooking oil, swirling to coat. When the oil is very hot, add the green onions and fry until fragrant, about 15 seconds. Add in the rice and stir well to mix in the green onions throughout. Spread the rice all around the wok surface area and let the rice heat up, untouched until you hear the bottoms of the grains sizzle, about 1-2 minutes. Use the spatula to toss the rice, again spreading the rice out over the surface of wok.<br />
<br />
<b>5</b> Drizzle the soy sauce all around the rice and toss. Add the peas and carrots, the cooked eggs, shrimp and sesame oil, tossing to mix the rice evenly with all of the ingredients. Let everything heat back up again, until the rice grains are so hot they practically dance! Taste and add an additional 1 teaspoon of soy sauce if needed.<br />
<br />
Enjoy<br />
xxxShirley T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05534258418229394590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3094857505631323913.post-48540957202265043412011-07-29T16:02:00.000-04:002011-07-29T16:02:27.423-04:00Great Sounds: Timothy Bloom + V<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfANWpInP3UJmPtqO13DyGxNDZ99qvRlWQzK8gdziJQ0hkb2hQJ2vAqkyNUnG1LKjZ9jnnsv8f490hgyvaHL7FDMUY7pXZtyi_2brGfE0wmH3tAWYVgpfb1Be0d9Ok7PMhoLK4SjVaeJ1/s1600/timothy-bloom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfANWpInP3UJmPtqO13DyGxNDZ99qvRlWQzK8gdziJQ0hkb2hQJ2vAqkyNUnG1LKjZ9jnnsv8f490hgyvaHL7FDMUY7pXZtyi_2brGfE0wmH3tAWYVgpfb1Be0d9Ok7PMhoLK4SjVaeJ1/s400/timothy-bloom.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div>pictures courtesy of [<a href="http://visionsofv.com/">1</a>] [<a href="http://natashajewels.com/?p=37">2</a>]<br />
<br />
Remember that amazing yet controversial D'Angelo video? I'm sure you do. It's practically the only song people can remember by him. These amazing new faces have recreated the sensational video taking it a step further. There has been a lot of hype about this video and it's easy to see why. Partial Nudity! Although the video skirts around inappropriateness, it's actually quite beautiful. Not only can the artists really sing, but their bodies look perfectly sculpted, ridiculously smooth and the most flawless shade of black. <br />
<br />
<em>Side note: V's body is what I've been working on all summer. I'm taking note and pumping my routine up a notch.</em><br />
<br />
A little about the artists:<br />
<br />
Timothy Bloom is a producer, singer, songwriter inspire by the classic R&B vibes. He's written work for Ne-Yo Chris Brown and more artists that we've come to know and love which undoubtedly credits him as a powerful force in the music industry. He grew up on music, playing instruments and singing since he was young. His debut album "In Full Bloom" should be out soon. In the meantime you can check out his EP featuring his single 'Til the End of Time" called "The Budding Rose". Check out his site <a href="http://www.timothybloom.com/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoal2hykl673IR3SIz_nqG9TMEeYCvP_-dTIRVCybvcCNQJEzx9s6cqCrXtGuoe7dZDm3hOwvecJYNcLpBcMzRiHZ5Jal_it7HsSMpkUFemIDD3UgfC2Dm-zTsAI5hFReSkPrTabQ5fLfU/s1600/vbozeman.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoal2hykl673IR3SIz_nqG9TMEeYCvP_-dTIRVCybvcCNQJEzx9s6cqCrXtGuoe7dZDm3hOwvecJYNcLpBcMzRiHZ5Jal_it7HsSMpkUFemIDD3UgfC2Dm-zTsAI5hFReSkPrTabQ5fLfU/s400/vbozeman.bmp" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div>V is a multi-talented artist as well. Given she is a fairly new face to the main line, there's not much we know about her except that's she gorgeous and has an amazing voice! AMAZING! I can't wait to hear and see more of her. Check out her site <a href="http://thatgirlv.com/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Until then, enjoy the video. FYI not suitablee for work.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ctaFP8DQ5W8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Enjoy<br />
xxxShirley T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05534258418229394590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3094857505631323913.post-70788446474612375372011-07-28T12:56:00.001-04:002011-07-29T16:21:36.452-04:00Good Reads: Water For Elephants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzX5bD97pIAirvOpEumMsdJHDBCpquaPVHgGxKoJQa04ANaruIP8kOOz4hwTzCyHB0olnnZCu3HvhtP6yX1iilX_HXDTPXshl1yWWNa6UU7GtW9k4YsYSMH3n_5KFkv8l0O1JiSYsF4GP/s1600/waterforelephants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzX5bD97pIAirvOpEumMsdJHDBCpquaPVHgGxKoJQa04ANaruIP8kOOz4hwTzCyHB0olnnZCu3HvhtP6yX1iilX_HXDTPXshl1yWWNa6UU7GtW9k4YsYSMH3n_5KFkv8l0O1JiSYsF4GP/s400/waterforelephants.jpg" t$="true" width="257" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">pic home [</span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">]</span><br />
<br />
In keeping to my New Year's resolution I went to the NY Times best sellers list and plucked out Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen. The book was made into film. After seeing the trailers I was uninterested, simply dismissing it as another sappy Hollywood love story. (I'm not too partial to chick flicks). But my interest was piqued when I read all the wonderful reviews. Besides, if it made the list obviously it must be a great story.<br />
<br />
Water For Elephants is the story of an old man who recalls the story of his youth. It is of a time when he meets tragedy and very quickly finds himself in the midst of a traveling circus. Along his journey he meets some very interesting characters including a very narcissistic ring master, a highly over powering chief operator, drunken works men, a grumpy midget, a mysteriously beautiful young woman and more. Jocab Jankowski's tale is an engaging depiction of a great adventure one can only dream of.<br />
<br />
I loved this story because it was the complete opposite of what I thought it would be. I expected unrealistic accounts of a fairytale like situation encompassed in some glittery feats of love. In fact the story was about adventure. It was about mystery. It was comical, provocative, and heart felt. (Well maybe the end is a bit unrealistic. You'll see when you read)<br />
<br />
I believe the author did an incredible job. The story was packed with details. She did extensive background research on the circus including making several trips around the US to collect data. So as expected from her dedication to extracting such information, the story uses vernacular familiar to people in the circus business, and circumstances not to far from reality. I recommend this book to everyone!<br />
<br />
After reading this I may actually go give the movie a gander.<br />
<br />
Enjoy<br />
xxxShirley T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05534258418229394590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3094857505631323913.post-20289494628018331622011-07-28T12:24:00.000-04:002011-09-18T22:16:25.938-04:00Tasty Pallets: BBQ Chicken Pizza<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-ZHxF1MK8LXbdLsWEyhrKq_peFAwkStNcxIiKYxFfcmz9Gi0tgtUs1tEAYJ3WgSkhTqFMRUgUVfzPmBUbfu4kAdXFwPYkD7xTvME5d-5Te5Jv8VqsoAdBzyURJeBczlKpqvZhKZ9cIwb/s1600/4433733640_9a24e49835_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-ZHxF1MK8LXbdLsWEyhrKq_peFAwkStNcxIiKYxFfcmz9Gi0tgtUs1tEAYJ3WgSkhTqFMRUgUVfzPmBUbfu4kAdXFwPYkD7xTvME5d-5Te5Jv8VqsoAdBzyURJeBczlKpqvZhKZ9cIwb/s400/4433733640_9a24e49835_o.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div>
All pictures & recipe courtesy of <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/">The Pioneer Woman</a>. Her website is amazing!<br />
<br />
I saw this recipe for a CPK (California Pizza Kitchen) BBQ chicken inpired pizza and was immediately salivating at the propect of eating it. Literally I could taste the crunch of the crust, sweetness of the bbq sauce and smell of bubbling mozzerella. Yum! I just had to make it! <br />
<br />
The first time I made it I messed up on the pizza dough. I only had 2 cups of flour so I had to cut the recipe in half but for some reason that didn't really work out. I ended up creating a sort of flat pizza. Tasted ok, but I went back and did it again with the right amount of ingredients. I used this video to help me. <strong><em>Note: Make the dough about 2 hours before you make the pizza</em></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/KH1j7IwiTvw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You only need half the dough once you're finished to make the crust.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients</span>:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbt07AcfGj2C7P02xQ7v8dQj4-cJKvvBnuIujTQY_vvE7uHew63v5vkJ1R8swQQlrn_9IUuXDfXwahLsI7wzeTjjQ_COohYFBGPiINQ6dRmyRbUR-17wV_nqGMoCTlRNe3kUF7WBKbbI_n/s1600/ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbt07AcfGj2C7P02xQ7v8dQj4-cJKvvBnuIujTQY_vvE7uHew63v5vkJ1R8swQQlrn_9IUuXDfXwahLsI7wzeTjjQ_COohYFBGPiINQ6dRmyRbUR-17wV_nqGMoCTlRNe3kUF7WBKbbI_n/s400/ingredients.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">1 whole Recipe For Pizza Crust </span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"></span><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">2 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts</span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">1/2 cup Barbecue Sauce</span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">Olive Oil, For Drizzling</span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">Salt For Sprinkling</span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">16 ounces, weight Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Sliced Thinly</span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">1/2 whole Red Onion, Cut In Half And Sliced Very Thin</span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">Chopped Cilantro, to taste</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Directions</span>:</div>
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.<br />
<br />
Salt chicken breasts on both sides, then place in an ovenproof dish. Pour BBQ sauce over the breasts and turn them over to coat. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until chicken is done. Remove from oven and cut into a fine dice. Set aside.<br />
<br />
Increase oven temperature to 500 degrees. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0oFLA1Y6XJ8RRsdRHvLZy-r_Dx4FjyeD6-T37pixISdRN72SsZMLgnXrMkvm9RvcwXLy8aMBUdN0tzdbDEel12HGlP5l2Xl6kSTpjTnXI2ahdJa-TzVU8__ITao3f5yR0TfU5rPCO9gs/s1600/prep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0oFLA1Y6XJ8RRsdRHvLZy-r_Dx4FjyeD6-T37pixISdRN72SsZMLgnXrMkvm9RvcwXLy8aMBUdN0tzdbDEel12HGlP5l2Xl6kSTpjTnXI2ahdJa-TzVU8__ITao3f5yR0TfU5rPCO9gs/s400/prep.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div>
Roll/stretch out one pizza crust. Lay it on a sheet pan drizzled with olive oil. Drizzle a little olive oil on the crust, then sprinkle on a little salt. <br />
<br />
Spoon a couple of tablespoons of extra BBQ sauce on the crust and spread it evenly. Top sauce with half the sliced mozzarella. Sprinkle on half the diced chicken and thinly sliced red onion. <br />
<br />
Sprinkle again with a little salt, then bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and toppings are bubbly.<br />
<br />
Remove from the oven and sprinkle on plenty of chopped cilantro. Cut into squares and serve immediately. Repeat with other crust and other ingredients, or save for another time<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcjx3QCw5mNcQ9FHwL9H-D8oSW1z7I25pJO6zojFjk_l3UrcvKFuGiLvZArEh4fEcb-zcUK7q9OTauRtBf57ZL_XpwMXazlhlYR-niGPqwW-M_FYvb7iRGiGpwJR2vkVuELlh3WNU_-Cs/s1600/bbqchickenpizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcjx3QCw5mNcQ9FHwL9H-D8oSW1z7I25pJO6zojFjk_l3UrcvKFuGiLvZArEh4fEcb-zcUK7q9OTauRtBf57ZL_XpwMXazlhlYR-niGPqwW-M_FYvb7iRGiGpwJR2vkVuELlh3WNU_-Cs/s400/bbqchickenpizza.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div>
Enjoy<br />
xxxShirley T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05534258418229394590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3094857505631323913.post-24233348536685084612011-07-27T10:47:00.000-04:002011-07-27T10:47:14.020-04:00Why No One Helps You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf38fz3UngAGtjNQnuLB8WOGcVeI_VpLympaUZfnYfUoY6YKLYyotggtg19plj-2nOTtcSNmGP47-xXDQxOLERQNWWc3fm-fAfD8BYdRdug0qMoO0_q_j6PJDuyUMyVKzNScgDGvyCuUCX/s1600/help.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf38fz3UngAGtjNQnuLB8WOGcVeI_VpLympaUZfnYfUoY6YKLYyotggtg19plj-2nOTtcSNmGP47-xXDQxOLERQNWWc3fm-fAfD8BYdRdug0qMoO0_q_j6PJDuyUMyVKzNScgDGvyCuUCX/s1600/help.jpg" t$="true" /></a></div>On Sunday afternoon I made the long trek into Boston. The sun was out, the temperature was nice, and all was good in the neighborhood. I was especially happy because after months of having to listen to other people's conversations, birds, trucks etc I now had an Ipod to drown out the outside world. Funny how that didn't work though because as soon as I stepped onto the subway a behind me exclaimed "Excuse me ladies and gentlemen!". Oh brother.<br />
<br />
All eyes shot to her with a bit of shock but no one made any sudden movements. Because she was standing right behind me it was hard simply ignore her and turn up the volume to my ipod. So I pressed paused and listened.<br />
<br />
"I don't mean to do this to you. I know everyone of you wouldn't want to be in this situation. I know some of you are parents who love your kids dearly..." At this point almost everyone returned to what they were doing. A few continued conversations with their friends. Others looked down into the hands with extreme concentration trying to memorize every wrinkle. Then there were those who just turned their backs to her pretending as if her loud boisterous voice were just a whisper. We all knew what was coming. <br />
<br />
"I have a daughter in Providence about to be dropped off. I left my wallet at home. I have absolutely no money. If any one of you could spare any money please it would help me so much."<br />
<br />
A silence ensued. She huffed with breaths of exhaustion as if she had been running rapid in the streets of Boston looking for spare change. You could see the sense of desperation in her eyes. But like creatures of habit, everyone was hesitant. Shoulders went up while clutching their purses tightly to their body. Eyes rolled skyward. And I was one of them. Pessimistic. Surmising she would take the money and just use it for drugs. After all isn't that what they all do?<br />
<br />
I turned my Ipod back on, but kept the music low. <br />
<br />
"Please! I need help. No one will help me."<br />
<br />
Right there a chord struck inside of me. I went in my bag, pulled out my wallet and drew out a crisp dollar bill and handed it to her. <br />
<br />
So why did I do it? Because over the last months or so I have been struggling. Wishing that someone could just give me a hand. Praying that God would see my strife and alleviate it. But nothing. (at least for a while). No one had faith in me. And it's no mystery why because it was clear I didn't have faith in myself so why would anyone else trust me?<br />
<br />
We tend to hesitate to help people because we don't trust their intentions. So when that lady (who by the way had on clean clothes, combed hair and was carrying a backpack) said the last line I imagined myself in her place. I imagined me being the people I ask help for. In that moment I realised why no one wanted to help me. Not because they didn't want to. Because they were unsure of my intentions. They didn't want to help me only to feel scammed moments later.<br />
<br />
Giving that money to her had nothing to do about the money. I learned a valuable lesson that day, so she deserved to be rewarded for it.<br />
<br />
I encourage everyone to stop the hesitation when someone asks for help. Those moments open an opportunity for you to impact society. It's not really your business what they do with the assistance you give them. You're job is to be a positive impact. Besides it's good karma and it will always come back to you ten folds.<br />
<br />
xxx<br />
EnjoyShirley T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05534258418229394590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3094857505631323913.post-83627792326896710842011-07-23T18:48:00.000-04:002011-07-23T18:48:27.449-04:00My Darling Amy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8sLC4mO6cwfeVE1zrLfsCulKbX6C9EPY3NQ9Phm3Y-KRnhHz0-8YX4KwpndoLkPWz3yEZ46BzP3PiXex_LF4gYH3yZzu46JgUBg9St8Hk0JziV8tTrCI-o2OiBU6WGa-8-xmhAluDmIw/s1600/amy_winehouse1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8sLC4mO6cwfeVE1zrLfsCulKbX6C9EPY3NQ9Phm3Y-KRnhHz0-8YX4KwpndoLkPWz3yEZ46BzP3PiXex_LF4gYH3yZzu46JgUBg9St8Hk0JziV8tTrCI-o2OiBU6WGa-8-xmhAluDmIw/s320/amy_winehouse1.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div>I'm so sad to hear that Amy is no longer with us and trust when I say she will be missed. One thing is for certain though, she left an unforgettable mark of this earth. She is and will always be a legend. One day our children's children will be singing her songs.Shirley T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05534258418229394590noreply@blogger.com0