Table for One?

Overall, I think I'm a pretty decent person to befriend.  I can be fun and silly and laugh like a four-year-old, or I can be serious and caring and provide a shoulder to cry on.  I can offer advice or just listen quietly, and I almost never judge, even if I disagree.  I have always gotten along with a wide variety of people (many who do not get along with each other), and generally I look to see the best in people.  I do what I can to spread the positive energy, and to make all those around me smile.  If I were to stop here, you'd probably think I was rather full of myself.  Actually, it's quite the opposite.

The other day, I was talking with my husband about his plans for this weekend.  He was getting ready to meet up with some friends/family out of town, but he was arriving earlier than everyone else and wanted to make the most of his time.  He did some research, and found a few highlights: great places to eat, sights to see, etc.  It sounded like he was going to have a lot of fun ... and that's before he even met up with anyone else!

I was excited for him and all the great things he was going to do, but honestly I was also a bit jealous.  Part of me was just bummed because I couldn't go with him (even after all these years, I still hate it when we're apart).  But part of me was thinking I could never do that.  I have never been comfortable sitting at a restaurant by myself.  I've only ever done it once or twice, and even then it was only because I had to kill time between appointments, and I brought work in with me to do at the table.  If I'm meeting friends somewhere, I wait outside for them to arrive rather than sitting alone at the bar.  And I would never dream of going to a museum, show, park, or other attraction alone.

The Waiting Game

I am sitting here in my living room, waiting.

At the moment, I'm waiting for it to be time to leave for a class I'm taking this morning.

I'm also waiting for a package to be delivered.  That probably won't come today, but I'm still waiting for it.  

I'm also waiting to get my tax refund.  I know when it should arrive, and there are things I need to do that are waiting on that money.

Most of all, I'm waiting for a phone call that is going to help me take some important steps towards improving the quality of my life.

I'm also waiting for a commercial break so I can go to the bathroom.  It doesn't matter that I'm watching Dirty Dancing for the thousandth time (at least) and could recite the entire movie verbatim; I still have to wait for a commercial.

What's the Worst that Could Happen?

Aaaaahhhhh ...

That's the sigh of relief. Of relaxation. Of not stressing about the things that have the potential to make me nuts ... the things that up until quite recently, did just that. But no more. Aaaaahhhh!

In the movies, whenever someone asks "what's the worst that could happen," we know we're about to find out.  It's always some disastrous event, and the character is devastated.  A little while later he's dumb enough to say "well, at least things can't get any worse" ... so, of course, they do.  For most of us, though, it's usually nowhere near as exciting ... or as calamitous.  The problem is that we build it up in our minds as though it could be, and that stops us from doing the things we want - or need - to do.  

Change the World

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." 

~Margaret Meade

This has always been one of my favorite quotes, and today's amazing turn of events in Egypt brought it to the forefront of my mind once again.

I'm not going to get too political on here, as I do not know anywhere near enough of the history of the country to speak with any authority.  Besides, that's not what any of us come to this site for.  But since a few of my coworker friends are from Egypt, I've been watching and learning a bit over the past couple of weeks.  I've been amazed and inspired by what I've seen, and am left (nearly) speechless.

I am in awe of the strength, unity, and perseverance shown by the Egyptian people.  I am inspired by their  dedication and commitment to their cause.  I am amazed by their ability to remain calm, organized and peaceful despite being taunted, pushed, and provoked.  We could all learn from them.

Mabrook [congratulations], Egypt.  You deserve this victory.  And shukran [thank you] for showing the world that anything is possible. 

** If you like what you read, tell a friend!  Actually, tell me too - post a comment below!!  If you don't ... well ... I'm all for honesty, but please be gentle!

What I Believe

I am not a religious person in any traditional sense of the word (or any non-traditional sense, either), but I do believe in Karma. As I've told you before, I believe that everything happens for a reason, even if we don't understand it at the time.  It is that faith that helps carry me through challenging times, keeping me strong until the good comes through out of the bad.  It is that faith that pushes me to do whatever I have to in order to make that happen.

Done!

Note: Sorry I took an extra day to get to this ... I started to write it yesterday, but the day got really crazy, and I just ran out of time... but without further delay, here we go!

Ok, folks ... I have officially completed my 10-day detoxification program, and here's where I'm at now:

It Couldn't Be Me

I got a few compliments yesterday; it was really nice.  One person said I was glowing.  Later on, someone else said he couldn't figure what it was, but that I just looked really good.  Another person jumped in and said it must be the detox working, that I've got that 'healthy glow'.  A few hours later, someone said I looked great, and that seeing me inspired her to get back on track with her nutrition and health goals.

All of those compliments made me feel great, so I made a mental note: Wear this outfit again.