ONE LOVE

My dad sent this to me on Christmas and I really couldn't agree more. I grew up Christian and although I do not classify myself a religious person, I would never deny God in my life. I think all religions should be happy to praise their God OPENLY. This is America. After all. My best friend is Muslim. I dated a Hindu. I have friends that are Buddhist. It really is "ONE LOVE" and we should all be happy to support and rejoice in each other's traditions. 

The following was written by Ben Stein

and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

My confession: I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are, Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in  Malibu . If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that  America  is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or, maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities, and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the  America  we knew went to.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her , 'How could God let something like this happen?'  (regarding Hurricane Katrina). Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And, being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'

In light of recent events..... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK.

Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says 'Thou shalt not kill'; 'Thou shalt not steal,' and 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said okay. (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide.)

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

2010: Gone Like The Wind.. humble pie and all ;)

OHHH Humble pie... you are bittersweet

I was super excited about starting 2010. But this year took a crazy turn of obstacles that one never can foresee. So 2010 is almost over. THANK GOD. Do not get me wrong... I praise him every day I am alive and am grateful for every experience and lesson I have learned in this life that we so often take for granted. But a new beginning could not be more warranted and exciting! And I am EXCITED.

I have eaten a major slice of humble pie this year financially. I know the economy has been bad and I invested my interests in somethings that didn't pan out. Made some not so great decisions and lost my motivation on some projects that weren't panning out. But again a lesson learned. That's the joy of a new year starting. For some odd reason the majority of people get motivated and inspired and refreshed with new goals and a new sense of future accomplishment and I am one of those people. I have recently had a renewed sense of where I want my career to go and I am making my dreams a reality.

I have also been humbled by the ending of a very long relationship and most importantly friendship that I deeply valued.That was tough. It was not easy to accept the reality of it and for a while I tried to fight it. Everyday for about 3 months I felt like I was in a twisted, sick nightmare; regretting the years of watching sweet romantic chick flicks that always had it "working out in the end". In my best Aldous Snow voice "Bull shit, bull shit, bull shit".  Whats more tough was losing my best friend. I have learned though that without an incredible support system of friends and family, you NEVER get through the tough times. Luckily, I have gotten though them and I am very excited about starting the New Year with no romantic strings attached. I am going to try (and I say try, because I am a serial monogamist) and stay single for one whole year, My 30th year of life.

My very spontaneous and irrational move to New Orleans, again humbling. Sometimes we make a decision without even realizing the effect it may have on our lives. And sometimes the reason we think we are moving can take on an entirely different meaning and teach us a lesson that we never thought we needed to learn. I had that experience.

God is funny and he works in strange and mysterious ways but I believe (with my whole heart) that he has the best and most sincere intentions for us even if at the time we can't see what they are. So as one chapter of life closes, another opens. People come into our lives for certain reasons and seasons and leave just the same. So Cheer's to another year of Life. I am looking forward to the prosperity of it and savoring every moment!

My Lessons for Life and the New Year :

Savor the HEALTHY relationships in life with family and friends.
Let go of the past, Look forward to the future but FOCUS on the PRESENT.
Choose to do something you LOVE and you will be successful.
What's meant to be WILL and DOES happen.
Savor the SMALL things.
Live and Love like its your LAST day.
ALWAYS say how you feel, we never know when it's too late.
It's God's time, NOT ours.
Talk less and LISTEN more.
LEARN from your mistakes, APOLOGIZE and then MOVE on.
Don't hold hate in your heart for even a second. Resentment is TOO powerful.
If your not good enough for someone, move on. Every relationship should be about PRAISE.
and DO YOU.... Unless you are happy with yourself, you can't give anything to anyone else.

This touched me to the core

picture:  cannazine.uk.co

I saw this video this morning and wanted to share it. I was super stunned and saddened by Heath Ledger's death 3 years ago and have always wondered how Michelle Williams has handled it. She did an interview with Nightline and it really touched me.

I have an odd, sad obsession with loss. It may be that I have experienced enough of it. Not always with death, but definitely with loss. Some not having anything to do with death at all, some about the loss of my familiar life after Katrina, some over breakups and some with death... a few ex boyfriends deaths have really just made me wonder if I ever said enough. Did I always say the things I truly wanted to say before their untimely passing? I linger on the "closure" aspect of everything; whether it be watching a movie, breaking up, hanging up, I MUST have closure. I believe that's why I always say how I feel about someone. If I love you, I will tell you. If I miss you, you will feel it. I wish everyone would aim to be more like this... you never know when it's too late.

Watch Michelle's interview here:
Michelle Williams on Nightline

Oh Kanye... I adore you!

Kanye is just a GENIUS! There I said it genius... good, bad, ego, humble... He's just the illest.

And now he tweets too?! O.M.G.

twitter.com/Kanyewest

I met him at SXSW 2 years ago and it made my YEAR! He brought Common out and he and Erykah Badu sang "The Light".... which just happens to be my favorite song EVER.  Then Kanye and Erykah had a freestyle. Pretty much was the best thing EVER!!! That's when Kanye spit these lines that showed up in Rick Ross Maybach 2 song:

New crib loftin

Where's it at? Austin

Where's that? Texas

What's in front? Benzes

What else? Lexus

Well, who's Maybach is this? Mr. Westes

And now the genius is back after the whole Taylor Swift thing and this is his first release. 100% Kanye through and through and 100% relatable on so many levels. This song reminds me sooo much of a man I know too well. Ha! Ladies, RUNAWAY if you meet him.

Kanye West

Runaway 

And I always find, yeah, I always find somethin' wrong
You been puttin' up wit' my shit just way too long
I'm so gifted at findin' what I don't like the most
So I think it's time for us to have a toast

Let's have a toast for the douchebags,
Let's have a toast for the assholes,
Let's have a toast for the scumbags,
Every one of them that I know
Let's have a toast for the jerkoffs
That'll never take work off
Baby, I got a plan
Run away fast as you can

She find pictures in my email
I sent this girl a picture of my, dick
I don't know what it is with females
But I'm not too good with that, shit
See, I could have me a good girl
And still be addicted to them hoodrats
And I just blame everything on you
At least you know that's what I'm good at

And I always find
Yeah, I always find
Yeah, I always find somethin' wrong
You been puttin' up with my shit just way too long
I'm so gifted at findin' what I don't like the most
So I think it's time for us to have a toast

Let's have a toast for the douchebags,
Let's have a toast for the assholes,
Let's have a toast for the scumbags,
Every one of them that I know
Let's have a toast for the jerkoffs
That'll never take work off
Baby, I got a plan
Run away fast as you can

Run away from me, baby
Run away
Run away from me, baby
Run away
Doesn't have to get crazy,
Why can't she just run away?
Babe I've got a plan,
Run away as fast as you can
Run away from me, baby
Run away
Run away from me, baby
Run away
Doesn't have to get crazy,
Why can't she just, run away?
Baby I got a plan,
Run away as fast as you can

(Pusha T)

24/7, 365, pussy stays on my mind
I-I-I-I did it, all right, all right, I admit it
Now pick your next move, you could leave or live wit' it
Ichabod Crane with that motherfuckin' top off
Split and go where? Back to wearin' knockoffs, ha ha
Knock it off, Neiman's, shop it off
Let's talk over mai tais, waitress, top it off
Hoes like poachers wanna fly in your Freddy loafers
You can't blame 'em, they ain't never seen Versace sofas
Every bag, every blouse, every bracelet
Comes with a price tag, baby, face it
You should leave if you can't accept the basics
Plenty hoes in the baller-nigga's matrix
Invisibly set, the Rolex is faceless
I'm just young, rich, and tasteless
P!

(Kanye)

Never was much of a romantic
I could never take the intimacy
And I know it did damage
Plus the look in your eyes, is killing me
I guess you knew an advantage
Cuz you can blame me for every thing
And I don't know how imma manage
If one day you just up and leave

And, I always find somethin' wrong
Yeah I always find somethin' wrong
You been puttin' up with my shit just way too long
I'm so gifted at findin' what I don't like the most
So I think it's time for us to have a toast

Let's have a toast for the douchebags,
Let's have a toast for the assholes,
Let's have a toast for the scumbags,
Every one of them that I know
Let's have a toast for the jerkoffs
That'll never take work off
Baby, I got a plan
Run away fast as you can

Check out the full Runaway Video here:
The Video for Runaway

Hottest guys in the NFL

Ok... so while stalking Reggie Bush online, I came across this list. It really is all about personal preference and taste. I prefer the looks of black men and darker men so Tom Brady would not be my number one. Reggie Bush most definitely would. But he must be hot if he's married to the world's hottest woman.

I also think Lance Moore deserves to be on this list. I mean face it. Hes effin HOT. He must be mixed cause he is the perfect blend. I think he is absolutely gorgeous. Plus he's got that Superbowl bling, super sexy! He also has a brother Nick Moore who plays in the Canadian football league. Not sure how different that is from the NFL.



Anyway, peak the list yourself and let me know what you think.
Hottest guys in the NFL

A song for my mellow mood :(

I'm in a Debbie downer mood. Missing my ex... not too sure why. Maybe I just miss having a boyfriend in general. Dunno? I have been meeting guys left and right and am ready to move on when I meet the right one but tonight I feel lonely. It's a process I guess. Good days and bad days. So tonight I will listen to this song over and over. Ha ;)

Coldplay 
The Scientist


Come up to meet you, Tell you I’m sorry, You don’t know how lovely you are 

I had to find you, Tell you I need you, Tell you I set you apart 

Tell me your secrets, And ask me your questions, Aww let’s go back to the start 

Runnin’ in circles, [sounds like] Comin’ our tails, Heads on the science apart 

Nobody said it was easy 
It’s such a shame for us to part 
Nobody said it was easy 
No one ever said it would be this hard 
Aww take me back to the start 

I was just guessin’, At numbers and figures, Pullin’ the puzzles apart 

Questions of science, Science and progress, Do not speak as loud as my heart 

Tell me you love me, Come back to haunt me, Oh when I rush to the start 

Runnin’ in circles, [sounds like] Chasin’ our tails, Comin’ back as we are 

Nobody said it was easy 
Aww It’s such a shame for us to part 
Nobody said it was easy 
No one ever said it would be so hard 
I’m goin’ back to the start 

Ahhooooooooooooooooo 
Ahhooooooooooooooooo 
Ahhooooooooooooooooo 
Ahhooooooooooooooooo 

Colored People?

My mom sent this to me and I wanted to share it because I think it's beautiful. We need to stop all of the racism. I'm going to do my part by having lots of mixed babies! ;)

A white man once said "Colored people are not allowed here."
A black man turned around and stood up.
He then said "Listen sir...when I was born I was BLACK."
"When I grew up, I was BLACK."
"When I'm sick I'm BLACK."
"When I go in the sun, I am BLACK."
"When I'm cold, I am BLACK."
"When I die, I'll be BLACK."
"But you sir..."
"When you are born... you're PINK."
"When you are grown... you're WHITE."
"When you are sick... you are GREEN."
"When you go in the sun.. you turn BLUE."
"And when you die... you turn PURPLE."
"And you have the nerve to call me colored?"
The black man sat back down and the white man walked away.

My Top 10 Christmas Movies ;)

Here's my favorite Christmas movies of all time... I have to watch them every year and not just at Christmas because the spirit of Christmas should be in our lives everyday.

10. Bridget Jones Diary (2001)
Renee Zellweger plays Bridget, a woman who on the midst of Christmas Eve and her impending 30th birthday decides she needs to change her life to find love and happiness... she documents her year in her diary. Its a sweet story of a woman's journey that I am all to familiar with.

9. A Christmas Story (1983)
This is probably much higher on most people's list but I have just seen it too many times. It 100% reminds me of what my dad's childhood must have been like and I am pretty sure my dad has told me he did ask for a Red Ryder BB Gun.

8. Bad Santa (2003)
It took a bad man (Billy Bob Thorton) that robs department stores on Christmas Eve meeting a young boy and loving bartender to make him change his ways.  This raunchy film is one of my favorites... and also is the theme of our annual party.

7. The Family Man (2000)
Besides the fact that Tea Leone is adorable, this really warms your heart. It's like a "what if" story. What if life had turned out differently? What if you left all the greed and money behind and led a more fulfilling life with family and the suburbs? It's a modern day version of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol".

6. ELF (2003)
Will Farrell's journey to find his dad after growing up in the north pole. Its hilarious and touching. It also has a sweet message about love and accepting those around us that might not be like us.

5. Home Alone (1990)
My favorite movie as a kid. I still love watching it with the kids in my family during Christmas.  When Kevin gets left behind on a large family vacation he has no choice but to create his own Christmas. Only to realize how much he actually loves and misses his own family.

4. The Polar Express (2004)
My mom, Riley, and I went to see this super sweet 3D movie years ago and it has stuck with me ever since. I really love the animation and the theme. A little boy is at the age where he is doubting Santa Clause but a magical trip on the Polar Express brings him back to reality and what being a kid during Christmas is all about.

3. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
Christmas with the Griswold's is the best! This is my favorite of the Lampoon series. When Clark's Christmas bonus hasn't come yet his Christmas turns a bit stress full, but in typical Griswold fashion all works out to their advantage in the end. This movie reminds me of every American family that has too many in laws and family members. I absolutely LOVE this one.

2.  It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Probably the most classic Christmas movie out. The generosity of Jimmy Stewart's character to his hometown is immense and I think especially these days everyone can relate to how his character feels when he is so overwhelmed financially and emotionally. What would life be like without me in it?  Its a true story of compassion and love and I have to see it every Christmas.

1.  Love Actually (2003)
This is not just my favorite Christmas movie but it is my favorite movie of ALL time. Yes, I know it's a chick flick but it is such a beautiful story about love and the lives it is connected to. Christmas brings out the love around and it should be felt all year round. Its about what you give up to find love, and what you do keep love... and love in family and friendships as well as falling in love. "Love is all around."

Hope you like my list ;) Try and watch them all this year!!!

My TOP 10 for Halloween ;0)

Like most people Halloween is one of my favorite holidays,  but I can watch and enjoy watching scary movies all year long... just not by myself ;)
*** Also, I know not all of my choices leave you sleepless, some are just enjoyable to watch.

Here are my favorite Halloween/ scary movies: (The order is debatable)

Enjoy!

1. The Exorcist (1973)
I remember the first time I watched it. I was 12 years old and at a friends having a slumber party. It was the first time I had ever experienced "devil type" movies and I was scared SHITLESS! So much so that I had to call my dad to come pick me up at midnight from the friends house. I didn't watch it again until well into my twenties.

2. The Ring (2002)
Ok... A girl climbing out of a TV.... enough said. Enough to make you not turn on the tv for a good week. Also, I think every house and every town has mysterious pasts that are a bit creepy.

3. Paranormal Activity (2007)
Although I missed the last (and said to be the scariest) 2 minutes because I closed my eyes, I truly was terrified the first time I saw this. I don't do well with sci-fi , demonic hauntings. I watch wayyyy to many ghost hunter stories and this one hit way too close to home.

4.  The Shining (1980)
Besides the fact that Stanley Kubrick is a genius, this movie seriously has scare factor. RED RUM... Yikes. Isn't every one's fear of being stuck somewhere with no way of getting out and then getting so paranoid that you can't tell whats real or fake.

5. What Lies Beneath (2000)
This has serious spook factor because the twist becomes so intense. It makes you wonder if you really know those you live with. Women lie. Men lie. Hmmm.... maybe not ;)

6. Saw series (2004- present)
Yes, I know it has become a little played out but I still really enjoy it and am REALLY looking forward to seeing the last installment in 3D.  Plus, I truly believe we have psychos out there. The gore and the way he kills people is a little stomach wrenching but can you imagine being one of Jigsaw's victims. Umm, no thanks.

7.  I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
Typical teen slasher film but highly enjoyable. Doesn't leave me sleepless, heck I could fall asleep to it but it is a great watch. Kevin Williamson  perfected that genre. He is also responsible for Teaching Mrs. Tingle, Vampire Diaries, and Scream.

8. The Hills Have Eyes (2006)
A family being stalked and tortured by another family. Knowing you are going to get murdered and eaten by your own kind sucks. DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT watch this one alone. It is super scary. Also, don't marry your first cousin ;)

9. Blair Witch Project (1999)
LOVE IT. Mind you I did see the midnight showing and did not know it was a movie. Also, the cast did not have scripts was extra spooky. This movie serious left my mind in a maze for days. Truly terrified and well the idea of this was GENIUS. Once the secret was out, I rested easier but I still have a tough time watching this one.

10. The Sixth Sense  (1999)
His gift is well a curse. The twist on this has you so creeped out, you have to watch it again just to catch all the signs. I still love this one. I miss the old M. Night Shamylan on a side note.

Sex and the City BABY!

If you know me, I am OBSESSED with Sex and the City. I have compiled some of my favorite quotes to share with you. TRUST ME, this is the short list. I have many more to add to it. I just wanted to share.

“The fact is, sometimes it’s really hard to walk in a single woman’s shoes. That’s why we need really special ones now and then to make the walk a little more fun." Carrie Bradshaw

"I think I have monogamy. I caught it from you." Samantha Jones

"I'm a try-sexual. I'll try anything once." Samantha Jones

"It took me a really long time to get here, but I’m here. Carrie, you’re the one. " Mr. Big

"No matter who broke your heart, or how long it takes to heal, you’ll never get through it without your friends." Carrie Bradshaw

“The most important thing in life is your family. There are days you love them, and others you don’t. But, in the end, they’re the people you always come home to. Sometimes it’s the family you’re born into and sometimes it’s the one you make for yourself." Carrie Bradshaw

 "Later that day I got to thinking about relationships. There are those that open you up to something new and exotic, those that are old and familiar, those that bring up lots of questions, those that bring you somewhere unexpected, those that bring you far from where you started, and those that bring you back. But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous."  Carrie Bradshaw

"Some people are settling down, some people are settling and some people refuse to settle for anything less than butterflies" Carrie Bradshaw

"Maybe some women aren’t meant to be tamed. Maybe they just need to run free until they find someone just as wild to run with." Carrie Bradshaw

More to come ;)

Changed MY Life ;)

Reading "Eat, Pray, Love" changed my life. I was struggling with hurting an ex. Eventhough I had closed that relationship years earlier, I have always struggled with not being able to force myself to make it work. When Liz stands on the moutain and speaks to her ex and asks for forgiveness and closure, I felt like that was ME asking for forgiveness and closure. I have never been the "hurter"... I have always been "hurt"... so I DEEPLY struggled with hurting someone.

Anyway, I HIGHLY recommend reading this book if you struggle with closure on a relationship. It is also helping me with closure on a current relationship. I re-read the quote below over and over because I once believed we were only meant to have one soul mate. NOW I know we can have several. People come into your life for many reasons and leave for reasons we may never understand.

"People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that's what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life.

A true soul mate is probably the most important person you'll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah. Too painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then leave.

A soul mates purpose is to shake you up, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light can get in, make you so desperate and out of control that you have to transform your life, then introduce you to your spiritual master..."

— Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love)

 

30 and fabulous?

I have spent the better part of the last hour googling "turning 30". I guess admitting your age is the first step. I slept horrible last night, tossing and turning and so anxious. The other milestones seem fun. 16, you get a car. 18, you can vote. 21, you can finally legally drink. BUT 30? Your thirties seems as though you should have a check list of the goals that you made in your twenties accomplished.

I guess I have roughly a month to figure this out. Where did the time go? Why is only a third of my list even tapped? Should I rewrite the list and cross out the goals I had as failures? That seems so negative and harsh. BUT when do you figure out the direction you want to go. Shouldn't I already have my career figured out? I go in one direction and then a year or two later, I have decided its not where I see myself. Should I be this stressed out? Or shall I take this year and just throw myself into it?

The blogs I have read about turning 30 have been so mixed. Literally, night and day. Some say to just embrace it. Age is just a number. Others say get your act together. I feel like Bridget Jones or something; when I would rather feel like Carrie Bradshaw. I hope this anxiety passes so I can enjoy the damn day.

I surely did not think when I celebrated my 29th birthday that this year would take such a whirlwind. A four year relationship ended, devastating me. My career path completely changed and has left me questioning which direction to go. AND in a million years, I never thought I would be back home relying on my parents for help. No wonder I am having such spontaneous and frequent panic attacks.

Maybe I will spend the next month just doing A LOT of self discovering, praying, crying (lol), and also being grateful for what I do have and not what I do not... as lying about your age these days isn't really an option.